Sexual dimorphism of adiposity and fat distribution among children and adolescents (8-18 year olds) from Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to analyze the sexual dimorphism of total body fat [BF%] and fat distribution among 8-18 year olds from Poland. METHODS: The study included 2175 participants, divided into sex and age groups. Waist and hip circumferences, the thickness of six skinfolds, waist-to-hips ratio [WHR], the ratio of abdominal-to-suprailiac skinfolds, and the limb-to-trunk adiposity index were analyzed. Fat percentage were measured with a body composition analyzer (Tanita) with accuracy 0.1%. The Mollison's Index [MI] was used for calculating sexual dimorphism. RESULTS: The value of MI for the WHR and its components (waist and hip circumferences) was negative (the boys were characterized by higher values of these parameters). The magnitude of the sex differences was lower in the younger age groups and the highest in the oldest groups. For adiposity [BF%], the average values were higher in females. In the younger age groups, girls had thicker skinfolds compared to boys, and this tendency was also observed in the older age groups, except for abdominal and suprailiac skinfolds. The values of the analyzed adiposity indicators also represented a tendency toward central allocation of fat tissue in boys. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, sexual dimorphism of fat distribution and adiposity could be detected as early as 7 years of age. These differences can be identified using simple anthropometric methods, which are relatively cheap and easy to use, particularly in the field setting and large populations. The observation of changes in these features in children should be a recommended procedure aimed at early detection of overweight, obesity, as well as normal weight obesity or other metabolic disorders.

Changes in physical fitness and body build of women and men surveyed in 2004 and 2022-A longitudinal study.

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in determining human health and overall well-being. The objective of the study was to assess the changes in body structure and physical fitness among individuals examined in 2004 and 2022 (persons aged 32-34 and 50-52). The research material consists of data from the Krakow Continuous Study (KCS) of somatic development and physical fitness of people born in 1970 and 1972, conducted in Krakow in the years 1976-2022. In total, in 2004, 103 women and 122 men took part in the study, and in 2022-47 women and 67 men. Of these participants, 37 women and 53 men were present for both measurements. The following measurements were performed-physical fitness tests: handgrip strength of left and right hand, standing broad jump, sit-and-reach test and overhead medicine ball throw (2 kg); anthropometric measurements: body height, body weight and tissue composition, circumferences of the chest (relaxed and in deep inspiration), waist, hips, thigh, mid-upper-arm (MUAC, relaxed and in deep inspiration), forearm and calf, thickness of biceps, triceps, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac and calf skinfolds; width of shoulders and hips, depth and width of the chest. A comparative analysis of the two series showed that all fitness test scores deteriorated. The percentage decrease was greater in women than in men in the tests of right and left handgrip strength and overhead medicine ball throw than in men, in the standing broad jump test similar in both sexes, in the sit-and-reach test-lower in women than in men. The greatest decreases were observed in the standing broad jump (by 14%) and the 2 kg medicine ball throw (15-12%), both in women and men. In contrast, the level of development of most of the somatic characteristics studied in 2022 was higher compared to the previous study, and, apart from body height, elbow and knee width and calf skinfold in both sexes, the differences in arithmetic means between the 2004 and 2022 series were statistically significant. Furthermore, the absence of involutionary changes in body height can be highlighted. In conclusion, the decrease in physical fitness occurring in adulthood and the increase in most somatic characteristics between 32 and 34 year-olds and 50 and 52 year-olds were confirmed.

Changes in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and excessive adiposity among adolescents from Kraków (Poland) in the years 1983-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Improved living conditions affect lifestyles and may contribute to the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity as well as excessive adiposity among teenagers from Kraków (Poland). METHODS: The study was conducted in four series in the years: 1983, 2000, 2010, and 2020. The study group included 1759 boys and 1699 girls aged 16-18 years. body mass index (BMI) was calculated on the basis of body height and weight. Adiposity was measured by bioimpedance method. Participants were grouped according to BMI categories using Cole's cut-off points and according to adiposity based on mean and standard deviations values. The significance of the differences between cohorts was assessed by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Secular increase in the prevalence of underweight and overweight was observed among girls in most age groups. An increase in the prevalence of high body fat was also observed among 16- and 17-year-old girls - the opposite trend was noted in 18-year-old girls. Contemporary boys had an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in each age group. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in the prevalence of body weight abnormalities in the study population. The observed results may be related to socio-economic changes that adversely affect the lifestyle of the society. The results are also important in terms of the health of future generations and may be helpful in the development of new prevention and intervention programs.

