Biomedical subjects

M Kunesová

Publications and source records attributed to M Kunesová.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Acylation stimulating protein--its role in control of metabolism in the adipose tissue].

Multiple hormones and enzymes participate in the lipid storage. One of them is acylation stimulating protein. Acylation stimulating protein is produced predominantly by adipocytes. After the binding on specific receptor at the surface of adipocytes, acylation stimulating protein leads to enhancement of triglyceride synthesis. This process is mediated by protein-kinase C. Concurrently, glucose transporters move from the cytoplasm to the adipocyte surface. Higher glucose disposal leads to a sufficient substrate availability for triglyceride synthesis. Acylation stimulating protein also stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion. Total acylation stimulating protein level in plasma is related to the adipose tissue mass and it positively correlates with many anthropometric parameters and with serum insulin level. In acylation stimulating protein deficient mice, resistance to the obesity development after a high fat diet was observed. Adipose tissue mass is lower in the acylation stimulating protein deficient mice and higher insulin sensitivity was shown in acylation stimulating protein deficient mice compared to a wild type mice. Acylation stimulating protein pathway may have an important role in the obesity development.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2006

[Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor -- PNET].

The authors describe three cases of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor. The tumor was found in soft tissues of the crus, shoulder girdle and perineum, and was also located paravertebrally and epidurally at the level of L1-L2 vertebrae. Radiological findings were not specific for this disease. The results of imaging methods (sonography, CT, MRI, DSA) were important for the assessment of tumor size, its boundary and invasion of the surrounding tissues, and for the evaluation of tumor response to therapy and detection of recurrent disease. The PNET diagnosis was based on immunohistochemical, biochemical and cytogenetic examinations. One patient died 5 months after the first clinical signs were manifested; the two patients surviving for 2 and 1 3/4 years after first sign manifestation, respectively, remained in the care of cancer specialists. Key words: skeletal Ewing's sarcoma, extra-skeletal Ewing's sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors, peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

The influence of very-low-calorie-diet on serum leptin, soluble leptin receptor, adiponectin and resistin levels in obese women.

The aim of our study was to determine whether adipocyte-derived hormones leptin, adiponectin and resistin contribute to the improvement of insulin sensitivity after very-low calorie diet (VLCD). Therefore, serum levels of these hormones were measured in fourteen obese females before and after three weeks VLCD and in seventeen age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Body mass index, HOMA index, serum insulin and leptin levels in obese women before VLCD were significantly higher than in control group (BMI 48.01+/-2.02 vs. 21.38+/-0.42 kg/m(2), HOMA 10.72+/-2.03 vs. 4.69+/-0.42, insulin 38.63+/-5.10 vs. 18.76+/-1.90 microIU/ml, leptin 77.87+/-8.98 vs. 8.82+/-1.52 ng/ml). In contrast, serum adiponectin and soluble leptin receptors levels were significantly lower in obese women before VLCD than in the control group. No differences were found in serum glucose and resistin levels between the obese group before VLCD and the control group. VLCD significantly decreased BMI, HOMA index, serum glucose, insulin and leptin levels and increased soluble leptin receptor levels. The changes in serum adiponectin and resistin levels in obese women after VLCD did not reach statistical significance. We conclude that leptin and soluble leptin receptor levels were affected by VLCD while adiponectin and resistin concentrations were not. Therefore, other mechanisms rather than changes in the endocrine function of the adipose tissue are probably involved in the VLCD-induced improvement of insulin sensitivity.

Adiponectin↗

PubMed2005

The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and very low calorie diet during a short-term weight reducing regimen on weight loss and serum fatty acid composition in severely obese women.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 series (n-3 PUFA) were shown to increase basal fat oxidation in humans. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of n-3 PUFA added to a very low calorie diet (VLCD), with VLCD only during three-week inpatient weight reduction. Twenty severely obese women were randomly assigned to VLCD with n-3 PUFA or with placebo. Fatty acids in serum lipid fractions were quantified by gas chromatography. Differences between the groups were determined using ANOVA. Higher weight (7.55+/-1.77 vs. 6.07+/-2.16 kg, NS), BMI (2.82+/-0.62 vs. 2.22+/-0.74, p<0.05) and hip circumference losses (4.8+/-1.81 vs. 2.5+/-2.51 cm, p<0.05) were found in the n-3 group as compared to the control group. Significantly higher increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate was found in the n-3 group showing higher ketogenesis and possible higher fatty acid oxidation. The increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate significantly correlated with the increase in serum phospholipid arachidonic acid (20:4n-6; r = 0.91, p<0.001). In the n-3 group significantly higher increase was found in n-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3, docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3) in triglycerides and phospholipids. The significant decrease of palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) and vaccenic acid (18:1n-7) in triglycerides probably reflected lower lipogenesis. A significant negative correlation between BMI change and phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid change was found (r = -0.595, p<0.008). The results suggest that long chain n-3 PUFA enhance weight loss in obese females treated by VLCD. Docosahexaenoate (22:6n-3) seems to be the active component.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

