Sarcopenia and adipose tissue evaluation by artificial intelligence predicts the overall survival after TAVI.

Sarcopenia is a serious systemic disease that reduces overall survival. TAVI is selectively performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not indicated for open cardiac surgery due to severe polymorbidity. Artificial intelligence-assisted body composition assessment from available CT scans appears to be a simple tool to stratify these patients into low and high risk based on future estimates of all-cause mortality. Within our study, the segmentation of preprocedural CT scans at the level of the lumbar third vertebra in patients undergoing TAVI was performed using a neural network (AutoMATiCA). The obtained parameters (area and density of skeletal muscles and intramuscular, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue) were analyzed using Cox univariate and multivariable models for continuous and categorical variables to assess the relation of selected variables with all-cause mortality. 866 patients were included (median(interquartile range)): age 79.7 (74.9-83.3) years; BMI 28.9 (25.9-32.6) kg/m2. Survival analysis was performed on all automatically obtained parameters of muscle and fat density and area. Skeletal muscle index (SMI in cm2/m2), visceral (VAT in HU) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT in HU) density predicted the all-cause mortality in patients after TAVI expressed as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI): SMI HR 0.986, 95% CI (0.975-0.996); VAT 1.015 (1.002-1.028) and SAT 1.014 (1.004-1.023), all p < 0.05. Automatic body composition assessment can estimate higher all-cause mortality risk in patients after TAVI, which may be useful in preoperative clinical reasoning and stratification of patients.

Gender-specific link between sleep quality and body composition components: a cross-sectional study on the elderly.

Sleep duration has been associated with overweight/obesity. Since sleep quality and body composition alter during aging, we conducted this study to determine if sleep quality is linked to body composition components in elderly people. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 305 Iranian community-dwelling elderly aged ≥ 65 years. Sleep quality and body composition components were evaluated using Pittsburgh sleep quality index and bioelectric impedance analysis, respectively. The association of sleep quality and body composition components was examined using linear regression analysis. The prevalence of poor sleep quality and overweight/obesity was 48.9% and 54.4% in men and 77.0% and 79.3% in women, respectively. Women had significantly higher scores in most PSQI items than men, indicating their worse sleep quality compared to men. Women also had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and visceral adipose tissue and lower skeletal muscle and fat-free mass percentages than men. In the adjusted regression model, men showed positive associations between the third tertile of poor sleep quality and BMI (B = 1.35; 95% CI 0.08-2.61) and waist circumference (B = 4.14; 95% CI 0.39-7.89), but they did not demonstrate an association between sleep quality and body composition components. In the adjusted regression model for women, there were positive associations for BMI (B = 1.21; 95% CI 0.34-2.07), waist circumference (B = 2.95; 95% CI 0.99-4.91), body fat percentage (B = 2.75; 95% CI 1.06-4.45), and visceral adipose tissue (B = 7.80; 95% CI 1.73-13.87); also there were negative associations for skeletal muscle (B = - 1.40; 95% CI - 2.39 - - 0.41) and fat-free mass (B = - 2.76; 95% CI - 4.46 - -1.07) percentages. Except for waist circumference, other variables differed between men and women (P < 0.001). Weight management, prevention of muscle wasting, and improvement of sleep quality should be considered in a consortium when designing healthcare strategies for the elderly.

Common mouse models of chronic kidney disease are not associated with cachexia.

The 5/6 nephrectomy and adenine-induced nephropathy mouse models have been extensively used to study Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)-related cachexia. One common caveat of these CKD models is the cross-sectional nature of comparisons made versus controls. We here performed a comprehensive longitudinal assessment of body composition and energy metabolism in both models. The most striking finding is that weight loss is largely driven by reduced food intake which promotes rapid loss of lean and fat mass. However, in both models, mice catch up weight and lean mass a few days after the surgery or when they are switched back to standard chow diet. Muscle force and mass are fully recovered and no sign of cachexia is observed. Our data demonstrate that the time-course of kidney failure and weight loss are unrelated in these common CKD models. These data highlight the need to reconsider the relative contribution of direct and indirect mechanisms to muscle wasting observed in CKD.

