Triceps Skinfold Thickness Research Articles

Association between Trace Elements and Body Composition Parameters in Endurance Runners.

The aim of this study was to determine the possible correlations between essential and toxic trace elements of plasma with several anthropometric and body composition parameters and performance in endurance runners. Sixty-five high-level middle and long-distance runners (21 ± 3 years; 1.77 ± 0.05 m; 64.97 ± 7.36 kg; VO2 max. 67.55 ± 4.11 mL/min/kg) participated in the present study. Abdominal, subscapular, iliac crest, triceps, front thigh and medial calf skinfold thicknesses and an incremental test until exhaustion were recorded. Body, fat, muscle and bone mass were estimated. Plasma trace elements were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Correlations and simple linear regression were used to assess the relationship between trace elements and several variables. Different skinfolds, fat mass, muscle mass and bone mass correlated positively and negatively with trace elements such as copper, manganese, selenium, vanadium, zinc, lithium, rubidium, strontium, arsenic, beryllium and lead. Lithium was related with performance. In conclusion, endurance training causes changes in the body concentrations of several trace elements that trigger modifications in body composition that may be interesting, if confirmed in the future, for the control of metabolic diseases such as obesity.

Risk factors for malnutrition among hospitalized gastroenterological patients

Background/Aim. Risk factors for malnutrition of patients during hospitalization have not been precisely deter-mined. The aim of the study was to determine these factors in hospitalized gastroenterological patients. Methods. Nutritional status (NS) of 650 gastroenterological patients was assessed at the hospital admission and at discharge by the six parameters: unintentional weight loss, lymphocyte count, serum albumin concentration, body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, and mid-upper arm muscle circumference. The influence on NS at discharge was tested for ten factors: gender, age, affected organ, the nature, severity, and complications of the disease, the length of hospitalization, mobility worsening during hospitalization, Karnofsky score, and NS on admission. Primary and secondary risk factors were defined among the factors significantly influencing malnutrition. Results. Seven factors were found to be the independent predictors for malnutrition in hospitalized gastroenterological patients. NS at admission was considered as a primary risk factor (Forward: Wald multivariate logistic regression analysis, p < 0.001 for five applied assessment parameters). The other six factors, obtained in the evaluation according to 1-3 assessment parameters, were considered as secondary risk factors: severe disease activity, malignancy, the existence of complications, male gender, hospitalization > 14 days, and mobility worsening during the hospitalization (Forward: Wald multivariate logistic regression analysis, p from 0.001 to 0.027). Conclusion. There are seven risk factors for malnutrition among gastroenterological patients during hospitalization. Timely nutritional support in these patients can prevent the development of intrahospital malnutrition and its negative influence on the clinical outcome.

The Role of Trigonella, Cichorium, and Foeniculum Herbal Combination in the Treatment of Cancer-Induced Anorexia/Cachexia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Anorexia and cachexia are one of the major problems in patients suffering from advanced malignancies. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of herbal combination containing Fenugreek, Fennel, and Chicory supplementation to the high-dose megestrol for the treatment of cancer-induced cachexia and anorexia. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 47 adult patients with advanced malignancy; they experienced anorexia and weight loss over the 2 past months and referred to a university-affiliated hospital (Omid) in Isfahan, Iran. Patients who had met the inclusion criteria were assigned to take either herbal combination or placebo tablets in addition to megestrol (160 mg daily) for a 2-month follow-up. All patients’ demographic information, weight changes, anthropometric indices, as well as the quality of life criteria were recorded at the baseline and after the duration of follow-up. Results: Patients in the herbal combination group experienced a mean weight gain of 1.5 kg, while patients in the placebo group had an average weight loss of 0.6 kg. Anthropometric indices including triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference index, and grip strength were significantly improved in the herbal combination group. The other evaluated criteria such as quality of life, functional assessment of anorexia/cachexia therapy (FAACT), and some factors of Anderson criteria were significantly improved in the herbal combination group than the placebo group. Conclusions: Given the ameliorated results of the herbal combination supplementation in terms of weight gain and appetite improvement, as well as physical and quality of life enhancement, it seems that the herbal combination can be used as an adjunctive treatment for the management of patients suffering from cancer-induced cachexia and anorexia.

