Eccentric endurance training in subjects with coronary artery disease: a novel exercise paradigm in cardiac rehabilitation?

This study evaluated the effects of 8 weeks of eccentric endurance training (EET) in male subjects (age range 42–66 years) with coronary artery disease (CAD). EET was compared to concentric endurance training (CET) carried out at the same metabolic exercise intensity, three times per week for half an hour. CET (n=6) was done on a conventional cycle ergometer and EET (n=6) on a custom-built motor-driven ergometer. During the first 5 weeks of the training program the metabolic load was progressively increased to 60% of peak oxygen uptake in both groups. At this metabolic load, mechanical work rate achieved was 97 (8) W [mean (SE)] for CET and 338 (34) W for EET, respectively. Leg muscle mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, quadriceps strength with an isokinetic dynamometer and muscle fibre composition of the vastus lateralis muscle with morphometry. The leg muscle mass increased significantly in both groups by some 3%. Strength parameters of knee extensors improved in EET only. Significant changes of +11 (4.9)%, +15 (3.2)% and +9 (2.5)% were reached for peak isometric torque and peak concentric torques at 60° s^–1 and 120° s^–1, respectively. Fibre size increased significantly by 19% in CET only. In conclusion, the present investigation showed that EET is feasible in middle-aged CAD patients and has functional advantages over CET by increasing muscle strength. Muscle mass increased similarly in both groups whereas muscle structural composition was differently affected by the respective training protocols. Potential limitations of this study are the cautiously chosen conditioning protocol and the restricted number of subjects.     

IL1β, IL18, NFKB1 and IFNG gene interactions are associated with severity of rheumatoid arthritis: A pilot study

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which can lead to progressive and functional disability. Literature data suggest that some inflammatory proteins are dysregulated in RA patients and its genetic polymorphisms may contribute to the aetiology and pathogenesis of disease in different ethnic groups. Polymorphisms in IL1β, IL18, NFKB1 and IFNG genes were studied in different populations with RA, but the analysis indicated contradictory results. Thereby, we hypothesised that polymorphisms in these genes could have a combined effect on susceptibility to and severity of disease. We evaluated the +3953?C/T IL1β (rs1143634), –137?G/C IL18 (rs187238), –94 ins/del ATTG NFKB1 (rs28362491) and +874?T/A IFNG (rs2430561) polymorphisms in the northeastern Brazilian population. Peripheral blood samples were collected and DNA extraction was conducted. The polymorphisms were evaluated by RFLP and ARMS–PCR. An association was observed in rs1143634 which showed a protective effect against development of RA in carriers of the T allele (OR?=?0.58; 95% CI 0.36–0.92; p?=?.020). In addition, we found an association among genotypes of the rs1143634 with the HAQ index (p?=?.021) and rs2430561 with DAS28 (p?=?.029) and CDAI (p?=?.029). In relation to combined effects of these SNPs (C/C to rs1143634, G/G to rs187238, I/I to rs28362491 and AA to rs2430561) we found a significant association with decreased functional disability (HAQ index p?<?.001) and ESR (p?=?.034), indicating a lower disease activity in carriers of these genotypes. GLM analysis confirmed these associations (HAQ (F?=?5.497; p?<?.001) and ESR (F?=?2.727; p?=?.032)). Our analysis indicated that in the studied population +3953?C/T IL-1β (rs1143634), –137?G/C IL-18 (rs187238), –94 ins/del ATTG NFKB1 (rs28362491) and +874?T/A IFNG (rs2430561) polymorphisms can together contribute to RA severity although they do not individually influence the disease.     

The Clinicopathologic Significance of Endothelial Tubuloreticular Inclusions in Glomerular Diseases

Abstract

Background: The presence of tubuloreticular inclusions (TRIs) in endothelial cells (ECs) always evokes suspicion of an association with underlying viral infections or autoimmune diseases. However, other underlying diseases can be associated with TRI expression. Since identification of the underlying disease is of primary consideration for management of glomerulonephritis (GN), it is important to clarify the clinical significance of TRI expression.

Methods: The authors studied 104 renal biopsy cases having TRI. They investigated their clinicopathological profiles and focused on potential connections with underlying diseases.

