Fat Tissue Thickness Research Articles

The association between adipokines dysregulation and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation and obese patients, is it relevant?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting approximately 33.5 millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, the prevalence of this arrhythmia will increase within the following two decades, resulting in a higher mortality rate and a higher economic burden for public health services. Obesity, specifically central obesity, plays an essential role in developing AF by increasing pericardial fat and epicardial adipose tissue thickness, generating a chronic inflammation state where dysregulation of the serum concentration of several proinflammatory proteins occurs and indirectly promotes AF. Therefore, recent research has focused on analyzing the circulating concentration of different molecules, including pro and anti-inflammatory adipokines, and their association with AF. Herein, we review several studies addressing the association of adipokines with the onset or recurrence of AF to establish such association as a potential biomarker for the prevention or adequate treatment of this arrhythmia. We concluded that the insight into this topic is very controversial and needs further research.

New Insight for Enhanced Topical Targeting of Caffeine for Effective Cellulite Treatment: In Vitro Characterization, Permeation Studies, and Histological Evaluation in Rats

Cellulite (CLT) is one of the commonly known lipodystrophy syndromes affecting post-adolescent women worldwide. It is topographically characterized by an orange-peel, dimpled skin appearance hence, it is an unacceptable cosmetic problem. CLT can be modulated by surgical procedures such as; liposuction and mesotherapy. But, these options are invasive, expensive and risky. For these reasons, topical CLT treatments are more preferred. Caffeine (CA), is a natural alkaloid that is well-known for its prominent anti-cellulite effects. However, its hydrophilicity hinders its cutaneous permeation. Therefore, in the present study CA was loaded into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) by high shear homogenization/ultrasonication. CA-SLNs were prepared using Compritol® 888 ATO and stearic acid as solid lipids, and span 60 and brij™35, as lipid dispersion stabilizing agents. Formulation variables were adjusted to obtain entrapment efficiency (EE > 75%), particle size (PS < 350 nm), zeta potential (ZP < −25 mV) and polydispersity index (PDI < 0.5). CA-SLN-4 was selected and showed maximized EE (92.03 ± 0.16%), minimized PS (232.7 ± 1.90 nm), and optimum ZP (−25.15 ± 0.65 mV) and PDI values (0.24 ± 0.02). CA-SLN-4 showed superior CA release (99.44 ± 0.36%) compared to the rest CA-SLNs at 1 h. TEM analysis showed spherical, nanosized CA-SLN-4 vesicles. Con-LSM analysis showed successful CA-SLN-4 permeation transepidermally and via shunt diffusion. CA-SLN-4 incorporated into Noveon AA−1® hydrogel (CA-SLN-Ngel) showed accepted physical/rheological properties, and in vitro release profile. Histological studies showed that CA-SLN-Ngel significantly reduced mean subcutaneous fat tissue (SFT) thickness with 4.66 fold (p = 0.035) and 4.16 fold (p = 0.0001) compared to CA-gel, at 7th and 21st days, respectively. Also, significant mean SFT thickness reduction was observed compared to untreated group with 4.83 fold (p = 0.0005) and 3.83 fold (p = 0.0043), at 7th and 21st days, respectively. This study opened new avenue for CA skin delivery via advocating the importance of skin appendages. Hence, CA-SLN-Ngel could be a promising nanocosmeceutical gel for effective CLT treatment.Graphical

