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BackgroundThe Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) are associated with reduced cardiovascular, diabetes risk, but the effect on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is uncertain.MethodsThis study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). DASH score was assessed through 24-h dietary recall interviews, and OSA diagnosis in individuals was based on predefined criteria. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between DASH and OSA. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to investigate the dose–response relationship between DASH score and OSA risk. And comprehensive subgroup and mediation analyses were performed.ResultsAmong the 14,978 participants, 27.01% had OSA. DASH scores had a negative association with the risk of OSA (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.88–0.95, p

The incidence of concomitant thyroid cancer in Graves' disease varies and Graves' disease can make the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules more challenging. Since the majority of Graves' disease patients primarily received non-surgical treatment, identifying biomarkers for concomitant thyroid cancer in patients with Graves' disease may facilitate planning the surgery. The aim of this study is to identify the biomarkers for concurrent thyroid cancer in Graves' disease patients and evaluate the impact of being overweight on cancer risk. This retrospective cohort study analyzed 122 patients with Graves' disease who underwent thyroid surgery at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital (Seoul, Korea) from May 2010 to December 2022. Body mass index (BMI), preoperative thyroid function test, and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TR-Ab) were measured. Overweight was defined as a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most patients (88.5%) underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who were overweight had a higher risk of malignancy (Odds ratios, 3.108; 95% confidence intervals, 1.196-8.831; p = 0.021). Lower gland weight and lower preoperative TR-Ab were also biomarkers for malignancy in Graves' disease. Overweight patients with Graves' disease had a higher risk of thyroid cancer than non-overweight patients. A comprehensive assessment of overweight patients with Graves' disease is imperative for identifying concomitant thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetened beverage consumption is particularly important in countries such as Kuwait, where the prevalence of obesity is high, and most children drink sweetened beverages daily. To assess the relationship between three most commonly consumed beverages, (soda, milk, and juice) and the incidence of obesity among Kuwaiti children at the critical age of 10-12 year, Longitudinal cohort data of 6,305 children on initial presentation in 2012 (age, 10 years) and follow-up in 2014 (age, 12 years) were obtained from the Kuwait Healthy Life Study. The servings for the three beverages (soda, juice, and milk) were calculated as servings per day groups (0, 1-2, and 3 servings/day or more). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between developing obesity during 2012-2014 and soda, juice, and milk consumption. Model selection was based on clinically relevant covariates and potential confounders using stepwise model selection. Six percent children become obese between baseline and follow-up visits. High soda drinking showed significant association with developing obesity. High milk consumption (more than 3 servings a day) was also significantly associated with developing obesity. Potential confounders included in the final model were age, sex, governorates, and fitness level, of which none were significant confounders or effect modifiers for the association. Children with high soda consumption had significantly higher prevalence of obesity. High obesity prevalence was observed with high milk consumption at a lower significance level but not with high juice consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetened beverage consumption is particularly important in countries such as Kuwait, where the prevalence of obesity is high, and most children drink sweetened beverages daily. To assess the relationship between three most commonly consumed beverages, (soda, milk, and juice) and the incidence of obesity among Kuwaiti children at the critical age of 10-12 year, Longitudinal cohort data of 6,305 children on initial presentation in 2012 (age, 10 years) and follow-up in 2014 (age, 12 years) were obtained from the Kuwait Healthy Life Study. The servings for the three beverages (soda, juice, and milk) were calculated as servings per day groups (0, 1-2, and 3 servings/day or more). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between developing obesity during 2012-2014 and soda, juice, and milk consumption. Model selection was based on clinically relevant covariates and potential confounders using stepwise model selection. Six percent children become obese between baseline and follow-up visits. High soda drinking showed significant association with developing obesity. High milk consumption (more than 3 servings a day) was also significantly associated with developing obesity. Potential confounders included in the final model were age, sex, governorates, and fitness level, of which none were significant confounders or effect modifiers for the association. Children with high soda consumption had significantly higher prevalence of obesity. High obesity prevalence was observed with high milk consumption at a lower significance level but not with high juice consumption.