Effects of fish oil during hemodialysis on nutritional status and quality of life: a randomized double-blinded trial.

BackgroundSupplementation of fish oil has been shown to exert beneficial effects in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of fish oil in improving the quality of life of these patients through a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.MethodsAmong the 103 patients enrolled in the study, a total of 74 patients were randomized to receive fish oil (intervention group) or placebo (n=37 per group). Patients received identical soft-gel capsules, with each capsule containing either 1000 mg fish oil or placebo for 4 months. Personnel responsible for data collection and analyses were blinded to the grouping.ResultsThe reduction of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in the intervention group was significantly more prominent compared to the placebo group (P=0.023). The intervention group demonstrated significant increase in midarm circumference, arm muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness after fish oil intake. The intervention group also exhibited significant differences from the placebo group in creatinine, uric acid, and serum calcium levels. Significant improvement was seen regarding the physical role and energy/figure in the intervention group.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that fish oil intake in patient undergoing hemodialysis can significantly reduce PEW, and improve physical and biochemical parameters and quality of life, which could provide guidance to clinical management of these patients.

Early anthropometry, strength, and function in survivors of critical illness

BackgroundCritically ill patients experience acute muscle wasting and long-term functional impairments, yet this has been inadequately categorised early in recovery. ObjectiveThis observational study aimed to evaluate anthropometry, strength, and muscle function after intensive care unit discharge. MethodsAdult patients able to complete study measures after prolonged intensive care unit stay (≥5 d) were eligible. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and bodyweight, height, triceps skinfold, trunk length, handgrip strength, 6-minute walk test, whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and mid-thigh, knee, and above-ankle circumferences were measured. Body cell mass was calculated from these data. Data are presented as mean (standard deviation) or median [interquartile range]. ResultsFourteen patients (50% male; 57 [10.5] years) were assessed 11.1 (6.9) d after intensive care unit discharge. Patients lost 4.76 (6.66) kg in the intensive care unit. Triceps skinfold thickness (17.00 [8.65] mm) and handgrip strength (12.60 [8.57] kg) were lower than normative data. No patient could commence the 6-minute walk test. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry–derived muscle mass correlated with handgrip strength (R = 0.57; 95% confidence interval = 0.06–0.85; p = 0.03), but body cell mass did not. ConclusionsAnthropometry and strength in intensive care unit survivors are below normal. Muscle mass derived from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry correlates with handgrip strength but body cell mass does not.

Placental volume at 11 weeks is associated with offspring bone mass at birth and in later childhood: Findings from the Southampton Women's Survey

ObjectivesTo investigate associations between placental volume (PV) at 11 weeks' gestation and offspring bone outcomes at birth, 6 years and 8 years. Methods3D ultrasound scanning was used to assess 11 week PV in a subset (n = 236) of the Southampton Women's Survey (a prospective mother-offspring cohort). Maternal anthropometric measures and lifestyle information were obtained pre-pregnancy and at 11 weeks' gestation. Offspring dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning was performed within 2 weeks postnatally and at 6 and 8 years. Linear regression was used to assess associations between PV and bone outcomes, adjusting for offspring age at DXA and sex, and maternal age, height, smoking status, walking speed and triceps skinfold thickness. β are SD change in bone outcome per SD change in PV. ResultsIn adjusted models, 11 week PV was positively associated with bone area (BA) at all time points, with evidence of persisting associations with increasing childhood age (birth: n = 80, β = 0.23 [95%CI = 0.03, 0.42], 6 years: n = 110, β = 0.17 [-0.01, 0.36], 8 years: n = 85, β = 0.13 [-0.09, 0.36]). Similar associations between 11 week PV and bone mineral content (BMC) were observed. Associations with size-corrected bone mineral content were weaker at birth but strengthened in later childhood (birth: n = 78, β = 0.07 [-0.21, 0.35], 6 years: n = 107, β = 0.13 [-0.08, 0.34], 8 years: n = 71, β = 0.19 [-0.05, 0.43]). Conclusions11 week PV is associated with DXA bone measures at birth, with evidence of persisting associations into later childhood. Further work is required to elucidate the contributions of placental morphology and function to gestational influences on skeletal development.