Analysis of secular trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents (8-18 years) from Kraków (Poland) between 2010 and 2020.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the changes of the motor skills of children and adolescents from Kraków between 2010 and 2020. METHODS: The group included 4106 children and adolescents (8-18 years of age). The analysis of changes included results of the following fitness tests: backwards overhead medicine ball throw, standing broad jump, dynamometric strength of the hand, flexibility test, as well as shuttle run (10 × 5 m). RESULTS: A negative trend in both sexes was observed in the results of overhead medicine ball throw. The girls also had a negative intergenerational changes in the results of the shuttle run and the flexibility test. A positive secular trend was also observed in both sexes in relations to the dynamometric force of the right and left hand. In addition, the boys studied in more contemporary times showed better results in the shuttle run, compared to their peers in 2010. CONCLUSION: The study reported a decline in overall motor performance in children and adolescents. The observed results may be related to a decrease in the level of physical activity, as well as a higher incidence of overweight and high levels of body fat in the modern population.

Association between physical fitness and normal weight obesity in children and adolescents from Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as elevated adiposity, despite normal body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to compare the results of selected fitness parameters in Polish children and adolescents from Poland with and without normal weight obesity. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional and school-based. Body height, weight and adiposity, as well as the results of selected fitness tests, were obtained. BMI was calculated, and only normal-weight individuals were included. NWO was defined as normal BMI with adiposity ≥85 percentile for age and sex. RESULTS: Children with NWO tended to have better results of absolute dynamometric strength and overhead medicine ball throw. On the other hand, when the dynamometric strength was normalized for the body mass nonNWO group achieved better results. Furthermore, NWO group had lower explosive muscle strength of the lower limbs, agility, as well as abdominal muscle strength, and endurance. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results suggest that NWO is associated with a decrease in at least some fitness parameters in children and adolescents. Therefore, it can be hypothesized, that normal weight obesity can result in poorer fundamental motor skills. Moreover, as parameters such as muscle strength have been shown to be associated with cardiometabolic risks, described results can also be important in the context of the present and future health of the children. The results also highlight the importance of monitoring physical fitness and body composition in children, as individuals with NWO are almost indistinguishable from normal weight non-obese counterparts based on current standard surveillance protocols.

The impact of neonatal parameters and parental factors on body fat level in early childhood.

Parental and pregnancy characteristics can affect proportions and tissue composition of the child's bodyand thereforecan influence their present and future health, as well as overall wellbeing. The aim of this study was to examine the differences between selected parental and birth-related parameters among preschool (3-7 years of age) children of varying adiposity status (n=541 girls and n=571 boys).The research was carried out in 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Krakow (Poland). Thickness of 6 skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and calf) was measured. Sum of skinfolds was calculated and participants were divided into low, normal or high body fat groups. Birth-related characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire filled out by the children's parents. Children of mothers who gained the most gestational weight were characterised by high adiposity. Preschoolers with the highest birth weight, body length and head circumference had the greatest adiposity. Children of relatively younger mothers had higher body fat, in comparison to the rest of the study group. Parents of preschoolers in the high adiposity category were characterised by a greater body mass, compared to the parents of children in other body fat groups and that boys with the highest adiposity relatively more often had a close relative with obesity. Children in varying adiposity categories differed in terms of some birth-related factors. Particular attention should be paid to familial and parental characteristics, because they may influence the child's predisposition to excess adiposity deposition later in life.

Changes in the adiposity level and prevalence of overweight/obesity among children from Kraków (Poland) within the last decade (from 2010 to 2020).

