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Purpose: To assess associations between sedentary time (ST), physical activity (PA), and cardiovascular health in early childhood. Method: Cross-sectional study including 160 children (age 6.1 y [SD 0.5], 86 boys, 93 maternal body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, and 73 gestational diabetes) assessed for pulse wave velocity, echocardiography, ultra-high frequency 48–70 MHz vascular ultrasound, and accelerometery. Results: Boys had 385 (SD 53) minutes per day ST, 305 (SD 44) minutes per day light PA, and 81 (SD 22) minutes per day moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Girls had 415 (SD 50) minutes per day ST, 283 (SD 40) minutes per day light PA, and 66 (SD 19) minutes per day MVPA. In adjusted analyses, MVPA was inversely associated with resting heart rate (β = −6.6; 95% confidence interval, −12.5 to −0.7) and positively associated with left ventricular mass (β = 6.8; 1.4–12.3), radial intima-media thickness (β = 11.4; 5.4–17.5), brachial intima-media thickness (β = 8.0; 2.0–14.0), and femoral intima-media thickness (β = 1.3; 0.2–2.3). MVPA was inversely associated with body fat percentage (β = −3.4; −6.6 to −0.2), diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.05; −0.8 to −0.1), and femoral (β = −18.1; −32.4 to −0.8) and radial (β = −13.4; −24.0 to −2.9) circumferential wall stress in boys only. ST and pulse wave velocity showed no significant associations. Conclusions: In young at-risk children, MVPA is associated with cardiovascular remodeling, partly in a sex-dependant way, likely representing physiological adaptation, but ST shows no association with cardiovascular health in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence indicates that master athletes have higher concentration of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), lower body fat (BF), and greater activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in comparison to untrained peers. However, no published data have demonstrated possible mediation effect of Sirt1 in the interaction of BF and testosterone in this population. Therefore, this study compared and verified possible associations between Sirt1, BF, fat mass index (FMI), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone/luteinizing hormone (T/LH) ratio in middle-aged master athletes (n = 54; 51.22 ± 7.76 years) and control middle-aged peers (n = 21; 47.76 ± 8.47 years). Venous blood was collected for testosterone, LH, and Sirt1. BF was assessed through skinfold protocol. Although LH concentration did not differ between groups, master athletes presented higher concentration of Sirt1, testosterone, and T/LH ratio, and lower BF and FMI in relation to age-matched nonathletes. Moreover, Sirt1 correlated positively with testosterone and T/LH ratio, negatively with BF, and was not significantly correlated with LH (mediation analysis revealed the effect of BF on testosterone is mediated by Sirt1 and vice versa; R2 =.1776; p =.032). In conclusion, master athletes have higher testosterone, T/LH ratio, and Sirt1, and lower BF and FMI in relation to untrained peers. Furthermore, Sirt1 was negatively associated with BF and positively associated with testosterone and T/LH ratio. These findings suggest that increased circulating Sirt1, possibly due to the master athlete's training regimens and lifestyle, exhibits a potential mediation effect on the interaction between endocrine function and body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous literature has demonstrated the mediating role of adiposity in the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiometabolic risk as well as the potential role of CRF in attenuating the adverse consequences associated with excess weight. This study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of CRF and adiposity in the possible association with cardiometabolic risk. Method: Observational 3-year longitudinal study that included 420 children and adolescents (10.50 [2.05] y of age at baseline; 56.2% girls). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and CRF was evaluated using field assessments. A clustered cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) was calculated from glucose, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides z scores. Analyses evaluated the mediating role of BMI in the association between CRF and cMetS as well as whether CRF mediated the association between BMI and cMetS. Results: BMI at baseline was directly associated with the cMetS at follow-up (0.102; 95% confidence interval, 0.020 to 0.181), independently of CRF, whereas CRF was only indirectly associated with cMetS at follow-up through BMI (−0.036; 95% confidence interval, −0.070 to −0.009), meaning that the association between CRF and cMetS was explained via the mediation role of BMI. Conclusions: BMI presented direct association with cMetS, whereas CRF exhibited indirect association with cMetS mediated via BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study examined the longitudinal interplay of anthropometric, metabolic, and neuromuscular development related to performance in adolescent national-level swimmers over 12 months. Methods: Seven male and 12 female swimmers (14.8 [1.3] y, FINA [International Swimming Federation] points 716 [51]) were tested before (T0) and after the preparation period (T1), at the season's peak (T2), and before the next season (T3). Anthropometric (eg, fat percentage) and neuromuscular parameters (squat and bench-press load-velocity profile) were assessed on dry land. Metabolic (cost of swimming [C], maximal oxygen uptake [ V ˙ O 2 peak ], and peak blood lactate [bLapeak]) and performance (sprinting speed [vsprint] and lactate thresholds [LT1 and 2]) factors were determined using a 500-m submaximal, 200-m all-out, 20-second sprint, and incremental test (+0.03 m·s−1, 3 min), respectively, in front-crawl swimming. Results: vsprint (+0.6%) and LT1 and 2 (+1.9–2.4%) increased trivially and slightly, respectively, from T0 to T2 following small to moderate strength increases (≥+10.2%) from T0 to T1 and V ˙ O 2 peak (+6.0%) from T1 to T2. Bench-press maximal strength and peak power correlated with vsprint from T0 to T2 (r ≥.54, P <.05) and LT2 at T1 (r ≥.47, P <.05). Changes in fat percentage and V ˙ O 2 peak (T2–T1 and T3–T2, r ≤ −.67, P <.01) and C and LT2 (T2–T0, r = −.52, P =.047) were also correlated. Conclusions: Increases in strength and V ˙ O 2 peak from preparation to the competition period resulted in improved sprint and endurance performance. Across the season, upper-body strength was associated with vsprint and LT2, although their changes were unrelated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study assessed physical activity (PA) and body composition of ambulatory children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and their typically developing peers. Methods: Participants included youth with CP (ages 8–18 y and Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–III) and their typically developing peers. Outcomes included PA (actigraphy) and fat/lean mass index (FMI/LMI; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Statistical analyses included linear mixed effects models with Bonferroni adjustment. Fixed effects were study group (CP and typically developing); random effects were participant clusters (sex and age). Exploratory analyses included association of body composition and PA, GMFCS level, and CP involvement (unilateral and bilateral). Results: Seventy-eight participants (CP: n = 40, girls: n = 29; GMFCS I: n = 20; GMFCS II: n = 14; GMFCS III: n = 6) met inclusion criteria. Individuals with CP had lower moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; β = −12.5; 98.3% confidence interval, −22.6 to −2.5 min; P =.004) and lower LMI (β = −1.1; 97.5% confidence interval, −2.1 to −0.0 kg/m2; P =.020). Exploratory analyses indicated increased LMI with greater MVPA (P =.001), reduced MVPA for GMFCS II (P =.005) and III (P =.001), increased sedentary time for GMFCS III (P =.006), and greater fat mass index with unilateral motor impairment (P =.026). Conclusions: The findings contribute to the knowledge base of increasing MVPA and LMI deficits with the greater functional impact of CP. Associations of increasing LMI with greater MVPA support efforts targeting enhanced PA participation to promote independent mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neck adipose tissue (NAT) accumulation and neck circumference are independent predictors of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and low-grade chronic inflammation in young adults. The present study examines whether a 24-week concurrent exercise intervention can reduce NAT volume and neck circumference in young adults, and whether any changes in these variables are related to changes in body composition, CMR, and the inflammatory profile. Seventy-four participants (51 women, age 22 ± 2 years) were included in the main analyses, after being randomly assigned to either a (a) control (n = 34), (b) moderate-intensity exercise (n = 19), or (c) vigorous-intensity exercise (n = 21) group. Participants in the exercise groups trained 3–4 days/week (endurance + resistance exercise training). NAT volume and NAT distribution across different depots were estimated using computed tomography before and after the intervention. Anthropometric variables, body composition (determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and CMR/inflammatory markers were also recorded. The exercise intervention did not reduce the total NAT volume, nor was NAT distribution affected (p >.05). However, it did reduce neck circumference in the vigorous-intensity exercise group compared with the moderate-intensity exercise and control groups (by 0.8 and 1 cm, respectively, p ≤.05). Changes in total NAT and neck circumference were positively, albeit weakly, related (adj. R2:.05–.21, all p ≤.05) to changes in body weight and adiposity, leptin (only total NAT), and CMR (only neck circumference). Altogether 24 weeks of concurrent exercise does not appear to reduce NAT accumulation in young adults, but may slightly reduce neck circumference in those who partake in vigorous exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Obesity indices reflect not only fat mass but also muscle mass and nutritional status in older people. Therefore, they may not accurately reflect prognosis. This study aimed to investigate associations between a body shape index (ABSI), body mass index (BMI), and mortality in the general older population.This nationwide observational longitudinal study included individuals aged between 65 and 74 years who underwent annual health checkups between 2008 and 2014. Exposures of interest were ABSI and BMI, and the primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Association between the ABSI and BMI quartile (Q1–4) and mortality was assessed using Cox regression analysis. A restricted cubic spline was also used