Normal Weight Control Group Research Articles

Investigation of serum Metrnl levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective non-interventional cohort study.

The objective of this study was to investigate serum Metrnl levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and compare them with pregnant women without gestational diabetes mellitus. The gestational diabetes mellitus group consisted of 87 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, and the control group consisted of 93 healthy pregnant women without gestational diabetes mellitus. Serum Metrnl levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The two groups were similar in terms of demographic features. The median serum Metrnl level was found to be 1.16 ng/mL in the gestational diabetes mellitus group, while it was determined as 2.2 ng/mL in the control group (p=0.001). The two groups were divided into two subgroups based on participants' body mass index, normal weight and overweight. The lowest median Metrnl level was detected in the normal weight gestational diabetes mellitus group, followed by the overweight gestational diabetes mellitus group, normal weight control group, and overweight control group (1.1, 1.2, 2, and 2.4 ng/mL, respectively). Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to determine the value of the serum Metrnl level in terms of predicting gestational diabetes mellitus. The area under the curve analysis of serum Metrnl for gestational diabetes mellitus estimation was 0.768 (p=0.000, 95%CI 0.698-0.839). The optimal cutoff value for serum Metrnl level was determined as 1.53 ng/mL with 69% sensitivity and 70% specificity. Serum Metrnl levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were found to be significantly lower than in pregnant women without gestational diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms underlying the decrease in serum Metrnl levels in gestational diabetes mellitus remain unclear for now, and future studies will reveal the role of Metrnl in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus.

The expression of NFAT family genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue before and after weight loss in obese individuals

Background and aimsAdipose tissue (AT) serves as a vital energy storage site and plays a pivotal role in metabolic regulation, exhibiting a high response to insulin. Impairment in this response may closely associate with obesity, and NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) family genes may be involved in the process. However, human data linking NFAT and AT remains elusive. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of NFAT family genes and markers of adipogenesis in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) among normal-weight and overweight/obese individuals before and after weight loss, in relation to insulin sensitivity. Methods and resultsThe study included 45 participants, 15 normal-weight (control group) and 30 overweight or obese, who underwent a 12-week dietary intervention (DI) program. Before and after the program hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and SAT biopsy were conducted. Before DI, a positive correlations was observed in the expression of NFATc1, NFATc4, and NFAT5 with insulin sensitivity. The expression of NFAT family genes and markers of adipogenesis in SAT was lower in individuals with overweight or obesity compared to normal-weight. Additionally, a positive correlation was noted between NFAT family genes and adipogenesis markers both before and after weight loss. Following the DI program, there was an increase in the expression of NFATc3, NFATc4, and NFAT5 in SAT. ConclusionDecreased SAT expression of NFAT genes in obesity is partly reversed in response to weight loss. NFAT genes in SAT are associated with insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis.Registration number for clinical trial: NCT01393210.

Investigation of Serum Cartonectin Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus; a Prospective Non-Interventional Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum cartonectin concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective non-interventional cohort study was conducted on 176 pregnant women. The study group consisted of 88 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, and the control group consisted of 88 pregnant women with normal 75-g OGTT results. First, the study and control groups, and then the subgroups were compared in terms of serum cartonectin concentrations. RESULTS: The study and control groups were similar in terms of BMI and gestational age at blood sampling (p=0.599, p=0.854). The study and control groups were similar in terms of median serum cartonectin concentrations (6.28 ng/ml and 7.13 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.165). In the subgroup analysis, the normal weight control group, overweight control group, normal weight study group, and overweight study group were compared in terms of serum cartonectin concentrations. The lowest median cartonectin concentration was detected in the overweight study group, followed by the overweight control group, normal weight study group, and normal weight control group (5.8 ng/ml, 6.5 ng/ml, 6.9 ng/ml, and 8.2 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.235). CONCLUSION: Serum cartonectin concentrations were found to be similar in the GDM and control groups. However, the number of participants in this study is limited to draw a definitive conclusion. Many studies with larger series are needed to reveal whether serum cartonectin is involved in the pathophysiology of GDM.

