Body Fat Distribution Parameters Research Articles

The Effect of Body Fat Distribution on Systemic Sclerosis.

Obesity contributes to a chronic proinflammatory state, which is a known risk factor to develop immune-mediated diseases. However, its role in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample mendelian randomization (2SMR) study to analyze the effect of three body fat distribution parameters in SSc. As instrumental variables, we used the allele effects described for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for SSc, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and WHR adjusted for BMI (WHRadjBMI). We performed local (pHESS) and genome-wide (LDSC) genetic correlation analyses between each of the traits and SSc and we applied several Mendelian randomization (MR) methods (i.e., random effects inverse-variance weight, MR-Egger regression, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier method and a multivariable model). Our results show no genetic correlation or causal relationship between any of these traits and SSc. Nevertheless, we observed a negative causal association between WHRadjBMI and SSc, which might be due to the effect of gastrointestinal complications suffered by the majority of SSc patients. In conclusion, reverse causality might be an especially difficult confounding factor to define the effect of obesity in the onset of SSc.

Regional Fat Distributions Are Associated With Subclinical Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Adults With Uncomplicated Obesity.

ObjectiveObesity is a prominent public health problem that has increased cardiovascular mortality risks. However, the specific effects of obesity, independent of comorbidities, on cardiac structure and function have not been well clarified, especially those effects on the right ventricle (RV). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue tracking can assess detailed RV mechanical features. This study aimed to evaluate RV strain using CMR in uncomplicated obese adults and assess its association with fat distributions.MethodsA total of 49 obese patients and 30 healthy controls were included. The RV global systolic function and strain parameters based on CMR were assessed. Body fat distributions were measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry. RV function indices of obese patients were compared with those of healthy controls. Correlations among related body fat distribution parameters and RV function indices were conducted with multivariable linear regression.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, the obese group had impaired RV strain with lower global longitudinal peak strain (PS), longitudinal peak systolic strain rate (PSSR), circumferential and longitudinal peak diastolic strain rates (PDSR) (all P < 0.05), while LV and RV ejection fractions were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that android fat% was independently associated with longitudinal PS (β = −0.468, model R2 = 0.219), longitudinal PDSR (β = −0.487, model R2 = 0.237), and circumferential PSSR (β = −0.293, model R2 = 0.086). Trunk fat% was independently associated with longitudinal PSSR (β = −0.457, model R2 = 0.209). In addition, the strongest correlations of circumferential PDSR were BMI and gynoid fat% (β = −0.278, β = 0.369, model R2 = 0.324).ConclusionsExtensive subclinical RV dysfunction is found in uncomplicated obese adults. BMI, as an index of overall obesity, is independently associated with subclinical RV dysfunction. In addition, central obesity (android fat and trunk fat distributions) has a negative effect on subclinical RV function, while peripheral obesity (gynoid fat distribution) may have a positive effect on it.Clinical Trials RegistrationEffect of lifestyle intervention on metabolism of obese patients based on smart phone software (ChiCTR1900026476).

Tıp fakültesi öğrencilerinde 2./4. el parmak uzunluk oranının vücut yağ dağılımı parametreleri ve el kavrama kuvveti ile olan ilişkisi

Purpose: Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait, that may be a sign for prenatal testosterone level, which is significantly associated with handgrip strength (HGS) and sex-related body fat distribution. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the 2D:4D, HGS, and body fat distribution parameters in medical students.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 253 participants (112 males, 141 females) were involved in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric parameters, including height and body weight, circumferences of arm, neck, waist, hip, HGS, the length of the second and fourth finger were measured. According to 2D:4D, the volunteers were divided into three groups (&gt;1, =1, 1 was associated with lower HGS, while larger arm, neck, and waist circumferences were associated with higher HGS. Pearson correlation analysis showed that 2D:4D of both hands had a strong negative correlation with height, circumferences of arm and neck, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and HGS, whereas it was only positively correlated with body mass index. Right and left HGS were positively correlated with WHR, height, weight, circumferences of arm, neck, and waist.&#x0D; Conclusion: 2D/4D makes a substantial contribution to our prediction of body fat distribution in terms of the relationship of 2D:4D

