Visceral fat is better related to impaired glucose metabolism than body mass index after kidney transplantation

The role of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in post‐transplant hyperglycaemia is not known. We evaluated 167 patients without diabetes 8‐10 weeks after kidney transplantation, performing oral glucose tolerance tests and measuring VAT content from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans. Median VAT weight in normal glucose tolerance patients was 0.9 kg, impaired fasting glucose patients 1.0 kg, impaired glucose tolerance patients 1.3 kg and patients with post‐transplant diabetes (PTDM) 2.1 kg (P = 0.004, indicating a difference between groups). Percentage VAT of total body fat was associated with fasting (R² = 0.094, P < 0.001) and 2‐h glucose concentration (R² = 0.062, P = 0.001), while BMI was only associated with 2‐h glucose concentration (R² = 0.029, P = 0.028). An association between BMI and 2‐h glucose concentration was lost in adjusted models, as opposed to the associations between VAT as percentage of total body fat and glucose concentrations (R² = 0.132, P < 0.001 and R² = 0.097, P = 0.001, respectively for fasting and 2‐h glucose concentration). In conclusion, VAT is more closely related to impaired glucose metabolism than BMI after kidney transplantation. The association with central obesity should encourage additional studies on lifestyle interventions to prevent PTDM.     

The impact of impaired insulin release and insulin resistance on glucose intolerance after renal transplantation

The current knowledge of the pathogenesis of post-transplant glucose intolerance is sparse. This study was undertaken to assess the relative importance of insulin secretion (ISec) and insulin sensitivity (IS) in the pathogenesis of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) after renal transplantation. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in 167 non-diabetic recipients 10 wk after renal transplantation. Fasting, 1-h and 2-h insulin and glucose levels were used to estimate the insulin secretory response and IS. One year after transplantation 89 patients were re-examined with an OGTT including measurements of fasting and 2 h glucose. Ten weeks after transplantation the PTDM-patients had significantly lower ISec and IS than patients with IGT/IFG, who again had lower ISec and IS than those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). One year later, a similar difference in baseline ISec was observed between the three groups, whereas baseline IS did not differ significantly. Patients who improved their glucose tolerance during the first year, were mainly characterized by a significantly greater baseline ISec, and they received a significantly higher median prednisolone dose at baseline with a subsequent larger dose reduction during the first year, than the patients who had their glucose tolerance unchanged or worsened. In conclusion, both impaired ISec and IS characterize patients with PTDM and IGT/IFG in the early course after renal transplantation. The presence of defects in insulin release, rather than insulin action, indicates a poor prognosis regarding later normalization of glucose tolerance.     

Body mass index,body fat percentage,and the effect of body fat mass on SWL success

Objectives In the present study, we investigated the effects of the Body Mass Index (BMI), the Body Fat Percentage (BFP), and the Body Fat Mass (BFM) on success of SWL, prospectively. Patients and methods The BMI, BFP, BFM values of patients, who were treated by SWL due to upper urinary system stone disease (pelvis renalis, upper ureter, kidney lower and upper calices) between January and December 2005 in our hospital’s urolithiasis center, were measured. Patients with stones smaller than 5 mm or larger than 20 mm and patients who had a stone localized somewhere other than in the upper urinary system, were not included in the study. Patients evaluated to be clinically successful according to the SWL were put in group 1, and the other patients who were not successful were included in group 2. Results About 158 (97 male, 61 female) patients aged between 16 and 92 (mean 36.69 (±13.22) years), put on SWL therapy due to presence of upper urinary system stone disease, were included in the study. While the mean BMI was 23.97 ± 0.4 in group 1 and 25.98 ± 0.5 (P = 0.02) in group 2, BFP was 23.85 ± 0.8 in group 1 and 29.19 ± 1.1 (P = 0.001) in group 2, and BFM was determined to be 16.74 ± 0.7 and 21.19 ± 1.01 (P = 0.001) in group 2. Regarding all the parameters (BMI, BFP, BFM), the statistical analyses carried out between the groups showed significant differences. Conclusion BFP and BFM parameters are also important factors along with the BMI in providing a successful SWL treatment. All the parameters should be considered regarding the success of the treatment and the patients should be informed.     

