Evaluating the impact of aerobic and resistance green exercises on the fitness, aerobic and intrinsic capacity of older individuals

OBJECTIVE

Our study determined the impact of 12-week aerobic exercise (AE) and aerobic + resistance exercises (AE + RE) within the green exercise concept, on senior fitness, aerobic capacity, and intrinsic capacity (IC).

METHODS

The study was a multicenter, randomized controlled study conducted at two senior living facilities with individuals aged 65 and above whose cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal conditions are suitable for moderate exercise and who have normal cognition levels. Block randomization was applied to 96 participants in a ratio of 1:1:1 to be assigned to AE, AE + RE, and control (C) groups. Intervention groups received exercise sessions led by physiotherapists within the senior living facilitiy gardens, with a frequency of once a week for 50 min, for 12 weeks. Also, they were prescribed additional exercise sessions on two additional days of the week. At the commencement of the study and 12th week, shuttle walking test, senior fitness test (SFT), intrinsic capacity assessment (with Timed Up and Go test, Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Mini Nutritional Assessment, handgrip strength test) was conducted of all participants. The primary outcome was the Z score of IC, secondary outcomes were VO2max and SFT subparameters. The study was registered in the Protocol Registry and Results System (Clinicaltrials.gov PRS) with the registration number NCT05958745.

RESULTS

90 participants successfully completed the study, with 30 individuals in each of the AE, AE + RE, and C groups. By the end of the 12th week, the arm curl score was significantly higher in the AE + RE compared to the C (mean difference: 3.96, 95 % CI= 2.47 to 5.46, p = 0.01). There were significant differences in chair stand, two-minute step, 8-foot up-and-go, chair sit and reach, and back scratch tests in both AE and AE + RE compared to C. AE and AE + RE exhibited significantly higher shuttle test distances and VO2max values compared to the C (p < 0.0001). AE + RE achieved a significantly higher total IC score than the C (mean difference: 0.59, %95 CI= -0.07 to 1.26, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

In this study within the green exercise concept, both AE and AE + RE led to similar improvements in strength, flexibility, mobility, endurance, and aerobic capacity. Notably, AE + RE demonstrated an additional benefit by increasing the total IC, while AE alone did not exhibit the same effect.

The association of inflammatory markers and echocardiographic parameters in Behçet's disease

Background: The main objective of the current study is to find out if any association exists between specific inflammatory markers such as homocysteine (Hcy) and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and cardiac involvement determined by means of echocardiographic parameters in patients with Behçet disease (BD).Methods: From January 2011 to January 2012, a total of 62 Behçet's patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty-two healthy subjects constituted the control group. The diagnosis of BD was made as proposed by International Study Group of BD.Results: The mean PTX-3, Hcy, and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients with BD compared to the control group. The electromechanical delay (EMD) times were found to be prolonged in patients with BD. Also, the aortic stiffness index (SI) and elastic modulus (Ep) were significantly higher, while the aortic dispensibility was significantly lower in patients with BD. The left atrial volume, left atrial volume index, E/A ratio, E/E' septal, IRight-EMD, PA'-ML, PA'-MS, PA'-TL, SI, and Ep were correlated with PTX-3 levels. In addition, the E/A, PA'-ML, PA'-MS, SI, and Ep displayed correlation with Hcy levels in patients having BD.Conclusion: Elevated levels of PTX-3 and Hcy were found to be correlated with cardiac involvement determined by means of echocardiographic parameters in patients with BD.

Impaired Gallbladder Motility and Increased Gallbladder Wall Thickness in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Along with the increase in the incidence of NAFLD and associated obesity, an increase in gallbladder disease (GD) has been noted. This has led to the identification of a new disease entity called fatty GD. There is a gap in the literature on the dynamics of gallbladder function in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

