Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in adult population of selected regions of the Czech Republic. Relation to eating habits and smoking.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is around 25% in Europe but its occurrence grows in both genders with increasing age and weight. Lifestyle factors may contribute to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between metabolic syndrome and eating habits as well as length of sleep and smoking. Participants (519 women and 286 men aged 18-65 years) were chosen by random selection and questioned about their eating habits, sleep length and smoking. This information was combined with anthropometric and clinical parameters of metabolic syndrome. The female group was divided into two subgroups depending on climacteric stage (before and after menopause). Metabolic syndrome prevalence does not differ between regions in neither female (29.9%) nor male (32.5%) group. Body mass index ≥25 was detected in 50.4% of all women and 65.7% of men; 23.5% of all women and 21.7% men had body mass index ≥30. In conclusion, metabolic syndrome prevalence was proved to depend on eating habits and family heredity. Positive correlation between the above mentioned factors demonstrated itself in the total sample but not in individual regions. Metabolic syndrome prevalence in Czech adults is comparable with neighbouring countries. No significant interregional differences in metabolic syndrome prevalence within the Czech Republic were detected. In conclusion, relationship between eating habits and metabolic syndrome was confirmed.

[Iodine deficiency in the world and in the Czech Republic--current status and perspectives]. / Jodový deficit ve svete i v Ceské Republice--soucasný stav a perspektivy.

Iodopenia is importance world-wide problem--the cause of spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). The "simple" way for its compensation is iodine supplementation--preferably by iodinization of salt: in the Czech Republic prevalence of IDD was very high in the past. The complex program for compensation of iodine deficiency realized in the CR includes improvement of salt iodization, supplementation of pregnant and lactating women, fortification of products for babies' nutrition and increasing use of iodinized salt in general population incl. food industry. Thus CR is country with compensated iodine deficiency according to criteria WHO, UNICEF, ICCIDD. In future, however, systematic interest should be focused on optimalization of iodine saturation, esp. in pregnant women and evaluation of possible risk of supranormal iodine intake (impairment of thyroid function, activation of thyroid autoimmunity). Taking in account, the changes of nutrition and life style systematic monitoring of quality of iodine supplementation seems to be essential.

[Influence of iodine saturation on thyreopathy incidence in selected regions of the Czech Republic]. / Vliv saturace jódem na výskyt tyreopatií ve vybraných regionech u dospelé populace Ceské republiky.

Thyreopathy--a disorder of thyroid gland--is, together with diabetes, one of the most common endocrine diseases and, similarly to other endocrinopathies, higher prevalence is seen in women than in men. When eliminating iodine deficiency, it should to be taken into account that the mean ioduria in the general population reaches 100-200 microg/l, just 1.3% of the population does not reach ioduria of 50 microg/l and the prevalence of goitre in school children declines below 5%. The 1991 and 1997 period was a period of slight iodine deficiency (ioduria < 100 microg/I) and was followed, between 1998 and 2006, by a period of optimum iodine saturation (ioduria > 100 microg/l). Median ioduria observed over one year follow up differed in different age groups, highest values were seen in the 18-35 age group and declined with age. Median iodinuria depended on the year of follow up, age and gender (p < 0.0000). Thyroid gland hypofunction was more frequent in women and ioduria levels > 100 microg/I, thyroid gland hyperfunction was also more frequent in women but with ioduria levels < 100 microg/l. Hypofunction, subclinical hypofunction, hyperfunction and subclinical hyperfunction were more frequent in women. Of unexplained laboratory findings, isolated hypothyroxinemia was more frequent in women and isolated hyperthyroxinemia was more frequent in men. Euthyreosis was more frequent in men than women.

Anti-Helicobacter Pylori, anti-thyroid peroxidase, anti-thyroglobulin and anti-gastric parietal cells antibodies in Czech population.

