Nutritional Status and Selected Adipokines in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and serum concentrations of adipokines in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy controls. We also sought to evaluate their relation to metabolic parameters.

METHODS

We studied 33 IBS patients (11 girls, 22 boys) aged 5-17 years and 30 healthy age-matched controls (11 girls, 19 boys). The analysis included anthropometric measurements, body composition parameter measurements using bioimpedance, and biochemical tests and measurements of serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, chemerin, and omentin-1.

RESULTS

The results of the anthropometric measurements were comparable between the patients and the controls. The patients had higher triglycerides, HOMA-IRs, and chemerin concentrations than the healthy subjects. The HDL cholesterol and omentin-1 levels were lower than in the controls. Leptin and adiponectin did not differ significantly between the groups. An analysis of the receiver operator curves (ROCs) showed that serum concentrations of chemerin ≥ 232.8 ng/mL had 30% sensitivity and 87% specificity when they were used to differentiate between children with IBS and healthy subjects. In the case of serum omentin-1 concentrations ≤ 279.4 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 60% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The nutritional status of children with IBS did not differ from that of the healthy controls. We found significant differences in serum chemerin and omentin-1 concentrations between IBS patients and healthy children. These adipokines could be used as IBS biomarkers as they demonstrate good specificity and moderate sensitivity. The serum concentrations of chemerin and omentin-1 in IBS patients were related to nutritional status and insulin resistance.

The Effect of the Ketogenic Diet on Adiponectin, Omentin and Vaspin in Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Background: Changes in adipokine secretion may be involved in the anti-epileptic effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Objectives: The assessment of the influence of KD on serum adiponectin, omentin-1, and vaspin in children with DRE. Methods: Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, and waist-to-hip circumference ratio) were performed in 72 children aged 3–9 years, divided into 3 groups: 24 children with DRE treated with KD, 26—treated with valproic acid (VPA), and a control group of 22 children. Biochemical tests included fasting glucose, insulin, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, lipid profile, aminotransferases activities, and blood gasometry. Serum levels of adiponectin, omentin-1 and vaspin were assayed using commercially available ELISA tests. Results: Serum levels of adiponectin and omentin-1 in the KD group were significantly higher and vaspin—lower in comparison to patients receiving VPA and the control group. In all examined children, serum adiponectin and omentin-1 correlated negatively with WHR and serum triglycerides, insulin, fasting glucose, and HOMA-IR. Vaspin levels correlated negatively with serum triglycerides and positively with body weight, BMI, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: One of the potential mechanisms of KD in children with drug-resistant epilepsy may be a modulation of metabolically beneficial and anti-inflammatory adipokine levels.

Exocrine Pancreatic Function in Girls with Anorexia Nervosa

OBJECTIVES

To assess pancreatic exocrine function in patients with anorexia nervosa using a breath test with 13C-labeled mixed triglycerides (MTG-BT) and to determine the relationship between the test results and selected biochemical and hormonal parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Anthropometric measurements, biochemical and hormonal parameters (serum leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sLR), acylated and desacylated ghrelin, free leptin index (FLI)), and MTG-BT were performed in a group of 31 girls with the restrictive type of AN, as well as 38 healthy girls (C).

RESULTS

The average cumulative dose of 13C-triglycerides recovered with exhaled air (%CD) was similar in both study groups, while the average time from 13C-triglycerides administration to peak 13CO2 excretion in expired air (time to peak (TTP)) was significantly longer in patients with AN compared to C. In both groups, %CD correlated negatively with FLI. TTP correlated negatively with sLR and FLI in the AN and with serum insulin and HOMA-IR values in the C.

CONCLUSIONS

In girls with AN, the pancreatic efficiency of lipase secretion was found to be normal, while the kinetics of this enzyme secretion were disturbed. These changes may result from disorders in the functioning of the adipose-insular and islet-acinar axes.