Ceramide d18:1/24:1 as a potential biomarker to differentiate obesity subtypes with unfavorable health outcomes

BackgroundThe criteria for metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) remain controversial. This research aimed to identify a potential biomarker to differentiate the subtypes of obesity.MethodsThe study conducted a lipidomic evaluation of ceramide in the serum of 77 Chinese adults who had undergone hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. These adults were divided into three groups according to the clinical data: normal weight control group (N = 21), MHO (N = 20), and MUO (N = 36).ResultsThe serum Cer d18:1/24:1 level in the MHO group was lower than that in the MUO group. As the Cer d18:1/24:1 level increased, insulin sensitivity decreased, and the unfavorable parameters increased in parallel. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum Cer d18:1/24:1 levels were independently correlated with MUO in obesity. Individuals with higher levels of Cer d18:1/24:1 also had an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Most ceramide subtype levels increased in obesity compared to normal-weight individuals, but the levels of serum Cer d18:0/18:0 and Cer d18:1/16:0 decreased in obesity.ConclusionsThe relationships between ceramide subtypes and metabolic profiles might be heterogeneous in populations with different body weights. Cer d18:1/24:1 could be a biomarker that can be used to differentiate MUO from MHO, and to better predict who will develop unfavorable health outcomes among obese individuals.Trial registrationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University’s Institutional Review Board authorized this study protocol, and all participants provided written informed consent (2014-SR-003) prior to study entry.

Fetal Thymus Size at 19–22 Weeks of Gestation: A Possible Marker for the Prediction of Low Birth Weight?

Introduction: The purpose was to compare thymus size measured during second trimester screening of fetuses who were subsequently small for gestational age at birth (weight below 10th percentile, SGA group) with fetuses with normal birth weight (control group). We hypothesized that measuring the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio (TT-ratio) might help predict low birth weight. Methods: Using three-vessel view echocardiograms from our archives, we measured the anteroposterior thymus size and the intrathoracic mediastinal diameter to derive TT-ratios in the SGA (n = 105) and control groups (n = 533) between 19+0 and 21+6 weeks of gestation. We analyzed the association between TT-ratio and SGA adjusted to the week of gestation using logistic regression. Finally, we determined the possible TT-ratio cut-off point for discrimination between SGA and control groups by means of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The TT-ratio was significantly higher in the SGA group than in the control group (p < 0.001). An increase of the TT-ratio by 0.1 was associated with a 3.1-fold increase in the odds of diagnosing SGA. We determined that a possible discrimination cut-off point between SGA and healthy controls was achieved using a TT-ratio of 0.390 (area under the ROC curve 0.695). Conclusion: An increased TT-ratio may represent an additional prenatal screening parameter that improves the prediction of birth weight below the 10th percentile. Prospective studies are now needed to evaluate the use of fetal thymus size as predictive parameter for adverse fetal outcome.

Relationship between Dental Erosion and Beverage Consumption Pattern in Overweight and Obese Patients

This study aims to investigate the relationship between dental erosion and frequency of non-alcoholic beverage intake in normal-weight, overweight, and obese individuals.&#x0D; The study involved 264 subjects aged 18–60 years with normal weight (control group), overweight and obesity. The frequency of non-alcoholic beverage intake has been assessed. The grade of erosive tooth wear has been measured using the BEWE index (Basic Erosive Wear Examination). When comparing the control and overweight groups, a statistically significant difference has been found between the group with no erosive wear, score 0, and the one with initial enamel surface loss, score 1, (χ2 = 18.633, p &lt; 0.05). When comparing the control and obese groups, a significant difference has been found between the groups with score 0 (χ2 = 19.179, p &lt; 0.05), score 2 (χ2 = 0.160, p &lt; 0.05) and score 3 (χ2 = 0.160, p &lt; 0.05), as well as when comparing the subjects in the control group with score 0 by sex (χ2 = 3.360, p &lt; 0.05). The Kruskal–Wallis test has indicated a statistically significant difference among the three studied groups depending on body weight (BMI), (χ2 = 19.036, p &lt; 0.001), as well as on the non-alcoholic beverage consumption in the individuals affected by erosive wear (χ2 = 57.403, p &lt; 0.001). A relationship between the frequency of intake related to these beverages and the dental erosive wear has been established.

