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T Rice

Publications and source records attributed to T Rice.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Familiality of triglyceride and LPL response to exercise training: the HERITAGE study.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of the present investigation was to test whether and to what extent familial/genetic factors are involved in the changes of postheparin lipoprotein lipase (deltaPH-LPL) activity and triglyceride (deltaTG) levels in response to exercise training. Additional hypotheses were also tested as to whether there were familial/genetic factors shared by baseline and the corresponding response to exercise training (i.e., by baseline triglyceride (TG(B)) and deltaTG and by baseline postheparin lipoprotein lipase (PH-LPL(B)) and deltaPH-LPL activity). METHODS: Serum TG and PH-LPL were measured in 459 subjects from 99 sedentary Caucasian families of the HERITAGE Family study before (baseline) and after completing a 20 wk (3 times per week) exercise training protocol. The training protocol had a target intensity of 75% of the heart rate associated with baseline VO2max during the last 6 wk. PH-LPL activity was measured in the study subjects. Both univariate and bivariate familial correlation analyses were applied to the baseline and response data. RESULTS: The maximal heritabilities for deltaTG and deltaPH-LPL activity were 22% and 15%, respectively. There were no common familial factors for TG(B) and deltaTG, nor were there any for PH-LPL(B) and deltaPH-LPL. However, we found that there were common familial factors underlying deltaTG and deltaPH-LPL; these familial factors seemed to differ across sex and generation groups. CONCLUSION: Although there were no common familial factors underlying the covariation between the baseline triglyceride and PH-LPL activity and the corresponding responses to exercise training (i.e., TG(B) with deltaTG or PH-LPL(B) with deltaPH-LPL), the deltaTG and deltaPH-LPL covariation apparently share some common familial determinants.

Adolescent↗

AGT M235T and ACE ID polymorphisms and exercise blood pressure in the HERITAGE Family Study.

We investigated the association between angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and exercise training responses of resting and exercise blood pressure (BP). BP at rest and during submaximal (50 watts) and maximal exercise tests was measured before and after 20 wk of endurance training in 476 sedentary normotensive Caucasian subjects from 99 families. AGT M235T and ACE insertion/deletion polymorphisms were typed with PCR-based methods. Men carrying the AGT MM and MT genotypes showed 3. 7 +/- 0.6 and 3.2 +/- 0.5 (SE) mmHg reductions, respectively, in diastolic BP at 50 watts (DBP(50)), whereas, in the TT homozygotes, the decrease was 0.4 +/- 1.0 mmHg (P = 0.016 for trend, adjusted for age, body mass index, and baseline DBP(50)). Men with the ACE DD genotype showed a slightly greater decrease in DBP(50) (4.4 +/- 0.6 mmHg) than the II and ID genotypes (2.8 +/- 0.7 and 2.4 +/- 0.5 mmHg, respectively, P = 0.050). Furthermore, a significant (P = 0.022) interaction effect between the AGT and ACE genes was noted for DBP(50); the AGT TT homozygotes carrying the ACE D allele showed no response to training. Men with the AGT TT genotype had greater (P = 0.007) diastolic BP (DBP) response to acute maximal exercise at baseline. However, the difference disappeared after the training period. No associations were found in women. These data suggest that, in men, the genetic variation in the AGT locus modifies the responsiveness of submaximal exercise DBP to endurance training, and interactions between the AGT and ACE loci can alter this response.

Adult↗

Genomic scan for maximal oxygen uptake and its response to training in the HERITAGE Family Study.

This study aimed to identify human genomic regions that are linked to maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2 max)) in sedentary individuals or to the responsiveness of VO(2 max) to a standardized endurance training program. The results of a genomic scan based on 289 polymorphic markers covering all 22 pairs of autosomes performed on the Caucasian families of the HERITAGE Family Study are presented. The mean spacing of the markers was 11 cM, and a total of 99 families and 415 pairs of siblings were available for the study. VO(2 max) in the sedentary state was adjusted for the effects of age, sex, body mass, fat mass, and fat-free mass, whereas the VO(2 max) response was adjusted for age and baseline level of the phenotype. Two analytic strategies were used: a single-point linkage procedure using all available pairs of siblings (SIBPAL) and a multipoint variance components approach using all the family data (SEGPATH). Results indicate that linkages at P values of 0.01 and better are observed with markers on 4q, 8q, 11p, and 14q for VO(2 max) before training and with markers on 1p, 2p, 4q, 6p, and 11p for the change in VO(2 max) in response to a 20-wk standardized endurance training program. These chromosomal regions harbor many genes that may qualify as candidate genes for these quantitative traits. They should be investigated in this and other cohorts.

Adolescent↗

Reciprocal activation of hypopharyngeal muscles and their effect on upper airway area.

We examined in awake goats, 1) with intact upper airways (UAW), the effect of altering chemical drive on pharyngeal constrictors [thyropharyngeus (TP) and hypopharyngeus (HP)] and a dilator [stylopharyngeus (SP)], and 2) with an isolated UAW, the effect of activation of these muscles on supraglottic UAW (UAW(SG)) area. During eupnea in nine goats with intact UAW, the TP and HP were active during expiration, whereas the SP exhibited tonic expiratory and phasic inspiratory activity. After mechanically induced apneas (MIA), TP activity increased (263%, P < 0.02), HP activity exhibited a small, varied response, and SP activity greatly decreased (10%, P < 0.02). During resumption of respiratory effort, all goats exhibited absent/reduced airflow, and when diaphragm activity was 95% of control, TP activity remained elevated (135%) and SP activity was reduced (56%, P < 0.02). During hypercapnia, 1) TP activity decreased (P < 0.02), 2) HP response varied, and 3) SP activity increased (P < 0.02). After MIA in six goats with isolated UAW, TP activity increased 198% (P < 0.02) and UAW(SG) area (endoscopically determined) decreased (to 15% of control, P < 0.02). During recovery from MIA, a correlation was found between UAW(SG) area and the ratio of SP to TP activity. We conclude that the reciprocal activation of mechanically opposing dilator and constrictor muscles in the hypopharynx is correlated to changes in the UAW(SG) area, and an imbalance in activity of these opposing muscles can lead to UAW(SG) narrowing.

Analysis of Variance↗

Segregation analysis of apolipoproteins A-1 and B-100 measured before and after an exercise training program: the HERITAGE Family Study.

Complex segregation analyses of apolipoproteins (apo) A-1 and B-100 were performed in a sample of 520 individuals from 99 white families who participated in the HERITAGE Family Study. In these sedentary families, plasma apo A-1 and B-100 concentrations were measured before and after a 20-week endurance exercise training program. Baseline apo A-1 and B-100 were adjusted for the effects of age (age-adjusted baseline apo A-1 and B-100) and for the effects of age and BMI (age-BMI-adjusted baseline apo A-1 and B-100). The change in response to training was computed as a simple Delta (posttraining minus baseline) and was adjusted for age and the baseline (age-baseline-adjusted apo A-1 and B-100 responses to training). In the present study, a major gene could not be inferred for baseline apo A-1. Rather, we found a major effect along with a multifactorial effect accounting for 8% to 9% and 51% to 56% of the variance, respectively. In addition, no clear evidence supported a major-gene effect for its response to training, whereas the transmission of a major effect from parents to offspring was ambiguous, ie, genetic in nature or familial environmental in origin. The major effect accounted for 15% of the variance, with an additional 21% and 58% of the variance being accounted for by a multifactorial effect in parents and offspring, respectively. It is interesting to have obtained evidence of a putative recessive major locus for baseline apo B-100, which accounted for 50% to 56% of the variance, with an additional 25% to 29% of the variance due to a multifactorial effect. In contrast, no major effect for its response to training was identified, although a multifactorial effect was found that accounted for 27% of the variance. The novel findings arising from the present study are summarized as follows. Baseline apo A-1 and its response to training were influenced by a major effect and a multifactorial effect. Baseline apo B-100 was influenced by a putative major recessive gene with a multifactorial component, but its response to training was influenced solely by a multifactorial component in these sedentary families.

Adolescent↗

NOS3 Glu298Asp genotype and blood pressure response to endurance training: the HERITAGE family study.

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is a mechanism that may affect blood pressure response to endurance training. Because NO plays a central role in this process, the endothelial NO synthase gene is a good candidate for the regulation of exercise blood pressure. We investigated the associations between an endothelial NO synthase gene polymorphism (Glu298Asp) and endurance training-induced changes in resting and submaximal exercise blood pressure in 471 white subjects of the HERITAGE Family Study. Two submaximal exercise tests at 50 W were conducted both before and after a 20-week endurance training program. Steady-state exercise blood pressure was measured twice in each test with an automated unit. The Glu298Asp polymorphism was typed with a PCR-based method and digestion with BAN:II. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 50 W decreased in response to the training program, whereas resting blood pressure remained unchanged. The decrease in diastolic blood pressure at 50 W was greater (P=0.0005, adjusted for age, gender, baseline body mass index, and baseline diastolic blood pressure at 50 W) in the Glu/Glu homozygotes (4.4 [SEM 0.4] mm Hg, n=187) than in the heterozygotes (3.1 [0.4] mm Hg, n=213) and the Asp/Asp homozygotes (1.3 [0.7] mm Hg, n=71). The genotype accounted for 2.3% of the variance in diastolic blood pressure at 50 W training response. Both the Glu298 homozygotes and the heterozygotes had a greater (P=0.013) training-induced reduction in rate-pressure product at 50 W than the Asp298 homozygotes. These data suggest that DNA sequence variation in the endothelial NO synthase gene locus is associated with the endurance training-induced decreases in submaximal exercise diastolic blood pressure and rate-pressure product in sedentary normotensive white subjects.

Adult↗

Tracking of familial resemblance for resting blood pressure over time in the Québec Family Study.

The etiology of familial resemblance for systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, both within a single time point as well as across time points, was assessed to determine how familial etiologies underlying a trait may change across time. SBP and DBP measurements were taken roughly 12 years apart in family members participating in the longitudinal Québec Family Study. A longitudinal (bivariate) familial correlation model yields 3 types of correlations: intraindividual cross-time (e.g., father's BP at time 1 with his own BP at time 2); interindividual within-time (e.g., father time 1 with child time 1); and interindividual cross-time (e.g., father time 1 with child time 2). In addition, the change in BP across time (i.e., time 1-time 2) is examined using a univariate family correlation model. This combined method is useful in assessing the degree to which the same familial factors are operating across time (interindividual cross-time correlations), as well as the degree to which different heritable components are involved across time (change score). Maximal heritabilities for SBP were about 70% at each time point, while for DBP the heritability was larger at time 1 (87%) than time 2 (39%). Both the change scores (48% for SBP and 54% for DBP) and the cross-time comparisons (58% to 72% for SBP and 63% to 65% for DBP) evidenced significant familial resemblance. These results illustrate how simple methodologies can be used to specify how familial etiologies underlying a trait may change across time. For BP, the model includes unique familial factors that are specific to each time measurement, and an additional familial factor which is common to both time points. The factors leading to differences in longitudinal familial resemblance for BP (i.e., the unique factors) may be primarily genetic in origin, while those leading to stability across time may include both genetic and familial environmental effects. Sex and/or age interactions with the genotypes are also suggested.

Adult↗

Major gene effect on body mass index: the role of energy intake and energy expenditure.

The evidence for a major gene for body mass index (BMI) was investigated using complex segregation analysis (POINTER) in 1691 individuals belonging to 432 nuclear families residing in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Since the BMI is significantly correlated with energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure of activity (EEA), the effects of each were removed from the BMI using regression analysis, and the segregation analysis was repeated on the energy-adjusted BMI. For BMI, a putative major locus could not be ruled out, and the effect (q = 0.25, accounting for 37% of the phenotypic variance) was remarkably similar to that reported in Western populations. After adjusting the BMI for EI and EEA, however, no evidence in support of a major gene could be observed, suggesting either that EI and EEA mediate the expression of the major gene effect on BMI, or that the same major gene may influence both traits. The pleiotropy hypothesis was further explored using a simple bivariate familial correlation model, in which the significance of familial cross-trait correlations (e.g., BMI in parents with BMI as predicted from the energy variables in the offspring) was examined. The cross-trait resemblance between the two measures was significant for all biological relatives, verifying the presence of shared heritable determinants (i.e., the same gene[s] and/or familial environments) accounting for 58% of the covariation. The significant cross-trait spouse correlations further suggested that at least part of the cross-trait resemblance may be due to shared environmental factors. Therefore, we conclude that there is strong evidence for shared genetic effects between BMI and the energy variables.

Adolescent↗

Familial aggregation of body mass index and subcutaneous fat measures in the longitudinal Québec family study.

Family resemblance for several measures of body fat and fat distribution was explored in the longitudinal Québec Family Study (QFS), including an overall measure of adiposity (body mass index, BMI), total subcutaneous fat (the sum of 6 skinfolds, SF6), and subcutaneous fat distribution (the trunk to extremity ratio, TER). Repeated measures were taken twice approximately 12 years apart. A longitudinal familial correlation model was used to assess familial resemblance at each of times 1, 2, and cross-time, and a univariate model was used for the change score. The change score was assumed to index the degree to which different familial factors impacted on the longitudinal resemblance, while the cross-time comparisons indexed similar familial factors across time. For BMI, the maximal heritability was 44 and 36% at times 1 and 2, respectively, 37% for the change score, and 33-43% for the cross-time comparison. While the etiology of the BMI familial effect at times 1, 2, and cross-time was assumed to be primarily polygenic, that for the change score was a function of cohort effects (environmental). For SF6, the maximal heritability (primarily genetic) was low at time 1 and for the change score (16%), but was nonsignificant at time 2 and cross-time. For TER, the maximal heritabilities were significant for each of times 1 (42%), 2 (40%), change score (59%), and cross-time comparisons (35-36%). In summary, simple univariate familial correlation analysis of the change scores and bivariate analysis of the longitudinal measures are useful in delineating the underlying factors leading to both change and stability across time.

Adipose Tissue↗

Segregation analysis of body mass index in a large sample selected for obesity: the Swedish Obese Subjects study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a major gene hypothesis for body mass index (BMI) in a large sample of probands (n = 2580, ages 37-57 years) who were selected for obesity (BMI> or =34 kg/m2 for males and > or =38 kg/m2 for females), along with their spouses and first-degree relatives (n = 11,204 family members). The probands were recruited as part of an intervention trial assessing whether mortality and morbidity were improved after surgical intervention for obesity as part of the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The current analyses were based on BMI measures obtained before intervention. Segregation analysis was carried out using the mixed model implementation in PAP (Pedigree Analysis Package), which allowed for ascertainment correction and for genotype-dependent effects of covariates (sex and age) in both the major gene component and the multifactorial (i.e., polygenic and familial environment) component. RESULTS: Both a major effect and a multifactorial effect were significant. The percentage of the total variance accounted for by the multifactorial effect was 17%-24% (increasing as a function of age), and by the major effect, 8%-34% (decreasing as a function of age). Although tests on the transmission probabilities (taus) were not compatible with Mendelian expectations of 1, 1/2, and 0, the equal taus model was rejected (i.e., the effect is transmitted in families) and the point estimates (0.96, 0.60, and 0.17) compared favorably to Mendelian expectations. The major effect was transmitted in a codominant fashion, consistent with a gene-environment interaction. DISCUSSION: These results suggest both multifactorial and major effect etiologies for BMI in these families of extremely obese probands. Before 20 years of age, the major effect dominates the BMI expression, but after age 20, multifactorial effects account for the most variance. Although the major effect is transmitted in these families, the pattern does not appear to be consistent with a simple Mendelian trait. The possibility of additional major loci (i.e., epistasis) and gene by environment interactions may explain these findings.

Adult↗

Body fat, resting and exercise blood pressure and the angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism: the heritage family study.

OBJECTIVE: The association of resting and exercise blood pressure (BP) and fat mass with the angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T polymorphism was investigated in 522 sedentary Caucasian subjects from 99 families. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Resting BP was measured on two separate days, three times each day, and the mean of six valid measurements was used. Exercise BP was measured during a cycle ergometer test at a constant power output (50 W). Body composition was derived from under-water weighing and the AGT M235T polymorphism was typed with a polymerase chain reaction-based method. RESULTS: Neither resting nor exercise BP was associated with the AGT genotypes. In mothers, the homozygotes for the T allele showed 8.8 kg and 7.1 kg greater (p=0.017) age-adjusted body fat mass (FM) than the MM homozygotes and heterozygotes, respectively. Sixty-nine percent of all TT homozygotes were found in the highest FM tertile, whereas only 16% of the MM homozygotes fell in the same tertile (p = 0.008). Moreover, a significant interaction was seen between FM and T-allele carrier status in women with regard to resting diastolic BP (p = 0.002). Among women with a FM> or =24 kg, carriers of the T allele showed a 6.3 mmHg higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) than non-carriers whereas no difference was found in women with a FM less than 24 kg. A similar trend toward an interaction term was evident with resting systolic blood pressure (p = 0.011) and exercise DBP (p = 0.012). Body fat was not associated with the AGT polymorphism in fathers or in offspring. DISCUSSION: These data suggest that the AGT M235T polymorphism is associated with body fatness in women, and that the relationship between DBP and AGT M235T polymorphism is dependent on FM in middle-aged sedentary normotensive women.

Adipose Tissue↗

Evidence of a major locus for lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in addition to a pleiotropic locus for both LPL and fasting insulin: results from the HERITAGE Family Study.

A major gene hypothesis for heparin releasable plasma lipoprotein lipase (PH-LPL) activity was assessed using segregation analyses of data on 495 members in 98 normolipidemic sedentary families of Caucasian descent who participated in the HERITAGE Family Study. Segregation analyses were performed on PH-LPL adjusted for age, and on PH-LPL activity adjusted for age and fasting insulin. Prior to adjustment for insulin, neither a major gene effect nor a multifactorial component could be rejected, and support for a major gene was equivocal i.e. neither the Mendelian transmission nor the no transmission (equal tau s) models were rejected. However, after adjusting for the effects of insulin, a major gene effect on PH-LPL activity was unambiguous. The putative locus accounted for 60% of the total phenotypic variance, and the homozygous recessive form affected 10% (q2) of the sample (i.e. gene frequency (q) = 0.31), and led to a low PH-LPL value. The lack of a significant multifactorial effect suggested that the familial etiology of PH-LPL activity adjusted for insulin was likely to be primarily a function of the major locus. In conclusion, the present study is the first to report segregation analyses on PH-LPL activity prior to and after adjusting for insulin, and suggests that there is an indication of a pleiotropic genetic effect on PH-LPL activity and insulin, in addition to a major gene effect on PH-LPL activity alone.

Adolescent↗

Total body fat and abdominal visceral fat response to exercise training in the HERITAGE Family Study: evidence for major locus but no multifactorial effects.

The familial etiology of the response in total fat mass (FM) and abdominal visceral fat (AVF) to 20 weeks of exercise training was investigated in families participating in the HERITAGE Family Study. AVF (measured by computed tomographic scanning) and FM (measured by underwater weighing techniques) were assessed at baseline (in a sedentary state) and after 20 weeks of exercise training. The response AVF (AVFdelta) and response FM (FMdelta) were computed as the simple delta values (posttraining - baseline) and adjusted for the effects of sex, generation, and a polynomial in age using multiple regression analysis. To index the AVF response independently of the response in FM and the initial level of visceral fat, the AVFdelta was also adjusted for age and baseline AVF (AVFB) and FMdelta. Familial correlation analysis was used to investigate the multifactorial familial effects (polygenic and/or familial environmental), and segregation analysis was used to search for major gene effects. For the age-adjusted AVFdelta, a putative recessive locus accounting for 18% of the variance (q2 = 1%) was detected. Adjusting AVFdelta for AVFB and FMdelta slightly increased the percentage of variance accounted for (to 26%, q2 = 3%) but did not radically alter the pattern of the parameter estimates. For FMdelta, a putative dominant locus accounting for 31% of the variance (q2 = 49%) was noted. In conclusion, the results were consistent across methods in suggesting that there is little evidence of a multifactorial heritability for either AVFdelta or FMdelta. Rather, the familial etiology of the response to exercise training appears to be primarily due to putative major genes (a recessive locus for AVFdelta and a dominant locus for FMdelta). In addition, a pleiotropic/oligogenic system underlying these variables was inferred. That is, the putative loci for FMdelta and/or AVFB also may impact the AVFdelta, with an additional independent major locus effect on AVFdelta after the former influences have been removed.

Abdomen↗

Familial aggregation of resting blood pressure and heart rate in a sedentary population: the HERITAGE Family Study. Health, Risk Factors, Exercise Training, and Genetics.

The familial aggregation of resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) was assessed in 98 white families, who participated in the HERITAGE Family Study, and were selected to be sedentary, and primarily nonobese and normotensive. In the present study, 522 family members were sedentary at baseline examination, and resting SBP, DBP, and HR measured during this examination were investigated. If physical activity level is a potent environmental factor, then we expected that the relative contribution of environmental factors to the familial aggregation of blood pressure (BP) would be somewhat reduced, because activity was controlled for in this study. Using a familial correlation model, maximal heritabilities were estimated to be 54%, 41%, and 32% for resting SBP, DBP, and HR, respectively, in these families; and they were 51%, 42%, and 34% for resting SBP, DBP, and HR, respectively, when the data were adjusted for body mass index. The estimates are somewhat higher for BP but similar for HR to those reported in previous family studies, suggesting that the distribution of the underlying etiologic factors in these sedentary families may be similar to those in the general population. There was substantial spouse resemblance in this study, which may be explained by a higher concordance for correlated lifestyle factors including diet, similar activity levels, or by assortative mating for relative weight or dietary preferences.

Adolescent↗

Segregation analysis of regional fat distribution in families from Andhra Pradesh, India.

OBJECTIVE: Segregation analysis was used to examine the major gene evidence for regional fat distribution and whether the effects of covariates such as energy variables (intake and expenditure) or total subcutaneous fat, impact on the major gene inference. SUBJECTS: The data consist of measurements made on 1691 individuals in 432 pedigrees residing in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh, India, during the period from January 1989 to February 1990. MEASUREMENTS: Fat distribution was computed as the ratio of trunk skinfold sum (subscapular + suprailiac + abdominal) to extremity skinfold sum (biceps + triceps + medial calf). The trunk/extremity skinfold ratio (TER) was also analyzed after adjusting for the amount of energy expended in various activities and energy intake (TER-E), as well as after adjusting for overall level of fatness as measured by the sum of six skinfolds (TER-SF6). METHODS: Segregation analysis was applied using the unified model (POINTER). RESULTS: For the TER all of the conditions needed to satisfy a major gene hypothesis were met, and a putative recessive locus in the presence of a multifactorial component was inferred. Adjusting the TER for energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE) did not change these results. However, adjusting for total subcutaneous fat did alter the results. Specifically, after removing the effects due to total fat, there was a major non-Mendelian effect (free tau s) with additional multifactorial influences, and with generation heterogeneity in both components. CONCLUSIONS: A putative major locus for fat distribution as indexed by the TER was found. However, further analyses suggested the hypothesis that this major gene may be primarily for total fat with secondary effects on fat distribution (that is, major gene pleiotropy). The possibility that there is a second locus that is modified by interactions with gender and age, and that impacts on the preferential accumulation of fat in the trunk vs extremity depots could be inferred.

Adipose Tissue↗

Alterations in body weight and composition consequent to 20 wk of endurance training: the HERITAGE Family Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States. The role of physical activity and formal exercise in controlling body weight has not been clearly determined. OBJECTIVE: This study determined the magnitude of change in body weight and composition across sex, race, and age in response to 20 wk of endurance training. DESIGN: Men and women (n = 557) of various ages (16-65 y) and 2 races (black and white) exercised on cycle ergometers 3 d/wk for a total of 60 exercise sessions starting at 55% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) for 30 min/session and building to 75% of VO(2)max for 50 min/session, where it was maintained during the last 6 wk. Skinfold-thickness measurements, circumferences, body composition (by hydrostatic weighing), and body fat distribution (by computed tomography scan at L4-L5 and the waist-hip ratio) were determined before and after training. RESULTS: All skinfold-thickness and circumference measures, waist-hip ratio, body mass index, total body mass, fat mass, percentage body fat, and computed tomography scan measures of total, subcutaneous, and visceral abdominal fat decreased with training, whereas total body density and fat-free mass increased. These changes were significant, but small. There were several differences in training response by sex and race, but not by age. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term exercise intervention can induce favorable changes in body composition, but the magnitude of these changes is of limited biological significance. Increasing physical activity likely has a major effect on body-composition and fat distribution characteristics only when it is of a greater magnitude and sustained for much longer periods

Adolescent↗

Reproducibility of maximal exercise test data in the HERITAGE family study.

PURPOSE: The reproducibility of responses to maximal cycle ergometer testing was determined using data from the HERITAGE Family study at four Clinical Centers in the United States and Canada. METHODS: Reproducibility was determined from maximal exercise test data obtained a) on 2 d in a sample of 390 subjects (198 men and 192 women), b) across 4 d in an Intracenter Quality Control (ICQC) substudy with 55 subjects who were not part of the main study, and c) across 2 wk in a Traveling Crew Quality Control (TCQC) substudy with the same eight subjects who were tested at each of the four centers. Reproducibility was evaluated using technical errors, coefficients of variation (CV) for repeated measures, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for selected variables obtained on the main cohort, as well as on the ICQC and TCQC substudies. RESULTS: With the exception of systolic and diastolic blood pressures and respiratory exchange ratio, all the other variables (heart rate, ventilation, VO2, and VCO2) were highly reproducible, with CV below 10% and ICC over 0.86. These results were similar to those previously reported on the same subjects at a submaximal power output associated with 60% VO2max. Results were consistent for the main cohort, the ICQC sample, the TCQC sample, and across all four Clinical Centers. CONCLUSIONS: Day-to-day variations are small and reproducibility is high for maximal values of heart rate, ventilation, VO2 and VCO2 at each of the four Clinical Centers of the HERITAGE Family Study.

Adolescent↗

Familial aggregation of VO(2max) response to exercise training: results from the HERITAGE Family Study.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that individual differences in the response of maximal O(2) uptake (VO(2max)) to a standardized training program are characterized by familial aggregation. A total of 481 sedentary adult Caucasians from 98 two-generation families was exercise trained for 20 wk and was tested for VO(2max) on a cycle ergometer twice before and twice after the training program. The mean increase in VO(2max) reached approximately 400 ml/min, but there was considerable heterogeneity in responsiveness, with some individuals experiencing little or no gain, whereas others gained >1.0 l/min. An ANOVA revealed that there was 2.5 times more variance between families than within families in the VO(2max) response variance. With the use of a model-fitting procedure, the most parsimonious models yielded a maximal heritability estimate of 47% for the VO(2max) response, which was adjusted for age and sex with a maternal transmission of 28% in one of the models. We conclude that the trainability of VO(2max) is highly familial and includes a significant genetic component.

Adolescent↗