Autoimmune thyropathies are frequently linked to many infections, such as Helicobacter pylori, which are also supposed to play a role in their pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between thyroid and gastric autoimmunity and H. pylori infection on a large sample of Czech population (n=1621) by monitoring the autoantibodies against thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and gastric parietal cell (anti-GPC, representing thyrogastric syndrome) in correlation with antibodies against Helicobacter pylori (anti-H. pylori) of classes IgG and IgA. The interrelation between autoantibodies and H. pylori antibodies was assessed by H. pylori seropositivity. In H. pylori seropositive persons as compared to seronegative irrespective of age and sex, a higher occurrence of anti-TPO (10.4 % vs. 5.8 %, p=0.001) and anti-GPC (6.1 % vs. 1.7 %, p<0.001) was found. Differences in anti-TPO occurrence were significant in both men (7.0 % vs. 3.3 %, p=0.03) and women (12.7 % vs. 8.0 %, p=0.02), differences in anti-GPC occurrence were significant only in women (7.2 % vs. 1.7 %, p<0.001). Results of this study support the idea of a connection between infection of H. pylori and the occurrence of anti-TPO autoantibodies representing thyroid autoimmunity and gastric parietal cells autoantibodies representing the thyrogastric syndrome.

Relationship between pituitary-thyroid axis hormones and anthropometric parameters in Czech adult population.

Although the relationships between thyroid function and anthropometric parameters were studied in patients with thyroid disorders and in morbidly obese subjects, such data in normal healthy population are scarce. In our study, relationships between factors of body composition, fat distribution and age with hormones of the pituitary-thyroid axis were evaluated in a large, randomly selected sample of normal adult Czech population comprising of 1012 men and 1625 women. Our results exhibited weak, but significant relationships between body composition, body fat distribution and the parameters of pituitary-thyroid axis. Some of these associations were gender-specific. As shown by backward stepwise regression model, body fat distribution evaluated by centrality index (subscapular/triceps skinfold ratio) was negatively associated with free triiodothyronine (fT3) serum levels only in women, while a positive correlation of fT3 with BMI was specific for men. BMI was inversely related to free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations in women but not in men. The centrality index (CI) was positively related to TSH levels in both genders. The fT3/fT4 ratio, reflecting deiodinase activity, was inversely related to age and positively related to BMI in both genders, while the highly significant negative correlation between CI and fT3/fT4 ratio was specific for women.

[Evaluation of results of iodine prophylaxis in Czech Republic]. / Hodnocení výsledku jodové profylaxe v ceské republice.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of system of iodine prophylaxis in Czech Republic resulted in compensation of iodine deficiency. Effects of increased iodine intake on the status of thyroid gland (volume, function, autoimmune disorders) should be determined. The aim of the study was to evaluate those effects in an epidemiological survey. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomly selected sample of adult population (18-65 years old) from 3 regions was investigated using the same methods at the interval of 5 years. A significant increase of ioduria was proved with the marked increase of prevalence of high category (over 300 ug of I per 100 mL of urine). Volume of the thyroid gland decreased significantly in women, not in men. No significant changes of TSH were observed, however FT4 level slightly, but significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated epidemiological survey of the randomly selected sample of adult population in 3 regions verified the effectiveness of improved iodine prophylaxis with not unequivocally positive increase of high (supraphysiological) category of ioduria. Decrease of thyroid volume was proved in women only, a tendency of mild (clinically not important) increase of thyroid function was also observed.

[Iodine and thyroid hormones]. / Jod a tyreoldální hormony.

In the years 1995-2002, a survey was conducted involving 5 263 individuals (2 276 males, 2 987 females) between the ages of 6-98. They were selected randomly from the central registery in 7 counties in the Czech Republic. The level of urinary iodine in these individuals was established using the Sandell-Kolthoff rection which was preceded by the alkaline ashing of the samples as follows: (n = 5 263), thyroglobulin (TG, n = 3 902), thyrotropin(TSH, n = 5 162) freee thyroxin (fT4, n = 5 160) and free triiodothyronine (fT3, n = 4 931), where the thyroid hormones, TSH, and TG were determined in serum using immunoassays. The individuals were divided into groups according to their iodine deficiency, i.e. to the group with urinary iodine concentration < 50, 50-100, 100-200, and > 200 microg I/l of urine. In these groups the mean and median of TG, TSH, fT4, and fT3 were calculated. The means and medians of TG and fT4 increased with the decrease of urinary iodine, and conversely TSH decreased with the decrease of urinary iodine. The values of fT3 were relatively unaffected by the changes in the concentrations of urinary iodine. All the hormonal changes fell into the normal reference rang. It is evident from our results that in cases iodine deficiency in the organism, there is a tendency to raise the sensitivity thyrocytes to TSH stimulation rather than a rise in the concentration of circulating TSH. Of all the hormones observed, thyroglobulin was the best indicator of iodine retention in the organism.