An observational case-control study, a total of 50 patients with biopsy proven NAFLD without gallbladder stone/sludge and 38 healthy comparison subjects were enrolled. Fasting, postprandial gallbladder volumes (PGV), gallbladder ejection fraction (GEF), and fasting gallbladder wall thickness (FGWT) were measured by real-time 2-dimensional ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Fasting gallbladder wall thickness, fasting gallbladder volumes and PGV were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than control subjects (P < 0.001, P = 0.006, and P < 0.001, respectively). Gallbladder ejection fraction was significantly lower in the NAFLD group than the controls (P = 0.008). The presence of NAFLD was an independent predictor for GEF, PGV, and FGWT. Also, steatosis grade was an independent predictor for GEF, and GEF was significantly lower in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) subgroup than the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Gallbladder dysfunction and increase in gallbladder wall thickness exists in asymptomatic (without stone/sludge and related symptoms) patients with NAFLD and are useful in identifying fatty GD. Measurement of these variables in NAFLD patients may be useful in identifying those at higher risk for GD.

NEUROPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Context

With more studies investigating effects of high serum lipid levels, new findings are emerging regarding the damage these biomolecules may cause.

Aim

In this study we aimed to find a relation between neuropathy and hypertriglyceridemia in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS).

Material and methods

One hundred and twenty subjects (Ninety subjects with metabolic syndrome and 30 healthy controls) were included in the study. Subjects with MS were divided into three groups. HbA1C levels of the subjects were < 5.7% in group A, ≥ 5.7% - < 6.5% in group B, and ≥ 6.5% - < 8.0% in group C. Pin-Prick test and Semmes- Weinstein Monofilament were used for neurological examination. Electromyography was performed to patients with neuropathy to support the diagnosis.

Results

Neuropathy prevalence was found to be higher in the subjects with metabolic syndrome compared to control group. (9.9 %; 16.65 %; 23.31 % vs. 3.3%; in group A, group B, group C vs. healthy control group respectively) (p=0.003 for group A, p=0.0002 for group B, p=0.0002 for group C). There was an association between triglyceride levels and neuropathy in group C.

Conclusion

Patients with MS may have more neuropathy risk than we estimate.

Levels of F2 isoprostane in Behcet's disease: Correlation with cardiometabolic risk factors

OBJECTIVE

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease and recent findings suggest a role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of BD. Free radical-induced oxidative stress is also involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and other rheumatic diseases. Oxidative stress may be detected in vivo by measuring F2 isoprostanes. Here, we measured plasma levels of F2 isoprostane in patients with BD and evaluated the correlation of F2 isoprostane with cardiometabolic risk factors.

METHODS

Forty-three patients with BD in remission and 37 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited for the study. Blood samples were obtained to determine F2 isoprostane, C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and other biochemical parameters. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance and body mass index were calculated. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference were measured.

RESULTS

Plasma F2 isoprostane, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients with BD compared with healthy controls, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower in patients with BD. F2 isoprostane levels did not correlate with cardiometabolic risk factors, C-reactive protein levels, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

CONCLUSION

High levels of F2 isoprostane in patients with BD indicate oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapeutic approaches could potentially affect the course of this disease.

Application of alternative anthropometric measurements to predict metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The association between rarely used anthropometric measurements (e.g., mid-upper arm, forearm, and calf circumference) and metabolic syndrome has not been proven. The aim of this study was to assess whether mid-upper arm, forearm, calf, and waist circumferences, as well as waist/height ratio and waist-to-hip ratio, were associated with metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

We enrolled 387 subjects (340 women, 47 men) who were admitted to the obesity outpatient department of Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Training and Research Hospital between September 2010 and December 2010. The following measurements were recorded: waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, mid-upper arm circumference, forearm circumference, calf circumference, and body composition. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure plasma glucose, lipids, uric acid, insulin, and HbA1c.

RESULTS

The odds ratios for visceral fat (measured via bioelectric impedance), hip circumference, forearm circumference, and waist circumference/hip circumference were 2.19 (95% CI, 1.30-3.71), 1.89 (95% CI, 1.07-3.35), 2.47 (95% CI, 1.24-4.95), and 2.11(95% CI, 1.26-3.53), respectively. The bioelectric impedance-measured body fat percentage correlated with waist circumference only in subjects without metabolic syndrome; the body fat percentage was negatively correlated with waist circumference/hip circumference in the metabolic syndrome group. All measurements except for forearm circumference were equally well correlated with the bioelectric impedance-measured body fat percentages in both groups. Hip circumference was moderately correlated with bioelectric impedance-measured visceral fat in subjects without metabolic syndrome. Muscle mass (measured via bioelectric impedance) was weakly correlated with waist and forearm circumference in subjects with metabolic syndrome and with calf circumference in subjects without metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Waist circumference was not linked to metabolic syndrome in obese and overweight subjects; however, forearm circumference, an unconventional but simple and appropriate anthropometric index, was associated with metabolic syndrome and bioelectric impedance-measured visceral fat, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio.