Beyond weight loss: the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome with various phenotypes, and obesity is one of the most common and clinically relevant phenotypes of HFpEF. Obesity contributes to HFpEF through multiple mechanisms, including sodium retention, neurohormonal dysregulation, altered energy substrate metabolism, expansion of visceral adipose tissue, and low-grade systemic inflammation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone in the incretin family. It is produced by specialized cells called neuroendocrine L cells located in the distal ileum and colon. GLP-1 reduces blood glucose levels by promoting glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells, suppressing glucagon release from pancreatic α cells, and blocking hepatic gluconeogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can significantly improve physical activity limitations and exercise capacity in obese patients with HFpEF. The possible cardioprotective mechanisms of GLP-1 RAs include reducing epicardial fat tissue thickness, preventing activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, improving myocardial energy metabolism, reducing systemic inflammation and cardiac oxidative stress, and delaying the progression of atherosclerosis. This review examines the impact of obesity on the underlying mechanisms of HFpEF, summarizes the trial data on cardiovascular outcomes of GLP-1 RAs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and highlights the potential cardioprotective mechanisms of GLP-1 RAs to give a pathophysiological and clinical rationale for using GLP-1 RAs in obese HFpEF patients.

Calcaneal and dorsal spur morphological and morphometric measurements; 'A radiological study'

Aim: The foot is one of the most neglected parts of our body. One of the causes of foot pain is the plantar calcaneal spur (PCS), which is the bone protrusion formed under the calcaneal bone, and the dorsal spur (DS), which is seen dorsal to the calcaneus. Our study aimed to examine PCS and DS morphologically. Materials and Methods: 235 patients with PCS were included in this retrospective study. Plantar calcaneal spur length (PCSL), plantar calcaneal spur thickness (PCST), Fowler-Philip angle (FPA), and plantar calcaneal fat tissue thickness (PCFT) with radiology in patients with the calcaneal spur, and also to classify plantar calcaneal spur (PCS) and dorsal spur (DS). Results: Bilateral PCS was found in 57.4% of the patients. DS was found in 43.5% of the patients with right PCS and 40.3% of the patients with left PCS. Large DS types were found at a higher level in males than females. Right PCFT was found to be significantly higher in patients with PCS compared to the control group (p=0.034). Conclusion: It was concluded that the majority of PCS patients had bilateral PCS, DS could be seen and there was a strong correlation between PCSL and PCST.

A Comprehensive Ultrasound Investigation of Lower Facial and Neck Structure.

The jawline and neck significantly influence facial aesthetics. Botulinum toxin and filler are highly favored as minimally invasive jawline rejuvenation procedures. However, little evidence exists on the age-related skin and superficial fat tissue transformations in healthy individuals to guide targeted interventions. A quantitative sonographic assessment was conducted on 51 patients. Total soft tissue thickness (the skin and superficial fat compartments) was measured at eight sites along the jawline and four sites at the neck. Among them, 21 patients received botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections for jawline lift. Three-dimensional images and questionaries were obtained before and after the treatment. In this ultrasound study, total superficial soft tissue thickness decreased significantly from the prejowl sulcus to the lateral cheek, with the jowl showing the greatest thickness. Vertically, significant differences in thickness were noted between superior and inferior points, especially at the inferior prejowl sulcus for the middle-aged and the jowl for the elderly group when comparing across age groups. Soft tissue thickness at the neck decreased from zones 1 to 3, consistent in all age groups. BMI and age positively correlated with soft tissue thickness at the jawline and neck. Regarding BTX-A injections, participants described a pain-free injection process, of which 85.7% reported substantial aesthetic improvement and sharpening of the submental-cervical angle. This study quantified age-related changes in superficial soft tissues at the jawline and neck regions with ultrasound imaging. With aging, soft tissue thickness alters with high region-specificity. Tailoring interventions to the specific alterations within each age group can achieve optimal results with enhanced safety. This study provided a quantitative analysis of skin and superficial fat compartment thicknesses for the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups. This study illustrated how skin and superficial fat compartments change with age in a regionally specific manner for both the jawline and neck regions. This study revealed a positive association between BMI and age with skin and superficial fat tissue thicknesses, especially in areas like the jowl, submental, and neck. This study provided guidance for a safe and effective botulinum toxin. A injection method focusing on the injection depths and regions to achieve optimal jawline rejuvenation outcomes and patient experience. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents from Kraków (Poland).