Microvascular changes in obese adults detected by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Aim: The aim of this prospective, controlled, non-randomized study was the comparison of the retinal microvascular parameters of obese and nonobese adults. Methods: 184 eyes of 92 subjects were separated to 3 groups. 68 eyes were in the normal weight group, with a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.5 kg/ m2, 60 eyes were in the overweight group, with a body mass index between 25-29.9 kg/ m2, and 56 eyes were in the obese group, with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/ m2. All the volunteers were applied visual acuity, ocular motility testing, and slit lamp and mydriatic fundus examination. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) scanning was practiced with Optovue (Optovue, Inc; Fremont, CA) on a 6.00 x 6.00 mm macular region, in the central fovea. Results: 184 eyes of ninety-two patients were involved in this prospective study. The vessels' density (VD) in the optic nerve head (ONH) were significantly lower in the overweight and obese adult volunteers compared to the normal weight control group. However, other OCTA parameters (including macular VDs, Foveal avascular zone (FAZ), choriocapillaris plexus (CCP) area) did not demonstrate any significant difference between groups. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was higher in the overweight and obese patients when compared to the normal weight control group. Central macular thickness (CMT) did not reveal any significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Even though clinicians are limited in pointing out any differential findings in obese patients only by fundus examination, OCT-A provides a predictable view of the microvascular changes in the retina and choroid in obese patients. Abbreviations: BMI = Body mass index, WHO = World Health Organization, AMD = Age-related macular degeneration, CT = Choroidal thickness, OCTA = Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, (W/H) ratio = Waist-hip ratio, ETDRS = Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, VD = Vessel density, SCP = Superficial capillary plexus, DCP = Deep capillary plexus, CCP = Flow area of the choriocapillaris, FAZ = Avascular zone, CMT = Central macular thickness, ONH = Optic nerve head.

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM MORTALITY RISK OF TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY IN OBESE PATIENTS: DOES IT CONSTITUTE THA CONTRAINDICATION?

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is the most common indication for total hip replacement (THR). Obesity is a risk factor for the development of OA and has recently resulted in patients requiring THRs at much younger ages to relieve pain at the joint capsule and restore mobility. However, the impact of obesity on THR mortality is not well understood.An updated systematic review was performed to identify whether an obese BMI should influence patient selection for surgery. Specifically, the impact of obesity on short-term mortality, long-term mortality, and peri- and post-operative complications was assessed with a particular focus on BMI classes.A comprehensive literature search of Ovid Medline and EMBASE in November 2022 identified relevant papers in accordance with PRISMA methodology. After removing duplicates, 2988 articles underwent strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 12 papers for analysis.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality risk between obese and non-obese populations. Obesity was associated with a lower risk of short-term mortality than in the normal weight control group, however there was an increased mortality risk in obese patients long-term likely due to comorbidities. Obese patients were significantly younger than normal BMI and underweight patients. However, the paper found increased mortality risk in underweight and morbidly obese patients.Obese patients did not have an increased risk of mortality when compared to non-obese patients following THR. Obesity may have a protective effect on mortality up to a BMI of 40kg/m2, although this may be influenced by the obesity paradox which states only the healthiest obese individuals are selected for surgery, which could attribute to a lower mortality risk. The greatest risk of mortality and complication was associated with underweight patients. As a result, a BMI greater than 30kg/m2 may not necessitate a hip replacement contraindication. It is important surgeons apply careful consideration and comprehensive risk assessment on patients who require a THR, especially at the BMI extremes.

Long-term high-fat diet increases glymphatic activity in the hypothalamus in mice

Obesity affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. The glymphatic system is a brain-wide metabolic waste clearance system, dysfunction of which is linked to dementia. We herein examined glymphatic transport in mice with long-term obesity induced by a high-fat diet for 10 months. The obese mice developed hypertension and elevated heart rate, neuroinflammation and gliosis, but not apparent systemic inflammation. Surprisingly, glymphatic inflow was globally unaffected by the high-fat diet except for the hypothalamus, which displayed increased influx and elevated AQP4 vascular polarization compared to the normal weight control group. We propose that a long-term high-fat diet induced metabolic alteration of hypothalamic neurons and neuroinflammation, which in turn enhanced glymphatic clearance in the effected brain region.