Serum interleukin 15 in anorexia nervosa: Comparison to normal weight and obese girls

Background: Interleukin 15 (IL-15) plays a key role in the muscle-fat interaction, reducing adipose tissue mass without changes in the lean body mass and reduction of food intake. Here we assess serum IL-15 levels in girls with anorexia nervosa (AN) relative to obese and normal weight female adolescents.Methods: Serum IL-15 concentrations were evaluated using a commercially available ELISA kit in 32 Polish girls with restrictive AN, 29 girls with obesity (O), and 21 healthy controls (C). Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI) and laboratory assays (serum fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were performed.Results: Mean serum IL-15 in the AN group was significantly higher than in C, but lower than in O. In all examined girls, significant positive correlations between IL-15 and body weight, BMI, insulin, HOMA, LDL, triglycerides and CRP were noted. We also observed an inverse relationship between IL-15 and HDL.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that serum IL-15 concentrations in adolescent girls with AN and obesity are significantly elevated in comparison to normal weight controls. However, the role of IL-15 in the pathogenesis of AN and obesity remains still unclear.

Trends of underweight and obesity prevalence among adolescent girls in the selected population of the Silesian Agglomeration

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

1. Determination of the state of nutrition in the examined population of 18-year-old girls. 2. Retrospective determination of the state of nutrition of the same girls when they were 14 years old. 3. The answer to the question whether the examined group exhibits the tendency to consolidate abnormalities in terms of the body weight over time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

1047 female students of secondary schools, aged 18, were subjected to anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, BMI, BMI-SDS) and took part in a survey questionnaire devoted to their eating habits. The measurement results of the same girls aged 14 were obtained retrospectively.

RESULTS

When the subjects were 14 years old, 79.7% of them had a normal body weight, 14.9% were obese, and 5.4% were underweight. At the age of 18, 76.6% of the subjects had a normal body weight, 17.2% were obese, and 6.2% were underweight. 4.7% of the girls with a normal weight aged 14 reduced their body weight, and 9.2% became obese at 18 the age of 18. None of the underweight subjects demonstrated obesity at the age of 18, and 45.6% maintained their body weight below the normal limits. 66% of the girls who were obese at the age of 14 maintained their obesity at the age of 18.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Most girls in the examined population at 14 and 18 years of age demonstrate a normal nutrition state. Obesity was observed in 15% of the examined females at the age of 14 and in 17% at the age of 18, whereas 5% of girls aged 14 and 6% of girls aged 18 are underweight. 2. From early to late adolescence a tendency to persistent abnormalities of the nutritional status is observed in girls. 3. Obesity in girls aged 14 is a predictor for obesity at the age of 18 and perhaps in the adult life.

Assessing the Risk of Orthorexia in Dietetic and Physiotherapy Students Using the BOT (Bratman Test for Orthorexia)

INTRODUCTION

Orthorexia nervosa is an obsessive-compulsive focus on a "healthy" diet, which manifests as extreme concern about food content. This research was carried out in order to identify highly sensitive behaviours associated with eating a healthy diet.

AIM

Assessment of risk of orthorexia nervosa among dietetics students compared to physiotherapy students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Presented research was conducted among 229 dietetic students and 201 physiotherapy students. It was based on general personal characteristics, the Bratman Test for Orthorexia (BOT) and questions posed by the authors.

RESULTS

26.6% of the dietetics students and only 14.9% of physiotherapy students were recognised as health food fanatics. The students of both dietetics (88.2%) and physiotherapy (52%) declared that they noticed changes in their attitude towards food after they had become students.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been observed that these highly sensitive behaviours towards healthy eating are very common in both surveyed groups, however with a stronger tendency among the students of dietetics.

Changes in Platelet Count and Size Indices in Adolescent Patients With Anorexia Nervosa

The significance of platelet size indices has not been widely analyzed in anorexia nervosa (AN). It seems important to get more knowledge on the easily available indices of platelet function obtained by routine complete blood count analysis in patients with AN. We analyzed platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), and mean platelet volume using an automated blood cell counter in 25 females with AN and healthy age- and gender-matched nonatopic controls. Mean PLT was significantly lower in patients with AN than in the control group. Platelet distribution width values in patients with AN were significantly higher than those in the controls. Platelet distribution width values significantly correlated with the disease duration and rate of body weight loss in the anorectic patients. Anorexia nervosa in adolescents is associated with a decrease in PLT along with an increased PDW, which may be an indicator of dysregulated thrombopoiesis.

