Difficulties in Interpreting IGF-1 Levels in Short Stature Children Born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Treated with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) Based on Data from Six Clinical Centers in Poland.

The assessment of IGF-1 concentrations is one of the parameters used for evaluating response to rhGH treatment. An increase in IGF-1 concentration positively correlates with growth improvement, whereas IGF-1 concentrations significantly above the reference range may increase the risk of possible side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the IGF-1 local reference ranges for the rhGH treatment centers concerned and to compare these values with the population reference ranges. A retrospective analysis was conducted on auxological data from 229 SGA patients who received rhGH treatment between 2016 and 2020 at six university clinical centers in Poland. The IGF-1 levels were assessed at baseline, after 12 and 24 months, and compared to the reference ranges provided by the local laboratory and to the population reference ranges. After 12 months, 56 patients (24%) presented IGF-1 values > 97th percentile for the local reference range, whereas only 8 (3.5%) did so using the population reference ranges; p < 0.001. After 24 months of treatment, the values were: 47 (33%) > 97th percentile by local vs. 6 (4.2%) by population standards; p < 0.001. Thirty-nine patients had rhGH dose reduced after 12 months, of whom twelve (25%) had IGF-1 > 97th percentile according to the local reference ranges and five (13%) > 97th percentile for the population. Our data suggest that different methods used to determine IGF-1 concentration and the different IGF-1 reference ranges result in a significant proportion of rhGH-treated children with elevated IGF-1 concentration and experiencing dose reductions, which may negatively affect growth rate.

Predicted health care profile after transition to adult care in Turner syndrome children-experience of single center.

Introduction: Turner Syndrome (TS) is caused by the complete or partial loss of one of the X chromosomes in all or some female cell lines. The variable genotypes are responsible for a large phenotypic diversity, nevertheless most studies emphasize a weak correlation between genotype and phenotype. The study aimed to assess the occurrence of defects and diseases depending on the karyotype in patients with TS and correlation with the predicted health care profile after the transition to adulthood. Materials and methods: 45 patients of the Department of Endocrinology and Pediatrics of the Medical University of Warsaw in 1990-2002 were analyzed. Girls were divided into 2 subgroups: "A", which included 16 patients with the karyotype 45,X, and "B", which included 29 girls with mosaic karyotypes. Based on the literature data, characteristic phenotypic features and the typical defects or diseases accompanying TS were selected, and the frequency of their occurrence was compared in both subgroups. Accordingly to this data, the predicted medical care profile was determined. Results: In our study, patients with complete monosomy of the X chromosome had more characteristic phenotypic features. They needed sex hormone replacement therapy more often and started to menstruate spontaneously much less frequently (only 18.18% in monosomy vs. 73.91% in mosaic patients, p = 0.006). In patients with monosomy, congenital defects of the circulatory system were found more often (46.67% vs. 30.77%). The diagnosis in patients with mosaic karyotype was more often delayed, therefore the optimal time of growth hormone therapy was shorter. In our study, the X isochromosome determined the higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (83.33% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.049). We didn't find a correlation between the type of karyotype and health care profile after the transition, most of the patients needed more than 2 specialists. Most often, they required: gynecologists, cardiologists, and orthopedics. Conclusions: After the transition from pediatric to adulthood, patients with TS need multidisciplinary care, but not all need the same kind of assistance. The phenotype and comorbidities determine the profile of patients' health care, however it wasn't directly related to the type of karyotype in our study.

The link between vitamin D, chemerin and metabolic profile in overweight and obese children - preliminary results.

