Significant Differences In BF Research Articles

Comparing body composition between the sweet-liking phenotypes: experimental data, systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Legislation aimed at reducing sugar intake assumes that sweet-liking drives overconsumption. However, evidence that a greater liking for sweet taste is associated with unhealthier body size is mixed and complicated by relatively small samples, an overreliance on body mass index (BMI) and lack of classification using sweet-liking phenotypes. We first examined body size data in two larger samples with sweet-liking phenotyping: extreme sweet-likers, moderate sweet-likers and sweet-dislikers. Adults (18-34yrs), attended a two-session lab-based experiment involving phenotyping for sweet-liking status and a bioelectrical impedance body composition measurement (Experiment One: N = 200; Experiment Two: N = 314). Secondly, we conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis: systematic searches across four databases identified 5736 potential articles. Of these, 53 papers met our search criteria: a taste assessment that measured liking using sucrose (>13.7% w/v), which allowed sweet-liking phenotyping and included either BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM) or waist-circumference. A significant effect of sweet-liking phenotype on FFM was found in both Experiment One and Two, with extreme sweet-likers having significantly higher FFM than sweet-dislikers. In Experiment One, sweet-dislikers had a significantly higher BF% than extreme sweet-likers and moderate sweet-likers. However, as these data are from one research group in a young, predominantly westernised population, and the results did not perfectly replicate, we conducted the IPD meta-analyses to further clarify the findings. Robust one-stage IPD meta-analyses of 15 studies controlling for sex revealed no significant differences in BF% (n = 1836) or waist-circumference (n = 706). For BMI (n = 2368), moderate sweet-likers had slightly lower BMI than extreme sweet-likers, who had the highest overall BMI. Most interestingly, for FFM (n = 768), moderate sweet-likers and sweet-dislikers showed significantly lower FFM than extreme sweet-likers. The higher BMI often seen in sweet-likers may be due to a larger FFM and questions the simple model where sweet liking alone is a risk factor for obesity.

Combined early dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT and conventional whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT in hepatocellular carcinoma.

To investigate the diagnostic value of early dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT(ED 18F-FDG PET/CT) combined with conventional whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT(WB 18F-FDG PET/CT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the difference of early dynamic blood flow parameters and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in HCC patients with/without liver cirrhosis or microvascular invasion (MVI). Twenty-two consecutive patients (mean age 57.8years) with 28 established HCC lesions (mean size 4.5cm) underwent a blood flow study with an 18F-FDG dynamic scan divided into 24 sequences of 5s each and a standard PET/CT scan. On the ED PET/CT study, an experienced PET/CT physician obtained volumes of interest (VOIs) where three blood flow estimates (time to peak [TTP], blood flow [BF], and hepatic perfusion index [HPI]) were calculated. On the WB PET/CT study, a VOI was placed on the fused scan for each HCC and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was obtained. Comparison of blood flow estimates, SUVmax, and tumor/background ratio (TNR) was performed among HCCs with and without angioinvasion, as well as HCCs in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver. Compared with WB 18F-FDG PET/CT alone, ED combined with WB 18F-FDG PET/CT can significantly increase the detection rate of moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated HCCs (both P < 0.05). HPI was higher in HCCs in patients with liver cirrhosis than those without liver cirrhosis (P = 0.044). There was no significant difference in TTP, BF, SUVmax, or TNR between HCCs in patients with liver cirrhosis and those without liver cirrhosis. There was no significant difference in blood flow estimates or SUVmax in background liver parenchyma between patients with and those without cirrhosis. TTP was shorter in HCCs with MVI than without MVI (P = 0.046). There was no significant difference in BF, HPI, SUVmax, or TNR between HCCs with MVI and without MVI. There was no significant difference in blood flow estimates or SUVmax in background liver parenchyma between patients with and those without MVI. ED combined with WB 18F-FDG PET/CT can significantly increase the detection rate of moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated HCCs. HPI was significantly higher in HCCs in patients with liver cirrhosis than those without liver cirrhosis. TTP was significantly shorter in HCCs with MVI than without MVI.

Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Resistance Training on Body Composition and Maximal Strength in Trained Women

Purpose: to investigate the effect of WB-EMS training and resistance training on body composition and maximal strength in trained women.&#x0D; Material and methods: 30 trained women (with a mean age of 25.70 ± 2.27 years, height of 1.63 ± 0.032 m, and weight of 60.46 ± 5.50 kg) were randomly divided into three groups of ten (WB-EMS training, strength training (ST), and control group (CG)). The training program was performed for 6 weeks and two sessions per week (WB-EMS: 20 minutes, 85 Hz, 350 µs, 6 s pulse duration, 4 s rest; and ST: 1-RM 60-80%, 3 sets, 8-12 repeats, 50-90 s rest between each set). In all three groups, BF%, LBM and Maximal Strength were measured before and after the training period.&#x0D; Results: Intragroup comparison in WB-EMS group showed a significant difference in BF% and LBM (P ≤ 0.05); while in the intergroup comparison, no significant difference was observed between the WB-EMS group and CG. Also in ST group, BF% and LBM values did not show any significant changes. There was also a significant difference in Maximal Strength in the intragroup comparison between both WB-EMS and ST groups and a significant difference between the WB-EMS group and CG and between ST group and CG in the intragroup comparison after the test (P ≤ 0.05); while there was no significant difference between WB-EMS and ST groups.&#x0D; Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be concluded that both types of exercise can improve maximal strength, although each of these exercises has its own benefits.

Determination of Peak Aerobic Capacity in Normal Weight Obesity and Metabolically Healthy Obesity

ObjectivesThe true cardiometabolic risk of the novel body composition phenotypes normal-weight obesity (NWO) and metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) remains controversial. Cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by peak oxygen uptake during exercise (VO2peak), is inversely correlated with CVD and mortality. The objective of this project was to determine VO2peak in NWO and MHO relative to appropriate positive and negative control groups. MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, participants aged 18–50 years were recruited into one of four groups based on BMI, body composition, and metabolic risk factors: NWO (normal BMI with high body fat percentage (BF%)); MHO (obese BMI, high BF%, and up to one of the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) as defined by the International Diabetes Federation); MetS (obese BMI, high BF%, and at least three of the diagnostic criteria for MetS); and healthy controls (HC; normal BMI, BF%, and metabolic markers). Participants engaged in a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine VO2peak and a DEXA scan to assess BF%. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. ResultsA total of 35 participants completed this study (HC: n = 10; NWO: n = 8; MHO: n = 10; MetS: n = 7). VO2peak was greater in HC (44.2 ± 11.0 ml/kg/min) compared to NWO (28.6 ± 5.1 ml/kg/min; P = 0.002), MHO (25.4 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min; P < 0.0001) and MetS (24.3 ± 8.8 ml/kg/min; P = 0.0002). VO2peak was similar among NWO, MHO, and MetS (p’s ≥ 0.76). BF% was lower in HC (23.4 ± 5.5%) compared to NWO (32.6 ± 3.8%; P = 0.0099), MHO (41.9 ± 6.0%; P < 0.0001) and MetS (32.5 ± 6.1%; P = 0.016). BF% was also greater in MHO compared to NWO (P = 0.0085) and MetS (P = 0.0115). There was no significant difference in BF% between NWO and MetS (P > 0.9999). Across groups, there was a strong inverse correlation between BF% and VO2peak (r = –0.83). ConclusionsVO2peak did not significantly differ among all three at-risk groups (NWO, MHO, and MetS), and all were lower than HC. BF% also did not significantly differ between NWO and MetS groups, and BF% was actually greater in MHO compared to MetS and NWO. NWO and MHO, despite normal BMI and metabolic markers, respectively, have a VO2peak more similar to MetS than HC, suggesting increased cardiometabolic risk. Funding SourcesAmerican Society for Nutrition Mars. Inc Predoctoral Fellowship.

