Characteristics and correlation of body fat distribution and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in adults aged 20-59 years: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fat distribution is closely related to vascular stiffness. This study aimed to investigate age and sex differences in fat distribution and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and the association between fat parameters and baPWV. METHODS: A total of 10,811 participants aged 20-59 years were recruited. Measures included waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (PBF), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral fat area (VFA), and baPWV. RESULTS: The results confirm that fat accumulates with age and that men tend to carry more abdominal fat than women in the same age group. The findings also indicate that baPWV increases with age and is significantly higher in men than in women in the same age group. In addition, WHR, VFA, and baPWV were more strongly correlated than baPWV and BMI, SFA, and PBF. Finally, the effects of age, PBF, WHR, and VFA on baPWV were greater for the higher quantiles. CONCLUSIONS: There are age and sex differences in fat distribution and baPWV. Abdominal obesity is more closely linked to arterial stiffness than overall obesity, and people with higher baPWV are more affected by obesity parameters.

The Effect of Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Variables on Nutritional Knowledge and Nutrition Literacy.

Nutrition literacy, which is one of the important components of health literacy, includes basic nutritional information and understanding, interpreting and having the ability to make healthy decisions on nutrition-related issues. This study aims to dwell upon the relationship between sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and nutritional knowledge and nutrition literacy. A total of 1600 people aged 19-64 years, 934 women and 666 men, voluntarily participated in the research in the capital city of Turkey. The mean age is 28.2 ± 10.9 years. More than half of the participants (57.4%) have a university graduate/postgraduate education level, and 66.2% are unemployed. This cross-sectional study evaluated demographic information, anthropometric measurements, nutritional information and nutrition literacy. Nearly all the respondents (94.6%) were determined to have sufficient nutrition literacy. Body mass index (BMI) and age were negatively associated with nutrition literacy, whilst nutrition knowledge was positively associated. Respondents with nutrition education at school had the highest nutrition knowledge and nutrition literacy scores, and primary school graduates had the lowest. Participants who received nutrition education scored higher in all the subgroups of the GNKQ. Age, gender, marital status, education status, employment status, BMI and nutrition education were significantly associated with nutrition literacy. The results will be useful in developing food and nutrition policies that will pave the way for making decisions on the most useful themes of health and nutrition campaigns.

Novel anthropometric measures are positively associated with erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, a growing number of research studies have shown a positive association between obesity and erectile dysfunction, while traditional anthropometric measures, such as BMI, have limited ability to assess the risk of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the new anthropometric index and erectile dysfunction. METHODS: A study involving 3594 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted. The study calculated various anthropometric indices such as waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), body mass index (BMI), a body shape index (ABSI), conicity index (CI), and body roundness index (BRI). The relationship between anthropometric indices and erectile dysfunction (ED) was investigated using multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS). Interaction analysis was conducted on subgroups to confirm the findings. Additionally, the efficacy of various anthropometric indicators in predicting the risk of erectile dysfunction was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we identified a positive and independent correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and all other anthropometric measures except for BMI. Additionally, the risk of ED increased by 49% and 42% for each standard deviation increment in ABSI and CI, respectively. Dose-response curve analysis demonstrated that WC, BMI, WtHR, and CI displayed a non-linear correlation with the risk of ED. The subgroup analysis revealed that individuals classified as White, who had higher levels of WC, ABSI, and CI, were more susceptible to erectile dysfunction compared to people from other races. ROC analysis showed that ABSI was superior in detecting erectile dysfunction (area under the curve: 0.750; 95% CI 0.732-0.768; optimal cutoff value: 0.083) as compared to other indices. The combination of obesity defined by BMI and other anthropometric measures showed that higher ABSI and CI levels were positively associated with the prevalence of erectile dysfunction, independent of BMI (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this study, anthropometric indicators including ABSI, BRI, WtHR, CI, and WC were positively associated with erectile dysfunction. To improve the prevention and treatment of this condition, it is recommended that new anthropometric indicators receive greater consideration.

Degree of association between the body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI) and conicity index (CI) in physically active older adults.