Background: Vitamin D affects adipogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, secretion of adipocytokines, lipid metabolism and thermogenesis. Some researchers postulate that those effects could be exerted by the influence of vitamin D on chemerin levels. Aim of the study: We aimed to investigate if there is a link between serum 25-hydroksyvitamin D [25(OH)D], chemerin and metabolic profile in overweight and obese children before and after vitamin D supplementation. Material and methods: The prospective study included 65 overweight and obese children aged 9.08-17.5 years and 26 peers as a control. None of the patients in the study group had received vitamin D within the last twelve months before the study. Results: The study group had lower baseline 25(OH)D (p<0.001) and higher chemerin (p<0.001), triglycerides (TG, p<0.001), triglycerides/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C, p<0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP, p<0.05), fasting insulin (p<0.001), Homeostasis Model Assessment - Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR, p<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p<0.001) and uric acid (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Baseline vitamin D was related to fasting insulin (R=-0.29, p=0.021), HOMA-IR (R=-0.30, p=0.016), HDL-C (R=0.29, p=0.020) and uric acid (R=-0.28, p=0.037) in the study group. Baseline chemerin was related to insulin at 30' (R=0.27, p=0.030), 60' (R=0.27, p=0.033), 90' (R=0.26, p=0.037) and 120' (R=0.26, p=0.040) during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and ALT (R=0.25, p=0.041) in the study group. Correlation between vitamin D and chemerin (R=-0.39, p=0.046) was found only in the control group. After six months of vitamin D supplementation a decrease in CRP (p<0.01), total cholesterol (p<0.05), ALT (p<0.01), glucose at 150' OGTT (p<0.05) was observed. Moreover, we noticed a tendency for negative association between 25(OH)D and chemerin levels (p=0.085). Multivariable backward linear regression models were build using baseline vitamin D, baseline chemerin and six months chemerin as the dependent variables. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that vitamin D has positive effect on metabolic profile in overweight and obese children. The relationship between vitamin D and chemerin is not clear, nevertheless we have observed a tendency to decrease chemerin concentrations after improving vitamin D status, even without a significant reduction in body fat mass.

Decreased level of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κß ligand (sRANKL) in overweight and obese children.

Introduction: Childhood obesity contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The molecular pathway - receptor activator of nuclear factor-κß ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK and osteoprotegerin (OPG) - takes part not only in bone metabolism but is also involved in the atherosclerosis process. RANKL stimulates osteogenic differentiation and calcification of vascular smooth cells. The associations between the OPG-sRANKL system and various cardiovascular risk factors were displayed. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between serum sRANKL (soluble RANKL) levels and the OPG/sRANKL ratio with cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese children. Material and methods: The study included 70 children with overweight and obesity (mean age 13.0 ± 2.8) and 35 age-matched normal weight, healthy peers as a control group. In all patients, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were performed. Additionally, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was made only in overweight and obese children. Atherogenic and insulin resistance indices were calculated. Results: Overweight and obese children had lower sRANKL levels compared to the control group (median 276.95 vs 325.90, p=0.011), and consequently a higher OPG/sRANKL ratio (0.02 vs 0.01, p = 0.013). The studied children in the lowest quartile of sRANKL levels had higher body weight, Body Mass Index, waist circumference and increased glucose and insulin levels 60 minutes after OGTT and higher uric acid values compared to children in the highest quartile. In multivariable linear regression analysis sRANKL negatively correlated only with uric acid (ß = - 0.508, p = 0.041). No association was found for the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Conclusion: Excess fat mass seems to alter the OPG/RANKL ratio mainly by reducing serum sRANKL levels. The correlation between sRANKL and uric acid may suggest a contribution of the OPG-sRANKL system in the cardiometabolic process, but that observation should be confirmed in future studies.

Changes of Peripheral Th17 Cells Subset in Overweight and Obese Children After Body Weight Reduction.

Background: Obesity has been a growing problem in young patients leading to serious metabolic complications. There are many studies supporting the idea, that obesity should be considered as a chronic inflammation closely associated with immune system alterations. Th17 subpopulation is strongly involved in this process. The aim of our study was to evaluate circulating Th17 cells in overweight and obese children and explore the relationships between Th17 subset and metabolic parameters. Methods: We evaluated peripheral Th17 cells in fresh peripheral blood samples from 27 overweight and obese and 15 normal-weight children. Th17 cells were identified by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibody and intracellular IL-17A staining. Th17 cells were defined as CD3+CD4+CD196+IL-17Aic+. The analysis involved anthropometric and metabolic parameters measured at baseline and three months after the change of lifestyle and diet. We evaluated the relationship between metabolic parameters and Th17 cells. Results: In overweight and obese children we found significantly higher Th17 cells percentage compared to normal weight controls (median 0.097% (0.044 - 0.289) vs 0.041% (0.023 - 0.099), p = 0.048). The percentage of Th17 cells decreased statistically significantly in children who reduced weight after the intervention (0.210% (0.143 - 0.315) vs 0.039% (0.028 - 0.106), p = 0.004). In this group we also noticed statistically significant reduction of TC and LDL-C concentration (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusions: Obesity in children is associated with increased percentage of peripheral Th17 cells. Weight reduction leads to significant decrease of circulating Th17 cells and improvement of lipid parameters. This significant reduction of proinflammatory Th17 cells is a promising finding suggesting that obesity-induced inflammation in children could be relatively easily reversible.

