Visceral adiposity index: an indicator of adipose tissue dysfunction

High serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) predict beneficial decrease of visceral fat in obese females after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gender-related differences represent an emerging investigation field to better understand obesity heterogeneity and paradoxically associated cardiovascular (CV) risk. Here, we investigated if high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) might differently affect adiposity and predict the clinical response to bariatric surgery in obese males and females.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 110 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, hs-CRP as well as anthropometric assessment of adiposity, completed by electric bioimpedance and ultrasonography quantification of visceral fat area (VFA), were measured before and one year after surgery. As compared to males, obese female showed less severe overweight and prevalent subcutaneous fat deposition, but higher circulating hs-CRP. In obese females, hs-CRP was associated with VFA at baseline, independently of body mass index (BMI) and visceral adiposity index (OR 1.022 [95% CI 1.001-1.044]; p = 0.039). Based on decreases and increases in hs-CRP levels after surgery, two distinct subgroups of females were identified. Post-surgery decreases in hs-CRP was predominantly observed in patients with higher baseline levels of hs-CRP and associated with greater reduction of weight, BMI, fat and lean mass, VFA and visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio. Finally, we observed that high baseline values of hs-CRP were able to predict VFA reduction one-year after surgery, independently of BMI and visceral adiposity index (VAI) loss (OR 1.031 [95% CI 1.009-1.053]; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In obese females, hs-CRP levels might be a promising biomarker of visceral fat amount and dysfunction, in addition to predict the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in terms of loss of VFA one-year after surgery.

Neck circumference as an independent indicator of visceral obesity in a Chinese population

Background

Neck circumference (NC) was reported to be associated with visceral obesity in some specific subjects. However, no studies have reported whether NC could identify visceral obesity in the general population. Here, we mainly aimed to explore whether NC is suitable to identify visceral obesity in the general population.

Methods

Our data were from a cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of metabolic diseases and risk factors in East China from 2014 to 2015. A total of 9366 participants aged 18–93 were identified for analysis. Anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters and clinical characteristics were measured. The NC values were quartered according to sex. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was employed to test the correlations between different variables. Linear regression and logistic regression were conducted to explore the relationship of NC with visceral adiposity indices and visceral obesity.

Results

Among the 9366 participants, 3938 (42.05%) were male and 5428 (57.95%) were female. NC had a positive correlation with the visceral adiposity indices, regardless of sex. In all quartiles of NC, in both men and women, as NC values increased, the values of all the fatness indices showed a tendency to increase (all P < 0.001). After full adjustment for demographic variables and metabolic factors, linear regression showed that NC was still associated with the fatness indices for visceral obesity (all P < 0.001). In addition, logistic analysis showed that a larger NC was associated with a higher risk of visceral obesity in both males (OR 32.34, 95% CI 24.02–43.53; P < 0.001) and females (OR 21.43, 95% CI 17.30–26.55; P < 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Conclusion

NC can be a supplemental indicator for identifying visceral obesity in the general Chinese population.

The Role of C-Peptide as Marker of Cardiometabolic Risk in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Controlled Study

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the role of C-peptide as a biological marker of cardiometabolic risk in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 385 PCOS patients and 240 normal cycling women. Anthropometric and clinical variables were taken at first visit. Fasting C-peptide, glucose, lipids, and hormone measurements were performed. Simple and multiple correlations between C-peptide and other variables associated with dysmetabolism and cardiovascular disease were examined.

Results

C-peptide was well correlated with several anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine parameters. In PCOS patients, stepwise multiple regression including C-peptide as the criterion variable and other predictors of cardiovascular disease risk provided a significant model in which the fasting C-peptide/glucose ratio, glucose, body weight, and free estrogen index (FEI) were retained (adjusted R² = 0.988, F = 7.161, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

C-peptide levels alone or combined with C-peptide/glucose ratio, glucose, body weight, and FEI provided a significant model to identify PCOS patients with higher risk of future cardiometabolic diseases.

Potential influence of the phthalates on normal liver function and cardiometabolic risk in males

Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, massively used in industry as plasticizers and additives in cosmetics, which may impair the human endocrine system inducing fertility problems, respiratory diseases, obesity, and neuropsychological disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on the liver function and cardiometabolic risk factors in males. In this research, 102 male participants (51 normal weight and 51 overweight/obese) were enrolled and examined for phthalate metabolites exposure in urine samples after 12 h of fasting. MEP was found in 28.43% (29/102) volunteers, while MEHP was detected among 20.59% (21/102) participants. Statistically significant increment in transaminase serum levels was observed in MEP-positive normal weight subgroup. Linear correlation was obtained between MEP concentration in urine samples and triglyceride (TG) serum levels (r ² = 0.33; p < 0.01), visceral adiposity index (VAI) (r ² = 0.41; p < 0.01), lipid accumulation product (LAP) (r ² = 0.32; p < 0.01), and TG to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (r ² = 0.40, p < 0.01) among the obese. The MEHP-positive normal weight volunteers had statistically significant increment of body mass index (p = 0.03) compared to MEHP-negative participants. Urine MEHP concentrations were negatively correlated with HDL serum levels (r ² = 0.31; p < 0.05) in the normal weight subgroup. The phthalates exposure may be related to statistically significant ALT and AST serum levels increment as well as with increased BMI, while the phthalate levels in the urine may be correlated with increased TG and decreased HDL cholesterol serum levels and associated with indicators of cardiometabolic risk and insulin resistance as LAP and VAI.

NAFLD in clinical practice: Can simple blood and anthropometric markers be used to detect change in liver fat measured by 1 H-MRS?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Research in NAFLD management is commonly based on quantitative assessment of liver fat by proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹ H-MRS), and translation of this into clinical practice is currently limited by availability and expense. Novel steatosis biomarkers have been proposed for the prediction of liver fatness; however, whether these are suitable for detecting changes in liver fat is unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of these indices, and waist circumference (WC), in quantifying longitudinal change in ¹ H-MRS-quantified liver fat.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis using data from 97 overweight/obese adults (age: 39.7±11.5 years, body mass index: 30.7±4.4 kg/m² , liver fat: 6.0±4.8%, 65% male) who completed either an 8-week exercise or 12-week nutraceutical intervention, with varying degrees of change in liver fat. Baseline and post-intervention measures were liver fat (¹ H-MRS), NAFLD Liver Fat Score, Liver Fat Equation (LFE), Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and WC.

