Gender-based heterogeneity of FAHFAs in trained runners.

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acid (FAHFA) are anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory lipokines. Recently FAHFAs were also found to predict cardiorespiratory fitness in a cross-sectional study of recreationally trained runners. Here we report the influences of body composition and gender on static FAHFA abundances in circulation. We compared the association between circulating FAHFA concentrations and body composition, determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry, in female recreational runners who were lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 6), to those who were overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 7). To characterize the effect of gender we also compared circulating FAHFAs in lean male recreational runners (n = 8) to recreationally trained lean female (n = 6) runner group. Circulating FAHFAs were increased in females in a manner that was modulated by specific adipose depot sizes, blood glucose, and lean body mass. As expected, circulating FAHFAs were diminished in the overweight group, but strikingly, within the lean cohort, increases in circulating FAHFAs were promoted by increased fat mass, relative to lean mass, while the overweight group showed a significantly attenuated relationship. These studies suggest multimodal regulation of circulating FAHFAs and raise hypotheses to test endogenous FAHFA dynamic sources and sinks in health and disease, which will be essential for therapeutic target development. Baseline circulating FAHFA concentrations could signal sub-clinical metabolic dysfunction in metabolically healthy obesity.

Impact of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Insulin Sensitivity.

The use of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for treating malignant conditions in children has increased over the past five decades, leading to a growing population of long-term survivors.This population of childhood HCT survivors faces increased risks of adverse medical effects due to cancer treatments, including adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance. but the impact of exposure to HCT preparative conditioning regimen has not been clearly delineated. These risk factors, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance (IR), are significant contributors to premature cardiovascular disease and represent a leading cause of non-relapse deaths in childhood cancer and HCT survivors. This study aimed to assess the early development of CVD risk factors and their relationship to insulin resistance in a large population of pediatric and young adult HCT survivors of childhood hematologic malignancies. The study compared their cardiovascular risk profiles, insulin resistance (measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp studies), and body composition (determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry - DXA) with a cohort of sibling controls. We enrolled 151 HCT recipients (26.36 ±0.90 years at study enrollment; time since HCT of 2.6-31.5 years) and 92 sibling controls to complete at cardiovascular risk assessment including insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, anthropometry, body composition by dual X-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, and serum biomarkers. We used linear models to test for mean differences in all continuous outcomes between survivors and siblings, accounting for intra-family correlations with generalized estimating equations. Recipients of HCT were found to have lower insulin sensitivity and more likely to have adverse CVD risk factors in comparison to their healthy siblings. Significantly higher percent fat mass and visceral adipose tissue, and significantly lower lean body mass were noted in HCT recipients than sibling controls despite having a similar body mass index between the two groups. Total body irradiation in the conditioning regimen was one of the strongest factors associated with lower insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia and abnormal body composition leading to sarcopenic obesity. This study reveals that pediatric and young adult HCT survivors are more insulin resistant and have a higher prevalence of adverse cardiovascular risk factors compared to sibling controls. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors at a relatively young age raises concerns about an escalating trajectory of cardiovascular disease in this population. Therefore, regular monitoring of HCT survivors for cardiometabolic risk factors and early intervention will be crucial for preventing cardiovascular-related complications in the future. The findings underscore the importance of survivorship care for pediatric and young adult HCT survivors, with a focus on managing cardiovascular risk factors and promoting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate long-term adverse effects. Early identification and targeted interventions can significantly improve the long-term health outcomes of this vulnerable population, reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and related complications.