Purpose: Utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine the impact of leisure sedentary behavior (LSB) on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and glycemic homeostasis impairment, as well as to identify potential mediating pathways involved in these associations. Methods: We chose genetic variants linked to LSB from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) to use as instrumental variables (IVs). Then, we used a two-sample MR study to investigate the link between LSB and T2D and glycemic homeostasis. Multivariate MR (MVMR) and mediation analysis were also used to look at possible mediating paths. Results: MR analysis showed a genetical link between leisure TV watching and T2D (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.39-1.93, P< 0.001) and impaired Glycemic Homeostasis, while leisure computer use seemed to protect against T2D prevalence (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.84, P< 0.001). It was found that leisure TV watching increases the risk of T2D through higher BMI (mediation effect 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-0.35, P< 0.001), higher triglycerides (mediation effect 0.07, 95% CI 0.04-0.11, P< 0.001), and less education (mediation effect 0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.24, P< 0.001). Sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses further substantiated the robustness of these findings. Reverse MR analysis did not yield significant results. Conclusion: This study shows LSB is linked to a higher rate of T2D and impaired glycemic homeostasis through obesity, lipid metabolism disorders, and reduced educational attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may negatively affect offspring outcomes. A lifestyle intervention may therefore not only improve maternal, but also offspring outcomes. The effects of lifestyle interventions on birth, anthropometric, and psychobehavioral outcomes in offspring of women with GDM need further evidence. Design: The MySweetheart trial is a monocentric single-blind randomized controlled trial in 211 women with GDM. It tested the effect of a pre- and postpartum multidimensional interdisciplinary lifestyle and psychosocial intervention focusing on both the mothers and their infants and its effects on maternal (primary outcomes) and offspring (secondary outcomes) metabolic and psychobehavioral outcomes compared with guidelines-based usual-care. This paper focuses on offspring's birth, anthropometric, and maternal report of psychobehavioral outcomes at singular timepoints. Methods: Women with GDM aged ≥18 years, between 24-32 weeks of gestation, speaking French or English were included and randomly allocated to either the intervention or to an active guidelines-based usual-care group using a 1:1 allocation ratio. The intervention lasted from pregnancy until 1 year postpartum and focused on improving diet, physical activity, and mental health in the mother. For the offspring it focused on supporting breastfeeding, delaying the timing of introduction of solid foods, reducing the consumption of sweetened beverages, increasing physical activity of the family, and improving parental responsiveness to infant distress, hunger, satiety and sleeping cues, and difficult behavior. Results: Adverse birth and neonatal outcomes rarely occurred overall. There were no differences between groups in offspring birth, neonatal, anthropometric, or psychobehavioral outcomes up to one year. After adjustments for maternal age and the offspring's sex and age, there was a borderline significant betweengroup difference in birth length (b:-0.64, CI:-1.27; -0.01, p: 0.05), i.e., offspring of mothers in the intervention group were born 0.64 cm shorter compared to those in the usual-care group. Conclusion: This is the first pre- and postpartum multidimensional interdisciplinary lifestyle and psychosocial intervention in GDM focusing on both the mother and the offspring. It did not lead to a significant improvement in most birth, anthropometric, and psychobehavioral outcomes in offspring of women with GDM. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02890693 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The specificity of cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone (cortisolDST) ≥50 nmol/L as a criterion for mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is approximately 85% in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI). The aim was to study the associations of cortisolDST to age, BMI, and renal function. Methods: We studied 1,129 patients with AI examined from 2005 to 2015 at Skåne University Hospital and Helsingborg Hospital. The covariates studied were gender, age, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), treatment with inhalation steroids, size of the AI, and size of the smallest AI in patients with bilateral AI (set to 0 in unilateral AI). We used machine learning models to uncover potential nonlinear associations. They were trained to fit the data and examined using feature importance analysis and partial dependence plots. Partial dependence plots show the marginal effect on cortisolDST of a covariate averaging over other covariates. Results: CortisolDST was strongly associated with the size of the AI and weakly associated with age, BMI, and eGFR according to the feature importance analysis. The partial dependence plots indicated relatively linear relationships for cortisolDST to age (positively) and eGFR (negatively). The association between cortisolDST and BMI was nonlinear. At BMI below 30 kg/m2 , cortisolDST was negatively associated with BMI, but it was unchanged at higher BMI levels. Using linear regression, we found that cortisolDST increased by 11% (95% CI, 7%–14%) for each 10-year increase in age. In patients with a BMI below 30 kg/m2 , cortisolDST increased by 23% (95% CI, 16%–31%) for each 5 kg/m2 decrease in BMI. We found no association at BMI levels above 30 kg/m2 . CortisolDST increased by 9% (95% CI, 6%–11%) for each 10 ml/min/1.73m2 decrease in eGFR. Conclusions: CortisolDST is positively associated with age, negatively with BMI if below 30 kg/m2 , and negatively with eGFR. These associations should be considered before diagnosing MACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe specificity of cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone (cortisolDST) ≥50 nmol/L as a criterion for mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is approximately 85% in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI). The aim was to study the associations of cortisolDST to age, BMI, and renal function.MethodsWe studied 1,129 patients with AI examined from 2005 to 2015 at Skåne University Hospital and Helsingborg Hospital. The covariates studied were gender, age, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), treatment with inhalation steroids, size of the AI, and size of the smallest AI in patients with bilateral AI (set to 0 in unilateral AI). We used machine learning models to uncover potential nonlinear associations. They were trained to fit the data and examined using feature importance analysis and partial dependence plots. Partial dependence plots show the marginal effect on cortisolDST of a covariate averaging over other covariates.ResultsCortisolDST was strongly associated with the size of the AI and weakly associated with age, BMI, and eGFR according to the feature importance analysis. The partial dependence plots indicated relatively linear relationships for cortisolDST to age (positively) and eGFR (negatively). The association between cortisolDST and BMI was nonlinear. At BMI below 30 kg/m2, cortisolDST was negatively associated with BMI, but it was unchanged at higher BMI levels. Using linear regression, we found that cortisolDST increased by 11% (95% CI, 7%–14%) for each 10-year increase in age. In patients with a BMI below 30 kg/m2, cortisolDST increased by 23% (95% CI, 16%–31%) for each 5 kg/m2 decrease in BMI. We found no association at BMI levels above 30 kg/m2. CortisolDST increased by 9% (95% CI, 6%–11%) for each 10 ml/min/1.73m2 decrease in eGFR.ConclusionsCortisolDST is positively associated with age, negatively with BMI if below 30 kg/m2, and negatively with eGFR. These associations should be considered before diagnosing MACS.