Cross-sectional associations of adipokines and abdominal fat distribution with aging in men

Objective To investigate the relationship of adipokines and abdominal fat distribution with aging in men. Methods In a cross-sectional study, a total of 218 participants aged 40–79 years were recruited as a subset of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) China Action on Spine and Hip status (CASH) study population. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariable regression were used to estimate the associations of interest. Results With the increasing of age, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), VAT/subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), leptin, adiponectin-to-leptin ratio, and human monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) increased significantly (p < 0.05), while adiponectin decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Adiponectin, adiponectin/leptin, and adiponectin/resistin varied inversely with the VAT quartiles (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation among adiponectin, adiponectin-to-leptin ratio, adiponectin-to-resistin ratio, and all the body fat distribution parameters. VAT was inversely and significantly associated with adiponectin, adiponectin-to-leptin ratio, and adiponectin-to-resistin ratio (p < 0.05). Conclusions It showed that aging, abdominal fat distribution, and adipokines were related with each other, which support the hypothesis that regulation of VAT and adipokines is closely linked to aging.

The associations of the gut microbiome composition and short-chain fatty acid concentrations with body fat distribution in children

Previous studies linking the gut microbiome with childhood obesity largely used the body mass index to measure obesity and reached inconsistent findings. Little evidence has linked the gut microbiome to regional body fat deposition. We investigated whether the abundance of specific taxa in the gut microbiota and the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were associated with the content and regional deposition of body fat in children. This cross-sectional study involved 236 children aged 6-9 years. The fat mass contents/percentages in the total body and the android, gynoid, and limb regions were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the android-to-gynoid fat mass ratio and fat-to-lean mass ratios were calculated. Fecal samples were subjected to16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and the fecal SCFA concentrations were quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified seven modules of co-expressed operational taxonomic units (OTUs). A total of 57 OTUs from 4 key modules were selected for further analysis. After adjustment of covariates and controlling for the false discovery rate (FDR), a multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant correlations of the abundances of some OTUs with obesity and body fat measures. For instance, the OTUs classified to the species Ruminococcus gnavus and Flavonifractor plautii showed significant negative correlations with the total and regional body fat (β:-0.250 to-0.180, PFDR: 0.041-0.049), whereas OTUs belonging to the genera Blautia and Romboutsia exhibited positive correlations with body fat measures (β: 0.184-0.222, PFDR: 0.041-0.049). The fecal concentrations of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids and total SCFAs were significantly positively correlated with various parameters of body fat distribution (β: 0.160-0.275, PFDR: <0.001-0.042). The gut microbiome and SCFAs are significantly associated with obesity and body fat distribution in pediatric population.

Unexplained Liver Damage, Cryptogenic Liver Cirrhosis, and Steatohepatitis May Be Caused by Latent Chronic Toxoplasmosis