RESULTS

Only the change in HSI, FLI and WC was associated with change in liver fat; however, correlations were weak to moderate. There was no agreement between the LFE and ¹ H-MRS for detecting liver fat change. Only change in WC significantly affected change in liver fat (P<.001), and WC AUROC for the presence of steatosis was 0.65 and 0.78 for men and women respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel indices are limited in their ability to detect longitudinal change in liver fat. Waist circumference may offer modest utility as a surrogate to infer liver fat change with lifestyle interventions.

Visceral adiposity index as an indicator of cardiometabolic risk in patients treated for craniopharyngioma

PURPOSE

Craniopharyngioma is associated with metabolic alterations leading to increased cardiovascular mortality. Recently, the visceral adiposity index has been proposed as a marker of visceral adipose tissue dysfunction and of the related cardiometabolic risk. The role of the visceral adiposity index has never been explored in craniopharyngioma patients. We assessed the cardiometabolic risk on the basis of the visceral adiposity index in craniopharyngioma patients.

METHODS

We evaluated data of 24 patients treated for craniopharyngioma in a single-centre. We investigated the relationship among patients' clinical and biochemical features, cardiovascular risk -assessed by the Framingham and the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores-, visceral adiposity index and adipose tissue dysfunction severity.

RESULTS

Increased visceral adiposity index was found in 8 patients (33%). Adipose tissue dysfunction resulted to be severe, moderate or mild in 5, 2 and 1 cases. Increased visceral adiposity index significantly correlated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (p 0.027), IRI (p 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) and with lower ISI-Matsuda (p 0.005) and HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001). Higher degree of adipose tissue dysfunction associated with increased insulin resistance. No gender difference was found for visceral adiposity index, adipose tissue dysfunction severity, and cardiovascular risk scores. Patients with adulthood onset craniopharyngioma showed higher Framingham risk score (p 0.004), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease 10-year (p < 0.001) and lifetime (p 0.018) risk scores than those with childhood onset disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Visceral adiposity index is increased in one third of our patients with craniopharyngioma, even if metabolic syndrome does not occur. Increased visceral adiposity index and adipose tissue dysfunction severity correlate with insulin sensitivity parameters, do not correlate with Framingham or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores, and are not influenced by gender and age of disease onset.

Visceral adiposity index and 10-year cardiovascular disease incidence: The ATTICA study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been proposed as a marker of visceral adipose tissue accumulation/dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate potential associations between the VAI and the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

During 2001-2002, 3042 Greek adults (1514 men; age: ≥18 years) without previous CVD were recruited into the ATTICA study, whilst the 10-year study follow-up was performed in 2011-2012, recording the fatal/non-fatal CVD incidence in 2020 (1010 men) participants. The baseline VAI scores for these participants were calculated based on anthropometric and lipid variables, while VAI tertiles were extracted for further analyses. During the study follow-up a total of 317 CVD events (15.7%) were observed. At baseline, the participants' age and the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and metabolic syndrome increased significantly across the VAI tertiles. After adjusting for multiple confounders, VAI exhibited a significantly independent positive association with the 10-year CVD incidence (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.10), whereas the association of the body mass index (HR = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.99, 1.08), or the waist circumference (HR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.99, 1.02) was less prominent. Sex-specific analysis further showed that VAI remained significantly predictive of CVD in men alone (HR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.11) but not in women (HR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.96, 1.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show for the first time in a large-sample, long-term, prospective study in Europe that the VAI is independently associated with elevated 10-year CVD risk, particularly in men. This suggests that the VAI may be utilized as an additional indicator of long-term CVD risk for Caucasian/Mediterranean men without previous CVD.

Growth hormone deficiency and hypopituitarism in adults after complicated mild traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE

Traumatic brain injury is considered the main cause of hypopituitarism in adults, and GH deficiency appears to be the most frequent pituitary deficit. Most of the available studies have included all degrees of severity of trauma. We aimed to assess pituitary function and GH deficiency in adult patients at different time lengths after complicated mild TBI according to Glasgow Coma Scale. We also aimed to evaluate whether mild TBI patients with GH deficiency had developed alterations in the glycolipid profile.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients (34 men and 14 women) with complicated mild TBI were included in the study. Twenty-three patients were evaluated at 1 year (Group A) and 25 patients at 5 years or longer after the injury (Group B). All patients underwent basal hormonal evaluation for pituitary function. GH deficiency was investigated by the combined test (GH releasing hormone + arginine). The glycolipid profile was also evaluated.

RESULTS

GH deficiency occurred in 8/23 patients (34.7 %) of Group A and in 12/25 patients (48 %) of Group B. In addition, two patients, one in each group, showed evidence of central hypothyroidism. Patients with GH deficiency, especially in Group A, presented a higher frequency of visceral adiposity and adverse metabolic profile as compared to no-GH deficiency patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients examined at 1 year or several years from complicated mild TBI had a similarly high occurrence of isolated GH deficiency, which was associated with visceral adiposity and metabolic alterations. Our findings suggest that patients undergone complicated mild TBI should be evaluated for GH deficiency even after several years from trauma.

Metabolic and endocrine connections of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in polycystic ovary syndrome women

OBJECTIVE

To examine the anthropometric, and metabolic connections of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in the normo- and hyperandrogenemic polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cohort study was conducted at the Julio Muller University Hospital, Cuiabá, Brazil, between January 2014 and July 2016, and 91 normal cycling healthy women, 46 normoandrogenemic and 147 hyperandrogenemic, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were enrolled according to the Rotterdam criteria. Several anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal parameters were properly verified and correlated with 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHPE) concentrations.

