Waist-to-hip Circumference Ratio Research Articles

Development and validation of an accurate smartphone application for measuring waist-to-hip circumference ratio

Waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) is now recognized as among the strongest shape biometrics linked with health outcomes, although use of this phenotypic marker remains limited due to the inaccuracies in and inconvenient nature of flexible tape measurements when made in clinical and home settings. Here we report that accurate and reliable WHR estimation in adults is possible with a smartphone application based on novel computer vision algorithms. The developed application runs a convolutional neural network model referred to as MeasureNet that predicts a person’s body circumferences and WHR using front, side, and back color images. MeasureNet bridges the gap between measurements conducted by trained professionals in clinical environments, which can be inconvenient, and self-measurements performed by users at home, which can be unreliable. MeasureNet’s accuracy and reliability is evaluated using 1200 participants, measured by a trained staff member. The developed smartphone application, which is a part of Amazon Halo, is a major advance in digital anthropometry, filling a long-existing gap in convenient, accurate WHR measurement capabilities.

Genetically predicted waist-to-hip circumference ratio and coronary artery disease: A sex-specific Mendelian randomization study

Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects millions of individuals worldwide and results in a substantial burden to healthcare systems. Although it is established that CAD affects females differently than males, differences between the sexes are not routinely accounted for. Body mass index is a known risk factor for CAD. However, more accurate metrics of body fat, including waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), could be more meaningful clinically. WHR exhibits sex differences due to sex hormones, differing effects at genetic risk loci, and other factors. It is unclear if WHR is a causal factor for CAD in one or both sexes, but this information will be crucial for improving heart health. Causal inference, however, can be challenging. Large-scale cohorts with genetic data allow for Mendelian randomization, which, given certain assumptions, tests whether there is a causal relationship between an exposure and the outcome using genetic variants. We conducted sex-specific, one-sample MR analyses using two-stage least-squares regression in the UK Biobank withgenetic variants robustly associated with WHR. We found evidence of a causal relationship between WHR and CAD risk in females (OR [95% CI]= 1.16 [1.06-1.26]; p value= 7.5E-4), whereas in males, we did not find evidence of a causal relationship (OR [95% CI]= 1.40 [0.98-2.01]; p value= 0.063). Results were supported by two additional MR approaches (using a genetic risk score and two-sample MR using the inverse variance weighted approach). We encourage future work assessing sex-specific effects using causal inference techniques to better understand factors contributing to complex disease risk.

Association between trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio and renal function in elderly Japanese men: baseline data from the Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) study.

Central obesity as measured by waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) has been reported to be associated with renal hemodynamics and function. However, the adipose component of WHR, which is a composite measure of fat mass and fat-free mass, is small, particularly in nonobese subjects. Trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio as measured using dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) is a more precise method for evaluating central fat distribution than WHR. The present study investigated the cross-sectional association between DXA-measured trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in community-dwelling elderly Japanese men. Participants were 575 men aged ≥65 years at the time of the baseline survey of the second Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) cohort study. Trunk-to-appendicular fat ratio (TAR) was calculated as trunk fat divided by appendicular fat (sum of arm and leg fat), and trunk-to-leg fat ratio (TLR) as trunk fat divided by leg fat. eGFR values significantly decreased from the lowest to the highest quintile of TAR/TLR. After adjusting for potential confounding factors including whole-body fat, the highest quintile of both TAR and TLR showed statistically significant odds ratios for the risk of eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, relative to the lowest quintile. In addition, a significant decreasing trend was observed for eGFR values from the lowest to the highest quintile of TAR/TLR after adjusting for confounding factors including whole-body fat. Elderly men with a large trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio tended to have a lower eGFR. This association occurred independently of that between whole-body fat and eGFR.