Changes in adipose tissue distribution and relation to cardiometabolic risk factors after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) among adolescents with obesity results in significant weight loss; however, depot-specific changes have been understudied. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reduction in adolescents undergoing RYGB would be greater than other depots and associated with improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors. SETTING: Three specialized treatment centers in Sweden. METHODS: Fifty-nine adolescents underwent dual x-ray absorptiometry before surgery and at 1, 2, and 5 years after RYGB. Changes in body composition in multiple depots (total fat, lean body, gynoid fat, android fat, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and VAT) and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis and generalized estimating equations adjusting for age, sex, and baseline risk factor levels. Data are presented as percent change (95% CI) with regression models showing slopes and estimated P values. RESULTS: At 1 year post-RYGB, a significant reduction was observed across all body composition measures (P < .001) with the greatest reduction observed in VAT (-65.1% [-68.7, -61.8]). From year 1 to 5 years post-RYGB, a regain was observed in all depots except lean body mass (1.2% [.3, 2.7], P = .105). A sex-specific difference in overall trajectories was only observed in lean body mass with males consistently having higher mean levels. Change in VAT at 1 year correlated with change in triglycerides (slope: .21 mg/dL/kg, P = .034) and fasting plasma insulin (slope: 44 pmol/L/kg, P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Adiposity measures all decreased after RYGB but poorly predicted change in cardiometabolic risk. Despite significant reductions at 1 year, a steady regain was observed out to 5 years, with values still well below baseline. Further research should consider control group comparison and extended follow-up.

Body Mass Index Trajectories and Biomarkers of Cardiometabolic Risk in Children from Low-Income and Racially and Ethnically Diverse Households.

Background: This study examined the associations between BMI trajectories and emerging cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in children living in low-income and racially and ethnically diverse households in the United States. Methods: Data were drawn from NET-Works randomized intervention trial and NET-Works 2 prospective follow-up study (N = 338). BMI was measured across 6 follow-up visits and biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) at the sixth visit. Group-based trajectory modeling identified child BMI trajectories. Adjusted multivariable linear regressions evaluated the associations between BMI trajectories and CMR. Results: We identified two BMI trajectories: 25% followed a trajectory of steep BMI increase, and 75% followed a moderate decreasing BMI trajectory over time. Relative to children in the moderate decreasing trajectory, children in the increasing trajectory had higher adjusted mean levels of C-reactive protein [CRP; 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6 to 5.0], leptin (63.1; 95% CI: 44.3 to 81.8), triglycerides (35.4; 95% CI: 22.1 to 48.6), triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (1.2; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.6), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C; 0.1; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.2), fasting glucose (1.8; 0.1 to 3.5) and insulin (8.8; 95% CI: 6.5 to 11.0), overall CMR score (0.7; 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.9), and lower adiponectin (-1.3; 95% CI: -2.5 to -0.1) and HDL (-10.8; 95% CI: -14.3 to -7.4). Conclusions: Children with high BMIs early in childhood were more likely to maintain an accelerated BMI trajectory throughout childhood, which was associated with adverse CMR in pre-adolescence. To advance health equity and support children's healthy weight and cardiovascular health trajectories, public health efforts are needed to address persistent disparities in childhood obesity and CMR.

Gender-based heterogeneity of FAHFAs in trained runners.

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acid (FAHFA) are anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory lipokines. Recently FAHFAs were also found to predict cardiorespiratory fitness in trained runners. Here we compared the association between circulating FAHFA baseline concentrations and body composition, determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry, in female runners who were lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 6), to those who were overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 7). We also compared circulating FAHFAs in lean male runners (n = 8) to the same trained lean female (n = 6) runner group. Circulating FAHFAs were increased in females in a manner that was modulated by specific adipose depot sizes, blood glucose, and lean body mass. As expected, circulating FAHFAs were diminished in the overweight group, but, strikingly, in both lean and overweight cohorts, increases in circulating FAHFAs were promoted by increased fat mass, relative to lean mass. These studies suggest multimodal regulation of circulating FAHFAs and raise hypotheses to test endogenous FAHFA dynamic sources and sinks in health and disease, which will be essential for therapeutic target development. Baseline circulating FAHFA concentrations could signal sub-clinical metabolic dysfunction in metabolically healthy obesity.

Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles associated with electronic cigarette use impair cerebral microvascular cell function.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of circulating endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) isolated from e-cigarette users on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)-1 production and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) release. Circulating EMVs (CD144-PE) were isolated (flow cytometry) from 27 young adults (19-25 yr): 10 nonsmokers (6 M/4 F), 10 e-cigarette users (6 M/4 F), and 7 tobacco cigarette smokers (4 M/3 F). hCMECs were cultured and treated with isolated EMVs for 24 h. EMVs from e-cigarette users and cigarette smokers induced significantly higher expression of p-eNOS (Thr495; 28.4 ± 4.6 vs. 29.1 ± 2.8 vs. 22.9 ± 3.8 AU), Big ET-1 (138.8 ± 19.0 vs. 141.7 ± 19.1 vs. 90.3 ± 18.8 AU) and endothelin converting enzyme (107.6 ± 10.1 and 113.5 ± 11.8 vs. 86.5 ± 13.2 AU), and significantly lower expression of p-eNOS (Ser1177; 7.4 ± 1.7 vs. 6.5 ± 0.5 vs. 9.7 ± 1.6 AU) in hCMECs than EMVs from nonsmokers. NO production was significantly lower and ET-1 production was significantly higher in hCMECs treated with EMVs from e-cigarette (5.7 ± 0.8 µmol/L; 33.1 ± 2.9 pg/mL) and cigarette smokers (6.3 ± 0.7 µmol/L; 32.1 ± 3.9 pg/mL) than EMVs from nonsmokers (7.6 ± 1.2 µmol/L; 27.9 ± 3.1 pg/mL). t-PA release in response to thrombin was significantly lower in hCMECs treated with EMVs from e-cigarette users (from 38.8 ± 6.3 to 37.4 ± 8.3 pg/mL) and cigarette smokers (31.5 ± 5.5 to 34.6 ± 8.4 pg/mL) than EMVs from nonsmokers (38.9 ± 4.3 to 48.4 ± 7.9 pg/mL). There were no significant differences in NO, ET-1, or t-PA protein expression or production in hCMECs treated with EMVs from e-cigarette users and smokers. Circulating EMVs associated with e-cigarette use adversely affects brain microvascular endothelial cells and may contribute to reported cerebrovascular dysfunction with e-cigarette use.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we determined the effect of circulating endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) isolated from e-cigarette users on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)-1 production and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) release. EMVs from e-cigarette users reduced brain microvascular endothelial cell NO production, enhanced ET-1 production, and impaired endothelial t-PA release. EMVs are a potential mediating factor in the increased risk of stroke associated with e-cigarette use.

Positional Differences in Muscle-to-bone Ratio in National Football League Players.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the muscle-to-bone ratio (MBR) in National Football League (NFL) players. Three hundred and forty-six NFL players had their total body lean, fat and bone masses determined using dual X-ray absorptiometry and were compared to 228 age-matched, healthy male controls. Compared to the control group, NFL players had a significantly lower percent total body fat (17.90±6.92 vs. 22.93±8.96%, p=0.053), but significantly greater total fat mass (19.76±11.29 vs. 17.84±12.11 kg, p<0.0001), lean mass (84.55±8.75 vs. 55.3±11.79 kg, p<0.0001), bone mineral content (4.58±0.45 vs. 2.91±0.67 kg, p<0.0001), and bone mineral density (1.61±0.11 vs. 1.26±0.21 g/cm2, p<0.0001). NFL players had greater arm MBR (17.70±1.47 vs. 16.48±1.88, p<0.0001) than controls; however, both trunk (26.62±2.55 vs. 31.56±4.19, p<0.0001) and total (18.50±1.31 vs. 19.12±1.88, p<0.001) MBR were lower in NFL players. Leg MBR was not significantly different between NFL players and controls (16.72±1.53 vs. 16.85±1.87, p=0.34). When NFL players were categorized by their offensive or defensive position for comparison, no differences in total MBR were observed. However, leg MBR varied greatly among NFL players by position. It is possible that regional differences in MBR in the NFL players may be related to the demands of that position.

