Association between resistin levels and cardiovascular disease events in older adults: The health, aging and body composition study.

OBJECTIVE: Prospective data on the association between resistin levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events are sparse with conflicting results. METHODS: We studied 3044 aged 70-79 years from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study. CVD events were defined as coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke events. «Hard » CHD events were defined as CHD death or myocardial infarction. We estimated hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) according to the quartiles of serum resistin concentrations and adjusted for clinical variables, and then further adjusted for metabolic disease (body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, leptin, adiponectin, insulin) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factors-α). RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 10.1 years, 559 patients had « hard » CHD events, 884 CHD events and 1106 CVD Events. Unadjusted incidence rate for CVD events was 36.6 (95% CI 32.1-41.1) per 1000 persons-year in the lowest quartile and 54.0 per 1000 persons-year in the highest quartile (95% CI 48.2-59.8, P for trend < 0.001). In the multivariate models adjusted for clinical variables, HRs for the highest vs. lowest quartile of resistin was 1.52 (95% CI 1.20-1.93, P < 0.001) for « Hard » CHD events, 1.41 (95% CI 1.16-1.70, P = 0.001) for CHD events and 1.35 (95% CI 1.14-1.59, P = 0.002) for CVD events. Further adjustment for metabolic disease slightly reduced the associations while adjustment for inflammation markedly reduced the associations. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults, higher resistin levels are associated with CVD events independently of clinical risk factors and metabolic disease markers, but markedly attenuated by inflammation.

Short-term changes in handgrip strength, body composition, and lymphedema induced by breast cancer surgery

PURPOSE: This study investigated short-term changes in body composition, handgrip strength, and presence of lymphedema in women who underwent breast cancer surgery.METHODS: Ninety-five women participated in a cross-sectional study, divided into two groups: Control (n=46), with healthy women, and Experimental (n=49), with women six months after breast cancer surgery . The Experimental Group was subdivided into right total mastectomy (RTM, n=15), left total mastectomy (LTM, n=11), right quadrant (RQ, n=13), and left quadrant (LQ, n=10). It was also redistributed among women with presence (n=10) or absence (n=39) of lymphedema. Presence of lymphedema, handgrip strength, and body composition were assessed.RESULTS: Trunk lean mass and handgrip strength were decreased in the Experimental Group. Total lean mass was increased in the LTM compared to RTM or LQ. Left handgrip strength in LTM was decreased compared to RTM and RQ and in LQ compared to RTM and RQ. Finally, total lean mass, trunk fat mass, trunk lean mass, right and left arm lean mass were increased in women with lymphedema.CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors have changes in their body composition and in handgrip strength six months after surgery; however, the interaction between the type of surgery and its impact is unclear. Furthermore, women who developed lymphedema in this period showed more significant changes in the body composition, but they were not enough to cause impairment in handgrip strength.

Oxidized LDL and physical fitness in healthy young men: associations with body composition, smoking, metabolic syndrome and androgen status

Background: In the past, oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) has been associated with an unbeneficial lipid profile. This atherogenic lipid profile increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Physical fitness has substantial effect on serum lipoprotein concentration as well as body composition and humoral responses, however interrelationships between ox-LDL and physical fitness have not been widely examined in a nationally representative sample. Aims: This thesis evaluates how cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness associate with ox-LDL lipids and how the other known risk factors of atherosclerosis might alter these associations. Subjects and Methods: The study cohort consisted of 846 healthy young males (mean age 25.1, SD 4.6) who were gathered by voluntary nationwide recruitment. Each participant conducted a series of physical fitness tests (cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness) and answered a detailed questionnaire that included lifestyle habits (i.e. smoking and leisuretime physical activity). Venous blood samples including ox-LDL and serum lipids were also collected. Results: Higher levels of ox-LDL were found in overweight and obese men, however, high cardiorespiratory fitness seemed to protect the overweight from high levels of ox-LDL. Young men who smoked and had poor cardiorespiratory or muscular fitness possessed a higher concentration of ox-LDL lipids when compared to comparable levels of cardiorespiratory or muscular fitness non-smoking young men. Metabolic syndrome was associated with increased levels of ox-LDL and high levels of ox-LDL combined with poor cardiorespiratory and abdominal muscle fitness seems to predict metabolic syndrome in young men. Also, participants with poor cardiorespiratory fitness and low levels of testosterone had higher levels of ox-LDL when compared to participants with high cardiorespiratory fitness / low testosterone as well as those with poor cardiorespiratory fitness / high testosterone. Conclusions: Good cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness protects young men from increased levels of ox-LDL lipids. This association was discovered in young men who were categorized as being overweight, smokers, metabolic syndrome or with low levels of testosterone. Being fit seems to prevent higher levels of ox-LDL, even in young healthy