Quantitatively Evaluating the Relationships between Insulin Resistance and Retinal Neurodegeneration with Optical Coherence Tomography in Early Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess retinal neurodegenerative changes with optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD-OCT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR) and evaluate their relationships with insulin resistance (IR) and associated systemic indicators. Methods: 102 T2DM patients without DR and 48 healthy controls were included in this observational cross-sectional study. The OCT parameters of macular retinal thickness (MRT) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses were evaluated between diabetic and normal eyes. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate the discrimination power of early diabetes. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were performed between ophthalmological parameters and T2DM-related demographic and anthropometric variables, and serum biomarkers and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores. Results: MRT and GCIPL thicknesses showed significant thinning in patients, especially in inferotemporal area. High body mass index (BMI) correlated with decreased GCIPL thicknesses and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). A negative correlation between waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) and GCIPL thicknesses was also found. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and fasting C-peptide (CP0) were associated with GCIPL thickness but only in inferotemporal region (r = 0.20, p = 0.04; r = −0.20, p = 0.05, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that increased HOMA-IR scores independently predicted both average (β = −0.30, p = 0.05) and inferotemporal (β = −0.34, p = 0.03) GCIPL thinning. Conclusion: Retinal thinning in early T2DM was associated with obesity-related metabolic disorders. IR as an independent risk factor for retinal neurodegeneration may increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

Body Weight, Central Adiposity, and Fasting Hyperglycemia Are Associated with Tumor Characteristics in a Brazilian Cohort of Women with Breast Cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of overweight, obesity, excess central adiposity, hyperglycemia, and diabetes mellitus with tumor characteristics in breast cancer. In this retrospective cohort study that enrolled 2127 women with breast cancer, the independent variables collected were fasting blood glucose, body mass index, central adiposity (waist circumference and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR)), and waist-to-height ratio. The tumor characteristics (infiltrating, ductal grade, hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor, triple negative, size, lymph node involvement, and clinical stage) were the dependent variables. Most of the women were postmenopausal (73.5%), with an infiltrating tumor (83.0%), HR+ (82.0%), and overweight or obese (71.0%). For the premenopausal women, obesity was associated with grade 3 ductal tumor (odds ratio (OR): 1.70; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.09-2.66), triple negative (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08-3.24), and size ≥ 2 cm (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.36-3.56). For the postmenopausal women, obesity was associated with WHR, infiltrating tumor (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.56-1.95), size ≥ 2 cm (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.11-1.71), lymph node involvement (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02-1.56), and stages III-IV (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.30-2.65). Excess body weight and central adiposity were associated with tumor aggressiveness characteristics in women with breast cancer, confirming the importance of nutritional status.

Waist-to-hip circumference and waist-to-height ratio could strongly predict glycemic control than body mass index among adult patients with diabetes in Ethiopia: ROC analysis.

Poorly controlled blood glucose is prevalent and contributes to the huge burden of diabetes related morbidity, and central obesity has a great role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its adverse complications, which could predict such risks, yet evidence is lacking. Hence, this paper is to evaluate the predictive performance of central obesity indices for glycemic control among adult patients with diabetes in eastern Ethiopia. A survey of 432 randomly chosen patients with diabetes was conducted using a pretested questionnaire supplemented by chart review, anthropometrics, and biomarkers by trained data collectors. The poor glycemic control was assessed using a fasting blood glucose (FBS) level of above 130 and/or an HgA1c level above 7%. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured under standard procedures and we calculated waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to assess the predictive performance of obesity indices for glycemic control using area under the curve (AUC) and corresponding validity measures. A total of 432 (92%) patients with diabetes were enrolled with a mean age of 49.6 (±12.4) years. The mean fasting blood glucose level was 189 (±72) mg dl-1 where 330 (76.4%) (95% CI: 74.4-78.4%) and 93.3% of them had poor glycemic control based on FBS and HgA1c, respectively. WC (AUC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85-0.95), WHR (AUC = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43-0.84), and WHtR (AUC = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.83-0.94) have a higher predictive performance for poor glycemic control at cut-off points above 100 cm, 0.95, and 0.62, respectively. However, obesity indices showed a lower predictive performance for poor glycemic control based on FBS. Body mass index (BMI) had a poor predictive performance for poor glycemic control (AUC = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.13-0.40). Poor glycemic control is a public health concern and obesity indicators, typically WC, WHR, and WHtR, have a better predictive performance for poor glycemic control than BMI.

Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults™ community education program-evaluation of lifestyle behaviors: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Older adults face many chronic health issues including heart disease and osteoporosis, which are preventable through changes in lifestyle behaviors. The Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults™ (HESL) is a 6-week community education program designed specifically for persons aged ≥60 years, to promote behavioral changes toward a healthy lifestyle. Our objective is to evaluate the HESL. This is the first official evaluation of the HESL since its initiation in 2005. Study Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Method: Program implementation and evaluation took place between July 2018 and January 2020. Twenty-nine sites, with 292 participants aged ≥60 years from across five states (mostly from Massachusetts), were randomized into the intervention group (IG) (16 sites; n = 150 participants) and control group (CG) (13 sites; n = 142 participants). The HESL workshops followed a scripted curriculum including information from the USDA’s MyPlate™ and the USDA 2015–2020 dietary guidelines. Intervention elements included goal setting, self-assessment, group support, and problem solving through brainstorming. The CG received no intervention. Outcome measures were collected in both groups at baseline, 2 weeks postintervention (week 8), and 6 months postintervention. These included self-reported lifestyle behaviors, a composite healthy behavior index (HBI), body mass index [weight (kg)/height (m2)], and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR). Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine the impact of the intervention. Results: The IG showed significantly improved responses to most healthy lifestyle behavior questions at week 8 compared to the CG. However, not all improved responses were sustained at month 6. Significant improvements detected at month 6 included responses to the question on making food choices that are healthy for the heart, using MyPlate™ tools for food choices, reading nutrition labels when shopping/planning meals, and confidence in managing own health (p < 0.001 in most cases). HBI was significantly improved at week 8 and month 6 (p < 0.001). WHR decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at month 6. Conclusion: Positive changes in lifestyle behaviors and WHR were observed in older adults due to the HESL intervention. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrial.gov, Identifier: NCT04991844; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04991844

Diet scores and prediction of general and abdominal obesity in the Melbourne collaborative cohort study.

To ascertain which of the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) 2010, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) best predicted BMI and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR). Body size was measured at baseline (1990-1994) and in 2003-2007. Diet was assessed at baseline using a FFQ, along with age, sex, socio-economic status, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity and country of birth. Regression coefficients and 95 % CI for the association of baseline dietary scores with follow-up BMI and WHR were generated using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for baseline body size, confounders and energy intake. Population-based cohort in Melbourne, Australia. Included were data from 11 030 men and 16 774 women aged 40-69 years at baseline. Median (IQR) follow-up was 11·6 (10·7-12·8) years. BMI and WHR at follow-up were associated with baseline DII® (Q5 v. Q1 (BMI 0·41, 95 % CI 0·21, 0·61) and WHR 0·009, 95 % CI 0·006, 0·013)) and AHEI (Q5 v. Q1 (BMI -0·51, 95 % CI -0·68, -0·35) and WHR -0·011, 95 % CI -0·013, -0·008)). WHR, but not BMI, at follow-up was associated with baseline MDS (Group 3 most Mediterranean v. G1 (BMI -0·05, 95 % CI -0·23, 0·13) and WHR -0·004, 95 % CI -0·007, -0·001)). Based on Akaike's Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion statistics, AHEI was a stronger predictor of body size than the other diet scores. Poor quality or pro-inflammatory diets predicted overall and central obesity. The AHEI may provide the best way to assess the obesogenic potential of diet.