Response to Treatment with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) of Short Stature Children Born Too Small for Gestational Age (SGA) in Selected Centres in Poland.

Short stature resulting from SGA is an obligatory indication for treatment with rhGH. The aim of the study was to assess the response to rhGH treatment in patients treated in the years 2016−2020 in six clinical centers in Poland. During the analysis, auxological data were collected, and anthropometrical parameters (Ht, SDS Ht, HV and ΔHV) were reassessed. Subgroups of patients with dysmorphic features (DYSM), fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and Silver-Russel syndrome (SRS) were selected. The study group consisted of 235 children (137 boys). The medium initial age was 9.08 years, and 190 patients were in the prepubertal stage. The poor response to treatment was defined as ΔHt SDS < 0.3 and/or ΔHV < 3 cm/year. Seventeen per cent of all patients after the first year and 44% after the second year met the ΔHt SDS < 0.3 criterion, and 56% during the first and 73% during the second year met the ΔHV < 3 cm/year criterion. Our data suggest that patients with SRS may show the best response to treatment, which was sustained throughout the follow-up period. The best response in all subgroups was observed during the first 12 months of therapy. Although the proportion of patients meeting the poor response criteria was high, only a few patients exceeded the 97th percentile for IGF-1 concentration during the first year of treatment. This might suggest that increasing the dose of rhGH in the second treatment year in order to sustain accelerated HV would be safe in these patients.

Vitamin D Effects on Selected Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Inflammatory Markers of Obesity-Related Chronic Inflammation.

Background: Obesity is related to changes in adipokine secretion, activity of adipose tissue macrophages, helper T cells, and regulatory T cells. It has been confirmed that vitamin D has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It contributes to reduction in pro-inflammatory mediators and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. There is also evidence that vitamin D could decrease C-reactive protein (CRP) and affect selected haematological indices. Aim of the Study: We aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, CRP, blood leukocyte profile, and platelet (PLT) count in overweight and obese children before and after six months of vitamin D supplementation. Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 67 overweight and obese children aged 9.08-17.5 years. The control group included 31 normal weight peers age- and sex-matched. None of the studied children had received vitamin D supplementation before the study. Data were analyzed at baseline and after vitamin D supplementation. Results: The study group had lower baseline 25(OH)D (p<0.001) and higher white blood cell (WBC) (p=0.014), granulocyte (p=0.015), monocyte (p=0.009) and CRP (p=0.002) compared to the control group. In the study group, vitamin D levels were related negatively to nutritional status. Leukocyte profile parameters, PLT, CRP, IL-10 or IL-17 were not related to baseline 25(OH)D. Baseline IL-17 levels correlated with monocytes (R= 0.36, p=0.003) independently on 25(OH)D deficit. In children with vitamin D <15ng/ml, the baseline 25(OH)D was related to CRP (R=-0.42, p=0.017). After six months of vitamin D supplementation, we noticed a decrease in CRP levels (p=0.0003). Serum 25(OH)D correlated with IL-10 in that period (R=0.27, p=0.028). Moreover, we noticed that IL-10 correlated with monocyte (R=-0.28, p=0.023). We did not find any significant associations between 25(OH)D and leukocyte profile parameters, PLT, or IL-17. The multivariable stepwise regression analysis identified IL-10 as the parameter positively associated with 25(OH)D. Conclusions: Our study confirmed beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in overweight and obese paediatric populations. Vitamin D intake seems to exert its anti-inflammatory effect mainly via decreasing the CRP level and protecting stabile values of IL-10, rather than its impact on pro-inflammatory factors such as lL-17 and leukocyte profile parameters.