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lifestyle and dietary habits of societies worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents (aged 11-15) from Kraków during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2020 and 2022 (before and after the pandemic) involved 1662 adolescents from the Kraków population. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken. The trunk adiposity index, limbs-to-trunk fat ratio and limbs-to-total skinfold ratio were calculated. Statistical analysis employed a two-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the normality of the distribution. Higher skinfold thicknesses were observed in the majority of age groups in both sexes from the 2022 cohort in comparison with the 2020 cohort. Additionally, higher values of the trunk adiposity index and the limbs-to-total skinfold ratio in most age groups were observed. However, an inverse trend was observed in the limbs-to-trunk fat radio. The introduced restrictions such as lockdown, remote learning, reduced physical activity and changes in dietary habits could have influenced the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness amongst adolescents from Kraków.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND ABDOMINAL CIRCUMFERENCE WITH INTRAABDOMINAL ORGAN INJURY IN HIGH ENERGY BLUNT TRAUMA PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference on intra-abdominal organ injury in high energy blunt trauma patients presenting to the emergency department. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study included patients who presented to the Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Emergency Medicine Clinic between June 15, 2022, and December 31, 2022, due to high-energy blunt trauma and underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT). Patient demographics, vital signs, height, weight, BMI, mechanism of injury, abdominal injuries, injuries to other systems, abdominal circumference measurements, emergency department outcomes, and laboratory results were recorded in the data collection form. CT images were evaluated by a single radiology specialist, and abdominal circumference and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Statistical significance was assessed using the p-value, and a significance level of p

Risk factors for residual fibroglandular breast tissue following a mastectomy - an overview and retrospective cohort study

BackgroundResidual fibroglandular breast tissue (RFGT) following a mastectomy is associated with the remaining of occult breast cancer at the time of mastectomy as well as an increased local recurrence risk thereafter. Despite its oncologic implications, data on measures to prevent RFGT are lacking. Therefore, in a first step knowledge of risk factors for RFGT is of uttermost importance in order to allow identification of patients at risk and subsequently adaption of the surgical treatment and potentially prevention of RFGT a priori.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature review in PubMed using the MESH terms [residual fibroglandular breast tissue], [residual breast tissue], [mastectomy] and [risk factor] followed by a retrospective data analysis including all patients with a mastectomy treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, between 01.01.2015 and 26.02.2020 in order to identify risk factors of RFGT following a mastectomy. The primary aim of the study was to assess a potential difference in RFGT volume between the different types of mastectomy. The secondary objectives of the study were to identify other potential risk factors for RFGT as well as to compare the skin and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness pre- to postoperatively.ResultsSignificantly higher RFGT volumes were observed following a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) compared to a skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and radical mastectomy (RME) (p < .001). Furthermore, RFGT volume was significantly associated with the variables: reconstruction (p = .012), acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or mesh (p = .031), patient age (p = .022), preoperative fibroglandular tissue (FGT) volume (p = .012) and preoperative whole breast volume (including the skin envelope and nipple-areola-complex) (p = .030). The reduction in the postoperative compared to preoperative skin envelope thickness measured medially and laterally reached statistical significance in the NSM-cohort (medial p < .001, lateral p = .001) and showed a numerical difference in the RME and SSM-cohort.ConclusionMastectomy type, reconstruction, ADM or mesh, patient age, preoperative FGT volume and whole breast volume were identified as risk factors for RFGT in univariable analysis. The observed reduction in the post- compared to preoperative skin envelope thickness should be avoided considering the known associated increase in risk for ischemic complications.