Results: Among 104 renal biopsy cases, 62 cases (59.6%) were associated with lupus nephritis (LN) and 20 cases (19.2%) were associated with a viral infection (hepatitis B virus (13), hepatits C virus (4), and human immunodeficiency virus (3)). Other underlying disease groups included membranous GN (MGN) (7), IgA nephropathy (7), Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HSP) nephritis (2), and others (6). The incidence of TRIs in both LN and viral infections was significantly higher than for other diseases (p?<?0.0001). Among 7 MGN cases, 2 cases were diabetes, 1 case was associated with lung cancer, another case with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), and the others showed no evidence of systemic disease. On immunofluorescence (IF) study, 2 MGN cases, 2 IgA nephropathy cases, and 1 HSP nephritis case showed C1q deposition, with no evidence of SLE.

Conclusions: TRIs were identified in MGN and other glomerular diseases, including IgA nephropathy and HSP nephritis. However, a diagnosis of LN should be considered because TRIs associated with a full-house IF pattern are usually found in LN.     

Evaluation of mortality,disease activity,treatment, clinical and immunological features of adult and late onset systemic Lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Objectives: We retrospectively compared disease activity, treatment, clinical and laboratory features, and rate of mortality of 535 SLE patients with adult and late disease onset.

Methods: patients were divided into two groups based on the onset of the disease before or after 50 years of age. Clinical data were collected from medical reports. Disease activity was measured by ECLAM score. Parameters were compared by χ²-test, Fisher’s test, Student’s t or the Mann–Whitney test.

Results: Forty patients (7.5%) were included in the late SLE onset group (group A), while 495 (92.5%) in the adult SLE onset group (group B). Sicca symptoms were more frequent in group A (p?<?0.0008), while glomerulonephritis (p?<?0.0069), reduced C3 (p?<?0.0006) and low C3 (p?<?0.00002) and C4 levels (p?<?0.0006) were more prevalent in group B. Twenty-two deaths (4.3%) were recorded: 14 (2.8%) in group B and 8 (20%) in group A. Deaths were mainly due to infections in group B (28.5%) and cardiovascular events in group A (50%). A lower use of HCQ and LDA were recorded in deceased versus living patients (p?<?0.0001 and 0.0166, respectively), while a higher ECLAM score was measured at onset in dead versus living patients (p?<?0.048).

Conclusions: Late onset SLE occurred in 7.5% of patients and it was associated with sicca symptoms. The use of HCQ and LDA is positively correlated with survival. Death in late onset SLE occurred more frequently for cardiovascular involvement. Higher disease activity at onset of the disease might represent a poor prognostic factor for death in adult onset.     

Synthesis,toxicity study and anti-inflammatory effect of MHTP,a new tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid

Abstract

The alkaloid 2-methoxy-4-(7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-yl)phenol (MHTP) was synthesized to prospect new compounds with therapeutic properties. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the MHTP anti-inflammatory effect by in vivo and in vitro assays. The MHTP toxicity was analyzed. We found that MHTP pre-treatment (2.5–10?mg/kg) showed antiedematogenic effect (p?<?0.05) in carrageenan-induced paw edema by inhibiting the PGE2 action independently of mast cell degranulation or histamine activity. MHTP also diminished (p?<?0.01) total leukocyte migration in 41.5% into peritoneal cavity during carrageenan-induced peritonitis, reducing polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) (59.6%) and proteins levels (29.4%). MHTP in an experimental model of acute lung injury inhibited (p?<?0.001) total inflammatory cell migration into the lungs and PMNs in 58% and 67.5%, respectively. Additionally, MHTP did not present cytotoxicity at concentrations of 10, 25 or 50?μM but decreased (p?<?0.001) the NO production in 24%, 47% and 39%, respectively. The alkaloid also reduced (p?<?0.001, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages (1?μg/mL), IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 levels in 35.7%, 31.0% and 33.4%, respectively. The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the inedited synthetic alkaloid, MHTP has anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting PGE2 function as well as inhibiting inflammatory cell migration to the inflamed site and attenuated the acute lung injury disease by inhibiting the migration of neutrophil to the lung. However, further studies will be carried out to demonstrate the mechanisms of action of the molecule and explore its potential as a future drug to treat inflammatory processes.     