Son Dönem Böbrek Yetmezliği Hastalarinda Serum Kreatin Kinaz (Ck) Düzeyi Malnutrisyon Parametresi Olabilir Mi?

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum CK levels and malnutrition parameters in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) for end stage renal disease (ESRD).Methods: In this prospective study, 60 patients receiving HD and 30 patients receiving PD for ESRD were evaluated. The relationship between serum CK levels and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) Test scores, albumin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), arterial blood gas parameters, KT / V ratio, total body water, muscle mass, body mass index (BMI) and lean body mass (determined by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) were examined.Results: No correlation was found between CK levels and age, dialysis duration and Ca values in HD and PD patients (p> 0.05). A positive correlation was found between CK levels and MNA scores and triceps skinfold thickness, lean body mass, body muscle mass and BMI values of PD and HD patients, and a significant negative correlation between total body water values (p <0.001).Conclusions: It was determined that serum CK level was compatible with other parameters used in the determination and follow-up of nutritional disorder and sarcopenia in ESRD patients.

Secular trends in adiposity within the context of changes in BMI across developmental periods among Polish schoolchildren-application of the Slaughter equation.

To estimate secular changes in the body fatness, assessed using the Slaughter equation, in the context of changes in BMI in different developmental periods among Polish schoolchildren studied over nearly 50 years. Data were collected during Polish Anthropological Surveys (1966, 1978, 1988, 2012). The total random sample consisted of 69,746 schoolchildren, aged 7-18. Three periods of development were identified: childhood, early adolescence, and late adolescence. Raw data of BMI were standardized for age classes. Based on the body fat percentage, calculated using Slaughter equation (involving triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness), fat mass (FM; kg), and then fat mass index (FMI = FM/height6; kg/m6) was assessed to enable comparison between body fatness and BMI. Statistical analyses included two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's tests. In boys, in terms of changes per decade, between 1966 and 2012 acceleration in Z-BMI and deceleration in FMI were found, irrespective of developmental period. Regarding girls, deceleration of trend was found in terms of both features, with different intensity, depending on developmental period and year of study. The pattern of changes in FMI depending on developmental period was, to some extent, similar for both sexes. Slaughter equation for abovementioned two skinfolds, as a method of body fatness assessment, might be a useful tool for research on boys across different developmental periods, but not on girls. Moreover, it should be used with caution when applied to secular changes in adiposity in both sexes, since the distribution of fat tissue varies across ontogenesis, but also over generations.

Association Between Anthropometric Indicators of Nutrition Status and Length of Hospital Stay in Hospitalized Patients.

Undernutrition is associated with increased hospital length of stay (LOS). Anthropometrics is required for undernutrition screening and diagnosis. However, the measurements which are more strongly associated with LOS are to be specified. This study aims to measure the independent association of weight, triceps skinfold thickness (TST), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT), mid-upper arm muscle area (AMA), mid-upper arm muscle circumference (AMC), and body mass index (BMI) with LOS and investigating whether these indicators had similar validity in predicting LOS. Six hundred ninety-five patients participated in a prospective observational study. Participants were dichotomized indicators studied according to the 5th and 25th percentiles described in the literature (for APMT only the 5th percentile was used). Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% CIs. Patients that presented values <5th percentile for TST (HR, 0.759; 95% CI, 0.579-0.995), MUAC (HR, 0.822; 95% CI, 0.687-0.983), APMT (HR, 0.791; 95% CI, 0.671-0.933), AMA (HR, 0.797, 95% CI, 0.660-0.962), and AMC (HR, 0.746; 95% CI, 0.611-0.911) showed a lower probability of being discharged to usual residence. Patients whose TST values were <25th percentile also presented lower probability of being discharged to usual residence (HR, 0.798; 95% CI, 0.673-0.946). No associations were found between weight and BMI with LOS. Depletion of TST, MUAC, APMT, AMA, and AMC was associated with lower probability of being discharged to usual residence. A thicker TST was independently associated with this outcome and thus TST should be considered for undernutrition screening and diagnosis.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Colorectal Cancer Patients from Algerian East Using Anthropometric Measurements and Laboratory Assessment.

