Subcutaneous Tissue Research Articles

Biotoxicity Evaluation of Biodegradable Polymeric Particles: Exploring the Possible Adverse Impacts on Biological Systems

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the impact of plastic particles on cell viability and tissue toxicity. The cells were subjected to incubation with plastic particles immobilized in agar gels, resulting in minimal cell death and cytotoxicity. Furthermore, direct exposure of various cell types to suspended plastic particles showed negligible effects on cell viability, with no observed lysis or growth inhibition. Staining techniques revealed minimal plastic particle‐induced cell death, with the majority of cells remaining viable. However, histological evaluations of mouse tissues demonstrated that the nondegradable low‐density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) groups exhibited severe irritation, characterized by an excessive presence of macrophages, neutrophils, fibrosis, fat infiltration, and increased blood vessel formation in subcutaneous tissue. In contrast, biodegradable neat poly(butylene succinate) (KRICT‐PBS) and cellulose nanocrystals/PBS nanocomposite (CNC‐PBS) groups induced minimal toxicity. Interestingly, the intravenous injection of KRICT‐PBS and CNC‐PBS degradate solutions in mice exhibited mild toxicity, suggesting no significant damage to normal kidney and liver function.

Non-palpable contraceptive implants localization: review of imaging techniques and algorithm proposal.

Contraceptive arm implants provide long-acting contraception through a subdermal rod. The device is intended to be placed on the medial side of the non-dominant upper arm. There are two main types of implants: etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing devices, such as Implanon NXT®/Nexplanon®, and levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing devices, including Sino-implant II® and Jadelle®. Since the rods are not biodegradable, the implants must be removed after the device's licensed duration. When the implant is palpable and located in subcutaneous tissue, it can be removed with a small skin incision, without the need for imaging. If the implant is not palpable, imaging techniques must be used for precise localization. Ultrasound (US) is the first-line imaging modality for non-palpable implants, allowing quick and accurate localization in the vast majority of cases. The patient can usually indicate the implant insertion site, which speeds up the localization process. If the implant cannot be located using US, other imaging techniques should be used. X-ray can also be useful for a quick localization assessment of radiopaque implants. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is valuable for locating deep or migrated implants, especially if the device has not been locatable through US or X-ray. In case of suspected pulmonary migration, a thoracic computed tomography (CT) should be performed for arterial implant detection. In this article, we review the imaging techniques used for implant localization. We also present an algorithm that recommends a sequential approach to implant localization, integrating imaging modalities based on implant characteristics and patient presentation.

Ethnic differences in the relationship between ectopic fat deposition and insulin sensitivity in Black African and White European men across a spectrum of glucose tolerance.

To examine the hypothesis that there would be ethnic differences in the relationship between ectopic fat and tissue-specific insulin resistance (IR) across a spectrum of glucose tolerance in Black African (BA) and White European (WE) men. Fifty-three WE men (23/10/20 normal glucose tolerance [NGT]/impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]/type 2 diabetes [T2D]) and 48 BA men (20/10/18, respectively) underwent a two-step hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp with infusion of D-[6,6-2H2]-glucose and [2H5]-glycerol to assess hepatic, peripheral and adipose tissue IR. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intrahepatic lipid (IHL). Associations between ectopic fat and IR were assessed using linear regression models. There were no differences in tissue-specific IR between ethnic groups at any stage of glucose tolerance. VAT level was consistently lower in the BA population; NGT (p = 0.013), IGT (p = 0.006) and T2D (p = 0.015). IHL was also lower in the BA compared with the WE men (p = 0.013). VAT and IHL levels were significantly associated with hepatic IR in the BA population (p = 0.001) and with peripheral IR in the WE population (p = 0.027). The present study suggests that BA and WE men exhibit the same degree of IR across a glucose tolerance continuum, but with lower VAT and IHL levels in the BA population, suggesting that IR may be driven by a mechanism other than increased ectopic fat accumulation in BA men.

An abdominal obesity missense variant in the adipocyte thermogenesis gene TBX15 is implicated in adaptation to cold in Finns.