PubMed2005

Short-term very low calorie diet reduces oxidative stress in obese type 2 diabetic patients.

Oxidative stress is higher in obese diabetic than in non-diabetic subjects. This pilot study evaluates oxidative stress during short-term administration of a very low calorie diet in obese persons. Nine obese Type 2 diabetic patients (age 55+/-5 years, BMI 35.9+/-1.9 kg/m2) and nine obese non-diabetic control subjects (age 52+/-6 years, BMI 37.3+/-2.1 kg/m2) were treated by a very low calorie diet (600 kcal daily) during 8 days stay in the hospital. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (B-HB), ascorbic acid (AA), alpha-tocopherol (AT), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in erythrocytes were measured before and on day 3 and 8 of very low calorie diet administration. A decrease of serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations on day 8 was associated with a significant increase of NEFA (0.30+/-0.13 vs. 0.47+/-0.11 micromol/l, p<0.001) and B-HB (0.36+/-.13 vs. 2.23+/-1.00 mmol/l, p<0.001) in controls but only of B-HB (1.11+/-0.72 vs. 3.02+/-1.95 mmol/l, p<0.001) in diabetic patients. A significant decrease of plasma MDA and serum AT together with an increase of SOD activity and AA concentration (p<0.01) was observed in control persons, whereas an increase of SOD activity (p<0.01) was only found in diabetic patients after one week of the very low calorie diet. There was a significant correlation between NEFA or B-HB and SOD activity (p<0.01). We conclude that one week of a very low calorie diet administration decreases oxidative stress in obese non-diabetic but only partly in diabetic persons. Diabetes mellitus causes a greater resistance to the effects of a low calorie diet on oxidative stress.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Recommendations for the treatment of tobacco dependence].

This first Czech version of guidelines formulated by the working group of mentioned medical associations is based on current literature and international guidelines. They are aimed mainly on clinical medicine and on incorporation of this treatment into the health care system according to WHO recommendations. They should serve to the treatment of tobacco dependence at any level: during any contact with the smoking patient (short intervention), in specialised centres or for the health care providers or health system itself.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

[Metaphyseal fibrous defect].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to identify predisposition to the development of metaphyseal fibrous defect (MFD) on the skeleton and to select appropriate imaging methods and examination for detection of atypically located or larger cortical lesions. MATERIAL: A group of 38 randomly selected patients with MFD was analyzed. It comprised of 27 boys and 11 girls at average ages of 13.7 years and 15.5 years, respectively. The youngest child was 4 and the oldest patient was 30 years old. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with a history of trauma and six patients with problems associated with sports activities were examined by plain radiography. Additional examination included CT scans in eight, MRI in two, scintigraphy in 17, angiography in seven and genetic examination in three patients. Histological evaluation confirming the presence of MFD was carried out in seven patients. RESULTS: The majority of lesions (75.6 %) were found around the knee, 17 in the distal femur and 17 in the proximal tibia. Eight lesions (17.8 %) were present in the distal tibia and three (6.6 %) were at other sites. Multifocal lesions, when detected, were associated with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis, Marfan's disease or familiar occurrence. In most cases the diagnosis was made on the basis of plain radiographic findings. For large lesion in atypical locations, examination by CT, MRI, scintigraphy or biopsy were recommended. DISCUSSION: In this section the authors discussed other pathologic conditions that must be distinguished from MFD. CONCLUSIONS: The bones around the knee were affected most often. Multifocal MFD lesions were associated with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis, Marfan's disease or familiar occurrence. The diagnosis was usually based on plain X-ray examination. To diagnose atypical and large lesions, advanced imaging (CT, MRI), scintigraphy or biopsy were recommended.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

[Ultrasound measurement of visceral fat in obese children].