Development of obesity from childhood to adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a major health problem in Poland and around the world. Excessive gain in early childhood is an important risk factor for the development of obesity. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of obesity in 2-, 4- and 6-year-old obese children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group: 656 overweight and obese children aged 5-18 years old. The patients' height and weight were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Overweight: BMI between 85th-97th percentile and obesity: BMI > 97th were defined using World Health Organization. BMI < +2 SDS as overweight, BMI ≥ +2 SDS as class I obesity, and BMI ≥ 3 SDS as class II. Measurements from the health books of children aged 2 (n = 626), 4 (n = 533) and 6 (n = 518) years old were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age: 12.25 ±2.90 years, BMI SDS: +2.54 ±0.60. There were 100 overweight (15.2%) and 556 obese (84.8%) children in the group, including 143 patients with class II obesity (21.8%). Children < 10 years old comprised 28%. It was established that 36.6% of the patients were overweight or obese at the age of 2 years old. At the age of 4, the percentage was 73.9%, and at the age of 6, it was as high as 84%. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The children studied had excess body weight from early childhood. The prevalence of obesity increased with age. 2. Systematic monitoring of developmental parameters in children is essential from an early age.

Growth response and metabolic effects of growth hormone therapy in appropriate-for-gestational-age growth hormonedeficient children in relation to birth size and gestational age: A preliminary study.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of birth weight (BW), birth length (BL) and gestational age (GA) on growth pattern and metabolic profile in appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) growth hormone-deficient children before and during recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy. Forty children with isolated idiopathic growth hormone deficiency underwent auxological and biochemical assessment at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of rhGH therapy. Biochemical analysis included: insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), adiponectin, resistin, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol (total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). There was a tendency for positive association between BW and baseline height standard deviation score (SDS). GA correlated with baseline weight SDS (p=0.019) and BMI SDS (p=0.039). GA was associated with baseline fasting glucose (p=0.031), fasting insulin (p=0.027), HOMA-IR (p=0.010) and QUICKI (p=0.016). BW correlated with baseline HbA1c (p=0.032). After the initiation of rhGH therapy we did not find any significant relationships between birth size parameters or GA and metabolic profile of the studied children. In conclusion, our results suggest that AGA GH-deficient children born with higher birth size parameters and higher GA had better first-year growth response to rhGH therapy and better baseline metabolic profile, especially parameters of carbohydrate metabolism. In order to optimize the effects of rhGH therapy, higher rhGH doses should be considered in those GH-deficient children who were born with lower birth size and GA.

Changes in leukocyte profile and C-reactive protein concentration in overweight and obese adolescents after reduction of body weight.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the changes in the leukocyte profile and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in adolescents with excess fat mass after 6-12 months of dietary intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 99 overweight and obese adolescents, aged from 10.0 to 17.5 years, 82 of whom were re-hospitalized 6 to 12 months after dietary counseling. The control group consisted of 42 normal weight peers. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were performed, homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio were calculated. RESULTS: Obese and overweight adolescents had higher white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte counts and CRP concentration. In the backward stepwise regression analysis, body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) and fasting insulin concentration were independent predictors of WBC and neutrophil counts at the baseline. At the follow-up visit in 45 (54.8%) children, who had lost weight, decreases in WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts and CRP, fasting insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) concentrations were observed. Changes in WBC and neutrophil counts were dependent on changes in HOMA-IR and TG/HDL ratio. Changes in HOMA-IR had a significant impact on changes in the monocyte count. CONCLUSIONS: Adipose tissue promotes systemic inflammation and its intensity depends on the degree of obesity and insulin resistance. This state is reversible. Changes in HOMA-IR were independent predictors of changes in WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts after reduction of body weight.

Are the civilization diseases the result of organohalogen environmental pollution?

The notion of 'civilization diseases' is used to describe certain ailments whose aetiology is difficult to explain based on the knowledge about the functioning of the body and its metabolism. Only studies at the cellular level, on biochemical changes shed light on the causes of some diseases described as civilization diseases (cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, obesity, psychomotor disorders in children and an increase in the frequency of malformations). The factors whose incontestable influence on the increase in the frequency of occurrence of various 'civilization diseases' has been proved are persistent organic pollutants, among others belonging to the group of organohalogen compounds. Among organohalogen pollutants one needs to distinguish organochlorine compounds, which have been used as pesticides, and pollution emitted by various industries such as dioxins and furans, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated organic compounds used as flame retardants and perfluoroalkylated substances, which are characterized by high chemical and thermal stability as well as high surface activity due to which they may be widely used as oleophobic and hydrophobic factors.