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and high adiposity in children and adolescents from Krakow (Poland), between the years 2010 and 2020. Two cross-sectional series of anthropometric measurements were carried out in 2010 and 2020. Analysed characteristics included: body height and weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), body adiposity (%BF). The subjects were categorised according to their BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity), as well as %BF (low, normal, high body fat).The research was conducted in randomly selected primary schools in Krakow (Poland). Studied cohorts (8-15 years of age), which represented four of the traditional residential districts: Sródmiescie, Podgórze, Krowodrza and Nowa Huta. Among the girls, there was a negative secular trend regarding the prevalence of underweight and obesity. On the other hand, there also was a positive trend concerning the prevalence of overweight and low and high body fat. In boys, there was a negative secular trend regarding the prevalence of underweight and low adiposity. There was also a generally positive secular trend regarding the prevalence of overweight, obesity as well as high adiposity in boys. The findings of this study are particularly significant because detailed knowledge of the prevalence of overweight/obesity in childhood and adolescence is crucial for the future health of entire populations. Further studies should also take into account the levels of physical fitness and activity of the examined population.

Selected miRNA and Psoriasis-Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)-Overweight/Obesity Network-A Pilot Study.

Psoriasis is nowadays recognized as a multifactorial systemic disease with complex and not fully understood pathogenesis. In psoriatic patients, the increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and frequent comorbidities like obesity are observed. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in miRNA (miR-22-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-369-3p, and Let-7b-5p) involved in CVD risk among psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. The study comprised 28 male psoriatic patients and 16 male healthy controls. miRNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was reverse-transcribed and RT-qPCR was performed. We have found decreased levels of miR-22, miR-133a, miR-146a, and miR-369 among the psoriatic patients. There was a statistically significant difference in miR-22 and miR-146a levels between psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. There were positive correlations between miR-22 and miR-146a levels and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in psoriatic patients with normal weight and between the miR-133a level and PsA in the overweight/obese patients. The decreased levels of selected miRNA are consistent with the levels observed in CVD indicating their impact on the CVD risk in psoriatic patients. miR-22 and miR-146 may be recognized as one of the contributing factors in the obesity-CVD-psoriasis network.

Multiple Cytokine Analysis of Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17/Th22/Treg Cytokine Pathway for Individual Immune Profile Assessment in Patients with Psoriasis.

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is an autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorder that has a significant impact on patient quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the immune profiles of patients with psoriasis with multiple cytokine analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-two male psoriatic patients and 24 healthy male volunteers were recruited. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, Il-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-27, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured in patients' serum with a Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17/Th22/Treg Cytokine 18-Plex Human ProcartaPlex Panel, based on Luminex xMAP technology. RESULTS The median fluorescence intensities of serum GM-CSF, IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22 were not intensive enough to calculate the cytokine concentration. We observed elevated levels of IL-6 (P=0.001) and IL-9 (P=0.003) in patients, compared with the control group. The levels of IL-1beta (P=0.008) and IL-27 (P=0.006) were decreased. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, we noticed a decreased level of IL-9 compared with that in patients without arthritis (P=0.034). The levels of IL-12 (P<0.05) and IL-18 (P<0.05) correlated positively with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. We found negative correlations of IL-9 (P<0.05), IL-12 (P<0.05), and IL-23 (P<0.05) with the age of psoriatic patients; IL-12 (P<0.05) and IL-23 (P<0.05) with psoriasis duration; and IL-6 (P<0.05) and IL-9 (P<0.05) with the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index. CONCLUSIONS Multiple cytokine analysis seems to be an important form of individual immune profile assessment before treatment selection.

Body height, weight, and Body Mass Index - magnitude and pace of secular changes in children and adolescents from Kraków (Poland) between 1983 and 2020.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence and pace of secular trends regarding body height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) among children and adolescents from Kraków (Poland) examined in 1983, 2000, 2010, and 2020. METHODS: The study group consisted of 17 407 individuals (8650 girls and 8757 boys) aged 3-18 included in four cross-sectional studies conducted in 1983, 2000, 2010, and 2020.Analyzed anthropometric characteristics included body height (measured according to Martin's technique, with an anthropometer) and body weight. BMI was calculated as follows: body weight (kg)/body height2 (m). RESULTS: Results of the current study suggest that there was a cessation of previously observed secular increase of the body height in the examined population in the recent decade. Additionally, secular changes regarding body height, body mass, and BMI occurred noticeably slower in the recent decade compared to the previous years. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the rapid increase of body height in the years 1983-2000 and later secular increase of the body mass and BMI in 2000-2010 were probably associated mainly with significant socio-economic progress of the country. On the other hand, deceleration of those trends in 2010-2020, especially in regards to body height, may be associated with reaching the maximum genetically attainable body height in the examined population.