Gene polymorphism profiles of drug-metabolising enzymes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 in an Argentinian population

Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are drug-metabolising enzymes involved in biotransformation of carcinogens, drugs, xenobiotics and oxygen free radicals. Polymorphisms of GST genes contribute to inter-individual and population variability in the susceptibility to environmental risk factors, cancer predisposition and pharmacotherapy responses. However, data about GST variability in Argentina are lacking.

Aim: The purpose was to determine the prevalence of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms in the general population from a central region of Argentina and to perform inter-population comparisons.

Subjects and methods: GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions and GSTP1 c.313A?>?G were genotyped by PCR assays in 609 healthy and unrelated Argentinians.

Results: The frequencies of variant genotypes in Argentinians were GSTM1-null (45%), GSTT1-null (17%) and GSTP1-GG (11%). GSTM1-present genotype was significantly associated with GSTP1-AG or GSTP1-GG variants (p?=?0.037; p?=?0.034, respectively). Comparison with worldwide populations demonstrated that the GST distributions in Argentina are similar to those reported for Italy and Spain, whereas significant differences were observed regarding Asian and African populations (p?Conclusion: This study has determined, for the first time, the normative profile of three pharmacogenetically relevant polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) in the largest Argentinian cohort described to date, providing the basis for further epidemiological and pharmacogenetic studies in this country.     

Protective Reactivity and Alteration of the Brain Tissue in Alcoholics Evidenced by SOD1, MMP9 Immunohistochemistry,and Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Alcohol and its associated oxidative stress is one of the widespread contributors to the brain damage. Matrix metalloproteinases, which are extensively analyzed in brain pathology studies, are not sufficiently investigated in chronic alcohol consumption. This study evaluated regional brain damage caused by oxidative stress. Contribution of metalloproteinase-9 to this affection was evidenced in alcoholic subjects and correlated with ultrastructural changes. The authors found correlation between neuronal expression patterns of superoxide dismutase-1 and metalloproteinase-9 in nigral (r?=?0.532, p?<?0.001), striatal (r?=?0.327, p?<?0.001), and cortical (r?=?0.306, p?<?0.001) regions, and a significant decrease of nigral superoxide dismutase-1 median values accompanied by severe myelin damage.     

Solvent effect on the propagation rate constant in the radical polymerization of bis(2-ethylhexyl) itaconate

Polymerization of bis(2-ethylhexyl) itaconate ( 1 ) with dimethyl azobis(isobutyrate) ( 2 ) was carried out at 50°C in various solvents. Polar solvents caused a significant decrease in the polymerization rate (R_p) and the molecular weight of resulting poly( 1 ). The propagating poly( 1 ) radical could be observed as a five-line ESR spectrum in the actual polymerization systems used. The stationary concentration of poly( 1 ) radical was determined by ESR to be 4,2–6,4 · 10^?6 mol · L^?1 at 50°C when the concentrations of 1 and 2 were 1,03 and 3,00 · 10^?2 mol · L^?1. Using R_p the monomer concentration and the polymer radical concentration, the propagation rate constant (K_p) was estimated to be 1,4–6,8 L · mol^?1 · s^?1, depending on the solvents used. The k_p value was smaller in more polar solvents. The solvent effect is explained in terms of the solvent affinity for the propagating polymer chain.     

Blood lead levels,pulmonary function and agility in Polish schoolchildren

Background: Reduced vital capacity (VC) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are associated with lead (Pb) exposure.

Aim: The objective of this study is to analyse the effects of Pb on FVC and the shuttle run performance.

Subjects and methods: Data were available for 184 male and 189 female Polish schoolchildren aged 10–15?years. Regression analysis was performed of shuttle run performance (dependent) on Pb and FVC.

Results: Shuttle run time increased by 1.75 (±?0.77) and 1.97 (±?0.77) seconds for each 10?µg/dL increase in Pb blood among males and females, respectively. Higher shuttle run times indicate poorer performance. Average unadjusted blood Pb level in the sample was 5.27?μg/dL (±?0.19 SE) and 3.82?μg/dL (±?0.10 SE), respectively. Path analysis was used to assess the association of Pb level with shuttle run time. Blood Pb had a significant negative effect on VC (B=??13.60?±?3.28 [SE], p?B?=??13.08?±?3.27, p?B?=??0.04?±?0.007, p?B?=?1.59?±?0.75, p?B?=?1.49?±?0.73, p?Conclusions: Thus, Pb had direct and indirect effects that increased shuttle run time, i.e. negatively affected performance.     

