Changes in body composition in early breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the modification of total and regional body composition in early breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs). METHODS: This is a prospective, single-center, observational, longitudinal study. Four-hundred and twenty-eight patients treated with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors were enrolled at the Medical Oncology and Breast Unit of Spedali Civili Hospital in Brescia from September 2014 to June 2022. Several body composition parameters including total and regional fat and lean body mass were investigated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan at baseline and after 18 months of treatment with aromatase inhibitors. RESULTS: A significant increase in fat body mass (mean + 7.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.5;8.9%) and a reduction in lean body mass (mean -3.1%, 95% CI -3.9; -2.4) were documented in this population. The changes in fat and lean body mass varied considerably according to different body districts ranging between + 3.2% to + 10.9% and from-1.3% to -3.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Aromatase inhibitor adjuvant therapy in early breast cancer is associated with changes in body composition, with a wide variability among different body districts, leading to a risk of sarcopenic obesity. Supervised physical exercise that focuses on single body parts that may display detrimental variations may be beneficial for AIs treated patients.

Effect of Bimagrumab on body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, a condition marked by progressive muscle mass and function decline, presents significant challenges in aging populations and those with chronic illnesses. Current standard treatments such as dietary interventions and exercise programs are often unsustainable. There is increasing interest in pharmacological interventions like bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody that promotes muscle hypertrophy by inhibiting muscle atrophy ligands. Bimagrumab has shown effectiveness in various conditions, including sarcopenia. AIM: The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of bimagrumab treatment on both physical performance and body composition among patients diagnosed with sarcopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This meta-analysis follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases up to June 2024 using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords related to bimagrumab and sarcopenia. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of bimagrumab on physical performance (e.g., muscle strength, gait speed, six-minute walk distance) and body composition (e.g., muscle volume, fat-free body mass, fat body mass) in patients with sarcopenia. Data extraction was independently performed by two reviewers using a standardized form, with discrepancies resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. RESULTS: From an initial search yielding 46 records, we screened titles, abstracts, and full texts to include seven RCTs in our meta-analysis. Bimagrumab treatment significantly increased thigh muscle volume (mean difference [MD] 5.29%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.08% to 6.50%, P < 0.001; moderate heterogeneity χ2 = 6.41, I2 = 38%, P = 0.17) and fat-free body mass (MD 1.90 kg, 95% CI 1.57 kg to 2.23 kg, P < 0.001; moderate heterogeneity χ2 = 8.60, I2 = 30%, P = 0.20), while decreasing fat body mass compared to placebo (MD - 4.55 kg, 95% CI - 5.08 kg to - 4.01 kg, P < 0.001; substantial heterogeneity χ2 = 27.44, I2 = 89%, P < 0.001). However, no significant improvement was observed in muscle strength or physical performance measures such as gait speed and six-minute walk distance with bimagrumab treatment, except among participants with slower baseline walking speeds or distances. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the effects of bimagrumab on sarcopenic patients, highlighting its significant improvements in body composition parameters but limited impact on functional outcomes. The observed heterogeneity in outcomes across studies underscores the need for cautious interpretation, considering variations in study populations, treatment durations, and outcome assessments. While bimagrumab shows promise as a safe pharmacological intervention for enhancing muscle mass and reducing fat mass in sarcopenia, its minimal effects on muscle strength and broader physical performance suggest potential limitations in translating body composition improvements into functional gains. Further research is needed to clarify its long-term efficacy, optimal dosing regimens, and potential benefits for specific subgroups of sarcopenic patients.

Hormonal assessment and body composition in young males with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To determine the relationship between body composition and hormonal levels in young men with metabolic syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: 123 males with a mean age of 24.1 ± 4.3 years (33 with metabolic syndrome (MS group) and 90 healthy physically active men (control group) were recruited at the study of body composition and hormone status. The total testosterone, cortisol, and insulin in blood serum by ELISA, the body weight (kg), lean body mass (kg) and fat mass (kg, %) by bioimpedance analysis method were investigated. RESULTS: Results: It was establish the significand difference the mean value of body composition (body weight, lean body weight, fat body mass (kg, %), testosterone, cortisol insulin, and glucose concentration between MS group and control group. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: A present study established the significant correlation of testosterone, insulin, and glucose concentration with fat body mass in all participants (MS and control groups). The negativee effect of overweight (BMI > 25; FBM > 18 %) and obesity (BMI > 30; FBM > 25 %) for testosterone concentration was determined due to an increase of FBM > 20 % and insulin increasing > 9,0 µlU/l.