RESULTS

17-OHPE was higher in hyperandrogenemic PCOS than in normoandrogenemic PCOS and in control groups (P = 0.032 and P < 0.001, respectively). In healthy controls, 17-OHPE was positively associated with glucose, free estrogen index, DHEAS and negatively associated with compounds S. In normoandrogenemic PCOS patients, 17-OHPE presented positive correlations with VAI, LAP, cortisol, insulin and HOMA-IR. In the hyperandrogenemic group, 17-OHPE presented significant negative correlations with most anthropometric parameters, HOMA-IR, HOMA %B, estradiol, free estrogen index (FEI), C-peptide, and TG levels and positive correlations with HOMA-S and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione (A4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Regarding hyperandrogenemic PCOS, and using a stepwise multiple regression, only HOMA-S and WHR were retained in the model (R² = 0.294, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

17-OHPE exhibited different relationships with anthropometric, and biochemical parameters in PCOS patients, depending on the androgen levels. In PCOS subjects with high androgen concentrations, 17-OHPE was negatively associated with most anthropometric parameters, particularly with those used as markers of adipose tissue dysfunction and frequently employed as predictors of cardiovascular disease risk; otherwise, 17-OHPE was positively associated with HDL-C and HOMA-S in this patients. Future studies are required to evaluate the clinical implications of these novel findings.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity and obesity-related risk factors in southern China

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity and obesity-related risk factors in southern China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 15,364 participants aged 15 years and older was conducted from November 2013 to August 2014 in Jiangxi Province, China, using questionnaire forms and physical measurements. The physical measurements included body height, weight, waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP) and visceral adipose index (VAI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity.

Results

The prevalence of overweight was 25.8% (25.9% in males and 25.7% in females), while that of obesity was 7.9% (8.4% in males and 7.6% in females). The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 10.2% (8.6% in males and 11.3% in females). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 37.1% in urban residents and 30.2% in rural residents, and this difference was significant (P < 0.001). Urban residents had a significantly higher prevalence of abdominal obesity than rural residents (11.6% vs 8.7%, P < 0.001). Among the participants with an underweight/normal body mass index (BMI), 1.3% still had abdominal obesity, 16.1% had a high BFP and 1.0% had a high VAI. Moreover, among obese participants, 9.7% had a low /normal WC, 0.8% had a normal BFP and 15.9% had a normal VAI. Meanwhile, the partial correlation analysis indicated that the correlation coefficients between VAI and BMI, VAI and WC, and BMI and WC were 0.700, 0.666, and 0.721, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that being female and having a high BFP and a high VAI were significantly associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity. In addition, living in an urban area and older age correlated with overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

This study revealed that obesity and abdominal obesity, which differed by gender and age, are epidemic in southern China. Moreover, there was a very high, significant, positive correlation between WC, BMI and VAI. However, further studies are needed to explore which indicator of body fat could be used as the best marker to indirectly reflect cardiometabolic risk.

Percentage of Body Fat and Fat Mass Index as a Screening Tool for Metabolic Syndrome Prediction in Colombian University Students

High body fat is related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of this study was to explore thresholds of body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass index (FMI) for the prediction of MetS among Colombian University students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1687 volunteers (63.4% women, mean age = 20.6 years). Weight, waist circumference, serum lipids indices, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose were measured. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and FMI was calculated. MetS was defined as including more than or equal to three of the metabolic abnormalities according to the IDF definition. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal cut-off points for BF% and FMI in relation to the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity in both sexes. The overall prevalence of MetS was found to be 7.7%, higher in men than women (11.1% vs. 5.3%; p < 0.001). BF% and FMI were positively correlated to MetS components (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated that BF% and FMI can be used with moderate accuracy to identify MetS in university-aged students. BF% and FMI thresholds of 25.55% and 6.97 kg/m² in men, and 38.95% and 11.86 kg/m² in women, were found to be indicative of high MetS risk. Based on the IDF criteria, both indexes’ thresholds seem to be good tools to identify university students with unfavorable metabolic profiles.

Association between obesity and femoral neck strength according to age, sex, and fat distribution

Indicators of total and abdominal obesity were negatively associated with femoral neck strength indices. There are age-, sex-, and fat distribution-specific differences in the magnitude of these associations. These suggested that indicators of obesity with different magnitude according to age, sex, and fat distribution associated with poor bone health.

INTRODUCTION

Fat regulates bone metabolism, but the associations of total and abdominal obesity with bone health are inconsistent. We investigated the association between indicators of obesity and composite indices of femoral neck (FN) strength reflecting the risk of hip fracture.

METHODS

This population-based cross-sectional study examined data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Participants were divided into groups according to age (25-49/≥50 years) and sex. We examined total fat mass (TFM) and percentage fat mass (pFM) as indicators of total obesity and truncal fat mass (TrFM) as an indicator of abdominal obesity. We calculated the composite indices of FN strength and anthropometric clinical indicators of abdominal obesity.

RESULTS

TFM, pFM, and TrFM were negatively associated with the composite indices, irrespective of age and sex (P < 0.001-0.005). Most anthropometric clinical indicators of abdominal obesity showed negative associations with the composite indices regardless of age and sex (P < 0.001-0.048), except for women aged 25-49 years. In men, magnitudes of the negative contributions of TFM to the composite indices were significantly stronger at age 25-49 years than at age ≥50 years. Magnitudes of negative associations of TFM with the composite indices were greater in men than in women. TrFM had a more detrimental effect than TFM on FN strength in men aged 25-49 years and in women of both ages.

CONCLUSION

Indicators of total and abdominal obesity negatively associated with FN strength, and magnitudes of their effects on bone health differed according to age, sex, and fat distribution.

Visceral adiposity index predicts the conversion of metabolically healthy obesity to an unhealthy phenotype

OBJECTIVE

Some individuals with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) convert to metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) phenotype, and visceral adiposity is one of proposed mechanisms underlying such conversion. Visceral adipose index (VAI) is a novel mathematical model which estimates visceral adiposity based on anthropometric and lipid profiles. We aimed to determine the association of VAI-estimated visceral adiposity with the MHO-to-MUO conversion and the predictive value of VAI in estimating such unfavorable outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 2,204 Korean subjects with the MHO phenotype were enrolled and stratified by body mass index and metabolic health state according to Wildman criteria at baseline and last follow-up examinations. VAI was calculated at baseline.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 41.1 months, 46.0% of subjects converted to MUO phenotype. Higher VAI quartiles were associated with a greater proportion of subjects who underwent MHO-to-MUO conversion, and also with increased odds ratios for such conversion even after multivariate analyses. The optimal VAI cut off value was around 1.00, and VAI had a greater power in the prediction of MHO-to MUO conversion than waist circumference in both genders.