Underweight Body Mass Index Is Associated With Increased In-Hospital Complications and Length of Stay After Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of underweight status on in-hospital postoperative outcomes and complications after revision total joint arthroplasty (rTJA) of the hip and knee. Data from the National Inpatient Sample were used to identify all patients undergoing rTJA in the United States between 2006 and 2015. Patients were divided into two groups based on a concomitant diagnosis of underweight body mass index and a control normal weight group. Propensity score analysis was performed to determine whether underweight body mass index was a risk factor for in-hospital postoperative complications and resource utilization. A total of 865,993 rTJAs were analyzed. Within the study cohort, 2,272 patients were classified as underweight, whereas 863,721 were classified as a normal weight control group. Underweight patients had significantly higher rates of several comorbidities compared with the control cohort. Underweight patients had significantly higher rates of any complication (49.98% versus 33.68%, P = 0.0004) than normal weight patients. Underweight patients also had significantly greater length of stay compared with normal weight patients (6.50 versus 4.87 days, P < 0.0001). Underweight patients have notably higher rates of any complication and longer length of stay after rTJA than those who are not underweight. These results have important implications in preoperative patient discussions and perioperative management. Standardized preoperative protocols should be developed and instituted to improve outcomes in this patient cohort.

Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in People with Severe Obesity.

AimObesity is a disease complicating the course of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness in adults with obesity may be compromised. Our aim is to investigate the spike-protein receptor-binding domain antibody titers against BNT162b2 mRNA and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (CoronaVac) vaccines in people with severe obesity. It is anticipated that the results to be obtained may provide invaluable information about future SARS-CoV-2 vaccination strategies in this vulnerable population.MethodsA total of 124 consecutive patients with severe obesity (age > 18 years, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) presenting between August and November 2021 were enrolled. The normal weight control group (age > 18, BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) was recruited from 166 subjects who visited the vaccination unit. SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein antibody titers were measured in patients with severe obesity and in normal weight controls who received two doses of BNT162b2, or CoronaVac vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 IgG Nucleocapsid Protein antibody (NCP Ab) testing was performed to discover prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Blood samples were taken from individuals at 4th week and after 2nd dose of vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers were determined by quantitative serological methods.ResultsA total of 290 individuals (220 female, 70 male) who have received two doses of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines were enrolled in the study. Seventy had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. In 220 subjects (non-prior infection) vaccinated with BNT162b2 or CoronaVac, the antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen of patients with severe obesity were significantly lower than normal weight controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.001 respectively). In seventy subjects with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, spike antigen antibody titers in patients with severe obesity, vaccinated with BNT162b2 or CoronaVac, were not significantly different from normal weight controls (p = 0.1, p = 0.1 respectively). In patients with severe obesity, with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, spike antigen antibody levels of those vaccinated with BNT162b2 were found to be significantly higher than those vaccinated with CoronaVac (p = 0.043, p < 0.001 respectively).ConclusionPatients with severe obesity generated significantly reduced antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen after CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines compared to people with normal weight. Antibody levels in patients with severe obesity vaccinated with BNT162b2 were found to be significantly higher than those vaccinated with CoronaVac. People living with severe obesity should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination and BNT162b2 vaccine may be recommended for this vulnerable population.Graphical abstract

Association Between Body Mass Index and Morbidity and Mortality During Hospitalization After Trauma.

Literature suggests that unhealthy body mass index is a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes. To study the association between unhealthy body mass index and morbidity and mortality after trauma using the 2016 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. A retrospective review was conducted comparing the normal weight control group to the underweight, overweight, obese, severely obese, and morbidly obese groups for differences in demographic factors, injury severity score, comorbidities, length of stay, and complications. Underweight, overweight, obese, severely obese, and morbidly obese body mass indexes, in comparison to normal weight body mass index, were associated with a higher probability of developing at least one complication after trauma. Additionally, we observed a J-shaped curve when analyzing body mass index and mortality, suggesting that both high and low body mass indexes are positively associated with mortality. In fact, morbidly obese patients had the highest mortality rate, followed by underweight patients (p < .001). Interestingly, however, multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that, compared with normal weight body mass index, overweight and obese body mass indexes were independently associated with 9.6% and 10.5% lower odds of mortality, respectively (p < .001 and p = .001). Irrespective of preexisting comorbidities, injury severity score, and mechanism of injury, underweight, overweight, obese, severely obese, and morbidly obese body mass indexes were independently associated with higher risks of morbidity, whereas overweight and obese body mass indexes were associated with lower mortality risks. These findings emphasize the complex relationship between body mass index and clinical outcomes for trauma patients.