Mechanisms of abdominal obesity GWAS variants have remained largely unknown. To elucidate these mechanisms, we leveraged subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) single nucleus RNA-sequencing and genomics data. After discovering that heritability of abdominal obesity is enriched in adipocytes, we focused on a SAT unique adipocyte marker gene, the transcription factor TBX15, and its abdominal obesity-associated deleterious missense variant, rs10494217. The allele frequency of rs10494217 revealed a north-to-south decreasing gradient, with consistent significant FST values observed for 25 different populations when compared to Finns, a population with a history of genetic isolation. Given the role of Tbx15 in mouse thermogenesis, the frequency may have increased as an adaptation to cold in Finns. Our selection analysis provided significant evidence of selection for the abdominal obesity risk allele T of rs10494217 in Finns, with a north-to-south decreasing trend in other populations, and demonstrated that latitude significantly predicts the allele frequency. We also discovered that the risk allele status significantly affects SAT adipocyte expression of multiple adipocyte marker genes in trans in two cohorts. Two of these trans genes have been connected to thermogenesis, supporting the thermogenic effect of the TBX15 missense variant as a possible cause of its selection. Adipose expression of one trans gene, a lncRNA, AC002066.1, was strongly associated withadipocyte size, implicating it in metabolically unhealthy adipocyte hypertrophy. In summary, the abdominal obesity variant rs10494217 was selected in Finns, and individuals with the risk allele have trans effects on adipocyte expression of genes relating to thermogenesis and adipocyte hypertrophy.

Perioperative body composition changes and their clinical implications in patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate perioperative body composition changes and their clinical implications in patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery. MethodsPatient data are prospectively collected. Computed tomography scans were conducted within 30 days preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day to assess skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Changes in these parameters between the 2 scans were quantified. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing body composition loss and clinical outcomes. ResultsA total of 335 patients were included, showing varying degrees of decline in SMI, SMD, and SAT during the perioperative period. Multivariate analysis identified age ≥65 and low handgrip strength as independent risk factors for excessive SMI loss, whereas laparoscopic surgery served as a protective factor. For excessive SMD loss, independent risk factors included preoperative low SMD, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 score ≥3, and hypoalbuminemia. Moreover, age ≥65 was identified as an independent risk factor for excessive SAT loss, whereas laparoscopic surgery remained protective. Excessive SMI and SMD loss are correlated with increased postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stays, and higher costs. Both excessive losses in SMI and SMD are independently associated with the incidence of postoperative complications. Further analysis revealed that excessive SMD loss (odds ratio, 3.164; 95% CI, 1.214–8.243) independently contributed to readmission risk. ConclusionExcessive SMI and SMD loss are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. It is essential to address and improve preoperative modifiable risk factors to reduce perioperative muscle loss and enhance prognosis.

Human peripancreatic adipose tissue paracrine signaling impacts insulin secretion, blood flow, and gene transcription.

Adipose tissue accumulation around non-adipose tissues is associated with obesity and metabolic disease. One relatively unstudied depot is peripancreatic adipose tissue (PAT) that accumulates in obesity and insulin resistance and may impact beta cell function. Pancreatic lipid accumulation and PAT content are negatively related to metabolic outcomes in humans, but these studies are limited by the inability to pursue mechanisms. We obtained PAT from human donors through the Human Pancreas Analysis Program to evaluate differences in paracrine signaling compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), as well as effects of the PAT secretome on aortic vasodilation, human islet insulin secretion, and gene transcription using RNAseq. PAT had greater secretion of IFN-γ and most inflammatory eicosanoids compared to SAT. Secretion of adipokines negatively related to metabolic health were also increased in PAT compared to SAT. We found no overall effects of PAT compared to SAT on human islet insulin secretion, however, insulin secretion was suppressed after PAT exposure from men compared to women. Vasodilation was significantly dampened by PAT conditioned media, an effect explained almost completely by PAT from men and not women. Islets treated with PAT showed selective changes in lipid metabolism pathways while SAT altered cellular signaling and growth. RNAseq analysis showed changes in islet gene transcription impacted by PAT compared to SAT, with the biggest changes found between PAT based on sex. The PAT secretome is metabolically negative compared to SAT, and impacts islet insulin secretion, blood flow, and gene transcription in a sex dependent manner.