Effect of a leucine-supplemented diet on body composition changes in pregnant rats bearing Walker 256 tumor

Cancer patients present high mobilization of host protein, with a decrease in lean body mass and body fat depletion occurring in parallel to neoplastic growth. Since leucine is one of the principal amino acids used by skeletal muscle for energy, we investigated the changes in body composition of pregnant tumor-bearing rats after a leucine-supplemented diet. Sixty pregnant Wistar rats divided into six groups were fed a normal protein diet (18%, N) or a leucine-supplemented diet (3% L-leucine, L). The pregnant groups were: control (CN), Walker 256 carcinoma-bearing rats (WN), control rats pair-fed with tumor-bearing rats (pfN), leucine-supplemented (CL), leucine-supplemented tumor-bearing (WL), and leucine-supplemented rats pair-fed with tumor-bearing rats (pfL). At the end of pregnancy, all animals were sacrificed and body weight and tumor and fetal weight were determined. The carcasses were then analyzed for water, fat and total, collagen and non-collagen nitrogen content. Carcass weight was reduced in the WN, WL, pfN and pfL groups compared to control. The lean body mass and total carcass nitrogen were reduced in both tumor-bearing groups. Despite tumor growth and a decrease in fetal weight, there was a slight decrease in collagen (7%) and non-collagen nitrogen (8%) in the WL group compared with the WN group which showed a decrease of 8 and 12%, respectively. Although the WL group presented severe tumor growth effects, total carcass nitrogen and non-collagen nitrogen were particularly higher in this leucine-supplemented group compared to the WN group. These data suggest that the leucine-supplemented diet had a beneficial effect, probably attenuating body wasting.

Nutritional status and body composition after 6 months of patients switching from continuous ambulatorial peritoneal dialysis to automated peritoneal dialysis

Our objective was to determine if automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) leads to changes in nutritional parameters of patients treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Twenty-six patients (15 males; 50.5 ± 14.3 years) were evaluated during CAPD while training for APD and after 3 and 6 months of APD. Body fat was assessed by the sum of skinfold thickness and the other body compartments were assessed by bioelectrical impedance. During the 6-month follow-up, 12 patients gained more than 1 kg (GW group), 8 patients lost more than 1 kg (LW group), and 6 patients maintained body weight (MW group). Except for length on dialysis that was longer for the LW group compared with the GW group, no other differences were found between the groups at baseline. After 6 months on APD, the LW group had a reduction in body fat (24.5 ± 7.7 vs 22.1 ± 7.3 kg; P = 0.01), body cell mass (22.6 ± 6.2 vs 21.6 ± 5.8 kg, P = 0.02) and phase angle (5.4 ± 0.9 vs 5.1 ± 0.8 degrees, P = 0.004). In the GW group, body fat (25 ± 7.6 vs 27.2 ± 7.6 kg, P = 0.001) and body cell mass (20.1 ± 3.9 vs 20.8 ± 4.0 kg, P = 0.05) were increased. In the present study, different patterns of change in body composition were found. The length of previous dialysis treatment seems to be the most important factor in determining these nutritional modifications.

Effect of high-fat diets on body composition, lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and the role of exercise on these parameters

Dietary fat composition can interfere in the development of obesity due to the specific roles of some fatty acids that have different metabolic activities, which can alter both fat oxidation and deposition rates, resulting in changes in body weight and/or composition. High-fat diets in general are associated with hyperphagia, but the type of dietary fat seems to be more important since saturated fats are linked to a positive fat balance and omental adipose tissue accumulation when compared to other types of fat, while polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 and omega-6, seem to increase energy expenditure and decrease energy intake by specific mechanisms involving hormone-sensitive lipase, activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and others. Saturated fat intake can also impair insulin sensitivity compared to omega-3 fat, which has the opposite effect due to alterations in cell membranes. Obesity is also associated with impaired mitochondrial function. Fat excess favors the production of malonyl-CoA, which reduces GLUT4 efficiency. The tricarboxylic acid cycle and beta-oxidation are temporarily uncoupled, forming metabolite byproducts that augment reactive oxygen species production. Exercise can restore mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity, which may be crucial for a better prognosis in treating or preventing obesity.

