Obesity, physical fitness, and inflammatory markers in Polish children

Obesity Is Associated with Oxidative Stress Markers and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Mexican Children

The relationship between metabolic disorders and oxidative stress is still controversial in the child population. The present cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the associations between obesity, cardiometabolic traits, serum level of carbonylated proteins (CPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the enzyme activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in children from Mexico City (normal weight: 120; obesity: 81). Obesity resulted in being positively associated with CAT (β = 0.05 ± 0.01, p = 5.0 × 10-3) and GPx (β = 0.13 ± 0.01, p = 3.7 × 10-19) enzyme activity. A significant interaction between obesity and sex was observed in MDA and SOD enzymatic activity (PMDA = 0.03; PSOD = 0.04). The associations between obesity, MDA level, and SOD enzyme activity were only significant in boys (boys: PMDA = 3.0 × 10-3; PSOD = 7.0 × 10-3; girls: p ≥ 0.79). In both children with normal weight and those with obesity, CP levels were positively associated with SOD enzyme activity (PNormal-weight = 2.2 × 10-3; PObesity = 0.03). In conclusion, in Mexican children, obesity is positively associated with CAT and GPx enzyme activity, and its associations with MDA levels and SOD enzyme activity are sex-specific. Therefore, CP level is positively related to SOD enzyme activity independently of body weight.

The Impact of Paediatric Obesity on Drug Pharmacokinetics: A Virtual Clinical Trials Case Study with Amlodipine

The incidence of paediatric obesity continues to rise worldwide and contributes to a range of diseases including cardiovascular disease. Obesity in children has been shown to impact upon the plasma concentrations of various compounds, including amlodipine. Nonetheless, information on the influence of obesity on amlodipine pharmacokinetics and the need for dose adjustment has not been studied previously. This study applied the physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling and established a paediatric obesity population to assess the impact of obesity on amlodipine pharmacokinetics in children and explore the possible dose adjustments required to reach the same plasma concentration as non-obese paediatrics. The difference in predicted maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) were significant between children with and without obesity across the age group 2 to 18 years old when a fixed-dose regimen was used. On the contrary, a weight-based dose regimen showed no difference in Cmax between obese and non-obese from 2 to 9 years old. Thus, when a fixed-dose regimen is to be administered, a 1.25- to 1.5-fold increase in dose is required in obese children to achieve the same Cmax concentration as non-obese children, specifically for children aged 5 years and above.

Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a novel biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy prediction in human diseases

The glycoprotein alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (AACT), a serine protease inhibitor, is mainly synthesized in the liver and then secreted into the blood and is involved in the acute phase response, inflammation, and proteolysis. The dysregulation of AACT and its glycosylation levels are associated with tumor progression and recurrence, and could be used as a biomarker for tumor monitoring. In this review, we summarized the expression level, glycosylation modification, and biological characteristics of AACT during inflammation, neurodegenerative or other elderly diseases, and tumorigenesis, as well as, focused on the biological roles of AACT in cancer. The aberrant expression of AACT in cancer might be due to genetic alterations and/or immune by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, AACT may serve as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target in tumors. Furthermore, we found that the expression of AACT was associated with the overall survival of patients with human cancers. Decreased AACT expression was associated with poor survival in patients with liver cancer, increased AACT expression was associated with shorter survival in patients with pancreatic cancer, and decreased AACT expression was associated with shorter survival in patients with early lung cancer. The review confirmed the key roles of AACT in tumorigenesis, suggesting that the glycoprotein AACT may serve as a biomarker for tumor diagnosis and prognosis, and could be a potential therapeutic target for human diseases.

Alterations in glutathione redox homeostasis among adolescents with obesity and anemia

The reduced (GSH)-to-oxidized (GSSG) glutathione ratio represents a dynamic balance between oxidants and antioxidants. However, redox status in adolescents with obesity and anemia has not been investigated. This study investigated the association of erythrocyte GSH redox status (GSH, GSH:GSSG ratio, and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity) with anemia and adiposity in adolescents. This case–control study nested in a cross-sectional study enrolled 524 adolescents (268 boys; 256 girls). The prevalence of anemia in overweight and obesity (OWOB) was 5.2% in boys and 11.7% in girls. The GSH:GSSG ratio and GPx activity were significantly higher in girls than in boys (p < 0.001), in anemic than in non-anemic subjects (p < 0.001), and in OWOB than in normal-weight subjects (p < 0.001). Similarly, significantly higher GSH: GSSG level (p < 0.001) and GPx activity (p < 0.001) were found in subjects with 90th percentile waist circumference than in those with < 90th percentile. GPx and GSH:GSSG were positively associated with anemia after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, adjOR [95% confidence interval, CI] 2.18 [1.44–3.29]) or tertiles (adjOR [95% CI], T3 = 2.49 [1.03–6.01]). A similar association was noted for GSH and GPx. A compensatory increased redox defense mechanism exists in anemia and obesity among adolescents without metabolic disturbances.

