Search Results (218)

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants who experience a marked postnatal catch-up, mainly in weight, are at risk for developing metabolic disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms are imprecise. Exosomes and their cargo (including miRNAs) mediate intercellular communication and may contribute to altered crosstalk among tissues. We assessed the miRNA profile in cord blood-derived exosomes from 10 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 10 SGA infants by small RNA sequencing; differentially expressed miRNAs with a fold change ≥2.4 were validated by RT-qPCR in 40 AGA and 35 SGA infants and correlated with anthropometric, body composition (DXA) and endocrine–metabolic parameters at 4 and 12 mo. miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p and miR-206 were down-regulated, whereas miR-372-3p, miR-519d-3p and miR-1299 were up-regulated in SGA infants. The target genes of these miRNAs related to insulin, RAP1, TGF beta and neurotrophin signaling. Receiver operating characteristic analysis disclosed that these miRNAs predicted with accuracy the 0–12 mo changes in body mass index and in total and abdominal fat and lean mass. In conclusion, the exosomal miRNA profile at birth differs between AGA and SGA infants and associates with measures of catch-up growth, insulin resistance and body composition through late infancy. Further follow-up of this population will disclose whether these associations persist into childhood, puberty and adolescence. Full article

Objectives: The early detection of low bone mineral density (BMD) is essential for preventing osteoporosis and related complications. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the gold standard for diagnosis, its cost and limited availability restrict its use in large-scale screening. This study investigated whether raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) data combined with explainable machine learning (ML) models could accurately classify osteopenia in women aged 40 to 55. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 138 women underwent same-day BIA and DXA assessments. Participants were categorized as osteopenic (T-score between −1.0 and −2.5; n = 33) or normal (T-score ≥ −1.0) based on DXA results. Overall, 24.1% of the sample were classified as osteopenic, and 32.85% were postmenopausal. Raw BIA outputs were used as input features, including impedance values, phase angles, and segmental tissue parameters. A sequential forward feature selection (SFFS) algorithm was employed to optimize input dimensionality. Four ML classifiers were trained using stratified five-fold cross-validation, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were applied to interpret feature contributions. Results: The neural network (NN) model achieved the highest classification accuracy (92.12%) using 34 selected features, including raw impedance measurements, derived body composition indices such as regional lean mass estimates and the edema index, as well as a limited number of categorical variables, including self-reported physical activity status. SHAP analysis identified muscle mass indices and fluid distribution metrics, features previously associated with bone health, as the most influential predictors in the current model. Other classifiers performed comparably but with lower precision or interpretability. Conclusions: ML models based on raw BIA data can classify osteopenia with high accuracy and clinical transparency. This approach provides a cost-effective and interpretable alternative for the early identification of individuals at risk for low BMD in resource-limited or primary care settings. Full article

Muscle loss unresponsive to nutritional supplementation affects up to 80% of cancer patients and severely reduces survival and treatment response. Exercise may help preserve muscle mass and function, yet the translatability of preclinical methods remains questionable. This study aimed to assess how voluntary wheel running, a clinically relevant physical activity, protects skeletal and cardiac muscle against cancer-mediated dysfunction and identify underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: BALB/c mice were assigned to sedentary nontumor-bearing (SED+NT), sedentary tumor-bearing (SED+T), wheel run nontumor-bearing (WR+NT), and wheel run tumor-bearing (WR+T). Tumor-bearing groups received 5 × 10⁵ C26 cells; WR mice had wheel access for 4 weeks. Muscle function and tissue were analyzed for protective mechanisms. Results: SED+T mice exhibited significant fat and lean mass loss, indicating cachexia, which was prevented in WR+T mice. SED+T also showed 15% reduced grip strength and cardiac dysfunction, while WR+T preserved function. WR+T mice had lower expression of muscle wasting markers (Atrogin1, MuRF1, GDF15, GDF8/11). Physical activity also reduced tumor mass by 57% and volume by 37%. Conclusion: Voluntary wheel running confers tumor-suppressive, myoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. These findings support physical activity as a non-pharmacological strategy to combat cancer-related muscle wasting and dysfunction. Full article

