Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between educational attainment and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in a Korean population.In this single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study, 988 healthy adults (601 men and 387 women) who underwent regular health check-up in Seoul St. Mary's Hospital were analyzed. Educational attainment was categorized into 3 groups according to their final grade of educational course: middle or high school (≤12 years of education), college or university (12-16 years of education), and postgraduate (≥16 years of education). CRF was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, biceps strength, hand grip strength, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and echocardiography. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the 3rd report of the National Cholesterol Education Program.Among the subjects, 357 (36.1%) had metabolic syndrome. The postgraduate group had significantly higher peak oxygen consumption (VO2), biceps strength, hand grip strength, and peak expiratory flow than other groups (all P < .001). This group showed better left ventricular diastolic function, in terms of deceleration time of mitral inflow, maximal tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity, and left atrial volume index than other groups. Peak VO2 (%) was significantly correlated with all the parameters of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance (r = -0.106, P = .002), waist circumference (r = -0.387, P < .001), triglyceride (r = -0.109, P = .001), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r = 0.219, P < .001), systolic blood pressure (r = -0.143, P < .001), and diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.177, P < .001). And Peak VO2 (%) was found to be a predictor of metabolic syndrome (adjusted β = .988, P < .001). However, the level of education was not able to predict metabolic syndrome (postgraduate group; β = .955, P = .801).Although the postgraduate group had better CRF than other groups, the educational attainment could not exclusively predict metabolic syndrome in this study. Further research is needed to reveal the socioeconomic mechanism of developing metabolic syndrome.

Abstract

Several previous studies have reported that physical activity (PA) levels can independently affect the prevalence of gallstone disease (GD) in Western countries. However, this association has not been reported in Eastern countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether PA is an independent determinant of GD prevalence in a Korean population, according to the World Health Organizations Global Recommendations on PA for Health.A total of 8908 subjects who completed a questionnaire underwent medical examination and ultrasound scanning at the Health Promotion Center of the Jeju National University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. GD and fatty liver disease were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. Biochemical parameters and body mass index were determined, and metabolic syndrome status, age, and PA levels were extracted from medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent factors affecting GD.The estimated rates of PA and GD among male subjects were 23.7% and 4.6%, whereas the rates among females were 18.4% and 4.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis suggested that no PA, old age, and higher aspartate aminotransferase level in males and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease status in females were independent factors affecting GD.In our study, PA was associated with a reduction in GD among males but not females.