CONCLUSION

MHO phenotypes with high VAI values are associated with poor future metabolic outcomes. VAI-estimated visceral adiposity is well correlated with the prognosis of MHO subjects, and VAI has a good predictive value in determining the MHO-to-MUO conversion.

Are visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product reliable indices for metabolic disturbances in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

BACKGROUND

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and Lipid accumulation product (LAP) are novel visceral adiposity indexes, proposed for the evaluation of cardiometabolic risk in adult population. Considering contradictory results obtained from many studies so far, we aimed to examine the potential benefit of applicability of VAI and LAP, over simple anthropometric indices and traditional lipid parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).

METHODS

A total of 180 DM2 (of them 50% females) and 119 controls who volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study were enrolled. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as blood pressure were obtained. VAI and LAP were calculated.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), (P<.001), waist circumference (WC), (P=.027), age (P=.001), hypolipemic therapy (P=.024), and LAP (P=.005) were independent predictors of DM2 in adjusted models. In Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, used to discriminate subjects with DM2 from those who did not have it, good accuracy of the applied procedures was only achieved with models which were consisted of parameters used in VAI (Body mass index, WC, HDL-c, triglycerides) and LAP (WC, triglycerides) indexes equations, respectively [Area under the curve (AUC)=0.819 and AUC=0.800, respectively], but not with VAI (AUC=0.781) and LAP (AUC=0.784) indexes themselves.

CONCLUSION

Visceral adiposity index and Lipid accumulation product may not be better than parameters that enter its equation in type 2 diabetes prediction.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Circulating Levels of Sirtuin 4 in Obese Patients: A Novel Association

Purpose

This study was aimed at evaluating sirtuin 4 (Sirt4) levels in obese individuals, in relation to their adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), a healthy dietary pattern characterized by high antioxidant capacity, and markers of visceral fat storage.

Subjects/Methods

Forty-three obese patients (44% males; BMI: 36.7–58.8 kg/m²) were consecutively included. PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) and the 7-day food records were used to assess the adherence to MD and dietary pattern, respectively. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) was calculated. Sirt4 levels were detected by ELISA method.

Results

The majority of the obese participants (62.8%) had an average adherence to MD. Compared with average adherers, low adherers had higher BMI, energy intake, and percentage of energy from lipids, mainly saturated fat and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and lower Sirt4 levels. After adjusting for BMI, Sirt4 levels remained negatively correlated with VAI. After adjusting for total energy intake, Sirt4 levels remained negatively associated with PREDIMED and consumption of n-3 PUFA, vitamins C and E. The threshold value of PREDIMED predicting the lowest decrease in Sirt4 levels was found at a score of 6.

Conclusions

Less reduced Sirt4 levels in obese patients adhering to MD suggest a further aspect of the antioxidant advantage of MD.

The visceral adiposity index is associated with insulin sensitivity and IGF-I levels in adults with growth hormone deficiency

The visceral adiposity index, based on anthropometric and metabolic parameters, has been shown to be related to adipose tissue function and insulin sensitivity. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the visceral adiposity index in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency. We enrolled 52 patients(mean age 51 ± 13 years) with newly diagnosed growth hormone deficiency and 50 matched healthy subjects as controls at baseline. At baseline and after 12 and 24 months of treatment we evaluated anthropometric measures, lipid profile, glucose and insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin A1c, homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, insulin sensitivity index Matsuda, insulin-like growth factor-I and visceral adiposity index. At baseline growth hormone deficiency patients showed higher waist circumference (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001) and visceral adiposity index (p = 0.003) with lower insulin sensitivity index (p = 0.007) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.001) than controls. During growth hormone treatment we observed a significant increase in insulin-like growth factor-I (p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.001) with a trend toward increase in insulin sensitivity index (p = 0.055) and a significant decrease in total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and visceral adiposity index (p < 0.001), while no significant changes were observed in other clinical and metabolic parameters. The visceral adiposity index was the only parameter that significantly correlated with growth hormone peak at diagnosis (p < 0.001) and with insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin sensitivity index both at diagnosis (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001) and after 12 (p = 0.026 and p = 0.001) and 24 months (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001) of treatment. The visceral adiposity index, which has shown to be associated with both insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin sensitivity, proved to be the most reliable index of metabolic perturbation, among the most common indexes of adiposity assessment and a marker of benefit during treatment in adult growth hormone deficiency patients.

Índice de adiposidade visceral como preditor de risco cardiometabólico em crianças e adolescentes

RESUMO Introdução: O risco cardiometabólico está associado a diversos fatores, entre os quais, o estado nutricional tem papel destacado. Objetivos: Este estudo verificou a influência do estado nutricional sobre o Índice de Adiposidade Visceral (VAI, do inglês) e seus componentes em crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo descritivo-associativo, de caráter transversal, realizado com 290 sujeitos de 10 a 18 anos, de ambos os sexos. Foram avaliados estatura, massa corporal, IMC, HDL-c, TG e VAI. Realizaram-se os testes Shapiro-Wilk, teste t de Student independente, U de Mann-Whitney, ANOVA One-Way, Kruskal-Wallis, Post Hoc de Bonferroni, Correlação de Pearson e cálculo da razão de chances (odds ratio). A significância adotada foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: Os testes demonstraram haver diferenças significativas entre os sexos para a idade, HDL-c e VAI. Nas variáveis HDL-c, TG e VAI foram constatadas diferenças significativas entre os adolescentes eutróficos e as demais classificações do estado nutricional. Verificou-se também uma piora das variáveis utilizadas para o cálculo do VAI para os adolescentes com classificação do estado nutricional alterado (não eutróficos), indicando, portanto, maior risco cardiometabólico associado ao excesso de peso. Verificou-se forte correlação entre o VAI e o TG (0,865) e correlação moderada negativa entre VAI e HDL-c (-0,405). Após o odds ratio, constatou-se que os participantes com excesso de peso e CC alterada, respectivamente, apresentaram 2,3 e 1,5 vezes mais chance de risco cardiometabólico (VAI alterado). Conclusões: O estado nutricional é capaz de influenciar as variáveis de risco cardiometabólico, VAI, CC, TG e HDL-c em crianças e adolescentes. Nesta população, independente do sexo, à medida que o valor do IMC se eleva, há progressão de alterações metabólicas. Em complemento, o VAI apresentou uma correlação significativa com TG, HDL-c, IMC e CC das crianças e adolescentes do estudo, podendo assim ser visto como alternativa de predição do risco cardiometabólico.