The Effects of Online Home-Based Pilates Combined with Diet on Body Composition in Women Affected by Obesity: A Preliminary Study.

Diet and exercise intervention are the first strategies to counteract obesity. An online home-based exercise program may be a feasible approach in an obese population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of twelve weeks of online Pilates plus diet on body composition in individuals affected by obesity. Thirty-five females were randomly assigned to a home-based Pilates group (PG, n = 18) or a group without intervention (control group, CG, n = 17). All participants followed a Mediterranean diet. The PG followed a twelve-week online Pilates Matwork program (three times/week; 180 min/week), while the CG was not involved in any structured physical exercise program. Body composition and handgrip strength were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after the intervention (T1). A significant group × time interaction (p < 0.05) was found for the fat mass percentage (pFM). Specifically, the pFM was significantly lower at T1 than at T0 in the PG. Significant group × time interactions for fat-free mass (p < 0.05), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.05), and skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.01) were found. All these variables were significantly higher at T1 than at T0 in the PG (p < 0.05). Home-based Pilates combined with diet intervention may represent an effective strategy to improve body composition in terms of fat mass reduction and muscle mass gain in adults affected by obesity.

One-year trajectories of nutritional status in perimenopausal women: a community-based multi-centered prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional status is a modifiable factor associated with perimenopausal women's health and quality of life. Assessing body composition indicators helps to comprehensively understand nutritional status compared with using body mass index (BMI) only. However, few published studies measured the trends in body composition among perimenopausal women. OBJECTIVES: To assess the one-year trajectory of the nutritional status of perimenopausal women and to explore its influential factors. METHODS: A community-based observational study with 3-wave repeated measurements at 6-month intervals was carried out. The nutritional status indicators include weight, body mass index (BMI), and body composition variables. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess body composition. Repeated measures ANOVA and Chi-square test were used to calculate the changes in nutritional status and generalized estimating equations were performed to explore their influential factors. RESULTS: 2760 participants completed the study. Increasing trajectories in weight (from 56.05 ± 7.55 to 57.02 ± 7.60), fat mass (from 17.99 ± 4.80 to 20.49 ± 4.90), and waist-hip ratio (from 0.86 ± 0.04 to 0.91 ± 0.15) were found (P < 0.001). Decreasing trajectories in skeletal muscle (from 20.30 ± 2.38 to 19.19 ± 2.46), protein level (from 7.39 ± 0.79 to 7.06 ± 0.81), and total body water (from 27.87 ± 2.92 to 27.00 ± 3.01) were found (P < 0.001). Being married/unmarried with a partner and without negative life events were associated with higher total body water, skeletal muscle, and protein level, while negatively associated with fat mass and waist-hip ratio. Age was positively associated with fat mass (P < 0.001). Participants with junior high school education were prone to increased fat mass (P = 0.018) compared with those holding primary school education and below. A per capita monthly income of 1500 to 3000 Yuan was associated with higher total body water, skeletal muscle, and protein level (P < 0.001) compared with a per capita monthly income of less than 1500 Yuan. CONCLUSION: Worsening nutritional status exists in perimenopausal women, which is characterized by increased weight, fat mass, and waist-hip ratio, and decreased skeletal muscle, total body water, and protein level. For greater efficiency, precision nutritional interventions are needed, and recipients should be classified into different risk levels based on their sociodemographic background.