BACKGROUND: Measurements of anthropometric parameters are widely used in clinical practice as a convenient index of intraabdominal fat. The paper is aimed to reveal correlations between ultrasound measurement of intraabdominal depth (IAAT) and selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters in childhood. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 69 obese children (38 boys, BMI28.3+/-3.2, aged 12.8+/-0,52 and 31 girls with BMI27.4+/-5.02, 12.4+/-0.51), anthropometry, IAAT and laboratory tests were evaluated. Height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, 10 skinfolds and blood pressure were measured. Blood glucose, uric acid, lipids, inzulín and C-peptide levels were determined. Pearson's partial correlation coefficients after adjusting for age were calculated. In boys, the following significant correlations of IAAT were revealed: with BMI (r=0.44, p<0.06), chest (r=0.45, p<0.005) and hip (r=0.65, p<0.0001) circumferences, waist/hip ratio (WHR, r=0.61, p< or =0.0001), subscapular (r=0.45, p< or =0.005), axillary (r=0.55, p<0.0004), suprailiac (r=0.51, p< or =0.001) and abdominal (r=0.54, p=0.0004) skinfolds. However, among biochemical indexes only triglyceride level was associated with IAAT (r=0.41, p< or =0.01). In girls, the following significant correlations of IAAT were observed: with BMI (r=0.42, p< or =0.01), chest (r=0.42, p< or =0.01) and waist (r=0.46, p<0.009) circumferences, subscapular (r=0.46, p<0.009) and abdominal (r=0.52, p<0.003) skinfolds. In girls, no significant correlation of IAAT with WHR and metabolic parameters was found. CONCLUSIONS: IAAT in children is associated with anthropometric indexes of body fat distribution and in boys also with serum triglyceride level.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2002

Activities of cytochrome c oxidase and citrate synthase in lymphocytes of obese and normal-weight subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity represents a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with broad spectrum of metabolic and endocrine abnormalities. The metabolic changes in obesity may also concern the efficacy of mitochondrial system of energy provision. The aim of our study was to analyse activities of mitochondrial enzymes cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and citrate synthase (CS) in isolated lymphocytes of obese and normal-weight subjects. RESULTS: In the group of 304 non-obese controls, differences between men and women were found neither in the COX and CS activities nor in the COX/CS ratio in isolated lymphocytes. The activity of COX did not change even with age, whereas the activity of CS decreased significantly resulting in age-dependent increase of the COX/CS ratio (P<0.01). In the group of 60 obese patients aged 17-75 y, the COX activity was 1.2-fold higher (P<0.01) and the CS activity was 1.3-fold lower (P<0.01) compared to 151 non-obese healthy age-matched controls. Consequently, the COX/CS ratio became 1.7-fold higher (P<0.01) in the obese patients compared to the non-obese population, which indicates that both the absolute and relative oxidative capacity are increased. CONCLUSION: Isolated lymphocytes from peripheral blood contribute very little to the overall metabolic turnover, but they may serve as easily available marker cells for studying the changes of mitochondrial energy converting systems in obesity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

The responses of serum and adipose Fatty acids to a one-year weight reduction regimen in female obese monozygotic twins.

We have reported strong intrapair resemblances (IPRs) in serum phosphatidylcholine (PC) fatty acid composition within adult monozygotic twins living apart. This study assessed the contribution of genetic factors to changes in serum and adipose tissue fatty acids resulting from weight loss and followed by a subsequent year of weight maintenance. Eleven pairs of female obese monozygotic twins (age: 38.9 +/- 1.8; BMI: 32.5 +/- 0.9) were recruited for the study. Fasting serum and adipose tissue were obtained after 1 week of inpatient stabilization, after 1 month of inpatient very-low-calorie diet (VLCD), and again after 1 year of outpatient weight maintenance. Fatty acids in serum lipid fractions and adipose tissue were quantitated by gas chromatography. Using multiple regression adjusted for age and initial value, IPRs were determined for the changes induced by VLCD and by the year of weight maintenance. There were few IPRs in nonessential fatty acids. By contrast, there were numerous IPRs for essential fatty acids (EFA), especially in the n-3 family across the VLCD. Following the maintenance year, however, frequent IPRs for nonessential fatty acids were seen, particularly in serum PC, and strong IPRs were seen for 18:3 n-3 and 20:5 n-3 across multiple fractions. These results infer the existence of strong genetic factors determining both the nonessential and EFA compositions of tissue lipids in humans independent of diet. Of particular note were the consistent IPRs for n-3 fatty acids despite dietary stress, indicating that the conservation and distribution of this EFA family are subject to considerable genetic variance in humans.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2002

Serum cortisol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, body fat distribution and the role of genetic factors in obese females.