Association between rs738409 and rs2896019 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 and susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Greek children and adolescents.

BackgroundSeveral studies have detected a strong association linking rs738409 and rs2896019 polymorphisms in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) gene with hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis. In the present study we aimed to determine the association of those PNPLA3 variants with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) susceptibility in obese and nonobese Greek children and adolescents.MethodsThe study recruited 91 children and adolescents of Greek descent with NAFLD or biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and 91 healthy subjects of normal weight (control group) with sex distribution similar to the patient group. DNA samples were amplified using polymerase chain reaction with specifically designed primers. Data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS version 24.0.ResultsA significant correlation was shown between the rs738409 polymorphism (CG and GG genotypes) and the rs2896019 polymorphism (TG genotype) with the development of hepatic steatosis (P<0.001). The incidences of rs738409 GG, rs738409 CG and rs2896019 TG genotypes were found to be increased in patients with hepatic steatosis (obese and nonobese), but not in obese patients without liver disease. The combined expression of the 2 polymorphisms was associated with a lower age of diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in nonobese patients.ConclusionsWe confirmed a strong association between the 2 polymorphisms and hepatic steatosis. The association of the rs2896019 single-nucleotide polymorphism with hepatic steatosis in obese and nonobese pediatric patients, and the combined study of both polymorphisms in a pediatric population of Greek origin are described for the first time.

Analysis of Endocrine and Metabolic Indexes in Non-Obese Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Compare with Obese Patients.

PurposeTo compare the endocrine and metabolic indexes of obese and normal body mass index (BMI) polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, and explore factors affecting the pathogenesis and progression of PCOS.MethodsThis study included obese (n=79) and normal BMI (n=40) PCOS patients, and obese (n=30) and normal BMI (n=30) non-PCOS controls. Blood glucose, insulin (INS), blood lipids, sex hormones, and other metabolic and endocrine indicators were measured, and the correlations between the indicators were analyzed.ResultsHOMA-IR, 0min INS, 60min INS, 120min INS, 180min INS, FAI, TG, TC, LDL-C and sd-LDL in obese PCOS group were higher, while SHBG, LH, LH/FSH and HDL-C were lower than those in normal weight PCOS group (P <0.05). 120min PBG, HOMA-IR, FAI, T, LH, LH/FSH, AMH, TC and LDL-C in obese PCOS group were higher than those in obese control group (P <0.05). 0min PBG, 60min PBG, 120min PBG, 180min PBG, 0min INS, 60min INS, 120min INS, 180min INS, HOMA-IR, LH, LH/FSH and T in normal weight PCOS group were higher than those in normal weight control group (P <0.05). In both normal weight group and obesity group, HOMA-IR entered the regression equation with FAI as dependent variable, and the absolute value of HOMA-IR standardized partial regression coefficient was higher than that of hs-CRP and AMH. In PCOS patients, FAI in the obese and non-obese PCOS groups was positively correlated with HOMA-IR.ConclusionEndocrine metabolic disorders in women with PCOS were more obvious than that in women with non-PCOS with matched BMI. The abnormality of glucose and lipid metabolism in obese PCOS patients is more serious than that in PCOS patients with normal BMI. Both obese and normal BMI PCOS patients were affected by hyperinsulinemia, and IR may play a key role in the pathogenesis and development of PCOS.