Assessment of sarcopenic obesity as a predictor of pneumonia in patients with stable schizophrenia-A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) recently released the first international consensus on the diagnostic criteria for Sarcopenic obesity (SO). The present study aimed to explore the ability of SO to predict the risk of pneumonia in patients with stable schizophrenia. METHODS: This was a prospective study involving hospitalized patients with schizophrenia aged ≥50 years from two mental health centers in western China. Baseline patient data were collected from September 1 to September 30, 2020. Follow-up data on pneumonia were collected from October 2020 to October 2022. The diagnosis of SO was based on the ESPEN/EASO criteria. Patients were assessed for handgrip strength (HGS), skeletal muscle mass/weight (SMM/W), and fat mass percentage (FM%). Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the effect of SO on the risk of pneumonia in patients with stable schizophrenia. RESULTS: A total of 320 patients with stable schizophrenia were included. Of these, 74 (23.13%) were diagnosed with SO, while 117 (36.56%) developed pneumonia. Compared with patients in the non-low HGS, non-low HGS + non-low SMM/W (or non-low HGS + low SMM/W or low HGS + non-low SMM/W) and non-SO groups, the proportions of patients with pneumonia in the low HGS (42.3% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.004), low HGS + low SMM/W (45.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.048), and SO (47.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.029) groups, respectively, were higher. However, there was no difference in the proportion of patients with pneumonia in the low SMM/W group and the obese group compared with the non-low SMM/W and non-obese groups. Further logistic regression analysis after adjustment for potential influencing factors showed that compared with the non-low HGS group, patients in the low HGS group had a higher risk of pneumonia (OR = 1.892, 95%CI: 1.096-3.264). CONCLUSION: SO defined according to the ESPEN/EASO criteria was not found to be significantly associated with the development of pneumonia in patients with stable schizophrenia. Further verification of these results is needed with larger sample sizes and the establishment of a cutoff value for this population.

Transcriptome Analysis of Compensatory Growth and Meat Quality Alteration after Varied Restricted Feeding Conditions in Beef Cattle.

Compensatory growth (CG) is a physiological response that accelerates growth following a period of nutrient limitation, with the potential to improve growth efficiency and meat quality in cattle. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, 60 Huaxi cattle were divided into one ad libitum feeding (ALF) group and two restricted feeding groups (75% restricted, RF75; 50% restricted, RF50) undergoing a short-term restriction period followed by evaluation of CG. Detailed comparisons of growth performance during the experimental period, as well as carcass and meat quality traits, were conducted, complemented by a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the longissimus dorsi muscle using differential expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The results showed that irrespective of the restriction degree, the restricted animals exhibited CG, achieving final body weights comparable to the ALF group. Compensating animals showed differences in meat quality traits, such as pH, cooking loss, and fat content, compared to the ALF group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 57 genes and 31 pathways differentially regulated during CG, covering immune response, acid-lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis. Notably, complement-coagulation-fibrinolytic system synergy was identified as potentially responsible for meat quality optimization in RF75. This study provides novel and valuable genetic insights into the regulatory mechanisms of CG in beef cattle.

Effect of high intensity circuit training on muscle mass, muscular strength, and blood parameters in sedentary workers.

Background: The study aim was to investigate the effect of high intensity circuit training on body composition, muscular performance, and blood parameters in sedentary workers. Methods: A total of 36 middle-aged sedentary female workers were randomly divided into high intensity circuit training (HICT) group, aerobic training (AT) group, and control (CON) group. The exercise training groups performed exercise three times per week for 8 weeks. In HICT, each session was 20-35 min with 2-3 rounds. Rounds were 8 min; the interval between rounds was 4-5 min. In AT, each exercise session comprised 20-35 min of aerobic dance training. Physiological parameters were measured 1 week before and after the interventions. The resulting data were analyzed using two-way mixed design ANOVA, the differences in body composition, muscular performance and blood parameters before and after training were compared. Results: The muscle mass (pre-test: 21.19 ± 2.47 kg; post-test: 21.69 ± 2.46 kg, p < 0.05) and knee extension 60°/s (pre-test: 82.10 ± 22.26 Nm/kg; post-test: 83.47 ± 12.83 Nm/kg, p < 0.05) of HICT group were significantly improved, with knee extension 60°/s significantly higher than that of the CON group (HICT: 83.47 ± 12.83 Nm/kg; CON: 71.09 ± 26.53 Nm/kg). In the AT group, body weight (BW) decreased significantly (Pre-test: 59.37 ± 8.24 kg; Post-test: 58.94 ± 7.98 kg); no significant change was observed in CON group. The groups exhibited no significant change in blood parameters (hs-CRP, TC, and LDL-C) or IGF-1. Conclusions: Sedentary worker's muscle mass and lower-limb muscular performance were effectively improved by performing 8-week HICT with the benefits of short duration, no spatial constraints, and using one's BW, whereas AT caused a significant decrease in BW. However, the AT induced decrease in BW was probably an effect of muscle loss rather than exercise-induced weight loss.

Effect of Corrective Exercise on Static Balance, Food Consumption, and Body Composition in the Early Period After Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of corrective exercise program applied during the period of rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery on static balance, dietary intake, and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants who had undergone Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) surgery were divided into as Corrective Exercise Group (CEG), and Control Group (CG). CEG underwent a 12-week supervised corrective exercise program. Body composition and static balance of all participants were assessed before and after the study. Their physical activity levels and dietary intake were also evaluated. RESULTS: Following of the corrective exercise program, both groups exhibited significant reductions in body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference-to-height ratio, and visceral adiposity values (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CEG showed increase in lean body mass percentage (p < 0.001). In measurements related to static balance, values for eyes-closed perimeter (p = 0.015), eyes-closed (p = 0.006), eyes-open (p = 0.028) ellipses area, average F-B speed, and eyes-open center of pressure in the X-axis (C.O.P.X.) sway distance significantly decreased in both groups (p = 0.025). However, the difference in eyes-open C.O.P.X. sway distance was found to be higher in the CG (mean difference = 8.67; p = 0.034). Postoperatively, there were significant decreases in energy, protein, fat, CHO (carbohydrate), CHO percentage, fiber, and iron values, while protein percentage (p < 0.001), vitamin D (p = 0.003), and B12 (p < 0.001) values increased. CONCLUSION: It has been observed that the corrective exercise program implemented in the early postoperative period following SG surgery had a positive impact on eyes-open static balance.

Effect of a 12-Week Multi-Exercise Community Program on Muscle Strength and Lipid Profile in Elderly Women.

This study targeted elderly women over 60 years old (109 persons), divided them into an exercise group and a control group, and implemented a 12-week physical activity program for the exercise group. Body composition, muscle, blood tests, depression, quality of life (QoL), nutritional status, and physical strength were compared and analyzed. The physical activity program was organized through a consultative body of experts, was performed for about 60 min each time in the type and order of exercise appropriate for elderly women, and consisted of a combination of exercise using a band, gymnastics, and stretching. Changes in the muscle index and muscle mass before and after the program were selected as the primary efficacy evaluations. In the exercise group, waist circumference significantly decreased, and the muscle index significantly increased compared to the control group. The number of subjects who showed sarcopenia with a muscle index of 5.4 or less in the exercise group significantly decreased from 22 (38.6%) before program implementation to 13 (22.8%). According to the results of secondary effectiveness evaluation, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein (Apo) A were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group, and Apo B, triglyceride, and c-reactive protein showed a significant decrease. Regular physical activity is very important for improving the health and QoL of elderly women, and as a result of applying a customized program, effects such as increased muscle index, improvement of sarcopenia, and improvement of blood lipid status were confirmed. Therefore, it is believed that the physical activity program developed through this study can be applied as a community program for elderly women.

Ethnic differences in CT derived abdominal body composition measures: a comparative retrospect pilot study between European and Inuit study population.

Understanding ethnic variations in body composition is crucial for assessing health risks. Universal models may not suit all ethnicities, and there is limited data on the Inuit population. This study aimed to compare body composition between Inuit and European adults using computed tomography (CT) scans and to investigate the influence of demographics on these measurements. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 adults (29 Inuit and 21 European) who underwent standard trauma CT scans. Measurements focused on skeletal muscle index (SMI), various fat indices, and densities at the third lumbar vertebra level, analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression. Inuit women showed larger fat tissue indices and lower muscle and fat densities than European women. Differences in men were less pronouncehd, with only Intramuscular fat density being lower among Inuit men. Regression indicated that SMI was higher among men, and skeletal muscle density decreased with Inuit ethnicity and age, while visceral fat index was positively associated with age. This study suggests ethnic differences in body composition measures particularly among women, and indicates the need for Inuit-specific body composition models. It higlights the importance of further research into Inuit-specific body composition measurements for better health risk assessment.

Longitudinal changes in body composition and diet after acute spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with low muscle mass and adiposity, however, to our knowledge, few studies have monitored the trajectory of changes over time. This study aimed to evaluate the timing, rate, magnitude, and site-specific changes in body composition and related changes in diet after SCI. METHODS: We assessed 39 patients with SCI. The analysis included five women. Of the participants, 51% had American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) criteria A/B (motor complete) injuries, 18% had AIS C (sensory/motor incomplete) injuries, and 31% had AIS D (motor incomplete) injuries. The mean age of the patients was 43.2 y. They were 48.1 d post-injury and had their weight, diet, and body composition (bioimpedance spectroscopy) assessed every 2 wk. RESULTS: No significant linear changes were observed for any body composition measure. Total body fat mass (FM) changed 0.01 kg/2 wk when fitted to a quadratic model (P = 0.004), decreasing to week 15 and returning to baseline at week 28. Subgroup analysis revealed that arm lean tissue mass (LTM) increased in paraplegic versus tetraplegic participants (0.05 versus -0.01 kg/2 wk, P = 0.007). Participants with AIS A/B injuries lost FM (-0.17 kg; P = 0.010), whereas those with AIS C injuries gained appendicular LTM (ALTM; 0.15 kg; P = 0.017) and leg LTM (0.12 kg; P = 0.008) every 2 wk. Body composition remained stable in the AIS D group. Mean fortnightly changes were greater in the AIS A/B group than the C group for weight (mean difference -0.30 kg; P = 0.021), FM (-0.25 kg; P = 0.002), and leg LTM (-0.11 kg; P = 0.021) and AIS A/B versus D for FM (-0.42 kg; P = 0.013). Baseline energy and protein intakes were 2150 kcal (±741) and 102 g (±40) and decreased by 21.5 kcal (P = 0.016) and 1.3 g (P = 0.004) every 2 wk but were not associated with body composition changes. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic level and severity of SCI, but not changes in diet, were the main determinants of heterogeneous body composition changes.

Body Composition Changes in Male and Female Elite Soccer Players: Effects of a Nutritional Program Led by a Sport Nutritionist.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is a game in constant evolution and the intensity of play is increasing. Nutrition can play a role in the physical performance of elite players, maintaining their health and facilitating recovery. It is important to cover players' energy demands, and low energy availability may therefore result in impaired performance. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in body composition to determine the effects of a nutritional program led by a sport nutritionist. METHODS: A group of 88 elite soccer players from a Serie A club in Italy (44 males aged 26.5 ± 3.0 years and 44 females aged 27.1 ± 5.2 years) were enrolled. To evaluate changes in body composition, bioimpedance and anthropometric measurements were obtained following the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). RESULTS: Compared with females, males had more muscle mass and less fat mass in both seasons evaluated. Comparing the first and last seasons, the male soccer players showed increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass while the female soccer players only showed decreased fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a specialist sport nutritionist on the staff of professional soccer clubs could be important to ensure energy availability and evaluate body composition during the season.

The Association between Obesity and Reduced Weight-Adjusted Bone Mineral Content in Older Adults: A New Paradigm That Contrasts with the Obesity Paradox.

The relationship between body weight and bone mass in the elderly remains unclear, and whether obesity is a protective factor is still a matter of debate. For this reason, the aim of this study is to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral content adjusted by body weight, expressed as a percentage (w-BMC%), and to test the validity of the obesity paradox in this context. A cohort of 1404 older adults was categorized according to the World Health Organization's BMI cut-off points and completed a total and segmental body composition measurement by means of a dual X-ray absorptiometry scan. Individuals with obesity displayed a lower mean w-BMC% (3.06 ± 0.44%; 2.60 ± 0.37%) compared to those who were normal-weight (3.95 ± 0.54%; 3.38 ± 0.48%) and overweight (3.06 ± 0.44%; 3.04 ± 0.37%) in both genders. Linear regression analysis also showed a negative association between BMI and w-BMC% in males (ß = -0.09; p < 0.001) and females (ß = -0.06; p < 0.001). Finally, among individuals with obesity, and after adjusting for age, the linear regression models revealed a significant decrease of 0.75% and 0.28% in w-BMC% for every one-unit increase in the trunk fat/appendicular lean mass ratio in both males (ß = -0.749; p < 0.0001) and females (ß = -0.281; p < 0.001). In conclusion, we suggest a new paradigm regarding the impact of obesity on bone mass, in which the former does not appear to be a protective factor of the latter, especially in individuals with central obesity and low muscle mass.