BACKGROUND: Aging is the main factor in the eventual development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) the prevalence of which is increasing progressively along with life expectancy. Therefore, it is essential to identify the most effective indicators for predicting the possible development of CVD. Anthropometric indices provide useful information for CVD risk evaluation. These are widely used for the simplicity of their estimates and their high correlation in the positive identification of CVD. The most used in the general population are the body mass index (BMI), the waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI) and conicity index (CI). However, the behavior and association of such indices in physically active people over 65 years of age is not well established. PURPOSE: To analyze the behavior and association of the BMI, WHR, WHtR, BAI and CI in a group of active people over 65 years of age. METHODS: A group of 608 European participants with a mean age of 68.05 ± 5.43yrs, composed of 74.2% female and 28.5% male, was randomly selected and evaluated for anthropometric parameters and body composition by a bio-impedance measuring device with four electrode sensor systems. A descriptive analysis was completed via measures of central tendency (mean and standard deviation) and percentage analysis. As the distribution of the sample was normal (parametric), an association analysis was carried out through the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), in order to determine the relationship between anthropometric and body composition indices. A P value of <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The results show that BMI, BAI and WHtR are significantly related to % body fat (Fat %), with BMI reaching the highest correlation (r = 0.612), followed by BAI (r = 0.556) and WHtR (r = 0.521). When the association between indices is considered, the WHtR and BAI and WHtR and BMI are those with the highest significant correlation (r = 0.981 and r = 0,789, respectively). As for the effects of gender, good to strong correlations were found between the BMI and the WHtR (r = 0.731 for female, r = 0.568 for male) and between the WHtR and the BAI (r = 0.989 for female, r = 0.985 for male). CONCLUSION: The most accurate anthropometric index for indicating the level of body fat present in an active population of 65 years of age or over seems to be the BMI, followed by the BAI and WHtR. However, the degree of association between body fat and anthropometric parameters seems to be conditioned by gender.

The relationships between body mass index, reciprocal ponderal index, waist-to-height ratio, and fitness in young adult males.

Background: Anthropometric measures such as the body mass index (BMI), reciprocal ponderal index (RPI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) have been proposed as predictors of physical fitness. This study aimed to identify the differences in explanatory capacity and fit of BMI, RPI, and WHR on physical fitness, which involves jumping, sprinting, change of direction, and aerobic capacity, by adjusting the polynomial regression. Methods: A sample of 297 healthy, recreationally active male university students between 18 and 20 years old was recruited for this study. Anthropometric measurements (height: 174.09 ± 6.27 cm, weight: 78.98 ± 20.27 kg, waist circumference: 93.74 ± 14.56 cm) were taken for each participant. Jumping tests (squat jump, countermovement jump), sprinting tests (20 m sprint), agility tests (agility T-test), and aerobic/endurance tests (6 min walk test, VAM-EVAL test) were performed. Nonlinear quadratic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the jump, sprint, and fitness test scores and the anthropometric indices. The models were compared based on R-squares and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that all the indices predicted a portion of the variance because all variables and index relationships were significant. Regarding the fitted models, the Bayesian Information Criterion showed that BMI was the best indicator of performance, although the RPI was better for VO2max. Conclusion: These findings may be of great interest to practitioners because it appears that anthropometric measures can be used to predict physical fitness in certain tests although the accuracy raises any concerns.

The relationship of diagonal earlobe crease (Frank's sign) and obstructive coronary artery disease in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) play an important role in the clinical evaluation of patients with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD). The utility of the diagonal earlobe crease (DELC) in predicting the presence of CAD is controversial. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between DELC, traditional CVD risk factors, and obstructive CAD. METHODS: This prospective study included 1377 patients (mean age 65 ± 10 years, 64% male) who underwent invasive coronary angiography for suspected acute or chronic coronary syndromes. In addition to routine clinical assessment, all patients underwent visual examination of both earlobes for the presence of DELC. All assessments were made by three independent readers, with a majority vote in the case of disagreement. Obstructive CAD was defined by invasive coronary angiography as > 50% stenosis of the left main coronary artery or > 70% stenosis in any other major epicardial coronary artery. RESULTS: Bilateral DELC was observed more frequently in patients with obstructive CAD than in those without it (67% vs. 33%, p = 0.022). In the multivariate logistic regression model, bilateral DELC was independently associated with CAD (odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.74), along with smoking (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.44-2.38), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.29-2.15), male sex (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.61-2.58), and dyslipidemia (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12-2.30); however, the diagnostic accuracy of DELC was modest and resembled that of traditional CVD risk factors. CONCLUSION: Despite being independently associated with obstructive CAD, DELC is not a reliable stand-alone clinical marker of CAD due to modest diagnostic accuracy.