Прогностичні критерії розвитку метаболічного синдрому в дітей

Вступ. Проведення великомасштабних досліджень поширеності метаболічного синдрому (МС) серед дітей та підлітків ускладнюється відсутністю єдиної думки з приводу використання тих чи інших діагностичних критеріїв у педіатричній практиці. Мета — вивчити особливості спадкового анамнезу в дітей із надлишковою масою тіла та ожирінням і встановити їх діагностично-прогностичне значення. Матеріал та методи. У дослідження були включені 158 дітей із надлишковою масою тіла та ожирінням (100 дітей мали надлишкову масу тіла та 58 дітей — ожиріння) і 70 осіб із нормальною масою тіла (група контролю). Одержані результати дослідження аналізували за допомогою комп’ютерних пакетів Statistica StatSoft Inc. та Excel XP для Windows. Результати. У 32,7 % дітей основної групи спадковість була обтяжена за одним діагностичним критерієм МС, у 30,4 % — за двома й у 24,1 % — відразу за трьома критеріями МС, і чим від більшого надлишку маси тіла страждала дитина, тим значніше була обтяжена її спадковість за кількістю критеріїв МС (p &lt; 0,05). Діти групи контролю мали таку обтяжену спадковість за факторами ризику розвитку серцево-судинних захворювань: 17,2 % — за ожирінням, 18,9 % — за артеріальною гіпертензією, 17,2 % — за ішемічною хворобою серця та 6,8 % — за порушенням метаболізму вуглеводів. Висновки: 1. У 32,7 % дітей із надлишковою масою тіла та ожирінням спадковість була обтяжена за одним діагностичним критерієм МС, у 30,4 % — за двома й у 24,1 % — відразу за трьома критеріями МС. 2. Наявність у дитини позитивного генеалогічного анамнезу вірогідно підвищує ризик виникнення в неї ожиріння: співвідношення шансів 10,59 (95% довірчий інтервал: 3,81–31,79) при Р = 1,68 (95% довірчий інтервал: 1,43–1,82).

Leptin and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight persons in young age

Aim of the study was to investigate the associations of leptin levels with cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight young people. Material and methods. From a representative sample of the young population of the Oktyabrsky district of Novosibirsk at the age of 25–35 years (636 people), all overweight people (196 persons) and people with normal body weight (control group 197 persons) were chosen for determination of serum leptin (393 people). Study design – case-control. Overweight was determined according to body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . Leptin levels were determined by immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) using Elisa test systems (Diagnostics Biochem Canada Inc., Canada) on an IFA analyzer Multiscan EX (Finland). For calculations, the median and interquartile range were used (Me [25; 75]). Results . Leptin level in the study group with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 was 4 times higher than in the control group (17.0 [8.6; 36.9] and 4.4 [1.5; 13,1] ng/ml, respectively). The indicators of risk factors in leptin content quartiles were analyzed: it was found that in men and women included in leptin Q4the waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, blood pressure, triglyceride content were more than in Q1; they also showed an increase in the frequency of metabolic syndrome and a decrease in the level of high-density cholesterol. In addition, in men, in contrast to women, leptin Q4 showed an increase in total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol level. According to the ROC analysis, all studied anthropometric parameters reflecting overweight were associated with a high level of blood leptin, and the maximum associations were found between obesity grade II (BMI more than 35 kg/m 2 ) and normal body weight – area under ROC curve 0.91, p &lt; 0.001. The threshold value of the leptin level for detecting MS in men is 6.5 ng/ml, in women 25.8 ng/ml. Conclusions . Serum leptin levels are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome in young population, and leptin levels above 6.5 ng/ml in men and 25.8 ng/ml in women are characteristic of individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Hair Lead, Aluminum, and Other Toxic Metals in Normal-Weight and Obese Patients with Coronary Heart Disease.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hair toxic metal levels in patients with obesity and/or coronary heart disease (CHD). Following a 2 × 2 factorial design, subjects without CHD were grouped into normal weight control (n = 123) and obese groups (n = 140). Patients suffering from CHD were divided into normal weight (n = 180) and obese CHD subjects (n = 240). Hair Al, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Pb levels were evaluated using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. The data demonstrate that hair Al and Hg levels were higher in obese subjects as compared to normal weight controls. Normal weight CHD patients were characterized by significantly higher hair Al, As, Cd, and Pb levels when compared to healthy subjects. The highest hair Al, As, and Pb levels were observed in obese CHD patients, significantly exceeding the respective values in other groups. Factorial analysis revealed significant influence of factorial interaction (CHD*obesity) only for hair Pb content. Given the role of obesity as a risk factor for CHD, it is proposed that increased toxic metal accumulation in obesity may promote further development of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiopulmonary Capacity in Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: One of the objective methods of assessing the level of cardiopulmonary capacity in overweight and obese children and adolescents is cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).Aims: The purpose of present study is an evaluation of aerobic capacity in high body mass index (BMI) children and adolescents by comparing them with a normal weight control group by CPET.Methods and Procedures: The subjects were recruited from participants of the Program of Treatment for Overweight and Obese Children organized by a local pediatric rehabilitation center in Poland. Based on BMI for age and gender, two validation groups were selected: (1) a group of overweight children (n = 49) and (2) a group of obese children (n = 48). The study included also 53 normal weight participants as a reference group (REF). The study consisted of two parts: anthropometric measurements and CPET. The Godfrey protocol for CPET was applied.Outcomes and Results: In this study, obese children and adolescents showed similar absolute VO2peak values in liters per minute (1.64 L/min) compared to overweight children (1.48 L/min), but significantly higher than children with normal body weight (1.39 L/min). The obese children and adolescents presented lower VO2peak in relation to body weight (25.44 ml/kg/min) compared to their peers with normal body weight (36.5 ml/kg/min), and overweight children (29.18 ml/kg/min).Conclusion and Implications: The main finding of our study was recognition of significant differences between cardiopulmonary capacity parameters in obese children in comparison not only to normal weight peers, but to overweight, too.

