Search Results (189)

Variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 cause autosomal dominant and recessive Alport syndrome, yet data on their distribution and clinical expression in different populations remain limited. This study investigated genotype–phenotype correlations and the distribution of COL4A3/COL4A4 variants in a Lithuanian Alport syndrome cohort. A total of 221 individuals from Lithuania were analyzed for COL4A3 and COL4A4 variants using either next-generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing in order to assess variant distribution and associated clinical features. Only individuals with pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or uncertain significance variants were included. Fifty-two individuals (38 index cases) with pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or variants of uncertain significance were identified, as follows: forty-eight were heterozygous, four had autosomal recessive, and four had digenic Alport syndrome. COL4A3 variants were found in 9.5% (21/221) and COL4A4 in 17.6% (39/221). Among the 28 identified variants, 18 were novel. Glycine substitutions (n = 8) were the most frequent and associated with worse kidney outcomes and increased hearing abnormalities. Hematuria was diagnosed significantly earlier than proteinuria (p = 0.05). Most individuals with autosomal dominant Alport syndrome had normal kidney function (eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m²), while those with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome had more severe disease. Kidney failure occurred in 2/4 (50%) autosomal recessive Alport syndrome and 2/48 (4%) autosomal dominant Alport syndrome cases. A significant inverse correlation was found between eGFR and age in proteinuric individuals (r = –0.737; p = 0.013). This study expands knowledge of Alport syndrome in the Lithuanian population and contributes novel variant data to the global Alport syndrome genetic database. Full article

Engagement in physical activity (PA) in natural environments is known to promote physical and psychological well-being, yet little is known about how such activity fluctuates across seasons and how it relates to individual characteristics and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the seasonal variability of PA in nature and examine its associations with sociodemographic factors, nature-related experiences, and overall QoL in a sample of Lithuanian adults. A total of 924 participants (680 women and 244 men) with a mean age of 40.0 ± 12.4 years completed an online survey. The study measures included sociodemographic characteristics, nature proximity, exposure, connectedness, perceived restoration in nature and QoL measured by the WHOQOL. Based on self-reported seasonal behaviour, participants were categorized into three groups: irregular or no PA in natural environments, seasonal variability, and regular year-round PA in natural environments. In the present study, we observed the lowest rates of PA in natural environments in winter and the highest in summer. Comparative analyses revealed that individuals with regular PA in natural environments reported significantly greater financial security, nature exposure and connectedness, proximity to green spaces, and overall QoL compared to less regular PA in nature groups. A multiple regression analysis identified financial security, nature proximity, nature exposure, connectedness, and perceived restoration in nature as significant and positive predictors of QoL. These findings point to the problem of inequity and suggest that inequitable access to PA in natural environments manifests as a higher seasonality of PA in nature. The practical implications of the study highlight the importance of addressing equity and promoting consistent PA in nature throughout seasons. During the dark, wet, and cold periods, it is important to implement targeted interventions that improve access to natural environments for individuals with lower financial security. This could help reduce inequity in physical activity. Promoting access to green spaces and fostering nature connectedness may be particularly valuable strategies in public health interventions aimed at enhancing QoL across diverse populations. Full article

Background and Objectives: According to the literature, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) often remains underdiagnosed, with only a small proportion of individuals experiencing symptoms receiving an official diagnosis, highlighting the need for effective screening and diagnostic tools. The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS) is a widely used tool for assessing the severity of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). However, a validated Lithuanian version has not yet been established. This study aimed to validate the Lithuanian version of the IRLS and assess its reliability, diagnostic performance, and correlation with clinical and demographic factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 136 patients who completed the Lithuanian version of the IRLS and underwent polysomnographic and clinical evaluations at the Department of Neurology of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences between 2018 and 2024. A total of 134 patients were analyzed: 66 with clinically confirmed RLS and 68 controls without sleep disorders. Statistical analysis included the Mann–Whitney U test, chi-squared tests, Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, multivariate logistic regression, and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results: The Lithuanian IRLS demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.843 (95% CI: 0.782–0.904), with an optimal cut-off score of 7.50, resulting in high sensitivity (92.4%) and moderate specificity (66.2%). Multivariate regression identified higher IRLS scores (OR = 1.212, 95% CI: 1.084–1.356, p < 0.001) and a higher periodic limb movements of sleep arousal index (PLMSAI) (OR = 1.961, 95% CI: 1.036–3.712, p = 0.039) as significant independent predictors of RLS. After adjustments for age and sex, both IRLS scores and PLMSAI remained statistically significant predictors. Conclusions: the Lithuanian version of IRLS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing RLS severity. Its diagnostic performance supports its use in clinical and research settings for identifying and monitoring RLS in Lithuanian population. Full article