Total and regional dual X-ray absorptiometry derived four-compartment model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) software allows for total and regional (i.e., arms and legs) assessment of body composition, with recent advancements allowing for DXA derived volume. The use of DXA derived volume allows for the development of a convenient four-compartment model to accurately measure body composition. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the validity of a regional DXA derived four-compartment model. METHODS: A total of 30 males and females underwent one whole body DXA scan, underwater weighing, total and regional bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy, and regional measures of water displacement. Manually created region of interest boxes assessed regional DXA body composition. Linear regression models with fat mass from the DXA as the dependent variable and body volume from water displacement, total body water from bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy, and DXA bone mineral and body mass as independent variables created regional four-compartment models. Measures of fat-free mass and percent fat were calculated using the four-compartment derived fat mass. T-tests assessed DXA derived four-compartment model to the traditional four-compartment model with volume assessed by water displacement. Regression models were cross-validated using the Repeated k-fold Cross Validation method. RESULTS: Arm and leg regional DXA derived four-compartment model for fat mass (p = 0.999, both arm and leg), fat-free mass (p = 0.999, both arm and leg), and percent fat (arm: p = 0.766; leg: p = 0.938) were not significantly different from the regional four-compartment model with regional volume measured via water displacement. Cross-validation of each model produced R2 values of 0.669 for the arm and 0.783 for the leg. CONCLUSIONS: The DXA can be used to create four-compartment model for estimating total and regional fat mass, fat-free mass, and percent fat. Therefore, these results allow for a convenient regional four-compartment model with DXA derived regional volume.

Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Collegiate Female Rowing Athletes.

This study explored body composition in female NCAA Division I rowers compared to controls; and the effect of season, boat category, and oar side on body composition. This retrospective analysis of 91 rowers, and 173 age, sex, and BMI-matched controls examined total and regional fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), percent body fat (%BF), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Two-sample t-testing was used to assess differences between rowers and controls. Repeated measures ANOVA analyzed differences across seasons. ANOVA analyzed differences between boat categories. Paired t-testing analyzed oar side versus non-oar side. Rowers had greater height (174.2; 164.1 cm), weight (75.2; 62.6 kg), LM (51.97; 41.12 kg), FM (20.74; 19.34 kg), BMC (2.82; 2.37 kg), and BMD (1.24; 1.14 g/cm2); but lower %BF (30.5%; 27.1%), and VAT (168.1; 105.0 g) than controls (p<0.05). Total, arm, and trunk muscle-to-bone ratio were greater in rowers (p<0.001). Rowers demonstrated greater arm LM (5.8 kg; 5.6 kg) and BMC (0.37 kg; 0.36 kg) in Spring compared to Fall (p<0.05). 1V8 rowers had a lower %BF than non-scoring rowers (25.7%; 29.0%; p=0.025). No differences observed between oar sides. These findings will help rowing personnel better understand body composition of female collegiate rowers.

Muscle-to-Bone and Soft Tissue-to-Bone Ratio in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the total and regional muscle-to-bone ratio in children and adolescents with obesity and compare the muscle-to-bone ratio (MBR) and soft tissue-to-bone ratio (SBR) to their peers with normal weight or overweight. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 219 male and female pediatrics (mean age=12.3±2.5 years) participated in this study. Body composition was assessed with a total body dual X-ray absorptiometry. The MBR was calculated by dividing lean mass by bone mineral content. The SBR was determined by dividing the soft tissue mass (i.e., lean mass+fat mass) by bone mineral content. Differences in total and regional body composition measures between body mass index (BMI) percentile groups was assessed by ANOVA. RESULTS: The obesity group had significantly higher MBR compared to the normal weight group for total (19.24±1.56 vs. 18.26±1.64), arm (17.11±1.67 vs. 15.88±1.81), and leg (18.41±1.68 vs. 16.62±1.55). Similarly, the obesity group had significantly higher MBR in the leg (18.41±1.68) compared to the overweight group (17.24±1.45). However, the overweight group was not significantly different from the normal weight or the obesity group for total and arm MBR. The total, arm, and leg SBR was significantly different between all BMI groups. Across the entire sample, MBR and SBR were negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein. SBR was positively associated with insulin, HOMA-IR, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Children with obesity had a higher MBR and SBR compared to their normal weight peers. In addition, there were significant associations between SBR, higher levels of insulin, atherogenic lipoproteins, and increased systolic blood pressure. Thus, SBR may be useful as a marker for increased cardiometabolic disease risk, though more research in this area is warranted.