A New Approach Using BMI and FMI as Predictors of Cardio-Vascular Risk Factors among Mexican Young Adults.

The study aimed to identify accurate cut-off points for waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BF%), body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI), and to determine their effective accuracy to predict cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) among Mexican young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1730 Mexican young adults. Adiposity measures and CVRFs were assessed under fasting conditions. The optimal cut-off points were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to assess the associations between anthropometric measurements and CVRFs. The cut-off values found, in females and males, respectively, for high WC (≥72.3 and ≥84.9), high BF% (≥30 and ≥22.6), high BMI (≥23.7 and ≥24.4), high FMI (≥7.1 and ≥5.5), and low FFMI (≤16 and ≤18.9) differ from those set by current guidelines. High BMI in women, and high FMI in men, assessed by the 50th percentile, had the best discriminatory power in detecting CVRFs, especially high triglycerides (OR: 3.07, CI: 2.21-4.27 and OR: 3.05, CI: 2.28-4.08, respectively). Therefore, these results suggest that BMI and FMI measures should be used to improve the screening of CVRFs in Mexican young adults.

ß-Alanine Supplementation in Combat Sports: Evaluation of Sports Performance, Perception, and Anthropometric Parameters and Biochemical Markers-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

ß-alanine does not have an ergogenic effect by itself, but it does as a precursor for the synthesis of carnosine in human skeletal muscle. ß-alanine and carnosine together help improve the muscles' functionality, especially in high-intensity exercises such as combat sports. Therefore, ß-alanine could be considered a nutritional ergogenic aid to improve sports performance in combat athletes. We aimed to critically review clinical trial evidence on the impact of ß-alanine supplementation on sports performance, perception, and anthropometric parameters, as well as circulating biochemical markers in combat athletes. This systematic review was conducted following the specific methodological guidelines of the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA), the PICOS question model, the Critical Review Form of McMaster, and the PEDro scale. Furthermore, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used. The search was carried out in the SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Medline (PubMed) databases for studies published from the beginning of the database until July 31, 2023. Of the 41 registers identified, only 7 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. Overall, performance parameters related to strength, power, total exercise work capacity, and combat-specific parameters were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Perception parameters increased non-significantly (p > 0.05). Regarding biochemical parameters, carnosine increased significantly (p < 0.05), pH decreased non-significantly (p > 0.05), and the results for blood bicarbonate and blood lactate were heterogeneous. Finally, there was a non-significant (p > 0.05) improvement in the anthropometric parameters of lean mass and fat mass. ß-alanine supplementation appears to be safe and could be a suitable nutritional ergogenic aid for combat athletes.

Associations of Relative Fat Mass, a Novel Adiposity Indicator, with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: Data from SPECT-China.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the associations of relative fat mass (RFM), a novel adiposity indicator, with the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and compared the disease discriminative ability of RFM with other common adiposity indicators in the general Chinese population. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 11,532 adult participants from the SPECT-China study (2014-2016). We included RFM and six other adiposity indicators, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between adiposity indicators and the prevalence of NAFLD and CVD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the ability to screen NAFLD and CVD. Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, RFM showed a strong association with the prevalence of NAFLD and CVD. In men, each 1-SD (standard deviation) increase in RFM was associated with more than 3-fold increased risk of NAFLD (OR: 4.33, 95% CI: 3.79-4.93) and 66% increased risk of CVD (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.36-2.02); in women, per 1-SD increase in RFM was associated with about 4-fold increased risk of NAFLD (OR: 5.16, 95% CI: 4.62-5.77) and 26% increased risk of CVD (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.47). ROC analysis showed that RFM and WHtR were the strongest predictors for CVD. Conclusion: RFM was significantly associated with prevalent NAFLD and CVD in Chinese adults and might be considered a simple tool for disease prediction. Further large longitudinal studies are needed to verify our findings.