Fructose Consumption and Lipid Metabolism in Obese Children and Adolescents.

Inappropriate dietary habits influence the development of excessive body weight. The role of added sugars, including fructose, notably is significant in this process. It is estimated that fructose intake has increased many times over the past two centuries. The aim of the study was to define the effect of fructose consumption on anthropometric indices and lipid metabolism in obese (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2) children and adolescents. The study included 84 patients (47 girls and 37 boys) aged 7-18 years, divided into prepubertal, pubertal, and post-pubertal age groups. Aside from BMI, the assessment comprised waist circumference, body composition estimated with bioelectrical impedance (BIA), plasma lipid profile, fructose intake consumption based on a 3-day menu analysis, and a number of calculated atherogenic indices. The major findings were that total daily fructose intake was high, on average, ranging from 19 to 26 g, with no appreciable relation to age. A higher fructose intake from beverages is significantly associated with the percentage of body fat, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and also with the content of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and the level of atherogenic indices. In conclusion, fructose appears a particularly unfavorable component in children's diet as it is conducive to visceral obesity and atherogenic lipid profile. However, inadequate proportions of other macronutrients may also be at play in the development of metabolic diet-related disorders.

Gender-Dependent Growth and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Responses to Growth Hormone Therapy in Prepubertal Growth Hormone-Deficient Children.

Gender seems to be an important factor influencing the response to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy in GH-deficient adolescents and adults. The results of studies evaluating gender-specific response to rhGH therapy in prepubertal GH-deficient children are divergent. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gender on the growth and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) responses in 75 prepubertal GH-deficient children during the first 2 years of rhGH therapy. There were no baseline gender differences in age, bone age, anthropometrical parameters, and IGF-1 SDS for bone age. After the initiation of rhGH therapy, there were no gender-specific differences concerning the reduction of height deficit. Serum IGF-1 levels were higher in the prepubertal GH-deficient girls than in the age-matched boys, but the difference was not significant when expressed as IGF-1 SDS for bone age. The increase in IGF-1 SDS for bone age was significantly greater in girls versus boys after the first 6 months of therapy, comparable between girls and boys after the first year of therapy, and tended to be higher in boys after the second year of therapy. In conclusion, prepubertal GH-deficient girls and boys do not differ significantly in growth response in the first 2 years of rhGH therapy.

Twenty years of growth hormone treatment in dialyzed children in Poland-Results of national multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and to establish factors influencing growth rate in dialyzed children in Poland. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 81 children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic dialysis treated with rhGH for ≥12 months between 1994 and 2014. The following data were recorded: cause of ESRD, dialysis modality, age at the dialysis and rhGH initiation [years]. In addition, growth [cm], [standard deviation score - SDS], body mass index [SDS], skeletal age [years], bone mineral density [SDS], hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, calcium phosphorus product, PTH, and alkaline phosphatase were measured at the baseline and after 12 months. RESULTS: Growth velocity in 81 children during one-year rhGH treatment was 7.33 ± 2.63 cm (ΔSDS 0.36 ± 0.43). Height SDS increased significantly (-3.31 ± 1.12 vs. -2.94 ± 1.15, p < 0.001). Children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n = 51) were younger than children on hemodialysis (HD) (n = 30) (9.92 ± 3.72 vs. 12.32 ± 3.11 years, p = 0.003). ΔSDS did not differ between PD and HD children (0.40 ± 0.33 vs. 0.30 ± 0.47, p = 0.311). Growth velocity (ΔSDS) correlated with age at dialysis initiation (r=-0.30, p = 0.009), age at rhGH treatment initiation (r=-0.35, p = 0.002), skeletal age (r=-0.36, p = 0.002), BMI SDS (r=-0.27, p = 0.019), and PTH (r=-0.27, p = 0.017). No correlation between growth velocity and other parameters was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with rhGH in children with ESRD is effective and safe irrespective of dialysis modality. Early initiation of rhGH therapy is a crucial factor determining response to the treatment in children with ESRD.