Background and aims: Although familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common congenital cause of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated worldwide due to its inherent genetic heterogeneity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of genetic variants in a Lithuanian patient cohort with clinically diagnosed FH and evaluate their possible clinical implications. Methods: A total of 172 patients were included in the retrospective analysis. The study population comprised males and females ranging from 0 to 85 years of age, with LDL-C levels exceeding 4.9 mmol/L in adults and 3.9 mmol/L in children. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria (definite, probable, possible, and unlikely). Children were analyzed separately. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been chosen as the most appropriate technique for genetic testing. All identified variants were categorized into three groups: (1) pathogenic, (2) likely pathogenic, and (3) variants of uncertain significance. Subjects without detected variants were classified into group (4) No mutation. Results: Women were diagnosed with FH significantly later than men (p = 0.033). Genetic testing identified FH-causing variants in 41.86% of subjects, with 20.93% carrying pathogenic variants, 9.88% likely pathogenic, and 11.05% variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Frequently identified pathogenic variants were c.654_656del p.(Gly219del) in LDLR and c.10580G>A p.(Arg3527Gln) in APOB, which are both linked to the founder effect. Genetic testing led to a reassessment of Dutch Lipid Clinic Network scores, increasing the number of individuals classified as “Definite FH” by 86.2%. Conclusions: The increasing use of NGS in FH has enhanced diagnostic capabilities and suggests population-specific genetic patterns. However, it also increases VUS detection, for which reclassification rates are still low and require strenuous efforts. Moreover, despite the benefits of genetic testing, significant gender disparities remain and require further attention. Full article

Background and Objectives: Over the past decades, various epidemiological analyses have reported a significant decrease in the number of deaths related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Trends in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) morbidity and mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) were less studied in Eastern and Central Europe. This study aimed to determine and evaluate changes in AMI morbidity and mortality from IHD among the middle-aged urban Lithuanian population during 2000–2023. Materials and Methods: The data source was the Kaunas ischemic heart disease registry for residents aged 25–64. The diagnosis of AMI was based on the proposed epidemiological criteria used in the WHO MONICA project protocol. Age-standardized morbidity and mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 population. The changes in morbidity and mortality rates were calculated using the Joinpoint regression analysis method, and changes presented as a percentage estimate per year. Results: During 2000–2023, it was observed that age-standardized AMI morbidity significantly changed in the 25–64-year-old male and female population (−1.3%/yr., p = 0.006 and −2.3%/yr., p < 0.001, respectively). In males aged 25–54, a significant decrease in AMI morbidity rates by an average of 2.2%/yr. (p < 0.001) was found, contrary to the males aged 55–64, where morbidity was without substantial changes. We found a significant decrease in AMI morbidity in both age groups (the younger and older) of females, by 2.1%/yr. (p = 0.002) and 2.4%/yr. (p < 0.001), respectively. In the 25–64-year-old male population mortality from IHD significantly decreased (−2.0%/yr., p < 0.001), whereas in females it did not significantly change. Mortality from IHD in males aged 25–54 and 55–64 years significantly decreased by an average of 3.3%/yr. (p = 0.002) and 1.2%/yr., (p = 0.004), respectively. No significant trends in mortality from IHD in both age groups of females over the past 24 years were observed. Conclusions: During the study period, the age-standardized AMI morbidity among Kaunas middle-aged males and females significantly decreased. The age-standardized mortality from IHD decreased significantly among Kaunas middle-aged males, but there were no significant changes among females. Full article