N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is the second most abundant metabolite in the human brain. Quantifiable amounts of NAA are also present in the blood, but its role in the peripheral tissues is largely unknown. First, we determined the acute effects of insulin administration on NAA concentrations; second, we assessed whether circulating NAA levels associate with markers of central and peripheral insulin sensitivity. A total of 24 persons living with obesity and 19 healthy, lean controls, without neurological disorders, underwent a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp combined with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([¹⁸F]FDG-PET) imaging of the brain, abdomen, and femoral area. Plasma concentrations of NAA were measured at baseline and ~2 h into the clamp using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS). Glucose uptake (GU) rates were analysed using a fractional uptake rate. Serum acetate levels were also assessed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics. From baseline to steady-state, insulin levels increased from a mean level of 66 to 447 pmol/L (p < 0.0001). Over this period, circulating NAA concentrations decreased by 5% (p = 0.01), similarly in both groups. The change in NAA was inversely related with the change in plasma acetate (r = −0.36, p = 0.048). Circulating NAA was associated with waist–hip ratio (rho = −0.54, p = 0.0002), steady-state free fatty acids (rho = −0.44, p = 0.003), and directly with HDL cholesterol (rho = 0.54, p = 0.0002), adiponectin (rho = 0.48, p = 0.003), and whole-body insulin sensitivity (rho = 0.34, p = 0.03). Circulating NAA was directly related with skeletal muscle (rho = 0.42, p = 0.01) and visceral adipose tissue GU (rho = 0.41, p = 0.02). Insulin administration leads to a small decrease in circulating NAA levels, and NAA associates consistently with markers of insulin sensitivity. While plasma NAA may be relevant to aspects of whole-body homeostasis, mechanistic insights are needed. Full article

Glucocorticoid-induced diabetes is the most common form of drug-induced hyperglycemia. In addition, chronic exposure to glucocorticoids promotes lean mass loss and fat mass accumulation. In this study, we hypothesized that a high-protein diet (60% kcal; HPD) would help to offset sarcopenia during oral administration of corticosterone to C57BL/6J mice. Carbohydrates were reduced in the HPD to ensure it was isocaloric with the normal-protein diet (20% kcal; NPD). We found that the HPD prevented fat mass accumulation but did not protect against reductions in lean mass in both male and female mice. Mice consuming a HPD did not develop hyperglycemia, while mice given the NPD developed hyperglycemia within two weeks. The HPD diet did not improve insulin sensitivity in response to glucocorticoids but did alter gene expression patterns in adipose tissue and liver measured by RNA sequencing. We conclude that a HPD diet may be beneficial to limit rises in blood glucose and adipose tissue accrual during glucocorticoid therapy. Full article

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and interrater reliability of quadriceps and hamstring soft tissue measures using DXA scans. Methods: A total of 44 subjects (23 males) participated in this study. The first total body DXA scan was performed in the standard anterior/posterior scanning position, followed by two additional total body scans while the subjects were lying on their left and right sides with the leg of interest extended and the contralateral leg bent. Unique regions of interest were created for analyses of mineral-free lean masses (MFL) using custom analysis software with manual tracing (by two investigators) of the quadriceps (QUADS) and hamstrings (HAMS) of the right and left thighs. Between–within repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if there were significant differences among the MFL measures, while intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficients of variation (CV) were used to assess the intra- and interrater reliability. Results: Between-group analyses revealed that Investigator 2 had small yet significantly higher mean differences for right QUADS (2346.6 ± 602.4 g vs. 2327.4 ± 587.9 g), left QUADS (2337.3 ± 581.9 g vs. 2312.8 ± 581.2 g), right HAMS (2655.9 ± 626.3 g vs. 2543.0 ± 593.5 g), and left HAMS (2686.1 ± 628.1 g vs. 2562.8 ± 596.5 g) when compared to Investigator 1. Intraclass correlation coefficients between (≥0.984) and within (≥0.992) raters were high for all MFL measures, with low variation across all MFL measures (≤1.62%). Conclusions: Despite having significant group mean differences, our results revealed strong and significant reliability, and we recommend that a single investigator analyze the scans twice and that the mean of the two measures be used for final reporting within a given study. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bone maturation and development are crucial for growth and development, especially in children and adolescents; however, some qualitative methods, such as Greulich & Pyle, do not provide accurate data. Our aim is to verify whether skeletal age (SA) can predict and correlate with bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition (BC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 115 male adolescents (ages 12.1–15.8 years). Skeletal age was assessed using the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 (TW3) method, while BMC, BMD, and BC were measured using full-body DXA. Anthropometric data, including height and body mass, were also recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods and bivariate correlation coefficients. Results: SA was significantly correlated with stature (r = 0.598, p = 0.001) and body mass (r = 0.517, p = 0.001), showing a stronger association than chronological age (CA) for these variables. Body composition variables, including lean mass (LM) (r = 0.521, p = 0.001) and fat tissue (FT) (r = 0.522, p = 0.001), also showed a stronger correlation with SA than CA. However, associations between SA and bone parameters were weaker: BMC (r = 0.103, p = 0.275) and BMD (r = 0.161, p = 0.086) did not reach statistical significance. When stratified by SA/CA tertiles, individuals in the highest tertile exhibited slightly greater BMC (1439 ± 108.32 g) and BMD (1.028 ± 0.127 g/cm²), though without a significant effect. These findings suggest a dynamic but complex relationship between skeletal age and bone development. Conclusions: SA demonstrates a stronger association with anthropometric and body composition variables than CA, highlighting its potential as a predictor of growth used in conjunction with LM and FM. However, its relationship with BMD and BMC remains inconclusive, warranting further longitudinal research, considering limitations regarding nutritional intake. Full article