Sexual development is a complex mechanism activated by the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal axis. Over the last one hundred years there has been a decline in the age at puberty onset in industrialised countries. Some Italian studies showed an increase in diagnoses of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is thus supposed that in this period there was an increased impact of factors that can influence pubertal development. Our retrospective monocentric study aimed to confirm the existence of this phenomenon and analysed possible related factors. We retrospectively evaluated clinical, laboratory, radiological and ultrasound (US) data of 154 girls referred to our Tertiary Centre of Paediatric Endocrinology from January 2019 to April 2021 for different forms of Precocious Puberty.We subdivided the cases into subgroups according to the final diagnosis: CPP, Early Puberty (EP), isolated thelarche and isolated pubarche. The observation period was subdivided into: Period 1, before lockdown (1 January 2019 -- 8 March 2020) and Period 2, lockdown and the following months (9 March 2020 -- 30 April 2021). Period 2 was further divided into "restrictive lockdown period" (Period 2.1) (March 2020 -- 14 June 2020, in which the schools were closed) and "less restrictive lockdown period" (Period 2.2) (15 June 2020 -- 30 April 2021). We analysed data regarding the use of electronic devices before and during lockdowninagroupofgirlswithCPPdiagnosedinPeriod2andwe compared the data with that of a control group. Our data show an increase in the number of new diagnoses of CPP during lockdown and in the following months, compared with the previous period. We also detected a higher use of PCs and smartphones in girls with CPP diagnosed in Period 2, compared with the control group. The percentage of the presence of endometrial rhyme detected during the pelvic ultrasound was higher in girls with CPP in Period 2, compared with the previous period. Based on our data we assume there was an environmental effect on pubertal timing that calls our attention to factors such as food, use of electronic devices and stress. We will need further studies to better understand this data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study examines the relationship between obesity, executive functions, and body image in a nonclinical population from southern Italy. Methods: General executive functioning (Frontal Assessment Battery-15), and body image disturbances (Body Uneasiness Test) were assessed in a sample including 255 participants (138 females, M age = 43.51 years, SD = 17.94, range = 18-86 years; M body mass index (BMI) = 26.21, SD = 4.32, range = 18.03-38.79). Findings: Multiple Linear Regression Analysis indicated that age, years of education, FAB15 score, body image concerns, and avoidance predicted the variance of BMI. A subsequent mediation analysis highlighted that the indirect effect of FAB15 on BMI through avoidance was statistically significant. Interpretation: Our results suggest that more performing executive functioning predicts a decrease in BMI that is partially due to the mitigation of avoidance behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionObesity has been associated with an increased risk of biologically aggressive variants in breast cancer. Women with obesity often have tumors diagnosed at later stages of the disease, associated with a poorer prognosis and a different response to treatment. Human cell lines have been derived from specific subtypes of breast cancer and have served to define the cell physiology of corresponding breast cancer subtypes. However, there are no current cell lines for breast cancer specifically derived from patients with different BMIs. The availability of those breast cancer cell lines should allow to describe and unravel functional alterations linked to these comorbidities. MethodsCell cultures were established from tumor explants. Once generated, the triple negative subtype in a patient with obesity and a patient with a normal BMI were chosen for comparison. For cellular characterization, the following assays were conducted: proliferation assays, chemo – sensitivity assays for doxorubicin and paclitaxel, wound healing motility assays, matrix invasion assays, breast cancer cell growth to estradiol by chronic exposure to leptin, induction of endothelial permeability and tumorigenic potential in athymic mice with normo - versus hypercaloric diets with an evaluation of the epithelium – mesenchymal transformation proteins.ResultsTwo different cell lines, were established from patients with breast cancer: DSG-BC1, with a BMI of 21.9 kg/m2 and DSG-BC2, with a BMI of 31.5 kg/m2. In vitro, these two cell lines show differential growth rates, motility, chemosensitivity, vascular permeability, response to leptin with an activation of the JAK2/STAT3/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, they displayed distinct tumorigenic potential. In particular, DSG-BC2, presented higher tumorigenicity when implanted in mice fed with a hypercaloric diet.DiscussionTo our knowledge, these primary cultures are the first in vitro representation of both breast cancer and obesity. DSG – BC2 presented a more aggressive in vivo and in vitro phenotype. These results support the hypothesis that breast cancer generated in an obese metabolic state may represent a contrasting variant within the same disease. This new model will allow both further comprehension, functional studies and the analysis of altered molecular mechanisms under the comorbidity of obesity and breast cancer.

BackgroundThe detrimental role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) against cardio-metabolic health has been revealed in several previous reports. However, the results of studies regarding the association between AGEs and obesity measurements are inconsistent. In the current meta-analysis, we aimed to quantitatively summarize the results of studies that evaluated the association between circulating and dietary AGEs with obesity measurements among the adult population.MethodsA systematic search from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus electronic databases until 30 October 2022 retrieved a total of 21,429 observational studies. After duplicate removal, title/abstract screening, and full-text reading by two independent researchers, a final number of 18 manuscripts remained to be included in the meta-analysis.ResultsThose in the highest category of circulating AGEs had ~1.5 kg/m2 reduced BMI compared with those in the lowest AGEs category [weighted mean difference (WMD): −1.485; CI: −2.459, −0.511; p = 0.003], while a nonsignificant increase in BMI was observed in the highest versus lowest category of dietary AGEs (WMD: 0.864, CI: −0.365, 2.094; p = 0.186). Also, lower amounts of circulating AGEs in individuals with obesity versus individuals without obesity were observed (WMD: −57.220, CI: −84.290, −30.149; p < 0.001). AGE type can be considered as a possible source of heterogeneity.ConclusionIn the current meta-analysis, we observed an inverse association between circulating AGEs and body mass index among adults. Due to low study numbers, further studies are warranted to better elucidate these results.

