Search

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to verify, in epidemiological setting, the hypothesis that at a given body mass index the contents of adipose tissue (AT%) varies with age and is larger in older people., Material and Methods: To verify this assumption population-based data were used. Measurements were obtained in 3359 men and women, aged 30-72 and living in two large towns of Upper Silesian Industrial Zone (Poland). During home visits each subject was weighted, their posture was measured and AT% was obtained using bioelectrical impedance method. According to body mass index (BMI in kg/m2) the subjects were divided into eight groups (I - BMI: 20.0-22.5; II - BMI: 22.6-25.0 ... VII - BMI: 35.0-37.5; VIII - BMI: 37.6-40.0). Within each BMI group four classes of ages were identified: 30-39 years; 40-49 years; 50-59 years; 60-72 years., Results: Mean values of AT% increased with age in each BMI group, both in men and women, and the within-BMI group differences were statistically significant (ANOVA). The effect was consistent, however it was more apparent at low BMI values. For consecutive BMI groups (I-VII) the AT% mean values in extreme age groups (30-39 years and 60-72 years) were as follows: I: 21.3+/-5.9% and 28.1+/-7.1%; Il: 22.5+/-6.4% and 29.7+/-6.7%; III: 25.8+/-6.2% and 32.6+/-6.2%; IV: 28.1+/-6.5% and 35.1+/-5.9%; V: 32.3+/-5.8% and 38.4+/-5.6%; VI: 37.2+/-6.5% and 40.9+/-5.5%; VII: 39.2+/-3.9% and 43.5+/-5.7%; VIII: 40.0+/-7.2% and 46.3+/-3.4%, respectively. In subjects with BMI < 25.1 kg/m2 the difference in AT% between the youngest and the oldest group reached seven points, with a relative difference of 30%., Conclusions: The findings confirmed that BMI value is not a perfect surrogate in the assessment of adipose tissue contents and this fact should be taken into account in epidemiological investigations into risk factors of obesity and its health consequences.

Unlabelled: Epidemiological studies suggest a protective influence of obesity against postmenopausal bone loss. Lower risk of osteoporotic fractures was described in obese patients. However there were only a few studies which examined the effect of weight reduction on bone metabolism and results of these studies are controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of weight reduction program using Orlistat on bone metabolism in perimenopausal women. Twenty obese women with simple obesity and without concomitant diseases (BMI 37.1 +/- 3.0 kg/m2, mean age 49.8 +/- 4.6 yrs) were enrolled into this study. The control group consisted of 20 healthy women (mean age 53.5 +/- 5.4 yrs, BMI 24.1 +/- 2.2 kg/m2). All patients have participated in a 3-month weight reduction therapy that consisted of: a 1000-1200 kcal/ day balanced diet (daily calcium consumption about 500mg), Orlistat 3 x 120mg a day and regular physical exercises. Before the weight reduction therapy and after 10% reduction of body weight, serum concentrations of PTH, 25-(OH)-D3, total calcium and phosphorus, total cholesterol were assessed. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA method) of lumbar spine and femoral neck, measuring BMD was performed once, after a 3-month weight reduction therapy using Lunar DPXL. All these measurements were performed only once in control subjects. After a 3-month weight reduction program in patients treated with Orlistat the mean weight loss was 11.6 +/- 5.1 kg which is 12.1 +/- 4.78 %. BMI decreased from 37.1 +/- 3.0 kg/m2 at baseline to 32.6 +/- 2.7 kg/m2 post-treatment. The body weight reduction resulted in significant decrease of body fat and total cholesterol concentration. In obese subjects serum concentration of 25-(OH)-D3 was significantly lower and serum concentration of PTH was significantly higher in comparison to healthy controls, both before and after weight reduction therapy. Serum concentration of PTH, 25-(OH)-D3, total calcium and phosphorus did not change significantly after therapy with Orlistat., Conclusion: 3-month weight reduction program using Orlistat did not influence significantly bone metabolism.