Vaspin and selected indices of bone status in girls with anorexia nervosa

INTRODUCTION

In vitro studies indicate that vaspin may act as a regulator of bone metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between vaspin and bone metabolism in girls with anorexia nervosa (AN), as well as the potential involvement of OPG and RANKL in this relationship.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serum vaspin, OC, CTx, OPG, and sRANKL were determined by ELISA in 50 girls with AN and in 30 healthy controls aged 13 to 17 years.

RESULTS

Girls with AN exhibited significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and Cole index as well as a significant increase in serum level of vaspin compared to healthy participants. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in serum OC and CTx levels and a significant increase in OPG and sRANKL, while the OPG/sRANKL ratio was significantly decreased. BMI and Cole index correlated negatively and significantly with CTx levels in the control group (C), girls with AN, and all study participants (C+AN). Girls with AN showed a significant negative correlation between BMI, the Cole index, and OPG levels. The combination group (C+AN) showed a significant positive correlation between BMI, Cole index, and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. In this group of girls vaspin levels correlated positively and significantly with sRANKL and negatively with body weight, BMI, Cole index, and OPG/sRANKL ratio. Girls with AN showed a significant negative correlation between vaspin levels and the OPG/sRANKL ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Undernourishment and associated deficit of adipose tissue may result in inadequate vaspin production and bone metabolism disorders in girls with AN. Vaspin acts as a coordinator of the dynamic balance between bone formation and resorption processes; its action is affected by the cytokines of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system. Changes in the relationships between vaspin, bone markers, OPG, and RANKL might contribute to the development of osteoporosis in girls with AN. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (6): 599-606).

New insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), characterized by abdominal pain and a change in stool form that cannot be explained by structural abnormalities. Its prevalence ranges from 9 to 23% of the worldwide population. The pathophysiology of IBS is diverse and not well understood. Biopsychosocial concept assumes that the disease is a product of psychosocial factors and altered at multiple levels of gut physiology interactions. Some aetiological factors have been identified, yet. One of the most important is the disruption of brain-gut mutual communication that leads to visceral hypersensitivity. Also genetic and epigenetic factors are involved. Chronic stress may predispose to IBS as well as exacerbate its symptoms. Both quantitative and qualitative disorders of the gut microbiota are observed. There is also a relationship between the IBS symptoms and the intake of a specific type of food products. In the diarrhoea type of IBS the role of previous gastrointestinal infection is demonstrated. Recent studies have suggested that visceral hypersensitivity in patients with IBS may be secondary to the activation of the immune cells and low-grade inflammation. Clinical symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and change in bowel habits as well as somatic and psychiatric comorbidities. IBS is diagnosed on the basis of Rome Diagnostic Criteria. Recently, their newest version (Rome IV) has been presented. The aim of this review is to summarize the past decade progress in IBS diagnosis, main pathophysiological aspects and therapeutic management strategy.

Rare case of nephrocalcinosis in a 14-year-old girl: Questions

A 14-year-old Caucasian girl with a history of primary hypoparathyroidism and unstable calcium and phosphorus levels and on ongoing treatment was admitted to the Department of Pediatric Nephrology because of the onset of nephrocalcinosis and difficulties achieving normocalcemia. Coexistence of hypoparathyroidism, oral candidiasis, dental enamel hypoplasia, and subclinical Hashimoto's disease was strongly suggestive for autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type I. One of the clinical implications of this diagnosis is the high probability of future occurrence of adrenal insufficiency and hence the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion in case of the onset of symptoms like weakness, fainting, hypotonia, or hyperkaliemia. Addison's disease would, in fact, be quite challenging for the future management of this patient.This clinical quiz highlighted the importance of careful evaluation of all multiorgan symptoms occurring in a patient to prevent further complications.