Background: Estrogen plays a crucial role in adipose tissue homeostasis, influencing fat distribution, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Through estrogen receptor (ER) activation, particularly ERα, estradiol (E2) regulates adipogenesis, inhibits adipocyte hypertrophy, and promotes insulin signaling. It enhances lipid oxidation, reduces lipogenesis, and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production, thereby maintaining metabolic health. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), characterized by estrogen deficiency before the age of 40, disrupts this regulatory network, leading to adverse metabolic effects. Objetives: This review examines the effects of estrogen on adipose tissue, lipid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism, with a particular focus on clinical evidence in women with POI. Methods: A narrative review of the metabolic alterations associated with POI, emphasizing the molecular, biochemical, and metabolic mechanisms underlying estrogen deficiency, with a special focus on adipose tissue. Results: Women with POI exhibit increased visceral fat accumulation, reduced lean mass, and alterations in adipokine secretion, resembling the metabolic phenotype of postmenopausal women. The decline in estrogen levels contributes to central adiposity, impaired lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance, exacerbating the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The loss of estrogenic regulation leads to enhanced lipolysis in visceral fat, raising free fatty acid flux to the liver, promoting hepatic steatosis, and worsening insulin resistance. Studies indicate that POI patients have significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to age-matched controls, reinforcing their heightened CVD risk. Reduced sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels increase free androgen availability, aggravating central fat deposition. These metabolic disturbances can potentially accelerate atherosclerosis and vascular aging, increasing morbidity and mortality in POI patients. Conclusions: Understanding the role of estrogen in adipose tissue and its disruption in POI highlights the importance of early intervention. Although the available evidence is limited and largely extrapolated from menopause studies, strategies such as hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications, and lipid profile optimization are essential to mitigate metabolic consequences and improve long-term health outcomes in women with POI. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome with high incidence and mortality rates is a prevalent health issue globally. The Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF), as a new index for valuating visceral adipose tissue, has been reported to be closely related to a variety of diseases. However, whether the METS-VF can be an indicator to predict the risk of CKM syndrome remains unclear. Methods: We selected National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database data from the 2011–2020 year cycles and conducted analyses between the METS-VF and CKM syndrome utilizing weighted Cox regression models, subgroup and interaction analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. We also used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to analyze and compare the diagnostic predictive ability of the METS-VF, the BMI, and other indicators assessing adipose tissue, including the VAI, fat mass, and lean mass, in CKM syndrome. Results: In this study, the average age was 34.40 ± 0.61 years in the non-CKM patients, while the average age was over 40.38 ± 0.62 years in the CKM patients. Additionally, there was a greater proportion of male patients in the CKM patients (over 49.04%) in comparison with the non-CKM patients (37.94%). The average METS-VF was higher in the CKM patients (over 6.63 ± 0.02) compared with the non-CKM patients (5.62 ± 0.03). We found the METS-VF had a positive correlation with CKM syndrome and was hardly affected by other confounding factors. The METS-VF was more closely associated with CKM syndrome in the subgroup of age 20–59 and female patients. In addition, the METS-VF had better diagnostic ability for CKM syndrome than the body mass index (BMI) and other indicators. Conclusions: The METS-VF is a potentially actionable indicator that had a positive correlation with CKM risk. The METS-VF may be used as a possible reference in the management of CKM syndrome. Full article