[Prevalence of C-reactive protein levels in adult population in two regions in the czech republic and their relation to body composition]. / Prevalence hladin C-reaktivního proteinu u dospelé populace dvou regionu Ceské republiky a jejich vztah k telesnému slození.

UNLABELLED: Increased concentration of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is the new predictor of myocardial infarction, brain strokes, damage peripheral veins and sudden death. The aim of the study was to give an overview of current prevalence of individual risky concentrations of hsCRP in the adult population in two regions in the Czech Republic and to find a relationship to the indicators of fat tissue quantity. METHODS: test involved a representative sample of 516 adults aged 18 to 65 years (191 men and 322 women), with permanent residence in the Jablonec nad Nisou a Príbram regions. Period of testing: spring of 2004 and 2005. HsCRP was determined using the latex immunoprecipitation method with turbidimetric measurement on Cobas Integra 400 plus analyzer. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was set according to the scale derived by the American Heart Association. Body fat was measured with TANITA BF 410 MA, Omron and a calliper on 4 places on the body. Waist circumference was measured half-way between the anthropometric landmarks of the iliocristale and the lower angle of the ribs. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using Quetelet formula: weight/height2. Statistical processing was done with Statgraphics Plus, version 7.1, using categorical data analysis with the chi2 statistic and Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS: 20.2% of cases with high CVD risk were identified in the whole sample of adults. Levels of hsCRP exceeding 10 mg/l (infectious disease indicator) at the time of the test were found in 3.9% cases (5.6% in the Jablonec region, 2.3% in the Príbram region). There were no significant regional differences for individual CVD risk categories; however, there was statistically significant difference between the two regions in terms of average hsCRP levels (with higher levels in the Jablonec region). Gender had a statistically significant impact on hsCRP levels: high CVD risk was recorded in 14.8% men and in 23.3% women. Levels of CRP indicating inflammatory disease were more frequent in women (4.7%) than in men (2.6%). The frequency of risk levels of hsCRP in adults significantly grows with age. Spearman's correlation analysis showed the closest relationship between hsCRP and body fat weight (r(S) = 0.5124). A statistically important positive CRP levels relationship was shown both in subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. CONCLUSION: One fifth of the adult population in two regions of the Czech Republic have at the present time levels of hsCRP which indicate a high cardiovascular risk. The risk is higher in women than in men and it doubles starting at 50 years of age and over. Positive correlation between hsCRP levels and body fat indicators was conformed both for visceral and subcutaneous fat.

[Changes in iodine supply in adult Czech population after iodine deficit eradication and causes. Random study of adults in two regions in the Czech republic with in between period of 5 years]. / Zmeny v zásobeni jodem Ceské dospelé populace po eradikaci jodového deficitu a jejich príciny. Randomizovaná studie dospelé populace dvou regionu Ceské republiky s odstupem 5 let.