Fasting plasma levels of both cortisol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in obese women were significantly inversely related to anthropometric characteristics of body fat distribution. It means that a central accumulation of body fat might be partly mediated by cortisol and SHBG levels. Significant within-pair resemblance observed in plasma cortisol level in obese female monozygotic twins suggests an important role of genetic factors in determination of cortisol secretion. However, no within-pair similarities revealed in plasma SHBG concentrations favour a major role of environmental factors in the regulation of plasma SHBG level. On the other hand the twin study supported the role of genetic determinants in changes of both cortisol and SHBG levels in response to energy deficit induced by very low calorie diet (VLCD). The mechanisms controlling baseline levels of cortisol and SHBG apparently differ from those controlling their responses to energy restriction.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2002

Adipose tissue distribution in obese females. Relationship to androgens, cortisol, growth hormone and leptin.

Adipose tissue distribution predicts development of obesity complications better than total adipose tissue content. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of the hormonal factors contributing to the adipose tissue distribution in obese females. The cohort examined consisted of 94 women in the range of overweight to obesity, aged 44.2 +/- 11.2 years (21-67), weight 100.1 +/- 17.5 kg (65.8-148), BMI 37.13 +/- 5.72 kg/m2 (26.4-50.7). Adipose tissue (AT) distribution was examined by CT at level L4/5 and intraabdominal adipose tissue and the subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue area (IAAT and SAAT, respectively) were determined. Growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), cortisol, testosterone, androstene-dione, SHBG, total thyroxine, total triiodothyronine (T3), TSH and leptin were assessed by routine methods by RIA and CLIA. GH, DHEA and DHEA-S correlated significantly negatively with IAAT (r = -0.24, p < 0.05, r = -0.30, p < 0.01, r = -0.34, p < 0.005, respectively). A borderline significant negative correlation of T3 with IAAT was shown (r = -0.20, p = 0.054). A significant positive correlation of SAAT with total testosterone and serum leptin was found (r = 0.27, p < 0.01, r = 0.64, p < 0.001, respectively). When comparing the difference of individual hormone levels between the 1st and 5th quintile of IAAT, no significant difference between the groups was found after adjustment for weight and age. In contrast, when comparing the 1st and 5th quintile according to the SAAT a significantly lower total testosterone and leptin in the 1st quintile of SAAT was found. Only in leptin the difference remained significant after adjustment for adipose tissue content. In conclusion, the results suggest that the relationship of individual hormones examined in this study to the central adipose tissue distribution are mostly mediated by age and adipose tissue content; they do not seem to be in a causal connection with the intraabdominal adipose tissue content. The only exception concerns leptin, which is significantly related to the subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue area.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2002

[Circumference of the abdomen and gluteal region (waist and hip) in the adult Czech and Slovak population].

Abdominal and gluteal (waist and hip) circumferences are accepted as indicators of central fat distribution and abdominal (waist) circumference is generally regarded as a simple anthropometric measure of visceral fat distribution. In the years 1987-88 there was carried out an anthropometric survey on the whole region of former Czechoslovakia, which was done in 16,400 of adult men and women, aged 20 to more than 70 years on the basis of the three grade statistical choice. Except for many other anthropometric measures, abdominal and gluteal (waist and hip) circumferences were estimated according to Martin and Saller [1957] (M62/1; M64/1). The results show that gluteal (hip) circumference is longer than abdominal (waist) circumference in adulthood similarly as in childhood. Abdominal circumference is longer in men than in women in agreement with sexual dimorphism. Abdominal circumference is not significantly different in Czech and Slovak men and Czech and Slovak women. Nevertheless, in Slovak women increases their abdominal circumference to maximum at the beginning their fifth decade and then decreases concurrently with lowering of BMI while in Czech women increase in abdominal circumference lasts till seventh decade. Maximal intersexual difference is found in the third decade (21-25 years) and at the end of follow-up in both populations. Gluteal (hip) circumference is not significantly different in men and women to the half of the forth decade in both Czech and Slovak populations. Afterwards it is markedly longer in women probably due to the higher accumulation of subcutaneous fat. In the second part of seventh decade in Czech population and about five years earlier in the Slovak group the circumference is getting shorter on the average value in men. This change can be caused by the age involution of adipose tissue. The examined data were constructed into percentile nets of the abdominal and gluteal circumferences for both men and women and Czech and Slovak populations.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2001

