Reevaluating Adiponectin's impact on obesity hypertension: a Chinese case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and hypertension are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Both conditions are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which is mediated by adipokines such as adiponectin. Adiponectin is the most abundant adipokine that has a beneficial impact on metabolic and vascular biology, while high serum concentrations are associated with some syndromes. This "adiponectin paradox" still needs to be clarified in obesity-associated hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate how adiponectin affects blood pressure, inflammation, and metabolic function in obesity hypertension using a Chinese adult case-control study. METHODS: A case-control study that had finished recruiting 153 subjects divided as four characteristic groups. Adiponectin serum levels were tested by ELISA in these subjects among these four characteristic Chinese adult physical examination groups. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SB), diastolic blood pressure (DB), and other clinical laboratory data were collected. Analyzation of correlations between the research index and differences between groups was done by SPSS. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels in the| normal healthy group (NH group) were significantly higher than those in the newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group (JO group), and negatively correlated with the visceral adiposity index. With multiple linear egression analysis, it was found that, for serum adiponectin, gender, serum albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) were the significant independent correlates, and for SB, age and HDLC were the significant independent correlates, and for DB, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was the significant independent correlate. The other variables did not reach significance in the model. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that adiponectin's role in obesity-hypertension is multifaceted and is influenced by the systemic metabolic homeostasis signaling axis. In obesity-related hypertension, compensatory effects, adiponectin resistance, and reduced adiponectin clearance from impaired kidneys and liver all contribute to the "adiponectin paradox".

Association of anthropometric measures with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults: revisiting the obesity paradox.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that the obesity paradox exists in a variety of clinical settings, whereby obese individuals have lower mortality than their normal-weight counterparts. It remains unclear whether the association between obesity and mortality risk varies by anthropometric measures. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between various anthropometric measures and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults. METHODS: This cohort study included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2009 and 2018, with a sample size of 28,353 individuals weighted to represent 231 million US adults. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by trained technicians using standardized methods. Mortality data were collected from the date of enrollment through December 31, 2019. Weighted Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic spline curves, and cumulative incidence analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 2091 all-cause deaths, 606 cardiovascular deaths, 519 cancer deaths, and 966 other-cause deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 5.9 years. The association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk was inversely J-shaped, whereas the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and mortality risk was positively J-shaped. There was a progressive increase in the association between the WHtR category and mortality risk. Compared with the reference category of WHtR < 0.5, the estimated hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 1.004 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.006) for WHtR 0.50-0.59, 1.123 (95% CI 1.120-1.127) for WHtR 0.60-0.69, 1.591 (95% CI 1.584-1.598) for WHtR 0.70-0.79, and 2.214 (95% CI 2.200-2.228) for WHtR ≥ 0.8, respectively. Other anthropometric indices reflecting central obesity also showed that greater adiposity was associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric measures reflecting central obesity were independently and positively associated with mortality risk, eliminating the possibility of an obesity paradox.

The effect of hyperlipidemia and body fat distribution on subclinical left ventricular function in obesity: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is often associated with multiple comorbidities. However, whether obese subjects with hyperlipidemia in the absence of other complications have worse cardiac indices than metabolically healthy obese subjects is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of hyperlipidemia on subclinical left ventricular (LV) function in obesity and to evaluate the association of cardiac parameters with body fat distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two adults were recruited and divided into 3 groups: obesity with hyperlipidemia (n = 24, 14 males), obesity without hyperlipidemia (n = 25, 13 males), and c ntrols (n = 43, 25 males). LV strain parameters (peak strain (PS), peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR), peak systolic strain rate) derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue tracking were measured and compared. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer was used to measure body fat distribution. Correlations of hyperlipidemia and body fat distribution with LV strain were assessed by multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Obese individuals with preserved LV ejection fraction showed lower global LV longitudinal, circumferential, and radial PS and longitudinal and circumferential PDSR than controls (all P < 0.05). Among obese patients, those with hyperlipidemia had lower longitudinal PS and PDSR and circumferential PDSR than those without hyperlipidemia (- 12.8 ± 2.9% vs. - 14.2 ± 2.7%, 0.8 ± 0.1 s-1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.3 s-1, 1.2 ± 0.2 s-1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 s-1; all P < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that hyperlipidemia was independently associated with circumferential PDSR (ß = - 0.477, P < 0.05) in obesity after controlling for growth differences, other cardiovascular risk factors, and central fat distribution. In addition, android fat had an independently negative relationship with longitudinal and radial PS (ß = - 0.486 and ß = - 0.408, respectively; all P < 0.05); and visceral fat was negatively associated with longitudinal PDSR (ß = - 0.563, P < 0.05). Differently, gynoid fat was positively correlated with circumferential PS and PDSR and radial PDSR (ß = 0.490, ß = 0.481, and ß = 0.413, respectively; all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hyperlipidemia is independently associated with subclinical LV diastolic dysfunction in obesity. Central fat distribution (android and visceral fat) has a negative association, while peripheral fat distribution (gynoid fat) has a positive association on subclinical LV function. These results suggest that appropriate management of hyperlipidemia may be beneficial for obese patients, and that the differentiation of fat distribution in different regions may facilitate the precise management of obese patients. Clinical trials registration Effect of lifestyle intervention on metabolism of obese patients based on smart phone software (ChiCTR1900026476).

Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes is common - intensified screening of established risk groups is imperative in Sweden: the SDPP cohort.

BACKGROUND: Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global problem. Current strategies for diagnosis in Sweden include screening individuals within primary healthcare who are of high risk, such as those with hypertension, obesity, prediabetes, family history of diabetes, or those who smoke daily. In this study, we aimed to estimate the proportion of individuals with undiagnosed T2D in Stockholm County and factors associated with T2D being diagnosed by healthcare. This information could improve strategies for detection. METHODS: We used data from the Stockholm Diabetes Prevention Programme (SDPP) cohort together with information from national and regional registers. Individuals without T2D aged 35-56 years at baseline were followed up after two ten-year periods. The proportion of diagnosed T2D was based on register information for 7664 individuals during period 1 and for 5148 during period 2. Undiagnosed T2D was assessed by oral glucose tolerance tests at the end of each period. With logistic regression, we analysed factors associated with being diagnosed among individuals with T2D. RESULTS: At the end of the first period, the proportion of individuals with T2D who had been diagnosed with T2D or not was similar (54.0% undiagnosed). At the end of the second period, the proportion of individuals with T2D was generally higher, but they were less likely to be undiagnosed (43.5%). The likelihood of being diagnosed was in adjusted analyses associated with overweight (OR=1.85; 95% CI 1.22-2.80), obesity (OR=2.73; 95% CI 1.76-4.23), higher fasting blood glucose (OR=2.11; 95% CI 1.67-2.66), and self-estimated poor general health (OR=2.42; 95% CI 1.07-5.45). Socioeconomic factors were not associated with being diagnosed among individuals with T2D. Most individuals (>71%) who developed T2D belonged to risk groups defined by having at least two of the prominent risk factors obesity, hypertension, daily smoking, prediabetes, or family history of T2D, including individuals with T2D who had not been diagnosed by healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of individuals who develop T2D during 10 years in Stockholm County are undiagnosed, emphasizing a need for intensified screening of T2D within primary healthcare. Screening can be targeted to individuals who have at least two prominent risk factors.

Clinical phenotypes of comorbidities in end-stage knee osteoarthritis: a cluster analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Comorbidities, as components of these heterogeneous features, often coexist with knee osteoarthritis, and are particularly prevalent in end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Here, we attempted to identify the different clinical phenotypes of comorbidities in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis by cluster analysis. METHODS: A total of 421 inpatients diagnosed with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who underwent inpatient surgery were included in this cross-sectional study. 23 demographic, comorbidity, inflammatory immune and evaluation scale variables were collected. Systematic clustering after factor analysis and separate two-step cluster analysis were performed for individual comorbidity variables and all variables, respectively, to objectively identify the different clinical phenotypes of the study patients. RESULTS: Four clusters were finally identified. Cluster 1 had the largest proportion of obese patients (93.8%) and hypertension was common (71.2%). Almost all patients in cluster 2 were depressed (95.8%) and anxiety disorders (94.7%). Cluster 3 combined patients with isolated end-stage knee osteoarthritis and a few comorbidities. Cluster 4 had the highest proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (58.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis may be classified into four different clinical phenotypes: "isolated end-stage knee osteoarthritis"; "obesity + hypertension"; "depression + anxiety"; and "rheumatoid arthritis", which may help guide individualized patient care and treatment strategies.