Sexual development is a complex mechanism activated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Over the last one hundred years there has been a decline in the age at puberty onset in industrialised countries. Some Italian studies showed an increase in diagnoses of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is thus supposed that in this period there was an increased impact of factors that can influence pubertal development. Our retrospective monocentric study aimed to confirm the existence of this phenomenon and analysed possible related factors. We retrospectively evaluated clinical, laboratory, radiological and ultrasound (US) data of 154 girls referred to our Tertiary Centre of Paediatric Endocrinology from January 2019 to April 2021 for different forms of Precocious Puberty. We subdivided the cases into subgroups according to the final diagnosis: CPP, Early Puberty (EP), isolated thelarche and isolated pubarche. The observation period was subdivided into: Period 1, before lockdown (1 January 2019 – 8 March 2020) and Period 2, lockdown and the following months (9 March 2020 – 30 April 2021). Period 2 was further divided into “restrictive lockdown period” (Period 2.1) (March 2020 – 14 June 2020, in which the schools were closed) and “less restrictive lockdown period” (Period 2.2) (15 June 2020 – 30 April 2021). We analysed data regarding the use of electronic devices before and during lockdown in a group of girls with CPP diagnosed in Period 2 and we compared the data with that of a control group. Our data show an increase in the number of new diagnoses of CPP during lockdown and in the following months, compared with the previous period. We also detected a higher use of PCs and smartphones in girls with CPP diagnosed in Period 2, compared with the control group. The percentage of the presence of endometrial rhyme detected during the pelvic ultrasound was higher in girls with CPP in Period 2, compared with the previous period. Based on our data we assume there was an environmental effect on pubertal timing that calls our attention to factors such as food, use of electronic devices and stress. We will need further studies to better understand this data.

BackgroundThe present study examines the relationship between obesity, executive functions, and body image in a nonclinical population from southern Italy.MethodsGeneral executive functioning (Frontal Assessment Battery–15), and body image disturbances (Body Uneasiness Test) were assessed in a sample including 255 participants (138 females, M age = 43.51 years, SD = 17.94, range = 18–86 years; M body mass index (BMI) = 26.21, SD = 4.32, range = 18.03–38.79).FindingsMultiple Linear Regression Analysis indicated that age, years of education, FAB15 score, body image concerns, and avoidance predicted the variance of BMI. A subsequent mediation analysis highlighted that the indirect effect of FAB15 on BMI through avoidance was statistically significant.InterpretationOur results suggest that more performing executive functioning predicts a decrease in BMI that is partially due to the mitigation of avoidance behaviors.

BackgroundObesity is associated with improved bone mass and microarchitecture in Caucasian individuals, but evidence in obese Asian individuals is lacking.ObjectiveTo analyze the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone microarchitecture in normal-weight, overweight, and obese postmenopausal Chinese women.MethodsA total of 243 postmenopausal women from the Chinese Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (ChiVOS) were included and were divided into three groups (OB, obese group; OW, overweight group; NW, normal weight group) by BMI level. aBMD, trabecular bone score (TBS), and appendicular lean mass (ALM) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone microarchitecture was measured by HR-pQCT at the distal radius and tibia. X-ray was performed to confirm vertebral fractures (VFs). Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the correlations between bone parameters and ALM after adjusting for confounding variables.ResultsThe prevalence of VFs and clinical fractures were similar among the groups. Participants in the OB group showed a lower level of osteocalcin with comparable levels of other bone turnover markers (BTMs). The aBMD at several skeletal sites was higher in the OB group than in the NW group after adjusting for age (p

To combat the immense toll on global public health induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), new vaccines were developed. While these vaccines have protected the populations who received them from severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, the effectiveness and durability of these vaccines in individuals with obesity are not fully understood. Our uncertainty of the ability of these novel vaccines to induce protective immunity in humans with obesity stems from historical data that revealed obesity-associated immune defects to influenza vaccines. This review analyzes the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in humans with obesity. According to the vaccine safety and efficacy information for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson formulations, these vaccines showed a similar efficacy in both individuals with and without obesity. However, clinical trials that assess BMI and central obesity showed that induced antibody titers are lower in individuals with obesity when compared to healthy weight subjects, highlighting a potential early waning of vaccine-induced antibodies linked to obesity rates. Thus, the desired protective effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were potentially diminished in humans with obesity when compared to the healthy weight population, but further studies outlining functional implications of the link between obesity and lower antibody titers need to be conducted to understand the full impact of this immune phenomenon. Further, additional research must be completed to truly understand the immune responses mounted against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with obesity, and whether these responses differ from those elicited by previously studied influenza viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) aggregate the effects of genetic variants across the genome and are used to predict risk of complex diseases, such as obesity. Current PRSs only include common variants (minor allele frequency (MAF) ≥1%), whereas the contribution of rare variants in PRSs to predict disease remains unknown. Here, we examine whether augmenting the standard common variant PRS (PRScommon) with a rare variant PRS (PRSrare) improves prediction of obesity. We used genome-wide genotyped and imputed data on 451,145 European-ancestry participants of the UK Biobank, as well as whole exome sequencing (WES) data on 184,385 participants. We performed single variant analyses (for both common and rare variants) and gene-based analyses (for rare variants) for association with BMI (kg/m2), obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), and extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). We built PRSscommon and PRSsrare using a range of methods (Clumping+Thresholding [C+T], PRS-CS, lassosum, gene-burden test). We selected the best-performing PRSs and assessed their performance in 36,757 European-ancestry unrelated participants with whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program. The best-performing PRScommon explained 10.1% of variation in BMI, and 18.3% and 22.5% of the susceptibility to obesity and extreme obesity, respectively, whereas the best-performing PRSrare explained 1.49%, and 2.97% and 3.68%, respectively. The PRSrare was associated with an increased risk of obesity and extreme obesity (ORobesity = 1.37 per SDPRS, P obesity = 1.7x10-85; ORextremeobesity = 1.55 per SDPRS, P extremeobesity = 3.8x10-40), which was attenuated, after adjusting for PRScommon (ORobesity = 1.08 per SDPRS, P obesity = 9.8x10-6; ORextremeobesity= 1.09 per SDPRS, P extremeobesity = 0.02). When PRSrare and PRScommon are combined, the increase in explained variance attributed to PRSrare was small (incremental Nagelkerke R2 = 0.24% for obesity and 0.51% for extreme obesity). Consistently, combining PRSrare to PRScommon provided little improvement to the prediction of obesity (PRSrare AUC = 0.591; PRScommon AUC = 0.708; PRScombined AUC = 0.710). In summary, while rare variants show convincing association with BMI, obesity and extreme obesity, the PRSrare provides limited improvement over PRScommon in the prediction of obesity risk, based on these large populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The known markers of insulin resistance in obese children are well studied. However, they require serial measurements and complicated calculations. The objective is to study IGFBP-1 and its relation with other known risk measures. Materials and Methods: The study included 98 New York City school students of diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds (57 males and 41 females), 11–15 years of age. Subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional study, and anthropometric measures were collected. They underwent fasting intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT), and glucose, insulin, lipids, IGFBP-1, adiponectin and inflammatory markers were collected. Results: The subjects were stratified into 3 groups based upon the BMI Z-score. Out of all the subjects, 65.3% were in the group with a BMI Z-score <1 SDS, 16.3% subjects were in the group with a BMI Z-score of 1 to 2 SDS, and 18.4% of the subjects were in the group with a BMI Z-score of more than 2 SDS. The group with a BMI Z-score of more than 2 SDS had increased waist circumference (WC), body fat, increased fasting insulin, and triglycerides (TG). This group had decreased levels of adiponectin and HDL and low IGFBP-1 as compared to the group with BMI <1 SDS. The group with a BMI Z-score of 1 to 2 SDS had a decreased level of IGFBP-1 as compared to the group with a BMI Z-score less than 1 SDS. IGFBP-1 inversely correlated with age, WC, BMI, body fat, TG, and insulin levels. IGFBP-1 positively correlated with adiponectin and HDL levels. Conclusion: IGFBP-1 in children can identify the presence of insulin resistance in the group with BMI 1 to 2 SDS, even before the known markers of insulin resistance such as elevated triglycerides and even before decreased HDL and adiponectin levels are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe known markers of insulin resistance in obese children are well studied. However, they require serial measurements and complicated calculations. The objective is to study IGFBP-1 and its relation with other known risk measures.Materials and MethodsThe study included 98 New York City school students of diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds (57 males and 41 females), 11–15 years of age. Subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional study, and anthropometric measures were collected. They underwent fasting intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT), and glucose, insulin, lipids, IGFBP-1, adiponectin and inflammatory markers were collected.ResultsThe subjects were stratified into 3 groups based upon the BMI Z-score. Out of all the subjects, 65.3% were in the group with a BMI Z-score

Background: Soft pancreas is widely recognized as an important risk factor for the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Although fatty pancreas (FP) has not been formally defined as a cause of pancreatic fistula, existing research has shown that it can increase the incidence of POPF by increasing pancreatic tenderness; therefore, it may be a potential risk factor. This study aimed to discern whether FP was associated with POPF. Method: Two reviewers independently performed literature searches from five electronic databases. According to the established inclusion criteria, we extracted necessary data from the studies that met the criteria for further analysis. We pooled the odds ratios (ORs) from individual studies using a random-effects model to investigate the associations between POPF and the prognosis of FP. Result: A total of 11 studies involving 2484 individuals were included. The pooled prevalence of POPF was 18% (95% CI: 12-24%). Body mass index (BMI) was associated with a significantly increased risk of POPF (OR=3.55; 95% CI: 1.83, 6.86; P=0.0002; I²=0). FP was obviously associated with the occurrence of POPF (OR=3.75; 95% CI: 1.64, 8.58; P=0.002; I²=78). Conclusion: FP is closely associated with the development of POPF, and the early identification of these high-risk patients can help to reduce the incidence of POPF. Systematic Review Registration: The Registration URL link is (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/). The ID is "CRD42021265141". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundSoft pancreas is widely recognized as an important risk factor for the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Although fatty pancreas (FP) has not been formally defined as a cause of pancreatic fistula, existing research has shown that it can increase the incidence of POPF by increasing pancreatic tenderness; therefore, it may be a potential risk factor. This study aimed to discern whether FP was associated with POPF.MethodTwo reviewers independently performed literature searches from five electronic databases. According to the established inclusion criteria, we extracted necessary data from the studies that met the criteria for further analysis. We pooled the odds ratios (ORs) from individual studies using a random-effects model to investigate the associations between POPF and the prognosis of FP.ResultA total of 11 studies involving 2484 individuals were included. The pooled prevalence of POPF was 18% (95% CI: 12-24%). Body mass index (BMI) was associated with a significantly increased risk of POPF (OR=3.55; 95% CI: 1.83, 6.86; P=0.0002; I²=0). FP was obviously associated with the occurrence of POPF (OR=3.75; 95% CI: 1.64, 8.58; P=0.002; I²=78).ConclusionFP is closely associated with the development of POPF, and the early identification of these high-risk patients can help to reduce the incidence of POPF.Systematic Review RegistrationThe Registration URL link is (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/). The ID is “CRD42021265141”.