Background: There is emerging interest in obesity and its prevalence, outcomes, and management in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Body mass index (BMI) is the traditional marker of obesity in MS, whereas body composition, inclusive of specific body tissue compartments (e.g., fat, bone, and muscle), is often overlooked despite its relevance. Objective: This narrative review (a) underscored the use and utility of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as an accurate and reliable measure of body composition; (b) thematically analyzed and synthesized the current evidence regarding body composition (using DEXA); and (c) determined gaps to be addressed in future research. Methods: The structure and reporting of this narrative review followed the guiding criteria outlined in the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). The relevant literature for this narrative review was identified via a PubMed search utilizing combined search terms such as ‘body composition’ and ‘multiple sclerosis’. The identified research was then organized by the authors into major themes and sub-themes. The articles described within the narrative review were based on saturation of the identified themes and sub-themes. Results: Three major themes were identified, namely (1) comparison of body composition between people with MS and non-MS controls (2 meta-analyses); (2) examination of the relationships between body composition and a range of outcomes (14 cross-sectional studies); and (3) interventions that report and/or target body composition in MS (11 clinical trials). Conclusions: This narrative review mapped the existing evidence regarding body composition in MS, and posits body composition as a novel, informative, and targeted concept for this population. The narrative review underscores the importance of randomized controlled trials that focus on body composition as a significant and modifiable outcome. Such research could improve the understanding of obesity and poor body composition in MS and identify useful clinical recommendations for diagnosis and management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by profound nutritional deficits and significant alterations in body composition, cellular integrity, and hydration. Nutritional rehabilitation is critical not only for weight restoration but also for improving body composition and metabolic functions. However, optimal strategies for integrating caloric and protein intake to achieve balanced recovery remain underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the interactions between caloric/protein intake and time on quantitative (weight and BMI) and qualitative (body composition and cellular health) outcomes, and to identify markers that predict recovery trajectories and guide personalized nutritional interventions. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed 79 patients with AN admitted to Villa Miralago for six months of nutritional rehabilitation. Anthropometric and body composition parameters—including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), body cell mass (BCM), phase angle (PA), and hydration markers (TBW and ECW)—were assessed at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the effects of caloric and protein intake over time. Results: Significant increases in BW (+6.54 kg, p < 0.0001) and BMI (+2.47 kg/m², p < 0.0001) were observed, alongside improvements in FM, FFM, and BCM. PA increased significantly (+0.47°, p < 0.0001), indicating enhanced cellular health. TBW increased (+1.58 L, p < 0.0001), while ECW% decreased, reflecting improved fluid distribution. Caloric intake predominantly influenced early fat mass recovery, while protein intake was crucial for preserving lean tissues and promoting cellular regeneration. Interaction effects between caloric/protein intake and time revealed dynamic changes in body composition, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of a dynamic, marker-based approach to nutritional rehabilitation in AN. Integrating caloric and protein intake with advanced body composition and hydration markers enables personalized interventions and balanced recovery, shifting AN treatment toward a focus on qualitative improvements overweight restoration alone. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, awareness has been growing regarding the needs of female athletes with physical impairments. Despite the importance from both health and performance perspectives of assessing body composition in this athletic population, there is limited literature focusing on this topic. This study explored whole-body and regional three-compartment body composition in female athletes with a physical impairment to assess the impact of impairment and sex on body composition parameters in this population. Methods: Twenty female athletes with a physical impairment were pair-matched by age with an able-bodied female athlete and a male athlete with a comparable physical impairment. All athletes underwent whole-body scanning with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Female athletes with physical impairments showed body composition changes including higher amounts of fat mass, particularly in the lower body regions. Among athletes with a physical impairment, sex showed an independent effect on whole-body composition, with females showing higher fat mass and lower lean mass and bone mineral content compared with males, especially in the legs. Conclusions: Female athletes with physical impairments had a distinct body composition profile, characterized by sex-specific distribution of body tissue at the regional level. Nutritional and training strategies aimed at optimizing body composition in female athletes with physical impairments should be specifically tailored to meet the needs of this athletic population. Full article