Botulinum toxin type A for controlling bruxism assessed with computerized occlusal analysis: A pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) on mandibular movements and bite force (BF%) in bruxism. Methods: Ten bruxers were divided into 2 groups based on BF% imbalance (G1: >10%, G2: <10%). BTX-A 140U was total injected into the masseter and temporalis muscles. A T-Scan® recorded BF%, occlusion time (OT), right, left, and protrusive disclusion time (DT) before administering BTX-A, as well as 15, 45, 90, and 120 days after injection. Results: The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests found significant differences in BF% in G1 subjects at 15 days (p = 0.028 s), OT at 90 (p = 0.043 s), and 120 (p = 0.027 s) days, DTR at 90 (p = 0.046 s) and 120 (p = 0.028 s) days, DTL at 15 (p = 0.043 s) and 90 (p = 0.027 s) days, and DTP 45–90 days (p = 0.043 s). Conclusion: BTX-A induced BF% starting at 15 days post-injection and influenced lateralities later.

Body composition of New Zealand European and Pacific women is associated with lower dietary fibre intake and gut microbiota diversity

AbstractDiet is considered one of the key drivers of the world-wide obesity epidemic, and the gut microbiota may play a role in this multifaceted disease due to their mutualistic relationship. This study investigated relationships between habitual dietary intake of New Zealand European and Pacific women and their gut microbiota and body fat content. Pacific (44%) and NZ European (NZE; 56%) women (n = 287) aged 18–45 years were recruited based on body mass index (normal versus obese) and stratified as low (&lt; 35%) or high (≥ 35%) body fat percentage (BF%). Dietary intake was assessed with a 5-day estimated food record and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, which were used to calculate habitual dietary intake using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method. BF% was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Fasting blood samples were analysed for markers of insulin sensitivity. The DNA from faecal samples was analysed following shotgun sequencing. There were no significant differences in BF% between Pacific and NZE women (p = 0.498). Significant differences in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were observed between Pacific (3.4 [2.3, 5.9]) and NZE (2.1 [1.5, 3.1], p ≤ 0.001) women, and between; low-BF% (1.9 [1.3, 2.7]) and high-BF% (3.4 [2.5, 5.9], p ≤ 0.001) groups. The highest (27.6g/d [24.9, 30.6]) compared to the lowest tertile (16g/d [13.3, 17.6]) of habitual total dietary fibre (DF) intake was associated with a significantly lower HOMA-IR (2.1 [1.3, 3.1] versus 3.3 [2.1, 5.3] p ≤ 0.001) respectively. Higher DF intake was also associated with significantly lower BF% (β -0.35, p ≤ 0.001), and this relationship became stronger when considering the intake of other macronutrients (β -0.47, p ≤ 0.001). Alpha diversity; observed taxonomic units (OTU's; rs = -0.15, p = 0.011), Pielou's evenness (rs = -0.20, p = 0.001), and Shannon index (rs = -0.22, p ≤ 0.001), were all negatively correlated with BF%. In contrast BF% was positively correlated with the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio (rs = 0.26, p ≤ 0.001). HOMA-IR index was significantly higher in Pacific and women in the higher BF% group, indicating an increased metabolic disease risk. Higher habitual DF intake was associated with lower BF% and HOMA-IR, suggesting a potential metabolically protective effect. The positive effects of higher DF intake may be associated with microbiota diversity, as higher BF% was associated with reduced alpha diversity and an increased Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio. Further analysis will explore which foods contributed to the higher DF intake, and associations with body composition, microbiota and biomarkers of metabolic health.

Six Weeks of Calorie Restriction Improves Body Composition and Lipid Profile in Obese and Overweight Former Athletes.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 6 weeks of reducing daily caloric intake by 20% of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE)-CRI vs. reducing daily caloric intake by 30% of TDEE-CRII on body mass reduction and insulin metabolism in former athletes. Methods: 94 males aged 35.7 ± 5.3 years, height 180.5 ± 4.1 cm, and body mass 96.82 ± 6.2 kg were randomly assigned to the CRI (n = 49) or CRII (n = 45) group. Thirty-one participants (18 subjects from CRI and 13 from CRII) resigned from the study. The effects of both diets on the body composition variables (body mass—BM; body fat—BF; fat free mass—FFM; muscle mass—MM; total body water—TBW), lipid profile (total lipids—TL; total cholesterol—TCh; HDL cholesterol—HDL; LDL cholesterol—LDL; triglycerides—TG), and glucose control variables (glucose—GL, insulin—I, HOMA-IR, insulin-like growth factor-1—IGF-1, leptin and adiponectin) were measured. Results: After adhering to the CR I diet, significant differences were observed in FFM, MM and TG. After adhering to the CR II diet, significant differences were registered in tCh, TL and LDL. Both diets had a significant influence on leptin and adiponectin concentrations. Significant differences in FFM, MM, and tCh were observed between the CR I and CR II groups. At the end of the dietary intervention, significant differences in BF, FFM, MM and TBW were observed between the CR I and CR II groups. Conclusion: The 6 weeks of CR II diet appeared to be more effective in reducing BF and lipid profile and proved to be especially suitable for subjects with high body fat content and an elevated level of lipoproteins and cholesterol. Both reductive diets were effective in improving the levels of leptin and adiponectin in obese former athletes.