Evaluation of epicardial adipose tissue in children with type 1 diabetes.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the visceral fat surrounding the heart between the myocardium and visceral pericardium, intersects with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This review aims to elucidate the intricate association between EAT and childhood T1D. In this retrospective study, two pediatric groups were involved children with type 1 diabetes, and healthy children. Epicardial fat thickness was measured appropriately, and the study documented HbA1c levels and time to diabetes diagnosis for comprehensive analysis. Encompassing 51 children with T1D and 69 healthy controls, revealed that children with type 1 diabetes had a mean HbA1c level of 9.4 ± 0.2, and a mean insulin dose of 0.94 units/kg/day. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) values were significantly higher in the Type 1 DM group. It has been shown that epicardial fat thickness may have a specific and sensitive value in type 1 diabetics. The increased presence of epicardial fat tissue in children with type 1 diabetes is highlighted, prompting the consideration of various mechanisms. However, the complexity of this relationship underscores the need for further studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors. Ongoing research in this area is crucial for advancing our knowledge and potential therapeutic interventions. Cardiac complications are one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in people with type 1 diabetes. Being able to detect cardiological complications of diabetes at an early stage contributes to morbidity. We found that epicardial fat tissue thickness was thicker in children with type 1 diabetes than in healthy children. Epicardial fat tissue thickness may be associated with poor control in children with type 1 diabetes and maybe a guide in terms of cardiac risks.

The magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality scoring system: A novel method to evaluate endplate changes in patients with primary single-level disk herniation and Modic changes.

This study aimed to investigate differences in vertebral fat distribution and bone density between patients with and without Modic changes (MCs) using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scoring system. In this retrospective study, 189 patients (95 males, 94 females; mean age: 54±2.2 years; range, 18 to 82 years) with primary single-level disk herniation were reviewed between June 2021 and June 2022. The patients were divided into the MC group (n=99) and the non-MC (NMC) group (n=90). The subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and bone mineral density were determined. The system consisted of two scores: the VBQ score, which reflected the fatty infiltration within the vertebral body, and the endplate bone quality (EBQ) score, which reflected the signal intensity (SI) of the upper and lower endplates. The EBQ score is a novel measurement that we introduced in this study. The VBQ and EBQ were measured and scored using MRI scans. The mean SI of the upper and lower endplates (endplate SI)/the bone marrow SI (marrow SI) was measured. There was a considerable difference in subcutaneous fat tissue thickness between the MC and NMC groups (1.40 vs. 1.16 cm, p=0.01). The EBQ scores of the L4 and L5 vertebrae and endplate SI/marrow SI of all vertebral body levels were significantly higher in the MC group. The occurrence of MCs in the lumbar spine may be associated with abnormal fat distribution. The distribution of vertebral fat in patients with MCs is distributed earlier in the upper and lower endplates of the vertebral body, and this trend is not observed in patients without MC. The thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue is a key factor in the occurrence of MCs.

Monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio and smoking are predictors of epicardial fat tissue thickness

Objective: Smoking stimulates lipid accumulation and causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Epicardial Fat Tissue (EFT) resides between the visceral pericardium and myocardium. The aim of this study was to determine whether if smoking may accumulate Epicardial Fat Tissue thickness (EFTt). Material and methods: 266 smoking and 500 non-smoking subjects were included in the study. The subjects were chosen to be healthy individuals, without any cardiovascular/systemicdisorders or risk factors for atherosclerosis (except hyperlipidemia). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was applied to all subjects, and EFTt was measured in both diastole and systole (EFTtd and EFTts respectively). Results: EFTtd, EFTts, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and monocyte to the HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) values were found to be significantly increased in the smoking group when compared to the non-smoking group. Pearson’s correlation analyses revealed that EFTtd and EFTts were related to pack.year, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, MHR, BMI, and age. Linear regression analysis results showed that smoking, pack.year, BMI, age, and MHR were independent predictors of EFTtd, EFTts. Conclusions: The study results showed that smoking increases the EFTtd and EFTts. Smoking and MHR were independent predictors of EFTt. Evaluating blood parameters together with EFTt may guide primary prevention in smokers.