Effect of deflazacort versus methylprednisone on growth, body composition, lipid profile, and bone mass after renal transplantation

Kidney function, growth velocity, weight/ height ratio, body composition, lipid profile, and bone mass were studied in a randomized, multicenter trial of deflazacort versus methylprednisone in 27 prepubertal patients with kidney transplantation. Methylprednisone (0.20±0.03) was replaced by deflazacort (13 patients, 0.30±0.03 mg/kg per day). After 12 months, creatinine clearance decreased significantly only during methylprednisone therapy. Growth velocity increased only in patients treated with deflazacort from 3.3±0.6 to 5.6±0.5 cm/year. Serum levels of several components of the insulin-like growth factor axis did not change. Weight/height ratio was increased in methylprednisone-treated patients (P<0.05) and decreased in deflazacort-treated patients (P<0.005). Lean body mass increased in both groups (P<0.005). Fat body mass and serum leptin increased only in methylprednisone-treated patients (P<0.025). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased in methylprednisone-treated patients by 9.9% (P<0.05) and 12.5% (P<0.025). High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased by 21% (P<0.005) and apolipoprotein B decreased by 11% (P<0.005) in deflazacort-treated patients. Total skeleton and lumbar spine bone mineral density decreased in both groups, but at 1 year methylprednisone-treated patients had lost 50% more bone. Bone mineral content decreased only in methylprednisone-treated patients (P<0.01). Our data suggest that substituting deflazacort for maintenance methylprednisone might prevent height loss, excessive bone loss, and fat accumulation; and leads to an improvement in the lipoproteins of these children. Received: 13 March 1999 / Revised: 2 January 2000 / Accepted: 9 January 2000     

Body size and serum levels of insulin and leptin in relation to the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE: Obesity has been implicated in the etiology of benign and malignant prostatic growth due to its influence on metabolic and endocrine changes. Because obesity is an important determinant of serum levels of insulin and leptin (the product of the obesity gene Ob), we investigated the role of obesity and serum levels of insulin and leptin in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fasting serum levels of insulin and leptin as well as the body mass index, a measure of overall obesity, and waist-to-hip ratio, an indicator of abdominal obesity, were determined in 200 men newly diagnosed with BPH who were hospitalized for surgery and in 302 randomly selected healthy male subjects from the population in Shanghai, China. RESULTS: A higher waist-to-hip ratio and higher serum insulin were significantly associated with an increased risk of BPH. Relative to men in the lowest waist-to-hip ratio quartile (less than 0.856) those in the highest quartile (greater than 0.923) were at 2.4-fold risk (odds ratio 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34 to 4.37, test for trend p = 0.01). Similarly relative to men in the lowest quartile of insulin (less than 5.87 microU. per ml.) those in the highest quartile (greater than 9.76 microU. per ml.) were at significantly increased risk (odds ratio 2.47, 95% CI 1.35 to 4.54, test for trend p = 0.009). The effect of insulin on BPH risk was more pronounced in men in low and middle tertiles of the waist-to-hip ratio (odds ratios comparing high to low insulin tertiles 2.8 and 2.7, respectively), while among men in the highest waist-to-hip ratio tertile insulin was not significantly associated with BPH risk. In contrast, we found no significant odds ratio comparing the highest to lowest quartiles of leptin (odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.17) or body mass index (odds ratio 1.64, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.81). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that abdominal obesity and increasing serum insulin, and possibly overall obesity but not serum leptin are associated with a higher risk of BPH. Further prospective and laboratory studies are needed to confirm these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.     

Physical exercise is associated with better fat mass distribution and lower insulin resistance in spinal cord injured individuals

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare total and regional body composition and their relationship with glucose homeostasis in physically active and non-active individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (c-SCI).

Methods

Individuals with lesion level between C5–C7 were divided into two groups: physically active (PA; n = 14; who practiced physical exercise for at least 3 months, three times per week or more, minimum of 150 minutes/week): and non-physically active (N-PA n = 8). Total fat mass (t-FM) and regional fat mass (r-FM) were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

PA group present lower (P < 0.01) total fat mass (t-FM), % and kg, regional fat mass (r-FM), % and kg, FPI levels and HOMA index, while they had higher (P < 0.001) total free fat mass (t-FFM), %, and regional free fat mass (r-FFM), %, compared to the N-PA group. In the N-PA group, FPI and HOMA index were negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with FFM% (r = −0.71, −0.69, respectively) and positively correlated to trunk-FM (r = 0.71, 0.69, respectively) and trunk-FM:t-FM (kg) ratio (r = 0.83, 0.79, respectively).