Introduction: TNF-alpha is one with mediators insulin resistance. Previous study showed, that in obesity there is an increased synthesis of TNF-alpha by fat cells and serum concentrations of TNF-alpha. The aim of present study was: 1. To assess of serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and TNF soluble receptors sTNFRs in obese women with diabetes type 2 and obese women without additional disease. 2. To assess possible association between of manner treatment of diabetes type 2 and serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and TNF soluble receptors., Material and Methods: The study group's involved 23 obese women with diabetes type 2 - group A (age 63.6 +/- 8.2 lat; BMI 32.7 +/- 3,9 kg/m2) in this 12 treated of derivatives of sulfonylurea (age 65.1 +/- 6.6 lat; BMI 32.0 +/- 3.4 kg/m2) - subgroup AI and 11 insulin treated (age 62.1 +/- 9.7 lat; BMI 33.4 +/- 4.4 kg/m2) - subgroup AII and 23 obese women without additional disease and without any pharmacological treatment - group B (age 36.6 +/- 10.9 lat; BMI 36.6 +/- 5.6 kg/m2). Body weight and height were measured, body mass index was calculated with formula. Serum concentrations of glucose was measured by enzymatic procedure. Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and it's soluble receptors sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 was measured by ELISA. and sTNFR2 were significant decreased (respectively p <0,005 i p <0,001) in group A when compared to group B. There are not significant differences serum concentration of TNF-alpha and its soluble receptors between subgroups AI and AII., Conclusions: 1. In obese women with diabetes type 2 serum concentration of TNF-alpha increased and concentrations of its soluble receptors decreased when compared to obese without additional disease. 2. The treatment meaner of diabetes type 2 not influence of serum concentration of TNF-alpha and sTNFR1 but application of insulin maybe a cause increase activity sTNFR2.

Investigation of soluble fiber-xantham gum on hunger, satiety and epigastric fullness in obese subjects. 21 obese women: age 40.7 +/- 17, BMI 35.4 +/- 5.7 otherwise healthy, actually non dieting. Eating behavior was assessed by Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire (TFEBQ) by evaluating eating restrain, dysinhibition and hunger. Satiety, hunger and epigastric fullness were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and 7-point ratings scale before ingestion of test meal (ham sandwich--90 kcal) and in 20 min intervals during 2-hour observation. The study was done twice: with fiber and with placebo. Ingestion of test meal with drug and placebo causes statistical significant reduction in hunger and increase in satiety feelings in both groups. Afterwards during 2-hour observation the significant increase in hunger was observed. There were no differences in hunger, satiety and epigastric feelings between both groups. The significant positive correlation between third factor of TFEBQ (hunger) and BMI index was found. (r = 48, p < 0.05). 0.5 g of xanthan fiber with test meal didn't cause significant change of satiety. It is probably the effect of too low dose of xantham gum.

Tumor necrosis factor is multifunctional cytokine involved in various cell functions, such as differentiation, mitosis, angiogenesis, inflammation and immune controls. TNF-alpha plays also an important role in the control of metabolism. Its action on adipocytes includes increasing secretion of triglicerydes and inhibiting insulin action, controlling expression of some genes and modulating free fatty acid and leptin secretion. The review of the current literature on the TNF-alpha role in metabolism is presented in this paper.

Adipose tissue generates many bioactive substances, which may exert autocrine, paracrine and endocrine effects. Recent studies have revealed, that one of these substances is nitric oxide. There are observed increased expressions of synthases NO (eNOS and iNOS) in adipose tissue in obesity. It seems that these increased expression NOS is reflected by increased serum concentration of NO in obese subjects. The review of the current literature on role of nitric oxide in physiology and pathology metabolism is presented in this paper.

Unlabelled: In common beliefs the care of obese people for their health and appearance is not sufficient, which is both the cause and the result of their obesity. The aim of the present study was to check whether obese and normal weight persons are different in selected behaviours connected with eating and self-care, and also whether providing them with knowledge about the desired behaviour changes would improve the effects of weight loss. Authors used structured interview of 20 limited questions. The participants were 32 obese women taking part in group weight loss programme organized in "Waga" treatment center in Katowice. The measures were taken before and after the programme. The comparing group constituted women of normal body weight. Obese women before the treatment comparing to normal weight women, presented more disadvantageous behaviours in the range of: fast eating and reaching for the food in time of strain (p < 0.01). As a results of the weight loss programme they achieved a significant weight loss (p < 0.01) and also the frequency of their unprofitable behaviours decreased except for putting other's needs in front of their own, skipping breakfast and eating daily no more than two meals. Statistically significant improvements were observed in: greater physical activity, greater care for appearance and meals aesthetics (p < 0.01) as well as better ability to relax and profitable lengthen of meal time (p < 0.05). After the treatment patients declared more beneficial behaviours than the normal weight group. There were statistically significant differences in: ability to relax and avoiding to combine wrong meal ingredients (p < 0.01). Obese reached for the food in time of strain still more often, but less often than at the beginning of the treatment., Conclusions: The results did not show significant difference between obese and normal weight participants concerning eating habits and self-care behaviour. The exception was that obese women reached for food more often in the situations of strain and stress. The weight loss of the participants cannot be attributed solely to the change in their behaviour, but could be influenced also by group support and/or by emotional, cognitive and social changes. It might serve as a starting point for further investigations. Researching the long term effects of the treatment (how permanent is the alteration in the participants' weight and self-care behaviour) seems to be essential to answer those questions.