Obesity,hypertension, social determinants of health and the epidemiologic transition among traditional Amazonian populations

Abstract

Background: The health and nutritional situation of adults from three rural vulnerable Amazonian populations are investigated in relation to the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) and the epidemiologic transition.

Aim: To investigate the role of the environment and the SDH on the occurrence of chronic-degenerative diseases in these groups.

Subjects and methods: Anthropometric, blood pressure and demographic data were collected in adults from the RDS Mamirauá, AM (n?=?149), Flona Caxiuanã, PA (n?=?148) and quilombolas, PA (n?=?351), populations living in a variety of socio-ecological environments in the Brazilian Amazon.

Results: Adjusting for the effect of age, quilombola men are taller (F?=?9.85; p?<?0.001) and quilombola women present with higher adiposity (F?=?20.43; p?<?0.001) and are more overweight/obese. Men from Mamirauá present higher adiposity (F?=?9.58; p?<?0.001). Mamirauá women are taller (F?=?5.55; p?<?0.01) and have higher values of waist circumference and subscapular/triceps index. Quilombolas present higher prevalence of hypertension in both sexes and there are significant differences in rates of hypertension among the women (χ² = 17.45; p?<?0.01). The quilombolas are more dependent on government programmes, people from Mamirauá have more economic resources and the group from Caxiunã have the lowest SES.

Conclusion: In these populations, the SDH play a key role in the ontogeny of diseases and the ‘diseases of modernity’ occur simultaneously with the always present infectoparasitic pathologies, substantially increasing social vulnerability.     

In vitro uptake and release of natamycin Dex-b-PLA nanoparticles from model contact lens materials

Purpose: To evaluate the uptake and release of the antifungal agent natamycin encapsulated within poly(D,L-lactide)-dextran nanoparticles (Dex-b-PLA NPs) from model contact lens (CL) materials. Methods: Six model CL materials (gel 1:poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate, pHEMA); gel 2:85% pHEMA: 15% [Tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]-propyl methacrylate (TRIS); gel 3: 75% pHEMA: 25% TRIS; gel 4: 85% N,N dimethylacrylamide (DMAA): 15% TRIS; gel 5:75% DMAA: 25% TRIS; and gel 6: DMAA) were prepared using a photoinitiation procedure. The gels were incubated in: (1) natamycin dissolved in deionized (DI) water and (2) natamycin encapsulated within Dex-b-PLA NPs in dimethylsulfoxide/DI water. Natamycin release from these materials was monitored using UV–visible spectrophotometry at 304?nm over 7 d. Results: Natamycin uptake by all model CL materials increased between 1 and 7 d (p?p?p?p?Conclusions: Model CL materials loaded with natamycin-Dex-b-PLA NPs were able to release natamycin for up to 12?h under infinite sink conditions. DMAA-TRIS materials may be more suitable for drug delivery of natamycin due to the higher drug release observed with these materials.     

Preparation and properties of poly(p-phenylene) and polynaphthylene

Poly(p-phenylene), poly(2,6-naphthylene), poly(2,7-naphthylene), poly(1,5-naphthylene), and poly(1,4-naphthylene) were prepared by nickel-catalyzed polycondensation of Grignard reagents from the corresponding dibromides. The polymers were annealed in vacuo. Doping with SbF₅ markedly increase the conductivity of the polymers. Annealed poly(2,6-naphthylene) is the most conductive among the four isomers after SbF₅ doping. The conductivity of doped poly(2,6-naphthylene) and poly(p-phenylene) is about 10^?1 S · cm^?1. Annealed poly(p-phenylene) shows a broad single line ESR signal which changes to a narrow single line upon doping. Superposition of the two signals is observed at the initial stage of doping. Simultaneous conductivity and ESR measurements indicate that the narrow signal is closely related to conductivity.     