Conclusion

Physical exercise is associated with lower t-FM, r-FM, and insulin resistance, which could contribute to the decrease of the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions in individuals with c-SCI.     

Tacrolimus and low-dose steroid immunosuppression preserves bone mass after renal transplantation

Bone loss, a recognized complication of renal transplantation (TP), is mainly attributed to steroids. The effect of other immunosuppressive agents on patients' bone mass is difficult to distinguish from that of steroids. In this study, we evaluate the evolution of bone mass density over the first 12 months following renal TP in two groups of patients given either low-dose steroids with tacrolimus ( n=7) or normal-dose steroids and cyclosporine ( n=19). Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, total hip, and hip subregions and total-body bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within the first 15 days, and 1 year after TP. Biological markers of bone turnover (serum calcium, phosphate, total alkaline phosphatase activity, intact parathyroid hormone, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, calcitriol, and urinary pyridinolines) were regularly measured during follow-up. After TP, renal function improved rapidly in all patients. One year after TP, bone mass had decreased significantly in the cyclosporine group in all investigated sites. By contrast it had increased in the tacrolimus group. In order to compare the evolution of bone mass in patients given similar amounts of steroids, the cyclosporine group was subdivided in tertiles according to the 1-year cumulative oral intake of prednisolone. A significant bone loss was still observed in the low-steroid cyclosporine subgroup but not in the tacrolimus group, despite the similar steroids intake (3.5+/-0.5 g and 2.7+/-1 g, respectively). Bone gain in the tacrolimus group occurred despite a previous longer dialysis duration and a higher number of postmenopausal women who were not receiving hormone substitutes. Long-term evaluation of bone density (3-5 years post-TP) confirmed the bone gain in the tacrolimus patients. Interestingly, the profile of the biological markers of bone turnover appeared better in patients prescribed tacrolimus than in those given cyclosporine, though the differences did not reach statistical significance. Weconclude that tacrolimus associated with low-dose steroids might better preserve bone mass after renal TP than cyclosporine and normal doses of steroids.     

Impact of body mass index on hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation through long-term follow-up

BackgroundObesity is associated with increased oncological risk and outcomes but the evidence surrounding the effect of body mass index (BMI) on increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) is still questionable. The purpose of this retrospective study of a large cohort of adult patients transplanted for HCC was to investigate the effect of BMI on the incidence of HCC recurrence and outcome.MethodsData from 427 adult recipients transplanted for HCC between 2000 and 2017 were collected. Patients were classified at time of LT according to the World Health Organization BMI classification into 3 groups; group 1: BMI <25 (n=166), group 2: BMI 25–29.9 (n=150) and group 3: BMI ≥30 (n=111).ResultsThere were no significant changes of mean BMI overtime 26.8±5.0 kg/m2 at time of LT and 28.8±23.1 at 5 years. The recurrence rates of HCC after LT in the three groups were 19%, 16% and 17% respectively. The 5, 10 and 15-year recurrence free survival (RFS) rates were respectively 68.6%, 47.3% and 40.8% in group 1, 73.3%, 66.2% and 49.5% in group 2 and 68.8%, 57.5% and 47.7% in group 3 (log rank P=0.47).ConclusionsRecipient BMI at time of transplant and during follow-up didn’t impact the incidence of HCC recurrence nor long-term patient survival, irrespective to the status of the patients and their tumor characteristic at time of LT. The present study clearly confirms that obesity should not be considered, when selecting patients with HCC to LT, as a predictive factor of recurrence.     