Dual X-ray absorptiometry-derived total and regional body volume.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been used to determine total body volume, using DXA to determine regional (i.e., arm and leg) volumes needs further assessment. Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the validity of total and regional DXA-derived body volume compared to a traditional method for measuring body volume. METHODS: A total of 30 males and females (Age: 25.9 ± 4.0 yrs; Height: 1.75 ± 0.10 m; Weight: 70.98 ± 14.02 kg) underwent one whole body DXA scan, underwater weighing, and regional measures of volume via water displacement. Manually created DXA region of interest boxes were used to determine regional DXA body composition. Total body volume was calculated by taking the participant's dry weight and dividing it by the average density from underwater weighing. Linear regression models with body volume from underwater weighing for total body volume and water displacement for regional volume as the dependent variable and DXA lean mass, fat mass, and bone mass as independent variables created total and regional DXA-derived body volume. T-tests assessed DXA-derived body volume to the traditional method of body volume assessment. Regression models were cross-validated using the Repeated k-fold Cross Validation method. RESULTS: DXA-derived total body volume was not significantly (p = 0.999) different from total body volume measured via total body water displacement. In addition, both arm and leg regional DXA-derived volume was not significantly different (p = 0.999) compared to regional volume measured by regional water displacement. Cross-validation of each model produced R2 values of 0.992, 0.923, and 0.932 for total body, arm, and leg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The DXA may be used as valid method for estimating total and regional body volume. Thus, these results expand the DXA's capabilities and potentially allow for a convenient regional four-compartment model with DXA-derived regional volume.

Relationship of Endothelial Microparticles to Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children and Adolescents.

Background Microparticles and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are implicated in accelerating cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, data in pediatrics are limited. We examined the relationship of microparticles and EMPs with adiposity and subclinical CVD risk measures in a pediatric population to determine their potential as biomarkers of CVD risk. Methods and Results A cross-sectional study of youth (n=280; ages 8-20 years) with a range of body mass index categories was used. Microparticles, EMPs, and activated EMPs were measured by flow cytometry. %Body fat and %visceral adipose tissue were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Measures of arterial stiffness and vascular wall structure were obtained. Linear regression (with log-transformed outcomes) and logistic regression were used to evaluate associations and all results were exponentiated. Youth with overweight/obesity and severe obesity had 2.50 (95% CI, 1.56-4.01) and 3.42 (95% CI, 2.15-5.43) times the geometric means of the total number of microparticles, respectively, compared with those with normal weight. Youth with overweight/obesity and severe obesity had 1.97 (95% CI, 1.09-3.55) and 2.34 (95% CI, 1.31-4.19) times the geometric means of the total number of EMPs, respectively, compared with those with normal weight. There were positive associations between the levels of both microparticles and EMPs with higher adiposity measures and poor CVD risk measures. Youth with higher adiposity showed 1.84 times the odds of having high levels of activated EMPs (%) (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.08-3.14) compared with those with normal weight. Conclusions Levels of microparticles, EMPs, and activated EMPs were positively associated with adiposity and poor subclinical CVD risk in a pediatric population.

No Changes in Body Composition in NCAA Division I Collegiate Football Players because of COVID-19 Restrictions.

ABSTRACT: Czeck, MA, Roelofs, EJ, Evanoff, NG, and Dengel, DR. No Changes in body composition in NCAA Division I Collegiate Football Players due to COVID-19 restrictions. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1749-1752, 2022-The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions on body composition, assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), between the 2020 postseason (pre-COVID-19 restrictions) and the 2021 postseason (post-COVID-19 restrictions) in collegiate football players (n = 50). In addition, a subset of athletes (n = 23) was used to explore body composition variables across 4 postseason time points. Body composition variables assessed were total and regional body fat percent, total mass, lean mass, fat mass, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and visceral adipose tissue mass. Paired t-tests were used to determine differences between the 2020 postseason and the 2021 postseason in body composition variables. Analysis of variance with Tukey HSD post hoc tests assessed significant differences in total and regional body composition across 4 years while adjusting for multiple comparisons. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between postseason 2020 and postseason 2021 for all measures of body composition. In a subset of athletes, body composition was analyzed over a 4-year period of time. There were no significant differences between all 4 time points for all measures of body composition. In conclusion, body composition variables in this study's subjects were not affected because of coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions or over 4 years of their collegiate football career.