Background:Chemotherapy may lead to cancer patient malnutrition, associated with reduced response, and increased complications to anticancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of Algerian colorectal cancer patients.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2016–2017 at the Oncology departments from the Algerian East included 90 patients with colorectal cancer. For each patient, a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests have been done.Results:The 50–59 yr and 60–69 age groups represented more than half of the population. Obesity and underweight were significantly higher in female patients according to their actual Body mass index (BMI). Prevalence of underweight increased after cancer diagnosis, while obesity prevalence has decreased significantly. The malnutrition classification based on Mid-upper-arm muscle circumference (MUAMC) and the triceps skinfold thickness (TST) has shown a significant higher prevalence of malnutrition among male patients than females. The classification of Nutrition risk index (NRI) has shown a significant high percentage of male patients having malnutrition. In our study, no significant differences were recorded for biochemical tests. Anemia recorded the higher prevalences for both sex compared to other deficiency. Hypoironemia prevalence’s was higher among male patients than females while hypokalemia and hypoproteinemia prevalence’s were higher in female patients.Conclusion:Malnutrition in CRC patients must be combated by early detection to decrease complications associated to cancer and chemotherapy.

Effects of Probiotics on Malnutrition and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Alterations in the gut microbiota and host responses have been implicated in the progression of end-stage renal disease, increased cardiovascular risk, uremic toxicity, and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of probiotics on malnutrition and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). A total of 116 patients undergoing PD were randomly divided into an intervention group (n=58) and a control group (n=58). The intervention group received a daily dose of probiotics (1×109CFU/day, i.e., 2 capsules, tid) for 2months, while the control group did not receive probiotics during the same period. Biochemical indicators, physical measurements, and scores on the SF-36 were measured before and 2months after the intervention. A total of 98 patients completed the study (50 in the intervention group and 48 in the control group). Among patients receiving probiotics, the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 decreased after 2months of treatment, while the serum albumin levels, upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness increased significantly. The probiotic group had higher scores on the physical functioning and social functioning domains than the control group after 2months. Probiotics could significantly decrease the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 and increase the serum albumin levels, upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness in patients undergoing PD. As a result, malnutrition and health-related quality of life partially improved after probiotic supplementation in patients undergoing PD.

Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy and Anthropometric Parameters in the Offspring at 10 Years: A Community-Based Retrospective Cohort Study in Sri Lanka.

Background Studies of developmental origins of health and disease have highlighted the possible role of intrauterine hyperglycaemia, increasing the future risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in the offspring. There is limited evidence from South Asian populations for risk estimates for childhood obesity that are attributable to maternal diabetes in utero. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the association between hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) and anthropometric parameters in the offspring at 10-11 years of age. Methods A community-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. In the first stage, children born in 2005 were identified, and the availability of antenatal records was assessed. In the second stage, the exposure status of participants was ascertained based on antenatal records and predefined criteria. In the third stage, height, weight, waist circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT) of eligible participants were measured to ascertain the outcome status. Background characteristics were collected by interviewing mothers. A 24-hour dietary recall and a 3-day diet diary were recorded. Results 159 children of mothers with HIP (exposed) and 253 children of mothers with no HIP (nonexposed) participated. Mean ages (SD) of exposed and unexposed groups were 10.9 (0.3) and 10.8 (0.3) years, respectively. The median BMI (17.6 vs 16.1, p < 0.001), waist circumference (63 cm vs 59.3 cm, p < 0.001), and triceps skinfold thickness (13.7 mm vs 11.2 mm, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the exposed group. Offspring of women with HIP were more likely to be overweight (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.4–4.9) and have abdominal obesity (aOR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.5) and high TSFT (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.06–4.7) at 10-11 years than children who were not exposed after adjusting for maternal BMI, maternal age at delivery, and birth order. Conclusions Intrauterine exposure to HIP is a significant determinant of overweight, high TSFT, and abdominal obesity in the offspring.

The Pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment Classifies More Children With Cerebral Palsy as Malnourished Compared With Anthropometry

BackgroundNutrition assessment is multidimensional; however, much of the literature examining the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) focuses on a single dimension. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate nutritional status in children and adolescents with CP by comparing results from the Pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment (SGNA) with results from traditional anthropometric measures. DesignThis study was a cross-sectional observational study. Participants/settingThis study was conducted in a tertiary hospital outpatient setting in Brisbane, Australia, from February 2017 to March 2018. A total of 89 children (63 boys) with CP aged between 2 and 18 years of age were included. All Gross Motor Function Classification System levels were observed. The majority of children were in Gross Motor Function Classification System I and II (57, 64%) compared with Gross Motor Function Classification System III to V (32, 36%). Children with feeding tubes and those acutely unwell or hospitalized were excluded. Main outcome measuresChildren were classified as well nourished, moderately malnourished, or severely malnourished by dietitians using the SGNA. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness, subscapular skinfold thickness, and mid upper arm circumference were measured and converted to z scores to account for age and sex differences. Moderate malnutrition was defined by z scores −2.00 to −2.99 and severe malnutrition as ≤−3.00 z scores. Statistical analysis performedMultinomial logistic analyses were used to compare results from the SGNA and each single measurement. Continuous outcomes were transformed into z scores. Agreement was assessed with 2 categories: not malnourished and malnourished. Comparison statistics included percent agreement, sensitivity, and specificity. ResultsMore children were classified as moderately or severely malnourished by SGNA than any of the anthropometric z score cutoffs. The majority of children were well nourished (n = 63) with 20 (22%) moderately malnourished and 6 (7%) severely malnourished by SGNA. The SGNA classified 11 children as malnourished that were not classified as malnourished by BMI. Children with moderate or severe malnutrition by SGNA had lower weight (P < .001, P < .001), BMI (P < .001, P < .001), mid upper arm circumference (P < .001, P < .001), triceps skinfold thickness (P = .01, P = .007), and subscapular skinfold thickness (P = .005, P = .02) z scores than well-nourished children. ConclusionThe SGNA identified more potentially malnourished children including children classified as well nourished by the single measurements such as BMI, height, and weight. The SGNA provided a clinically useful multidimensional approach to nutrition assessment for children with CP.

Anthropometric Measurements and Frailty in Patients with Liver Diseases.

There have been scarce data regarding the relationship between frailty and anthropometry measurements (AMs) in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs). We aimed to elucidate the influence of AMs on frailty in CLDs (median age = 66 years, 183 men and 192 women). AMs included arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, calf circumference (CC), waist circumference, and body mass index. Frailty assessment was done by using five phenotypes (body weight loss, exhaustion, decreased muscle strength, slow walking speed, and low physical activity). Robust (frailty point 0), prefrail (frailty point 1 or 2), and frailty (frailty point 3 or more) were observed in 63 (34.4%), 98 (53.6%), and 22 (12.0%) of males, respectively, and 63 (32.8%), 101 (52.6%), and 28 (14.6%) of females, respectively. In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses for the presence of frailty, CC had the highest area under the ROC (AUC) both in male (AUC = 0.693, cutoff point = 33.7 cm) and female (AUC = 0.734, cutoff point = 33.4 cm) participants. In the multivariate analysis associated with frailty, for the male participants, only the presence of liver cirrhosis (p = 0.0433) was identified to be significant, while among the female participants, serum albumin (p = 0.0444) and CC (p = 0.0010) were identified to be significant. In conclusion, CC can be helpful for predicting frailty, especially in female CLD patients.

Trekking and toddlers: Towards a biocultural analysis of growth among infants and young children in a rural region of the Himalayas.