Inhibition of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by some depsidones and diaryl ether derivatives isolated from Corynespora cassiicola,an endophytic fungus of Gongronema latifolium leaves

Abstract

In this study, some depsidones and diaryl ether derivatives isolated from Corynespora cassicola, a fungi endophyte of Gongronema latifolium, were assessed for their anti-inflammatory potentials. The isolated metabolites corynesidone A (1), corynesidone C (2), corynesidone D (3) and corynether A (4) were screened for their effects on tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide (iNO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production by stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Concentration of 1, 2, 3 and 4 up to 100?μM did not remarkably affect the viability of treated macrophages. The compounds were found to cause a concentration-dependent decrease in lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α and iNO in RAW264.7 cells. Pre-treatment with 100?μM of 1, 2, 3 and 4 suppressed iNO by as much as 96.28%, 95.71%, 78.14% and 73.28%; with IC₅₀ of 8.16, 9.49, 15.29 and 26.52?μM, respectively. Similarly, pre-treatment with 100?μM of 1, 2, 3 and 4 caused an inhibition of 99.17%, 99.59%, 95.02% and 74.07% in the formation of iNO production, respectively, with IC₅₀ of 1.88, 3.99, 7.48 and 37.22?μM. Treatment of with compounds 1–4 (10, 30 and 100?µM) followed by stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1?µM) caused significant (p?<?0.05) suppression of ROS/RNS-evoked chemiluminescence of luminol by as much as 100.96?±?1.88%, 98.59?±?1.38%, 87.35?±?1.41% and 79.22?±?0.30%, respectively at 100?µM. The depsidone derivatives (1–4) showed more potent inhibition of TNF-α and NO production and better scavenging ROS/RNS than the diaryl ether derivative (4). These chemical scaffolds can serve as suitable lead molecules for further development into novel anti-inflammatory and/or anti-cancer agents.     

Impact of acculturation on depression,perceived stress and self-esteem in young Middle Eastern American adults

Background: Human biologists have a longstanding interest in understanding the biological and health impacts of migration. Acculturation, the cultural adjustment that a group or individual experiences when previously separate cultures interact, has been found to be one pathway through which migration may impact human biology and health, not only for the migrants themselves, but also their descendants.

Aim: The authors conducted a pilot study to examine the relationship between acculturation and perceived stress, self-esteem and depression among young Middle-Eastern American adults.

Subject and methods: Survey data were collected from 48 young Middle-Eastern American adults. Participants were divided into one of two acculturation categories, integrated (American and Middle Eastern culture oriented) and assimilated (American culture oriented). Health measures were compared between these acculturation categories.

Results: Integrated individuals had significantly lower stress (F?=?8.1, p?<?0.01) and depression (F?=?10.8, p?<?0.01) than assimilated individuals. Integrated individuals had lower self-esteem than assimilated individuals (F?=?5.0, p?<?0.05). Generational status, a proxy used for acculturation, was only significantly associated with self-esteem (F?=?3.15, p?=?0.05).

Conclusion: This pilot study furthers understanding of the effects acculturation can have on perceived stress and mental health among young Middle-Eastern Americans. Future research should incorporate biological measures of stress to determine the physiological impacts of acculturation.     

A multi-level analysis of individual- and school-level correlates of physical fitness in children

Background: Children’s physical fitness is potentially influenced by biological, behavioural and environmental factors.

Aim: To investigate the importance of individual-level and school-level characteristics in explaining variation in children’s physical fitness.

Subjects and methods: The sample comprised 354 Portuguese children, aged 5–10?years. Physical fitness [(handgrip (HG) strength, standing long jump (SLJ), shuttle-run (SR), total physical fitness score (PFz)], gross motor coordination (GMC) and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was objectively monitored; birth weight and socio-economic status (SES) were obtained by questionnaire. School contexts were assessed via an objective audit. Multilevel models using the Bayesian approach were used.

Results: Age was positively associated with HG, SLJ and PFz (p?<?0.05); BMI was positively associated with HG (p?<?0.05) and GMC with all physical fitness components (p?<?0.05); MVPA was only associated with PFz (p?<?0.05); children with level A SES outperformed those with level C SES in HG (p?<?0.05), but those with level B SES outperformed their level A SES peers in SR (p?<?0.05). Within the school context, no equipment for physical education was negatively associated with HG (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: In the primary school years, individual-level characteristics were more important than the school context in explaining variations in physical fitness.     