715-P: Diet Scores Associated with Increases in General and Abdominal Obesity in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide, increasing the risk of several common chronic diseases. To ascertain which of the three diet scores - Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI), Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) was a better predictor of future obesity, assessed as body mass index (BMI) or waist to hip circumference ratio (WHR), in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS).Prospective cohort study in 27,834 men and women aged between 40 and 69 years at baseline (1990-94). Body size measures were taken at baseline and follow-up in 2003-7. Diet was measure at baseline using a 121-item food frequency questionnaire, along with confounders - age, sex, measure of socioeconomic status, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, physical activity level, country of birth, baseline body size measure (BMI or WHR as applicable). Regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals for the association of dietary scores at baseline with BMI and WHR at follow-up 2 were generated separately using multivariate linear regression models adjusting for variables listed above and dietary energy intake. Both BMI and WHR at follow-up increased across quintiles of baseline DII (Q5 vs. Q1 BMI 0.4102 (0.2060, 0.6145); WHR 0.0094 (0.0061, 0.0128)), while for AHEI the association was inverse (Q5 vs. Q1 BMI -0.5139 (-0.6791, -0.3487); WHR -0.0107 (-0.0134, -0.0080). Only WHR at follow-up was inversely associated with categories of baseline MDS (G3 vs. G1 BMI -0.0540 (-0.2349, 0.1270); WHR -0.0040 (-0.0070, -0.0010)). Based on Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) statistics, AHEI was a stronger predictor of increased body size at follow-up than the other diet scores. Poor quality/pro-inflammatory diets predicted future overall and abdominal obesity. The AHEI may provide the best way to operationalise this and capture subtle differences between the scores. Disclosure B. de Courten: None. M. Karim: None. A. Hodge: None.

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cardiovascular diseases and risk factors in the Canadian population: Results from the baseline assessment of the Canadian longitudinal study on aging

BackgroundMotoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is: 1) an association between MCR and cardiovascular diseases and risk factors (CVDRF) in the Canadian population, and 2) a specific MCR-related CVDRF profile (i.e., cardiovascular diseases (CVD) versus cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) versus both) when comparing different age groups. MethodsA total of 29,569 participants free of dementia were recruited in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Participants were categorized into groups by their age and MCR status (with MCR versus without MCR). Overweight/obese, smoking, waist to hip circumference ratio (WHCR), systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels were CVRF. Diabetes type I and II, hypertension, heart disease and attack, peripheral vascular disease, angina, stroke and rhythmic disease were CVD. ResultsA higher prevalence of CVRF in MCR was shown in the youngest age groups (i.e., 45–54 and 55–64) compared to the other age groups. MCR was positively associated with CVDRF, except in the oldest age group (i.e., ≥75). In this group, the only significant association with CVRF was with diastolic blood pressure, which was negatively associated with MCR. Diabetes and hypertension were not associated with MCR. ConclusionsMCR is associated with CVDRF in both younger and older individuals. A stronger association was present for CVRF factors in younger adults and for CVD in older adults.

Glucose-independent segmental phase angles from multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis to discriminate diabetes mellitus

We investigated segmental phase angles (PAs) in the four limbs using a multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (MF-BIA) technique for noninvasively diagnosing diabetes mellitus. We conducted a meal tolerance test (MTT) for 45 diabetic and 45 control subjects stratified by age, sex and body mass index (BMI). HbA1c and the waist-to-hip-circumference ratio (WHR) were measured before meal intake, and we measured the glucose levels and MF-BIA PAs 5 times for 2 hours after meal intake. We employed a t-test to examine the statistical significance and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to test the classification accuracy using segmental PAs at 5, 50, and 250 kHz. Segmental PAs were independent of the HbA1c or glucose levels, or their changes caused by the MTT. However, the segmental PAs were good indicators for noninvasively screening diabetes In particular, leg PAs in females and arm PAs in males showed best classification accuracy (AUC = 0.827 for males, AUC = 0.845 for females). Lastly, we introduced the PA at maximum reactance (PAmax), which is independent of measurement frequencies and can be obtained from any MF-BIA device using a Cole-Cole model, thus showing potential as a useful biomarker for diabetes.

Exercise intervention on cardiovascular disease risk factors in a university population in the United Arab Emirates.