Growth hormone deficiency in children and young adults

Growth hormone (GH) is a naturally occurring polypeptide hormone produced by somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary. The main function of somatotropin is stimulation of linear growth, but it also affects carbohydrate metabolism, increases bone mass and has potent lipolytic, antinatriuretic and antidiuretic effects. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) may occur both in children and in adults. At the moment there is no gold standard for the diagnosis of GHD, and the diagnosis should take into account clinical, auxological, biochemical and radiological changes and, if necessary, genetic testing. Recent studies have highlighted that the biochemical diagnosis of GH deficiency is still imperfect. Stimuli used in the tests are non-physiological, and various substances are characterized by a different mechanism of action and potency. A few years ago it was thought that GHD treatment in children must be completed at the end of linear growth. Studies performed in the last two decades have shown that GHD deficiency in adults may result in complex clinical problems, and if untreated shortens the life expectancy and worsens its comfort. Discontinuation of GH therapy after the final height has been reached in fact negatively impacts the physiological processes associated with the transition phase, which is the period of human life between achieving the final height and 25-30 years of age. Given the adverse metabolic effects of GH treatment interruption after linear growth has been completed, the latest recommendations propose reassessment of GH secretion in the period at least one month after cessation of treatment and continuation of the therapy in case of persistent deficit.

Serum vaspin concentrations in girls with anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Vaspin (VASP) is a protein detected in pre- and mature adipocytes, the production and secretion of which may be conditioned by nutrition status. VASP may also play a role in the regulation of food intake. Since to date, there are no available studies on serum vaspin concentrations in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), the aim of our study is to assess serum vaspin concentrations in girls with AN in comparison to healthy subjects and determine its relationship with body weight, body masss index (BMI) and insulin.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study vaspin serum concentrations were evaluated using a commercially available ELISA kit in 47 Polish girls hospitalized due to restrictive AN and 39 healthy controls (H).

RESULTS

The mean serum concentration of VASP in girls with AN was significantly higher than in the H group. These differences were also noted after adjustment for body masss index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and insulin levels. There were no statistically significant correlations between the serum concentrations of VASP and body mass, BMI, BMI-SDS, insulin and HOMA-IR in the AN or healthy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum vaspin levels in lean subjects are regulated in different mechanisms than previously reported in obesity. It should be established if elevated serum vaspin levels in girls with AN may contribute to low food intake in these patients.

Association between omentin-1, bone metabolism markers, and cytokines of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in girls with anorexia nervosa

INTRODUCTION

Omentin-1, secreted by visceral adipose tissue, has been indicated in the regulation of bone metabolism in girls with anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between omentin-1 and bone metabolism in girls with AN as well as the potential involvement of OPG and RANKL in this relationship.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serum omentin-1, OC, CTx, OPG, and sRANKL were determined by ELISA in 49 girls with AN and in 30 healthy controls, aged 13 to 17 years.

RESULTS

Girls with AN exhibited significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and Cole index as well as a significant increase in serum omentin-1 levels, compared to healthy participants. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in serum OC and CTx levels and a significant increase in OPG and sRANKL while the OC/CTx and OPG/sRANKL ratios were significantly decreased. BMI and the Cole index correlated negatively and significantly with omentin-1 levels, positively with CTx levels and the OC/CTx ratio in the control group (C), girls with AN, and all study participants (C + AN). Girls with AN showed a significant negative correlation between BMI, the Cole index, and OPG levels. The combined group (C + AN) showed a significant positive correlation between BMI, the Cole index, and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Omentin-1 levels correlated negatively and significantly with OC and CTx levels as well as with the OC/CTx and OPG/sRANKL ratios in the C, AN, and C + AN groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between omentin-1, bone markers, and the OC/CTx and OPG/sRANKL ratios observed in girls with AN indicates the involvement of this adipokine in the regulation of dynamic balance between bone formation and resorption processes. Omentin-1 might exert a negative effect on bone remodelling in girls with AN by inhibiting both bone formation and resorption. The OPG/sRANKL system plays an important role in the latter.

Bone metabolism, osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and selected adipose tissue hormones in girls with anorexia nervosa

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine whether girls with anorexia nervosa (AN) exhibited any relationships between serum levels of LP, ADIPO, RES, VISF, APE-36, APE-12, and bone markers, OPG and sRANKL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serum levels of selected adipose tissue hormones, OC, CTx, OPG and sRANKL were assessed using ELISA in 86 study participants suffering from AN and 21 healthy controls, all aged 13 to 18 years.

RESULTS

Girls with AN showed a significant reduction in body mass, BMI, serum concentrations of LP, RES, VISF, APE-36, APE-12, OC, CTx and increased ADIPO concentration. These changes were associated with significant increases in OPG and sRANKL and a decrease in the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Significant positive correlations were revealed between BMI and LP, APE-36, CTx, OPG/sRANKL ratio; OC and VISF; OPG and ADIPO; OPG/sRANKL ratio and LP, APE-36, APE-12. Significant negative correlations were revealed between CTx, sRANKL and RES, APE-36; OPG and APE-36, APE-12; OPG/sRANKL ratio and ADIPO. VISF was shown to be an independent predictor of OC. APE-36 and RES turned out to be independent predictors of CTx, and sRANKL, APE-36 and ADIPO were independent predictors of OPG while APE-36, LP and ADIPO were independent predictors of the OPG/sRANKL ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in bone markers, OPG, sRANKL and/or the OPG/sRANKL ratio exhibited by girls with AN have been found to be associated with changes in the levels of the selected adipose tissue hormones. Abnormal relationships between bone metabolism and LP, ADIPO, RES, VISF and APE might adversely affect the balance of the OPG/sRANKL system and thus potentially compromise the mechanism which compensates for bone remodelling disturbances.

Assessment of the relationship between melatonin, hormones of the pituitary-ovarian, -thyroid and -adrenocortical axes, and osteoprotegerin and its ligand sRANKL in girls with anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that disturbances in melatonin (MEL) secretion might play a role in osteoporosis development in females with anorexia nervosa (AN). It might be hypothesized that changes in the levels of hormones of the pituitary-ovarian, -thyroid and -adrenocortical axes might mediate the potential relationship between MEL and bone tissue.

AIM

We investigated whether a relationship existed between MEL and LH, FSH-E2, TSH-FT3, FT4 and ACTH-cortisol axes in girls with AN. We also aimed to establish whether such a relationship might adversely affect the balance of the OPG/sRANKL system.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Eighty-six girls with AN and 21 healthy subjects aged 12.6 to 18.2 years participated in the study. The serum levels of hormones as well as OPG and sRANKL were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA), immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods.

DISCUSSION

Our study participants with AN showed a significant reduction in body mass and body mass index (BMI), a decrease in LH, E2 and FT3 concentrations, increased MEL concentration at 02.00 hours and increased amplitude between its nocturnal and morning levels (Δ MEL2.00/9.00) as well as an increase in cortisol concentration. These changes were associated with a significant increase of OPG and sRANKL levels and a decrease in the OPG/sRANKL ratio. BMI values correlated positively with LH, FSH, E2, FT3 and the OPG/sRANKL ratio while the correlation between BMI and cortisol was negative. Δ MEL2.00/9.00 correlated positively with cortisol and negatively with LH, FSH, E2, FT3 concentrations and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. A positive correlation was observed between LH, E2 and the OPG/sRANKL ratio as well as between cortisol and sRANKL while the correlation between LH and OPG as well as between cortisol and the OPG/sRANKL ratio was negative. E2 and LH were shown to be significant and independent predictors of Δ MEL2.00/9.00. LH turned out to be a significant and independent predictor of OPG, cortisol and FT3 were significant and independent predictors of sRANKL, while LH, E2, Δ MEL2.00/9.00 and FT3 were significant predictors of the OPG/sRANKL ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Alterations in OPG and sRANKL levels observed in girls with AN are associated with changes in nocturnal MEL secretion, the circadian rhythm of MEL, and LH, E2, FT3 and cortisol levels. Dysregulation of the relationships between MEL and LH, E2, FT3 and cortisol found in girls with AN might affect the balance of the OPG/sRANKL system. Low values of the OPG/sRANKL ratio associated with high OPG and sRANKL levels suggest some defect in the mechanism compensating for bone remodeling disturbances.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, osteoprotegerin and its soluble ligand sRANKL and bone metabolism in girls with anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Only scarce data exist concerning the relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and/or its sulfate form DHEAS and bone status in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).

AIM

We investigated whether a relationship existed between DHEAS and bone metabolism (as assessed based on serum osteocalcin [OC], and collagen type I cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide [CTx]). We also aimed to establish whether the above mentioned relationship might be affected by osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its soluble ligand sRANKL.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Fifty-six female patients with AN and 21 healthy female subjects aged 13 to 16 years participated in the study. Serum DHEAS, OC, CTx, OPG and sRANKL were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Our female patients with AN demonstrated significant suppression of DHEAS and bone markers, an increase in OPG and sRANKL levels, and a reduction of the OPG/sRANKL ratio. DHEAS, CTx and the OPG/sRANKL ratio correlated positively with BMI. A significant positive correlation was also observed between DHEAS and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, OC and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and CTx and sRANKL. The correlation was negative in the case of DHEAS and CTx, DHEAS and sRANKL, CTx and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and sRANKL and the OPG/sRANKL ratio.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

DHEAS suppression in girls with anorexia nervosa was associated with a decrease in the levels of bone markers, an increase in OPG and sRANKL concentrations and a significant decrease in the OPG/sRANKL ratio. DHEAS suppression in girls with anorexia nervosa might have a harmful effect on their bone tissue, probably via a shift in the OPG/RANKL ratio toward a functional excess of sRANKL.

Assessment of serum visfatin levels in girls with anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

Visfatin (VISF) is a recently described peptide regulating the process of adipocyte differentiation. Only one pilot study of VISF expression in the fat tissue and its circulating concentrations in a small group of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) have been published, yet.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Cross-sectional assessment of VISF serum concentrations in 195 girls aged 11-18·9 years with AN (n = 87), eating disorders not otherwise specified (NOS; n = 17), simple obesity (OB; n = 30), and healthy controls (H; n = 61).

MEASUREMENTS

Blood samples were collected during the fasting state between 7:00 am-8:30 am. VISF serum concentrations were determined using enzyme immunoassay. Comparisons of VISF levels between groups were performed.

RESULTS

Mean serum VISF concentrations in girls with AN and NOS were significantly lower than those in the H and OB groups. Serum VISF concentrations were higher in the OB than in the H groups. When were calculated per body mass index (BMI), VISF concentrations were significantly lower in the AN, NOS, and OB groups than in healthy controls. Among participants with a normal BMI, serum VISF concentrations correlated positively with BMI (r = 0·27; P < 0·05). In the OB group, a significant, negative correlation between BMI and VISF levels (r = -0·38; P = 0·04) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with healthy girls, serum VISF concentrations are decreased in girls with AN. Conversely, obese girls have elevated VISF levels. When calculated per BMI (VISF/BMI), the results in AN and OB groups were lower than in healthy participants.

Photoanthropometric study of dysmorphic features of the face in children with autism and asperger syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Childhood autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication and by a pattern of stereotypical behaviors and interests. The aim of this study was to estimate the dysmorphic facial features of children with autism and children with Asperger syndrome.

METHODS

The examination was conducted on 60 children (30 with childhood autism and 30 with Asperger syndrome). The photo anthropometric method used in this study followed the protocol established by Stengel-Rutkowski et al.

RESULTS

The performed statistical analysis showed that in patients with childhood autism, the anteriorly rotated ears and the long back of the nose appeared more often. In the group of children with autism, there was a connection between the amount of dysmorphies and the presence of some somatic diseases in the first-degree relatives. There was also a connection between the motor coordination and the age the child began to walk.