A Simple Way to Estimate a Difficult Sleeve Gastrectomy Prior to Operating

BackgroundToday, bariatric procedures are common. These surgeries’ difficulties are classified as patient- or surgical team–related and are estimated by body mass index (BMI). More efficient methods are needed to help surgeons. This study evaluated the effect of measuring patients’ subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFT) and umbilicus-xiphoid (DXU) to anticipate surgical difficulties.Material and MethodsThis was a prospective retrospective data analysis study. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients seen between May and October 2022 were included in the analysis and divided into three groups, according to a surgeon’s assessment. All patients’ SFT, DXU, rectus muscle thickness, total fat tissue amount (TFT), and operational time were recorded prospectively and analyzed.ResultsIn all, 151 patients were included in the study; of these, 124 (82.1%) were women and 27 (17.9%) were men. Their mean BMI value was 41.1 ± 6.2. Based on expert’s opinion, we classified three groups: easy (n = 123, 81.5%), intermediate (n = 22, 14.6%), or difficult (n = 6, 4%). When the easy group was compared to the intermediate/difficult groups, we found that intermediate/difficult groups’ SFT values were statistically significantly higher than the easy group (p = 0.000). Also, the intermediate/difficult group’s TFT value was statistically significantly higher than the easy group (p = 0.000). We found no statistically significant differences between groups’ DXU and rectus muscle thickness.ConclusionThis is the first study to anticipate sleeve gastrectomy difficulty using SFT and TFT. This is an easy technique to apply and no additional costs. Anticipating difficulties based on these criteria can ensure necessary preparations are made and help avoid complications.Graphical

Effects of insulin resistance on cardiovascular risk factors in obese and non-obese patients

Objectives: It is known that insulin resistance increases cardiovardiovascular risk. But it could not obviously be understood whether insulin resistance itself or the metabolic syndrome parameters, like obesity, that already exist in most of them, are responsible for this increased risk. Our aim is to determine cardiovascular risks in obese and non-obese insulin-resistant patients. Methods: One hundred thirty-nine patients were included in the study. They were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (having obesity and insulin resistance), Group 2 (having only insulin resistance but not obesity), Group 3 (having obesity but not insulin resistance), and Group 4 (having neither obesity nor insulin resistance). Patients having any systemic disease were excluded. Insulin resistance is calculated via Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and lipid parameters of these patients were compared. Results: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels of Group-4 were higher than Group 1 and Group 2. There was no statistical difference in HDL cholesterol levels between Group 3 and the others. Triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein levels were higher in Group 1. There was no difference in P wave dispersion between the groups. In echocardigraphy, epicardial fat tissue thickness of Group 1 was significantly higher. Prevalance of diastolic dysfunction was higher in Group 1 compared to Group 4. Conclusions: Insulin resistance itself is a risk factor for low HDL levels independent of obesity. When obesity is added to insulin resistance, other cardiovascular risk factors appear, like high triglyceride levels, increase in epicardial fat tissue thickness and presence of diastolic dysfunction. Early detection of insulin resistance may alert us to the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Full Title: Is epidural and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness associated with lumbar disc herniation? Short Title: Epidural and subcutaneous fat tissue in disc herniation

Objective: Lumbar disc herniations(LDH) cause important clinical symptoms such as low back pain(LBP) and have many causes. This study investigates the role of epidural and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness in LDH. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, individuals aged 18-83 with lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to LBP were evaluated retrospectively between July 2023 and January 2024. According to lumbar MRI, they were divided into two groups: those with or without herniation. Both groups measured epidural fat tissue thickness(EFTT) and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness(SFTT) at all lumbar levels. The relationship between the two groups in terms of EFTT and SFTT was examined statistically. Results: According to lumbar MRI, herniation was detected in 292 patients, and no herniation was detected in 300 patients. SFTT was found to be greater in the group with herniation than in the group without herniation at all lumbar levels (p = 0.0001). EFTT was lower in the group with herniation at all levels (p = 0.0001). In the group with herniation, there was a statistically significant correlation between the number of hernia levels and SFTT (r: 0.54, p: 0.0001) and EFTT negatively (r: -0.22, p: 0.0001). Conclusion: An increase in SFTT thickness and a decrease in EFTT are associated with disc herniation. This relationship is a result of the mechanical and inflammatory damage caused by obesity. In addition, the relationship between herniation and the decrease in EFTT demonstrates the protective function of epidural fat tissue.