Objective 1) To assess the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a university population, and 2) to investigate the effects of an 8-week exercise intervention on CVD risk factors. Methods Forty-six students participated in this study. Baseline cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max). Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness were also assessed. Participants performed 8weeks of exercise consisting of 60 min of moderate-high intensity exercise three times a week, and all parameters were repeated following the 8-week program. Results Participants were divided into an apparently healthy control group (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and an overweight/obese experimental group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Both groups had low cardiorespiratory fitness and clear evidence of risk for CVD. Following the 8-week program, participants demonstrated significant improvement in biochemical parameters and in overall fitness (p < 0.05). WHRs decreased whilst peak oxygen volumes increased when comparing baseline and post-exercise values (p < 0.05). BMI decreased in both groups following exercise (p < 0.05). Systolic BP was surprisingly elevated in nearly 30% of participants, but was comparatively lower in the control group (p < 0.05). There was a clear increase in HDL-cholesterol values post-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion Early detection of CVD risk factors, particularly in a young population, can lead to earlier prevention of disease through lifestyle changes. Moreover, short-term exercise can have important effects on reducing CVD risk factors, improving body composition and overall cardiorespiratory fitness.

Predictors for difficult cecal insertion in colonoscopy: The impact of obesity indices.

AIMTo identify the factors influencing cecal insertion time (CIT) and to evaluate the effect of obesity indices on CIT.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the data for participants who received both colonoscopy and abdominal computed tomography (CT) from February 2008 to May 2008 as part of a comprehensive health screening program. Age, gender, obesity indices [body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume on abdominal CT], history of prior abdominal surgery, constipation, experience of the colonoscopist, quality of bowel preparation, diverticulosis and time required to reach the cecum were analyzed. CIT was categorized as longer than 10 min (prolonged CIT) and shorter than or equal to 10 min, and then the factors that required a CIT longer than 10 min were examined.RESULTSA total of 1678 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 50.42 ± 9.931 years and 60.3% were men. The mean BMI, WHR, WC, VAT volume and SAT volume were 23.92 ± 2.964 kg/m2, 0.90 ± 0.076, 86.95 ± 8.030 cm, 905.29 ± 475.220 cm3 and 1707.72 ± 576.550 cm3, respectively. The number of patients who underwent abdominal surgery was 268 (16.0%). Colonoscopy was performed by an attending physician alone in 61.9% of cases and with the involvement of a fellow in 38.1% of cases. The median CIT was 7 min (range 2-56 min, IQR 5-10 min), and mean CIT was 8.58 ± 5.291 min. Being female, BMI, VAT volume and involvement of fellow were significantly associated with a prolonged CIT in univariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, being female (OR = 1.29, P = 0.047), lower BMI (< 23 kg/m2) (OR = 1.62, P = 0.004) or higher BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2) (OR = 1.80, P < 0.001), low VAT volume (< 500 cm3) (OR = 1.50, P = 0.013) and fellow involvement (OR = 1.73, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of prolonged CIT. In subgroup analyses for gender, lower BMI or higher BMI and fellow involvement were predictors for prolonged CIT in both genders. However, low VAT volume was associated with prolonged CIT in only women (OR = 1.54, P = 0.034).CONCLUSIONBeing female, having a lower or higher BMI than the normal range, a low VAT volume, and fellow involvement were predictors of a longer CIT.

Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Type II Deiodinase Gene Expression Reduced in Obese Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.