The incidence of concomitant thyroid cancer in Graves' disease varies and Graves' disease can make the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules more challenging. Since the majority of Graves' disease patients primarily received non-surgical treatment, identifying biomarkers for concomitant thyroid cancer in patients with Graves' disease may facilitate planning the surgery. The aim of this study is to identify the biomarkers for concurrent thyroid cancer in Graves' disease patients and evaluate the impact of being overweight on cancer risk. This retrospective cohort study analyzed 122 patients with Graves' disease who underwent thyroid surgery at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital (Seoul, Korea) from May 2010 to December 2022. Body mass index (BMI), preoperative thyroid function test, and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TR-Ab) were measured. Overweight was defined as a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most patients (88.5%) underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who were overweight had a higher risk of malignancy (Odds ratios, 3.108; 95% confidence intervals, 1.196-8.831; p = 0.021). Lower gland weight and lower preoperative TR-Ab were also biomarkers for malignancy in Graves' disease. Overweight patients with Graves' disease had a higher risk of thyroid cancer than non-overweight patients. A comprehensive assessment of overweight patients with Graves' disease is imperative for identifying concomitant thyroid cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Park, An, Bae, Kim and Kim.)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Apart from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as the sole etiology behind liver transplantation (LTx), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/NASH can play an important role in all the remaining etiologies of LTx. To gauge such a contribution of NAFLD/NASH, authors made use of 2 assumptions: a) there is tendency post-LTx to regain body shape (including obesity and its metabolic consequences) patients (pts) had before decompensation of their liver disease, therefore b) post-LTx fatty liver index (FLI) ≥ 60 (sensitivity/specificity for NAFLD>85%) might reflect NAFLD pre-LTx. METHODS a) A retrospective study of body mass index (BMI) in the 6th and 12th moths (m) after LTx, b) a cross-sectional study of FLI (and ultrasonography) > 6 m after LTx (Jana Badinková (JB), october 2015). a) An analysis of the medical records of pts after LTx performed in transplantation centre (TC) Banska Bystrica (BB). Interval studied: January 2011 – march 2016 (JB). Source of data: Hospital Information System (Care Centre® Copyright 2000, CGM, Version 3.33.2). Inclusion criteria: LTx in TC BB > 6 m ago. Exclusion criteria: LTx due to NASH; insufficient data for a FLI calculation. b) All the pts selected by inclusion/exclusion criteria were contacted by a TC physician (JB) via mobile phone (text message, or phone call) in order to determine current waist circumference. Recorded variables: gender; age; etiology of advance chronic liver disease; BMI; ultrasonography; FLI (triacylglycerides, gamma-glutamyltransferase, waist circumference (cm), height (m), weight (kg)). Overweight was defined as a BMI > 25 kg/m2, obesity as a BMI > 30. An FLI > 60 was the value that indicated NAFLD. RESULTS From January 2011 to December 2015, 90 pts underwent LTx in TC BB. The inclusion criteria were met by 87 of them, 40 pts were subsequently excluded. The cohort for final analysis consisted of 47 pts. Average age – 51 years (22-65); women - 25 (53%); indications for LTx: alcoholic liver disease – 22 pts (46%), autoimmune hepatitis - 7 pts (15%), primary sclerosing cholangitis – 6 pts (13%), primary biliary cholangitis - 5pts (11%), chronic hepatitis C – 3 pts (6,5%), chronic hepatitis B - 3pts (6,5%), other – 1 pt (2%). Average time from LTx to FLI measurement was 33 m (6-53). Overweight, and obesity 6 m after LTx: 22 pts (47%), and 5 pts (11%), respectively; 12 m after LTx - 21 pts (45%), and 9 pts (19%), respectively. FLI > 60 was found in 20 pts (43%). Twelve of 20 pts (60%) with FLI > 60 had an ultrasonography without the signs of steatosis. CONCLUSIONS Provided the validity of assumptions that a) LTx restores pre-LTx-pre-decompensation body shape, and therefore b) FLI post-LTx is similar to FLI pre-LTx-pre-decompensation, the real contribution of NAFLD/NASH to LTx burden could be much greater than that derived from isolated NASH-LTx numbers. In this small cohort of pts transplanted for non-NASH etiologies, pre-LTx NAFLD could have been present in as much as 43% of pts.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a combined physical therapy and pharmacological treatment for patients recovering from stage III COPD exacerbation. The efficacy of the rehabilitation program was assessed using anthropological parameters, physical condition, respiratory system function, and functional endurance capacity. Data were collected from 39 patients with stage III COPD who underwent the rehabilitation program. Physical and anthropometric assessments were conducted using the Quetelet Body Mass Index, the Pignet Index, and the Vital Capacity Index (VCI). The functional capacities of the cardiorespiratory system were measured before and after the rehabilitation program using the Ruffier and Ruffier-Dickson tests and the hypoxic Shtange and Genchi tests. Exercise tolerance was evaluated using the Harvard Step Test and the Six-Minute Walk Distance Test (6MWD). Statistical analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for independent and dependent groups. Participants were randomly divided into two groups for rehabilitation: Group I received standard therapy and a routine physical therapy program, while Group II was given standard therapy along with a modified physical therapy regimen. There was a slight improvement in patient condition during the rehabilitation period for both groups. However, there was a low compliance rate for smoking cessation among the majority of patients, with some reducing their daily cigarette intake. Further long-time research is required to determine the efficacy of the proposed physical therapy program in combination with basic pharmacological therapy. The study suggests incorporating psychotherapeutic sessions and occupational therapy into future rehabilitation programs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Purpose: Utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine the impact of leisure sedentary behavior (LSB) on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and glycemic homeostasis impairment, as well as to identify potential mediating pathways involved in these associations., Methods: We chose genetic variants linked to LSB from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) to use as instrumental variables (IVs). Then, we used a two-sample MR study to investigate the link between LSB and T2D and glycemic homeostasis. Multivariate MR (MVMR) and mediation analysis were also used to look at possible mediating paths., Results: MR analysis showed a genetical link between leisure TV watching and T2D (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.39-1.93, P< 0.001) and impaired Glycemic Homeostasis, while leisure computer use seemed to protect against T2D prevalence (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.84, P< 0.001). It was found that leisure TV watching increases the risk of T2D through higher BMI (mediation effect 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-0.35, P< 0.001), higher triglycerides (mediation effect 0.07, 95% CI 0.04-0.11, P< 0.001), and less education (mediation effect 0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.24, P< 0.001). Sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses further substantiated the robustness of these findings. Reverse MR analysis did not yield significant results., Conclusion: This study shows LSB is linked to a higher rate of T2D and impaired glycemic homeostasis through obesity, lipid metabolism disorders, and reduced educational attainment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Jia, Liu and Liu.)