Anaerobic Gymnastics Exercises Evoke Systemic Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Obese and Normal-Weight Children

Background Studies have shown that exercises that are anaerobic and produce lactate affect the level of Brain-derived neurotrophic family (BDNF). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of anaerobic gymnastics exercise on salivary BDNF levels in obese and normal-weight boys. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, sixty subjects with age range of 8 to 12 years old who enrolled in the elementary level of gymnastics participated in this study and were randomly divided into four groups [(obese experimental group, n=15), (obese control group, n= 15), (normal weight experimental group, n= 15), and (normal weight control group, n=15)]. Experimental groups performed 45 minutes anaerobic gymnastics exercise including 10-minute warm up, 30-minutes of main exercises, and 5 minutes cool down, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Body composition characteristics and the levels of salivary BDNF were measured before and after 8 weeks of training. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 for all analyses. Results: The mean and standard deviations of the subjects’ age in this study was 9.89±1.36 years. According to the results we found significant changes (p <0.05) following AGE in obese group (BDNF = +33.80%, p=0.002, weight= -8.09%, p=0.001, body fat%= -12.81, p=0.001, body fat weight= -19.38, p=0.001, lean body weight= -3.20, p=0.001), and in normal-weight group just (BDNF= +31.36%, p=0.003). Significant differences were found among obese and normal-weight groups in weight, body fat%, body fat weight, and BDNF (p˂0.05). Conclusion Eight weeks anaerobic gymnastic training induces an increase in salivary BDNF levels in obese and normal-weight groups. Moreover, we demonstrated that weight decreased after our training protocol in obese children.

Examining dynamic changes in the complement system components and immune complexes of various fractions in adolescents with obesity and metabolic syndrome affected by antihypoxants

In this paper, we consider a relation between adolescent obesity and dynamic changes in the complement system components and immune complexes of various fractions affected by antihypoxants, because obesity is one of the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide and rises an interest for many researchers. New studies emerge revealing an imbalanced immune system that aggravates upon obesity and affects multiple immune processes, as well as increasing interest in studying obstructive sleep apnea syndrome resulting in tissue hypoxia, thereby increasing a risk of cardiovascular diseases. Our study allowed to detect metabolic syndrome in 89% of obese patients (groups 1 and 2) and 25% of adolescents with normal body weight (control group 2). We analyzed the complement components and circulating immune complexes of various fractions and revealed positive dynamics of the examined parameters due to combination therapy with the anti-oxidant Mexidol and hyperbaric oxygenation, which may indicate that oxygen-dependent neuroimmune mechanisms might be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome in obesity. Such systemic activation of regulatory mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis is necessary for formation of biologically active thymusderived serum factor ensuring lymphocyte differentiation, i.e. pathogenetic therapy corrects dysregulatory impact of traditional therapy for obesity and optimizes immune responses. During the study we observed that the combination treatment using Mexidol and HBO resulted in better recovery of clinical functions and immune responses, and that such therapy exerted a positive effect on dynamics of patient mental activity. We believe that such therapeutic effects were due to antioxidant and antihypoxic activity of the applied pharmacological drugs. We also found that obese children are featured with metabolic syndrome and predisposed to developing relevant complications. Hence, for early diagnostics of metabolic syndrome it is necessary to study children with normal body weight that will allow to diagnose metabolic changes at earlier stage, because changes in blood biochemical parameters such as triglycerides, very low-density lipoproteins, glycemia levels etc. occur long before initial changes in person appearance might emerge.