A twin study of weight loss and metabolic efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the genetic contribution to determinants of therapeutic weight loss in obese female identical twins. DESIGN: Subjects were studied for 40 days on an inpatient unit in three phases: 7 baseline days; 28 days of weight reduction by a very low calorie diet (1.6 MJ per day); and 5 days after weight reduction. SUBJECTS: Fourteen pairs of premenopausal obese female identical twins (age: 39.0+/-1.7 y; body weight (BW): 93.9+/-21.2 kg; body mass index (BMI): 34.2+/-7.8 kg/m2). MEASUREMENTS: : Body composition by hydrodensitometry and resting metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry were assessed before and after weight loss. RESULTS: : There was great variability among pairs in loss of weight (5.9-12.4 kg) and body fat (3.1-12.4 kg). By contrast, the intraclass correlation (ICC) within twin pairs was 0.85, P<0.001 for weight and 0.88, P<0.001 for body fat. A measure of metabolic efficiency, calculated as the difference between 'estimated' and 'measured' energy deficit showed high intrapair correlation (ICC=0.77; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The high correlation in metabolic efficiency within twin pairs in response to therapeutic weight loss suggests a strong genetic contribution.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

The within-pair resemblance in serum levels of androgens, sex-hormone binding globulin and cortisol in female obese identical twins - effect of negative energy balance induced by very low-calorie diet.

The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in serum levels of cortisol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in response to weight loss induced by one month of treatment with a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) in twelve pairs of female obese monozygotic twins. The second aim of the study was to investigate any within-pair resemblance in serum levels of steroids and SHBG before and after a negative balance protocol, as well as the resemblance in changes in response to therapeutic weight loss. VLCD-induced weight loss of 8.7+2.9 kg was associated with significant increases in serum testosterone (p<0.05) and SHBG (p<0.001) levels, whereas no significant changes in serum levels of cortisol, DHEA and DHEA-S were observed. Significant within-pair resemblances for both pre-treatment and post-treatment concentrations were revealed for DHEA-S (pre-treatment ICC = 0.795, p < 0.01, post-treatment ICC = 0.712, p < 0.01) and for testosterone (pre-treatment ICC = 0.594, p <0.05, post-treatment ICC = 0.735, p < 0.01). The baseline within-twin-pair resemblance in serum cortisol level at 7 a.m. (ICC=0.747, p < 0.05) was lost with VLCD treatment, while its concentration at 9 p.m. developed a within-pair similarity with weight loss (ICC = 0.824, p < 0.001). Similarly, VLCD treatment led to a significant within-pair resemblance in post-treatment level of DHEA (ICC = 0.755, p < 0.01), while no within-twin-pair resemblance was shown for either pre-treatment or post-treatment SHBG levels. None of the hormones measured exhibited any within-pair resemblance in response to VLCD-induced energy deficit, except for serum cortisol levels. A significant within-twin-pair resemblance in the changes in serum cortisol levels at 7 a. m. (ICC = 0.789, F = 8.5, p < 0.001), at 1 p.m. (ICC = 0.660, F = 4.9, p <0.01) and at 9 p.m. (ICC = 0.795, F = 8.8, p <0.001) were demonstrated even after adjustment for fat mass loss. An absence of any within-pair similarity was observed in both pretreatment and post-treatment levels of SHBG, while a significant within-pair resemblance in SHBG response to VLCD treatment (ICC = 0.658, p < 0.05) was recorded. We conclude that the significant within-twin-pair resemblance demonstrated for androgens and cortisol might suggest an important role for genetic factors in the regulation of their serum levels. Our results also suggest that the mechanisms controlling baseline levels of cortisol and SHBG differ from those influencing their responses to energy deficit induced by VLCD.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2001

[Effect of nutrition on adipose tissue metabolism in humans].