Maternal exposure to organochlorine pesticides and anthropometrics of newborns - a hospital-based cross-sectional study in rural and urban settings in Armenia.

The study objective was to determine a possible association between maternal exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and anthropometric measures at birth in group of postpartum women in urban and rural areas of Armenia. The anthropometric measures of infants were obtained from birth records and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane were measured in breast milk. Gas-liquid chromatography with electron capture detection was used to identify OCPs. Total OCPs and DDTs were calculated, and the anthropometrics were analyzed for sex and areas, and group differences were compared (Student's t-test). Both individual OCPs and total OCPs and DDTs were significantly higher in rural samples than in urban ones (P < 0.01-0.000), with lower and upper quartiles differing by 2.6-fold and 3.1-fold, respectively (P < 0.000). There was no association between the anthropometrics and OCPs levels in rural or urban areas. However, this does not rule out the possibility of OCPs impact on health later in life. To our knowledge, this was the first study addressing these issues in Armenia. The results obtained will provide data on the current situation regarding birth outcomes in terms of prenatal exposure to OCPs in Armenia and will contribute to the available results from previous studies.

Maternal Prenatal Factors and Child Adiposity in Associations with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Term-Born Chinese Children at the Age of 2 Years.

Early growth has long-lasting associations with adult metabolic health. However, the association of adiposity with cardiometabolic risk factors in toddlers remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the association of maternal prenatal factors and child adiposity with child cardiometabolic risk factors among boys and girls aged 2 years. This was a birth cohort study of 549 term-born children in Shanghai, China, with follow-up data at the age of 2-years. Child anthropometric and adiposity measurements included weight, length, and skinfold thickness (triceps, subscapular, and abdominal). Child cardiometabolic risk factors included random morning plasma glucose, serum insulin, lipids, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP). At 2 years, overweight/obesity (weight-for-length z score, ZWFL > 2) was associated with 12.6 (95%CI 7.7, 17.4) mmHg higher SBP, and 7.9 (4.1, 11.8) mmHg higher DBP in boys, with similar results observed in girls. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with 3.0 (0.1, 5.8) higher SBP, 3.17 (0.90, 5.44) mmHg higher DBP, 0.24 (0.01,0.47) mmol/L higher plasma glucose, and 0.26 (0.01,0.51) mmol/L higher serum triglycerides after adjustment for child age, sex, and ZWFL. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and child overweight/obesity were associated with higher SBP and DBP at the age of 2 years.

Maternal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants and neonatal anthropometric measures.

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers. Laboratory evidence has suggested that maternal OPFR exposure may adversely affect fetal growth, but the epidemiological data are limited. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of maternal OPFR exposure with neonatal anthropometric measures. METHODS: This study included 354 mother-newborn pairs from the Laizhou Wan Birth Cohort (LWBC), China. Ten OPFR metabolites were measured in maternal urine samples collected before delivery. Neonatal anthropometric data was collected from medical records and standardized into z-scores using the WHO standards (2007), including the weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), body mass index-for-age (BMIZ), weight-for-length (WLZ), and head circumference-for-age z-score (HCZ). Multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to estimate the associations of individual OPFR metabolites and their mixtures with neonatal anthropometrics, respectively. Stratified analysis by sex was performed. RESULTS: The detection rates of BCEP, DPHP, BCIPP, BDCIPP, BBOEP, DnBP and DiBP were above 60%, with median concentrations ranging from 0.14 to 3.60 µg/g creatinine. Most OPFR metabolites (i.e., BCIPP, BDCIPP, DiBP, DnBP, or BBOEP) were associated with decreased offspring WAZ and HCZ. When using WQS analysis, the OPFR metabolite mixture was inversely associated with the WAZ, BMIZ and HCZ, whereas DnBP had the highest weights. After stratified by gender, the negative associations were more pronounced among males. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal OPFR exposure was negatively associated with offspring WAZ, BMIZ, and HCZ, and males seemed to be more vulnerable to the developmental toxicity of certain OPFRs.