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome and it impairs physical function. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a higher risk of sarcopenia. The purpose of this study is to explore characteristics of general information and metabolic factors of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM in the northeast of China, and provide information for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in clinical practice.Patients with T2DM aged ≥65 were recruited in Changchun from March 2017 to February 2018. Questionnaires of general information, physical examination, laboratory and imaging examination were conducted. The patients were assigned into sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenia group according to the diagnostic criteria proposed by Asian working group for sarcopenia (AWGS), and the differences between 2 groups were analyzed.A total of 132 participants were included in this study, of which, 38 (28.8%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. 94 (71.2%) were with no sarcopenia. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR: 1.182, 95%CI: 1.038-1.346), trunk fat mass (TFM) (OR: 1.499, 95%CI: 1.146-1.960) and free thyroxine (FT4) (OR: 1.342, 95%CI: 1.102-1.635) were independent risk factors for sarcopenia. BMI (body mass index) (OR: 0.365, 95%CI: 0.236-0.661), exercise (OR: 0.016, 95%CI: 0.001-0.169), female (OR: 0.000, 95%CI: 0.00-0.012), metformin (OR: 0.159, 95%CI: 0.026-0.967) and TSM (trunk skeletal muscle mass) (OR: 0.395, 95%CI: 0.236-0.661) were protective factors for sarcopenia.Sarcopenia in patients with T2DM is associated with increased age, increased TFM and increased FT4 level. Regular exercise, female, metformin administrations, high BMI and increased TSM are associated with lower risk of sarcopenia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND To examine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and body composition in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients with myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS We retrospectively screened 174 consecutive patients with MetS enrolled in CR following MI between 2015 and 2018. We included 56 patients who completed 36 CR sessions and pre-post dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Of these patients, 42 engaged in HIIT and 14 in moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). HIIT included 4-8 intervals of high-intensity (30-60 s at RPE 15-17 [Borg 6-20]) and low-intensity (1-5 min at RPE < 14), and MICT included 20-45 min of exercise at RPE 12-14. MetS and body composition variables were compared between MICT and HIIT groups. RESULTS Compared to MICT, HIIT demonstrated greater reductions in MetS (relative risk = 0.5, 95% CI 0.33-0.75, P < .001), MetS z-score (- 3.6 ± 2.9 vs. - 0.8 ± 3.8, P < .001) and improved MetS components: waist circumference (- 3 ± 5 vs. 1 ± 5 cm, P = .01), fasting blood glucose (- 25.8 ± 34.8 vs. - 3.9 ± 25.8 mg/dl, P < .001), triglycerides (- 67.8 ± 86.7 vs. - 10.4 ± 105.3 mg/dl, P < .001), and diastolic blood pressure (- 7 ± 11 vs. 0 ± 13 mmHg, P = .001). HIIT group demonstrated greater reductions in body fat mass (- 2.1 ± 2.1 vs. 0 ± 2.2 kg, P = .002), with increased body lean mass (0.9 ± 1.9 vs. - 0.9 ± 3.2 kg, P = .01) than the MICT. After matching for exercise energy expenditure, HIIT-induced improvements persisted for MetS z-score (P < .001), MetS components (P < .05), body fat mass (P = .002), body fat (P = .01), and lean mass (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that, compared to MICT, supervised HIIT results in greater improvements in MetS and body composition in MI patients with MetS undergoing CR.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Background: obesity implies an increase in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which is a risk factor for various metabolic diseases. VAT releases proinflammatory mediators, like resistin. In addition, it has been noted that the skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is involved in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective: this study was designed to determine the relationship of body components (VAT and SMM) with MS and resistin in patients with obesity. Methods: body composition and anthropometric and biochemical measurements to assess MS, and ELISA tests for resistin were carried out in 40 patients aged 18-40 years. Results: overweight and obesity were observed in 72% of patients; visceral obesity was found in 53% and 35% had MS. A positive correlation between VAT and SMM in patients with MS was detected. In the entire population, an increase of 1 kg of SMM was found to be associated with an increase of 3 cm2 of VAT, and an increase of 4 cm2 of VAT was observed in individuals with MS. According to resistin, people with increased VAT had higher concentration than persons with normal VAT. Furthermore, an increase of 1 cm2 of VAT accounted for a person entertaining a 3.3 fold greater risk of MS for different values of SMM and resistin. Conclusion: the transcendence and significance of VAT as a main factor in triggering the chronic inflammatory process and MS, the SMM and resistin were also related. INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la obesidad implica un aumento del tejido adiposo visceral (TAV), el cual es un factor de riesgo para varias enfermedades metabólicas. El VAT se relaciona con mediadores proinflamatorios, como la resistina. Además, se ha observado que la masa musculoesquelética (MME) interviene en el desarrollo del síndrome metabólico (SM). Objetivo: este estudio fue diseñado para determinar la relación de la composición corporal (TAV y MME) con el SM y la resistina en pacientes con obesidad. Métodos: se realizaron medidas antropométricas, de composición corporal y bioquímica para determinar el SM y prueba de ELISA para resistina en 40 pacientes de 18 a 40 años de edad. Resultados: se observó sobrepeso y obesidad en el 72% de los participantes, obesidad visceral en el 53% y el 35% presentó SM. Se detectó una correlación positiva entre el TAV y la MME en pacientes con SM. En el grupo de estudio encontramos que un aumento de un 1 kg de MME se asociaba con un incremento de 3 cm2 de TAV y en individuos con SM, con un incremento de 4 cm2 de TAV. En relación con la resistina, las personas con TAV incrementado presentan concentraciones más altas que las personas con TAV normal. Además, se observó que un aumento de 1 cm2 de TAV representa un riesgo 3,3 veces mayor que para las personas de padecer SM para diferentes valores de MME y de resistina. Conclusión: además de la trascendencia y la importancia del TAV como factor principal para desencadenar el proceso inflamatorio crónico y el SM, se observó que la MME y la resistina también están relacionadas.