Obesity is considered important factor contributing development of PCOS. Insulin resistance, low level of serum SHBG and activation of pituitary-adrenal axis plays a major role in pathogenesis and symptoms of PCOS. The achievement of weight loss is an important factor in treatment of PCOS, but difficulties with adherences to the dietary regiment discourage physicians to use this method. In our paper we would like to show the effectiveness of such treatment and pay attention to possibilities of drug facilities in dietary approach in treatment of PCOS coexisting with obesity.

Cytokine activation may be connected to increase of clinical symptoms both of coronary heart disease and lower limbs atherosclerosis. Our aim is to determine the influence of the atherosclerosis generalization upon immune activation in coronary heart disease, with regard to ECG stress test. 127 patients have been included in the study: 21 with stable angina and peripheral artery disease (PAD)--group A, and 106 with stable angina--group B. 20 healthy persons comprised the control group (group K). The serum concentration of TNF alpha, sTNFR 1, E-selectin and sVCAM-1 has been measured before and after the ECG stress test, using the ELISA method. Serum concentration levels of TNF alpha (A: 17.8 +/- 6.2 pg/ml, B: 17.4 +/- 3.8 pg/ml) and sTNFR 1 (A: 1678.5 +/- 600 pg/ml, B: 1376.4 +/- 558 pg/ml) have been significantly higher in both research groups than in the control group K (8.3 +/- 1.4 pg/ml, p < 0.001; 1093.9 +/- 457 pg/ml, p < 0.01). The sTNFR 1 concentration has been significantly higher in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). A significant post-exercise increase in E-selectin serum concentration has been observed, regardless to coincidence of lower limbs atherosclerosis. The atherosclerosis generalization level, e.g. the prevalence of PAD, in patients with coronary heart disease has an influence on immune activation--patients with lower limbs atherosclerosis are characterized by higher sTNFR 1 serum level. The ECG stress test induces the increase of E-selectin serum concentration in coronary patients, regardless of PAD.

Psychological factors may contribute in creating and maintaining of overweight that often results of disturbances of individual's psychosocial functioning. That is why psychological impact should be a significant element of both obesity treatment and prevention of recurrence. The article presents a project implemented in the Obesity Treatment Centre "Waga" in Katowice. The project acts as a part of a group, complex treatment process leading to weight reduction. Design, target group and the achieved results are presented as well a psychological aspects helping the process of reduction of body weight.

Unlabelled: There are conflicting information about differences of gastric emptying rate between lean and obese subjects and lack of information concerning antral motility in both groups. It has been suggested that obesity is associated with an altered rate of gastric emptying, but the results of earlier studies examining gastric emptying rates in obesity have proved inconsistent., Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare gastric emptying rate and antral motility in obese and lean subjects., Materials and Methods: Gastric antral motility and gastric emptying were measured after consumption of sweet omelette in 2 groups of patients: 10 obese (BMI mean = 33.18) and 10 lean subjects (BMI mean = 22.16) using a scintigraphic technique. Lag phase was assessed by physiologic and mathematic approach. Gastric area was calculated using a computer programme (Diacam-Siemens)., Results: There was no difference in gastric emptying profiles; the mean gastric contents after 2 hours of assessment in obese and lean groups was 69% and 71.6%, respectively. Gastric antral motility parameters such as contraction amplitude and frequency, relaxation and contraction time were not differing between the groups. Only in the 90th minute of the assessment a significant difference in contraction time was found. There were also no differences in gastric area and duration of lag phase. No significant correlation between height, BMI, gastric area and body area was found in both groups., Conclusions: There are no differences in the rate of gastric emptying and gastric antral motility between lean and obese subjects. No correlation between BMI, height, body area and gastric area was found. This findings deny the common opinion suggesting that obese people have bigger stomach which empties more rapidly than in lean subjects.

Inflammation is now considered a critical pathogenic component of the atherosclerotic process. The initiation and progression of atherosclerosis as well as the pathogenesis of clinical forms of coronary artery disease are mediated by cell adhesion molecules. Their activation is associated with risk factors for atherosclerosis. The most important developments related to cell adhesion molecules and cardiovascular disease are the recognition of a novel target for therapeutics. Moreover the serum levels of adhesion molecules seem to be markers of the risk for cardiovascular events.

Unlabelled: The aim of the present study was to verify the effect of chitosan as a possible adjuvant in the complex management of obesity., Method: Fifty obese women (22-59 years, BMI > 30) participated in the study. A six months program consisted of 2-hour meetings with a physician, psychologist and dietitian, in a group of about 20 persons, every two weeks. Low calorie diet (1000 kcal/day), physical activity and behaviour modification were recommended. Supplementation with chitosan was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. In the chitosan group, participants received ChitininN (Primex Ingredients ASA, Avaldsnes, Norway) i.e. 750 mg pure chitosan per tablet, two tablets three times daily before each main meal. The placebo group received identical placebo tablets., Results: Significantly higher body weight loss was noted in the chitosan-supplemented group (15.9 kg) than in the placebo group (10.9 kg) Also a greater decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in the chitosan group. There was no difference between the groups in the decrease of LDL and total cholesterol. No adverse effects were noted but the number of drop-outs was higher in the placebo group than in the chitosan group., Conclusion: Chitosan can be used as a valuable and safe adjuvant in long-term dietary treatment of obesity. Chitosan seems to accentuate the reduction of blood pressure associated with weight reduction.

Background: There is growing evidence that cytokines play a pathogenic role in both heart failure and atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to assess serum levels of selected cytokines and soluble forms of receptors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and the relation between these concentrations and left ventricular (LV) systolic function., Material/methods: We measured serum levels of TNFalpha, sTNFR 1 and 2, IL-2, and IL-10 in 100 patients with CAD: 70 patients with LV regional wall motion disturbances (group A); and 30 patients with normal LV function (group B). The control group (group C) consisted of 20 healthy volunteers., Results: Mean serum TNFalpha and IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher in groups A (18.3 +/- 3.5; 55.4 +/- 118.5 pg/ml) and B (17.9 +/- 4.9; 45.3 +/- 76.8 pg/ml) than in controls (8.3 +/- 1.4, p<0.001; 14.3 +/- 28.5, p<0.05; respectively). Moreover, in group A serum levels of sTNFR 1 were higher (1367.4 +/- 531.1 pg/ml) than in group C (1093.9 +/- 456.9 pg/ml; p<0.05). No differences were found in the study groups between serum sTNFR 2 and IL-2 levels. In group A, both the LV ejection fraction and motion score index correlated with TNFalpha (r=-0.277; r=0.282; p<0.05), and sTNFR 1 levels (r=-0.258; r=0.280; p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The serum concentrations of TNFalpha and IL-10 are increased in patients with CAD. Additionally, patients with impaired LV contractility have higher sTNFR 1 concentrations. Serum cytokine activation may play a role in the development of heart failure in patients with CAD.

The effectiveness of weight reducing treatment and maintaining of reduced weight depends in great extend on changing patient's food preferences and it can be achieved through nutritional education and through patients self-esteem. Estimation of changes in eating behaviour in obese women during 3 months of weight reducing treatment carried by doctors, dietician and psychotherapist. 3 months of weight reducing treatment resulted in weight loss of 9.1%. Percentage of animal fats in the meals was significantly reduced and the percentage of complex carbohydrates (fruit and vegetables) and low-fat protein products was increased. The change of a diet structure was accompanied by a symptomatic decrease of preferences of simple carbohydrates and animal fats as well as protein products. 3 months of weight reducing group treatment resulted not only in a reduction of weight but also in modification of eating behaviour. The beneficial change of food preferences which influenced the composition of the consumed meals seems to be good predictor of a long-term effect of the treatment. The most favourable results of the weight reducing treatment can be obtained by group therapy using eating education and psychotherapy.