to investigate nonlinear associations. The missing values were imputed using multiple imputation by chained equations.Among 315,215 participants, 5074 died during a median follow‐up period of 42.5 (interquartile range: 26.2–59.3) months. Compared with ABSI Q1, ABSI Q3 and Q4 were associated with increased risk of mortality, with the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.13 (1.05–1.22) and 1.23 (1.13–1.35), respectively. Compared with BMI Q3, BMI Q1 and Q2 were associated with an increased risk of mortality, with aHRs and 95% CIs of 1.51 (1.39–1.65) and 1.12 (1.03–1.22), respectively. The impacts of these indices were greater in male than in female. The heatmap of the aHR for mortality by continuous ABSI and BMI showed that higher ABSI was consistently associated with higher mortality risk regardless of BMI, and that the combination of low BMI and high ABSI was strongly associated with increased mortality risk.High ABSI and low BMI are additively associated with the risk of all‐cause mortality in the general older population in Japan. Combination of ABSI and BMI is useful for evaluating mortality risk in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze changes in the muscular fat fraction (FF) during immobilization at the intensive care unit (ICU) using dual-energy CT (DECT) and evaluate the predictive value of the DECT FF as a new imaging biomarker for morbidity and survival. Methods: Immobilized ICU patients (n = 81, 43.2% female, 60.3 ± 12.7 years) were included, who received two dual-source DECT scans (CT1, CT2) within a minimum interval of 10 days between 11/2019 and 09/2022. The DECT FF was quantified for the posterior paraspinal muscle by two radiologists using material decomposition. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), muscle radiodensity attenuation (MRA), subcutaneous-/ visceral adipose tissue area (SAT, VAT), and waist circumference (WC) were assessed. Reasons for ICU admission, clinical scoring systems, therapeutic regimes, and in-hospital mortality were noted. Linear mixed models, Cox regression, and intraclass correlation coefficients were employed. Results: Between CT1 and CT2 (median 21 days), the DECT FF increased (from 20.9% ± 12.0 to 27.0% ± 12.0, p = 0.001). The SMI decreased (35.7 cm2/m2 ± 8.8 to 31.1 cm2/m2 ± 7.6, p < 0.001) as did the MRA (29 HU ± 10 to 26 HU ± 11, p = 0.009). WC, SAT, and VAT did not change. In-hospital mortality was 61.5%. In multivariable analyses, only the change in DECT FF was associated with in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 9.20 [1.78–47.71], p = 0.008), renal replacement therapy (HR 48.67 [9.18–258.09], p < 0.001), and tracheotomy at ICU (HR 37.22 [5.66–245.02], p < 0.001). Inter-observer reproducibility of DECT FF measurements was excellent (CT1: 0.98 [0.97; 0.99], CT2: 0.99 [0.96–0.99]). Conclusion: The DECT FF appears to be suitable for detecting increasing myosteatosis. It seems to have predictive value as a new imaging biomarker for ICU patients. Clinical relevance statement: The dual-energy CT muscular fat fraction appears to be a robust imaging biomarker to detect and monitor myosteatosis. It has potential for prognosticating, risk stratifying, and thereby guiding therapeutic nutritional regimes and physiotherapy in critically ill patients. Key Points: The dual-energy CT muscular fat fraction detects increasing myosteatosis caused by immobilization. Change in dual-energy CT muscular fat fraction was a predictor of in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Dual-energy CT muscular fat fraction had a predictive value superior to established CT body composition parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of fatal cases involving synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is increasing. However, interpretation of postmortem (PM) toxicological findings is challenging, due to unknown PM intervals and possible redistribution processes or instabilities. Only sparse data on SCs are available. Therefore, a controlled pig study was performed to determine the PM stability of cumyl -5F-P7AICA under different environmental conditions. Ten pigs inhalatively received 200 µg/kg body weight cumyl -5F-P7AICA each. Six hours later, they were euthanized and biopsies of the main tissues and body fluids were taken. Animals were stored in air or water (n=5 each) and samples were repeatedly taken for three days. Quantification of cumyl -5F-P7AICA and its N -pentanoic acid metabolite (NPA) was performed using standard addition or a fully validated method (blood) followed by LC-MS/MS. Time-dependent concentration changes of cumyl -5F-P7AICA were observed in liver, bile fluid and muscle specimens at both conditions. Concentrations of NPA only changed considerably in duodenum content of animals stored in air. Environment-dependent concentrations changes were only observed for cumyl -5F-P7AICA in kidney and the NPA metabolite in duodenum content. Overall, cumyl -5F-P7AICA and its metabolite seem to be quite stable in PM specimens. Hence, also central blood might be analyzed, if no peripheral blood is available. [Display omitted] • Cumyl -5F-P7AICA and its metabolite distributed into tissues involved in toxicokinetics. • Highest perimortem concentrations of parent or metabolite in lung, adipose tissue or bile fluid. • No relevant postmortem redistribution of cumyl -5F-P7AICA and its metabolite. • Concentrations rather stable → independent on environmental conditions (air vs. water). • Central blood also suitable for quantification, if no peripheral blood available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs) occur in a broad range of diseased structures and lesions in tissues important for metabolic homeostasis. LAMs can be distinguished from other tissue-resident macrophages by their lipid-handling capacity and expression of specific marker genes (e.g., Trem2 , Gpnmb , and CD36). LAMs exhibit a functional spectrum (with respect to inflammation, lipid handling, and efferocytosis) that can vary depending on metabolic and disease state, location, and microenvironmental needs. LAM pools emerge largely from monocyte-derived precursors, but may also increase in abundance through (re-)polarization and self-renewal. Evidence for the importance of LAMs in metabolic disease justifies ventures into therapeutics that manipulate LAM abundance and phenotypes. Lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs) are phagocytic cells with lipid-handling capacity identified in various metabolic derangements. During disease development, they locate to atherosclerotic plaques, adipose tissue (AT) of individuals with obesity, liver lesions in steatosis and steatohepatitis, and the intestinal lamina propria. LAMs can also emerge in the metabolically demanding microenvironment of certain tumors. In this review, we discuss major questions regarding LAM recruitment, differentiation, and self-renewal, and, ultimately, their acute and chronic functional impact on the development of metabolic diseases. Further studies need to clarify whether and under which circumstances LAMs drive disease progression or resolution and how their phenotype can be modulated to ameliorate metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether preoperative body morphometry analysis can identify patients at risk of parastomal hernia (PH), which is a common complication after radical cystectomy (RC). Patients and Methods: All patients who underwent RC between 2010 and 2020 with available cross‐sectional imaging preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were included. Skeletal muscle mass and total fat mass (FM) were determined from preoperative axial computed tomography images obtained at the level of the L3 vertebral body using Aquarius Intuition software. Sarcopenia and obesity were assigned based on consensus definitions of skeletal muscle index (SMI) and FM index (FMI). PH were graded using both the Moreno‐Matias and European Hernia Society criteria. Binary logistic regression and recursive partitioning were used to identify patients at risk of PH. The Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank and Cox proportional hazards models included clinical and image‐based parameters to identify predictors of PH‐free survival. Results: A total of 367 patients were included in the final analysis, with 159 (43%) developing a PH. When utilising binary logistic regression, high FMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, P < 0.001) and low SMI (OR 0.96, P = 0.039) were primary drivers of risk of PH. A simplified model that only relied upon FMI, SMI, and preoperative albumin improved the classification of patients at risk of PH. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients who were obese or obese and sarcopenic had significantly worse PH‐free survival (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Body morphometry analysis identified FMI and SMI to be the most consistent predictors of PH after RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Is osteoporosis related to worst outcomes after fall accidents? After a fall accident, there were no differences in walking and balance between individuals with/without osteoporosis. Gains in fat tissue, higher pain, and difficulty to walk were related to previous falls, regardless of osteoporosis. Purpose: Impairments are expected after an accidental fall in the older age; whoever, it is still unclear if patients suffering from osteoporosis are in higher risks of fall accidents and if such accidents would cause worst outcomes compared with older adults without osteoporosis. The objective of this study was to discriminate fallers and non-fallers via a combination of physical performance measurements of older adults (65 + years) with and without osteoporosis. Methods: Older adults (n = 116) were screened for a previous fall accident and tested during (i) quiet stance; (ii) single- and dual-task walking; (iii) 8-Foot Up-and-Go; (iv) Mini BESTest; (v) 2-min step-in-place and (vi) 30-s chair stand. Evaluation of average daily pain intensity and total body fat% were obtained. Results: Forty-four subjects (38%) reported a previous fall accident. There was, however, no association between osteoporosis and previous fall. Fallers had a higher daily pain intensity, higher body fat%, slower walking speed during a cognitive dual-task test and worse performance at the 8-Foot Up-and-Go test and the Mini BESTest compared to non-fallers. Conclusions: Although the presence of osteoporosis might not increase the risk of fall accidents, healthcare professionals should expect that accidental falls in older adults are associated with higher body fat%, higher daily pain intensity and problems performing daily activities such as walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations among sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), liver fat content, and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, 5,690 women (53%) and men (47%) without preexisting