Association of greenspaces exposure with cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic conditions are major contributors to the global burden of disease. An emerging body of evidence has associated access to and surrounding public open spaces (POS) and greenspace with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HTN), blood glucose (BG), and lipid profiles. This systematic review aimed to synthesize this evidence. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. Four electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for eligible articles published until July 2023. All observational studies which assessed the association of greenspace and POS with cardiometabolic risk factors including obesity, BMI, HTN, BG, and lipid profiles were included and reviewed by two authors independently. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 index and Cochrane's Q test. Random/fixed effect meta-analyses were used to combine the association between greenspace exposure with cardiometabolic risk factors. RESULTS: Overall, 118 relevant articles were included in our review. The majority of the articles were conducted in North America or Europe. In qualitative synthesis, access or proximity to greenspaces or POS impacts BMI and blood pressure or HTN, BG, and lipid profiles via various mechanisms. According to the random effect meta-analysis, more access to greenspace was significantly associated with lower odds of HTN (odds ratio (OR): 0.81, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.61-0.99), obesity (OR: 0.83, 95% CIs: 0.77-0.90), and diabetes (OR:0.79, 95% CI: 0.67,0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that greenspace accessibility is associated with some cardiometabolic risk factors. Improving greenspace accessibility could be considered as one of the main strategies to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors at population level.

The Relationship between Myopia and Obesity in Adults.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between myopia and obesity through direct measurements of fat content. METHODS: A cross-sectional study used a stratified, multistage survey, the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2010). Subjects 19 years or older (n = 10,305) were included. Participants were divided into three groups according to refractive status: myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] ≤ -1.0 diopter [D]), emmetropia (-1.0 D < SE ≤ 1.0 D), and hyperopia (SE > 1.0 D). Obesity was investigated with assessment of fat mass and body mass index or waist circumference. Fat mass was measured with whole-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body fat percentage was calculated as (total fat mass / body weight × 100). RESULTS: Higher obesity index was found in individuals with myopic eyes after adjustment for age, sex, education level, income status, physical activity, residence, and serum vitamin D level. The significant difference in total body fat percentages among myopia, emmetropia, and hyperopia was significant in the young age group (19-39 years, p < 0.05) but not in the middle age group (40-64 years) and the old age group (≥65 years). Individuals with a higher percentage of total body fat had greater odds ratios for myopia (fourth quartile of body fat; odds ratio, 1.352; 95% confidence interval, 1.178-1.551). CONCLUSIONS: An association was found between adiposity and myopia in relatively young adults using direct measurements of fat mass.

Change in number of pain sites - which factors are important? A 12-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pain in multiple body sites is common and often persistent. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the change in the number of pain sites (NPS) over time and to evaluate to which extent clinical, demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors predict a change in NPS. METHODS: This was a population-based longitudinal cohort study of adults (n = 2,357). Data on pain, demographic, lifestyle, and health-related variables were collected by questionnaires in 2008 and 2020 and register data from 2006 to 2017. Data was analysed with linear regression. RESULTS: We found a mean decrease in NPS over the 12-year follow-up period (-0.36 (95% CI; -0.44; -0.27) and 56% of this sample reported no change or only one pain site increase/decrease over 12 years. While participants reporting pain for less than 3 months at baseline had almost no change in NPS (-0.04 (95% CI; -0.18; 0.10)), participants with pain for longer than 3 months decreased by -0.51 (95% CI; -0.62; -0.41). Age at baseline (20-49 years), pain intensity, and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) were associated with an increase in NPS over the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: NPS is relatively stable over time. We found a small mean decrease in NPS over 12 years varying between participants with pain for longer than 3 months and pain for less than 3 months respectively. The results also indicate that pain intensity, age, and obesity could be relevant factors to consider when predicting change in NPS.

[Prevalence and Trends in Prepregnancy Overweight and Obesity in Northern Iceland 2004-2022].