The importance of periprostatic fat tissue thickness measured by preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in upstage prediction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

We analyzed the surgical results of patients who were treated and followed up for prostate cancer in our clinic to predict the relationship between periprostatic adipose tissue and patients with and without pathologically upstaged disease. The study included patients who had undergone robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and preoperative multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging between 18 February 2019 and 1 April 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, and the surgical and transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy pathology results were compared according to tumor grade and distribution in 124 patients who met the selection criteria. We analyzed the relationships between upgrading/upstaging and periprostatic adipose tissue thickness (PPATT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SATT) as measured in magnetic resonance imaging. The median PPATT was 4.03 mm, whereas the median SATT was 36.4 mm. Upgrading was detected in 45 patients (36.3%), and upstaging was detected in 42 patients (33.9%). A receiver operating characteristic regression analysis revealed that a PPATT >3 mm was a predictive factor for upstaging after radical prostatectomy (area under curve=0.623, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.519-0.727, p=0.025). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that prostate specific antigen density ≥0.15 ng/mL/cm3 (odds ratio [OR] 5.054, 95% CI 2.008-12.724, p=0.001), International Society of Urological Pathology grade ≥4 (OR 9.369, 95% CI 2.109-21.626, p=0.003) and higher PPATT (OR 1.358, 95% CI 1.081-1.707, p=0.009) were independent risk factors for upstaging after radical prostatectomy. We believe that the PPATT may be a predictive indicator for upstaging after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Clinical Demonstration of the Relationship Between Cervical Subcutaneous Fat Tissue Thickness and Obesity

ABSTRACT Objective Neck pain is an important complaint in neurosurgery practice and is observed with a frequency of 30-50% throughout life. The most common complaint of working women who apply to the doctor is neck pain. Obesity is known as a common disease in recent years and traditional measurements are used in its evaluation in practice. In this research, we aimed to show the relationship between obesity in patients with neck pain that may accompany cervical disc herniation. We examined the usability of neck circumference measurement in indicating obesity. Materials and Methods This study was made on 100 patients aged between 20 and 70, after determining the Sample Size with Power Analysis. The presence of cervical disc herniation and the thickness of the cervical subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured and recorded on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Neck circumference measurements of the patients were compared with waist circumference measurements. The data collected for the study were recorded using the SPSS 22 program and analysed in the same program. Results 55% of the patients had disc herniation and 38% had an additional chronic disease. Individuals with a cervical herniated disc had higher waist circumference and subcutaneous asymptote tissue values than those without (p&lt;0.01). BMI values of individuals with a cervical herniated disc were found to be higher than those without (respectively, 30.47±4.93, 27.77±4.60, p=0.023). A positive linear correlation was found between the BMI values of the patients, neck circumference, waist circumference and subcutaneous adipose tissue (p&lt;0.05 core coefficient 0.676&amp;0.750&amp;0.463, respectively). Conclusion Neck circumference measurement, which is a simple and fast method, we can diagnose obesity. We saw that in our study, as in many cases, obesity was observed more frequently with cervical disc herniation, especially in women.

The Effects of Breastfeeding and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Body Mass Composition and the Levels of Selected Hormones after Childbirth.