diabetes were included and followed for incident T2D. SHBG concentrations were measured in all participants, VAT was measured using MRI, and liver fat content was measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a random subset of 1,822 participants. We examined associations between SHBG and liver fat using linear regression and bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses and between SHBG and T2D using Cox regression adjusted for confounding and additionally for VAT and liver fat to examine mediation. Mean age was 56 (SD 6) years, mean BMI was 30 (SD 4) kg/m2, median SHBG was 47 (interquartile range [IQR] 34–65) nmol/L in women and 34 (26–43) nmol/L in men, and median liver fat was 3.4% (IQR 1.6–8.2%) in women and 6.0% (2.9–13.5%) in men. Compared with the highest SHBG quartile, liver fat was 2.9-fold (95% CI 2.4, 3.4) increased in women and 1.6-fold (95% CI 1.3, 1.8) increased in men, and the hazard ratio of T2D was 4.9 (95% CI 2.4, 9.9) in women and 1.8 (1.1, 2.9) in men. Genetically predicted SHBG was associated with liver fat content (women: SD −0.45 [95% CI −0.55, −0.35]; men: natural logarithm, −0.25 [95% CI −0.34, −0.16]). VAT and liver fat together mediated 43% (women) and 60% (men) of the SHBG-T2D association. To conclude, in a middle-aged population with overweight, the association between low SHBG and increased risk of T2D was, for a large part, mediated by increased VAT and liver fat. Article Highlights: The objective of this study was to unravel the associations between sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The extent to which the association between low SHBG and increased risk of T2D was mediated by visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat was examined. VAT and liver fat were found to mediate a large part of the association between SHBG and T2D. Both lifestyle and medical interventions that increase SHBG may reduce VAT, liver fat, and the risk of T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the moderating role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) between the relationship of cardiometabolic risk factors and adiponectin in adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 255 adolescents of both sexes, aged 11 to 17 years. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters such as body mass, height, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were measured. Body mass index z-score (BMI-z), tri-ponderal mass index (TMI), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and age peak height velocity were calculated. The moderation analyses were tested using linear regression models. Interaction was observed with low CRF, indicating that those who achieved more than 2.27 (BMI-z), 2.18 (TMI), 2.10 (FM), 2.57 (insulin), 2.65 (HOMA-IR), and 2.81 (QUICKI) in L·min−1 on the CRF test may experience reduced risks in cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusion: The deleterious effects attributed to excess adiposity and unfavorable changes related to insulin resistance and sensitivity may be attenuated by CRF. What is Known: • Adiponectin, a protein derived from adipose tissue, may play a role as a potential marker of protection and predictor of cardiometabolic disorders and its relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness is controversial. What is New: • The deleterious effects attributed to overweight and unfavorable changes related to insulin resistance and sensitivity may be attenuated by high cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop age- and sex-specific reference data for body composition parameters, including fat-free mass (FFM), body cell mass (BCM), fat mass (FM) and related indices, fat mass percentage (FM%), total body water (TBW) and muscle mass (MM) and to assess differences in these parameters between male and female adolescents. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) data were obtained from an ethnically homogeneous sub-sample of 4037 normal-weight participants selected on the basis of BMI from the total sample (2005 males and 2032 females aged 10–18 years) of the ADOPOLNOR study, a cross-sectional population-based survey conducted in western Poland. The LMS method and RefCurv version 0.4.2 software package were used to calculate centile values and plot smoothed centile curves. The results showed age-related changes in body composition parameters and a clear sexual dimorphism. From the age of 13 (for FFM) or 14 (for BCM, BCMI and MM) or throughout adolescence (for TBW and FFMI), boys had consistently higher values for these parameters than girls (p < 0.01 for each). However, they had significantly lower values for FM, FMI and FM% (1.3, 1.6 and 1.5 times lower at 18 years, respectively), indicating a lower proportion of body fat than girls (p < 0.01 for each). The centile values and curves were specific for boys and girls of all ages. Compared with other European adolescent cohorts, the data fit the normal-weight subsamples better than the population reference data. Conclusion: This study provides reference data for body composition in normal (healthy) weight Polish adolescents, providing a contextualised framework that takes into account the unique physiological and environmental factors of the region. These reference data may also be useful for other Central European adolescents. What is Known: • Adolescence is a period of significant physical growth and increased susceptibility to nutritional problems due to factors such as suboptimal nutrition, unhealthy dietary choices, inadequate physical activity and psychosocial stressors related to body image concerns. • Body composition (BC) parameters, rather than BMI alone, are more effective in identifying nutritional abnormalities and health risks such as eating disorders, obesity and chronic diseases. Existing studies provide reference data for BC parameters, but often do not cover all relevant measures or specific regional populations. What is New: • This study provides new age- and sex-specific reference values for a comprehensive range of body composition parameters, including body cell mass (BCM), total body water (TBW) and muscle mass (MM), in addition to fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), in a large, ethnically homogeneous, normal-weight population of Polish adolescents aged 10–18 years. • These reference values for the normalweight cohort reflect healthy adolescent growth and body composition patterns, minimising bias from abnormal weight status. In addition, they can be applied to other Central European adolescent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A bidirectional relationship has been observed between type 2 diabetes mellitus and sarcopenia, especially among older adults. While previous studies have reported that imeglimin improves mitochondrial function, they have not assessed its effects on muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of imeglimin on muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited consenting patients with type 2 diabetes (20–75 years). Changes in lean body mass (LBM), fat mass, quadriceps muscle strength, and grip strength from baseline (week 0) to week 24 were evaluated and compared between patients treated with imeglimin therapy (group I) and those who did not take imeglimin (controls, group C). Results: We recruited 27 patients treated with imeglimin (group I) and 29 controls (group C), and 50 of them completed the study (group I: n = 23; group C: n = 27). The change in LBM, total body fat mass, or skeletal muscle index from baseline to week 24 did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, group I exhibited a significantly higher percent change in quadriceps knee extension strength from baseline to week 24 than group C (13 ± 19% and 2.1 ± 14%, p = 0.022). Conversely, the difference in percent change in grip strength was not significant. Multivariable analysis showed that imeglimin use was significantly associated with a percent change in quadriceps knee extension strength, independent of age, sex, body mass index, and skeletal mass index (β = 0.325, p = 0.0014). Conclusions: Imeglimin positively affected muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes without altering LBM. Therefore, imeglimin exerts a unique effect on skeletal muscles in humans. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings. Trial Registration: This research was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN, UMIN000054715). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer (PCa) has been associated with development of insulin resistance. However, the predominant site of insulin resistance remains unclear. Methods: The ADT & Metabolism Study was a single‐center, 24‐week, prospective observational study that enrolled ADT‐naive men without diabetes who were starting ADT for at least 24 weeks (ADT group, n = 42). The control group comprised men without diabetes with prior history of PCa who were in remission after prostatectomy (non‐ADT group, n = 23). Prevalent diabetes mellitus was excluded in both groups using all three laboratory criteria defined in the American Diabetes Association guidelines. All participants were eugonadal at enrollment. The primary outcome was to elucidate the predominant site of insulin resistance (liver or skeletal muscle). Secondary outcomes included assessments of body composition, and hepatic and intramyocellular fat. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Results: At 24 weeks, there was no change in hepatic (1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.10 to 4.43; p =.47) or skeletal muscle (−3.2; 95% CI, −7.07 to 0.66; p =.10) insulin resistance in the ADT group. No increase in hepatic or intramyocellular fat deposition or worsening of glucose was seen. These changes were mirrored by those observed in the non‐ADT group. Men undergoing ADT gained 3.7 kg of fat mass. Conclusions: In men with PCa and no diabetes, 24 weeks of ADT did not change insulin resistance despite adverse body composition changes. These findings should be reassuring for treating physicians and for patients who are being considered for short‐term ADT. In this prospective study of hormone‐naive men who were eugonadal and did not have diabetes, 24 weeks of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) was not associated with worsening of hepatic or skeletal muscle insulin resistance despite a substantial increase in fat mass. These findings have relevance for both physicians and patients when determining treatment for PCa and suggest that a short course of ADT may not worsen metabolic risk in patients without pre‐existing diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anuran advertisement calls can provide accurate information on the reproductive quality of the male callers, thus providing females with indicators for the selection of mates. Body size is generally correlated with the dominant frequency of male advertisement calls. However, it is unclear whether and to what extent call parameters are associated with gonadal investment and the energy reserves of the males. Given that in tropical seasonally dry environments the wet season is very short, gathering information about gonadal investment and energy reserves of mates should be particularly important. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between acoustic performance, gonadal condition, and fat storage in the Neotropical frog Physalaemus albifrons from the Brazilian semiarid region, testing the hypothesis that the advertisement call (repetition rate, call duration, and fundamental and dominant frequencies) would be a good predictor of male quality in terms of gonadal investment (testicle length) and energy reserves (mass of fat bodies). Contrary to our predictions, neither testicle length nor the mass of fat bodies was related to any of the acoustic parameters of the advertisement calls of P. albifrons. These results indicate that the advertisement call of P. albifrons does not provide reliable information on gonadal investment or energy storage of males. Possibly, in habitats with little and unpredictable rainfall, males of P. albifrons should present small variation in gonadal and fat storage conditions during its short reproductive window. Our findings contribute to the understanding of anuran reproductive strategies in seasonally dry environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of metabolic health, particularly in obesity, has attracted a lot of attention in the scientific community, and is being increasingly used to determine the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus-related complications. This Review assesses the current understanding of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). First, we present the historical evolution of the concept. Second, we discuss the evidence for and against its existence, the usage of different definitions of MHO over the years and the efforts made to provide novel definitions of MHO. Third, we highlight epidemiological data with regard to cardiovascular risk in MHO, which is estimated to be moderately elevated using widely used definitions of MHO when compared with individuals with metabolically healthy normal weight, but potentially not elevated using a novel definition of MHO. Fourth, we discuss novel findings about the physiological mechanisms involved in MHO and how such knowledge helps to identify and characterize both people with MHO and those with metabolically unhealthy normal weight. Finally, we address how the concept of MHO can be used for risk stratification and treatment in clinical practice. This Review discusses the current understanding of the concept of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), the challenges in defining MHO and how the MHO concept can be used to improve the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic disease. Key points: The concept of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is attracting a huge amount of attention in the scientific community. Total cardiovascular risk in individuals with MHO, when compared with individuals with metabolically healthy normal weight, is moderately elevated using widely used definitions of MHO. Cardiovascular mortality risk in individuals with MHO, when compared with individuals with metabolically healthy normal weight, might not be elevated when using a novel definition of MHO. Novel genetic data strongly support the hypothesis that body adipose tissue distribution, including the ability to expand adipose tissue mass in the gluteofemoral adipose tissue compartment, is an important determinant of MHO. As of today, the concept of MHO can be used for risk stratification and treatment in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Adipose tissue is a large endocrine organ that serves numerous physiological functions. As we age, adipose tissue remodels and can develop functional changes that alters its phenotype, potentially contributing to metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Aging adipose tissue is characterized by regional redistribution of fat, accumulation of senescent cells, fibrosis, and decline in adipocyte differentiation capacities, which collectively impact adipose tissue function and whole body health. A notable transformation involves increased accumulation of intra‐abdominal visceral adipose tissue and ectopic fat around internal organs such as the heart, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys that alter their functions. Other changes associated with aging include alterations in adipokine secretion and changes in adipocyte size and numbers. Aging adipocytes play a role in mediating chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Visceral adipose tissue, which increases in volume with aging, is in particular associated with inflammation, angiogenic dysfunction, and microvascular abnormalities, and mediators released by visceral fat may have adverse consequences systemically in multiple target organs, including the cardiovascular system. Understanding mechanisms underlying adipose tissue aging and its impact on cardiovascular health are important for developing interventions and treatments to promote healthy aging and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to investigate the mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers in the causal effect of body composition on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes. Methods: A retrospective observational study and a Mendelian randomization (MR) study were used. Observational analyses were performed using data from 4717 Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–18 years who underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for body composition. MR analyses were based on summary statistics from UK Biobank, deCODE2021, Meta‐Analysis of Glucose and Insulin‐Related Traits Consortium (MAGIC) and other large consortiums. Inflammatory biomarkers included leptin, adiponectin, osteocalcin, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Results: In a retrospective observational study, increased fat mass had a positive effect on homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and homeostasis model assessment of pancreatic beta cell function (HOMA‐β) through FGF23, whereas fat‐free mass produced the opposite effects. PTH and osteocalcin played significant roles in the association of fat mass and fat‐free mass with fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR (all p < 0.05). Mediation MR results indicated that childhood body mass index affected glycaemic traits through leptin and adiponectin. There existed a causal effect of fat‐free mass on type 2 diabetes via FGF23 (indirect effect: OR [odds ratio]: 1.14 [95% CI, confidence interval: 1.01–1.28]) and adiponectin (OR: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.77–0.93]). Leptin mediated the causal association of fat mass (indirect effect: β: −0.05 [95% CI: −0.07, −0.02]) and fat‐free mass (β: 0.03 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.04]) with fasting glucose. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that different body compositions have differential influences on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes through distinct inflammatory biomarkers. The findings may be helpful in tailoring management of body composition based on inflammatory biomarkers with different glycaemic statuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of diacerein monotherapy in adults with obesity. Methods: Forty‐two adults with obesity participated in the study and were randomly assigned to receive diacerein or placebo in addition to lifestyle modification for 14 weeks, in a double‐blinded fashion. Differences in changes in body weight, body composition, metabolic variables, fatty liver‐related indicators, cardiovascular system variables, lifestyle score and metabolic factors were compared. Results: Post‐treatment weight loss percentage from baseline was −6.56% (−8.71%, −4.41%) in the diacerein group and −0.59% (−2.74%, 1.56%) in the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, the diacerein group showed significant improvements in body composition, metabolic variables and indicators related to fatty liver. In addition, after 14 weeks of treatment, diacerein led to a significant reduction in serum visfatin concentration versus the placebo group. The reductions in total body fat mass and visceral fat area mediated the weight loss induced by diacerein. No significant differences were found between the groups in the number of adverse events and safety variables. Conclusions: For adults with obesity, diacerein led to a clinically meaningful weight loss and provided multiple metabolic benefits with acceptable safety. These results support that diacerein is a promising candidate medicine to be developed for obesity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the effects of a small‐molecule nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitor, 5A1MQ, on body composition, metabolic variables, fatty liver pathologies, and circulating biomarkers in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice, and characterize its plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) and tissue distribution in vivo. Materials and Methods: DIO mice were administered vehicle or 5A1MQ once daily for 28 days. Longitudinal measures of body composition, blood glucose and plasma insulin levels, and terminal measures of liver histopathology and serum markers, were evaluated. Plasma and tissue PK were established in age‐ and strain‐matched mice after intravenous, oral, and subcutaneous dosing of 5A1MQ. Results: 5A1MQ treatment dose‐dependently limited body weight and fat mass gains, improved oral glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and suppressed hyperinsulinaemia in DIO mice. Liver histology from 5A1MQ‐treated DIO mice showed attenuated hepatic steatosis and macrophage infiltration, and correspondingly reduced liver weight, size, and triglyceride levels. 5A1MQ treatment normalized circulating levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and ketone bodies, supporting an overall improvement in liver and metabolic functions. The pharmacodynamic effects of 5A1MQ were further corroborated by its high systemic exposure and effective distribution to metabolically active tissues, including adipose, muscle and liver, following subcutaneous dosing of mice. Conclusions: This work validates NNMT inhibition as a viable pharmacological approach to ameliorate metabolic imbalances and improve liver pathologies that develop with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the hypothesis that there would be ethnic differences in the relationship between ectopic fat and tissue‐specific insulin resistance (IR) across a spectrum of glucose tolerance in Black African (BA) and White European (WE) men. Materials and Methods: Fifty‐three WE men (23/10/20 normal glucose tolerance [NGT]/impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]/type 2 diabetes [T2D]) and 48 BA men (20/10/18, respectively) underwent a two‐step hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp with infusion of D‐[6,6‐2H2]‐glucose and [2H5]‐glycerol to assess hepatic, peripheral and adipose tissue IR. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intrahepatic lipid (IHL). Associations between ectopic fat and IR were assessed using linear regression models. Results: There were no differences in tissue‐specific IR between ethnic groups at any stage of glucose tolerance. VAT level was consistently lower in the BA population; NGT (p = 0.013), IGT (p = 0.006) and T2D (p = 0.015). IHL was also lower in the BA compared with the WE men (p = 0.013). VAT and IHL levels were significantly associated with hepatic IR in the BA population (p = 0.001) and with peripheral IR in the WE population (p = 0.027). Conclusions: The present study suggests that BA and WE men exhibit the same degree of IR across a glucose tolerance continuum, but with lower VAT and IHL levels in the BA population, suggesting that IR may be driven by a mechanism other than increased ectopic fat accumulation in BA men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Objective: There is no conclusive epidemiological evidence regarding the relationship between OA, depression, and whole-body fat mass. In this study, we conducted a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis to determine the causal relationships between them. Design: The published summary-level data are from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Our study included 357,957 samples and 10,828,862 SNPs. Finally, the outcome GWAS data for OA came from a GWAS on the genetic architecture of OA using UK Biobank data. This study included 50,508 samples and 15,845,511 SNPs. We used five different modes of analysis, including inverse variance weighted meta-analysis (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode, to explore causal relationships. Results: We found a positive correlation between depression and body fat mass, with depression leading to body fat mass an increase in (IVW result: p = 3.39E-07, OR (95 % CI) =2.16 (1.61, 2.90)). We also found a positive correlation between body fat mass and OA, with body fat mass increasing the risk of OA (IVW result: p = 1.65E-33, OR (95 % CI) = 1.98 (1.77, 2.21). Body fat mass played an important role as a mediator in the causal relationship between depression and OA, with approximately 14 % of the risk of OA caused by depression being mediated by body fat mass. Conclusions: Our study offers reliable evidence that depression has a detrimental impact on the risk of OA. Future research can support these associations from improving depressed effect, including social, biological, and behavioral factors, to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis. And we identified high-risk variation of alleles which associated with OA and depression can be used to predict disease and provide a basis for clinical intervention and treatment of OA. • The study introduces an innovative approach in utilizing two-step and multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MR) for causal mediation analysis, catering to the exploration of the effect of body fat mass on Osteoarthritis (OA) through the mediating role of depression. • By sidestepping the requirement for individual-level data, this research efficiently leverages genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to gather population-scale data, enhancing the robustness and scope of its findings. • Approximately 14% of the risk of osteoarthritis caused by depression is mediated through body fat as a variable. • The study identified a series of susceptibility genes related to depression and osteoarthritis, providing new potential targets for the treatment of osteoarthritis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Adipose steroid metabolism modifies body fat development in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective To determine whether subcutaneous (SC) abdominal adipose aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3; a marker of testosterone generation) is increased in normal-weight women with PCOS vs age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched normoandrogenic ovulatory women (controls) and is related to SC abdominal adipose activator protein-1 (AP-1; a marker of adipocyte differentiation) and/or androgen receptor (AR) protein expression in predicting fat accretion. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Academic center. Patients Eighteen normal-weight PCOS women; 17 age- and BMI-matched controls. Intervention(s) Circulating hormone/metabolic determinations, intravenous glucose tolerance testing, total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, SC abdominal fat biopsy, immunohistochemistry. Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical characteristics, hormonal concentrations, body fat distribution, SC adipose AKR1C3, AR, and AP-1 protein expression. Results Women with PCOS had significantly higher serum androgen levels and greater android/gynoid fat mass ratios than controls. SC adipose AKR1C3, AR, and AP-1 protein expressions were comparable between the study groups, but groups differed in correlations. In PCOS women vs controls, SC adipose AKR1C3 protein expression correlated positively with android and gynoid fat masses and negatively with SC adipose AP-1 protein expression. SC adipose AR protein expression correlated negatively with fasting serum free fatty acid and high-density lipoprotein levels. In both study groups, SC adipose AKR1C3 protein expression negatively correlated with serum cortisol levels. Conclusion In normal-weight PCOS women, SC abdominal adipose AKR1C3 protein expression, in combination with intra-adipose AP-1 and AR-dependent events, predicts fat accretion in the presence of physiological cortisol levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Prolonged periods of sitting have been linked to negative health outcomes. Implementation of sit-stand desks in the workplace has been one strategy to reduce prolonged sitting. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of sit-stand workstations on reducing sitting time and improving other health outcomes of office-based workers. METHODS: 39 Portuguese office workers were randomized into a 6-month parallel-group cluster RCT consisting by the implementation of sit-stand desks in the workplace. The primary outcome of sitting time was assessed using ActivPAL. Secondary outcomes included biometric, psychological, and diet-related variables. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months for the whole sample and at 3 months for a sub-sample of the intervention group (n = 11). RESULTS: No significant time*group interaction was found for the primary or secondary outcomes, apart from waist circumference favoring the control group (Δ–1.81 cm, pinteraction = 0.04). There were significant changes within the intervention group for sitting time (–44.0 min/day), prolonged sitting (>30 min) (–45.3 min/day) and standing time (51.7 min/day) at 3 months in the sub-sample and in prolonged sitting (>30 min) (–26 min/day) in the full intervention group (p < 0.05). Changes were also observed within the intervention group for percent body fat (Δ–3.7%) and ratings of quality of life (Δ2.2), musculoskeletal discomfort (Δ–4.9), overall fatigue (Δ–2.2), and the need for recovery after work (Δ–1.7) at 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although not being effective for reducing sitting time, the implementation of sit-stand desks in the Portuguese workspace was shown to be feasible over the long term, received well by users, and may offer other health benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: OSF Registration, OSF.IO/JHGPW. Registered 15 November 2022. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JHGPW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Low birth weight, as seen in Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), is associated with later cardiometabolic disease. Data on long-term outcomes and adult body composition in SRS are limited. Objective To evaluate body composition and metabolic health in adults with SRS. Methods This was an observational study of 25 individuals with molecularly confirmed SRS, aged ≥ 18 years, from research facilities across the UK. Body composition and metabolic health were assessed at a single appointment. Individuals with SRS were compared with unaffected men and women (from the Southampton Women's Survey [SWS]). Fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density (BMD), blood pressure, lipids, and blood glucose were measured. Results Twenty-five adults with SRS were included (52% female). The median age was 32.9 years (range, 22.0 to 69.7). Fat percentage was greater in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (44.1% vs 30.3%, P <.001). Fat mass index was similar (9.6 vs 7.8, P =.3). Lean mass percentage (51.8% vs 66.2%, P <.001) and lean mass index (13.5 kg/m2 vs 17.3 kg/m2, P <.001) were lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort. BMD was lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (1.08 vs 1.24, P <.001; all median values). Total cholesterol was ≥ 5 mmol/L in 52.0%. Triglyceride levels were ≥ 1.7 mmol/L in 20.8%. Fasting blood glucose levels were ≥ 6.1 mmol/L in 25.0%. Hypertension was present in 33.3%. Conclusion Adults with SRS have an unfavorable body composition and predisposition to cardiometabolic disease. These results support the need for a health surveillance strategy to mitigate adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of industrial chemicals has raised concerns regarding exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which interfere with developmental, reproductive and metabolic processes. Of particular concern is their interaction with adipose tissue, a vital component of the endocrine system regulating metabolic and hormonal functions. The SGBS (Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome) cell line, a well‐established human‐relevant model for adipocyte research, closely mimics native adipocytes' properties. It responds to hormonal stimuli, undergoes adipogenesis and has been successfully used to study the impact of EDCs on adipose biology. In this study, we screened human exposure‐relevant doses of various EDCs on the SGBS cell line to investigate their effects on viability, lipid accumulation and adipogenesis‐related protein expression. Submicromolar doses were generally well tolerated; however, at higher doses, EDCs compromised cell viability, with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) showing the most pronounced effects. Intracellular lipid levels remained unaffected by EDCs, except for tributyltin (TBT), used as a positive control, which induced a significant increase. Analysis of adipogenesis‐related protein expression revealed several effects, including downregulation of fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) by dibutyl phthalate, upregulation by CdCl2 and downregulation of perilipin 1 and FABP4 by perfluorooctanoic acid. Additionally, TBT induced dose‐dependent upregulation of C/EBPα, perilipin 1 and FABP4 protein expression. These findings underscore the importance of employing appropriate models to study EDC‐adipocyte interactions. Conclusions from this research could guide strategies to reduce the negative impacts of EDC exposure on adipose tissue. The increasing use of chemicals raises concerns about exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study used the Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome cell line, a human‐relevant adipocyte model, to screen the effect of various EDCs on viability, lipid accumulation and adipogenesis‐related protein expression. Submicromolar doses were generally well tolerated, and EDCs did not affect lipid levels except for tributyltin, which increased them and also upregulated FABP4, perilipin 1 and C/EBPα. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a unique fat depot located between the myocardium and the visceral layer of pericardium. It can be further subdivided into pericoronary (PCAT), periatrial (PAAT) and periventricular adipose tissue (PVentAT), each of them exhibiting specific characteristics and association with the underlying tissue. Since no physical barrier separates EAT from the myocardium, this fat tissue can easily interact with the underlying cardiac structure. EAT can be visualized using various imaging modalities. Computed tomography provides not only information on EAT volume, but also on its density. Indeed, EAT density reflected by the recently developed fat attenuation index (FAI) is emerging as a useful index of PCAT inflammation, PAAT inflammation and fibrosis, while the relevance of density of PVentAT is much less known. The emerging data indicates that FAI can be an important diagnostic and prognostic tool in both coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation. Future studies will demonstrate if it also could be used as a marker of efficacy of therapies and whether FAI PVentAT could indicate ventricular pathologies, such as heart failure. The aim of the review is to present computed tomography derived FAI as an important tool both to study and better understand the epicardial fat and as a potential predictive marker in cardiovascular disorders. Highlights: Epicardial fat (EAT) is located between the myocardium and the pericardium. EAT density, reflected by fat attenuation index (FAI), reflects its characteristics. FAI is emerging as an important diagnostic and prognostic tool in cardiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum membrane contact (MERC) is an important mode of intercellular organelle communication and plays a crucial role in adipose tissue metabolism. Functionality of Hoxa5 is an important transcription factor involved in adipose tissue fate determination and metabolic regulation, but the relationship between Hoxa5 and MERC is not well understood. Results: In our study, we established an obesity model mouse by high-fat diet (HFD), induced the alteration of Hoxa5 expression by adenoviral transfection, and explored the effect of Hoxa5 on MERC dysfunction and metabolic distortions of adipose tissue with the help of transmission electron microscopy, calcium ion probe staining, and other detection means. The results showed Hoxa5 was able to reduce MERC production, alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and calcium over-transport, and affect cGAS-STING-mediated innate immune response affecting adipose tissue energy metabolism, as well as affect the AKT-IP3R pathway to alleviate insulin resistance and ameliorate metabolic distortions in adipose tissue of mice. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Hoxa5 can ameliorate high-fat diet-induced MERC overproduction and related functional abnormalities, in which finding is expected to provide new ideas for the improvement of obesity-related metabolic distortions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Conclusion As the human body ages, adverse body composition status such as sarcopenia and obesity become obvious phenotypes which can cause numerous health problems. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the association of sex hormones and body mass components in adult men of various age groups.We analysed national representative population data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Generalized linear model regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between sex hormones (total testosterone [TT], bio‐available testosterone [BT], sex hormone‐binding globulin [SHBG], estradiol [E2] and testosterone to estradiol ratio [T/E ratio]) and body mass components (weight, body mass index (BMI), total lean mass, appendicular lean mass, bone mineral content, total fat and trunk fat). The collection and testing time of blood samples were not fixed and there was no strict fasting, but in subsequent analysis we used statistical methods to minimize the impact of random testing.After screening for inclusion and exclusion, 3759 male participants aged 20–85 years old were included in this study. Higher levels of TT, SHBG, BT and T/E ratios were significantly associated with higher total lean mass, appendicular lean mass and bone mineral content, while lower weight, BMI, total fat and trunk fat. For E2 levels in men, we found an opposite trend, with higher E2 levels significantly associated with lower total lean mass and appendicular lean mass, and higher weight, BMI, total fat and trunk fat. Notably, in subgroup analysis, the results showed that there were significant interaction effects of age and smoking history in the association between sex hormones and body mass components.Higher TT levels, BT levels, SHBG levels and T/E ratios are associated with lower body weight and improved body composition in young adult men (characterized by higher lean body mass, higher bone density and lower fat mass). The relationship is especially pronounced among relatively young, nonsmoking men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary We aimed to examine the effects of isocaloric fructose restriction on adipose tissue distribution and serum adipokines. Individuals with BMI >28 kg/m2 (n = 44) followed a 6‐week fructose‐restricted diet and were randomly allocated to (double‐blind) oral supplementation with fructose (control) or glucose (intervention) powder three times daily. Visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue was quantified with MRI. Serum interleukin 6 and 8, tumour necrosis factor alpha and adiponectin levels were measured with sandwich immunoassay. BMI decreased in both groups, but the change did not differ between groups (−0.1 kg/m2, 95%CI: −0.3; 0.5). SAT decreased statistically significantly in the control group (−23.2 cm3, 95%CI: −49.4; −4.1), but not in the intervention group. The change in SAT did not differ between groups (29.6 cm3, 95%CI: −1.2; 61.8). No significant differences in VAT were observed within or between study arms. The VAT/SAT ratio decreased statistically significantly in the intervention group (−0.02, 95%CI: −0.04; −0.003) and the change was significantly different between groups (−0.03, 95%CI: −0.54; −0.003). Serum adipokine levels were not affected by the intervention. This study shows that a fructose‐restricted diet resulted in a favourable change in adipose tissue distribution, but did not affect serum adipokines. Further studies are warranted to clarify the underlying mechanisms how fructose affects adipose tissue distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Design Patients Measurements Results Conclusion Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is an important factor in weight management and is influenced by fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and age. Current knowledge of the influence of hormonal levels on BMR is based on studies with small populations, studies that investigate exogenous administration and studies frequently lacking correction for body composition.Cross‐sectional study.All men (n = 457) who were referred to our centre for a metabolic work‐up were eligible for inclusion. Median age was 47 (18–78) years and the vast majority had obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², 90.9%).All men had a measurement of BMR, body composition and measurement of testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4). Men with low, normal and/or high levels of each of these hormones were compared. The association between hormone levels and BMR was assessed through linear regression models. All analyses were controlled for FFM, FM and age.In men with obesity, testosterone (total or free) was not associated with BMR. Linear regression analysis showed that DHEAS was positively associated with BMR in a sample of men with obesity and normal endogenous DHEAS levels, with the following equation: BMR (adjusted R² = 0.72): (BMR [kcal/d] = 513.402 + 18.940 × FFM [kg] + 9.507 × FM [kg] − 3.362 × age [years] + 0.307 × DHEAS [µg/dL]) (p < 0.01). TSH, fT4 and IGF‐1 were not associated with BMR.In men with obesity, endogenous DHEAS is positively associated with BMR. Testosterone, TSH, fT4 and IGF‐1 were not associated with BMR in men with obesity. Since we examined the specific population of men with obesity and only examined endogenous hormone levels, no extrapolation of results to other populations or the overall population can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to verify whether selected somatic parameters and components of body composition were significant predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among a potentially healthy Polish population of adolescents aged 11–14 years. The cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of 375 subjects (164 girls, and 211 boys). A 20 m shuttle run test (20 m SRT) was used to assess CRF. The total number of rounds was taken into account. Basic somatic parameters were measured: body mass (BM), body height (BH), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body composition components: body fat percentage (FM%), fat mass (FM kg), total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM). Statistical analyses included basic statistical measures (mean and standard deviation) and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to detect significant predictors of CRF. In each proposed model, the dependent variable was the number of rounds, and the independent variables were selected somatic parameters and components of body composition. More than half (65%) of the subjects had an average or lower level of CRF, and 35% of the population presented a good or above good level of CRF. The study showed a statistically significant negative correlation between BM, FM%, FM kg, HC, WC, BMI, WHR, WHtR and the number of laps in the total sample. The strongest correlation