Eating Disorder Attitudes and Body Self-Image of Urban Mediterranean Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Early detection tools for eating disorders play an essential role in their prevention. The aim of this study was to analyze different variables associated with the risk of eating disorders and their relation to anthropometric parameters, nutritional status and body self-image. METHODS: The Eating Disorder Invetory-3 Referral Form (EDI-3 RF) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered to 809 adolescents (413 boys and 396 girls), aged 11 to 17 years, from three randomly chosen schools in a big Mediterranean city. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standardized methods. Overweight and obesity were determined according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). RESULTS: Overweight (23%) prevailed over obesity (9.37%). Girls registered a higher score in the Obsession for Thinness EDI-3 RF subscale and in the body dissatisfaction section of the BSQ. The only statistically significant differences in the Obsession for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction levels among the different ages were seen in boys. In this series, body dissatisfaction assessed by the EDI-3 RF was not correlated with BSQ body dissatisfaction. Sex and age in adolescence determine the relationship between eating disorder attitudes and body shape dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to look for other parameters to investigate to determine body dissatisfaction.

Development and validation of new predictive equations for the resting metabolic rate of older adults aged ≥65 y.

BACKGROUND: The aging process alters the resting metabolic rate (RMR), but it still accounts for 50%-70% of the total energy needs. The rising proportion of older adults, especially those over 80 y of age, underpins the need for a simple, rapid method to estimate the energy needs of older adults. OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to generate and validate new RMR equations specifically for older adults and to report their performance and accuracy. METHODS: Data were sourced to form an international dataset of adults aged ≥65 y (n = 1686, 38.5% male) where RMR was measured using the reference method of indirect calorimetry. Multiple regression was used to predict RMR from age (y), sex, weight (kg), and height (cm). Double cross-validation in a randomized, sex-stratified, age-matched 50:50 split and leave one out cross-validation were performed. The newly generated prediction equations were compared with the existing commonly used equations. RESULTS: The new prediction equation for males and females aged ≥65 y had an overall improved performance, albeit marginally, when compared with the existing equations. It is described as follows: RMR (kJ/d) = 31.524 × W (kg) + 25.851 × H (cm) - 24.432 × Age (y) + 486.268 × Sex (M = 1, F = 0) + 530.557. Equations stratified by age (65-79.9 y and >80 y) and sex are also provided. The newly created equation estimates RMR within a population mean prediction bias of ∼50 kJ/d (∼1%) for those aged ≥65 y. Accuracy was reduced in adults aged ≥80 y (∼100 kJ/d, ∼2%) but was still within the clinically acceptable range for both males and females. Limits of agreement indicated a poorer performance at an individual level with 1.96-SD limits of approximately ±25%. CONCLUSIONS: The new equations, using simple measures of weight, height, and age, improved the accuracy in the prediction of RMR in populations in clinical practice. However, no equation performs optimally at the individual level.

Insulin Resistance and Bone Metabolism Markers in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study on Females from the Islamic University Medical Center.