Exenatide for weight-loss maintenance in adolescents with severe obesity: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the effect of 52 weeks of exenatide extended release (XR) on the maintenance of meal replacement therapy (MRT)-induced BMI reduction in adolescents with severe obesity. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 participants aged 12 to 18 years with BMI ≥ 1.2 × 95th percentile were enrolled in a short-term MRT run-in phase. Those who achieved ≥5% BMI reduction during the run-in were then randomized to 52 weeks of exenatide XR 2.0 mg or placebo weekly. Both groups also received lifestyle therapy. The prespecified primary end point was mean percent change in BMI from randomization (post run-in) to 52 weeks in the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS: A total of 100 participants were enrolled, and 66 (mean age 16 = [SD 1.5] years; 47% female) achieved ≥5% BMI reduction with MRT and were randomized (33 to exenatide XR and 33 to placebo). From randomization (post run-in) to 52 weeks, mean BMI increased 4.6% and 10.1% in the exenatide XR and placebo groups, respectively. The placebo-subtracted exenatide XR treatment effect was -4.1% (95% CI: -8.6% to 0.5%, p = 0.078). CONCLUSIONS: Although not achieving statistical significance, exenatide XR, compared with placebo, may partly mitigate the propensity toward BMI rebound in adolescents who achieved initial weight loss with dietary intervention.

The role of FSH in body composition in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer survivors who received a hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at increased risk for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) abnormalities, which may have a significant negative impact on bone health and body composition. This study's purpose was to examine FSH and body composition in HCT recipients, non-HCT recipients and healthy controls. METHODS: The study included HCT recipients (n = 24), non-HCT recipients (n = 309), and a control group of healthy siblings (n = 211) all aged 9-18 years. A fasting blood sample was collected to measure FSH. All participants underwent a dual X-ray absorptiometry scan to assess total and regional percent fat, lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass. RESULTS: FSH was significantly higher in HCT recipients compared to non-HCT recipients and healthy controls. HCT recipients had significantly lower total body weight, total LM, arm and leg LM, BMC and BMD compared to non-HCT recipients and healthy controls (p < .05). Non-HCT recipients had significantly higher total, trunk, android, gynoid, arm and leg FM compared to healthy controls. Also, healthy controls had significantly lower VAT mass compared to non-HCT recipients. CONCLUSIONS: This study's results show that HCT recipients have significant reductions in BMD, worse body composition, and abnormal FSH levels compared to non-HCT recipients and healthy controls.

Body Composition and On-Ice Skate Times for National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Collegiate Male and Female Ice Hockey Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Czeck, MA, Roelofs, EJ, Dietz, C, Bosch, TA, and Dengel, DR. Body composition and on-ice skate times for NCAA Division I collegiate male and female ice hockey athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 187-192, 2022-This study's purpose was to explore positional differences for an on-ice timed skate test and its relationship to body composition. Male (n = 15) and female (n = 18) collegiate hockey players participated in this study (total n = 33). Each player was categorized by position of forward or defensemen. Dual x-ray absorptiometry assessed total body composition variables of lean, fat, and bone mass as well as regional measures of lean mass, fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue. Total time and section times were determined for the on-ice skating test through a gated automatic timing system at 9, 18, 24, 42, 48, 66, 82, 132, and 148 m. Analysis of variance and Tukey's honest significance difference assessed on-ice skate time differences between positions (p ≤ 0.05). Correlations between body composition variables and skate times were determined for change of direction, skating time, linear skate time, and total skate time. There were no significant differences between positions for skate times (p > 0.05). Body fat percent (p = 0.007; r = 0.55), total fat mass (p = 0.027; r = 0.46), and leg fat mass (p = 0.019; 0.49) were significantly correlated with total skate time in men, whereas only body fat percent was significantly correlated with change of direction (p = 0.022; r = 0.54) and total skate times (p = 0.016; r = 0.56) in women. The total upper-body mass to leg lean mass ratio was significantly correlated with change of direction (p = 0.036; r = 0.50) in women. In conclusion, the results from this study suggest no differences between on-ice skating times between forwards and defensemen. However, body fat percentage was correlated with on-ice skate times in male and female collegiate hockey players.