Visceral adiposity index levels in overweight and/or obese, and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship with metabolic and inflammatory parameters

BACKGROUND

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a proposed parameter to evaluate visceral obesity instead of waist circumference (WC) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to evaluate VAI levels in overweight and/or obese, and non-obese PCOS patients and investigate the association between metabolic and inflammatory parameters.

METHODS

Seventy-six PCOS patients between 18 and 40, and 38 age- and BMI-matched controls were enrolled into the study. Both PCOS groups and controls were classified into two subgroups according to body mass index (BMI) <25 and ≥25 kg/m².

RESULTS

In PCOS patients, waist/hip ratio (WHR) (p = 0.023), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.001), insulin (p = 0.011), homeostasis of model assessment (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.006) and uric acid (UA) (p = 0.002) were higher than controls. In overweight and/or obese PCOS group, DBP (p < 0.001), insulin (p = 0.002), HOMA-IR (p = 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.015) and VAI (p = 0.031) were higher than overweight and/or obese controls. In non-obese PCOS group, WHR (p = 0.016), WC (p = 0.030), DBP (p = 0.010) and UA (p < 0.001) were higher than non-obese controls. Similar VAI levels were found in all PCOS and non-obese PCOS subgroups than peer controls. Overweight and/or obese PCOS group had higher VAI levels than non-obese PCOS group (p < 0.001). VAI levels were positively correlated with WHR, glucose, HOMA-IR, high-sensitive CRP and UA in PCOS group. In controls, VAI levels were positively correlated with WHR, insulin and HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSION

We found that VAI levels were higher in overweight and/or obese PCOS patients compared to peer controls and non-obese PCOS patients, and associated with some metabolic and inflammatory parameters.

Possible influence of the environmental pollutant bisphenol A on the cardiometabolic risk factors

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant which is often associated with various health issues. In this study 103 healthy female volunteers in reproductive age from Serbian north province Vojvodina were enrolled and examined for the BPA exposure in the urine samples after 12 h of fasting. BPA was found in 35.92 % (37/103) of subjects. Statistically significant increment in waist circumference (p = 0.045) and waist-to-height ratio (p = 0.037) was observed among the BPA positive women in comparison with the women who had the same energetic balance and had not been exposed to BPA. Linear correlation was obtained between the BPA concentration in urine samples and body mass index (r² = 0.35, p = 0.003) waist circumference (r² = 0.21, p = 0.02) and waist-to-height ratio (r² = 0.25, p = 0.01) among the obese. High energetic intake and reduced physical activity additionally pronounced BPA positive association with obesity. No statistically significant difference was observed in triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels between the BPA exposed and BPA non-exposed female volunteers.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Prehypertension and Hypertension in Southern China

Background

This study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors of prehypertension and hypertension in Jiangxi Province, China. Individuals with prehypertension frequently progress into hypertension and are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 15,296 participants (15 years or older) was conducted in Jiangxi Province, China, in 2013, using questionnaire forms and physical measurements.

Results

The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 32.3% (39.2% in men and 27.6% in women) and 29.0% (30.1% in men and 28.2% in women), respectively. The awareness, treatment, and control rates among all hypertensive participants were 64.8%, 27.1%, and 12.6%, respectively. The prevalence of prehypertension in males declined with age, but the prevalence of hypertension increased in different genders. The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension increased with increasing body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of prehypertension decreased, in parallel to an increase in the prevalence of hypertension, with increasing waist circumference (WC). A combination of WC and BMI was superior to individual indices in identifying hypertension. A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that increasing age, high BMI, high visceral adipose index, and high heart rate were risk factors for prehypertension and hypertension. The high body fat percentage was significantly associated with prehypertension. Living in an urban area, male sex, abdominal obesity, and menopause were correlated with hypertension.

Conclusions

Prehypertension and hypertension are epidemic in southern China. Further studies are needed to explore an indicator that can represent the visceral fat accurately and has a close relationship with cardiovascular disease.

Visceral Adiposity and Anthropometric Indicators as Screening Tools of Metabolic Syndrome among Low Income Rural Adults in Xinjiang

Most previous studies on metabolic syndrome (MetS) examined urban and high income settings. We thus investigated the prevalence of MetS among a multi-ethnic population living in a low income rural area and explored the use of visceral adiposity and anthropometric indicators to identify men and women with MetS. We recruited 10,029 individuals of nomadic Kazakhs, rural Uyghur and Han residents in Xinjiang, China. MetS was defined by the Joint Interim Statement criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of each index. The age-adjusted prevalence of MetS was 21.8%. The visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), body adiposity index (BAI) and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were significantly associated with MetS, independent of ethnic, age, and other covariates. The AUC of VAI, LAP and WHtR were all greater than 0.7, and the LAP was the index that most accurately identified MetS status in men (AUC = 0.853) and women (AUC = 0.817), with the optimal cut-offs of 34.7 and 27.3, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence of MetS in low income rural adults of Xinjiang was high and the LAP was an effective indicator for the screening of MetS.