Independent and combined associations of physical fitness components with inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and motor ability with single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents.

METHODS

This study included 503 children and adolescents. Cardiorespiratory fitness, upper- and lower-muscular fitness, and motor ability were assessed using field-based tests. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine the levels of a set of inflammatory biomarkers. Global physical fitness and clustered inflammatory biomarker scores were computed. Associations between physical fitness and inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed through linear regression. Differences in inflammatory biomarker levels between physical fitness tertiles were tested.

RESULTS

Global physical fitness was inversely associated with single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers in children (p < 0.05); and with C-reactive protein, complement factor C4, leptin, and clustered inflammatory biomarkers in adolescents (p < 0.025). Cardiorespiratory fitness and upper-muscular fitness were negatively and independently associated with several single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents (p < 0.05). Differences were found between the lowest and the highest tertiles of global physical fitness in clustered inflammatory biomarker levels (p < 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Physical fitness was negatively associated with single and clustered inflammatory biomarkers, independently of body mass index. Increasing physical fitness levels in youth might contribute to reduce the cardiovascular risk.

Total Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Prepubertal Children with Obesity

Aims

Obesity is accompanied by the formation of oxygen free radicals, whose intensified activity without effective defense mechanisms can lead to oxidative stress and related complications. We evaluated the presence of oxidative stress in obese prepubertal children.

Methods

The study included 83 healthy children aged 2–10 years (62 with obesity and 21 nonobese controls). Total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), lipid parameters, glucose, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in serum. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.

Results

Serum TOC concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and TAC concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in obese children. OSI was higher (p < 0.01) in obese subjects compared with controls. CRP levels were normal in all children, but median CRP value was higher (p < 0.01) and HDL cholesterol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in the obese group. We found a significant negative correlation between TAC and ox-LDL concentrations (r = −0.27, p < 0.05) in obese children. Furthermore, obesity duration was positively correlated with TOC level (r = 0.32, p < 0.05) in this group.

Conclusions

Obesity-related oxidative stress already occurs in prepubescence. Early obesity diagnosis and the necessary therapeutic activity implementation is a vital strategy for the prophylaxis of free radical damage and related multiorgan complications.

Oxidative Stress Status in Childhood Obesity: A Potential Risk Predictor

Background

Childhood obesity characterized by excessive fat in the body is one of the most serious health problems worldwide due to the social, medical, and physiological complications. Obesity and associated diseases are triggering factors for oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of this study was to explore the possible association between childhood obesity and inflammatory and oxidative status.

Material/Methods

Thirty-seven obese children and 37 healthy controls selected from among children admitted to BLIND University Paediatrics Department were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed using standard methods. Glucose, lipid parameters, CRP, insulin, total oxidant status (TOS), total anti-oxidant status (TAS) levels, and total thiol levels (TTL) were measured in serum. HOMA index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. The differences between the groups were evaluated statistically using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Body mass index was significantly higher in the obese group (median: 28.31(p<0.001). Glucose metabolism, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher in the obese group (both p<0.001). Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the obese group (p<0.001). TAS (med: 2.5 μmol Trolox eq/L (1.7–3.3)) and TOS (med: 49.1 μmol H₂O₂ eq/L (34.5–78.8)) levels and TTL (med: 0.22 mmol/L (0.16–0.26)) were significantly higher in the obese group (p=0.001). CRP levels showed positive correlation with TOS and negative correlation with TTL levels (p=0.005, r=0.473; p=0.01, r=−0.417; respectively). TTL levels exhibited negative correlation with TOS levels (p=0.03, r=−0.347).

Conclusions

In conclusion, obese children were exposed to more oxidative burden than children with normal weight. Increased systemic oxidative stress induced by childhood obesity can cause development of obesity-related complications and diseases. Widely focussed studies are required on the use of oxidative parameters as early prognostic parameters in detection of obesity-related complications.