Rapid socioeconomic change, associated with development and a growing tourism industry is occurring across the Himalayas. The health impact of this rapid economic development is poorly understood, especially for infants and young children. This study investigated the associations between village level economic differences as indexed by economic development and tourism engagement on infant and young child growth and health in a population of ethnic Tibetans living in the western Himalayas of Nepal. One hundred and fifty nine infants and young children (ages 1-24 months) were enrolled. Anthropometric data (height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness) were collected at a single time point. Village level measurements of tourism and market engagement were incorporated into a scale measuring tourism, healthcare, trail access, agriculture, and involvement in medicinal trade. Village level disease patterns were calculated from morbidity and mortality recalls collected since 2003. There were no significant associations between infant weight for age z-score (WAZ), length for age z-score (LAZ), or weight-for-length for age z-score (WLZ) and village altitude, village economic development score, or engagement in tourism. Males had significantly higher LAZ, WAZ, and WLZ compared to females; only females showed a decline in LAZ with age. Triceps skinfold thickness z-score (ZTSF) was inversely associated with village level economic development score in male but not female infants; females ZTSF was positively associated with IYC age. While overall size for age indices (WAZ, LAZ, WLZ) were not associated with altitude or village economic development in this population, ZTSF was inversely associated with village economic development in males but not females.

Body composition changes in patients with head and neck cancer under active treatment: a scoping review.

Head and neck cancer patients have the second highest malnutrition prevalence, when compared with other oncological patients. They experience significant weight loss before diagnosis, during and after treatment, and even during the first year of follow-up. However, the prognostic value of weight loss depends on body mass index, and this may be associated with low skeletal muscle mass, masking its loss. Thus, weight loss itself poorly predicts outcome in head and neck cancer patients when compared with depleted skeletal muscle mass, illustrating the inadequacy of body mass index as an accurate method to reflect nutritional status. A synthesis is needed of the body composition changes occurring in head and neck cancer patients during treatment, as well as of the methods to assess it. The aim of this scoping review is to examine and map the body composition changes in head and neck cancer patients under oncological treatment with curative intent. A further objective is to determine which methods are used to assess body composition in these patients. Types of participants: The current review considered head and neck cancer patients, aged 18years or older. This scoping review considered all studies that focused on the body composition changes. This scoping review considered the studies that evaluated the body composition changes in the context of treatment with curative intent. Surgical treatment approach was excluded to avoid excess heterogeneity in the data. Types of sources: This scoping review considered only published studies, with abstract available. A three-step search strategy was undertaken. This review was limited to studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese during 2000-2019. The data extracted included author(s)/year of publication, aims and purpose of the study, sample size, study design, type of treatment, measurement points and component(s) of body composition evaluated, body composition assessment methods, and main results/findings. Head and neck cancer patients suffer from serious loss of lean body mass, skeletal muscle, or free fat mass, after treatment compared with baseline. Further, nutritional deterioration is evident and occurs up to 8-12months after treatment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is one of the body composition assessment tools that has the great advantage for being available on a regular basis for assessment of body composition in head and neck cancer patients. However, it cannot be recommended for clinical decision making until further validation. Head and neck cancer patients experience a significant depletion of lean body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle, accompanied by body fat mass, while undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy. This can be demonstrated either by triceps skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or computed tomography. This loss has a remarkable impact on their survival, on their quality of life, and on the risk for post-operative complications and may result in a reduced response to cancer treatment. Thus, body composition assessment should become an integral component of the care of head and neck cancer patients, beyond weight and body mass index, and should be carried out at different times throughout treatment.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of ADIPOQ gene associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors in European adolescents: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible of 31% of all deaths worldwide. Genetic predisposition to CVDs in adolescents remains largely unknown. Aims of present research are to examine the association of ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms with cardiovascular disease risk factors in European adolescents. A total of 14 polymorphisms in the ADIPOQ gene were genotyped in 1057 European adolescents (12-18 years old) from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study. We measured serum lipids and a CVD risk score, along with weight, height, triceps, and subscapular skinfold thickness, leptin, insulin and other markers of glucose regulation. The rs822393, rs822395 and rs7649121 polymorphisms of ADIPOQ gene were significantly associated with several CVD risk factors [i.e. high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, SBP and CVD risk score] in European adolescents. We also found an association of the TGAAGT ADIPOQ haplotype (rs822393, rs16861210, rs822395, rs822396, rs12495941 and rs7649121) with HDL-C and ApoA1 levels. Several individual polymorphisms (rs822393, rs822395 and rs7649121) and a haplotype of ADIPOQ gene were significantly associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors in European adolescents.