Cardiovascular pathology can complicate the course of COVID-19. The study aimed to identify echocardiographic abnormalities and key prognostic factors influencing severe and fatal COVID-19 outcomes. This retrospective cohort study included clinical and echocardiogram data from 194 medical records of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: 100 moderate cases, 34 severe cases with favorable outcomes, and 60 severe cases with fatal outcomes. Severe patients with favorable outcomes had greater reductions in left ventricular systolic fraction of left ventricle compared to moderate cases (23.5% vs . 7.0%, respectively, p=0.008) and ejection fraction of left ventricle (14.7% vs . 3.0%, respectively, p=0.013), grade I diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (20.6% vs . 8.0%, respectively, p=0.044), and pulmonary hypertension (29.41% vs . 10.0%, respectively, p=0.006). Patients with fatal outcomes had a mean age of 67.1±1.51 years, chronic heart failure functional class II (58.3%), hypertension (50.0%), type 2 diabetes (43.3%), and obesity (33.3%). Compared to severe cases but with favorable outcomes, fatal cases had a greater decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (36.7% vs . 14.7%, respectively, p=0.024), various types of myocardial dysfunction (51.7% vs . 29.4%, respectively, p=0.037) and a trend towards increased pulmonary hypertension (48.3% vs . 29.4%, respectively, p=0.074). Consequently, chronic heart failure class II, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, various myocardial dysfunctions, and pulmonary hypertension emerged as key cardiac risk factors for severe disease progression and mortality in patients with COVID-19., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a life-threatening condition that often leads to severe disability in relatively young and healthy people. This disability is physical in many aSAH survivors, so muscle dysfunction may be an important factor in the functional level of these patients. Thus, measuring muscle thickness represents a suitable method for determining muscle function in patients with acute aSAH, because the disordered consciousness often experienced during the acute phase causes active movement to be difficult for these patients. Objectives: We investigated changes in quadriceps muscle thickness in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to determine whether muscle dysfunction during the acute phase relates to (or predicts) the outcome of aSAH. Methods: Seventeen patients with aSAH (mean age = 66 ± 11, men/women = 4/13) were enrolled, and their quadriceps muscle thickness measured ultrasonographically upon admission and again 2 weeks later. Results: Quadriceps muscle thickness significantly decreased from admission (mean = 3.00 ± 0.72 cm) to the second measurement (2.67 ± 0.74 cm, p = 0.001). The relative differences in quadriceps muscle thickness were correlated with the Hunt and Hess grade (r = −0.72, p = 0.001) and the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days (r = −0.78, p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Our results indicate that quadriceps muscle thickness decreases in patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, particularly in patients with poor Hunt and Hess grade or marked disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obesity epidemic is not only limited to high-income or urbanized societies, but has also become prevalent among rural communities, even in India. Approaches to modifiable behaviors, like unhealthy dietary habits or a sedentary lifestyle, could bring positive results among obese populations. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention programs to prevent obesity and cardio-metabolic risks among Bengali obese adults (Body Mass Index of 25-30kg/m 2 ). The population was selected from rural and urban communities of Hooghly district in west Bengal, India and included 121 participants (20-50 years), divided into four groups (rural male, rural female, urban male, and urban female) who underwent a 12-month intervention program. Anthropometric parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] and lipid profile), dietary habits, and physical activity profiles were assessed before the study (baseline), after 12 months of intervention (post-intervention), and after 24 months (follow-up), among all groups, to evaluate changes in data within and between the groups (rural vs. urban). The results showed a significant decline in anthropometric parameters and fasting blood glucose levels among all intervention groups, HOMA-IR in rural females, and serum triglyceride levels in urban groups. A significant improvement was noted regarding dietary habits and physical activity, even during follow-up. The impact of the intervention program did not show any rural-urban difference. The lifestyle intervention program was effective in reducing obesity and related health risks and promoting a healthy lifestyle among the target population., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2023 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Objective: the study is aimed to compare the cardiovascular endurance level between sedentary normal and sedentary overweight young females. Background: Most of the previous study emphasizes on the fitness level and BMI, sedentary lifestyle and BMI, physical activity and causes for mortality and obesity. However there is significantly less studies done on the comparison of cardiovascular endurance level between sedentary normal and sedentary overweight young females. Design: Exploratory study. Methods: 15 people with normal BMI (group A) and 15 overweight people (group B) aged between 20 - 29 years is conveniently selected. The entire participant underwent an exercise testing on treadmill based on modified Bruce protocol and time at terminal point of exercise is noted. The VO2max is then calculated using prediction formula by Bruce (4.38*T-3.9). Result: There were no significant difference noted between both groups with p > 0.05. The mean difference of VO2max is only 1.67 ml/kg/min between the groups. Conclusion: The result of this study suggest that people with similar age and living sedentary life have approximately similar VO2max level despite of their BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine dependence (ND) and visceral adiposity are emerging as independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including carotid artery stenosis (CAS). This study aimed to determine the relationship between ND and the contribution of abdominal fat to the onset of CAS, which is indicated by a luminal narrowing of at least 60% as determined by duplex and/or Doppler ultrasound. We prospectively collected data from 60 patients with CAS and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), a common research tool, was used in the study. The original questionnaire was designed to gather social and demographic data. Anthropometric measurements, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation products (LAP) were used to assess obesity. Most patients showed a high or mild-moderate degree of ND: 46.67% and 35%, respectively. The median visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) in patients was 3.92 and 32.83, respectively. Prolonged smoking duration, increased intensity, and high ND are hallmarks of CAS patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2023 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