The Effects of Short-Term Propofol and Dexmedetomidine on Lung Mechanics, Histology, and Biological Markers in Experimental Obesity

BACKGROUND

Administering anesthetics to the obese population requires caution because of a variety of reasons including possible interactions with the inflammatory process observed in obese patients. Propofol and dexmedetomidine have protective effects on pulmonary function and are widely used in short- and long-term sedation, particularly in intensive care unit settings in lean and obese subjects. However, the functional and biological effects of these drugs in obesity require further elucidation. In a model of diet-induced obesity, we compared the short-term effects of dexmedetomidine versus propofol on lung mechanics and histology, as well as biological markers of inflammation and oxidative stress modulation in obesity.

METHODS

Wistar rats (n = 56) were randomly fed a standard diet (lean) or experimental diet (obese) for 12 weeks. After this period, obese animals received sodium thiopental intraperitoneally and were randomly allocated into 4 subgroups: (1) nonventilated (n = 4) for molecular biology analysis only (control); (2) sodium thiopental (n = 8); (3) propofol (n = 8); and (4) dexmedetomidine (n = 8), which received continuous IV administration of the corresponding agents and were mechanically ventilated (tidal volume = 6 mL/kg body weight, fraction of inspired oxygen = 0.4, positive end-expiratory pressure = 3 cm H2O) for 1 hour.

RESULTS

Compared with lean animals, obese rats did not present increased body weight but had higher total body and trunk fat percentages, airway resistance, and interleukin-6 levels in the lung tissue (P = 0.02, P = 0.0027, and P = 0.01, respectively). In obese rats, propofol, but not dexmedetomidine, yielded increased airway resistance, bronchoconstriction index (P = 0.016, P = 0.02, respectively), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels, as well as lower levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 and glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.001, Bonferroni-corrected t test).

CONCLUSIONS

In this model of diet-induced obesity, a 1-hour propofol infusion yielded increased airway resistance, atelectasis, and lung inflammation, with depletion of antioxidative enzymes. However, unlike sodium thiopental and propofol, short-term infusion of dexmedetomidine had no impact on lung morphofunctional and biological variables.

The mesentery in Crohn's disease: friend or foe?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article assesses the role of the mesentery in Crohn's disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The mesentery is centrally positioned both anatomically and physiologically. Overlapping mesenteric and submucosal mesenchymal contributions are important in the pathobiology of Crohn's disease. Mesenteric contributions explain the topographic distribution of Crohn's disease in general and mucosal disease in particular. Operative strategies that are mesenteric based (i.e. mesocolic excision) may reduce rates of postoperative recurrence.

SUMMARY

The net effect of mesenteric events in Crohn's disease is pathologic. This can be targeted by operative means.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/COG/A18.

Crosstalk between the heart and peripheral organs in heart failure

Mediators from peripheral tissues can influence the development and progression of heart failure (HF). For example, in obesity, an altered profile of adipokines secreted from adipose tissue increases the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI). Less appreciated is that heart remodeling releases cardiokines, which can strongly impact various peripheral tissues. Inflammation, and, in particular, activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors with pyrin domain (NLRP3) inflammasome are likely to have a central role in cardiac remodeling and mediating crosstalk with other organs. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in response to cardiac injury induces the production and secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. In addition to having local effects in the myocardium, these pro-inflammatory cytokines are released into circulation and cause remodeling in the spleen, kidney, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The collective effects of various cardiokines on peripheral organs depend on the degree and duration of myocardial injury, with systematic inflammation and peripheral tissue damage observed as HF progresses. In this article, we review mechanisms regulating myocardial inflammation in HF and the role of factors secreted by the heart in communication with peripheral tissues.

Visceral fat dysfunction is positively associated with hypogonadism in Chinese men

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) well mirrors visceral fat dysfunction. No study explored the association between low androgen and VAI. We aimed to determine whether VAI was associated with hypogonadism and sex hormones, and also whether it better predicted hypogonadism than other obesity indices. Our data were collected from 16 sites in East China. 2,759 men were enrolled. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone < 11.3 nmol/L. VAI was calculated in male: (waist circumference/(39.68 + (1.88 × BMI)) × (triglycerides/1.03) × (1.31/HDL). 484 (17.5%) hypogonadal men had significantly higher VAI. After adjusting for age, smoking, neck and hip circumference, diabetes and hypertension, VAI was inversely associated with total testosterone, estradiol and SHBG (P < 0.01). Higher quartiles of VAI were associated with significantly increasing odds of hypogonadism (P for trend < 0.01). The fully adjusted odds ratio was 5.88 (95 CI% 4.09, 8.46) for the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile of VAI. Among all the indices investigated, VAI showed the largest area under the curve (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the VAI was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of hypogonadism in Chinese men. VAI also best predicted hypogonadism among obesity indices (waist, hip and neck circumference, BMI, waist-hip ratio and body adiposity index).

Obesity and colorectal cancer: molecular features of adipose tissue

The huge part of population in developed countries is overweight or obese. Obesity is often determined by body mass index (BMI) but new accurate methods and ratios have recently appeared to measure body fat or fat located in the intestines. Early diagnosis of obesity is crucial since it is considered an increasing colorectal cancer risk factor. On the one hand, colorectal cancer has been strongly associated with lifestyle factors. A diet rich in red and processed meats may increase colorectal cancer risk; however, high-fiber diets (grains, cereals and fruits) have been associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Other life-style factors associated with obesity that also increase colorectal cancer risk are physical inactivity, smoking and high alcohol intake. Cutting-edge studies reported that high-risk transformation ability of adipose tissue is due to production of different pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-8, IL-6 or IL-2 and other enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Furthermore, oxidative stress produces fatty-acid peroxidation whose metabolites possess very high toxicities and mutagenic properties. 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) is an active compounds that upregulates prostaglandin E2 which is directly associated with high proliferative colorectal cancer. Moreover, 4-HNE deregulates cell proliferation, cell survival, differentiation, autophagy, senescence, apoptosis and necrosis via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PIK3CA)—AKT and protein kinase C pathways. Other product of lipid peroxidation is malondialdehyde (MDA) being able to regulate insulin through WNT-pathway as well as having demonstrated its mutagenic capability. Accumulation of point mutation enables genomic evolution of colorectal cancer described in the model of Fearon and Vogelstein. In this review, we will summarize different determination methods and techniques to assess a truthfully diagnosis and we will explain some of the capabilities that performs adipocytes as the largest endocrine organ.

Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, Control and Risk Factors Associated with Hypertension among Adults in Southern China, 2013

To investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control of hypertension and their associated factors in southern China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 5 cities of urban areas and 5 counties of rural areas in Southern China in 2013, a stratified multistage random sampling method was used to select a representative sample. Recruitment included a total of 19254 participants aged 15 or older. Socio-demographic profiles, examinations were administrated on each subject. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control. Overall, the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension are 24.59% and 32.11%, respectively in southern China. Among all the hypertensive patients, 67.43% were aware of their condition, 55.76% took anti-hypertension medication recent two weeks, and 30.79% had their blood pressure controlled. Compared with male, female hypertensive patients had higher rates of hypertension awareness, treatment and control. Age, gender, marital status, living areas, education, BMI, waist circumference, visceral adipose index (VAI), high body fat percentage (BFP) and family hypertension history correlated with the prevalence of hypertension. SBP/DBP increased with VAI and BFP increasing. There is an increasing prevalence of hypertension and high pre-hypertension in the general population in southern China, but levels of awareness, treatment, and control remain relatively low, especially for young and middle-aged population. Innovative strategies including of adopting appropriate anti-hypertensive medication therapy and healthy lifestyles should be taken.

Visceral adiposity index as a predictor of clinical severity and therapeutic outcome of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disease which often accompany with abnormal fat distribution. Visceral adiposity has association with abnormal lipid metabolic, pro-inflammatory activity, insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenism. Increased visceral adiposity raises the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (CV) events, and aggravates ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism in PCOS women. Visceral adiposity index (VAI), a simple surrogate maker of visceral adipose dysfunction and visceral adiposity, is a predictor of IR, and link hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism and anovulation. This review aims to discuss the visceral adiposity situation in PCOS women, and suggests that VAI may be a useful predictor of clinical severity and therapeutic outcome of PCOS.

Hyperinsulinism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): role of insulin clearance

PURPOSE

Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinism are the predominant metabolic defects in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, hyperinsulinism, as well as being compensatory, can also express a condition of reduced insulin clearance. Our aim was to evaluate the differences in insulin action and metabolism between women with PCOS (with normal glucose tolerance) and age- and BMI-matched women with prediabetes (without hyperandrogenism and ovulatory disorders).

METHODS

22 women with PCOS and 21 age/BMI-matched women with prediabetes were subjected to a Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and an Oral Glucose tolerance Test (OGTT). Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the glucose infusion rate during clamp (M value); insulin secretion by Insulinogenic index, Oral Disposition Index (DIo) and AUC(2h-insulin) during OGTT; and insulin clearance by the metabolic clearance rate of insulin (MCRI) during clamp.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS showed significantly higher levels of AUC(2h-insulin) (p < 0.011), Insulinogenic Index (p < 0.001), DIo (p = 0.002) and significantly lower levels of AUC(2h-glucos)e (p = 0.001). No difference was found between the two groups regarding insulin sensitivity (M value). Lower levels of MCRI were found in women with PCOS [420 (IQR 227-588) vs. 743 (IQR 597-888) ml m(-2) min(-1): p < 0.001]. Furthermore, in the PCOS group, a strong independent inverse correlation was only observed between MCRI and AUC(2h-insulin) (PCOS: β:-0.878; p < 0.001; Prediabetes: β:-0.501; p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that in normoglycemic women with PCOS there is peripheral insulin sensitivity similar to that of women with prediabetes. What sets PCOS apart is the hyperinsulinism, today still simplistically defined "compensatory"; actually this is mainly related to decreased insulin clearance whose specific causes and dynamics have yet to be clarified.

Association of Dietary Proportions of Macronutrients with Visceral Adiposity Index: Non-Substitution and Iso-Energetic Substitution Models in a Prospective Study

We aimed to investigate associations between dietary macronutrient proportions and prospective visceral adiposity index changes (ΔVAI). The study included 1254 adults (18–74 years), from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), who were followed for three years. Dietary intakes were assessed twice using food frequency questionnaires. Associations of dietary macronutrient with ΔVAI and risk of visceral adiposity dysfunction (VAD) after three years were investigated. The percentage of energy intake from protein in the total population, and from fat in women, were associated with higher increases in VAI. A 5% higher energy intake from protein substituted for carbohydrate, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was associated with higher ΔVAI. Higher energy intake from animal protein substituted for PUFAs was positively associated with ΔVAI. Substituting protein and PUFAs with MUFAs were related to higher ΔVAI. The associations were similar in men and women, but reached significance mostly among women. Risk of VAD was increased when 1% of energy from protein was replaced with MUFAs. Substituting protein for carbohydrate and fat, and fat for carbohydrate, resulted in increased risk of VAD in women. Higher dietary proportions of protein and animal-derived MUFA may be positively associated with ΔVAI and risk of VAD.

Nutrition: a key environmental dietary factor in clinical severity and cardio-metabolic risk in psoriatic male patients evaluated by 7-day food-frequency questionnaire

Background

Western dietary pattern is included among the environmental dietary factors involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Nutritional data collection methods and gender differences might affect the association between diet and psoriasis. The 7-day food records is considered the “gold standard” of self-administered food frequency questionnaires. In this study, we evaluated the differences in the dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and cardio-metabolic risk profile in a group of psoriatic patients compared with an age and Body Mass Index (BMI)-matched control group. In addition, in the group of psoriatic patients we investigated the association between the dietary intake and clinical severity of psoriasis.

Methods

Cross-sectional case control observational study. A total of 82 adult males, 41 treatment-naïve patients with psoriasis and 41 healthy subjects matched for age and BMI were included in the study. The clinical severity of psoriasis was by assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. The dietary interview data were collected by a 7-day food records. Anthropometric measures, glucose and lipid profile, liver function tests and C-reactive protein levels were measured. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HoMA-IR), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) were calculated.