Comparison of balance and Muscle Activity of Normal Male and Female in squats Exercise According to Knee Joint Angle

The purpose of this study was to analysis the balance and muscle activity with squats exercise according to the knee joint knee between male and female. Before experiment, MVIC values were measured, and balance and muscle activity were measured during the squat exercise using MATLAB and EMG. Shapiro-Wilk test was used for normality test and Independent T test was used for independence test. All statistical significance levels were p .05), but 90°showed significant difference (p<.05). There was a significant difference in BF, VL, RA, and ES values at 90°between male and female (p<.05), and VL, ES, and RA were significantly different at 140°(p<.05). In order to enhance balance in various dynamic movements such as squat exercise that uses AR, the movement of the thigh muscles is required. In addition, statistics on muscle activity and balance can be used to apply a squat movement according to the knee angle. Therefore, future research suggests that research is proceeding from a more diverse angle.

Changes of cancer perfusion after antiangiogenesis in transplanted tumor of nude mice

Objective To analyze the feasibility of volume perfusion CT (VPCT) in the transplanted tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma after antiangiogenesis. Methods Hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 cells were inoculated with 40 BALB/c A-nu nude mice. The rats were divided into treatment group and control group by random number table method. The control group was injected with bevacizumab (10 mg/kg), and the control group was injected with the same amount of saline. On the 3rd, 6th and 9th day after treatment, 5 mice were randomly selected for VPCT detection. The mice were sacrificed and the α-SMA and CD31 was detected by immunohistochemistry. And changes in vascular maturity index (VMI) and microvessel density (MVD) were detected. Results The success rate of both experimental modeling was 100%, and no infection or death occurred. On the 3rd, 6th, and 9th day of treatment, the average tumor volume of the treatment group was (1.15±0.35), (1.61±0.43), and (1.76±0.59) cm3, respectively; the control group was (1.72±0.53), (2.96±0.86) and (3.98±1.02) cm3, there was a significant difference between the two groups (t=2.102, 2.251, 2.357, P=0.039, 0.025, 0.016). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in BF and BV between the two groups (P=0.358, 0.259). On the 3rd, 6th, and 9th days of treatment, the BF in the treatment group was (18.57±4.27), (26.15±10.78), and (13.05±3.72) ml/(100 ml·min), respectively. BV were (3.35±0.85), (5.56±2.38), and (3.02±0.99) ml/100 ml, respectively, and there was a significant difference from the control group (t= 2.351, 5.102, 3.561, 2.133, 2.963, 3.512, P=0.030, 0.000, 0.000, 0.038, 0.000). As time progressed, the MVD of the tumor tissues in the treatment group gradually decreased, and the MVD value of the control group gradually increased. On the 3rd, 6th, and 9th days of treatment, the MVD of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group (t=3.591, 4.632, 4.215, P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000). As time progressed, the VMI of the treatment group increased first and then decreased. The VMI value of the control group had no significant change. On the 3rd, 6th, and 9th days of treatment, the VMI of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group (t=2.351, 2.638, 2.159, P=0.032, 0.000, 0.040). Conclusion VPCT can make noninvasive evaluation of blood perfusion, tumor anatomy and vascular function, reduce the systematic error caused by heterogeneity of tumor. The blood perfusion of hepatocellular carcinoma is consistent with VMI, the potential of evaluation tools for angiogenesis therapy. Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Antiangiogenesis; Tumor perfusion; CT perfusion imaging