INTRODUCTION: By iodine, similar to many other elements that are important for human body, the daily intake has some limitations. Neither deficiency, nor surplus are required. In the second half of the nineties in the 20th century, iodine deficiency in Czech republic could have been eradicated to a great extent. However, changes in iodine supply in population still have to be monitored, looking for the causes in nutrition. AIM: To monitor the changes in ioduria in adult population and search for causes of these changes in dietary habits. METHODS: In 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2005, urinary iodine was determined in randomly selected population of 1139 adults aged 18 to 65, domiciled in the regions Jablonec nad Nisou or Príbram. The measurement of iodine was based on alcaline ashing of urine specimens preceding Sandell-Koldhoff reaction. The information about possible nutrition sources of iodine (seafood, milk, salt, eggs, mineral water) was found out through questionnaires and controlled interviews. RESULTS: During the respective 5 years, significant increase of the mean level of urinary iodine from 117 +/- 3.09 microg/l to 193 +/- 8.17 microg/l occured. In both regions, significant increased frequency of supernormal values of urinary iodine (over 300 microg/l) occured: from 0% to 13-18%. However, the changes in the region Jablonec nad Nisou were more positive than in the other one: decrease of below-normal urinary iodine concentration (50 to 99 microg/l) from 43% to 22% in the region Jablonec nad Nisou was found, while the number of below-normal urinary iodine concentration in the other region increased from 24% to 33% and the number of adults with optimum iodine concentration has also decreased (from 75% to 53%). Nutrition changes of possible influence on the urinary iodine concentration (seafood, milk, eggs, salt, mineral water with iodine) were observed and significant increase in consumption of eggs, mineral water with iodine and milk was found out. The consumption of mineral water with iodine has increased from 5% to 10% in Jablonec nad Nisou and from 15% to 26% in Príbram. Multi-factor analysis of four major nutrition sources of iodine (consumption of milk, seafood, eggs and salt) has proven the biggest influence of regular egg and milk consumption on urinary iodine concentration in adults.

[Selenium deficiency of west Bohemia population]. / Deficit selenu v populaci západních Cech.

To estimate status and intake of selenium in inhabitants of the most Western region of the Czech Republic (Cheb region) 241 serum, 404 urine and 30 hair samples from randomly selected persons in the age between 6 and 65 years is performed. Serum and hair samples were analysed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), while Se in urines was detected by means of fluorimetry. Urine iodine was determined in the same group by Sandell-Kolthoff method for the possibility to detect concomitant Se and I deficiency and/or correlations between these two essential trace elements necessary for metabolism of thyroid hormones. Average values of Se indexes are low (55.4 +/- 13.8 microg Se/L serum; 15.4 +/- 5.7 microg Se/L urine; 13.6 +/- 6.0 microg Se/g creatinine; 0.268 +/- 0.051 microg Se/g hair) and prove Se deficiency in the searched population. Statistical evaluation of Se in subgroups of boys, girls, men and women proved significant differences as far as age is concerned, gender differences were found only between boys and girls. Some significant and highly significant differences were found also in subgroups according age and gender (males and females in the age of 6, 10, 13, 18-35, 36-49 and 50-65 years). On the other hand, urine iodine average value (126 +/- 65 microg/L) is on the lower optimum level. By the use of correlation analysis, slight but significant correlations were found between Se and I in urine and some of thyroid hormone parameters and their influence on the organism.

[Is decreased thyroid echogenity a good indicator of thyroid autoimmune disorder?]. / Je snízená echogenita stítné zlázy dobrým ukazatelem jejího autoimunitního postizení!