INTRODUCTION: Prepregnancy overweight and obesity is an increasing public health issue worldwide, including Iceland, and has been associated with higher risk of adverse maternal and birth outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in prepregnancy weight amongst women in North Iceland from 2004 to 2022, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included all women who gave birth at Akureyri Hospital in North Iceland between 2004 and 2022 (N = 7410). Information on age, parity, height, and prepregnancy weight was obtained from an electronic labour audit database. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight, and the median BMI and proportions in each of the six BMI categories were calculated for four time periods. RESULTS: Median BMI increased significantly from 24.5 kg/m2 in 2004-2008 to 26.2 kg/m2 in 2019-2022. On average, BMI increased by 0.15 kg/m2 with each passing year (p<0.001). The prevalence of normal weight decreased from 53% to 40% and the entire BMI distribution shifted towards a higher BMI. The proportion of women in obesity class I (BMI 30.0 - 34.9) increased from 12.8% to 17.3%, the proportion of women in obesity class II (BMI 35.0 - 39.9) doubled (3.7% to 8.1%) and tripled in obesity class III (BMI ≥ 40.0; 1.6% to 4.8%). CONCLUSION: Prepregnancy weight of women in Northern Iceland has gradually increased over the last 19 years and 30% of pregnant women are now classified as obese. Further studies on the subsequent effects on maternal and birth outcomes are needed, with a focus on strategies to decrease adverse effects and reverse this trend.

Sarcoma folicular de células dendríticas mediastinal: primer reporte de caso en Costa Rica / Mediastinal Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma: First Case Report in Costa Rica

El sarcoma folicular de células dendríticas (SFCD) es una neoplasia maligna rara derivada de las células dendríticas foliculares. Ha sido clasificado, dadas sus características inmunohistoquímicas, como parte del grupo de los sarcomas, donde representa un porcentaje menor al 1%. Actualmente, existen menos de 1.000 reportes en la literatura a nivel mundial, lo cual plantea una dificultad no sólo diagnóstica, siendo confundido frecuentemente con neoplasias de tipo linfoide; sino también terapéutica al no existir un claro consenso sobre su manejo definitivo. Esta revisión de caso clínico describe el primer caso reportado de SFCD en Costa Rica.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (SFCD) is a rare malignant neoplasm derived from follicular dendritic cells, which has been classified, given its immunohistochemical characteristics, as part of the group of sarcomas, where it represents less than 1%. Currently, there are less than 1000 reports in the literature worldwide, which generates a difficulty not only in diagnosis, being frequently confused with lymphoid type neoplasms; but also, as therapeutic as there is no clear consensus on its definitive management. This clinical case review describes the first reported case of SFCD in Costa Rica.

The effects of intermittent fasting diet on quality of life, clinical symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known as a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets synovial joints, and may cause pain and functional limitations. Studies show diet can have beneficial effects on symptoms and oxidative stress of this disease. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach with cycles of fasting and intake. The current study aims to investigate the effect of IF on quality of life, clinical symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese postmenopausal women with RA. METHODS: The current study is a randomized clinical trial, in which 44 patients with mild to moderate severity of RA will be randomly allocated to receive either IF (n = 22) or the usual diet (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures and biochemical indicators including serum concentrations of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), and total oxidant and antioxidant capacity (TOC and TAC) will be assessed at the baseline and end of the study. Also, disease severity will be assessed by Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI), and disability index will be assessed by Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) questionnaire. DISCUSSION: Studies show fasting has beneficial effects on inflammatory markers and results in an improvement in the health of different populations. Literature review shows it seems there is no study in this field to evaluate the effects of IF on RA patients, and they are limited to other types of fasting. However, studies show IF can have many positive effects on chronic and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, IF may have positive effects on these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20230217057441N1. Registered on 14 February 2023. https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/68669 .