Physical strength, body composition, and G-test results of air force cadets based on nutrition knowledge differences.

The Gravitational Acceleration Test (G-test) is a demanding, and sophisticated high-intensity physical activity, greatly influenced by individual body composition and physical strength. This study analyzed the general nutrition knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) responses of Air Force cadets to identify the relationship between nutrition knowledge, body composition, physical activity, physical strength, and gravity-induced loss of consciousness. Based on the G-test results, 105 fourth-year Air Force cadets were divided into two groups: GP (G-test pass group) and GF (G-test fail group). The analysis items were GNKQ responses, body composition, and physical strength analysis, based on which independent sample t-tests , and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Physical activity according to the G-test results was statistically higher in the GP compared to the GF (vigorous activity reps/week, p = 0.017; mins/day, p = 0.011). The GP Group showed a statistically high GNKQ score compared to the GF Group: Overall (p = 0.003), Section 1 (p < 0.001), and Section 2 (p = 0.002). Based on this study, it can be deduced that analyzing the effect G-test through continuous research over the next years and applying them to physical training will have a greater impact on the cadets' increased physical strength and their success on the G-test.

Development and Validation of Estimation Equations for Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Purpose: This study aimed to establish equations for estimating muscle mass through anthropometric parameters or together with physical function parameters in the community-dwelling older adults, providing a simple way of muscle mass assessment. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 1537 older adults were recruited from the community and accepted the measurements of height, weight, upper arm and calf circumferences, grip strength, and walking speed. Body composition including appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Participants were randomly divided into the development or validation group. Stepwise multiple linear regression was applied to develop equations in the development group. Thereafter, Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, paired t-test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and paired-samples t-tests were used to assess the validity of the equations. Results: All parameters were significantly correlated with ASM (r = 0.195~0.795, P < 0.001) except for the age in the validation group (P = 0.746). The most optimal anthropometric equation was: [adjusted R2 = 0.911, standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 1.311, P < 0.001]. Comparatively speaking, this equation showed high correlation coefficient (r = 0.951, P < 0.001) and ICC (ICC = 0.950, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between BIA-measured ASM and the estimated ASM. The Bland-Altman plot showed that the mean difference between the estimated ASM and BIA-measured ASM was 0 kg and the limits of agreement of ASM was -2.70~2.60 kg. Furthermore, inclusion of physical function did not significantly improve the adjusted R2 and SEE. Conclusion: The anthropometric equation offers a practical alternative simple and dependable method for estimating ASM in community-dwelling older adults.

Influence of nutritional status and body composition on postoperative events and outcome in patients treated for primary localized retroperitoneal sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare tumours of mesenchymal origin, commonly presented as a large tumour mass at time of diagnosis. We investigated the impact of body composition on outcome in patients operated on for primary localized RPS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data for all patients operated on for primary RPS at our institution between 1999 and 2020. Preoperative skeletal muscle area (SMA), visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (VAT and SAT) and muscle radiation attenuation (MRA) were calculated using computed tomography scans at the level of third lumbar vertebra. European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria were applied to define myopenia. Using maximum log-rank statistic method we determined the optimal cut-off values of body composition parameters. Myosteatosis was defined based on determined MRA cut-offs. RESULTS: In total 58 patient were eligible for the study. With a median follow-up of 116 months, the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) and local-recurrence free survival (LRFS) were 66.8% and 77.6%, respectively. Patients with myopenia had significantly lower 5-year OS compared to non-myopenic (p = 0.009). Skeletal muscle index and subcutaneous adipose tissue index predicted LRFS on univariate analysis (p = 0.052 and p = 0.039, respectively). In multivariate analysis high visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (VSR) independently predicted higher postoperative complication rate (89.2% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.008). Myosteatosis was associated with higher postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Myopenia affected survival, but not postoperative outcome in RPS. Visceral obesity, VSR (> 0.26) and myosteatosis were associated with higher postoperative morbidity. VSR was better prognostic factor than VAT in RPS.