in the group of girls was noted for age (r = 0.34) and in the group of boys for FM% (r = - 0.52 ). Each regression model presented proved to be statistically significant, and the significant predictors of CRF in the group of girls were age ( R 2 = 16%) and FM% ( R 2 = 6%). In the group of boys, the significant predictors of CRF were WHtR ( R 2 = 8%) and age ( R 2 = 2%). Estimating body fat distribution is useful in assessing cardiorespiratory fitness, and this in turn indicates its usefulness in preventive screening of school-aged adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis-induced myopathy (SIM) has been recognized as a critical risk factor for the development of acquired muscle weakness among patients in the intensive care unit. These individuals frequently encounter inadequate dietary intake and malnutrition. With the aggravation of the severity of the person's condition, leading to increased skeletal muscle protein breakdown and reduced synthesis, which is an urgent problem to be solved in clinical nutritional treatment. Whole milk protein powder (WMPP) has promising bioactive nutrients and holds promising potential for enhancing skeletal muscle mass. The study was designed to delve into the potential effects and mechanisms of WMPP intervention for increaseing skeletal muscle mass on SIM mice. Our results clearly show that the intervention with WMPP can significantly improve the exercise capacity and skeletal muscle mass in SIM mice. It significantly increases the diameter and cross-sectional area (CSA) of skeletal muscle fibers, while effectively reducing the excessive aggregation of collagen fibers and the abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue in the skeletal muscle of SIM mice. Moreover, WMPP intervention also significantly alleviated the oxidative stress status of mitochondria, which subsequently enhanced the expression of mitochondrial metabolic enzymes. The mechanism may be associated with decreased AMPK phosphorylation in skeletal muscle tissue and simultaneously increased phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6K1, and 4EBP-1 in SIM mice. In summary, the WMPP intervention significantly enhances exercise capacity and skeletal muscle mass while mitigating the oxidative stress status of mitochondria. Furthermore, it regulates skeletal muscle anabolism via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in SIM mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is one of the public health issues that seriously threatens human health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of wheat bran oil (WBO) on body weight and fat/lipid accumulation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats and further explore the possible mechanisms by microbiome and metabolome analyses. Methods: Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed either a normal chow diet (B group, n = 10) or HFD (n = 40) for 14 weeks to establish an obesity model. The HFD-induced obese rats were further divided into four groups and given WBO at 0 mL/kg (M group), 1.25 mL/kg (WBO-L group), 2.5 mL/kg (WBO-M group), and 5 mL/kg (WBO-H group) by oral gavage for 9 weeks. The body weight of rats was weighed weekly. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed using 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The liver metabolite profile was determined using UHPLC-QE-MS non-target metabolomics technology. Results: In this study, WBO treatment reduced body weight gain, fat and lipid accumulation, and ameliorated hepatic steatosis and inflammation. WBO treatment increased the relative abundance of Romboutsia and Allobaculum and decreased that of Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Alloprevotella, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Alistipes, Parabacteroides, UCG-005, Helicobacter, Colidextribacter, and Parasutterella compared with the M group. A total of 22 liver metabolites were significantly altered by WBO treatment, which were mainly involved in taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotunamide metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and ether lipid metabolism. Conclusions: WBO alleviated body weight gain and fat/lipid accumulation in HFD-induced obese rats, which may be related to altered gut microbiota and liver metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mongolian cattle are local breeds in northern China with excellent adaptability to harsh environmental conditions. Adipose tissues play essential roles in tolerance to cold and disease, but the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms are unclear. Methods: Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed on the adipose tissues from the subcutaneous (SAT), greater omentum (OAT) and perirenal (PAT) of 3 healthy cattle. The adipogenic trajectory was analyzed, and the functional roles of gene of interest were verified in vitro. Results: There were different cell subpopulations in adipose tissues. The lipid-deposition adipocytes identified by the PTGER3 marker exhibited outstanding characteristics in SAT. In PAT and OAT, aldosterone was expressed to provide clues for the differential brown adipocytes. Among the DEGs by comparing OAT with SAT and PAT with OAT, C3 was significantly expressed in most of the cell populations in SAT. G0S2, LIPE, LPIN1, PTGER3 and RGCC took part in the adipogenic trajectory from preadipocyte commitment to mature adipocytes. S100A4 expression affected Ca2+ signaling and the expression of UCP1 ~ 3, FABP4 and PTGER3. Conclusion: The cell heterogeneity and genes expressed in adipose tissues of Mongolian cattle not only determine the endocrine and energy storage, but contribute to adapt to cold and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Interpretation The objective of this study was to investigate the association between developmental and premorbid body composition measurements and the risk of motor neuron disease (MND).We performed a cohort study in the UK Biobank to assess the association of developmental body metrics and premorbid body composition measures (using 28 measurements and 7 patterns of body composition) with the risk of MND. Among participants with longitudinal measures, we compared the changes in body composition over time between individuals who later developed MND and those who remained free of MND.Among the 412,691 individuals included in this study, 549 people received an MND diagnosis during the follow‐up visit. Higher birth weight was associated with an increased risk of MND among individuals born over 4 kg (hazard ratio [HR] per kg increase = 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38–3.55), and taller adult height was associated with an increased risk of MND (HR per 5 cm increase = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03–1.17). We observed that measures of elevated fat mass were associated with a lower risk of MND more than 5 years before diagnosis. A higher “leg‐dominant fat distribution” pattern was associated with an increased risk whereas higher “muscle strength” was associated with a reduced risk of MND 5 years before diagnosis. Longitudinal analyses indicated a faster decline in measures of fat mass and muscle strength, as well as a shift in fat distribution from arm to leg dominant, among individuals who later developed MND, compared with others.Body composition at early and middle age may be indicative of the risk of MND development. ANN NEUROL 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The changes in body composition during puberty not only contribute to the differences in body composition between adult males and females but also have associations with growth problems and metabolic disorders, including obesity. Therefore, understanding the changes in body composition during the pubertal period and analyzing reference values based on race and gender are essential research resources. The objective of this study was to generate reference centiles for body composition on a monthly basis using an extensive dataset of body composition information from Korean children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 88,069 measurements from 22,515 children (11,062 boys and 11,453 girls) aged 7–16 years using a bioelectrical impedance analysis were included in the study after performing a Z-score-based data management procedure. Height, weight, body fat mass (BFM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured and used to derive body fat percentage (BF%), body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Sex- and age-specific centiles were estimated using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape with the Box-Cox Cole and Green distribution (i.e., lambda-mu-sigma method). Results: The sex- and age-related disparities in body composition were most pronounced when weight was partitioned into BFM and FFM. In boys, the FFM increased markedly during pubertal growth spurts, whereas BFM remained relatively stable. In girls, the BFM increased steadily, whereas the rate of FFM increased slowly. The BMI increased steadily with age in both sexes. However, when BMI was parsed into FMI and FFMI, it became clear that the FFMI increased substantially during pubertal growth in boys, whereas the FMI peaked around age 11 and then declined. Conversely, the FMI increased steadily in girls, albeit with a slowing rate in the increase of the FFMI beginning around age 12. Conclusions: This study produced age- and sex-specific reference percentiles for body composition indices in Korean children and adolescents using extensive biometric data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the clinicopathological features of 3 new cases of soft-tissue keratocyst (STK) of the buccal mucosa from Brazil. Materials and methods: Clinical data from 3 patients diagnosed with STK were obtained from the archives of the Laboratory of Oral Pathology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro– Brazil from 2020 to 2023. Two oral pathologists reviewed conventional hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of each case. Immunohistochemical stainings for CK19, Bcl-2, CD138, D2-40, EMA, and Ki-67 were performed in all cases. Results: Case 1 was a 58-year-old man with a 2-year history of painless swelling of the right buccal mucosa, measuring approximately 5 cm. Case 2 was of a 44-year-old man with a painful swelling in the left buccal mucosa lasting 3 years with drainage to the oral cavity. Case 3 was of a 74-year-old woman with a painful swelling in the left buccal mucosa of unknown duration. Microscopic evaluation of all 3 cases revealed a cyst lined with a few cell layers composed of columnar palisading basal cells and a corrugated parakeratin surface. The capsule comprised fibrous connective tissue with variable amounts of blood vessels with hemorrhage, nerve bundles, fat tissue, striated muscle fibers, and the absence of pilosebaceous units. No recurrence was observed after complete surgical removal. All epithelial