Secular changes in the waist, hips circumferences and selected associated indicators, among preschool children from Kraków (Poland), between 1983 and 2018.

OBJECTIVES: Waist circumference and derived indicators are great for measuring the risk of abdominal obesity. The main aim of the study was to assess the changes in the waist, hips circumferences and selected associated indicators, among preschool children (3-7 years of age) from Kraków, Poland, between 1983, 2008 and 2018. METHODS: The research was conducted in randomly selected kindergarten in Krakow (Poland). The 1983 cohort consisted of 1414 children and the 2008 and 2018 series included 1050 preschoolers each. Analyzed characteristics included waist and hip circumferences, body height, waist-to-hips ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). RESULTS: There was a negative secular trend regarding circumferences of the hips and waist, as well as WHtR. In girls, WHR was, the greatest in the 2018 cohort, while among boys there was a secular increase in the value of this parameter compared to the 2008 cohort, but not to the 1983 series. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of currently noted trends with the previously described secular decrease in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and increase in trunk adiposity in the same population, suggests that WHR is preferable to body mass index in assessing the risk associated with excess adiposity in the population examined in the presented study.

Body composition of children with different gestation time.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the differences in body composition between prepubescent children, depending on the time of gestation. METHODS: The study was conducted among children aged 3-10 years. The thickness of 5 (triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal, calf) skinfolds, mid-upper arm circumference, body height, weight and femur breadth was measured. Sum of 3 skinfolds, Body Mass Index (BMI) and muscle mass were calculated. Gestation time was obtained using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Children in the short gestation time category were generally characterized by the greatest values of the analyzed characteristics, particularly above the ages of 6-8 years. Femur breadth and muscle mass were similar up to the mentioned age in all of the gestation time categories. BMI and all of the adiposity characteristics, below the age of 6 years, were the greatest in the long gestation time category. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study are important, as excess body mass and adiposity are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities later in life. Special emphasis should be placed on the prevention of overweight and obesity among premature babies and the education of their parents.

Associations of anthropometric cardiometabolic risk factors and leg fat accumulation in children and adolescents from Poland.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the correlation between anthropometric cardiometabolic risk factors with calf adiposity in 4-16-year-olds from Poland. METHODS: Three thousand seventy-six persons (1568 girls and 1508 boys) were examined. Analyzed characteristics included body height, waist, hips and neck circumferences, body weight, six skinfolds. The following were calculated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hips ratio (WHR), the sum of all skinfolds, and the sum of skinfolds on the waist area. RESULTS: The relationship between the calf skinfold and the rest of the characteristics was estimated using multiple regression. There was a negative relationship between calf adiposity and fat tissue accumulated around the waist and the BMI (in some groups). This suggests that participants with greater calf adiposity had lower waist adiposity and BMI than those with less fat tissue on the lower limb. CONCLUSION: Persons with higher calf adiposity may have a lower cardiometabolic risk. This observation is significant because cardiovascular risk factors can persist from childhood into adulthood. Additionally, cardiovascular issues have numerous medical consequences but also socio-economic ones, thus they can affect individuals and be a burden on public health.

Changes in adiposity and fat tissue distribution among preschool children from Kraków, Poland, from 2008 to 2018.

In the light of changes in the living conditions of populations, excess adiposity is currently a serious public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the body fat ratio among preschool children aged 3-7 years from Kraków, Poland, between 2008 and 2018. The study group consisted of children examined in two cross-sectional studies. Analysed characteristics included triceps, calf, subscapular, abdominal and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses, and adiposity calculated according to Slaughter's equations. The trunk adiposity index and limbs-to-trunk fat ratio were also calculated. Statistical significance was obtained using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Lower-limb adiposity was largest in the 2008 cohort and trunk adiposity was greater in the 2018 cohort. The mean values of the trunk adiposity index and limbs-to-trunk fat ratio were lower in the 2018 cohort than in the 2008 cohort. The 2018 cohort was also characterized by a lower overall adiposity. Regardless of the lower body adiposity percentage, in 2018 there was a tendency towards the central allocation of fat tissue. This is a negative phenomenon because, especially when co-existing with reduced lower-limb adiposity, it is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, even in young children.