The Role of Follicle-stimulating Hormone in Vascular Dysfunction Observed in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients.

Childhood cancer survivors who receive a hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at increased risk for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) abnormalities, which may have a substantial negative impact on vascular function. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of vascular function with FSH in HCT recipients, non-HCT recipients and healthy controls. The study included childhood cancer survivors who were HCT recipients (n=24) and non-HCT recipients (n=308), and a control group of healthy siblings (n=211) all between 9 and 18 years old. Vascular measures of carotid artery structure and function (compliance and distensibility), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and endothelial-independent dilation were measured using ultrasound imaging. A fasting blood sample was collected to measure hormone levels. FSH was significantly higher in HCT recipients compared with non-HCT recipients and healthy controls (P<0.01). Carotid compliance and distensibility were significantly lower in HCT and non-HCT recipients compared with healthy controls (P<0.05). Higher FSH was associated with decreased carotid compliance (P<0.05). This study's results suggest that higher levels of FSH in HCT recipients may result in significant reductions in vascular function compared with non-HCT recipients and healthy controls. Therefore, gonadotropin endocrine dysfunction, particularly abnormal FSH levels, may be an underlying mechanism of vascular dysfunction.

Predicting Cardiometabolic Risk From Visceral Abdominal Adiposity in Persons With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have increased adiposity that may predispose to cardiovascular disease compared to those who are able-bodied (AB). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and biomarkers of lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in persons with chronic SCI. A prospective observational study in participants with chronic SCI and age- and gender-matched AB controls. The study was conducted at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Private Rehabilitation Hospital. The quantification of DXA-derived VAT volume (VATvol) and blood-derived markers of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were determined in 100 SCI and 51 AB men. The VATvol was acquired from a total body DXA scan and analyzed using iDXA enCore CoreScan software (GE Lunar). Blood samples were collected for the serum lipid profile and plasma and glucose concentrations, with the latter two values used to calculate a measure of insulin resistance. In the SCI and AB groups, VAT% was significantly correlated with most cardiometabolic biomarkers. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis revealed that participants who had a VATvol above the cutoff value of 1630 cm3 were 3.1-, 4.8-, 5.6-, 19.2-, and 16.7-times more likely to have high serum triglycerides (R2N= 0.09, p = 0.014), low serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (R2N = 0.16, p < 0.001), HOMA2-IR (R2N = 0.18, p < 0.001), metabolic syndrome (R2N = 0.25, p < 0.001), and a 10-yr Framingham Risk Score ≥ 10% (R2N = 0.16, p = 0.001), respectively, when compared to participants below this VATvol cutoff value. Our findings reveal that persons with chronic SCI have a higher VATvol than that of AB controls, and VATvol correlates directly with biomarkers of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism that are strong predictors of cardiometabolic disorders.

Male and Female Collegiate Ice Hockey Athletes' Body Composition Over Competitive Seasons.

Eighty-three male and female (49/34) athletes underwent determination of total fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), bone mineral density (BMD) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by dual X-ray absorptiometry during the pre-season, in-season and off-season. Athletes were classified by position of Goalie (G; M/F=7/6), Forward (F; M/F=26/18), or Defenseman (D; M/F=16/10). In males, all positions were similar in weight, FM, LM, BMD and VAT. In females, F weighed less than D and G. FM and VAT was lower in F than D and G, but D was not different from G. LM was lower in F compared to D, but not G, with no differences between D and G. There were no differences in BMD between positions. There were no seasonal changes in males for body composition variables. In females, FM, LM and VAT decreased from pre-season to in-season, while BMD increased. From in-season to off-season, LM increased and BMD decreased. From off-season to pre-season, FM and VAT increased. In conclusion, there were no differences across position or seasonal changes in body composition in males. However, there were positional and seasonal changes in body composition in females, indicating possible differences in training regimens during the off-season compared to males.