Results

Psoriatic patients consumed a higher percentage of total and simple carbohydrates, total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio, and cholesterol, while the consumption of protein, complex carbohydrates, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), n-3 PUFA and fiber was lower than in the control group. In addition, psoriatic patients presented altered anthropometric measurements, glucose and lipid profile, liver function tests, and elevated values of HoMA-IR, VAI and FLI. PASI score well correlated with anthropometric measures, glucose and lipid profile, liver function tests, cardio-metabolic indices, and the dietary components, except for protein and total carbohydrates. At logistic regression analysis between PASI score and MUFA, MetS presence was well predicted only by higher PASI score (OR = 1.794; p = 0.002; CI 1.242–2.591). At multiple regression analysis, MUFA was the best predictor of PASI score (r² = 0.387, β = −0.635, t = −5.127, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Differences in dietary intake were observed in adult male psoriatic patients compared with the controls. These differences were associated to the severity of the psoriasis and cardio-metabolic risk. FLI represented an early indicator of the cardio-metabolic risk profile in psoriatic patients, and dietary MUFA were major predictor of the clinical severity of psoriasis, while the association between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome appeared to be independent of MUFA intake. The low MUFA consumption might act as a possible adjunctive mechanism in increasing the inflammation milieu of psoriatic patients.

Sensitivity of various adiposity indices in identifying cardiometabolic diseases in Arab adults

Background

Obesity is a recognized risk factor for various cardiometabolic diseases and several indices are used clinically to assess overall cardiometabolic risk. This study aims to determine the sensitivity of six anthropometric indices [Body mass index (BMI), waist, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI) and visceral adiposity index (VAI)] in determining diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi adults recruited from two independent cohorts (2008–2009 and 2013–2014).

Methods

A total of 6,821 Saudi adults [2008–2009, N = 3,971 (1,698 males and 2,273 females); 2013–2014, N = 2,850 (926 males and 1,924 females)] aged 18–70 years old were included in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics were obtained and fasting blood samples analyzed for glucose and lipids. BMI, WHR, WHtR, BAI and VAI were computed mathematically.

Results

VAI was the most sensitive index in determining DMT2 (AUC 0.72; p < 0.001) in the 2008–2009 cohort and MetS (AUC = 0.84; p < 0.001) in the 2013–2014 cohort. WHR was most discriminating for CHD in both cohorts (AUC 0.70 and 0.84 for 2008–2009 and 2013–2014, p values <0.001, respectively). WHtR was most sensitive but rather modest in determining hypertension (AUC 0.66; p < 0.001), while waist circumference was most sensitive for dyslipidemia (AUC 0.72; p < 0.001) in the 2008–2009 cohort and MetS (AUC 0.85; p < 0.001) in the 2013–2014 cohort. BAI was the least sensitive adiposity index.

Conclusion

Sensitivity of adiposity indices regarding cardiometabolic diseases highlight the importance of body fat distribution in determining overall cardiometabolic risk, with indices involving abdominal obesity being more clinically significant than BMI and BAI. The sensitivity of these adiposity indices should be noted in assessing a particular cardiometabolic disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-015-0265-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) but not Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSDIb) is associated to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome: possible role of microsomal glucose 6-phosphate accumulation

BACKGROUND

In GSDIa, glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); in GSDIb, G6P levels are reduced in ER. G6P availability directly modulates the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1), an ER-bound enzyme playing a key role in the development of the metabolic syndrome (MS).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of MS and Insulin Resistance (IR) in GSDIa and GSDIb patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study. All the enrolled patients were followed at the Department of Pediatrics "Federico II" University of Naples for 10 years. Clinical and biochemical parameters of MS and the presence of IR were recorded. The results were correlated with the biochemical parameters of GSDI-related metabolic control. 10 GSDIa patient (median age 12.10 ± 1.50), 7 GSDIb patients (median age 14.90 ± 2.20 were enrolled in the study. They were compared to 20 and 14 age and sex matched controls, respectively. 10 GSDIa patients (median age 24.60 ± 1.50) and 6 GSDIb patients (median age 25.10 ± 2.00) completed the 10-year-follow-up. At the end of the study the patients' data were compared to 10 and 6 age and sex matched controls, respectively.

RESULTS

At study entry, 20 % GSDIa patients had MS and 80 % showed 2 criteria for MS. GSDIa patients showed higher HOMA-IR than controls and GSDIb patients (p < 0.001, p < 0.05), respectively. Baseline ISI was lower in GSDIa than controls (p < 0.001). QUICKI was significantly lower in GSDIa than in controls (p < 0.001). At the end of the study 70 % of GSDIa patients had MS and 30 % showed 2 criteria for MS. HOMA-IR was higher in GSDIa than controls (p < 0.01). Baseline ISI was higher in GSDIb than controls (p < 0.005) and GSD1a (p < 0.05). QUICKI was lower in GSD1a patients than in controls (p < 0.03). VAI was higher in GSDIa patients than controls (p < 0.001) and GSDIb patients (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed high prevalence of IR and MS in GSDIa patients. We speculate a possible role of 11βHSD1 modulation by G6P availability. We suggest a routine metabolic assessment in GSDIa patients.

The metabolic syndrome and inflammation: role of insulin resistance and increased adiposity

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the role of obesity and insulin resistance (IR) in the pathogenesis of inflammation in metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

Our study included 100 patients with MetS and 100 age and gender matched control patients who attended a tertiary care laboratory in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Anthropometric data was obtained including height and weight to calculate body mass index. A record of patient's blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) was made. Biochemical analysis included measurements of fasting glucose, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), insulin, and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP). IR was determined by the homeostasis mode assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method.

RESULTS

The levels of hs-CRP were found to be elevated in all patients with MetS where it correlated significantly with all its components including measures of obesity, fasting insulin and glucose levels, IR, TG and HDL-c. However, on linear regression analysis only WC, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR remained significantly correlated with hs-CRP.

CONCLUSION

MetS is a condition characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which arises because of increased abdominal adiposity and IR. Large multicenter studies are needed to gain insight into its pathogenesis and derive treatment strategies.