Association between lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease risk factors in European adolescents: The Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study.

To examine the association of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) polymorphisms with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in European adolescents, along with the influence of physical activity on these associations. A total of 13 LPL polymorphisms were genotyped in 1.057 European adolescents (12-18 years old) from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study. Serum lipids, glucose, insulin, and leptin (LEP) levels were measured and a CVD risk score was computed. We also measured body weight and height, waist and hip circumferences, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness. Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry for 7 days. The rs1534649, rs258, rs320, and rs328 polymorphisms were associated with several CVD risk factors (ie, body mass index, triglycerides [TG], LEP, and cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL]/HDL, TG/HDL ratios). TG and TG/HDL were associated with haplotype blocks 3 (rs282, rs285 polymorphisms) and 4 (rs3126, rs320, rs328, rs10099160 polymorphisms), being the latter also associated with the CVD risk score. Physical activity modulated the association of adiposity with rs1534649 and rs258 polymorphisms. Polymorphisms rs1534649, rs258, rs320 and rs328, and two haplotypes of LPL were significantly associated with CVD risk factors in European adolescents. Higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity may attenuate the effects of rs1534649 and rs258 polymorphisms on adiposity.

Functional Dentition and 12-Month Changes in Body Measurements among Thai Older Adults.

This study evaluated the association of functional dentition with 12-month changes in body measurements and nutrient intake among older adults. Data from 651 community dwellers, aged 60 years and over, in Phetchaburi, Thailand, were analysed (retention rate: 83%). Data were collected via interviews (including a semi-structured food frequency questionnaire), anthropometric measurements and dental examinations. Associations were tested in linear regression models adjusted for baseline sociodemographic factors, behaviours, chronic conditions and medications. On average, participants experienced a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) and significant decreases in waist circumference (WC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF). A negative, albeit not significant, association between functional dentition and change in BMI was observed after adjusting for confounders. Whilst participants who had non-functional dentition without dentures experienced increases in BMI (predicted mean change: 0.25; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.09, 0.41), those who had non-functional dentition with dentures (0.21; 95%CI: −0.08, 0.50) and functional dentition (−0.07; 95%CI: −0.42, 0.28) remained stable. No similar trends were noted for WC or TSF. Functional dentition was not associated with changes in nutrient intake either. The findings provide little evidence on the association of functional dentition with short-term changes in nutrient intake or nutritional status.

Thyroid hormone levels are associated with metabolic components: a cross-sectional study

AimTo analyze the association of thyroid function and hormone levels with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components.MethodsThis cross-sectional population-based study involved 2183 Croatian individuals with no history of thyroid disease, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. MetS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.ResultsWe found no association between thyroid function groups and the prevalence of MetS and its components. Clinically hypothyroid participants showed significantly higher triceps skinfold measurements than subclinically hypothyroid and euthyroid participants. Furthermore, clinically hypothyroid participants had higher abdominal skinfold thickness than subclinically hypothyroid participants. Otherwise, suprailiac and abdominal skinfold measurements were higher in the subclinically and clinically hyperthyroid group of participants compared with euthyroid and subclinically hypothyroid participants. A strong positive association of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and strong negative association of free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels with HOMA-IR and cholesterol levels were found. Furthermore, the fT4 level also showed a strong negative association with HDL and triceps skinfold thickness.ConclusionsThis study supports the standing that TSH, fT3, and fT4 levels are important variables to determine the association of thyroid function with MetS.