Background and Objectives: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in society and require focused attention within healthcare systems. While patient history, reported complaints, and subjective sleep questionnaires can provide initial insights into potential sleep issues, polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for diagnosing various sleep disorders. However, long waiting times for PSG appointments in many healthcare facilities pose challenges for timely diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of subjective measures, including patient-reported parameters, in comparison to the objective findings of PSG. Materials and Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analysed the data from 562 patients who underwent clinical evaluation and PSG testing at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics between 2018 and 2024. We report the diagnostic accuracy of different sleep questionnaires to detect various sleep disorders in our population. Results: We report the corresponding sensitivity and specificity values: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)—73.2% and 44.1% for detecting severe obstructive sleep apnoea and 87.1% and 76.8% for detecting hypersomnia; the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)—77.2% and 63.3% for detecting insomnia; the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ)—67.8% and 68.8% for detecting obstructive sleep apnoea; the Ullanlina Narcolepsy Scale (UNS)—84.4% and 58.9% for detecting hypersomnia; the Innsbruck REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder Inventory (RBD-I)—93.3% and 52.5% for detecting RBD; the REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder Single-Question Screen (RBD1Q)—73.3% and 81.0% for detecting RBD; and the Paris Arousal Disorder Severity Scale (PADSS)—57.5% and 90.5% for detecting parasomnia. Conclusions: When comparing our findings with the previous literature, we found that the screening tools generally demonstrated a slightly poorer performance in our population. However, our results suggest that certain individual questions from the comprehensive questionnaires may provide comparable diagnostic values, while reducing the patient burden. We propose a targeted screening approach that integrates fundamental clinical parameters, key screening questions, and selected validated questionnaires, enabling primary care and outpatient clinicians to more efficiently identify patients who may require referral for specialised sleep evaluation and treatment. Full article

Background and Objectives: Selecting appropriate disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) is crucial for optimizing treatment and slowing disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Real-world studies assess drug efficacy and usage in routine clinical practice. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of oral drug therapy in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and the particularities of adherence to the therapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective and prospective study was conducted at the Neurology Clinic of the Kaunas Clinics of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. The medical records of patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were reviewed. The retrospective study included 286 patients, and the prospective study included 175 patients. Results: The study population included 131 patients on teriflunomide (TFN), 53 on dimethyl fumarate (DMF), 37 on fingolimod (FTY), and 65 on cladribine (CLAD). The overall absolute reduction in the ARR over 4 years of treatment was higher in the second-line (FTY and CLAD) group (−2.00) compared with the first-line (−0.99) group (TFN and DMF). The total EDSS scores of patients who received FTY and CLAD were higher in the second (3.09, p = 0.024), third (3.94, p = 0.015), and fourth (3.6, p = 0.002) years of treatment, compared with the patients of first-line therapy. MRI revealed that the number of contrast-enhancing and new lesions was lower among patients taking second-line drugs in the second year (4.7% and 18.6%, respectively). The worst adherence to the drug therapy due to forgetfulness was observed in the DMF group (30.8%). Lymphopenia was less frequent in the TFN group (93.1%) and more frequent in the FTY group (86.5%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Over four years, second-line patients had greater ARR reduction, fewer MRI lesions, and higher EDSS from year two. DMF showed the lowest adherence, mainly due to patient forgetfulness, while lymphopenia occurred most frequently with FTY. Full article