T. gondii is a globally distributed intracellular protozoan parasite affecting approximately 5-90% of human population and causing a variety of so far neglected diseases and clinical entities in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Acute infection of the parasite in mice caused marked reduction in serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and liver damage. BChE and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are biomarkers of low-grade systemic inflammation and earlier it was suggested that the elevation of these two bioparameters may predict development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease. Serum BChE activity was found to be associated with overweight, obesity, and body fat distribution parameters. Recently, a positive association between T. gondii seropositivity and obesity has also been reported. Infection with the parasite was linked with the increase in the number of hepatic stellate cells known to play an important role in the development of fibrosis and its advancement to cirrhosis.of any etiology. Moreover, several authors suggested that hepatitis with a clinical picture resembling acute viral hepatitis result from T. gondii infection. Abnormalities associated with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis markedly affect acquired immunity of the host and probably participate in triggering and persistence of several autoimmune diseases, especially that anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies have been found in the sera of both patients suffering from these clinical entities and in healthy individuals. Oxidative stress and immunosuppresion due to the infection play an important role in these processes. It should be also noted that mammalian as well as the parasite cells, express two cholesteryl ester-synthesizing enzymes, ACAT1 and ACAT2, which share 44-47% of amino acid homology. ACAT1 is present in various cells and tissues, while ACAT2 expression is restricted to hepatocytes and intestinal mucosal cells. The parasite enzymes TgACAT1 and TgACAT2 localized to endoplasmic reticulum can synthesize and store abundant esters of cholesterol and triglycerides. The lifelong persistence and resulting surplus of ACAT1 and ACAT2, and TgACAT1 and TgACAT2 enzymatic activities especially in hepatocytes and/or intestinal cells of the host may therefore at least in part be responsible for development of steatohepatitis, and generation of ballooning hepatocytes, foamy macrophages, and clear cells (foamy) colitis. These abnormalities can be explained by the suppressed autophagy (it regulates lipid metabolism) in the liver due to proliferation of T. gondii. In alcoholic steatohepatitis, ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes may also at least partly result from the fact that ethanol dose-dependently stimulate microneme secretion in T. gondii tachyzoites and parasite attachment to the host cells, thus facilitating infection of the hepatic cells. The increased serum iron levels and hepatic iron overload reported in the patients with nonalcoholic hepatitis may be caused by the excess of NO produced by activated macrophages and hepatic cells of the host, as a defense molecule against infection with the parasite. NO intercepts iron before incorporation into ferritin and directly mobilizes iron from the serum protein in a glutathione-dependent manner. Finally, several reports provided data suggesting that the generation of Mallory-Denk bodies is linked with latent chronic hepatic toxoplasmosis, and T. gondii cathepsin L and B proteases play an important role in this process. These findings may be supported by the population-based studies demonstrating the link between infection with the parasite and development of liver abnormalities, and the increasing global burden of overweight and obesity in children and adults.

Liver Fat Content and Body Fat Distribution in Youths with Excess Adiposity.

This study had two main objectives: To examine the association between body fat distribution and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fat content, and to determine whether the relationship between NAFLD and regional body fat distribution, with respect to liver fat content in youths with excess adiposity, is independent of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and a healthy diet. Liver fat content (controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)), body fat distribution (body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass/height, body fat percentage, total fat mass, android-to-gynoid fat mass ratio, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and lean mass index, determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), CRF (20-m shuttle-run test), and healthy diet (adherence to the Mediterranean diet by KIDMED questionnaire) were measured in 126 adolescents (66% girls) aged between 11 and 17 years. Participants were assigned to two groups according to the presence or absence of hepatic steatosis (CAP values ≥225 dB/m or <225 dB/m of liver fat, respectively). Considering the similar total fat values for the two groups (>30% by DXA), youths with NAFLD had higher fat distribution parameters than those without NAFLD, regardless of sex, age, puberty stage, lean mass index, CRF, and healthy diet (p < 0.01). In the non-NAFLD group, the association between hepatic fat and fat distribution parameters presented a similar pattern, although the association was statistically insignificant after adjusting for a potential confounding variable (ps > 0.05), except for the case of VAT. Body fat distribution parameters were higher in youths with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD. Additionally, body fat distribution showed a significant association with liver fat content as assessed by CAP in youths with NAFLD independent of CRF and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, supporting the notion that upper body fat distribution might play a pivotal role in the development of NAFLD in adolescents. These results may have implications for the clinical management of youths with excess adiposity given the high prevalence of NAFLD in children and young adults.

Family history of type 2 diabetes, abdominal adipocyte size and markers of the metabolic syndrome.