Abstract

BACKGROUND D-lactic acidosis is characterized by brain fogginess (BF) and elevated D-lactate and occurs in short bowel syndrome. Whether it occurs in patients with an intact gut and unexplained gas and bloating is unknown. We aimed to determine if BF, gas and bloating is associated with D-lactic acidosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). METHODS Patients with gas, bloating, BF, intact gut, and negative endoscopic and radiological tests, and those without BF were evaluated. SIBO was assessed with glucose breath test (GBT) and duodenal aspiration/culture. Metabolic assessments included urinary D-lactic acid and blood L-lactic acid, and ammonia levels. Bowel symptoms, and gastrointestinal transit were assessed. RESULTS Thirty patients with BF and 8 without BF were evaluated. Abdominal bloating, pain, distension and gas were the most severe symptoms and their prevalence was similar between groups. In BF group, all consumed probiotics. SIBO was more prevalent in BF than non-BF group (68 vs. 28%, p = 0.05). D-lactic acidosis was more prevalent in BF compared to non-BF group (77 vs. 25%, p = 0.006). BF was reproduced in 20/30 (66%) patients. Gastrointestinal transit was slow in 10/30 (33%) patients with BF and 2/8 (25%) without. Other metabolic tests were unremarkable. After discontinuation of probiotics and a course of antibiotics, BF resolved and gastrointestinal symptoms improved significantly (p = 0.005) in 23/30 (77%). CONCLUSIONS We describe a syndrome of BF, gas and bloating, possibly related to probiotic use, SIBO, and D-lactic acidosis in a cohort without short bowel. Patients with BF exhibited higher prevalence of SIBO and D-lactic acidosis. Symptoms improved with antibiotics and stopping probiotics. Clinicians should recognize and treat this condition.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES To estimate prevalence of physical activity and its associations with various psychiatric disorders and the use of psychotropic medications. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between July 2012 and June 2014. Patients were enrolled from a number of hospitals located in 5 regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS A total of 1185 patients were included in current analysis: 796 were outpatients, and 389 were inpatients. Out of 1,185 patients, 153 (12.9%) were physically active. Much higher rates of physical activity were reported among males than females (15.9% versus 9.6%, p less than 0.001). According to the univariate analysis, higher rates of physical activity were positively correlated with primary bipolar disorders, the use of antianxiety medications and, to a lesser extent, use of antipsychotic medications, but they were negatively correlated with primary anxiety disorders, use of antidepressant medications, and use of multiple psychotropic medications. The associations between physical activity and primary bipolar disorders (odds ratio [OR]=2.47, p=0.002), use of antianxiety medications (OR=3.58, p=0.003), and use of multiple psychotropic medications (OR=0.33, p less than 0.001) remained significant after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION We report a variable but generally low prevalence of physical activity among a large, mixed sample of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia. These findings may highlight the importance of assessing physical activity status of psychiatric patients and the critical need for physical activity promotion programs among this group of disadvantaged patients.

Abstract

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a major public health burden. Dispositional mindfulness has recently been associated with eating disorders, being overweight, and could therefore be associated with the MetS. We aimed to examine in a cross-sectional design the relationship between mindfulness, the MetS, and its risk factors in a large sample of the adult general population and the influence of depressive symptomatology on this association. Adults participating in the NutriNet-Santé study who had completed the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire and attended a clinical and biological examination were available for inclusion. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were performed. A total of 17,490 individuals were included. Among individuals with a depressive symptomatology, those with higher mindfulness were less likely to have a MetS (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.93), a high waist circumference, a low HDL-cholesterol level and an elevated fasting blood glucose level (all p <0.05). In those without depressive symptomatology, individuals with higher mindfulness were less likely to have a high waist circumference (p <0.01). In conclusion, higher mindfulness was associated with lower odds of developing a MetS only among individuals with a depressive symptomatology.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION increased vitamin D deficiency occurs together with obesity and the association between these conditions has been observed. OBJECTIVE to assess the nutritional status of vitamin D and metabolic profile in adolescents and adults with obesity, and the relationship between complications arising from severe class of obesity with vitamin D nutritional status, and to compare the differences between these groups. METHODS observational comparative study. Population comprises adolescents and adults with severe obesity. Waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Analysis of vitamin D (25(OH)D), lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood glucose, fasting insulinemia, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and diagnoses of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) were performed. RESULTS a total of 60 adolescents (G1) and 68 adults (G2) were evaluated. The percentage of vitamin D inadequacy was observed in 90% in G1 and 79.4% in G2. There was a negative and significant correlation of BMI with the values of 25(OH)D in the group of adults (r = -0.244; p = 0.045). Individuals with inadequacy of vitamin D showed higher values of CRP in both groups (p = 0.000). HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation with 25(OH)D in G1 (r = -0.832; p = 0.000) and G2 (r = -0.589; p = 0.000). The inadequacy of this vitamin showed association with high total cholesterol in G1 (p = 0.029) and higher values of LDL-c in G2 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION high prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D were observed, associated with metabolic changes both in obese adults and adolescents. It is necessary to develop strategies for the prevention and control of obesity and vitamin D deficiency.