Effects of different exercise training programs on body composition: A randomized control trial.

We aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise training programs on body composition parameters in sedentary middle-aged adults. A total of 89 middle-aged adults (53.5 ± 4.9 years old; ~53% women) participated in the FIT-AGEING study. A 12-week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel group design. The participants were randomly assigned to (a) a concurrent training based on physical activity recommendation from the World Health Organization group (PAR group), (b) a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT group), and (c) a high-intensity interval training group adding whole-body electromyostimulation group (WB-EMS group). A significant decrease of fat body mass, fat body mass index, and visceral adipose tissue was observed in all training modalities compared to the control group (all P ≤ 0.001). There was a significant increase in lean body mass in the HIIT group as well as in the WB-EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.044), whereas an increment of lean body mass index was only observed in the WB-EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.042). A significant increase of bone mineral content was observed in the WB-EMS group compared to the control group (P = 0.015), while no changes were found in the PAR group and in the HIIT group compared to the control group (all P ≥ 0.2). Our findings suggest that PAR, HIIT, and WB-EMS can be used as a strategy to improve body composition parameters, obtaining slightly better results with the application of WB-EMS.

The Relationship between Serum Concentrations of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines and Nutritional Status in Patients with Traumatic Head Injury in the Intensive Care Unit.

Background and objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) measured once at the baseline with changes in nutritional status of patients with traumatic head injury (THI) assessed at three consecutive times (24 h after admission, day 6 and day 13) during hospital stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: Sixty-four patients with THI were recruited for the current study (over 10 months). The nutritional status of the patients was determined within 24 h after admission and on days 6 and 13, using actual body weight, body composition analysis, and anthropometric measurements. The APACHE II score and SOFA score were also assessed within 24 h of admission and on days 6 and 13 of patients staying in the ICU. Circulatory serum levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-10) were assessed once within 24 h of admission. Results: The current study found a significant reduction in BMI, FBM, LBM, MAUAC, and APM, of THI patients with high serum levels the cytokines, over the course of time from the baseline to day 7 and to day 13 in patients staying in the ICU (p < 0.001). It was also found that patients with low levels of some studied cytokines had significant improvement in their nutritional status and clinical outcomes in term of MAUAC, APM, APACHE II score and SOFA score (p < 0.001 to p < 0.01). Conclusion: THI patients who had high serum levels of studied cytokines were more prone to develop a reduction of nutritional status in terms of BMI, FBM, LBM MAUAC and APM over the course of time from patient admission until day 13 of ICU admission.

The impact of obesity on static and proactive balance and gait patterns in sarcopenic older adults: an analytical cross-sectional investigation.

Background: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in the susceptibility of older adults to falls and related injuries. While existing literature has established a connection between obesity and reduced postural stability during stationary stances, the direct implications of obesity on walking dynamics, particularly among the older adults with sarcopenia, are not yet comprehensively understood. Objective: Firstly, to investigate the influence of obesity on steady-state and proactive balance, as well as gait characteristics, among older adults with sarcopenic obesity (SO); and secondly, to unearth correlations between anthropometric characteristics and balance and gait parameters in the same demographic. Methods: A cohort of 42 participants was categorized into control (CG; n = 22; age = 81.1 ± 4.0 years; BMI = 24.9 ± 0.6 kg/m²) and sarcopenic obese (SOG; n = 20; age = 77.7 ± 2.9 years; BMI = 34.5 ± 3.2 kg/m²) groups based on body mass index (BMI, kg/m²). Participants were assessed for anthropometric data, body mass, fat and lean body mass percentages (%), and BMI. Steady-state balance was gauged using the Romberg Test (ROM). Proactive balance evaluations employed the Functional Reach (FRT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. The 10-m walking test elucidated spatiotemporal gait metrics, including cadence, speed, stride length, stride time, and specific bilateral spatiotemporal components (stance, swing, 1st and 2nd double support, and single support phases) expressed as percentages of the gait cycle. Results: The time taken to complete the TUG and ROM tests was significantly shorter in the CG compared to the SOG (p < 0.05). In contrast, the FRT revealed a shorter distance achieved in the SOG compared to the CG (p < 0.05). The CG exhibited a higher gait speed compared to the SOG (p < 0.05), with shorter stride and step lengths observed in the SOG compared to the CG (p < 0.05). Regarding gait cycle phases, the support phase was longer, and the swing phase was shorter in the SOG compared to the CG group (p < 0.05). LBM (%) showed the strongest positive correlation with the ROM (r = 0.77, p < 0.001), gait speed (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), TUG (r = -0.80, p < 0.001) and FRT (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Obesity induces added complexities for older adults with sarcopenia, particularly during the regulation of steady-state and proactive balance and gait. The percentage of lean body mass has emerged as a crucial determinant, highlighting a significant impact of reduced muscle mass on the observed alterations in static postural control and gait among older adults with SO.