Background/ObjectivesA major risk factor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a positive family history of diabetes. First degree relatives (FDR) of patients with T2DM are more insulin resistant and are reported to have larger abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes than adults without a family history. Our objectives were to assess whether a family history of T2DM is associated with larger abdominal adipocytes independent of age, sex, and abdominal subcutaneous fat and to assess whether FDR of T2DM is also independently related to femoral adipocyte size, as well as visceral fat and fasting plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations.MethodsWe extracted adipocyte size, body composition, plasma TG and demographic data of non-diabetic research participants of previous studies conducted in our laboratory. We ascertained the family history of T2DM from the electronic medical records. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess whether FDR of T2DM are more likely to have other risk factors after adjusting for known covariates.ResultsOf 604 participants, 148 were a FDR of T2DM. Although abdominal and femoral adipocyte size was greater in FDR of T2DM than those without a family history (0.74 ± 0.33 vs 0.63 ± 0.33 µg lipid/cell, P < 0.001; 0.81 ± 0.29 vs 0.72 ± 0.33 µg lipid/cell, P=0.01, respectively), this was confounded by FDR of T2DM being older, having greater BMI’s and percent body fat. A family history of T2DM was a significant predictor of abdominal adipocyte size after adjustment for age and body fat distribution parameters in females (total R2=0.5, p < 0.0001), but not in males. A family history of T2DM was not independently predictive of femoral adipocyte size, visceral fat area or TG.ConclusionsFDR of T2DM females have larger abdominal, but not femoral, adipocytes, even after accounting for age and body fat distribution.

Using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp to assess insulin sensitivity at 3 months following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in type 2 diabetes patients with BMI

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe short-time effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on insulin sensitivity (IS) of Chinese diabetes patients with body mass index (BMI) <35 kg/m2 by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Materials and methodsWe studied 15 type 2 diabete mellitus (T2DM) patients with BMI <35 kg/m2, who underwent laparoscopical Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp were performed at baseline and at 3 months after LRYGB. ResultsThe glucose disposal rate (M value) increased significantly at 3 months after RYGB (from 3.36 ± 1.26 mg kg−1 min−1 to 6.30 ± 1.3 mg kg−1 min−1, p < 0.001). The time to reach euglycemia at the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp reduced remarkably from baseline to 3 months after RYGB (from 114.40 ± 6.11 min to 97.93 ± 8.57 min, p < 0.001). There was a marked reduction in value of HOMA-IR (from 4.47 ± 2.20 mg kg−1 min−1 to 2.10 ± 0.75 mg kg−1 min−1, p < 0.001). The parameters of body fat distribution (body weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist to hip radio) changed obviously after surgery. RYGB caused a significant improvement in fasting and postprandial plasma glucose and insulin, HbAc1. Preoperative M value and the time to reach steady-state correlated with changes of M and the time to reach steady-state at 3 months after RYGB. ConclusionPeripheral and hepatic IS improved remarkably at 3 months following RYGB, as an important mechanism for early improvement in T2DM patients with low BMI. And the time to reach euglycemia at the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp may be an useful index of assessing insulin sensitivity. It is more reasonal to combine the time to reach euglycemia with M value for assessing IS.

The Frequencies of Haplotypes of FTO Gene Variants and Their Association with the Distribution of Body Fat in Non-Obese Poles.

The minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of the FTO gene vary substantially among different ethnic groups, and this variation may explain, to some degree, the differences between estimates of the effects of these alleles on body fat distribution indicators. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene variants characterizing the structure of FTO haplotypes in a large Polish population, and to examine the influence of FTO gene variants on body fat distribution among metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) individuals, i.e. those with a normal BMI and visceral obesity. A total of 854 non-obese individuals aged from 20 to 40 years, residing in three different regions in Poland, were studied. All the patients from this group were genotyped for four FTO gene variants (rs9939609, rs9930506, rs1421085 and rs1121980). Simultaneous identification of all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was conducted using the minisequencing method with a pair of designed specific primers. Over 90% of the diplotypes contain only the two most common haplotypes, in three combinations of haplotype pairs: CTAT/CTAT comprised 26.9% in women and 30.9% in men; CTAT/TCGA comprised 45.0% in women and 44.4% in men; and TCGA/TCGA comprised 19.3% in woman and 14.8% in men. The analysis of the variance in body fat distribution parameters shows no statistically significant differences between the three common haplotype pairs in either men or women. The young Polish population is characterized by two disparate haplotypes of common FTO gene variants: TCGA (a risk SNP haplotype), and CTAT (a protective haplotype). No significant differences were found between fat distribution indicators in relation to haplotypes in either women and men.