Body composition measures of obese adolescents by the deuterium oxide dilution method and by bioelectrical impedance

The objectives of the present study were to describe and compare the body composition variables determined by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and the deuterium dilution method (DDM), to identify possible correlations and agreement between the two methods, and to construct a linear regression model including anthropometric measures. Obese adolescents were evaluated by anthropometric measures, and body composition was assessed by BIA and DDM. Forty obese adolescents were included in the study. Comparison of the mean values for the following variables: fat body mass (FM; kg), fat-free mass (FFM; kg), and total body water (TBW; %) determined by DDM and by BIA revealed significant differences. BIA overestimated FFM and TBW and underestimated FM. When compared with data provided by DDM, the BIA data presented a significant correlation with FFM (r = 0.89; P < 0.001), FM (r = 0.93; P < 0.001) and TBW (r = 0.62; P < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot showed no agreement for FFM, FM or TBW between data provided by BIA and DDM. The linear regression models proposed in our study with respect to FFM, FM, and TBW were well adjusted. FFM obtained by DDM = 0.842 x FFM obtained by BIA. FM obtained by DDM = 0.855 x FM obtained by BIA + 0.152 x weight (kg). TBW obtained by DDM = 0.813 x TBW obtained by BIA. The body composition results of obese adolescents determined by DDM can be predicted by using the measures provided by BIA through a regression equation.

The association between body composition and arterial stiffness in peri-pubescent children

The objective of this study was to examine the association between body composition and arterial stiffuess in peri-pubescent boys and girls. Differences in arterial distensibility were measured in 68 children (45 normal weight, 12 overweight, and 11 obese) between the ages of9 to 12 years. Weight classification was based on age and gender-specific body mass index cut-offs, while pubertal maturation was self-reported using Tanner staging. Distensibility was determined using two-dimensional, B-Mode echo Doppler ultrasound to measure changes at the right common carotid artery (CCA) diameter changes, while carotid pulse pressure (cPP) was measured at the left CCA by applanation tonometry. One-way ANOV A analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.001) in all anthropometric measures between the normal weight and overweight children, as well as the normal weight and obese children. Body stature was only higher in obese children compared to normal weight children (p<0.01). No significant differences were found between groups regarding age or Tanner stage. Common carotid artery distensibility showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between normal weight children (0.008 ± 0.002 mmHg-1 ) compared to obese children (0.005 ± 0.002 mmHg-1 ), with a borderline significant difference between the normal and overweight subjects (p=0.06). There was no significant effect for gender between males and females across all independent variables. The strongest determinants of distensibility in children were cPP (r= -0.52, p

The influence of physical activity behaviour on the relationship between motor proficiency and body composition in children

There is an emerging awareness that children with poor motor abilities are at particular risk for overweight. This cross-sectional study examined the influence of physical activity behaviour on the relationship between motor proficiency and body composition. Participants were 1287 (646 males, 641 females) Grade 6 students in the Physical Health Activity Study project. Height, weight, waist girth, and motor proficiency (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance BOTMP-SF) were assessed. Physical activity behaviours were also evaluated with a multifaceted approach and reported for school-based, non-school based physical activity, free-time play, and sedentary activities (Participation Questionnaire), and leisure time exercise (Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire GS). Overweight was defined by BMI scores: boys :::20.6-21.2 and <25.1-26.0; girls: ::: 20.7-21.7and <25.4-26.7 and obesity was defined as: boys:::: 25.1-26.0; girls: :::25.4-26.7. Children were classified as case group (CG,::; 10% on BOTMP-SF), borderline case group (BC, > 10% to ::; 20% on BOTMP-SF) or non-case group. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) uncovered a significant difference in overweight and obesity between the case group and non-case group. Normal-weight children reported higher participation in organized school-sports (intra-mural and inter-school teams). The CG reported significantly lower participation in school sports teams and lower GS results, with a trend towards lower participation in all active pursuits. They also reported a significantly higher duration of television watching and book reading. There were no significant differences between motor proficiency groups by gender, age, nonschool sports, or free-time activity. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that the case group was 10.9 times more likely to be overweight/obese than their peers. No single aspect of physical activity was able to explain the difference in odds ratios for the motor proficiency groups. However, for the entire cohort, children who participated in more organized school sports were less likely to be overweight/obese. These findings confirm that children with low motor proficiency are at significant risk of developing overweight. It is evident that these children have generally attenuated activity levels and heightened levels of sedentary pursuits. School-based activities appear particularly limited, and are the one area where children have near autonomy in their decision to pursue active opportunities. The promotion of school-based programs, specifically intramural sports may be an important aspect in increasing children's overall activity levels. It is also essential to consider the needs of those children with low motor proficiency when designing activity promotion programs. Future research should further explore motor proficiency and overweight/obesity.

Relative importance of body composition, osteoporosis- related behaviours and socioeconomic status on bone SOS in adolescent females

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between bone speed of sound (SOS) and body composition, osteoporosis-related health behaviours, and socioeconomic status (SES) in adolescent females. A total of 442 adolescent females in grades 9-11 participated. Anthropometric measures of height, body mass, and percent body fat were taken, and osteo-protective behaviours such as oral contraceptive use (OC), physical activity and daily calcium intake were evaluated using self-report questionnaires. Bone SOS was measured by transaxial quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the distal radius and mid-tibia. The results suggest that fat mass is a significant negative predictor of tibial SOS, while lean mass is positively associated with radial SOS scores and calcium intake was positively associated with tibial SOS scores (p

Role of family eating practices on daily nutrient intakes, dietary patterns and measures of body composition in peri-adolescents

Although family eating practices (FEPs) playa role in the formation of eating practices in children, there is a lack of evidence regarding the role of FEPs on obesity (DB) risk. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the role of child, mother 'and father eating practices (CEPs; MEPS; FaEPs) on nutrient intakes, dietary patterns and body composition. Data were collected on approximately 2,400 peri-adolescents (s250 with complete covariate data). Dietary patterns were assessed using scores that reflected how closely participants followed DASH and Health Canada (HC) recommendations. In girls, poor CEPs, MEPs and FaEPs were associated with increased BMI and risk of overweight and poor dietary patterns according to DASH, and DASH and HC, respectively. In boys, poor CEPs and FaEPs were associated with increased monounsaturated and trans fat, and Vitamin C intakes, respectively. These findings suggest FEPs are associated with DB risk, particularly in girls.

Effect of increased milk intake combined with endurance exercise training on body composition, blood-lipids and inflammatory markers in overweight young males

Consuming low-fat milk (LFM) after resistance training leads to improvements in body composition. Habitual aerobic exercise and dairy intake are relatively easy lifestyle modifications that could benefit a population at risk for becoming obese. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate combining increased LFM intake with endurance exercise on body composition, blood-lipid profile and metabolic markers. 40 young males were randomized into four groups: one ingesting 750mL LFM immediately post-exercise, the other 6hrs post-exercise; and two isocaloric carbohydrate groups ingesting at the two different times. Participants completed a 12 week endurance-training program (cycling 1 hour/day at ~60%VO2peak, 5 days/week). 23 participants completed the study. Increases in lean mass (p < 0.05), and decreases in anti-inflammatory marker adiponectin (p < 0.05) were seen in all groups. No other significant changes were observed. Future analyses should focus on longer duration exercise and include a larger sample.

Influence of timing of milk consumption coupled with endurance training on body composition and endurance training adaptations in humans.

Consumption of low-fat milk (LFM) after resistance training has been shown to have positive influences on body composition and training adaptations; however, little research has examined the effects of LFM consumption following endurance training. The purpose of the study was to look at the effects of combining additional servings of LFM following endurance exercise on body composition, bone health, and training adaptations. 40 healthy males were recruited. Individuals were randomized into 4 groups – DEI (750mL LFM immediately post exercise), DEA (750mL LFM 4 hrs prior to or 6 hrs post exercise), CEI (750mL carbohydrate beverage immediately post-exercise), and CEA (750mL carbohydrate beverage immediately post-exercise). Participants took part in a 12-week endurance training intervention (1 h/day, 3 d/wk, ~60% max HR). 22 participants completed the study. Analysis showed significant increases in lean mass, spinal bone mineral content, relative VO2peak, and a decrease in Trap 5β across all groups (p < 0.05).

Effect of a high fat maternal diet on body composition and bone development in male offspring

Direct high fat (HF) feeding has adverse effects on body composition and bone development in rodents. However, it is unclear whether maternal HF feeding has similar effects in male rat offspring. The objectives of this thesis were to determine if maternal HF feeding altered body composition, plasma hormones, bone development, and bone fatty acid composition in male offspring at weaning and 3 months of age. Maternal HF feeding increased bone mass and altered femur fatty acid composition at weaning, without differences in fat mass, lean mass, plasma hormones, or bone mass (femur or lumbar vertebrae). However, early differences did not persist at 3 months of age or contribute to lower bone strength – following consumption of a control diet post-weaning. These findings suggest that maternal HF feeding can alter body composition and bone development in weanling male offspring, without long-lasting effects if a healthy control diet is consumed post-weaning.