Multicomponent (bio)markers for obesity risk prediction: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Despite international efforts, the number of individuals struggling with obesity is still increasing. An important aspect of obesity prevention relates to identifying individuals at risk at early stage, allowing for timely risk stratification and initiation of countermeasures. However, obesity is complex and multifactorial by nature, and one isolated (bio)marker is unlikely to enable an optimal risk stratification and prognosis for the individual; rather, a combined set is required. Such a multicomponent interpretation would integrate biomarkers from various domains, such as classical markers (eg, anthropometrics, blood lipids), multiomics (eg, genetics, proteomics, metabolomics), lifestyle and behavioural attributes (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep patterns), psychological traits (mental health status such as depression) and additional host factors (eg, gut microbiota diversity), also by means of advanced interpretation tools such as machine learning. In this paper, we will present a protocol that will be employed for a scoping review that attempts to summarise and map the state-of-the-art in the area of multicomponent (bio)markers related to obesity, focusing on the usability and effectiveness of such biomarkers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase databases will be searched using predefined key terms to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English until January 2024. Once downloaded into EndNote for deduplication, CADIMA will be employed to review and select abstracts and full-text articles in a two-step procedure, by two independent reviewers. Data extraction will then be carried out by several independent reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies guidelines will be followed. Combinations employing at least two biomarkers from different domains will be mapped and discussed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required; data will rely on published articles. Findings will be published open access in an international peer-reviewed journal. This review will allow guiding future directions for research and public health strategies on obesity prevention, paving the way towards multicomponent interventions.

Combined polygenic scores for ischemic stroke risk factors aid risk assessment of ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Current risk assessment for ischemic stroke (IS) is limited to clinical variables. We hypothesize that polygenic scores (PGS) of IS (PGSIS) and IS-associated diseases such as atrial fibrillation (AF), venous thromboembolism (VTE), coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension (HTN), and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) may improve the performance of IS risk assessment. METHODS: Incident IS was followed for 479,476 participants in the UK Biobank who did not have an IS diagnosis prior to the recruitment. Lifestyle variables (obesity, smoking and alcohol) at the time of study recruitment, clinical diagnoses of IS-associated diseases, PGSIS, and five PGSs for IS-associated diseases were tested using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Predictive performance was assessed using the C-statistic and net reclassification index (NRI). RESULTS: During a median average 12.5-year follow-up, 8374 subjects were diagnosed with IS. Known clinical variables (age, gender, clinical diagnoses of IS-associated diseases, obesity, and smoking) and PGSIS were all independently associated with IS (P < 0.001). In addition, PGSIS and each PGS for IS-associated diseases was also independently associated with IS (P < 0.001). Compared to the clinical model, a joint clinical/PGS model improved the C-statistic for predicting IS from 0.71 to 0.73 (P < 0.001) and significantly reclassified IS risk (NRI = 0.017, P < 0.001), and 6.48% of subjects were upgraded from low to high risk. CONCLUSIONS: Adding PGSs of IS and IS-associated diseases to known clinical risk factors statistically improved risk assessment for IS, demonstrating the supplementary value of inherited susceptibility measurement . However, its clinical utility is likely limited due to modest improvements in predictive values.

Label-Free Electrochemical Immunosensor Based on Conjugated Polymer Film Coated Disposable Electrode for Ultrasensitive Determination of Resistin Potential Obesity Biomarker.

A new label-free immunosensor was designed for sensitive detection of resistin obesity biomarker in human biological fluids. To construct a sensing interface, the monomer of double epoxy groups-substituted thiophene (TdiEpx) was synthesized for the fabrication of the biosensing system. A disposable indium tin oxide sheet was first modified by electrochemical polymerization of the TdiEpx monomer, and this robust and novel surface was characterized using different spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses. The double epoxy ends were linked to the amino ends of anti-resistin, and they served as binding points for the covalent binding of biomolecules. The double epoxy ends present in each TdiEpx monomer ensured an extensive surface area, which improved the quantity of attached anti-resistin. The determination of resistin antigen was based on the specific coupling of resistin with anti-resistin, and this interaction hindered the electron transfer reaction. The immunosensor introduced a wide linear range of 0.0125-15 pg/mL, a low detection limit of 4.17 fg/mL, and an excellent sensitivity of 1.38 kohm pg mL-1 cm2. In this study, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay spectrophotometric method was utilized as a reference technique for the quantitative analysis of resistin in human serum and saliva samples. Both measurements in clinical samples displayed correlations and high-correlation coefficients. In addition, this immunosensor had good storage stability, acceptable repeatability and reproducibility, high specificity, and good accuracy. The proposed immunosensor provided a simple and versatile impedimetric immunosensing platform and a promisingly sensitive way for clinical applications.