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid gland with mildly decreased or significantly decreased echogenity is indicating possible autoimmune disorder even before first symptoms, i.e. change in laboratory tests measuring the level of thyroid hormones and antibodies to thyroid antigens occur. TARGET: to consider changes in thyroid gland echogenity suspecting thyroid autoimmune disorder and to determine antibodies to thyroid antigens in the respective type of thyroid echogenity (increased, normal, mildly decreased or significantly decreased) to consider the activity of autoimmune thyropathies related to echogenity and to compare these factors. METHODS: Echogenity of the thyroid gland was examinated in randomly selected population (n = 1 055, 360 male, 695 female) in 11 regions of the Czech republic, all presented with urinary iodine concentration > 100 microg/L of urine. The echogenity was determined in 4-level scale as increased (1), normal (0), mildly decreased (-1) and significantly decreased (-2). Texture of thyroid was evaluated in 2-level scale as homogenous or non-homogenous. For the evaluation of the relation between echogenity type (1 to -2) and TgAb, and between the type of echogenity and TOPAb frequence analysis (logarithm-linear modules) was used, i.e. the complete module was compared with the measured values. RESULTS: The selected adults (695 female, 360 male) with urinary iodine concentration > 100 microg/L of urine presented with increased echogenity in 2 females (0.28%) and 1 male (0.28%), normal echogenity in 281 females (40.42%) and 206 males (57.22%), mildly decreased echogenity in 288 females (41.43%) and 128 males (35.56%) and significantly decreased echogenity in 124 females (17.84%) and 25 males (6.95%). The biggest group, both in males and in females, presented with normal and mildly decreased echogenity. Homogenous thyroid gland structure was found in 223 females (32.08%) and 220 males (61.11%). Non-homogenous texture was found in 472 females (67.92 %) and 140 males (38.89%). Frequence analysis both in males and in females was focused on: 1. relation between the echogenity (ECHO) and TgAb: in females with positive TgAb (14.23%), significant relation to ECHO can be seen (p < 0,0001), in contradiction to males; 2. relation between the echogenity (ECHO) and TPOAb: this relation is very significant both in males and in females (p < 0.0001); 3. mutual relation between TgAb and TPOAb: both in males and in females very significant (p < 0.0001); positive relation between antibodies can be seen. Positive presence of antibodies can be found less frequent, negative presence of both antibodies is more frequent; 4. relation between the echogenity, TgAb and TPOAb: no statistic significance was found. CONCLUSION: Homogenous thyroid gland structure was mainly found in males and, on the contrary, non-homogenous structure in females. In 52.7% of adults with significantly decreased echogenity, autoimmune disorder was confirmed in laboratory tests at the same time. With echogenity increasing, TgAb and TPOAb decreased, vice versa. Sonography, evaluating decreased echogenity, can be an early indicator of serious thyropathies before function parameters and clinical symptoms appear. Detected risky adults with sonographic signs of autoimmune disorder have to be monitored and respective treatment considered and started at the very first occurence of positive antibodies even if the function is still normal.

[The volumes of the thyroid gland in adults aged 18-65 years in the Czech Republic--determination of the norms]. / Volumy stítné zlázy u dospelé populace ve veku 18-65 let v Ceské republice--stanovení norem.

OBJECTIVE: In the areas with moderate iodine deficit the sonographic examination of thyroid gland is a precious method of precise determination of its volume. The objective of the work was the sonographic examination of males and females aged 18-65 years and to determine the norms of the volumes of thyroid gland. METHODS AND RESULTS: In total, by random sampling, there were sonographically examined 3 416 adults in 11 areas of the Czech Republic; there was chosen a set of 971 females and 681 males whose iodinuria level in first morning urine sample was equal or higher than 100 microg/l. This set was divided according to sex and into the age categories in 5-year interval. The measurement of 3 dimensions of the thyroid gland was determined by Medison-Kretz SA 600 sonographic device with the use of 7.5 MHz linear probe for the depth and width measurement and 3.5 MHz probe was used for the lengths measurement. The volume was determined for each lobe individually using Brunn's formula: V (ml) = 0.479 x length x depth x width. Our results imply the age-related increase of the volume of thyroid gland at both sexes (F-ratio = 1.99, p < 0.0001). At men and women the volume of thyroid gland fluently increases to the 30th year equally, from 30 years to 55 years it increases more rapidly in men while in women there is observed a moderate plateau. Further increase of the volume of thyroid gland is equally fluent from the age of 55 years. CONCLUSION: We managed to determine first own norms of the volumes of thyroid gland for men and women aged 18-65 years in the Czech Republic in five-year age categories. In terms of practical use we recommend 90th percentile as a limit for the evaluation of upper limit of thyroid gland and the 10th percentile for the evaluation of lower limit of the volume of thyroid gland.

The relationship between iodine intake and serum thyroglobulin in the general population.

The relationship is shown between a concentration of urinary iodine and serum thyroglobulin in population studies carried out on a general population that was randomly selected from the registry of the General Health Insurance Company (individuals aged 6-98 years, 1751 males, 2420 females). The individuals were divided into subgroups with a urinary iodine concentration of <50, 50-99, 100-199, 200-299 and >/=300 microg/l. The mean and median of thyroglobulin were calculated in these subgroups. Tg concentrations were dependent on gender (males

The elimination of iodine deficiency in the Czech Republic: the steps toward success.