Normal weight obesity (NWO) is a body composition phenotype that is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and is characterized by a normal weight body mass index but elevated body fat. The purpose of this study was to determine sex differences in aerobic capacity across body composition phenotypes, including normal weight lean (NWL), NWO, and traditional obesity (OB). We recruited 60 participants according to three body composition phenotypes: NWL (n = 10 females, n = 10 males), NWO (n = 10 females, n = 10 males), and OB (n = 10 females, n = 10 males). Measurements included fasting metabolic risk factors, body composition X-ray scan, and peak exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine aerobic capacity (VO_2peak). Across groups, males (34.5 ± 11.7 mL/kg/min) exhibited greater VO_2peak than females (28.8 ± 8.8 mL/kg/min; p = 0.04). There were no differences in VO_2peak between sexes within the same body composition phenotype, but NWL (42.7 ± 9.0 mL/kg/min) exhibited greater VO_2peak than NWO (27.9 ± 4.4 mL/kg/min; p < 0.0001) and OB (24.4 ± 7.3 mL/kg/min; p < 0.0001). VO_2peak was inversely correlated with relative body fat in the full sample (r = −0.67; p < 0.0001), but was stronger in males (r = −0.78; p < 0.0001) than females (r = −0.53; p = 0.0028). Visceral adipose tissue was not significantly correlated with VO_2peak in the full sample (r = −0.25; p = 0.05) or in males (r = −0.23; p = 0.25), although they were inversely correlated in females (r = −0.36; p = 0.048). Our results suggest low aerobic capacity in both men and women with NWO, similar to men and women with OB. The relationship between body composition and aerobic capacity is strong across body composition phenotypes, but appears to be more consistent in females than males. For healthcare professionals aiming to lower cardiometabolic risk, attention should be given to improving aerobic fitness in both men and women with elevated body fat, including those with NWO. Full article

Adipose tissue of obese people secretes a number of adipokines, including adiponectin and resistin, which have an antagonistic effect on the human metabolism, influencing the pathogenesis of many diseases based on low-grade inflammation. Body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed in 84 adults with obesity, i.e., body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m². Serum was collected to analyze the concentration of adiponectin (ApN) and resistin. The subjects additionally completed a food frequency questionnaire FFQ-6 and a three-day food diary. Adiponectin-resistin index (AR index) was calculated. The results show a positive correlation between resistin levels and BMI and subcutaneous fat content. AR index value was also positively associated with the amount of adipose tissue and body mass. Adiponectin level in the serum of the studied individuals decreased with the content of lean tissue. Adiponectin level also decreased with the amount of carbohydrates, amount of starch, and glycemic load of the diet. Resistin decreased in patients who frequently consumed white pasta and red meat, while AR index was positively associated with the amount of white rice and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) consumed but negatively associated with the frequent consumption of carbohydrates, including starch. Physical activity was negatively correlated with adiponectin levels and AR index. We concluded that body composition significantly influenced serum resistin and adiponectin concentrations the AR index. Dietary components also had a significant effect. Full article

Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil have been shown to prevent diet-induced obesity in lean mice and to promote heat production in adipose tissue. However, the effects of fish oil on obese animals remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of fish oil in obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed a lard-based high-fat diet (LD) for 8 weeks and then assigned to either a fish oil-based high-fat diet (FOD) or continued the LD for additional 8 weeks. A control group was fed a standard diet for 16 weeks. Mice fed the FOD showed weight loss, reduced adipose tissue mass, and lower plasma insulin and leptin levels compared to those fed the LD. Rectal temperatures were higher in the FOD and LD groups compared to the control group. Energy intake was lower in the FOD group than the LD group but similar to the control group. The FOD and LD groups exhibited increased expression of heat-producing genes such as Ppargc1a, Ucp1, Adrb3, and Ppara in brown adipose tissue but not in white adipose tissue. The FOD reduced food consumption and increased rectal temperature and heat-producing genes in brown adipose tissue. Fish oil may therefore be a potential therapeutic approach to obesity. Full article