Background and Objectives: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) prevails in females in the 18-40-year-old age group and varies from 5-20% depending on the demographic and diagnostic standards. It is unknown how long passes between the onset of a specific symptom and the appearance of the disease. The three most significant characteristics of PCOS include irregular menstruation, a polycystic ovarian shape found by pelvic ultrasound, and hyperandrogenism, which could possibly delay menarche. This study's objective was to assess insulin resistance and bone bio-markers' metabolism-involved characteristics of females with PCOS. Materials and Methods: We present a cross-sectional study carried out on 100 female patients suffering from PCOS and 100 healthy female subjects as a control living in Saudi Arabia in the Al-Madinah Al-Munawara Region between May 2021 and March 2022. The age of the studied groups ranges from 20-40 years, and patients were categorized into three groups; group I (control, n = 100), group IIa (overweight or obese females with PCOS, n = 70), and group IIb (non-obese females with PCOS, n = 30). The diagnosis of PCOS was carried out as per Rotterdam criteria as recommended for adolescent and adult subjects. All the groups were subjected to physical examination, and anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters, endocrine activity, and clinical parameters were determined. The data obtained were computerized and analyzed statistically using the SPSS program for range, mean, and standard deviation. ANOVA test with post hoc Tukey test was applied to assess the pattern and variation among the test and control groups. Results: In the present study, age, waist circumstances, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were reported enhanced in the PCOS over the control group. Additionally, anthropometric measures were reported slightly upregulated in group IIa over group IIb (p < 0.001). Biochemical parameters including glucose, insulin incidence, and lipids were reported higher in the PCOS over the control group, where group IIa showed slightly increased values compared to group IIb (p < 0.001). On the contrary, PTH, Ca+2, and 25(OH)D levels were reported lower in the PCOS over the control group. However, in the control groups, a slight variation was reported as higher in group IIa compared to group II. In the study, PTH and 25(OH)D were found associated with bone metabolism; a lower level of PTH and 25 (OH) D is linked with a decline in bone density. Conclusions: Lower serum levels of PINP and osteocalcin along with the 25(OH)D were associated with the PCOS compared to the control group, imposing a higher risk of the syndrome. On the contrary, an elevated level of NTx in groups IIa and IIb over the control group was associated with insulin resistance and bone metabolism.

Clinical and diagnostic characteristics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Egyptian children and adolescents with type1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients are at an increased risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical criteria associated with the diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among T1DM Egyptian children and adolescents. METHODS: 74 T1DM patients aged 8-18 year were enrolled in this cross sectional study. Assessments of Clinical status, anthropometric measures, lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and liver enzymes were done. Abdominal Ultrasound evaluation of hepatic steatosis was done. Accordingly, patients were divided into two groups (NAFLD and normal liver group) and compared together. Assessment of liver fibrosis using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI) was done. Statistical analysis included; independent t-test, Chi square and Fisher's Exact, Pearson and Spearman tests and Logistic regression models for factors associated with fatty liver were used when appropriate. RESULTS: In this study; 74 patients were enrolled; 37 males (50%) and 37 females with mean age 14.3 ± 3.0 year. The mean insulin dose was 1.1 ± 0.4 U/kg and mean disease duration was 6.3 ± 3.0 year. NAFLD was detected in 46 cases while 28 cases had normal liver as diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. Cases with NAFLD had statistically significant higher BMI-Z scores, waist/hip, waist/height and sum of skin fold thicknesses compared to those with normal liver (P < 0.05). The mean value of HbA1c % was significantly higher in NAFLD group (P = 0.003). Total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL serum levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05), while the HDL level was significantly lower in NAFLD cases (p = 0.001). Although, serum levels of liver enzymes; ALT and AST were significantly higher among cases with NAFLD than in normal liver group (p < 0.05), their means were within normal. Using the ARFI elastography; NAFLD cases exhibited significant fibrosis (F2, 3 and 4). BMI, patient age and female gender were among risk factors for NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD represents a serious consequence in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents that deserves attention especially with poor glycemic control. NAFLD has the potential to evolve to fibrosis. This study demonstrated a very high prevalence of NAFLD in T1D children and adolescents using US which was (62.2%) with the percent of liver fibrosis among the NAFLD cases (F2-F4) using ARFI elastography was 26%. BMI, age of patients and female gender were detected as risk factors for NAFLD.

Effect of Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on Body Composition and Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were accomplished to understand the effects of tart cherry juice consumption on body composition and anthropometric measures. Five databases were searched using relevant keywords from inception to January 2022. All clinical trials investigating the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage body fat (PBF) were included. Out of 441 citations, 6 trials that enrolled 126 subjects were included. Tart cherry juice consumption significantly did not reduce BW (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.25 to 2.46; p = 0.789; GRADE = low), BMI (WMD, -0.07 kg/m2; 95% CI, -0.89 to 0.74; p = 0.857; GRADE = low), FM (WMD, 0.21 kg; 95% CI, -1.83 to 2.25; p = 0.837; GRADE = low), FFM (WMD, -0.12 kg; 95% CI, -2.47 to 2.27; p = 0.919; GRADE = low), WC (WMD, 1.69 cm; 95% CI, -1.88 to 5.27; p = 0.353; GRADE = low), and PBF (WMD, 0.18%; 95% CI, -1.81 to -2.17; p = 0.858; GRADE = low). Overall, these data suggest that tart cherry juice consumption has no significant effect on BW, BMI, FM, FFM, WC, and PBF.