Increased Gustatory Response Score in Obesity and Association Levels with IL-6 and Leptin

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the circulating IL-6 and leptin levels with taste alteration in young obese patients. Methods. A retrospective case-control study was conducted in thirty obese patients and thirty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results. Circulating levels of IL-6 and leptin were significantly increased in obese patients than in controls. However, catalase and ORAC levels were significantly decreased in obese patients compared to controls. Additionally, obese participants had high scores for the detection of fats (gustatory response scores [GRS]; p < 0.001). Moreover, IL-6 and leptin were strongly associated with GRS alteration among patients with GRS 4 (resp., OR =17.5 [95% CI, 1.56–193.32; p = 0.007]; OR = 16 [95% CI, 1.69–151.11; p = 0.006]). For the Mantel-Haenszel common odds ratio estimate (MH OR), IL-6 and leptin were strongly associated with obesity, in patients with either GRS 4 or GRS > 4 (resp., MH OR = 8.77 [95% CI, 2.06–37.44; p = 0.003]; MH OR = 5.76 [95% CI, 1.64–20.24; p = 0.006]). Conclusions. In a low grade inflammation linked to obesity, taste alteration is associated with high levels of IL-6 and leptin.

Cardiorespiratory endurance in relation to body mass in Polish rural children: Preliminary report

Physical fitness is generally viewed as having morphological, muscular, motor, cardiovascular and metabolic components. Cardiorespiratory fitness describes the capacity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to carry out prolonged strenuous exercise. It is often considered as the most important indicator of health status. The place of residence is seen as a factor that may influence the feasibility of physically active lifestyles, and thus shaping cardiorespiratory fitness. The study group consisted of 121 children aged 10-16 years, including 60 girls and 61 boys. All of the children lived in rural areas. The investigated group was divided according to age and sex; body height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. All children performed the Cooper's run test and the Ruffier's test. The analysis of BMI for the nutritional status of children in relation to the entire study group demonstrated that 81 children had normal weight, 20 children were overweight and 11 were obese, while 9 children were underweight. The studied group of children showed on average very good and good performance in the Cooper's test, regardless of body weight, whereas the results of the Ruffier's test showed merely weak or medium cardiorespiratory endurance, which was even worse in overweight or obese children.

Validity of bioelectrical impedance measurement in predicting fat-free mass of Chinese children and adolescents

Background

The current study aimed to examine the validity of various published bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) equations in estimating FFM among Chinese children and adolescents and to develop BIA equations for the estimation of fat-free mass (FFM) appropriate for Chinese children and adolescents.

Material/Methods

A total of 255 healthy Chinese children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years old (127 males and 128 females) from Tianjin, China, participated in the BIA measurement at 50 kHz between the hand and the foot. The criterion measure of FFM was also employed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). FFM estimated from 24 published BIA equations was cross-validated against the criterion measure from DEXA. Multiple linear regression was conducted to examine alternative BIA equation for the studied population.

Results

FFM estimated from the 24 published BIA equations yielded high correlations with the directly measured FFM from DEXA. However, none of the 24 equations was statistically equivalent with the DEXA-measured FFM. Using multiple linear regression and cross-validation against DEXA measurement, an alternative prediction equation was determined as follows: FFM (kg)=1.613+0.742×height (cm)2/impedance (Ω)+0.151×body weight (kg); R²=0.95; SEE=2.45kg; CV=6.5, 93.7% of the residuals of all the participants fell within the 95% limits of agreement.

Conclusions

BIA was highly correlated with FFM in Chinese children and adolescents. When the new developed BIA equations are applied, BIA can provide a practical and valid measurement of body composition in Chinese children and adolescents.

Mucin levels in saliva of adolescents with dental caries

Background

Human saliva, a complex secretion that contains a mixture of inorganic and organic molecules, plays an essential role in the maintenance of oral health. Mucins are the major macromolecular component of the secretion and are considered the first line of defense for epithelial tissues. The aim of this study was to compare levels of mucins (MUC5B, MUC7, and MUC1) in saliva of young subjects with dental caries.

Material/Methods

All patients had DMF (decay/missing/filled) higher than value 0. Eight subjects with DMF=3 (control group) and 27 adolescents with DMF >11 (research group) were recruited for this study. Clinical evaluation procedures were oral examination, including tooth, periodontal, oral mucosal status, and collection of saliva samples. Saliva was collected for mucin assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitate MUC5B, MUC7, and MUC1.

Results

Our results indicate that adolescents with very high intensity of dental caries disease had increased levels of MUC1 and MUC5B. The membrane mucin MUC1 protein levels in the group with DMF>11 (research group) were higher compared to the group with DMF=3 (control group), and the increase was statistically significant (p=0.011). Similarly, secreted mucin MUC5B protein levels were higher (p=0.06) in the group with DMF>11 (research group). Although MUC7 protein levels were slightly reduced in symptomatic subjects, the decrease was statistically insignificant (p=0.918).

Conclusions

Our data suggest links between the production of mucins, especially MUC1 and MUC5B in saliva, and dental caries disease.