The Czech Republic has a long history of iodine deficiency. Salt iodization was introduced in 1947, followed by a progressive correction of iodine deficiency. The present study reports the changes in the status of iodine nutrition and of thyroid function in the country from 1994 to 2002. The study included 29612 individuals, aged 0 to 98 years, including 5263 individuals randomly selected from the general population and 24349 individuals who attended the Institute of Endocrinology of Prague (hospital population). Urinary iodine was determined in all individuals. Measurements of serum thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroglobulin (Tg), were taken in 8544 to 19060 individuals. The iodine content of table salt was measured in 1130 samples. The median urinary iodine in the general and hospital populations were not significantly different. They progressively increased with time, starting from values indicating mild iodine deficiency (88-95 microg/L) prior to 1997, reaching the critical threshold of 100 microg/L in 1998, and optimal values between 120-140 microg/L since 2000. There was only a low and not significant positive correlation between the iodine content of salt and the urinary iodine. In contrast, urinary iodine showed marked seasonal changes, with the highest values during winter, when livestock were supplemented by mineral tablets containing iodine. Variables exploring thyroid function were all situated within the normal range in adults but another study (results not reported) has shown the persistence of slightly elevated TSH in neonates. The correction of iodine deficiency was not accompanied by unfavorable side effects. In conclusion, the Czech Republic has achieved sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency. Salt iodization has been a determining, but not the only, factor responsible for the success. Iodine supplementation of livestock and increased consumption of milk rich in iodine have probably played a determining role. Neonatal thyroid screening could constitute the major monitoring tool in order to insure sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency in the Czech Republic.

Calciuria, magnesiuria and creatininuria--relation to age.

We assessed the concentration of calcium, magnesium and creatinine in 2715 samples of the first morning urine. The investigation comprised the following age groups: children one, two, four, six, ten and thirteen years old, and groups of adults aged 18-35, 36-49, 50-65, 66-75, 76-85 and 86-93 years. The choice was made by random selection of participants of both sexes from diverse regions of the Czech Republic. We found the age to have a marked influence on the value of calcium, magnesium and creatinine, including urinary concentration ratios of calcium/creatinine and magnesium/creatinine. The urinary calcium concentration was low both in the early and advanced age groups, while it reached peak values in subjects 18-35 years old. The urinary magnesium concentration was also age-dependent, with a maximum in children aged 4 years, and a subsequent decline with advancing age. The value of the ratio urinary calcium/creatinine and urinary magnesium/creatinine was highest in the youngest age group (1-4 years).

Does a relationship exist between ioduria, magnesiuria and calciuria?

We investigated the mutual relations between ioduria in the one hand, and calciuria, magnesiuria, and creatininuria, on the other hand in a randomly selected group of the population of the Czech Republic. The individual parameters were always determined in the sample of monitoring urine after night fasting, concentration according to the WHO/ICCIDD, we observed a parallel increase of calciuria, magnesiuria and creatininuria. The values of calciuria, magnesiuria and creatininuria correlated positively with ioduria both in children and in adults aged 6-93 years without any statistical effect of sex.

Evaluation of selenium supply and status of inhabitants in three selected rural and urban regions of the Czech Republic.

Blood serum selenium of 65 men and hair selenium of 77 men from three regions of the Czech Republic (CR) were analyzed by neutron activation analysis, and 202 samples of urine from the same populations were analyzed for Se by the fluorimetric method to assess selenium status of these regions. Low status (53 micrograms Se/L of serum and 0.29 micrograms Se/g lyophilized hair as means) and very low urine selenium (8.7 micrograms/L urine) were detected. By these data, the CR is among the countries with the lowest Se intake. A comparison of studied regions is presented. Moreover, values of serum zinc were within the reference range, but mild to moderate deficiency in the supply of iodine was detected.

Morning magnesiuria: relation to age and sex.