The Associations of Birthweight for Gestational Age Status with Its Differential 0-2 Year Growth Trajectory and Blood Pressure at Two Years of Age in Chinese Boys and Girls.

The first 1000 days of life represents a critical period for lifelong metabolic health. This study prospectively examined the contrasts between the growth trajectories of large, small, and appropriate sizes for gestational age (LGA, SGA, and AGA) term-born infants in their first two years, and their blood pressure at two years. In 2012-2013, 806 Chinese mother-newborn dyads were enrolled in the Shanghai Obesity and Allergy Birth Cohort Study. Repeated anthropometric measures were obtained at age 42 days, and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured at two years of age. Linear random effect models were employed to evaluate growth trajectory differences between LGA, SGA, and AGA infants. Of the study infants, 12.4% were LGA and 4.0% SGA. Length, weight, and weight-for-length z-score (ZWFL) were all consistently higher in LGA infants and lower in SGA infants than AGA infants. SGA infants had a higher ZWFL (0.11 unit/month; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.19) and a higher BMI (0.19; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.28 kg/m2 per month) growth velocity at age 0-6 months, relative to AGA infants. SGA was associated with 6.4 (0.4-12.4) mmHg higher SBP, and LGA was associated with 2.9 (95% CI -5.2, -0.5) mmHg lower DBP at two years of age in boys, however, not in girls. In conclusion, in this prospective birth cohort with repeated anthropometric measures and BP at two years of age, LGA, SGA, and AGA term-born infants manifested differential patterns of weight growth trajectory and BP, providing new insight into developmental origins of cardiometabolic health.

Evaluating the association between anthropometric parameters and successful aging in older adults.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between successful aging (SA) and anthropometric parameters in older adults. We used body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference to reflect anthropometric parameters. SA was assessed by the following five aspects: self-rated health, self-rated psychological status or mood, cognitive function, activities of daily life, and physical activity. Logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between anthropometric parameters and SA. Results showed that larger BMI, waist circumference, and calf circumference are related to a higher prevalence of SA in older women; greater waist circumference and calf circumference are associated with a higher rate of SA in old-old adults. These findings suggest that the greater BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference are associated with a higher rate of SA in older adults, and the associations are influenced to some extent by the sex and age.

Myo-inositol supplementation improves cardiometabolic factors, anthropometric measures, and liver function in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome is closely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Myo-inositol (MI)-a 6-C sugar alcohol-with insulin-mimetic, anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory properties has exerted favorable effects on insulin resistance-related disorders and metabolic disease, while recent animal studies revealed its positive effects on liver function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MI supplementation on cardiometabolic factors, anthropometric measures, and liver function in obese patients with NAFLD. Methods: This double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was carried out on 48 obese patients with NAFLD who were randomly assigned to either MI (4g/day) or placebo (maltodextrin 4g/day) along with dietary recommendations for 8 weeks. Glycemic indices, lipid profile, liver enzymes anthropometric measures, and blood pressure were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Dietary intakes were assessed using a 3-day 24 h recall and analyzed by Nutritionist IV software. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) was also estimated. Results: Anthropometric measures decreased significantly in both groups, while the reduction in weight (p = 0.049) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.006) in the MI group was significantly greater than in the placebo group after adjusting for baseline values and energy intake. Although energy and macronutrient intakes decreased significantly in both groups, between-group differences were not significant after adjusting for the potential confounders. MI supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum fasting insulin (p = 0.008) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.046). There were significant improvements in lipid profile, liver enzymes, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio as well as serum ferritin level in the MI group, compared to the placebo group at the endpoint. By MI supplementation for eight weeks, 1 in 3 patients reduced one- grade in the severity of NAFLD. Conclusion: MI supplementation could significantly improve IR, lipid profile, and liver function in patients with NAFLD. Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes, longer duration, different MI doses, and other inositol derivatives are recommended.