Background and Objectives: The sural nerve (SN) is a pure sensory nerve that supplies the lateral aspect of the ankle and foot. Its anatomical variability has been extensively documented, with multiple classifications describing its different formation patterns. The SN is commonly used for nerve grafting and is a critical structure in lower-limb surgeries. Due to its superficial course, it is vulnerable to iatrogenic injuries, particularly in procedures involving the Achilles tendon. The presence of anatomical variations in SN formation and trajectory has significant implications for surgical planning, diagnostics, and nerve conduction studies. Understanding these formation variations is essential to minimize surgical complications and optimize clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A pilot cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted on nine formalin-fixed adult cadavers at the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Anthropology, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Lithuania. Standard dissection techniques were employed to examine the formation and trajectory of the SN. Morphometric parameters, including nerve diameter and length, were measured using an RS PTO Digital Caliper with 0.01 mm precision. Variations in SN formation were classified according to the system proposed by P.K. Ramakrishnan et al. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and RStudio, with a significance threshold set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The most prevalent SN formation variation observed in the Lithuanian cadaveric sample was Type 3, which was found in 8 out of 18 limbs (44.4%), while Type 6 was not identified. Additionally, a symmetric formation was observed bilaterally in 5 out of the 9 cadavers (55.6%). The SN was significantly thicker in two-contributor formations (3.17 mm) compared to single-contributor formations (1.93 mm, p = 0.001). The SN was also significantly longer in two-contributor formations (25.80 cm) than in single-contributor formations (18.96 cm, p = 0.016). No significant differences in SN morphology were found between left and right lower limbs. Conclusions: This study highlights the substantial anatomical variability of the SN in the Lithuanian population. The findings suggest a correlation between SN diameter and formation type, which may have clinical implications for nerve grafting and surgical planning. The predominance of Type 3 formation and the observed symmetry rate provide valuable anatomical insights for lower limb surgeries. Further large-scale studies are necessary to establish population-specific SN variations and their relevance in clinical practice. Full article

Researchers focused on assessing differences in gene diversity within and between populations, whether cosmopolitan or local. However, the identification of patterns of variation in non-random heterozygous genomic stretches, known as Heterozygosity-Rich regions (HRRs), has not yet been determined in European local pig breeds. A total of 23 pig breeds (20 local and 3 cosmopolitan) were assessed and compared in terms of heterozygosity-rich regions. The breeds with the highest number of HRRs were Large White, Lithuanian Old type, and Landrace, followed by Lithuanian Native, Mora Romagnola, and Duroc. The breeds with the lowest number were Alentejana, Iberian, and Majorcan Black. No shared HRR islands were found in all breeds, but gene enrichment analysis performed in the most common HRRs revealed several biologically important genes that cluster together and play significant roles, primarily related to the immune system. Permutation analysis indicated that some local breeds serve as true reservoirs of genetic diversity, displaying distinct and unique characteristics in terms of heterozygosity. This study suggests the importance of investigating heterozygosity to develop a comprehensive picture of pig breeds, regardless of the production system, country of origin, or population size. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are defined as inflammatory diseases of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, or trachea. They are common in children. The prescription of antibiotics for the treatment of URIs became a relevant theme in the scientific literature in recent decades. One of the most important ways to deal with increasing antimicrobial resistance is rational antibiotic therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the tendencies of antibiotic prescribing practices for Lithuanian children with URIs from 2018 to 2022. We describe how many children with URIs were prescribed antibiotics, which antibiotics were used, and whether prescribing practices meet national guidelines. Methods: Secondary data, which were used in this observational study, were collected from the Lithuanian Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (CHIF) electronic records. The study population consisted of children aged between 0 and 18 years who visited their primary care doctors (pediatricians or family doctors) between January 2018 and December 2022 and were prescribed antibiotics for the treatment of URIs. Results: Between 2018 and 2022, there were 445,328 visits reported when antibiotics, which belong to the J01 group according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC), were prescribed to children aged 0–18. In more than half of the visits (51.70%), children aged 0–5 were consulted. Penicillins were mostly prescribed for the treatment of acute nasopharyngitis. Macrolides were mostly used to treat acute laryngitis and tracheitis. Of all penicillin-class antibiotics, the most popular choice was amoxycillin. The primary choice of cephalosporin was cefadroxil, and the primary choice of macrolide was clarithromycin. Conclusions: During the period of 2018–2022, the number of prescriptions for antibiotics for URTIs decreased, but prescriptions for penicillin-class antibiotics increased in a relative manner. The most common diagnoses during these visits were acute tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis, and most antibiotic prescriptions were for children in the 0–5 age group. If Lithuania’s National Recommendations on the Rational Use of Antibiotics were implemented during the analyzed period, the prescribing tendencies would not meet them. Full article

An equation-derived body fat estimator, namely the Clínica Universidad de Navarra Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), was established to assess the body fat percentage in adults. However, its efficiency compared to that of the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) approach remains under-researched. This study aimed to assess the agreement between the body fat percentages measured using a BIA and estimated using the CUN-BAE in a sample of Lithuanian professional athletes. A single cross-sectional study was conducted using the BIA technique to measure and the CUN-BAE equation to calculate the body fat percentages of 323 study participants. The Bland–Altman plot system was applied to comparing both the body fat percentages estimated using the CUN-BAE equation and those obtained via the BIA approach. The average values of the body fat percentages found in the total sample of elite athletes and estimated using the BIA and CUN-BAE equaled 18.4 ± 5.3% and 18.7 ± 6.6%, respectively (ICC: 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88; 0.93). This study found that the CUN-BAE method overestimated the BIA’s calculation of the body fat percentages by 2.7% on average. Meanwhile, the comparison of adiposity in the athletes using the CUN-BAE equation and the BIA methods demonstrated a similar, although not identical, accuracy. The BIA method cannot be replaced by the CUN-BAE equation in routine sports medicine practice due to moderately sized limits of agreement (95% CI: −6.5; 7.1), even when the access to body fat measurement devices is limited. From a public health perspective, the outcomes derived from the CUN-BAE equation can possibly be extrapolated to females and to individuals competing in strength–power sports, as well as to populations of adults. Full article

The non-destructive geophysical testing method ground penetrating radar (GPR), along with satellite image and air photo assessment, a review of the existing literature sources, and Holocaust survivor testimony, was used to document the location of potential mass graves in Alytus, Lithuania. In World War II, six million Jews were murdered, as were as many as five million other victims of Nazi Germany’s orchestrated persecution. In the summer of 1941, 8030 Jews (4.70 percent of Lithuania’s Jewish population) lived in Alytus County, where the town of Alytus is located. It is estimated that over 8000 Jews were murdered in Alytus County, including nearly the entire Jewish population of the town of Alytus. The murder of Jews from Alytus County accounts for approximately 4.2% of the total number of Lithuanian Jews killed in the Holocaust. Survivor testimony indicates that several thousand Jews from both the town and county were murdered and buried in the Vidzgiris Forest about 1000 m from the town center. In 2022, field reconnaissance at locations in the forest, which appeared to be disturbed in a 1944 German Luftwaffe air photograph, indicated that these disturbances were associated with natural geomorphic processes and not the Holocaust. Analysis of GPR data that was collected using a pulseEKKO Pro 500-megahertz groundpenetrating radar (GPR) system in 2022 in the vicinity of monuments erected in the forest to memorialize mass graves indicates that no mass graves were directly associated with these monuments. The 1944 air photograph contained two roads that traversed through and abruptly ended in the forest, which was the impetus for detailed field reconnaissance in that area. A segment of a 150 m long linear surface feature found in the forest was assessed using GPR, and based on the profile that was generated, it was determined that this feature is possibly a segment of a much more extensive mass grave. Testimony of a Holocaust survivor stated that as many as three burial trenches exist in this portion of the forest. Additional research using non-destructive GPR technology, air photograph and satellite image assessment, and the existing literature and testimony-based data are required for the Vidzgiris Forest to better define these and other potential mass graves and other Holocaust-related features. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and a subset of patients exhibits apparently resistant hypertension (aRHTN), where blood pressure remains inadequately controlled despite treatment. This study aims to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Lithuanian men with HTN and aRHTN, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of hypertension management in these groups. Methods: Data from 52,012 men participating in the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Programme (LitHiR) between 2009 and 2019 were analysed. Participants were categorised into two groups: treated hypertension (HTN) and apparent resistant hypertension (aRHTN). Despite treatment, the aRHTN group included those who failed to achieve their target blood pressure. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (dyslipidaemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unbalanced diet) was compared between the groups. Results: The overall prevalence of HTN was 47%, with 9.9% of treated hypertensive men having aRHTN. Dyslipidemia was both groups’ most prevalent risk factor (94.1% in HTN vs. 95.5% in aRHTN, p < 0.001). Men with aRHTN exhibited higher rates of diabetes (25.9% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.001), metabolic syndrome (75.3% vs. 66.3%, p < 0.001), and left ventricular hypertrophy (59.4% vs. 43.1%, p < 0.001). Treatment success was significantly lower in the aRHTN group (7.57% vs. 28.4%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hypertension affects almost half of the studied population, with 10% of treated hypertensives exhibiting aRHTN. The aRHTN group had a higher number of additional cardiovascular risk factors and lower treatment success rates. Improved management of cardiovascular risk factors is crucial, especially in the aRHTN population, to reduce the burden of CVD. Full article

This five-year study examined the impact of simplified tillage practices and shortened crop rotations on soil physical attributes and earthworm populations as an important indicator of soil health in Central Lithuanian Cambisols. The experiment was set up following a split-plot design to compare conventional tillage and no-tillage systems across three rotation schemes (three-field, two-field, and monoculture). The experiment was carried out over a period of 5 years, from 2010 to 2014. Preliminary soil conditions revealed notable disparities in moisture content across tillage methods (20.0 ± 0.3% against 17.9 ± 0.3% at a depth of 5–10 cm; p < 0.001), although variations in bulk density were more evident in the deeper soil layer (1.42 ± 0.02 versus 1.47 ± 0.01 mg m⁻³ at 15–20 cm). Earthworm abundance exhibited a strong negative association with bulk density (r = −0.612, p = 0.041) and a positive correlation with total porosity (r = 0.583, p = 0.044) in the upper soil layer. Notably, this study revealed the unexpected resilience of earthworm populations to tillage practices, with no significant differences between conventional and no-till systems (F_1,108 = 1.414, p = 0.237). Rotation effects showed more significance than tillage intensity, as both two-field and three-field rotations sustained comparable earthworm populations (127.5–131.2 ind. m⁻², 32.8–35.4 g m⁻²), but monoculture exhibited markedly lower figures (105.0 ± 13.2 ind. m⁻², 25.6 ± 2.7 g m⁻²; p < 0.048). Three-way ANOVA indicated substantial temporal effects (F_4,108 = 17.227, p < 0.001), demonstrating that environmental influences gained prominence as systems evolved. These findings challenge traditional assumptions about tillage impacts on soil fauna and indicate that crop diversification within the rotation cycle, rather than tillage intensity or rotation duration, is the essential determinant for sustaining earthworm populations in agricultural systems. Soil structural factors proved to be a significant factor but played a less substantial role. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lifestyle is a significant, common, and easily modifiable factor capable of increasing or reducing the risk of acquiring many diseases. Currently, there is a research gap as too little scientific attention has been focused on exploring the relationship between mental health and nutritional status in various populations. Moreover, the association between body composition and somatization has not been fully disclosed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the associations of body composition with the symptomatology of somatization in an environmentally vulnerable sample of young adults. Methods: A single cross-sectional study included young non-clinical Lithuanian students (n = 1223) aged 21.7 ± 3.9. The body adiposity status of the study participants was estimated using both the body mass index (BMI) and the Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE) method. Fat-free mass was evaluated via the adjusted fat-free mass index equation (FFMI_adj). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) was applied to assess the severity of the perceived symptoms of a somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Results: The CUN-BAE was considered to be a better predictor of adiposity than the BMI because 14.7% of females and 6.2% of males were interpreted as obese using the CUN-BAE, while the BMI equation identified participants as having a normal body weight. The highest rates of somatization were found in 18.6% of the cohort. Young adults with higher amounts of body fat mass (β: 0.050, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.013; 0.084, p = 0.007) and lower FFMI are prone to a higher risk for developing somatization (β: −0.429, 95% CI: −0.597; −0.260, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that body composition is significantly related to multiple somatic complaints throughout a range of measurements. However, in contrast to the CUN-BAE tool, the BMI equation underestimated the relationship between body fat and mental health outcomes in young adults. Even though nutritional status along with targeted physical load, as the mediators, are likely to play a significant role in the maintenance of optimal body composition and mental health outcomes, healthcare providers are recommended to advise individuals to lower their body fat percentage and increase fat-free mass in order to reduce the risk of somatization. Full article