Lipolysis in adipose tissue and balance between energy intake and expenditure are involved in the regulation of adipose tissue mass. Several recent findings suggest that alterations in the regulation of lipolysis and/or energy balance might contribute to the development of obesity. Hormone-sensitive lipase and uncoupling proteins play important role in regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue as well as in the regulation of energy balance of various tissues. Mechanisms of the control of expression of genes coding synthesis of these proteins are poorly known. A brief overview of the present knowledge of the effects of nutritional intervention on the regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue and on the expression of genes of hormone-sensitive lipase and that of uncoupling proteins is given in this article. Results of the authors' studies on the effect of calorie restriction on gene expression in adipose tissue are presented.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2000

[Development of abdominal and gluteal circumference (waist and hips) in adults].

BACKGROUND: Abdominal and gluteal (waist and hip) circumferences are accepted as indicators of central fat distribution and abdominal (waist) circumference is generally regarded as a simple anthropometric measure of visceral fat distribution. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the years 1987-1988 there was carried out an anthropometric survey on the region of former Czechoslovakia. Crossover study was performed in 16,400 of adult men and women aged from 20 to more than 70 years on the basis of the three level random sample. Except for many other anthropometric measures, abdominal and gluteal (waist and hip) circumferences were assessed according to Martin (M62/1; M64/1). The results show that gluteal (hip) circumference is longer than a abdominal (waist) circumference in adulthood similarly as in childhood. Abdominal circumference is larger in men than in women in agreement with sexual dimorphism. Abdominal circumference is not significantly different in Czech and Slovak men and Czech and Slovak women. Nevertheless, abdominal circumference in Slovak women increases to maximum at the beginning of their fifth decade and then decreases concurrently with lowering of BMI. In Czech women increase in abdominal circumference lasts till seventh decade. This difference can result from the earlier involution in Slovak women. Maximal intersexual difference is found at the beginning of the third decade (21-25 years) and at the end of follow-up in both populations. CONCLUSIONS: Gluteal (hip) circumference is not significantly different in men and women to the half of the forth decade in both Czech and Slovak populations. In following decades it is markedly longer in women probably due to the higher accumulation of subcutaneous fat. In the second part of seventh decade in Czech population and about five years earlier in the Slovak group the average circumference in men decreases. This change can be caused by the age involution of adipose tissue. The examined data were constructed into percentile nets of the abdominal and gluteal circumferences for both men and women and Czech and Slovak populations.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2000

Intrapair resemblance in very low calorie diet-induced weight loss in female obese identical twins.

OBJECTIVE: To assess intrapair resemblance in changes of body weight, total body fat, fat distribution, resting metabolic rate, fasting respiratory quotient and cardiovascular disease risk factors in response to therapeutic weight loss in female obese identical twins. DESIGN: Patients stayed for 40 days on an inpatient metabolic unit under careful supervision. The stay was divided into three parts: an initial period of 7 days for adjustment to the hospital environment and for baseline measurements, 28 days of the weight reduction regimen when negative energy balance was achieved mainly by a very low calorie diet (1.6 MJ per day) and 5 days of testing after weight reduction. SUBJECTS: Fourteen pairs of premenopausal female obese identical twins (age: 39.0+/-1.7 y; body weight (BW): 93.9+/-21.2 kg; body mass index (BMI): 34.2+/-7.8 kg/m2) participated in the study. MEASUREMENTS: Before and after weight loss, the following measurements were made: body composition by anthropometry and hydrodensitometry, intra-abdominal fat by ultrasonography, resting metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid were determined by standard laboratory procedures. Blood pressure was measured in the morning in the recumbent position. RESULTS: Subjects lost 8.8+/-1.9 kg of weight, from 93.9+/-21.2 to 85.1+/-10.9 kg (P<0.0001) and 6.5+/-2.3 kg of body fat (P<0.001). Weight losses varied widely among subjects, with a high correlation between losses of members of twin pairs for body weight (r=0.85; P<0.001) and for body fat (r=0.88; P<0.0001). Changes in uric acid resulting from weight loss were also correlated among members of twin pairs whereas changes in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides were not. CONCLUSION: The great intrapair resemblance observed in very low calorie diet-induced weight and fat losses in female obese identical twins suggests an important role of genetic factors in response to the weight reduction regimen.

Adipose Tissue↗