Lean mass is the strongest predictor of bone mineral content in type-2 diabetes and normal individuals: an eastern India perspective.

BackgroundImpact of body fat distribution on bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) at different sites has not been studied in type-2 diabetes (T2DM). This study aimed to compare BMC and BMD in normal (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and increased BMI (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) T2DM patients with age and BMI matched normal controls, and evaluate the impact of lean mass and body fat distribution parameters on them.MethodsSeventy-six T2DM patients and 56 normal controls underwent anthropometric assessment, blood sampling and estimation of BMC, BMD, body fat and lean mass distribution by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).ResultsIncreased BMI individuals (n = 63) had significantly higher BMD, BMC, fat mass and significantly lower 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D (25OHD), as compared to normal BMI individuals (n = 69). Lean mass had stronger positive correlation with BMC and BMD, compared to fat mass. BMI, sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and Android/Gynoid (A/G) ratio had positive correlation with BMC and BMD. Percent body fat had negative correlation with BMC and BMD. T2DM patients had higher central obesity (A/G ratio). WC was the best predictor of A/G ratio. Regression analysis revealed lean mass to be the strongest predictor of BMC after adjusting for age, sex, BMI and 25OHD, in normal individuals and patients with diabetes, followed by fat mass. BMD right femur, BMC, lean mass and A/G ratios were significantly higher in males (n = 74). Fat mass and percent body fat were significantly higher in females (n = 58). Fat mass was the best predictor of BMC in males where as lean mass was the best predictor of BMC in females.ConclusionIncreased BMI and T2DM are associated with increased BMC and BMD at different sites, with lean mass having the strongest impact on BMC in normal individuals and patients with diabetes. Males have higher BMC and BMD as compared to females, likely due to a greater lean mass, A/G ratio, along with lesser fat mass and percent body fat.

Gender-Dependent Associations of Metabolite Profiles and Body Fat Distribution in a Healthy Population with Central Obesity: Towards Metabolomics Diagnostics

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes especially when the fat is accumulated to central depots. Novel biomarkers are crucial to develop diagnostics for obesity and related metabolic disorders. We evaluated the associations between metabolite profiles (136 lipid components, 12 lipoprotein subclasses, 17 low-molecular-weight metabolites, 12 clinical markers) and 28 phenotype parameters (including different body fat distribution parameters such as android (A), gynoid (G), abdominal visceral (VAT), subcutaneous (SAT) fat) in 215 plasma/serum samples from healthy overweight men (n=32) and women (n=83) with central obesity. (Partial) correlation analysis and partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis showed that only specific metabolites were associated to A:G ratio, VAT, and SAT, respectively. These association patterns were gender dependent. For example, insulin, cholesterol, VLDL, and certain triacylglycerols (TG 54:1-3) correlated to VAT in women, while in men VAT was associated with TG 50:1-5, TG 55:1, phosphatidylcholine (PC 32:0), and VLDL ((X)L). Moreover, multiple regression analysis revealed that waist circumference and total fat were sufficient to predict VAT and SAT in women. In contrast, only VAT but not SAT could be predicted in men and only when plasma metabolites were included, with PC 32:0 being most strongly associated with VAT. These findings collectively highlight the potential of metabolomics in obesity and that gender differences need to be taken into account for novel biomarker and diagnostic discovery for obesity and metabolic disorders.