The study group included 42 women with a singleton pregnancy, diagnosed with GDM between the 24th and 28th week of gestation. The control group consisted of 28 non-diabetic women with a singleton pregnancy. This study was carried out at 6-8 weeks as well as at 1 year postpartum. The women were subjected to body weight measurements and body composition analysis performed using a professional body composition analyzer TANITA DC-430 S MA. Waist circumference and subcutaneous fat was measured. Blood for laboratory tests was taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. It was shown that, regardless of diabetes, exclusive breastfeeding had a significant impact on weight loss at 6-8 weeks postpartum (p = 0.014785) and lower insulin levels (p = 0.047). However, there was no effect of breastfeeding on the women's anthropometric measurements or hormone levels one year after delivery, except for the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue, which was significantly lower in breastfeeding women (p = 0.03). One year after delivery, breastfeeding women had a lower BMI (p = 0.0014), less-thick subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0.001), and a lower risk of obesity (p = 0.016). There were also higher insulin and ghrelin levels in both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women (p < 0.001), and lower resistin levels in non-breastfeeding women (p = 0.004). Women who had diabetes during pregnancy had a significantly reduced waist circumference and subcutaneous fat thickness after one year (p < 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). Having diabetes during pregnancy did not significantly affect the results of anthropometric measurements and hormone levels noted at 6-8 weeks after delivery (the only exception was the thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue, which was greater in women without GDM). This may indicate normalization of carbohydrate metabolism after childbirth; however, the observation period is too short to elucidate long-term metabolic effects. This suggests the need for further research related to GDM and breastfeeding.

The relationship of epicardial fat and atrial high-rate episodes in patients with permanent pacemaker

Objectives: Atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) can occur in patients who have permanent pacemakers (PPM). AHRE is classified as subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF). Also, AHRE is related to clinical AF. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness is linked to AF. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between AHRE and EFT thickness in PPM patients. Methods: Forty patients with dual-chamber PPM were enrolled. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to measure the thickness of the EFT. Patients were examined in 2 groups according to whether there was AHRE in the records: group 1 (AHRE) and group 2 (AHRE-free). A high atrial rate of more than 175 beats per minute for more than 5 minutes was defined as AHRE. The findings of the standard 2-dimensional echocardiography and the Doppler echocardiography were all recorded. A statistical relationship between EFT thickness and the development of AF was investigated. Results: Group 1 had ten patients, while Group 2 included thirty individuals. When the demographic features of the two groups were compared, they were similar. Both groups had similar 2-D echocardiographic and Doppler results. The difference in EFT thickness between groups 1 (2.0 ± 1.1 mm) and 2 (2.9 ± 1.8 mm) was not statistically significant (p = 0.138). Conclusions: In patients with PPM, AHRE may develop after implantation and may be detected asymptomatically in periodic follow-up. In this population, we did not observe a significant association between EFT thickness and the development of AF.

The Level of Inflammatory Markers and Their Relationship with Fat Tissue Distribution in Children with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

This study aimed to determine the changes in proinflammatory and anti-inflam- matory markers in children aged 10-18, who were not diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mel- litus, were obese/overweight, and children with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, we aimed to investigate whether these markers were associated with clinical and laboratory parame- ters, subcutaneous adipose tissue, preperitoneal adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and hepatosteatosis. Children between the ages of 10 and 18, obese/overweight, with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and with a normal body mass index were included. Fat tissue thick- ness was measured. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-18, and interferon-γ as proinflammatory markers and transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-10 levels as anti-inflammatory markers were studied. Twenty-eight (31.8%) controls, 44 (50%) obese/overweight, and 16 (18.2%) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in our study. Age, sex, and puberty were similar between the groups. In the type 2 diabetes mellitus group, the subcutaneous fat tissue thick- ness was higher than that in the obese group, and the preperitoneal and visceral fat tissue thicknesses were similar to those in the obese group. Proinflammatory markers and interleu- kin-10 levels were similar in the obese/overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and control groups. Transforming growth factor-β levels were significantly lower in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group than in the control group (P = .039). Transforming growth factor-β levels and other labo- ratory variables did not differ significantly in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group. While there was no change in all markers in the obese/overweight group com- pared with the control group, proinflammatory markers in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group were similar to those in the obese/overweight and control groups, and transforming growth factor-β level, an anti-inflammatory marker, was lower in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group than in the control group.

Relationship of epicardial fat tissue thickness and arterial rigidity in patients with chronic heart failure and obesity

Relationship of epicardial fat tissue thickness and arterial rigidity in patients with chronic heart failure and obesity