Thyroid function in children with growth hormone deficiency during long-term growth hormone replacement therapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of growth hormone (GH) therapy on thyroid function in a group of euthyroid children with isolated idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was retrospective and included 117 children treated with GH for 1-4 years. Anthropometric measurements and serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (fT4) were analysed at baseline and during GH therapy. RESULTS: TSH levels did not change significantly after the initiation of GH treatment, while fT4 levels decreased after the second year of GH treatment (p < 0.01) and remained lower than baseline until the end of observation (p < 0.01, after both the third and fourth year of therapy) in the whole group. Analysis according to baseline pubertal status revealed significant changes in TSH and fT4 levels during GH treatment, but only in the prepubertal children. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that mean GH doses administered in the first two years of GH therapy were independently (R = 0.218, p < 0.05) associated with changes in fT4 levels in this period (∆fT42 years - baseline), even when taking into account changes in height SDS and bone age. CONCLUSIONS: FT4 levels decreased during GH replacement therapy, while TSH levels appeared to be unaffected by GH therapy. Prepubertal children seem to be more predisposed to thyroid function alterations during such therapy in comparison to pubertal children. Changes in fT4 levels during GH replacement therapy are related to GH doses.

Usefulness of the Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) in prediction of metabolic syndrome in Polish obese children and adolescents.

The triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) is a useful surrogate marker of insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to assess the relationship between the TG/HDL-C ratio and insulin resistance (IR) and its usefulness in prediction of the metabolic syndrome (MS). This retrospective study involved 122 obese children with the mean age of 11.6±3 years and their 58 healthy lean peers. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, the plasma lipid profile and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were analyzed. Based on the obtained results, the TG/HDL-C ratio and surrogate insulin resistance indices (HOMA-IR, FGIR, QUICKI, OGIS, Matsuda index) were calculated. The TG/HDL-C ratio positively correlated with weight, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio (WHR), lipid profile, HOMA-IR, fasting insulin and insulin measurements during OGTT, and negatively correlated with FGIR, QUICKI, OGIS, and the Matsuda index. Obese children with the TG/HDL-C ratio≥3 (47.5%) had higher values of WHR and HOMA-IR, and lower ones of FGIR, QUICKI, OGIS, and the Matsuda index when compared to their obese peers with the TG/HDL-C<3. The area under the curve (AUC) calculated for each insulin resistance index in prediction of the metabolic syndrome was the largest for the TG/HDL-C ratio (0.8936, 95% Cl:0.809-0.977, p=0.000). For 1 unit increase in the TG/HDL-C ratio, the odds for having MS increased by 2.09 times. The TG/HDL-C ratio is a good surrogate marker of insulin resistance in obese children. When comparing the usefulness of some IR markers in prediction of the metabolic syndrome, the TG/HDL-C ratio seems to be the best one and should be used in clinical practice to identify children at risk of metabolic syndrome development.

Connecting Visible Photoluminescence and Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Dysprosium(III) Octacyanidorhenate(V) Helices.

Functional crystalline materials based on bimetallic cyanido-bridged {[DyIII(4-Mephen)(dmf)4][MV(CN)8]}·0.5H2O (M = Re, 1; Mo, 2; W, 3; 4-Mephen = 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline) helices have been prepared. 1 is the first heterometallic coordination polymer incorporating an unexplored [ReV(CN)8]3- ion. Implementation of the ReV-based diamagnetic analogue of broadly investigated paramagnetic [MoV(CN)8]3- and [WV(CN)8]3- ions into the d-f coordination framework results in yellow photoluminescence originating from 4F9/2 → 6H J f-f electronic transitions of DyIII sensitized by 4-Mephen, and field-induced slow magnetic relaxation related to the single-ion anisotropy of the dysprosium(III) complexes. We prove that [ReV(CN)8]3- can work as a noninnocent metalloligand in the preparation of emissive 4f-metal-based single-molecule magnets.

Between single ion magnets and macromolecules: a polymer/transition metal-based semi-solid solution.