Gender-Specific Prevalences of Fatty Liver in Obese Children and Adolescents: Roles of Body Fat Distribution, Sex Steroids, and Insulin Resistance

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to have a gender-dimorphic prevalence in obese children. Less information is available on predictive factors for NAFLD in obese youths. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence pattern and to identify clinical and laboratory markers associated with the risk for NAFLD. This was a cross-sectional study. The study setting was a rehabilitation clinic. A total of 532 obese subjects (291 girls) aged 8-19 yr participated in the study. Steatosis hepatis and visceral fat mass were determined by ultrasound. Laboratory tests included serum lipids, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, sex steroids, and an oral glucose tolerance test. Prevalence of hepatic steatosis was significantly higher in boys (41.1%) than in girls (17.2%) and was highest in postpubertal boys (51.2%) and lowest in postpubertal girls (12.2%). Severity of steatosis was associated with increased visceral fat mass, insulin resistance, lower adiponectin levels, and higher blood pressure. Three factors were extracted from the panel of investigated parameters by principal component analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations of simple steatosis with the "insulin resistance and visceral fat" factor and the "body fat distribution and inflammation" factor in both genders and additionally with the "steroid hormones" factor in girls. Risk for steatosis hepatis with concomitantly elevated ALT was associated only with "insulin resistance and visceral fat" in girls and with all three factors in boys. Our results suggest significant associations of NAFLD with markers of visceral obesity and insulin resistance in both genders and gender-specific associations with parameters of body fat distribution and sex steroids.

Metabolic Modifications in HIV-Infected Women

To assess metabolic alterations and/or abnormal fat distribution in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected women undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), a case-control study was carried out in a population of twenty-two HIV-infected, normal weight, non-diabetic, normotensive women. Twenty-five healthy non infected subjects matched for sex, age and Body Mass Index (BMI) were also included as a control group. Blood samples were collected for leptin and insulin measurements. Fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were also measured. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR). Body fat distribution was evaluated using waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) and abdominal CT-scan. Immunologic and virologic parameters included CD4- and CD8-T cell counts and HIV-RNA levels. HIV-infected patients showed higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (P&lt;0.05), higher fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (P&lt;0.001), lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (P&lt;0.001) and serum leptin (P&lt;0.001) than the control group. With regard to body fat distribution, no statistically significant difference between cases and controls was found. Among the control women leptin levels were positively correlated with body fat distribution parameters (P&lt;0.001).

Relations between parameters which define quantity and distribution of adipose tissue

Obesity is defined as an increase of body fat mass. Regional fat distribution, especially abdominal obesity, is a very important risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic complications in obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between some anthropometric parameters and body fat mass in normal weight and obese subjects. The study group consisted of 60 obese and 60 normal-weight subjects of both sexes. All examinees underwent following anthropometric measurements: body height, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter. We calculated values of body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to stature ratio (WSR) and sagittal abdominal diameter to height ratio (SAD/H). Body fat percent (FAT%) was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. We have established that FAT% has the strongest correlation with BMI in all examined groups. Comparing with other body fat distribution parameters, FAT% had the best correlation with waist circumference and WHR. 13.33% of normal-weight women and 10% of normal-weight men presented with borderline increased body fat mass, whereas 6.67% of normal-weight women had increased values (normal-weight obesity). Normal-weight subjects had higher values of anthropometric parameters, comparing with normal-weight subjects with normal FAT%. In order to achieve precise diagnosis of obesity it is necessary, apart from certain anthropometric measurements, to establish the body fat mass, using some methods of body composition analysis. In order to identify subjects with higher risk for obesity complications, it is necessary to analyze the size of intraabdominal fat depots. We found that waist circumference, as a good predictor of specific fat distribution, also has a very good correlation with total body fat mass.

Increase in both pro-thrombotic and anti-thrombotic factors in obese premenopausal women: relationship with body fat distribution