Magnesium, calcium and creatinine concentration were assessed in the morning urine sample of 1710 subjects randomly selected from the population register in the Czech Republic: children aged 6, 10 and 13 years old and adults in age groups 18-35 years, 36-50 years, and 51-65 years of adults. The groups comprised 911 females and 799 males. There was a marked impact of age on the urinary magnesium concentration in both sexes, the concentration declining with advancing age. The child groups differed significantly from the adults. The urinary magnesium/creatinine ratio declined with age with the exception of the oldest group. The urinary calcium concentration did not change significantly with age in women or men. There was a weak age dependence in the calcium/creatinine ratio.

Status of magnesium, selenium and iodine saturation in the population of seven regions in the Czech Republic.

In seven regions of the Czech Republic the magnesiuria and calciuria were determined photometrically using the apparatus Merck Vitalab Eclipse, the selenuria fluorimetrically and the ioduria photometrically after alkaline mineralization in the morning sample of urine (after night fasting) in subjects aged 6-65 years (3,587 probands) selected at random. The lowest magnesiuria was found in children in Klatovy district (5.36 nmol/l +/- 0.11) and the highest magnesiuria was estimated in children from the Ustí nad Labem district (6.59 mmol/l +/- 0.16). In adults the lowest magnesiuria was in Vsetín region (3.78 mmol/l +/- 0.08). Selenuria was lowest in Jindrichüv Hradec (7.60 micrograms/l +/- 0.30) and highest in the Vsetín district (15.07 micrograms/l +/- 0.50). Adults had the lowest selenuria in the region Jindrichüv Hradec (7.67 micrograms/l +/- 0.30) and the highest in Ustí nad Orlicí (11.68 micrograms/l +/- 0.34). The lowest ioduria was estimated in children from Ustí nad Labem (94.30 micrograms/l +/- 2.06) and the highest in the Vsetín region (151.60 micrograms/l +/- 7.55). Adults from the district Jindrichüv Hradec had ioduria merely (77.7 micrograms/l +/- 2.18) and the highest ioduria was found in probands from the Znojmo region (123.30 micrograms/l +/- 4.47). As far as the dependence on age is concerned, the magnesiuria significantly decreases both in children and in adults with the increasing age. Selenuria decreases in adults significantly with growing age. Sex-related differences were estimated in children aged 6 years where girls had significantly lower selenuria than boys and girls aged 13 years had lower ioduria, magnesiuria and selenuria than boys. Women aged 18-35 years had significantly lower ioduria, calciuria and magnesiuria in comparison with men of the same age. Women have a significantly lower ioduria in comparison with men at the age 56-65 years.

[The effect of insufficient iodine intake on the size and function of the thyroid gland]. / Vliv nedostatecného prívodu jódu na velikost a funkci stítné zlázy.

BACKGROUND: The supply of iodine indisputably affects the function of the thyroid gland. It is not clear, however, as to what extent a moderate iodopenia affects common thyroid parameters. OBJECTIVES, STARTING POINT AND MAIN PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of iodopenia (ioduria below 50 micrograms of iodine per litre of urine) on the values of T4, T3, TSH, the ankle-jerk time and sonographically ascertained thyroid gland volume in randomly selected sample of Czech population from 4 regions. METHODS: Ioduria was assessed by means of Sandel-Kolthoff method, total thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyreotropic hormone by immunoluminiscence method; the volume of the thyroid gland sonographically according to Gutekunst and the ankle-jerk reflex by electromagnetic record method. RESULTS: Iodopenia affects a majority of investigated parameters in dependence on age. T4 is significantly higher in iodopenic adults, T3 is significantly higher in iodopenic children, TSH is significantly higher in iodopenic adults and the ankle-jerk time is prolonged in iodopenic adults. The statistical significance of the effect of iodopenia on the volume of thyroid gland was not proved. CONCLUSION: Iodopenia of a mediate degree affects commonly used parameters of the thyroid gland function in dependence on age and other factors which are to be more precisely analyzed using a larger sample. The statistical significance of the effect of iodopenia on the volume of thyroid gland was not proved. (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 13.).