Long-term effects of metformin on fat depots and insulin-glucose parameters in patients with prediabetes and chronic heart failure

Introduction. Chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (CHpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome with a variety of pathophysiological factors, including obesity and impaired carbohydrate metabolism associated with an increase in visceral adipose tissue. Due to the positive effect of metformin on weight loss, in recent years special attention has been paid to its effect on fat depots.Aim. To study the effects of metformin XR after 12 months of administration on various fat depots and glucose metabolism parameters in patients with CHpEF, prediabetes and abdominal obesity (AO).Materials and methods. A single-center open-label randomized prospective controlled trial included 64 people (50% men, median age 58 [55.25; 59.75] years) with CHpEF, prediabetes and AO. All patients (groups A and B) received optimal CHpEF therapy. In group A (n = 32), metformin XR 1000–1500 mg/day was additionally prescribed. All patients underwent general clinical examination, calculation of insulin resistance indices, ultrasound lipometry with determination of the size of epicardial, preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat, in addition, the thickness of epicardial fat was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart.Results. In group A, after 12 months of the study, fasting plasma glucose levels decreased from baseline by 7.7% (p < 0.0001), glycated hemoglobin by 3.3% (p = 0.008), fasting insulin by 20% (p = 0.004) and HOMA-IR and FIRI indices by 25.3% (p = 0.001). In the control group, on the contrary, the values of glycated hemoglobin increased by 3.4% (p = 0.021), fasting insulin by 45% (p = 0.031), HOMA-IR and FIRI by 52.4% (p = 0.020). In group A, the thickness of epicardial fat decreased by 6.1% (p = 0.020) according to ultrasound and MRI lipometry by 16.7% (p = 0.029), preperitoneal fat by 3.0% (p = 0.009), subcutaneous fat by 11.2% (p = 0.001).Conclusion. Metformin XR therapy for 12 months in patients with prediabetes, CHpEF and AO against the background of optimal basic CHpEF therapy had a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism (decrease in fasting plasma glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance indices HOMA-IR, FIRI) and on subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue depots: epicardial and preperitoneal.

Giant mesenteric lipoma in a pre-school child: a case report

Abstract Lipomas are common benign tumors, typically affecting subcutaneous tissues in the head, neck, trunk, and upper limbs, particularly in individuals over 40 years old. However, visceral involvement, such as mesenteric lipomas, is exceedingly rare, with fewer than 50 pediatric cases reported in the English literature. Mesenteric lipomas are generally asymptomatic but may present with non-specific symptoms like abdominal distension or signs of partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Imaging modalities such as abdominal ultrasound and CT scan often reveal a well-differentiated fatty tumor, but histological confirmation is essential for diagnosis and management. We present a case of a 3-year-old female who experienced progressive abdominal distension over the course of a year. Imaging identified a large lipomatous tumor, which was surgically excised. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mesenteric lipoma.

The Effect of Leg Dominance in Patients on Perforator-Based Flaps Elevated From the Lower Extremities.

The lower extremities are the largest donor sites in the body for perforator flap reconstruction. Multislice row computed tomography angiography allows for a multiplanar assessment of perforators using a large number of three-dimensional images with high resolution. In this study, the effect of leg dominance on perforator flap donor site preference was investigated radiologically to increase preoperative perforator mapping precision and surgical success. The study included 40 patients. Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap, inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap, medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap, peroneal artery perforator (PP) flap, and posterior tibial artery perforator (PTAP) flap were analyzed according to their number of perforators (> 0.8-mm perforators counted, number of larger perforators [nLP]), dominant perforator diameter (DPD), related muscle thickness (RMT), and related subcutaneous tissue thickness (RSTT) in each leg. Of these 40 patients, 35 (87.5%) were right-leg dominant and 5 (12.5%) were left-leg dominant. The dominant leg had higher DPD for MSAP, PTAP, and PP than the nondominant leg (p = 0.08, p = 0.06, and p = 0.06, respectively). The dominant leg had a significantly higher nLP (> 0.8 mm) in MSAP, PTAP, and PP flaps than the nondominant leg (p < 0.05). Except for the PAP flap (adductor magnus muscle; p > 0.05), RMT of all other perforator flaps (SGAP, IGAP, ALT, MSAP, PTAP, and PP) was statistically higher in the dominant leg (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in RSTT between any of the two groups (p > 0.05). According to findings, the dominant leg could be considered a donor site preference to improve surgical outcomes and reduce microsurgical complications due to an increased nLP, perforator diameter, and RMT.