The impact of lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters on body fat level in early childhood.

The aim of this study was to examine the differences between selected lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters among preschool (3-7 years of age) children of differing adiposity status. The study was conducted from February to June 2018 in 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Kraków, Poland. Triceps, biceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and calf skinfold thicknesses were measured. The sum of all six skinfolds was calculated and the children were subsequently characterized by low (≤-1 SD [standard deviation]), normal (-1 to 1 SD) or high body fat (≥1 SD). Socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire filled out by the children's parents or legal guardians. Preschool children in the high adiposity category had, on average, fewer siblings and longer screen time; additionally, their parents had lower education and more often worked in manual jobs, in comparison to the children in the low and average adiposity categories. In conclusion, it was observed that children in different adiposity categories varied in terms of some socioeconomic as well as lifestyle characteristics. Knowledge regarding the influence that those factors can have on the metabolic health of children is essential for children's present as well as future well-being. Moreover, it can help health care professionals and parents decide what intervention and/ or preventive measures should be undertaken to ensure the best possible outcomes, as the development of successful obesity prevention strategies should rely on evidence-based information. Nonetheless, future research examining the issue of factors influencing the metabolic health of children, as well as these outcomes later in life, is crucial. Well-planned studies including a large number of individuals, as well as longitudinal research, will be particularly beneficial in this regard.

Social inequalities in obesity and overweight: secular changes in Poland between 1983 and 2020.

BACKGROUND: Human development is strongly influenced by environmental factors, including the socioeconomic status (SES) of the family. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of excess body weight among Polish children and adolescents from families of varying SES examined in 1983 and 2020. METHODS: The study group included 3-15-year olds from two cross-sectional surveys (1983 and 2020) conducted in kindergartens and schools. The 1983 cohort consisted of 3394 individuals and the one from 2020-of 1253 children and adolescents. Body height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated. Inclusion into underweight, normal weight and overweight/obese categories was based on Cole's cutoff points. SES was established based on the place of the parents' birth, parents', education status and the number of children in the family, which were self-reported in a questionary by the parents of the examined individuals. RESULTS: The mean overall SES was higher in the 2020 cohort, in comparison to the one examined in 1983. This change was also reflected by the changing prevalence of excess body weight, which, in 1983 was the greatest in the high socioeconomic category. On the other hand, in 2020 overweight/obesity was the most prevalent among individuals from families of low SES. CONCLUSIONS: The present results confirm the findings obtained in other countries, which suggest that changing the level of socioeconomic development modifies the changes regarding the prevalence of excess body weight. It is an important observation because a study of this type has not yet been conducted in the Polish population.

Assessment of Selected Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Correlation with Cytokines in Psoriatic Patients.

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cytokines have a great impact on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Cytokines, as key mediators of inflammation and autoimmune processes, play a crucial role in the regulation of MMP expression in different cell types. Parallel, MMPs have an influence on cytokine production. This interaction was not well recognized in psoriatic patients. Our study is aimed at assessing the selected serum MMP levels and their correlations with cytokine levels in the serum of psoriatic patients. We observed a significantly elevated level of pro-MMP-1 and MMP-9 in psoriatic patients' serum in comparison to the control group. We did not observe any statistically significant differences of MMP-3 and pro-MMP-10 between the psoriatic patients and the control group. We did not observe any statistically significant differences in all the studied MMP levels between the patients with and without psoriatic arthritis (PsA). MMP-3 level correlated positively with proinflammatory cytokines, i.e., IL-12p/70, IL-17A, and TNF-α as well as MMP-3 and pro MMP-1 correlated positively with IL-4 in the psoriatic patients. In the control group, a positive correlation between pro-MMP-1 and TNF-α was found. These results confirm MMPs and Th1 and Th17 cytokine interaction in the inflammatory regulation in psoriasis.