An investigation of the accuracy and reliability of body composition assessed with a handheld electrical impedance myography device

The purpose of this study was to compare the body fat per cent (BF%) assessed with a unique handheld electrical impedance myography (EIM) device, along with other popular methods, to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Participants included 33 males (aged 24.3 ± 4.6 years) and 38 females (aged 25.3 ± 8.9 years) who completed 2 visits separated by 24–72 h. The assessments included DXA, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), skinfold measures (SKF), and three separate EIM measurements. No significant differences in BF% (P > 0.05) were found between all EIM assessments when compared against DXA for both males and females for each visit. All methods showed no significant differences in BF% (P > 0.05) between days within themselves. Across both days, the standard error of the estimate (SEE) for the EIM measurements ranged from 2.66% to 3.15%, the SEE for BIA was 2.80 and 2.85, and for SKF was 2.90 and 2.82. The 95% limits of agreement ranged from ±5.34% to ±6.38% for EIM measurements and were highest for SKF (±7.42% and ±7.47%). The total error for both days was largest for SKF (5.20% and 5.35%) and lowest for the EIM measurements (2.48–3.24%). This investigation supports use of a handheld EIM device as an accurate and reliable method of estimating BF% compared to DXA in young, apparently healthy individuals with BF% in the range of 10–22% for males and 20–32% in females and suggests this EIM device be considered a viable alternative to other established field measurements in this population.

A novel method of utilizing skinfolds and bioimpedance for determining body fat percentage via a field-based three-compartment model.

The purpose was to determine if skinfolds (SF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) could provide accurate estimates of body volume (BV) and total body water (TBW), respectively, for use in a 3-compartment (3-C) model to estimate percent body fat (BF%) when compared to laboratory derived measures. A sample of sixty-four men (age = 22.9 ± 5.4 years) and 59 women (age = 21.6 ± 4.3 years) participated in the study. Laboratory 3-C (3CLAB) model BF% was determined with underwater weighing for body volume (BV) and bioimpedance spectroscopy for total body water (TBW). The 3-C field (3CFIELD) estimates of BF% included BV from the 7-site SF technique and TBW from hand-to-foot BIA. A significant difference in BF% (p < 0.01) was found between the 3CLAB and 3CFIELD in the entire sample and within the men, but the effect sizes (ES) were small (0.09 and 0.17, respectively). The difference between means was not significant in the women (ES = 0.05, p = 0.332). Compared to the 3CLAB, the total error (TE) ranged 2.2-2.4% for 3CFIELD, 5.7-5.8% for SF, and 4.0-4.6% for BIA. The findings suggest that BV and TBW derived from SF and BIA, respectively, can be used in a 3CFIELD model to increase the accuracy of BF% estimates over SF and BIA alone.

Differentiation of body fat composition between skinfold caliper and bioelectrical impedance analysis methods among professors

Background: Body fat composition which is reflected by body fat percentage (BF%) is one of the important components in disease risk evaluation. Among the methods available to measure BF%, skinfold calipers (SKF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are the most common used. The study is conducted to observe the difference in body fat composition measurement between skinfold caliper and bioelectrical impedance analysis methods among Professors.Method: This study involved 72 UNPAD Professors (50 ♂, 22 ♀) after fitted into criterias. BF% was measured among UNPAD Professors using SKF and BIA. After obtaining agreement by Bland-Altman Plot, the data was analyzed by muliple paired-t test according to gender, physical activity level and BMI categories. Results: The study showed no significant difference in BF% between SKF and BIA in overall population, between gender and physical activity level (p&gt;0.05). For BMI, the only category that showed significant difference in BF% between the 2 methods is obese I group (p=0.001, p&gt;.05).Conclusions: There is no significant difference between SKF and BIA methods according to gender, physical activity levels and BMI categories except for obese I group.