Experience with Lipofilling in Children with Localized Scleroderma: Case Study

Background. Localized scleroderma (LS) is an inflammatory sclerosing disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by progressive lesion of connective tissue leading to sclerosis and/or atrophy of the skin and underlying tissues. The LS prevalence is 27 cases per 1 million per year, and 3.4 cases occur in children. Clinical case description. This article presents two clinical cases of LS in children under the age of 12 years. Contour plastic surgery with adipose tissue (lipofilling) was performed in both cases. It was possible to achieve volume correction via lipoaspirate, to increase derma and subcutaneous fat thickness in sclerosis focus, to reduce skin tightness, and to improve microcirculation during the treatment. Conclusion. Surgical management of children with lipofilling allows to eliminate gross facial defects, to increase the subcutaneous fat layer in sclerosis foci. Moreover, these patients report an improvement in psycho-emotional state after autotransplantation of adipose tissue.

Cutis Verticis Gyrata Differential Diagnosis: Clinical Case

Background. Cutis verticis gyrata is rare benign scalp disorder characterized by excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue proliferation and hypertrophy. Nowadays, there are three forms of this disease with various developmental mechanisms and associated manifestations. Clinical case description. This article presents the patient admitted with diagnosis and clinical picture of pachydermia, who underwent surgical excision of scalp abnormal tissues. However, the diagnosis of giant congenital melanocytic nevus was established according to the results of clinical examination. Later it was confirmed by histological and immunohistological studies. Moreover, pathogenic variants in the NRAS gene were not revealed. Conclusion. This case demonstrates the complexity of differential diagnosis of pachydermia that leads to careful examination of patients with morphogenetic studies of affected tissues samples.

Evaluation of Thiol Disulfide, Ischemia Modified Albumin, and Prolidase Parameters in Patients With Localized Scleroderma

Introduction: Localized scleroderma is a rare inflammatory skin disease that causes sclerosis in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Oxidative stress may play a role in the etiology or be responsible for the chronicity or progression of the disease. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the presence of oxidative stress in patients with localized scleroderma by examining thiol disulfide balance, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and prolidase parameters. Methods: Twenty patients over the age of 18, who were diagnosed with localized scleroderma both clinically and histopathologically and 20 control subjects were included in the study. Age, gender, age of disease onset, duration of the disease, and presence of accompanying systemic diseases were questioned and recorded. Lesion type and modified Rodnan and Lossi scores were calculated through dermatological examination. CRP, sedimentation rate, total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide levels indicated by the Erel profile, IMA level, and prolidase levels were measured and compared in both the patient and control groups. Results: Levels of native thiol (p=0.958), total thiol (p=0.979), disulfide (p=0.449), (disulfide/native thiol%) (p=0.368), (disulfide/total thiol%) (p=0.361), (native thiol/total thiol%) (p=0.368), and prolidase (p=0.121) were similar in both patient and control groups. Only IMA was significantly different. No significant relationship was found between the levels of native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, (disulfide/native thiol), (disulfide/total thiol), IMA, prolidase, and Rodnan and Lossi scores. Conclusion: According to the data obtained from this study, we can say that the thiol-disulfide balance is not disrupted and prolidase levels are not affected in localized scleroderma; however, IMA is negatively affected.

Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Avid Lesions.

We report the case of a 62-year-old man with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with subcutaneous involvement being treated with 177Lu-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Before treatment, he was diagnosed with 2 subcutaneous nodules in the chest wall and soft tissue edema in the pubic and inguinal regions showing PSMA avidity. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry assessment confirmed cutaneous metastases from prostate cancer. He received 3 cycles of 177Lu-PSMA, resulting in a decline in PSA levels and resolution of symptoms. This case underscores the challenging diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis from prostate cancer, especially in atypical presentations. We also reviewed all causes of PSMA-avid lesions in the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Assessment of Microcirculatory Dysfunction by Measuring Subcutaneous Tissue Oxygen Saturation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients with Circulatory Failure.