The present study aimed to evaluate the role of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) type II deiodinase enzyme gene (DIO2) expression in developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 51 obese patients with MetS and without MetS and 13 healthy subjects enrolled in the study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), hip circumference, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) of all subjects were recorded. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin, high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) of all subjects were analyzed. Expression of the DIO2 gene in adipose tissue was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). BMI, WC and WHR were not significantly difference between obese with and without MetS. SBP, DBP, FPG and TG were significantly higher in obese with MetS group than obese without MetS group. While the free triiodothyronine (T3) level was in the normal range in all group, it was significantly lower in the obese with MetS than both obese without MetS and control group. DIO2 expression was significantly lower in the obese with MetS group compared to the control. In correlation analysis, DIO2 expression was negatively correlated with DBP, TG and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and positively correlated with free T3. In conclusion, the reduction of SAT DIO2 expression is negatively correlated with DBP and TG levels that are associated with the MetS. This might have an effect on developing MetS. We believe that DIO2 gene may be an important molecular target for future studies in developing targeted treatment options for obese people with MetS.

Changes in concentration of visfatin during four weeks of inpatient treatment of alcohol dependent males

IntroductionVisfatin is a protein which belongs to the adiponectines, and exhibits insulinomimetic properties. A high concentration of visfatin may be directly related to an ongoing inflammatory process in the body. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the concentration of visfatin in relation to the intensity of alcohol craving and selected clinical characteristics in patients with alcohol dependency. Materials and methodsThe thirty-seven males enrolled in the study had been hospitalised due to alcohol dependence in the addiction treatment unit. In the first week and after four weeks of treatment, clotted blood samples were obtained to determine the concentration of visfatin and other biochemical parameters. Next, patients were divided into two groups – group 1 with a decrease and group 2 with an increase in the concentration of visfatin during the four weeks of treatment. The study used a socio-demographic and clinical scale, the Short Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire (SADD) and an analogue alcohol craving scale. Additionally, the study considered measurements of waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) and biochemical blood parameters. ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in the concentration of visfatin (35.5ng/ml vs 146ng/ml) after four weeks of inpatient alcohol dependence treatment. DiscussionPerhaps different pathophysiological processes were taking place (including inflammatory response) in patients with high and low visfatin concentration in the initial stage of the trial. ConclusionsThe dynamic of change in the concentration of visfatin during four weeks of abstinence is not associated with a reduction in craving for alcohol at the time and is associated with alcohol drinking and liver functioning.

Current Efavirenz (EFV) or ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) use correlates with elevate markers of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected subjects in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundHIV patients on antiretroviral therapy have shown elevated incidence of dyslipidemia, lipodystrophy, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most studies, however, focus on cohorts from developed countries, with less data available for these co-morbidities in Ethiopia and sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsAdult HIV-negative (n = 36), treatment naïve (n = 51), efavirenz (EFV)-treated (n = 91), nevirapine (NVP)-treated (n = 95), or ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r)-treated (n=44) subjects were recruited from Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Aortic pressure, augmentation pressure, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured via applanation tonometry and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid arterial stiffness, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were measured via non-invasive ultrasound. Body mass index, waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), skinfold thickness, and self-reported fat redistribution were used to quantify lipodystrophy. CD4+ cell count, plasma HIV RNA levels, fasting glucose, total-, HDL-, and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hsCRP, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, leptin and complete blood count were measured.ResultsPWV and normalized cIMT were elevate and FMD impaired in EFV- and LPV/r-treated subjects compared to NVP-treated subjects; normalized cIMT was also elevated and FMD impaired in the EFV- and LPV/r-treated subjects compared to treatment-naïve subjects. cIMT was not statistically different across groups. Treated subjects exhibited elevated markers of dyslipidemia, inflammation, and lipodystrophy. PWV was associated with age, current EFV and LPV/r used, heart rate, blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL, and hsCRP, FMD with age, HIV duration, WHR, and glucose, and cIMT with age, current EFV use, skinfold thickness, and blood pressure.ConclusionsCurrent EFV- or LPV/r-treatment, but not NVP-treatment, correlated with elevated markers of atherosclerosis, which may involve mechanisms distinct from traditional risk factors.