Differentiation of body fat composition between skinfold caliper (SKF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) methods among professors

Body fat composition reflected by body fat percentage (BF%) is one of the important components in disease risk evaluation. Among the methods available to measure BF%, skinfold calipers (SKF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are the most commonly used. The study was conducted to evaluate the difference in body fat composition measurement between SKF and BIA methods among professors. This study analyzed secondary data from the health evaluation of Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) professors. This study involved 72 professors (50 male, 22 female) after fitted into the inclusion and exclusion criteria. BF% was measured among UNPAD professors using SKF and BIA. After obtaining agreement by Bland-Altman Plot, the data were analyzed by muliple paired-t test according to gender, physical activity level and body mass index (BMI) categories. The study showed no significant difference in BF% between SKF and BIA in overall population, between gender and physical activity level (p>0.05). For BMI, the only category that showed significant difference in BF% between the 2 methods was obese I group (p=0.001). In conclusion, there is no significant difference in BF% between SKF and BIA methods according to gender, physical activity levels and BMI categories except for obese I group.

Composição corporal e perfil somatotípico de atletas da seleção brasileira de futebol de 5

The aim of this study was to determine the profiles somatotype and body composition of athletes of Brazilian 5‐a‐side football team. This study involved 23 male athletes. Were all submitted to anthropometric measurements and then were carried the calculations of body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), Skinfolds sum (Σ9DC) and somatotype. It was observed that goalkeepers differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in body mass, BF% and Σ9DC for other positions. The goalkeepers showed profile endomorph‐mesomorph, the defender mesomorph‐ balanced, while the winger and pivot, endo‐mesomorph. Concluded that the goalkeepers were significant differences in BF% when compared to other positions and showed significant differences in somatotype compared to other positions, the same was observed in defenders when compared with pivots.

Effect of Fermentable Carbohydrate Intake on Body Fat and Metabolic Criteria in US College Students

Indigestible, fermentable carbohydrates (IFCHO) are bioactive dietary carbohydrates not digested by human enzymes but are fermented into short chain fatty acids and gases by colonic bacteria. IFCHO display prebiotic effects and may influence body fat percent (BF%) and impact metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria. Intake of an IFCHO subclass, oligosaccharides (OS), and OS subclasses fructans (FS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), have not been explored in the general US population. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to observe the effect of OS, FS and GOS intake on BF% and MetS criteria in US college students (n=151, BF%=23.7±9.0%, mean number of MetS criteria=0.8±0.9). Intake of OS, FS and GOS was quantified via the Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment Survey. BF% was measured via BodPod, blood lipids and blood glucose via Cholestech, waist circumference and blood pressure via standardized protocols. Median split was used to classify subjects with high and low intakes of OS, FS, and GOS and were analyzed via ANOVA. Subjects consuming less OS and GOS had higher BF% than those with higher intake (25.4±9.8 vs. 22.0±7.9%; p=.029 and 25.6±9.2 vs. 21.8±8.5%; p=.014 respectively). Subjects consuming less GOS had more MetS criteria compared to those with higher GOS intake (1.0±1.0 vs. 0.6±0.8 factors; p=.004). Significant difference in BF% and MetS criteria were not seen in high vs low FS intake. These results show that higher OS and GOS intake may impact BF% and MetS criteria in US college students. Randomized control trials are needed to further assess potential relationships.

Properdin factor B and complement factor C4 allotypes in rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a follow-up study

The association between allotypes of properdin factor B (Bf), the fourth component of complement (C4A and C4B), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), was investigated in a well-characterized cohort of RA patients who were followed from an early phase of the disease for a mean duration of 6 years. The frequencies of probable heterozygous C4AQ0 and of C4A3 were lower in RA patients compared to controls, irrespective of the presence of DR4 [relative risk (RR): 0.52 and 0.49, respectively, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 0.34–0.80 and 0.29–0.82]. The frequency of C4A4 was higher in RA patients compared to control (RR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.03–3.35), especially in DR4 positive RA patients compared to DR4 positive controls (RR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.07–6.25), indicating a positive association of this allotype with RA additional to DR4. Bf and C4B allotypes were comparable in RA patients and controls. We did not find significant differences in Bf and C4 allotype frequencies in RA patients subdivided according to severity of the disease into a mild group and a progressive group. Because of inconsistent results in all studies on Bf and C4 allotypes, we conclude that C4 and Bf allotypes do not seem to have an important independent effect on determining disease susceptibility.