Dynamic Changes in Body Composition and Protein Intake in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer patients often face poor nutritional status, with body composition (BC) serving as a significant prognostic indicator. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are crucial predictors of both survival and hospitalization duration. Increasing protein intake has been linked to improvements in SMM and FFM. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to document the alterations in BC parameters among ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and correlate these changes with their nutrient intake. METHODS: Twelve female patients with stage III ovarian cancer who received first-line chemotherapy were categorized based on their body mass indices (BMI). BC parameters were assessed using an 8-point bioelectrical impedance analysis with a frequency of 50 Hz-60 Hz and measurement impedance range of 10 Ω-1000 Ω. Nutrient intake (energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate) was assessed before (T0), during the 3rd (T3), and 6th cycle of chemotherapy (T6) through 24-hour food recall. RESULTS: Significant increases in body weight (BW)were observed in the underweight group (from 40.9 to 46.8 kg, p=0.001), concomitant with enhancements in all BC parameters. While changes were noted in SMM, they were not statistically significant (p=0.105).Among the underweight group, a protein intake above 1.2 g/kg BW led to an uptrend trend in SMM. Conversely, FFM in overweight/obese patients decreased significantly (from 37.6 to 36.4 kg, p=0.005) due to a a reduction in body water. Throughout chemotherapy, fat mass (FM), visceral fat (VAT), and phase angle (PhA) increased in all patient groups, reflecting heightened fat and carbohydrate intake. CONCLUSION: Among stage III ovarian cancer patients, BC undergoes dynamic changes dynamically during the course of chemotherapy, with more pronounced enhancements observed in FFM among underweight patients. Notably, improvements in PhA, SMM or FFM were particularly evident among underweight patients with a protein intake above 1.2 g/kg BW.

Biomarkers of Body Composition.

The importance and impact of imaging biomarkers has been increasing over the past few decades. We review the relevant clinical and imaging terminology needed to understand the clinical and research applications of body composition. Imaging biomarkers of bone, muscle, and fat tissues obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography are described.

Comparison of Growth Performance, Carcass Properties, Fatty Acid Profile, and Genes Involved in Fat Metabolism in Nanyang and Landrace Pigs.

This study compared the growth, carcass properties, fatty acid profile, lipid-producing enzyme activity, and expression pattern of genes involved in fat metabolism in Nanyang and Landrace pigs. In the study, 32 Nanyang (22.16 ± 0.59 kg) and 32 Landrace barrows (21.37 ± 0.57 kg) were selected and divided into two groups, each with eight pens and four pigs per pen. The trial period lasted 90 days. The findings showed that the Nanyang pigs had lower average daily weight gain and lean percentage and higher average backfat thickness and lipogenic enzyme activities, including for acetyl-CoA carboxylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, and fatty acid synthase, than the Landrace pigs. A total of 14 long-chain fatty acids were detected using HPLC-MS, in which it was found that the levels of C14:0, C18:1n-9, C20:1n-9, C20:4n-6, and MUFA were up-regulated and C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, PUFA n6, n3/n6, and total PUFA were down-regulated in the Nanyang pigs. Moreover, the mRNA levels for genes involved in fat metabolism, ME1, FAS, and LPL, were higher and the expression of SREBP1 mRNA was lower in the Nanyang pigs. Our results suggest genetic differences between the pig breeds in terms of growth, carcass traits, lipogenic enzyme activities, fatty acid profile, and the mRNA expression of genes involved in fat metabolism in subcutaneous fat tissue, which may provide a basis for high-quality pork production. Further studies are needed to investigate the regulation of lipid metabolism.