Age dependence of association between metabolic syndrome and obesity among women

The study included 335 women aged 21-74. The results have shown that age is associated with the progressive accumulation of fat tissue and an increase in the waisttohip circumference ratio, which are mostly expressed in the second period of middle age. The ratio of the frequencies of gynoid and android spe� cies among overweight and obese women in the first and second period of middleaged groups and old age was 2.7 : 1; 1.3 : 1 and 0.2 : 1, respectively. The occurrence of metabolic syndrome in this age groups of women with gynoid species was 16.3, 18.9, and 30.0%; however, for android species, it was 62.5, 47.9, and 83.0%, respectively. Our results allow us to state that women with gynoid species are at the lowest risk for metabolic syndrome, even in old age.

Cigarette smoking and abdominal obesity: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Background: Smoking and obesity are two of the leading causes of preventable death in developed countries. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association between cigarette smoking and abdominal obesity measured by waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR).Method: Keyword and reference search were conducted in four electronic bibliographic databases: Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Articles were included based on predefined study selection criteria. Random-effect model was performed to estimate the relationship between cigarette smoking and abdominal obesity.Results: Fifteen studies (116 146 subjects) met the study selection criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to those who have never smoked, current cigarette smokers who smoke in a regular basis are associated with 0.0113 (95% CI: 0.0081–0.0145, p < 0.001) higher WHR. Publication bias could be present as the sample sizes of individual studies and the effect sizes are negatively correlated (p < 0.01).Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, we found some preliminary evidence that links cigarette smoking to abdominal obesity. This study has important limitations pertained to observational study design, publication bias, and measurement error. Future research on the casual effect of smoking on abdominal obesity is warranted.

Association of Anthropometric Measurements with Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Young Healthy Taiwanese

Background The degree of vascular changes and obesity-related metabolic abnormalities may differ from the distribution of body fat. We investigated the association of anthropometric measurements with vascular changes and components of metabolic syndrome (Mets). Materials and methods One hundred and eleven volunteers (48 women, 63 men) were recruited. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), and waist circumference-to-height ratio (WHeiR). The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured by using B-mode ultrasonography. Correlations between anthropometric measures, components of Mets, and carotid IMT were analyzed. Results All anthropometric measurements significantly correlated with components of Mets. Carotid IMT correlated with sex, age, blood pressure, body weight, BMI, WC, hip circumference (HC), WHR, WHeiR, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile. BMI ( r = 0.455) showed the strongest correlation followed by WC ( r = 0.405), WHeiR ( r = 0.405) and WHR ( r = 0.365) with carotid IMT. Only age, sex, and BMI were significant correlates of IMT in multivariate linear analysis. Conclusion General adiposity as measured by BMI, rather than abdominal fat, is significantly correlated with carotid IMT in healthy young Taiwanese individuals.

Gene-environment interactions and obesity traits among postmenopausal African-American and Hispanic women in the Women’s Health Initiative SHARe Study

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of obesity measures have identified associations with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, no large-scale evaluation of gene-environment interactions has been performed. We conducted a search of gene-environment (G × E) interactions in post-menopausal African-American and Hispanic women from the Women's Health Initiative SNP Health Association Resource GWAS study. Single SNP linear regression on body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) adjusted for multidimensional-scaling-derived axes of ancestry and age was run in race-stratified data with 871,512 SNPs available from African-Americans (N = 8,203) and 786,776 SNPs from Hispanics (N = 3,484). Tests of G × E interaction at all SNPs for recreational physical activity (m h/week), dietary energy intake (kcal/day), alcohol intake (categorical), cigarette smoking years, and cigarette smoking (ever vs. never) were run in African-Americans and Hispanics adjusted for ancestry and age at interview, followed by meta-analysis of G × E interaction terms. The strongest evidence for concordant G × E interactions in African-Americans and Hispanics was for smoking and marker rs10133840 (Q statistic P = 0.70, beta = -0.01, P = 3.81 × 10(-7)) with BMI as the outcome. The strongest evidence for G × E interaction within a cohort was in African-Americans with WHR as outcome for dietary energy intake and rs9557704 (SNP × kcal = -0.04, P = 2.17 × 10(-7)). No results exceeded the Bonferroni-corrected statistical significance threshold.