The prevalence of juvenile obesity is increasing, reaching epidemic proportions, presenting a link not only to NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) but to abnormal lipid profiles and liver enzyme abnormalities. Liver ultrasonography is a sensitive and specific tool for the recognition of NAFLD. This study aims to assess the association between NAFLD and juvenile obesity and to determine the other related changes in a set of indicators, including lipid profile abnormalities and serum transaminases. The sample included 470 obese and 210 non-obese individuals aged 6-16. Anthropometric measures were assessed, with the serum lipid profile and liver transaminases, and abdominal ultrasonography was used to detect NAFLD. Fatty liver was found in 38% of the obese subjects and none of the non-obese subjects. Within obese subjects, mean body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference increased significantly in patients with NAFLD compared to those without fatty liver. Moreover, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), CHOL (cholesterol), and serum liver enzymes were significantly higher in the presence of NAFLD. In conclusion, NAFLD commonly associates with juvenile obesity, relating to obesity and the abnormal lipid profile (including elevated CHOL and LDL) among obese people, reflecting elevated liver transaminases, which increase the risk of cirrhosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Introduction: Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of biologically aggressive variants in breast cancer. Women with obesity often have tumors diagnosed at later stages of the disease, associated with a poorer prognosis and a different response to treatment. Human cell lines have been derived from specific subtypes of breast cancer and have served to define the cell physiology of corresponding breast cancer subtypes. However, there are no current cell lines for breast cancer specifically derived from patients with different BMIs. The availability of those breast cancer cell lines should allow to describe and unravel functional alterations linked to these comorbidities., Methods: Cell cultures were established from tumor explants. Once generated, the triple negative subtype in a patient with obesity and a patient with a normal BMI were chosen for comparison. For cellular characterization, the following assays were conducted: proliferation assays, chemo - sensitivity assays for doxorubicin and paclitaxel, wound healing motility assays, matrix invasion assays, breast cancer cell growth to estradiol by chronic exposure to leptin, induction of endothelial permeability and tumorigenic potential in athymic mice with normo - versus hypercaloric diets with an evaluation of the epithelium - mesenchymal transformation proteins., Results: Two different cell lines, were established from patients with breast cancer: DSG-BC1, with a BMI of 21.9 kg/m2 and DSG-BC2, with a BMI of 31.5 kg/m2. In vitro, these two cell lines show differential growth rates, motility, chemosensitivity, vascular permeability, response to leptin with an activation of the JAK2/STAT3/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, they displayed distinct tumorigenic potential. In particular, DSG-BC2, presented higher tumorigenicity when implanted in mice fed with a hypercaloric diet., Discussion: To our knowledge, these primary cultures are the first in vitro representation of both breast cancer and obesity. DSG - BC2 presented a more aggressive in vivo and in vitro phenotype. These results support the hypothesis that breast cancer generated in an obese metabolic state may represent a contrasting variant within the same disease. This new model will allow both further comprehension, functional studies and the analysis of altered molecular mechanisms under the comorbidity of obesity and breast cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Shveid Gerson, Gerson‐Cwilich, Lara Torres, Chousleb de Kalach, Ventura Gallegos, Badillo‐Garcia, Bargalló Rocha, Maffuz‐Aziz, Sánchez Forgach, Castorena Roji, Robles Vidal, Vargas‐Castillo, Torres, Tovar, Contreras Jarquín, Gómez Osnaya and Zentella‐Dehesa.)

Generalized dysmotility of the gastrointestinal tract develops in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The ghrelin hormone appears to be critical in controlling gastrointestinal motility. We aimed to evaluate serum ghrelin levels in people with IBS and to demonstrate its role in IBS pathophysiology. This study included 32 individuals with IBS (16 with constipation and 16 with diarrhea) and 16 healthy individuals as controls. Blood specimens were collected from patients and controls following an overnight fast. Total ghrelin level was detected in plasma by commercially available ELISA Kit. There were significant differences in the serum levels of ghrelin between the control group and both types of IBS. The mean±SD of ghrelin level in the control group was 2.608±0.714 pg/ml, and that of both types of IBS was 5.782±2.450 pg/ml (P-value<0.001). There was a significant variation between the control and IBS-D groups (mean±SD: 7.838±1.687 pg/ml, p-value<0.001). Also, we indicated a considerable difference between the control and IBS-C groups (mean±SD: 3.726±0.740 pg/ml, P-value<0.001). In comparing the IBS-D group and IBS-C group, we found a highly considerable variation between the two groups (p-value<0.001). This means that serum ghrelin levels were significantly greater in IBS-D than in IBS-C and the control group. Our findings concluded that serum ghrelin level was higher among the IBS-D group than in the IBS-C and control groups. The ghrelin hormone may play a vital role in IBS pathophysiology., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)