Kinetic and ESR studies on radical polymerization. ESR and kinetic evidences for the penultimate effect in the radical-initiated copolymerization of N-cyclohexylmaleimide and bis(2-ethylhexyl) itaconate in benzene

The copolymerization of N-cyclohexylmaleimide ( 1 ) (M₁) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) itaconate ( 2 ) (M₂) with dimethyl 2,2′-azoisobutyrate ( 3 ) as an initiator was carried out at 50°C in benzene. Monomer reactivity ratios were estimated as r₁ = 0,34 and r₂ = 0,38. The copolymerization rate (R_p) and the molecular weight of the resulting copolymer increased with increasing concentration of 1 when the total concentration of comonomers was fixed at 1,00 mol. L^?1. R_p was proportional to [ 3 ]^0,5, indicating a usual bimolecular termination in the copolymerization. An electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum of the propagating polymer radicals was observable in the actual copolymerization system at 50°C. The spectrum of the copolymerization system is inexplicable in terms of any superposition of spectra observed in the corresponding homopolymerization systems, revealing that some penultimate monomeric unit causes a change in the ESR spectrum, that is, the structure of propagating polymer radical. The apparent rate constant of propagation (k_p) and termination (k_t) were estimated by ESR. The k_p values (1,5–50 L · mol^?1 · s^?1) are fairly higher than those estimated on the basis of the terminal model, affording another piece of evidence for the penultimate effect. The k_t value (1,8–5,4·10³ L · mol^?1 · s^?1) shows a behaviour similar to that of the intrinsic viscosity of the resulting copolymer on varying the monomer feed composition, which seems to reflect diffusion-control of termination reactions.     

Interactive effects of adiposity and insulin resistance on the impaired lung function in asthmatic adults: cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data

Background: Obesity is considered a risk factor for both asthma and insulin resistance in adults. Insulin resistance (IR) also influences pulmonary function in the non-obese population.

Aim: To investigate the modifying effect of insulin resistance on the predictive role of anthropometric measures in the estimation of impaired lung function among asthmatic adults.

Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study of 1276 adults extracted from the NHANES 2009–2012 database was performed. Adjusted multiple linear regression was conducted to analyse the contributory role of obesity and IR in predicting lung function among asthmatic adults.

Results: BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) showed significantly negative correlations with FVC (r=–0.24, –0.18, –0.39, respectively; p?<?0.001), FEV1(r=–0.24, –0.21, –0.40, respectively; p?<?0.001) and FEF 25–75% (r=–0.15, –0.18, –0.27, respectively; p?<?0.001). Even after adjustment for the covariates (age, gender, smoking history and standing height), BMI and HOMA-IR had significant relationships with FVC (β=??10.3; p?<?0.01 and β=??16.0; p?<?0.05) and FEV1 (β=??8.7; p?<?0.01 and β=??11.7; p?<?0.05). BMI could significantly predict the decreased FVC (β=??13.7; p?<?0.01) and FEV1 (β=??10.7; p?<?0.01) only in the insulin resistant asthmatics.

Conclusion: WHtR and IR predict impaired lung function in overweight/obese asthmatic adults independently. IR also modifies the association between excessive adiposity and respiratory function in asthmatic adults.     

Testing ecological and universal models of body shape and child health using a global sample of infants and young children

Aim: To test whether a risk of child illness is best predicted by deviations from a population-specific growth distribution or a universal growth distribution.

Subjects and methods: Child weight for height and child illness data from 433 776 children (1–59 months) from 47 different low and lower income countries are used in regression models to estimate for each country the child basal weight for height. This study assesses the extent to which individuals within populations deviate from their basal slenderness. It uses correlation and regression techniques to estimate the relationship between child illness (diarrhoea, fever or cough) and basal weight for height, and residual weight for height.

Results: In bivariate tests, basal weight for height z-score did not predict the country level prevalence of child illness (r²?=?–0.01, n?=?47, p?=?0.53), but excess weight for height did (r²?=?0.14, p?p?n?=?433 776) and basal weight for height was not (beta?=?0.20, p?=?0.27). Deviations from country-specific basal weight for height were negatively associated with the likelihood of illness (beta?=?–0.13, p?Conclusion: These results are consistent with the idea that populations may differ in their body slenderness, and that deviations from this body form may predict the risk of childhood illness.