Patients with circulatory failure have high mortality rates and require prompt assessment of microcirculation. Despite the improvement in hemodynamic parameters, microcirculatory dysfunction persists. We measured subcutaneous regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which can assess microcirculation in patients with circulatory failure. A finger-worn oximeter with NIRS measured rSO2 in the forehead, thenar eminence, thumb, and knees. First, the rSO2 was measured in healthy adult volunteers (n = 10). Circulatory failure was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg and lactate ≥ 2 mmol/L. The study included 35 patients without circulatory failure and SOFA score of 0 at ICU admission and 38 patients with circulatory failure at ICU admission. Both groups included a single-center prospective study of patients who were transported to the ICU of the Nihon University Hospital. The rSO2 was measured only on ICU admission in the non-circulatory failure group and later in the circulatory failure group. In the volunteer group, rSO2 at each site was approximately 58%. The rSO2 was significantly lower in the circulatory failure group than in the non-circulatory failure group (knee, p < 0.01). In the circulatory failure group, knee rSO2 showed a significant negative correlation with SOFA score (Day 0, ρ = -0.37, p = 0.02; Day 1, ρ = -0.53, p < 0.01; Day 2, ρ = -0.60, p < 0.01). Subcutaneous knee rSO2 was associated with SOFA score and was considered an indicator of microcirculatory dysfunction and organ damage.

A case report of bilateral psoas abscess with co-existing gluteal abscess in Pott`s disease of the spine in a middle-aged woman in a Specialist Hospital

Psoas abscess (PA) is the buildup of suppurative fluid in the fascia surrounding the psoas/iliopsosas muscle, is a rare condition, with diagnostic difficulty. Pott`s disease also called spinal tuberculosis occurs due to extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Backpain, fever, weight loss, lump in the groin and limping are its main symptoms. Curable by administering antitubercular therapy and sensitive antimicrobials with analgesics for indicative relief. Surgical procedures can be carried out to eliminate the accrued fluid based on the inter individual degree of presentation. In this case report, we report a rare case of bilateral psoas abscess with co-existing gluteal abscess and Potts’s disease. A 48-year old female presented with complaints of backpain, limping, lump in the flank/buttock and fever of two weeks. Abdominopelvic computed tomography scan showed massive right iliopsoas muscle collection with extension into the ipsilateral gluteal region and subcutaneous tissue. Similar collection was seen in the left psoas muscle superiorly. The bone window of the lumbosacral spine showed the anterior wedged collapse of the vertebral bodies with gibbus deformity. The patient had spontaneous rupture of the gluteal collection and surgical drainage of the right iliopsoas and left psoas collection was done. Anti-Kochs therapy was commenced and patient is currently doing great. The introduction of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has greatly improved the diagnosis of psoas abscess with Pott`s disease or in its isolated forms.

Metastatic glioblastoma multiforme on skin and subcutaneous tissue

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by its infiltrative growth pattern and high recurrence rate despite treatment. While local progression within the central nervous system (CNS) is the rule, manifestations outside the CNS, particularly skin and subcutaneous metastases, are very infrequent and seldom reported in the literature. The authors reviewed the current understanding of this rare condition, with the main purpose of giving visibility to its clinical presentation and prognostic implications, thus improving clinical management and encouraging research in this area. A PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE search from database inception through March 2024 was conducted. In this way, we compiled a total of thirty-five cases in our review. As far as we know, our work gathers the largest number of patients with this condition. Remarkably, we observed that the typical presentation of soft-tissue high-grade glioma metastases is the finding of subcutaneous erythematous nodules in patients previously operated on for a primary CNS tumor, within the craniotomy site and nearby, mostly in the first year after the initial surgery. It was also noted that there is a trend of developing a concomitant CNS recurrence and/or other metastases in different locations, either simultaneously or subsequently. From here, we propose some possible mechanisms that explain the extracranial spread of GBM. We concluded that a poor outcome is expected from the diagnosis of skin and subcutaneous metastases: the mean overall survival was 4.38 months. Yet, assessing individual characteristics is always mandatory; a palliative approach seems to be the best option for the majority of cases.