肝癌患者血清瘦素、胰岛素的水平测定及相关性分析

目的探讨瘦素、胰岛素在原发性肝癌及肝硬化患者中的变化。方法采用放射免疫分析法和电化学发光免疫法检测70例肝癌患者、30例肝硬化患者及30例健康者的血清瘦素、胰岛素水平并进行比较分析。结果肝癌及肝硬化患者较正常对照组血清瘦素、胰岛素显著升高,体重指数（body mass index,BMI）显著降低;BMI、胰岛素和性别均为影响肝癌患者血清瘦素浓度的显著因素。结论瘦素、胰岛素可能参与了肝癌及肝硬化患者营养不良的发生。     

绝经后妇女骨密度、体重指数、体脂和雌激素分泌的关系

目的　调查分析绝经后妇女骨密度、体重指数、体脂和雌激素分泌之间的关系。方法　上海市区 5 0～ 70岁社区绝经后女性健康志愿者共 4 5 7例 ,进行身高体重、腰椎和股骨颈骨密度的测定、腰椎和髋部脂肪成分的检测 ,以及随机选取 118例志愿者进行血清雌激素的测定。所有资料输入电脑 ,应用SPSS软件进行统计分析。结果　非骨质疏松 (Non OP)组中体重指数与腰椎和股骨颈骨密度的相关系数分别为 0 . 5 3和 0 . 5 4 ,骨质疏松 (OP)组分别为 0 .33和 0 . 33;Non OP组中体重指数与腰椎和髋部体脂的相关系数分别为 0. 2 1和 0 . 0 92 ,OP组分别为 0 . 72和 0 .2 7;Non OP组的血清雌激素浓度与体脂呈弱相关 ,OP组血清雌激素浓度与体脂无关。Non- OP组中体重指数大于OP组 ,体脂低于OP组 ,但无统计学意义。经体重指数校正后 ,体脂 (即体脂 /体重指数 ,亦即体脂在体重中所占的比重 ) ,OP组体脂明显大于Non -OP组 (P <0 . 0 5 )。结论　体重是影响绝经后妇女骨密度的重要因素 ,体脂在体重中的比重增加会降低绝经后妇女的骨密度 ,这种体脂的增加与雌激素可能无关。绝经后妇女应在不增加体脂的前提下 ,适当增加体重来预防骨质疏松症的发生。     

Association between insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a common finding in renal transplant recipients (RTR) and is related to impaired local regulation of vasodilative and vasoconstrictive substances, such as nitric monoxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). In non-transplanted patients, an association between impaired endothelial function and insulin resistance has been shown. Whether such an association also exists in RTR is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine whether insulin resistance is associated with endothelial dysfunction in RTR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 47 RTR in a stable phase six yr post-transplant were included in the statistical analysis. The immunosuppressive therapy was based on cyclosporine and prednisolone. Non-invasive assessment of endothelial function was performed with laser Doppler flowmetry of the forearm skin vasculature after local acetylcholine stimulation. Oral glucose tolerance tests comprising both glucose and insulin measurements were used to calculate insulin sensitivity (IS) indices. NO, ET-1 and von Willebrand factor were measured in fasting plasma samples. RESULTS: Normal glucose tolerance was found in 31 RTR. In these subjects, both IS (r(2) = 0.164, p = 0.044) and plasma NO (r(2) = 0.326, p = 0.002) were significantly correlated with endothelial function. Patients with glucose intolerance (n = 16) had higher plasma ET-1 and lower NO levels, but the association between IS and endothelial function was not significant in these subjects. In the total patient cohort, IS and endothelial function tended to be correlated (p = 0.127). CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial dysfunction is significantly associated with insulin resistance in normoglycemic RTR but explains a rather small part of the variation. In glucose-intolerant recipients, IS appears to be more critically dependent on other factors not revealed in the present study.     

Tacrolimus and angiotensin receptor blockers associated with changes in serum adiponectin level in new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation: single-center cross-sectional analysis

We analysed whether pre- and post-transplant serum adiponectin levels in renal transplant patients were associated with new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT). The mean post-transplant follow-up duration was 47.9 months. Of 98 previously non-diabetic renal transplant patients, 12 were diagnosed with NODAT and 86 without (non-NODAT). There was a significant inverse correlation between mean post-transplant serum adiponectin level and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ( r  = −0.22, P  = 0.03), and a positive correlation between follow-up duration after transplantation and HOMA-IR ( r  = 0.28, P  = 0.005). The mean pre- and post-transplant serum adiponectin levels in NODAT patients were significantly lower than those in non-NODAT patients (13.3 vs. 21.0 μg/ml and 13.0 vs. 16.4 μg/ml, P  = 0.01 and 0.03 respectively). In addition, the post-transplant serum adiponectin level in patients treated with tacrolimus (TAC) was significantly lower than that in patients with cyclosporine (14.3 vs. 18.7 μg/ml, P  = 0.01), while, that level in patients treated with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) was significantly higher than that in patients without treatment of ARB (17.9 vs. 14.7 μg/ml, P  = 0.01). Our results indicate that post-transplant serum adiponectin levels are decreased after transplantation in association with insulin resistance in the development of NODAT, and that TAC and ARB influence the level of adiponectin in serum.     

