Association between ApoA1 Gene, Plasma Lipid Profile, hsCRP Level, and Risk of Arterial Stiffness in Thai Elderly.

Introduction: Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) gene polymorphism is linked to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Variations in this gene, along with dyslipidemia and inflammation, may increase the risk of vascular stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the link between ApoA1 rs670 genetic variations, various biochemical parameters, and the risk of arterial stiffness in older people. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 355 participants (≥60 years) who completed a demographic and lifestyle information questionnaire. Clinical and anthropometric examination, biochemical analysis, and ApoA1 rs670 genotyping by real-time PCR were performed. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was used to assess arterial stiffness. Results: Age, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, LDL-C, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were associated with high CAVI (≥9) among older people. The mean CAVI (8.19 ± 2.78) for the ApoA1 rs670 AA genotype was lower than that of the GG genotypes (8.94 ± 1.00, p < 0.05). These results are supported by HDL-C (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.93; p=0.030) and high hs-CRP (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.16-0.57; p=0.006) levels together with adjusted ORs of both variables. Conclusion: ApoA1 rs670 genetic variations involved in the synthesis, transport, and processing of HDLs, hypertension, and inflammation are linked to arterial stiffness. Further studies are required to clarify these mechanisms.

Vitamin D and Visceral Obesity in Humans: What Should Clinicians Know?

The extraskeletal effect of vitamin D on adipose tissue biology and modulation in human obesity is of great interest and has been extensively investigated. Current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies in human adipose tissue suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D are evident and consistent, whereas the effects of vitamin D on adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis, and energy metabolism and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on adipokine levels are inconclusive. Interventional studies related to medical and surgical weight loss in humans have shown small or no improvement in vitamin D status. Additionally, the benefit of vitamin D supplementation for the reduction in visceral adipose tissue has only been demonstrated in a few studies. Overall, the findings on the relationship between vitamin D and visceral adipose tissue in humans are still inconclusive. Further studies are required to confirm the beneficial effects of vitamin D on ameliorating adipose tissue dysfunction.

Evaluation of Body Composition in Hemodialysis Thai Patients: Comparison between Two Models of Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.

BACKGROUND: Body composition measurement is very important for early nutritional care in hemodialysis patients. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a gold standard test, but clinically limited. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with multifrequency technique is a practical and reliable tool. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was aimed to compare the agreement of BIA with DXA in measurement of body composition in hemodialysis patients and to evaluate their associated factors. METHODS: Body composition was measured by 2 BIA methods (InBody S10 and InBody 720) and DXA after a hemodialysis session. A total of 69 measurements were included. Pearson's correlation and Bland and Altman analysis were used to determine the correlation of body composition between methods and to compare the methods agreement, respectively. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients of body compositions were strong between DXA and InBody S10 (fat mass index (FMI): r=0.95, fat-free mass index (FFMI): r=0.78) and also between DXA and InBody 720 (FMI: r=0.96, FFMI: r=0.81). Comparing to DXA, the means of each body composition measured by InBody S10 method were not significantly different in each gender, but differences were found in FM, %FM, and FMI measured by InBody 720. CONCLUSIONS: In maintenance hemodialysis patients, the measurement of body composition with DXA and both BIA methods had highly significant correlations; practically, BIA method could be used as an instrument to follow FM and FFM and to measure the edematous stage. Further studies with large populations are warranted.