To examine the relationship of obesity, body fat distribution, and fasting plasma insulin concentrations with the plasma levels of both pro-thrombotic and anti-thrombotic factors in premenopausal women. 32 obese women with BMI > 28 and 33 age-matched non-obese = women with BMI < 25. (i) plasma concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen (PAI-1 Ag), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1 activity), fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag), von Willebrand factor activity (vWF activity), and factor VII activity as pro-thrombotic factors; (ii) plasma concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA Ag), protein C, and antithrombin III as anti-thrombotic factors; (iii) fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentrations, and the lipid pattern (triglycerides, total and HDL-cholesterol) as metabolic parameters. The body fat distribution was evaluated by measuring the waist circumference and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Obese subjects had higher plasma concentrations of all pro-thrombotic factors as compared to non-obese controls (PAI-1 Ag, P < 0.001; PAI-1 activity, P < 0.05; fibrinogen, P < 0.001; vWF Ag, P < 0.001; vWF activity, P < 0.05; factor VII, P < 0.05). The plasma concentrations of PAI-1 Ag and vWF Ag were directly correlated with the waist circumference independently of other metabolic and non-metabolic variables (P < 0.05). Obese women were also characterized by higher plasma concentrations of anti-thrombotic factors such as t-PA Ag and protein C as compared to non-obese controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), although these factors were not independently correlated with the waist circumference or the WHR. Plasma concentrations of the pro-thrombotic factors are increased in obese women as compared to non-obese controls, and plasma levels of PAI-1 Ag and vWF Ag correlate with central fat accumulation specifically. Plasma concentrations of anti-thrombotic factors (namely protein C and t-PA Ag) are also raised in obese women, but they are not correlated with parameters of body fat distribution. The increase in protein C levels may represent a protective response partly counteracting the increase in pro-thrombotic factors in these individuals.

Influence of menopause on blood cholesterol levels in women: the role of body composition, fat distribution and hormonal milieu. Virgilio Menopause Health Group.

In this study we investigated the relationships between blood lipids and menopausal status. All data were obtained from the first cross-sectional examination of the Virgilio Menopause Health Project in a large cohort of middle-aged women in pre, peri-, and postmenopausal age. The data refer to 426 women without metabolic or endocrine diseases, relevant hepatic, renal and cardiovascular abnormalities, none were dieting or taking medications. A precoded questionnaire including full clinical history, socio-economic and personal information, habitual diet, physical activity, drug use and smoking habits, careful recording of gynaecological events and family history for disease was completed. Several anthropometric parameters and the bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure free fatty mass. Blood samples for hormones and biochemistry were also obtained. There were no significant differences on body mass index, fatty mass, free fatty mass and parameters of body fat distribution between the three groups. Again, there were no differences in smoking habits, dietary intake or indices of physical activity amongst the groups. There was a significant increase from pre to postmenopause of LH and FSH and a decrease of oestradiol and testosterone, whereas no difference was found in sex hormone-binding globulin. Age-adjusted values of glucose, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein (HDL-) cholesterol were similar in all groups, whereas postmenopausal women had significantly higher values of total and low density lipoprotein (LDL-) cholesterol. On the contrary, there was a significant fall in insulin levels passing from pre to postmenopause. In multiple regression models, total and LDL-cholesterol correlated positively with body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and age, and negatively with free fatty mass and oestradiol blood levels. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that menopausal status may have a significant and independent effect in determining increased total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in postmenopausal women.

Influence of smoking, body fat distribution, and alcohol consumption on serum lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in early postmenopausal women

The impact of smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and body fat distribution (measured either directly by dual photon absorptiometry as abdominal fat% (AF%) or as the waist-to-hip ratio (WTH)) on serum lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins was investigated in 148 early postmenopausal women. All the women were healthy and none were taking medication known to influence the parameters studied. Smokers had significantly higher levels of triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B ( P < 0.05), and higher ratios of LDL-C HDL-C and apolipoprotein B/A-I ( P < 0.01), but lower levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I ( P < 0.01). Moderate alcohol consumption was positively associated with HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I ( P < 0.001). Body weight and body mass index (BMI) tended to be positively associated with an atherogenic lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profile. However, body fat distribution parameters (AF% and WTH) were stronger predictors of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins than were body weight and BMI, which did not seem to be independent predictors of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. We conclude that cigarette smoking and a central fat distribution have a significant, independent, negative influence on lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins, whereas moderate alcohol consumption has a positive effect on these parameters in early postmenopausal women.