胰岛素泵在肝移植术后糖代谢异常的应用研究

目的探讨肝移植围手术期糖代谢异常的不同处理方法。方法肝移植手术后糖代谢异常患者27例,随机分为连续皮下胰岛素输注组（Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion,CSII）与多次皮下注射胰岛素组（Multiple daily subcutaneous injection,MDSI）。对两组患者住院期间的血糖控制情况、血糖达标时间、院内感染率、伤口愈合时间、胰岛素用量、低血糖的发生率以及术后半年的糖代谢状态进行比较。结果两组患者血糖均可以达到目标值,CSII组较MDSI组每天胰岛素用量少,血糖达标时间短,切口愈合时间短,院内感染率低。两组患者术后半年的糖代谢状态无显著差异。结论对肝移植术后糖代谢异常的控制,胰岛素泵较传统的多次皮下注射胰岛素更有优势。     

Left ventricular mass and heart sympathetic activity after renal transplantation in children and young adults

Recent studies considered that an increase in sympathetic activity (SA) may be responsible for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Before and after renal transplantation (RT), we evaluated changes on left ventricular mass (LVM) and SA in 40 end-stage renal disease patients between 8 and 35 years old. Hypertension (95.0% vs. 71.0%; p=0.005), use of combined antihypertensive drugs (57.5% vs. 30.0%; p=0.01), and LVH (77.5% vs. 52.5%; p=0.01) significantly decreased after RT whereas low-to-high frequency ratio (LF/HF), which represents SA, increased (3.1 vs. 5.3; p=0.0001). However, LVM regressors (with decrease on LVM index more than 20%) showed a trend of lower change on LF/HF ratio (1.6 vs. 2.4; p= 0.09) than nonregressors. Living-donor graft, baseline LVM, use of antihypertensive drugs, lower change on LF/HF ratio, and lower systolic blood pressure levels were associated with LVM regression in the simple correlation analysis. However, in the logistic regression analysis, only baseline LVM and donor type remained in the model (R²=0.35; p=0.0003). Thus, LVH decreased after RT and was related to baseline LVM and living-donor type. However, it is possible that the higher persistence of LVH after RT could be explained at least in part by increase in heart sympathetic activity and use of immunosuppressors.     

Changes in muscle, fat and bone mass after 36 weeks of maximal androgen blockade for prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on whole‐body and regional muscle, fat and bone mass in men with prostate cancer without metastatic bone disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy‐two men aged 44–88 years underwent spine, hip and whole‐body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans at baseline and after 36 weeks of ADT. The change in whole‐body and regional lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral content and density (BMD) were determined. In addition, the prostate specific antigen (PSA), serum testosterone and haemoglobin levels were measured, and the level of physical activity and fatigue assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐30.

RESULTS

The upper limb, lower limb, trunk and whole‐body LM decreased by a mean (sem ) of 5.6 (0.6)%, 3.7 (0.5)%, 1.4 (0.5)% and 2.4 (0.4)% (P < 0.01), respectively, while FM increased by 20.7 (3.3)%, 18.7 (2.7)%, 12.0 (2.5)% and 13.8 (2.3)% (P < 0.001). Hip, spine, whole‐body and upper limb BMD decreased by 1.5 (0.5)%, 3.9 (0.4)%, 2.4 (0.3)% and 1.3 (0.3%) (P < 0.001), but not lower limb BMD. Serum testosterone, PSA and haemoglobin levels decreased by 93.3 (0.4)%, 98.2 (0.5)%, and 8.8 (0.9)% (P < 0.001), respectively. In addition, physical activity levels decreased and levels of fatigue increased.

CONCLUSION

After 36 weeks of ADT there was a significant decrease in whole‐body and regional LM and bone mass, while whole‐body and regional FM increased in older men with prostate cancer. Strategies to counteract changes in soft tissue and bone mass during ADT should be formulated to minimize the risk of sarcopenia, osteoporosis and obesity.     