Estimation of body fat mass using the CUN-BAE index and mortality risk by sex in the Asturias Study cohort. / Estimación de grasa corporal según ecuación CUN-BAE e IMC y riesgo de mortalidad por sexos en la cohorte del Estudio Asturias.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In epidemiological studies, excess body fat (BF) has been associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, some types of cancer, and other causes of death. A new anthropometric method has been defined: The CUN-BAE index (University of Navarra Clinic-Body Fat Estimator), which is based on BMI, sex, and age. BMI and CUN-BAE index were used to assess their contribution to mortality risk from any cause in the Asturias Study cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Asturias study is a cohort study including 1.034 individuals aged 30-75years who participated in the first study phase (1998-1999). The study included a clinical survey, physical examination, and an oral glucose tolerance test. Vital status was determined in the cohort after 18years of follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred and four subjects died: 93 females and 111 males (16.6% and 23.5% respectively men). Baseline values of both BMI and %BF suggesting obesity (BMI>30kg/m2 and CUN-BAE >25% in males and >35% in females) were found in most subjects. After adjusting for T2DM, HBP, CVD, and tobacco, the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was significantly higher as CUN-BAE increased, especially in females. CONCLUSIONS: The CUN-BAE equation is a useful tool, especially in females, to detect those who will have a greater risk of mortality, regardless of cardiovascular risk factors.

Relationship Between Vitamin D Status From Childhood to Early Adulthood With Body Composition in Young Australian Adults.

CONTEXT: Vitamin D plays a role in the differentiation and metabolism of skeletal muscle and, possibly, adipose tissue; however, the relationship between vitamin D status during growth and body composition in early adulthood is unclear. OBJECTIVE: We examined associations between vitamin D status in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood with body composition at age 20 years. DESIGN SETTING PARTICIPANTS: We studied 821 offspring (385 females) of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study who had ≥3 serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] at age 6, 14, 17, and 20 years and body composition assessed at age 20 using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The participants were grouped into four vitamin D status trajectories: consistently lower, decreasing, increasing, and consistently higher. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)D at the study visits was 72.7 to 86.8 nmol/L. In males, serum 25(OH)D at 17 and 20 years was positively associated with lean body mass (LBM), and 25(OH)D at age 20 correlated negatively with fat body mass (FBM). Males with a consistently higher 25(OH)D trajectory had a 2.3- to 3.7-kg greater LBM and 4.1- to 6.0-kg lower FBM at 20 years compared with those with consistently lower or decreasing trajectories (P < 0.05 for all). In females, 25(OH)D at 14, 17, and 20 years was negatively associated with FBM. Females with increasing or consistently higher 25(OH)D trajectories had a 5.2- to 6.8-kg lower FBM at age 20 compared with those with a consistently lower trajectory (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: In the present predominantly white, relatively vitamin D-replete cohort, a higher vitamin D status trajectory from childhood to early adulthood was associated with a greater LBM in males and lower FBM in both sexes at age 20.

Elevated plasma fractalkine levels are associated with higher levels of IL-6, Apo-B, LDL-C and insulin, but not with body composition in a large female twin sample.