Ketogenic diet for epilepsy and obesity: Is it the same?

The term "ketogenic diet" (KD) is used for a wide variety of diets with diverse indications ranging from obesity to neurological diseases, as if it was the same diet. This terminology is confusing for patients and the medical and scientific community. The term "ketogenic" diet implies a dietary regimen characterized by increased levels of circulating ketone bodies that should be measured in blood (beta-hydroxybutyrate), urine (acetoacetate) or breath (acetone) to verify the "ketogenic metabolic condition". Our viewpoint highlights that KDs used for epilepsy and obesity are not the same; the protocols aimed at weight loss characterized by low-fat, low-CHO and moderate/high protein content are not ketogenic by themselves but may become mildly ketogenic when high calorie restriction is applied. In contrast, there are standardized protocols for neurological diseases treatment for which ketosis has been established to be part of the mechanism of action. Therefore, in our opinion, the term ketogenic dietary therapy (KDT) should be reserved to the protocols considered for epilepsy and other neurological diseases, as suggested by the International Study Group in 2018. We propose to adjust the abbreviations in VLCHKD for Very Low CarboHydrate Ketogenic Diet and VLEKD for Very Low Energy Ketogenic Diet, to clarify the differences in dietary composition. We recommend that investigators describe the researchers describing efficacy or side effects of KDs, to clearly specify the dietary protocol used with its unique acronym and level of ketosis, when ketosis is considered as a component of the diet's mechanism of action.

Peak serum luteinising hormone cut-off during gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue test for diagnosing central precocious puberty was lower in girls with obesity as compared with girls with normal weight.

OBJECTIVE: Serum luteinising hormone (LH) concentration has been reported to be lower in girls with overweight and obesity (OW/OB) as compared with girls with normal weight (NW). This study aimed to evaluate peak serum LH concentration during gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) test in girls with OW/OB and NW who had central precocious puberty (CPP) and to determine peak serum LH cut-off for diagnosing CPP in girls with OW/OB. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Medical records of 971 girls with premature breast development who underwent subcutaneous GnRHa (100 µg of triptorelin acetate) test were reviewed. All girls were classified as either CPP or premature thelarche. All of them were further classified into two groups according to their body mass index as NW and OW/OB groups for each Tanner stage. RESULTS: There were 634 and 337 girls in NW and OW/OB groups, respectively. CPP was diagnosed in 600 girls (249 had Tanner stage II and 351 had Tanner stage III). There were no differences in peak serum LH concentrations between CPP girls with NW and OW/OB. Peak serum LH cut-off of 5 IU/L (the current widely used cut-off) had a sensitivity and a specificity of 75% and 90%, respectively in NW group. Peak serum LH cut-off for CPP diagnosis was lower at 4 IU/L in the OW/OB group with greater sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 93%, respectively. The results were reproducible for each Tanner stage of breasts. CONCLUSION: Lower peak serum LH cut-off to 4 IU/L for diagnosing CPP in girls with OW/OB should be considered to avoid underdiagnosis of the condition.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: everything the clinician needs to know.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly recognised and diagnosed in clinical practice, a trend driven by an ageing population and a rise in contributing comorbidities, such as obesity and diabetes. Representing at least half of all heart failure cases, HFpEF is recognised as a complex clinical syndrome. Its diagnosis and management are challenging due to its diverse pathophysiology, varied epidemiological patterns, and evolving diagnostic and treatment approaches. This Seminar synthesises the latest insights on HFpEF, integrating findings from recent clinical trials, epidemiological research, and the latest guideline recommendations. We delve into the definition, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies (non-pharmacological and pharmacological) for HFpEF. We highlight ongoing clinical trials and future developments in the field. Specifically, this Seminar offers practical guidance tailored for primary care practitioners, generalists, and cardiologists who do not specialise in heart failure, simplifying the complexities in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF. We provide practical, evidence-based recommendations, emphasising the importance of addressing comorbidities and integrating the latest pharmacological treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors.