The role of adiponectin multimers in anorexia nervosa

ObjectiveAnorexia nervosa (AN) continues to be a refractory disease because of its unknown pathogenesis. The role of adiponectin in AN has not been clarified. Moreover, few reports have described the relations between adiponectin isoforms and AN in the physical and psychological states. Therefore, we measured plasma adiponectin and its isoforms levels in patients with AN to examine their roles in AN.MethodsEighteen women participated in this study: nine patients with AN and nine age-matched healthy controls. We examined plasma adiponectin and its isoforms levels in all subjects and administered three types of psychological test to patients with AN: the Eating Disorders Inventory–2, the Maudsley Obsessional–Compulsive Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory–2.ResultsWe found that the percentage of high-molecular-weight (HMW) to total adiponectin (%HMW) was significantly low and the percentage of low-molecular-weight (LMW) to total adiponectin (%LMW) was significantly high in the AN group compared with the control group. The %HMW positively and the %LMW negatively correlated with body mass index in the entire study population. The %HMW was also positively correlated with psychological symptoms such as social insecurity or cleaning evaluated with the Eating Disorders Inventory–2 or the Maudsley Obsessional–Compulsive Inventory.ConclusionsOur study indicates that all adiponectin isoforms should be evaluated in patients with AN in addition to total adiponectin. The decreased %HMW and the increased %LMW that were correlated with the body mass index and some components of psychopathology in our patients may indicate a complex role of adiponectin isoforms in maintaining energy homeostasis and emotion during extreme malnourishment.     

子痫前期患者血浆及腹壁脂肪组织脂联素mRNA水平测定及意义

目的:通过检测子痫前期患者血浆及腹壁脂肪组织脂联素mRNA水平及空腹血糖、胰岛素水平,探讨脂联素在子痫前期发病机制中的作用。方法:以子痫前期重度患者40例为研究组,40例同期健康晚期妊娠妇女为对照组。采用ELISA法检测血浆脂联素。葡萄糖氧化酶法测定血糖水平,放射免疫法测定胰岛素水平,Real-timePCR技术检测母体脂肪组织(皮下、网膜)中脂联素基因mRNA表达水平。结果:研究组血浆脂联素水平明显低于对照组(P0.05)。两组孕妇体重指数(BMI)无统计学差异(P0.05)。研究组出现胰岛素抵抗,血糖和HOMA-IR显著升高,与对照组比较有统计学差异(P0.05);皮下和网膜脂肪组织脂联素基因mRNA的表达水平无统计学差异(P=0.11),两者的表达水平呈显著正相关(r=0.32,P=0.04)。研究组皮下及网膜脂肪组织脂联素基因mRNA的表达水平明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:子痫前期患者血浆脂连素及腹壁脂肪组织脂连素mRNA表达水平降低,提示脂连素可能参与子痫前期的发生。     

No association of defined variability in leptin,leptin receptor,adiponectin, proopiomelanocortin and ghrelin gene with food preferences in the Czech population

Abstract

Background: Previously, it has been reported that mutations in the genes encoding for adipokines may be associated with impaired food intake and may serve as potential obesity biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations of defined variability in leptin, leptin receptor, adiponectin, proopiomelanocortin and ghrelin genes with food preferences in the obese and non-obese Czech population and evaluate their potential as the obesity susceptibility genes.

Patients and Methods: Using PCR followed by restriction analysis, we studied 185 volunteers. Basic anthropometrical characteristics associated to obesity were measured and the food intake was monitored using a 7-day record method. In the group of obese individuals, a subset of 34 morbidly obese patients was studied for plasma leptin and soluble leptin receptor levels.

Results: None of the examined polymorphisms was associated to anthropometrical or demographic characteristics of the study subjects. The Gln223Arg polymorphism within the leptin receptor gene was significantly associated with lower plasma leptin levels (the RR genotype being more frequent in patients with lower plasma leptin levels; P = 0.001). No associations of the examined polymorphisms with food preferences was observed.

Conclusions: Based on our results, the examined polymorphisms in the adipokine genes do not seem to be the major risk factor for obesity development in the Czech population nor significantly affect food preferences.     

Dietary Red and Processed Meat Intake and Markers of Adiposity and Inflammation: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Objective: The potential influence of dietary factors on inflammation is important for cancer prevention. Utilizing data from control participants (312 men, 911 women) in 2 nested case–control studies of cancer within the Multiethnic Cohort, we examined the associations of red and processed meat intake with serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 and the mediator effect of body mass index (BMI) on the above associations (if present).

Methods: Multivariable linear models were applied to assess the association between red and processed meat intake at cohort entry and serum biomarker levels measured 9.1 years later after adjusting for covariates and to determine the mediator effect of BMI.

Results: Overall red and processed meat intake was positively associated with serum leptin levels in men (β = 0.180, p = 0.0004) and women (β = 0.167, p < 0.0001). In women, higher red and processed meat consumption was significantly associated with higher CRP (β = 0.069, p = 0.03) and lower adiponectin levels (β = ?0.082, p = 0.005). In mediation analyses with red and processed meat intake and BMI as predictors, the associations of red and processed meat with biomarkers decreased substantially (as indicated by percentage change in effect: leptin in men, 13.4%; leptin in women, 13.7%; adiponectin in women, ?4.7%; CRP in women, 7.4%) and were no longer significant (p > 0.05), whereas BMI remained significantly associated with serum leptin (men: β = 3.209, p < 0.0001; women: β = 2.891, p < 0.0001), adiponectin (women: β = ?1.085, p < 0.0001), and CRP (women: β = 1.581, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The current data suggest that the amount of excess body weight or the degree of adiposity may mediate the relations between dietary red and processed meat intake and serum biomarkers associated with obesity and inflammation.     

Plasma adiponectin levels in overweight and obese Asians

OBJECTIVE: Hypoadiponectin has been documented in subjects with obesity, diabetes mellitus, or coronary heart disease, suggesting a potential use of plasma adiponectin in following the clinical progress in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). In this study, we investigated the plasma adiponectin levels in relation to the variables of MS among overweight/obese Asian subjects. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The plasma adiponectin, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and modified insulin suppression tests were performed on 180 overweight/obese Asian subjects [body mass index (BMI) >or= 23 kg/m(2)], including 47 subjects with morbid obesity (BMI >or= 40 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: The plasma adiponectin levels negatively correlated with BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride, uric acid levels, hyperinsulinemia, and glucose intolerance in OGTT, but positively with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In contrast, they were not related to blood pressure and total cholesterol. Moreover, insulin sensitivity, measured by quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) or in insulin suppression tests, significantly correlated with the plasma adiponectin levels. Among morbidly obese subjects, only the waist-to-hip ratio correlated with the plasma adiponectin levels. Using multivariate linear regression models, the area under curve of plasma glucose in OGTT and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol among the overweight/obese subjects and WHR among the morbidly obese subjects were significantly related to the plasma adiponectin levels after adjustment for other variables. DISCUSSION: In overweight/obese Asians, the plasma adiponectin levels significantly correlated with various indices of MS except hypertension. Whether the plasma adiponectin level could be a suitable biomarker for following the clinical progress of MS warrants further investigation.     

肥胖症儿童血清脂联素与高敏C反应蛋白水平研究

目的探讨血清中脂联素、高敏C反应蛋白与儿童肥胖症及其相关疾病的关系及临床意义。方法收集74名肥胖症儿童及30名正常对照儿童血清标本。分别检测血清脂联素、高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、总胆固醇(TCH)、甘油三脂(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)浓度;并分析脂联素、hs-CRP与体重指数(BMI)、血脂浓度之间的相关性。结果(1)肥胖症儿童血清脂联素及HDL-C水平显著低于正常对照组(P<0.05);(2)肥胖症儿童血清hs-CRP及LDL-C含量显著高于正常对照组(P<0.01);(3)肥胖症儿童血清TCH、TG与正常对照组相比差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论脂联素、hs-CRP水平的变化与儿童肥胖症及其相关疾病的发病密切相关,对儿童肥胖症的发展趋势及预后判断有一定意义。     

Weight loss increased serum adiponectin but decreased lipid levels in obese subjects whose body mass index was lower than 30 kg/m

We hypothesized that weight loss in obese subjects may affect adipokine levels, such as adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. This study investigated the effects of an 8-week weight-control program on serum adiponectin, TNF-α, and blood lipid level profiles in obese subjects. Twenty obese subjects with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 kg/m² were recruited for this weight loss program that used dietetic control and aerobic exercise training. A total of 3 obese men and 11 obese women (mean age, 40.3 ± 10.8 years; BMI, 30.0 ± 3.4 kg/m²) finished the program. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics in subjects before and after the program were determined. The results showed that subjects' body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly (P < .05) decreased during the program. Further analysis showed a negative correlation between delta adiponectin and delta TNF-α, triacylglycerol, and systolic blood pressure in obese subjects. Subgroup analysis showed that obese subjects whose original BMI was less than 30 kg/m² had significantly increased serum adiponectin levels, and more than 3% weight reduction markedly improved blood lipids and body fat profiles during the program. Our findings suggest that weight reduction through an 8-week weight loss program may have anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects via increased serum adiponectin levels and improvements in blood lipid profiles and systolic blood pressure.     

Hypoadiponectinemia Is Strongly Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between serum adiponectin level, dietary intake, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, and to identify factors associated with serum adiponectin level.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using 789 type 2 DM patients (406 men and 383 women) 40–80 years old. Subjects were classified into 3 groups on the basis of serum adiponectin level. General characteristics and anthropometric, hematologic, and dietary data were obtained for each subject.

Results: The prevalence of hypoadiponectinemia (<4.0 µg/mL) was 57.4% in men and 32.4% in women. Serum adiponectin level was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage, and serum concentrations of insulin and triglyceride, and was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level. Even though the direct association of nutrient intake with serum adiponectin concentration was not strong, various contributing factors for hypoadiponectinemia were strongly correlated with micronutrient intake, such as calcium, iron, and niacin. Both sexes in the group with the lowest adiponectin concentration had a higher prevalence of MetS and MetS components than corresponding sexes in the group with the highest adiponectin concentration.

Conclusions: Our findings show that hypoadiponectinemia is strongly associated with MetS in type 2 DM patients. Dietary intake may be indirectly associated with adiponectin levels through factors such as BMI, waist circumference, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure. Therefore, our results suggest that manipulation of the level of adiponectin may prevent MetS and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 DM patients.     

瘦素及胰岛素拮抗与多囊卵巢综合征不孕症相关性研究

目的 分析多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者血清瘦素水平及其与胰岛素抵抗的相关性,探讨二甲双胍对PCOS不孕患者的临床疗效.方法 选取86例PCOS患者和100例非PCOS健康体检者为研究对象,均分为肥胖患者和非肥胖者,调查BMI、血清瘦素、FPG、胰岛素和胰岛素抵抗指数(IR),并分析其相关性.PCOS患者随机分为A组和B组(二甲双胍治疗组),观察二甲双胍对PCOS不孕患者的临床疗效.结果 PCOS患者血清瘦素、胰岛素水平和IR均明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001).PCOS患者中胰岛素抵抗者的瘦素水平显著高于非胰岛素抵抗者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);瘦素水平与BMI、胰岛素和IR均呈正相关(P<0.05),与FPG无明显相关性(P>0.05).B组患者排卵率(58.1%)、妊娠率(25.6%)明显高于A组(分别为27.9%、9.3%),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 PCOS患者瘦素和胰岛素水平均明显升高,瘦素水平升高是肥胖的内在表现,胰岛素抵抗与瘦素抵抗可同时存在,血清瘦素与BMI、胰岛素和IR呈明显正相关.二甲双胍可显著提高PCOS不孕患者的排卵率和妊娠率.     

Tryptophan Metabolism Is Associated with BMI and Adipose Tissue Mass and Linked to Metabolic Disease in Pediatric Obesity

The obesity epidemic has contributed to an escalating prevalence of metabolic diseases in children. Overnutrition leads to increased tryptophan uptake and availability. An association between the induction of the tryptophan catabolic pathway via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity and obesity-related inflammation has been observed. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pediatric obesity on tryptophan metabolism and the potential relationship with metabolic disease. In this prospective cohort study, plasma kynurenine, tryptophan, and serotonin levels were measured by ELISA, and IDO activity was estimated by calculating the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio in a clinically characterized population with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 97th percentile) aged 9 to 19 (n = 125). IDO activity and its product kynurenine correlated with BMI z-score and body fat mass, whereas concentrations of serotonin, the alternative tryptophan metabolite, negatively correlated with these measures of adiposity. Kynurenine and tryptophan, but not serotonin levels, were associated with disturbed glucose metabolism. Tryptophan concentrations negatively correlated with adiponectin and were significantly higher in prediabetes and metabolically unhealthy obesity. In conclusion, BMI and body fat mass were associated with increased tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway and decreased serotonin production in children and adolescents with severe obesity. The resulting elevated kynurenine levels may contribute to metabolic disease in obesity.     

Determinants of plasma adiponectin levels in patients with anorexia nervosa examined before and after weight gain

Summary Objective To examine the determinants of adiponectin levels (i) in 23 women with anorexia nervosa (mean BMI 15.0 ± 1.2) and 43 healthy normal weight females (mean BMI 22.3 ± 2.3; cross–sectional design) as well as (ii) after six and twelve weeks of weight gain in subgroups of 18 and 11 anorectic patients (mean weight gain 5.8kg; longitudinal design). Plasma adiponectin and leptin concentrations were measured and their relationships to body composition (fat mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometrics), different hormones and metabolic parameters (insulin, ACTH, cortisol, glucose, FFA, lipid profile) were investigated. Results In anorectic patients, adiponectin levels were higher (+29 %) and leptin levels were lower (–75 %) than in control subjects. There was a high variance in adiponectin levels in patients ranging from 2.6 to 18nM. Combining patients and controls, an inverse linear correlation was observed between adiponectin levels and fat mass (r = –0.36, p < 0.05), while a positive exponential relation was found between leptin levels and fat mass (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). In anorectic patients, there were no significant correlations between adiponectin and hormonal or metabolic parameters. Weight gain resulted in increasing leptin (+0.17 ± 0.12nM; p < 0.001) and a nonsignificant decrease in adiponectin concentrations (–1.12 ± 2.51nM). Changes in leptin levels were mainly explained by a gain in fat mass (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). In contrast, changes in adiponectin levels were closely linked to initial adiponectin levels (r = –0.84, p < 0.001) but not to changes in fat mass or BMI. Conclusion Cross–sectionally serum adiponectin concentration followed a linear inverse function with fat mass when patients and controls were combined. Longitudinally gain in fat mass was not associated with changes in adiponectin levels suggesting other yet unidentified influences on adiponectin secretion in anorexia nervosa.     

Plasma homocysteine levels in HIV-infected men with and without lipodystrophy

ObjectiveLipodystrophy syndrome is an unexpected clinical manifestation in patients infected with HIV and might be a clinical marker of increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Because hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with CVD, the goal of the present study was to investigate homocysteine (Hcy) levels and their association with the factors of lipodystrophy syndrome in men with HIV.MethodsHcy metabolism-related molecules were determined in 13 men infected with HIV with lipodystrophy (HIV+LIP), 10 men with HIV without lipodystrophy (HIV), and 10 healthy controls (C).ResultsSignificant (P < 0.05) increased Hcy plasma levels were found in HIV (20.5%) and in HIV+LIP (35.2%) compared with the control group. Plasma levels of vitamin B₁₂ (HIV, 26.5%; HIV+LIP, 28.8%) and folate (HIV, 39.1% and HIV+LIP, 49.4%) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the two groups of HIV patients compared with control. HIV+LIP men presented raised plasma total sulfur-containing amino acids (20.1%) and lower total plasma thiol (11.3%) than controls. The same was not observed in the HIV group. Spearman's correlation test revealed significant (P < 0.05) association between plasma Hcy and duration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and plasma insulin, as well as plasma adiponectin levels.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that HIV+LIP men were more susceptible to disturbances in Hcy metabolism compared with men infected with HIV without lipodystrophy characteristics. Duration of HAART treatment, elevated plasma insulin, and low levels of adiponectin seem to be relevant for the appearance of these Hcy metabolic disorders.     

Adiponectin: Novelties in Metabolism and Hormonal Regulation

Abstract

Adiponectin is a protein secreted exclusively by white adipose tissues and is abundantly present in human plasma. Adiponectin was found decreased in obese and diabetes mellitus type 2 patients and increased with weight reduction. A negative correlation between circulating adiponectin levels and body mass index and insulin resistance has been demonstrated. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were found lower in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients with coronary artery disease. Moreover, studies in aortic endothelial cells revealed that the protein exerts a dose-dependent decrease of the surface expression of vascular adhesion molecules and cytokine production from macrophages, suggesting the implication of adiponectin in atherosclerosis and inflammation. Weight loss and treatment with thiazolidinediones stimulate endogenous adiponectin production. Peripheral administration of adiponectin leads to reduction of visceral adiposity and increase of free fatty acid oxidation and insulin resistance. Furthermore, it enhances the expression of uncoupling proteins and sympathetic nerve activity in adipose tissues. Experimental studies in mice have shown that intraperitoneal administration of adiponectin lowers plasma glucose. These data show adiponectin to be an important factor in the issue of obesity and its associated disorders, and indicate a potential future utilization of adiponectin as a drug in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.     

Concurrent and Longitudinal Associations Between Diurnal Cortisol and Body Mass Index Across Adolescence

PurposeChildhood and adolescent obesity have reached epidemic levels; however, little is known about the psychobiological underpinnings of obesity in youth and whether these differ from the mechanisms identified in adults. The current study examines concurrent (i.e., measured at the same point in time) and longitudinal (i.e., using earlier cortisol measures to predict later body mass index [BMI]) associations between diurnal cortisol and BMI across adolescence.MethodsAdolescent diurnal cortisol was measured over 3 days at each 11, 13, and 15 years. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to extract average measures of predicted morning, afternoon, evening levels of cortisol and the diurnal slope at each assessment. Adolescent BMI (kg/m²) was measured at 11, 13, 15, and 18 years. Sex, family socioeconomic status, mother's BMI, pubertal status, and adolescent mental health were examined as possible confounding variables.ResultsLinear regressions revealed that blunted patterns of adolescent cortisol were associated with increased measures of BMI across adolescence both concurrently and longitudinally, particularly when examining measures of cortisol in early adolescence. Multinomial logistic regressions extended the linear regression findings beyond BMI scores to encompass categories of obesity.ConclusionsThe current study builds on previous research documenting diurnal cortisol–obesity findings in adults by demonstrating similar findings exist both concurrently and longitudinally in adolescents. Findings suggest the association between cortisol and BMI is developmentally influenced and that blunted diurnal cortisol patterns can be identified in overweight individuals at a younger age than previously thought.     

Obesity-Related Lipid Profile and Altered Insulin Incretion in Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PurposeThe objective of this study was evaluate influence of body mass index (BMI), hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance (IR), and androgens on the lipid profile of adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsA total of 71 PCOS and 94 healthy adolescent girls from a Southern Italian region were included in the study. At day 5-8 of menstrual cycle, patients underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test to evaluate insulin levels; lipid and homocysteine levels were also assessed, baseline hormonal assays and ultrasound examination performed, and anthropometric characteristics measured.ResultNo differences were observed in the incidence of overweight or obesity and total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level; triglycerides and homocysteine levels did not differ between PCOS and control groups. All fasting metabolic indexes were similar, whereas insulin secretion after glucose load (I-AUC) was significantly higher in PCOS subjects. Total cholesterol levels were significantly related to waist-hip ratio (WHR). Low-density lipoprotein level was positively correlated with BMI, waist, WHR, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) but not I-AUC. Findings obtained for HDL correlated negatively to the same parameters, being also negatively correlated to both fasting insulin and HOMA, but not I-AUC. Moreover, HDL was positively correlated to circulating androstenedione (A) and negatively to circulating testosterone (T) levels. Triglycerides seemed to correlate positively with body BMI, waist, and WHR, and negatively with A levels. Homocysteine levels correlated positively with plasma triglyceride content.ConclusionIn the adolescent population studied, no differences were revealed in lipid profile between PCOS and controls. The PCOS is not a discriminant factor. The anthropometric characteristics resulted in the primary factor influencing the lipid derangement, confirming the importance of treating obesity at an early age to reduce morbidity rates. Hyperinsulinemia and IR, peculiarities of PCOS capable of influencing long-term evolution into cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus, are not associated with worse lipid profile. Young patients should be encouraged and motivated to change their lifestyle, with the aim of losing weight and thus reducing risk of onset of overt dyslipidemia.     

大于胎龄儿脐血脂联素水平测定及意义

目的探讨血脂联素水平与大于胎龄儿的关系。方法选取大于胎龄儿（LGA）和适于胎龄儿（AGA）各30人。应用酶联免疫吸附法测定脐血和母血脂联素浓度,用免疫比浊法测定血脂水平;并分析脐血脂联素水平与母血脂联素、新生儿性别、出生体质量、体质指数（BMI）、胎盘重量和血脂水平的相关性。结果大于胎龄儿脐血浆脂联素水平低于适于胎龄儿,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;2组新生儿血脂水平差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。大于胎龄儿血浆脂联素水平与新生儿出生体质量、BMI、胎盘重量、脐血甘油三酯水平均呈显著负相关（r分别为-0.848,-0.785,-0.835,P〈0.001）。大于胎龄儿男婴和女婴脐血浆脂联素、血脂各成分水平比较,差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论血脂联素水平的变化与大于胎龄儿的发生有关,测定脐血脂联素水平有助于判断大于胎龄儿的发展趋势。     

The obesity paradox in elderly patients with heart failure: analysis of nutritional status

ObjectiveThe obesity paradox refers to the improved survival of obese compared with non-obese elderly or diseased patients for reasons that are not clear. To assess the relative roles of fat and other factors in this improved survival, we analyzed the prognostic value of overweight and obesity elderly patients with heart failure (HF), controlling for other nutritional data such as midarm anthropometrics, serum proteins, and muscle strength.MethodsTwo hundred forty-four patients (83.2 ± 0.5 y old) hospitalized for HF were included. A nutritional survey was performed in all patients. After discharge, the patients were followed up by telephone.ResultsFourteen patients (5.7%) died during hospitalization. The median survival was 984 d. Patients with better nutritional status as assessed by the body mass index (BMI), subjective score, midarm muscle area, triceps skinfold thickness, handgrip, lymphocyte count, and serum albumin, prealbumin, and cholesterol levels showed better short- and long-term prognoses. Obese patients with a BMI above 30 kg/m² showed a better long-term prognosis than those with a BMI from 25 to 30 kg/m², those with a BMI from 20 to 25 kg/m², and those with a BMI lower than 20 kg/m². However, survival was not significantly related to a triceps skinfold thickness above the 95th percentile. Obese and overweight patients were younger and had better a nutritional status than those with a normal or decreased BMI as shown by the anthropometrics, subjective score, handgrip, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, and serum albumin, prealbumin, and cholesterol levels. All the nutritional data correlated closely with each other. New York Heart Association class also correlated with nutrition-derived data: as the HF class increased, the nutritional status deteriorated. On multivariate analysis, to predict long-term survival, neither BMI nor triceps skinfold thickness showed an independent predictive value, whereas a larger midarm muscle area did.ConclusionThe obesity paradox was confirmed in this series of elderly patients with HF. Those with a high BMI and improved survival had a better nutritional status and New York Heart Association functional class than those with a lower BMI, which may explain the differences in survival.     

中药正肝汤对乙型肝炎肝硬化患者血清瘦素、脂联素水平以及胰岛素抵抗影响的分析

目的 观察中药制剂正肝汤治疗乙型肝炎(乙肝)肝硬化患者对其血清瘦素(LEP)、脂联素(ADP)水平及胰岛素抵抗(IR)的影响。方法 将入选的66例乙肝肝硬化患者随机分为对照组(31例)和治疗组(35例), 其中对照组选用肌苷片和维生素C口服治疗, 治疗组在此基础上, 应用正肝汤治疗, 疗程为3个月, 测定治疗前后患者血清LEP、ADP水平及IR指数。结果 对照组血清LEP、ADP水平和IR指数与治疗前比较, 差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗组血清LEP、ADP水平和IR指数较治疗前明显下降, 差异有统计学意义(P<0.05), 治疗组血清LEP和ADP水平与对照组比较, 差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 正肝汤治疗乙肝肝硬化患者具有降低血清LEP、ADP水平, 并有改善IR的作用。     

Association between Serum Klotho and Physical Frailty in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Finding From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ObjectivesTo date, no consensus has been reached regarding the role of klotho in the development of frailty. This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum klotho and physical frailty and to explore potential age, sex, and racial/ethnic differences, using a large, nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting and ParticipantsParticipants were 7107 adults aged 45 years or older from the 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012, 2013–2014, and 2015–2016 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large data set including a series of cross-sectional nationally representative samples in the United States.MethodsWe assessed the frailty status using the Physical Frailty Phenotype (PFP) and the Frailty Index (FI). Five criteria were used in the PFP, and 34 health items were included to construct the FI as a proportion of accumulated deficits. We used multinomial and binary logistic regression models to examine the association between serum klotho and frailty, adjusted for several covariates.ResultsParticipants with a higher serum klotho level (>785.5 pg/mL) had a lower prevalence of frailty, defined by either the PFP or the FI, than those with a lower level (≤785.5 pg/mL). After adjustment for all covariates, the higher serum klotho level was associated with a 26% (95% CI 2%–45%) and 17% (95% CI 1%–30%) lower odds of frailty vs robustness when using the PFP and FI, respectively. In the PFP, the association was significantly stronger among participants aged <60 years than those aged ≥60 years (odds ratio: 0.60 vs 0.85; P_interaction = .03). No effect modification by race/ethnicity on the association was found.Conclusions and ImplicationsHigher serum klotho level relates to lower odds of physical frailty among middle-aged and older adults. Our findings suggest that klotho might be a potential biomarker of frailty, specifically in the middle-aged population. Future research should further investigate the mechanisms underlying this association to determine if lower levels of klotho may serve as a novel risk factor for physical frailty.