OBJECTIVE: Plasma fractalkine (FRACT) is involved in the development of numerous inflammatory conditions including atherosclerosis. It is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and adipose inflammation. However, whether FRACT is associated with major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in particular obesity, metabolic syndrome and blood lipids, is virtually unknown. METHODS: The study included a large community-based sample of 3306 middle-aged women drawn from the general UK population. Blood samples were analyzed for circulating levels of FRACT, leptin, insulin, glucose, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo-A, ApoB and IL-6. Obesity was assessed by fat body mass (FBM) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and by body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: We found no association between FRACT and body composition, in particular adiposity. Obese and non obese subjects with metabolic syndrome tended to have higher levels of FRACT compared with non-obese subjects without metabolic syndrome but this did not reach statistical significance. Most importantly we report significant correlations between FRACT and circulating IL-6, Apo-B, LDL-C and insulin. The associations with IL-6 and Apo-B were particularly significant (P-value<0.001), and survived correction for multiple testing and adjustment for age and other covariates. CONCLUSION: Higher FRACT levels correlated with elevated levels of IL-6, Apo-B, LDL-C and insulin, all known risk factors for several clinical related diseases suggesting a potential role of FRACT in inflammation and tissue injury. Variations of FRACT levels are not influenced by body composition and are not correlated with leptin indicating that fat mass alone is not responsible for elevation of FRACT seen in obese individuals.

Gasto energético de repouso medido vs. estimado e relação com a composição corporal de mulheres / Resting energy expenditure measured vs. estimated and this relationship with body composition in women / Resting energy expenditure measured vs. estimated and this relationship with body composition in women

OBJETIVOS: Medir o gasto energético de repouso (GER, kcal/d), comparar as equações de predição disponíveis na literatura e associar a composição corporal. MÉTODOS: Vinte e oito sedentárias foram voluntárias [peso: 79 ± 12 kg; estatura: 164 ± 5 cm; idade: 36 ± 11 anos; índice de massa corporal (IMC): 29 ± 4 kg/m²]. A composição corporal foi estimada por antropometria, o GER foi medido por calorimetria indireta e estimado pelas principais equações da literatura. Foram desenvolvidas equações para estimativa do GER sendo a melhor a GER-Nosso. RESULTADOS: Diferentes tempos de coleta produziram resultados similares para o GER medido. O GER estimado pelas fórmulas de Harris & Benedict, FAO/WHO/UNO somente peso e peso mais altura, Schofield e GER-Nosso foram estatisticamente iguais ao GER medido. As equações do Siervo & Falconi, Schofield e Henry & Rees não foram correlacionadas ao GER medido. O melhor preditor isolado do GER foi a massa corporal e a melhor associação quando ajustado por unidade (kg) foi a massa magra. A equação desenvolvida no presente trabalho foi: GER(kcal/d)= 21837 - 14,448 * Peso(kg) + 54,963 * Massa Magra(kg) - 9,341 * Estatura(cm) - 4,349 * Idade(anos) - 19753 * Densidade Corporal(g/ml). CONCLUSÃO: As equações de predição do GER podem induzir a erros de predição e parecem ser população-específicas. O melhor resultado de predição foi para fórmula desenvolvida com os dados antropométricos das voluntárias (medido= 1617 ± 237 kcal/d; GER-Nosso= 1616 ± 167 kcal/d).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the resting energy expenditure (REE, kcal/d) measured to the disposable equation of literature and to associate this to body composition. METHODS: Twenty-eight sedentary women were volunteers [weight: 79 ± 12 kg; stature: 164 ± 5 cm; age: 36 ± 11 years; body mass index (BMI, kg/m²): 29 ± 4]. The body composition was estimated with anthropometry methods; REE was measured by indirect calorimetry and was estimated by the main equations of the literature. Equations were developed to estimate REE and the best of them was REE-Our. RESULTS: The different time of harvest produced a similar result to REE measured. The Harris & Benedict, FAO/WHO/UNO only weight, and weight plus height, Schofield and REE-Our equations results were statistically similar to REE measured. The Siervo & Falconi, Schofield and Henry & Rees equations did not have correlation with the measured calorimetry. The best-isolated predictor of the REE was the body mass and the best association when adjusted to unit (kg) was lean body mass. The equation developed in the present work was: REE(kcal/d)= 21837 - 14,448 * Weight(kg) + 54,963 * Lean Mass(kg) - 9,341 * Stature(cm) - 4,349 * Age(years) - 19753 * Body Density(g/ml). CONCLUSION: The REE prediction equations can prompt to errors and seem to be population specific. The best prediction result was with the equation developed with anthropometrics variables of the volunteers (measured= 1617 ± 237 kcal/d; REE-Our= 1616 ± 167 kcal/d).