The creation of functional magnetic materials for application in high-density memory storage or in the new field of molecular spintronics is a matter of widespread interest among the material research community. Herein, we describe a new approach that combines the qualities of single ion magnets, displaying slow magnetic relaxations, and the merits of polymers, being easy to process and widely used to produce thin films. Basing the idea on cobalt(ii) ions and pyridine-based single ion magnets, a new macromolecular magnetic material was obtained - a polymeric matrix of poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) cross-linked by a cobalt(ii) salt bound within it, effectively forming a network of single ion magnets, with field-induced magnetic relaxations preserved in both bulk and thin film forms. The binding of cobalt is confirmed by a series of methods, like secondary ion mass spectroscopy or high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The magnetic relaxation times, up to 5 × 10-6 s, are controllable simply by dilution, making this new material a semi-solid solution. By this approach, a new path is formed to connect molecular magnetism and polymer science, showing that the easy polymer processing can be used in forming self-organizing functional magnetic thin films.

Developing a magnetic metal organic framework of copper bearing a mixed azido/butane-1,4-dicarboxylate bridge: magnetic and gas adsorption properties.

A magnetic metal organic framework {[Cu(but-1,4-dc)0.5(N3)(H2O)]·H2O}n (MFUM-1(Cu)) (but-1,4-dc = butane-1,4-dicarboxylate) was synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. In MFUM-1(Cu), each CuII ion has a distorted octahedral geometry with an obvious Jahn-Teller distortion, where the coordination environment is composed of mixed EO-azido/aliphatic based carboxylate/H2O threefold bridges. These bridges extend the structure of MFUM-1(Cu) in two dimensions by covalent connectivity and form square-shaped channels. Also, a study was done to determine the effectiveness of sonochemical synthesis for the preparation of nano-sheets of MFUM-1(Cu) and subsequently the influence of particle size on physical properties such as magnetic behavior and thermal stability. The particles were characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analyses. The effects of parameters such as concentration, solvent, and reaction time on the size distribution, morphology, and yield of product were carefully studied. The magnetic properties of MFUM-1(Cu) and corresponding nano-structure were examined which indicated metamagnetism with strong intrachain ferromagnetic coupling versus the weak interchain antiferromagnetic coupling. Finally, the application of MFUM-1(Cu) in the separation of carbon dioxide from nitrogen and also from methane was theoretically investigated. High calculated selectivity of CO2 over N2 and CH4 reveals the potential application of MFUM-1(Cu) in practical systems of gas separation.

Tuning of High Spin Ground State and Slow Magnetic Relaxation within Trimetallic Cyanide-Bridged {NiII x CoII 9-x [WV (CN)8 ]6 } and {MnII x CoII 9-x [WV (CN)8 ]6 } Clusters.

Two series of trimetallic {NiII x CoII 9-x [WV (CN)8 ]6 } (NiCoW) and {MnII x CoII 9-x [WV (CN)8 ]6 } (MnCoW) (x=1-8) crystalline solid-solutions were constructed and systematically studied by SEM EDX, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC XRD), and magnetic measurements. The atomic Ni:Co:W and Mn:Co:W ratios in the solid state follow the stoichiometric concentration in the mother MeOH solutions fairly well. The structural studies revealed a definite strong tendency of smaller 3d ions to locate in the central [M(µ-NC)6 ] moiety of the skeleton: NiII over the CoII and CoII over MnII . In contrast, the external fac-[M(µ-NC)3 (MeOH)3 ] are consecutively occupied by the mixture of 3d metal ions, accessible according to the stoichiometry of the mother solutions. The DC magnetic χT(T) and M(H) curves illustrate the continuous tendency of change with x along both series, nicely reproducing the changes of the theoretical high spin in the ground state Sgr , assuming the ferromagnetic HS CoII -NC-WV and antiferromagnetic MnII -NC-WV interactions established by numerous literature reports. The AC magnetic measurements indicate the occurrence of slow magnetic relaxation, with the highest energy barrier ΔE/kB of 26 K for the Ni6 Co3 W6 congener and of 17 K for the Mn6 Co3 W6 congener, and relatively large values of distribution parameter α. The values of ΔE are correlated with possible anisotropy of distribution of fac-[CoII (µ-NC)3 (MeOH)3 ] moieties at the external corners of the cube substructure.