DISCUSSION

In patients with childhood autism, there were certain dysmorphies (like the anterior rotated ears and the long back of the nose) which appeared more often. Although the connection was not statistically significant, it seemed to concur with data from the literature.

CONCLUSION

Formulation of the other conclusions would require broader studies e.g. dealing with a familial analysis of dysmorphic features.

RANKL/RANK/OPG system and bone status in females with anorexia nervosa

Minimal data exist concerning the relationship between osteokines of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system, especially RANKL, and bone status in females with anorexia nervosa (AN). For this reason we investigated the relationship between bone metabolism (as assessed based on serum levels of OC and CTx), and OPG and sRANKL concentrations in females with AN. Ninety-one female patients with AN and 29 healthy female subjects aged 13 to 18 years of age participated in the study. Serum OC, CTx, OPG and sRANKL were measured by ELISA. The female patients with AN demonstrated an essential suppression of OC and CTx, increased OPG and sRANKL levels, and a reduced OPG/sRANKL ratio. OC, CTx and the OPG/sRANKL ratio correlated positively with body mass and BMI in these patients, whereas in the case of OPG and sRANKL the relationship was negative. A significant positive correlation was observed between OPG and sRANKL and also between bone markers and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and negative between CTx and sRANKL. In female patients with AN, the OPG/RANKL ratio was a significant and independent predictor of osteocalcin, a bone formation marker - OC (R(2)=0.065, p=0.012) whereas the OPG/sRANKL ratio and BMI were significant and independent predictors of a bone resorption marker - CTx (R(2)=0.095; p=0.012). In conclusion, the body mass, BMI values, and bone markers suppression observed in female patients with AN might be associated with an increase in OPG and sRANKL levels and a significant decrease of the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Although higher OPG levels may compensate for excessive bone resorption in female patients with AN, the lower OPG/sRANKL ratio seems to indicate that some inadequacies exist regarding this compensation effect, which might contribute to low bone density in these patients. The OPG/sRANKL ratio might prove a more relevant marker to predict bone metabolism in female patients with AN than sRANKL and/or OPG alone.

Serum visfatin levels are decreased in schoolchildren with atopic asthma

OBJECTIVES

Very little is known about the role of adipokines in atopic asthma in children. Studies about the potential role of novel proinflammatory adiopcytokine - visfatin are lacking.

DESIGN AND SETTING

In this cross-sectional study serum visfatin (VISF) levels were measured in 89 asthmatic out-patients (61 boys and 28 girls aged 7.0-17.0 years) and in 33 healthy children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Among examined asthmatics 59 (19 girls and 40 boys) had normal weight and 30 (9 girls and 21 boys) were obese. Serum VISF was evaluated using standard ELISA tests and the results were analysed in relation to body weight, asthma severity, and gender were analysed.

RESULTS

The mean serum levels of visfatin were significantly (p<0.001) lower both in obese (2.13±0.07npg/ml) and non-obese asthmatic children (2.05±0.06 npg/ml) than in healthy children (2.57±0.07 pg/ml) regardless of gender. After stratifying by gender, there was a significant decrease (p<0.001) in visfatin levels in obese asthmatic girls (2.30±0.08 ng/ml) and asthmatic girls with normal weight girls (2.21±0,09 ng/ml) compared with girls from control group (2.69 ±0.06 ng/ml). In obese asthmatic boys and non-obese asthmatic boys also significantly lower (p<0.01) mean values of visfatin (2.03±0.06 ng/ml and 1.9±0.06 pg/ml respectively) were observed than in control boys (2.391±0.09 ng/ml). No relationships between examined adipokine levels and asthma severity, spirometric parameters, degree of allergic sensitization, BMI, were observed.

CONCLUSION

Visfatin is not potential biomarker in atopic asthma in children and further studies evaluating the possible role of this proinflammatory adipokine in childhood atopic asthma pathogenesis are needed.