Association of age with muscle mass, fat mass and fat distribution in non-diabetic haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: In the general population, aging induces changes in body composition, such as sarcopenia or a relative increase in visceral fat, but it remains unclear if similar changes occur in elderly haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Age-related changes in muscle and fat mass and fat distribution in the thigh and abdomen were cross-sectionally investigated in Japanese HD patients. The thigh muscle area (TMA), thigh intermuscular fat area (IMFA), thigh subcutaneous fat area (TSFA), abdominal muscle area (AMA), abdominal visceral fat area (AVFA) and abdominal subcutaneous fat area (ASFA) were measured by computed tomography in 134 non-diabetic patients between 21 and 82 years on HD. AMA, AVFA and ASFA were also measured in 70 age-matched controls. RESULTS: Muscle mass, fat mass and fat distribution differed significantly with age in both HD patients and controls, without significant differences in BMI. In both male and female HD patients, TMA and AMA showed significant negative correlations with age. All measures of subcutaneous fat-including TSFA, ASFA and the triceps skinfold thickness, were inversely associated with age in the female patients. In contrast, both IMFA and AVFA showed significant positive correlations with age in both male and female patients. The increase in the AVFA/ASFA ratio with age suggests progression of visceral fat accumulation in the elderly HD patients. Controls showed similar relationships between age and muscle mass and visceral fat accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between age and decrease in muscle mass as well as increase in visceral and intermuscular fat in non-diabetic HD patients. Such changes may be associated with the metabolic abnormalities and increased mortality in elderly HD patients.     

Behavior of insulin sensitivity and its relation to leptin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in obese women undergoing liposuction: 6-month follow-up

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a group of pathological processes which involve insulin resistance, a biochemical and molecular disorder. Obesity appears to be the most frequent clinical component in metabolic syndrome. Subcutaneous fat, independent from visceral fat, is still controversial as a marker of the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Methods: An open parallel-group clinical trial was performed of 12 women (age 30–40 years), with BMI from 30–33 kg/m² and fasting glucose ≤110 mg/dl. 6 women were included in the “liposuction plus diet” group, and 6 were included in the “diet-only” group. Metabolic profile, including insulin tolerance test (ITT), leptin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), was performed at baseline, 1 and 6 months in both groups. Subcutaneous and visceral fat was quantified with spiral tomography at baseline and after 6 months. Friedman and Wilcoxon test were used for intra-group differences, Mann-Whitney U for differences between groups, and Spearman test for correlation, with significance set atP<0.05. Results: No difference existed between groups regarding clinical characteristics and metabolic profile. In the liposuction group, the increase in insulin sensitivity was (3.8±0.86, 3.1±0.85, 4.5±1.02 %/min,P=0.08. Insulin sensitivity did not correlate with subcutaneous fat, leptin, or TNFα. Leptin diminished at 1 month (52.7±6.04 vs 31.6±11.9),P=0.028, and correlated with the subcutaneous fat (r=0.957). In the diet-only group, TNFα diminished at 6 months,P=0.046. Conclusion: Subcutaneous abdominal fat correlates with leptin; nevertheless, it is a weak marker for TNFα and insulin sensitivity.     

Recipient body mass index and age interact to impact survival after heart transplantation

Although recipient body mass index (BMI) and age are known risk factors for mortality after heart transplantation, how they interact to influence survival is unknown. Our study utilized the UNOS registry from 1997 to 2012 to define the interaction between BMI and age and its impact on survival after heart transplantation. Recipients were stratified by BMI: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–24.99), overweight (25–29.99), and either moderate (30–34.99), severe (35–39.99), or very severe (≥40) obesity. Recipients were secondarily stratified based on age: 18–40 (younger recipients), 40–65 (reference group), and ≥65 (advanced age recipients). Among younger recipients, being underweight was associated with improved adjusted survival (HR 0.902; p = 0.010) while higher mortality was seen in younger overweight recipients (HR 1.260; p = 0.005). However, no differences in adjusted survival were appreciated in underweight and overweight advanced age recipients. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was associated with increased adjusted mortality in normal age recipients (HR 1.152; p = 0.021) and even more so with young (HR 1.576; p < 0.001) and advanced age recipients (HR 1.292; p = 0.001). These results demonstrate that BMI and age interact to impact survival as age modifies BMI–mortality curves, particularly with younger and advanced age recipients.