layers of the 3 cases expressed positivity for CK19 and CD138, the basal cells were positive for Bcl-2 and D2-40, and the superficial epithelial layer was positive for EMA. All cases demonstrated a low proliferation index by Ki-67. Conclusion: This study represents a series of 3 cases of STK that affected the posterior buccal mucosa of middle-aged patients from Brazil, sharing histopathological and immunohistochemical features with odontogenic keratocyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with alterations in testosterone concentrations. While evidence indicates that aerobic training can influence testosterone in healthy populations or females with hyperandrogenism, its impact in individuals with obesity or T2D remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether aerobic training can influence circulating testosterone concentrations in individuals with obesity or T2D. Methods: EBSCOhost (CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus), PubMed and Embase were searched for articles published until August 2023. Eligible articles included individuals with obesity or T2D that underwent an aerobic exercise intervention with testosterone concentrations measured at baseline and post intervention. Two reviewers independently screened the seven articles included in this meta-analysis and conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessments. Results: A total of 103 participants (62 men / 41 women) from three randomised controlled trials and four non-randomised controlled trials were included. Effect sizes were computed with random effects models. Aerobic exercise moderately increased testosterone concentrations in men (g = 0.565, 95% CI = 0.307 to 0.822, p < 0.001), but had no significant effect in women (g = -0.523, 95% CI = -1.541, 0.496, p = 0.314). Aerobic exercise had no significant effect on sex hormone-binding globulin or markers of insulin sensitivity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Aerobic training may be used to increase testosterone concentrations in men with obesity or T2D, but potentially has no influence in women. Given the low number of studies, further studies investigating the effect of exercise on circulating sex hormones in men and women with obesity or T2D are needed. Key Points: • Aerobic exercise training can significantly increase testosterone concentrations in men who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. • Aerobic exercise training does not appear to significantly influence testosterone concentrations in women who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. • Aerobic exercise training could be utilised to improve testosterone concentrations in men who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of habitual late calorie intake on glucose metabolism in adults with overweight or obesity and diet or metformin-controlled prediabetes or type 2 diabetes independently of body weight, fat mass, energy intake or diet composition. Participants (n = 26) were classified as Later Eaters (LE) if ≥45% daily calories were consumed after 5 pm and Early Eaters (EE) if not, based on daily caloric intake assessed over 2-wk. EE and LE did not differ in anthropometrics or daily energy intake, but LE consumed more carbohydrates (p = 0.038) and fats (p = 0.039) after 5 pm. Fasting glucose, insulin, and C-peptide did not differ between groups but LE exhibited higher glucose concentrations after an oral glucose tolerance test (p = 0.001), even after adjusting for body weight, fat mass, energy intake and diet composition (p < 0.05). Glucose results remained when participants with T2D were excluded (p = 0.031). After diabetes status adjustment, differences in glucose concentrations were higher in LE for time 30 (p = 0.028) and 60 min (p = 0.036). LE, compared to EE, had poorer glucose tolerance, independent of body weight, fat mass, daily energy intake and diet composition. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04465721. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in energy metabolism because it uses fatty acids for thermogenesis during cold exposure. Preclinical studies found that boysenberry anthocyanins (BoyACs) activate BAT. Therefore, the aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate how BoyAC intake affects BAT in humans. We performed an open-label single-arm nonrandomized study in healthy volunteers. Before and after 4 weeks of daily consumption of 100 ml boysenberry juice (BoyJ) containing 61 mg of BoyACs, participants were assessed at 24 °C and then after 1 h of mild cold exposure (18 °C). An infrared thermography camera was used to measure skin surface temperatures in the supraclavicular BAT region (Tscv) and the non-BAT region of the upper chest (Tch). Energy metabolism was measured by indirect calorimetry. For each endpoint, we calculated Δ as the difference between values before and after cold exposure and compared the values before and after BoyJ intake. 10 volunteers participated (age: 36.1 ± 4.1, body mass index (BMI): 20.9 ± 0.6). After BoyJ intake, ΔTscv-ch was significantly higher (p = 0.029), but Δ energy expenditure, Δ fat oxidation, and Δ carbohydrate oxidation were not significantly different. We found a significant positive correlation between BMI and Δfat oxidation with BoyJ intake. The results indicate that 4 weeks of BoyJ intake activates cold-induced thermogenesis in the scv-BAT but does not have a significant effect on energy metabolism. BoyJ intake may increase fat oxidation during cold exposure in individuals with higher BMI. Trial registry number: UMIN000043476, 05/03/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of four indicators, including waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), vascular adiposity index (VAI), TG/HDL-C, and BMI/HDL-C for metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese adults aged 40 years and above. Additionally, the study aimed to develop an efficient diagnostic model displayed by a nomogram based on individual's BMI and circulating HDL-C level. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 699 participants aged 40 years and above. Quartiles of BMI/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, VAI, and WHTR were used as independent variables, and metabolic syndrome was used as the dependent variable. Logistic regression was conducted to explore the impact of each parameter on the risk of MS. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics were compared to determine the accuracy of the indicators in diagnosing MS in the participants. Logistic regression was run to construct the nomograms, and the performance of the nomogram was assessed by a calibration curve. Results: MS subjects had higher levels of BMI, BFM, PBF, VFA, AMC, WC, SCR, TG, and insulin, but lower LDH and HDL-C levels than the subjects without MS. The BMI/HDL-C ratio was positively correlated with the prevalence of MS and its components. The final diagnostic model included five variables: gender, BFM, WC, TG, and BMI/HDL-C. The model showed good calibration and discrimination power with an AUC of 0.780. The cut-off value for the nomogram was 0.623 for diagnosing MS. Conclusions: BMI/HDL-C ratio was an independent risk factor for MS in Chinese adults. BMI/HDL-C was significantly correlated with MS and its components. BMI/HDL-C was the most powerful diagnostic indicator compared to other indicators, including TG/HDL-C, VAI and WHTR for diagnosing MS. The nomogram drawn based on the diagnostic model provided a practical tool for diagnosing MS in Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) abnormalities are directly associated with obesity‐associated disorders. The underlying mechanisms that confer increased pathological risk to VAT in obesity have not been fully described. Methods: A case‐control study was conducted that included 10 women with obesity (36.80 ± 7.39 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 10 women of normal weight (32.70 ± 9.45 years, BMI < 24.9 kg/m2). RNA was extracted from greater omentum biopsies, and, using a DNA microarray, differential transcriptomic expression of VAT in women with obesity was evaluated taking as a reference that of women with normal weight. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were classified into functional biological processes and signaling pathways; moreover, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were integrated for a deeper analysis of the pathways and genes involved in the central obesity‐associated disorders. The expression of TNF‐α, MAPK, and AKT proteins was also quantified in VAT. Results: The VAT of women with obesity had 3808 DEGs, mainly associated with the cellular process of inflammation and carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. Overexpressed genes were associated with inflammatory, metabolic, hormonal, neuroendocrine, carcinogenic, and infectious pathways. Cellular processes related to addictive behaviors were notable. MAPK and PI3K‐AKT pathways were overexpressed, and Mapk1 and Akt3 genes were common crossing points among obesity‐associated disorders' pathways. The increased expression of MAPK, AKT, and TNF proteins was confirmed in the VAT of women with obesity. Conclusion: VAT confers a complex and blended pathogenic transcriptomic profile in obese patients, where abnormal processes are mainly controlled by activating intracellular signaling pathways that exhibit a high degree of redundancy. Identifying shared cross points between those pathways could allow specific targeting treatments to exert a widespread effect over multiple pathogenic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue has gained popularity as regenerative therapy for tissue repair. Both enzymatic and mechanical intraoperative SVF isolation procedures exist. To date, the quest for the preferred isolation procedure persists, due to the absence of standardised yield measurements and a defined clinical threshold. This systematic review is an update of the systematic review published in 2018, where guidelines were proposed to improve and standardise SVF isolation procedures. An elaborate data search in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted from September 2016 to date. A total of 26 full‐text articles met inclusion criteria, evaluating 33 isolation procedures (11 enzymatic and 22 mechanical). In general, enzymatic and mechanical SVF isolation procedures yield comparable outcomes concerning cell yield (2.3–18.0 × 105 resp. 0.03–26.7 × 105 cells/ml), and cell viability (70%–99% resp. 46%–97.5%), while mechanical procedures are more time consuming (8–20 min vs. 50–210 min) and cost‐efficient. However, as most studies used poorly validated outcome measures on SVF characterisation, it still remains unclear which intraoperative SVF isolation method is preferred. Future studies are recommended to implement standardised guidelines to standardise methods and improve comparability between studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]