IL-17A in the Psoriatic Patients' Serum and Plaque Scales as Potential Marker of the Diseases Severity and Obesity.

The aim of the study was to evaluate concentrations of IL-17 in the serum and plaque scales of psoriatic patients. We analyzed their association with the clinical activity of the disease and with body mass index (BMI). Demographic data, medical history, serum, and scale from psoriatic plaques for assessment of IL-17 were collected from all the participants. The disease severity was assessed with PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index), BSA (Body Surface Area), PGA (Physician Global Assessment), NAPSI (Nail Psoriasis Severity Index), and DLQI (Dermatology Quality of Life Index) scores. Obesity was diagnosed by calculating body mass index. Serum and scale concentration of IL-17 was determined with Human IL-17A High Sensitivity ELISA kit and Human IL-17 ELISA kit. In the psoriatic patients, BMI was statistically significantly higher than in the control group. Most of the patients presented BMI higher than normal. Our study confirms that overweight is a problem among psoriatic patients. A significant positive correlation between the IL-17 serum and scale concentrations and psoriasis severity indicates that IL-17 can be used as the marker of disease severity. More data from human studies can be crucial for understanding that relationship between IL-17, psoriasis, and obesity.

Changes in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and adiposity among pre-school children in Kraków, Poland, from 2008 to 2018.

Socioeconomic changes occurring over time influence the lifestyle choices of a population, and these can significantly affect children's body weight and composition. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in prevalence of overweight, obesity and adiposity in pre-school children in Poland between 2008 and 2018. Body height, body weight and subscapular and triceps skinfolds were measured in 2167 children aged 3-7 years from Kraków. Body mass index and adiposity (percentage body fat, %BF) were calculated for the children, who were then categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese according to Cole's cut-off points. Adiposity was categorized according to the z-scores for %BF as low (<-1), normal (-1 to 1) or high (>1). Differences between cohorts were analysed using the chi-squared test. Only the decrease in the prevalence of obesity in 5-year-old girls was found to be statistically significant. However, some overall tendencies were noted. Decreases in the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were observed for both sexes, as well as in the incidence of high adiposity in boys and low adiposity in girls. Increases in the prevalence of high adiposity in girls and low adiposity in boys were also noted. There was no significant change in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among pre-school children over the study decade, and the visible tendencies included decreases in the prevalence of excess body weight and adiposity as well as underweight and low body fat. Also, the visible trends in adiposity were mostly negative. Further studies should, however, also consider the levels of physical fitness and activity of children, as these have a crucial influence on the measured characteristics.

Anti-endothelial cell antibodies are associated with apoptotic endothelial microparticles, endothelial sloughing and decrease in angiogenic progenitors in systemic sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence has accumulated for the role of endothelial damage in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) might underlie vascular injury. AIM: Since endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) reflect endothelial damage, we aimed to investigate their possible relationship with AECAs in SSc. We examined whether AECAs could affect endothelial repair based on the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-seven SSc patients were screened. The AECAs were identified in serum by indirect immunofluorescence. EPCs and CECs were isolated from the peripheral blood using anti-CD34-based immunomagnetic separation, whereas EMPs were analyzed in plasma. Flow cytometry was used to quantify EMPs, CECs and EPCs. RESULTS: AECAs were found in 21 (44.7%) SSc patients and were significantly associated with higher levels of total as well as apoptotic (AnnV+ and CD51+) EMPs, whereas activated (CD62E+/AnnV-) EMPs did not differ between groups. Patients with AECAs had significantly elevated total CECs as well as activated CD105+ CECs. Total endothelial progenitors did not differ between patients with or without AECAs; however AECAs was negatively associated with the population of EPCs that express VEGFR2 or Tie2 receptors. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between AECAs and the severity of endothelial damage in SSc based on higher levels of total EMPs and CECs. In our study, AECAs were associated with apoptosis of ECs rather than their activation. We also identified a possible role of AECAs in the impairment of vascular repair in SSc as evidenced by significantly fewer angiogenic EPCs.