Minilaparotomy choledocholithotomy in patients with metabolic syndrome

Aim. To evaluate the outcomes of mini-laparotomy choledocholithotomy in patients with choledocholithiasis and metabolic syndrome using “Mini-Assistant” instruments.Materials and Methods. This study is based on the outcomes of surgical interventions performed on 54 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis accompanied by metabolic syndrome, conducted between 2009 and 2022. A minimally invasive laparoscopic approach was utilized, employing “Mini-Assistant” instruments. Preoperative assessments included laboratory tests, ultrasound examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, respiratory function testing, chest radiography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The miniaccess operation was performed using a transrectal incision, 6-7 cm in length. The technical steps of the operation were similar to traditional cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy.Results. The average duration of the procedure was 68 ± 9.3 minutes. The patients’ condition before and after surgery was satisfactory, with stable hemodynamics. No hypertensive crises or tachycardia were observed. No mortality was reported. Postoperative complications were observed in three patients, including accumulation of serous fluid in the subcutaneous tissue (2 cases) and postoperative pancreatitis (1 case). The average length of hospital stay after choledocholithotomy via mini-access was 6 ± 1.6 days.Conclusion. Mini-laparotomy choledocholithotomy using the “Mini-Assistant” instrument set allows for avoiding conventional, more invasive techniques, facilitating effective surgical intervention even in cases where laparoscopic procedures are not feasible.

Non-invasive system delivering microwaves energy for localized adiposity reduction, skin laxity, and cellulite: Clinical evidence

Localized adiposities are the accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue resulting in an alteration of the body silhouette. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a non-invasive microwaves (MWs) device for the treatment of localized adiposities of the thighs and abdomen. Sixteen women enrolled underwent four sessions with the study device at intervals of 30 days. Clinical evaluation, anthropometric evaluation, ultrasound evaluations, and 3D photographs were performed. Cellulite and skin laxity were evaluated. Patients filled 4-points Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and 10-points Visual Analog Scale. The mean abdominal circumference significantly (P &lt;0.05) decreased 4 weeks after the last treatment, and the mean culotte/thighs circumference significantly (P &lt; 0.05) decreased 4 weeks after the last treatment. Both cellulite and skin laxity were improved. The GAIS scores showed satisfactory results. No adverse effects were observed. This MWs system has been found to be safe and effective in the reduction of body circumferences.

Mid-upper arm circumference as a screening tool for identifying physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults: The Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study.

Frailty in older adults is influenced by various factors, such as poor nutritional status. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a validated, simple, and non-invasive tool for assessing nutritional status. Despite its potential, no study has explored the association between MUAC and physical frailty in older adults. This study aims to investigate this association and assess whether MUAC can be used as a screening tool in community and primary clinical practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1178 participants aged 71.8 to 86.7 years from the 2019 Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS). Physical frailty was defined using the Fried frailty phenotype criteria. MUAC was measured as the average circumference of both upper arms without compressing the subcutaneous tissue. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for physical frailty, stratified by sex, were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustments. MUAC was lower in physically frail men compared with non-frail men (28.0 ± 2.9 vs. 29.4 ± 2.6 cm, P < 0.001). MUAC was negatively correlated with the Frailty Index (r = -0.155, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that MUAC was an independent factor for physical frailty in men (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.973-1.000, P = 0.049). The optimal MUAC cutoff for identifying physical frailty in men was 28.2 cm (sensitivity 60.7%, specificity 71.4%, AUC 0.672, 95% CI 0.595-0.749, P < 0.001). No significant results were found for women. Low MUAC is significantly associated with physical frailty in older men, suggesting the potential for MUAC to be utilized as a screening tool for physical frailty in community and primary clinical settings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Metabolomic reprogramming of subcutaneous adipose tissue aggravates atherosclerosis via impaired adipocyte-macrophage crosstalk

Abstract Object: The bidirectional relationship between cardiometabolic syndrome and dysfunctional adipose tissue has received increasing attention. However, the metabolic alteration of subcutaneous adipose tissue during atherosclerosis has been overlooked. Methods In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between subcutaneous adipose tissue and atherosclerosis based on a combination strategy of single-cell sequencing and metabolomics in atherosclerotic mice and humans. Result Through our analysis of the clinical cohort with atherosclerosis, we discovered a correlation between the volume of subcutaneous adipose tissue and the characteristics of coronary plaques. Furthermore, by employing the snRNA-seq approach, we identified the metabolic landscape and cellular crosstalk within the subcutaneous adipose tissue of atherosclerotic mice. Lastly, through our analysis of the metabolic features in human adipose tissue, we successfully validated the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 pathway as a crucial modulator in the adipocyte-macrophage crosstalk during the development of atherosclerosis. Conclusion The present study has provided further evidence that dysregulated metabolism of subcutaneous adipose tissue is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, not only in humans but also in animal models.