Secondary metabolic syndrome: the frequency of factors which may underlie the parameters of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Each of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) components (central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin resistance) may arise from an underlying disease or factors such as hormonal or pharmacological factors. These components arising secondary to a reason other than life style disturbances cause secondary MetS. The present study aimed to present, for the first time, the factors affecting secondary MetS.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

An observational study at Medeniyet University Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, from June 2010 to February 2011.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The underlying causes in 902 MetS patients with a mean age of 53.5 (12.9) years, of whom 79% were female, were investigated. A detailed evaluation was made, which comprised a history for drugs, diseases and habits that may manifest MetS parameters, physical examination, and laboratory analysis.

RESULTS

In 10.6% of the patients, hypothyroidism was determined as the main factor affecting secondary MetS, and in 4.1% the use of corticosteroid was determined as the main factor. Other factors underlie affecting secondary MetS are as follows: the use of thiazide diuretics (22.8%), beta-blockers (12.5%), antiphysichotics (2.1%), insulins (12.8%), insulin secretagog oral hypoglycemics (13.8%), thiazolidinediones (4.9%), oral contraceptives (0.8%), and alcohol intake (2.2%).

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism and corticosteroid treatment are the leading causes of secondary MetS. While evaluating the patients, it is a prerequisite to determine the high frequency of other factors that may affect the presence and the degree of MetS parameters.

Assessment of endothelial function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the endothelial functions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this observational case-control study, a total of 51 patients with NAFLD in study group and a total of 21 with age- and sex-equivalent individuals in control group were enrolled. In both patients and control groups, levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), systemic endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) (FMD) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (C-IMT) were measured. FMD and C-IMT were evaluated by vascular ultrasound. Plasma levels of ADMA were measured by ELISA. C-IMT was significantly higher in patients with NAFLD group than control group (0.67 ± 0.09 vs. 0.52 ± 0.11 mm, P < 0.001). The average C-IMT measurements were found in groups of control, simple steatosis, and NAFLD with (borderline and definite) NASH as 0.52 ± 0.11, 0.63 ± 0.07, and 0.68 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. The differences between groups were significant (P < 0.001). Measurement of brachial artery FMD was significantly lower in patients with NAFLD group compared to control group (7.3 ± 4.8 vs. 12.5 ± 7.1 %, P < 0.001). FMD measurements in groups of control, the simple steatosis, and NAFLD with NASH as 12.5 ± 7.1, 9.64 ± 6.63, and 7.03 ± 4.57 %, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The increase in C-IMT and decrease in FMD was independent from metabolic syndrome and it was also more evident in patients with simple steatosis and NASH compared to control group. There was no significant difference between the control and NAFLD groups in terms of plasma ADMA levels (0.61 ± 0.11 vs. 0.69 ± 0.37 μmol/L, P = 0.209). Our data suggested that NAFLD is associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased earlier in patients with atherosclerosis compared to control subjects.

Concentrations of connective tissue growth factor in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: association with liver fibrosis

AIM

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the histological fibrosis stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serum connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to determine the usefulness of this relationship in clinical practice.

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 51 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 28 healthy controls, and serum levels of CTGF were assayed by ELISA.

RESULTS

Levels of CTGF were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD compared with controls (P=0.001). The serum CTGF levels were significantly increased, that correlated with histological fibrosis stage, in patients with NAFLD [in patients with no fibrosis (stage 0) 308.2 ± 142.9, with mild fibrosis (stage 1-2) 519.9 ± 375.2 and with advanced fibrosis (stage 3-4) 1353.2 ± 610 ng/l, P < 0.001]. Also serum level of CTGF was found as an independent predictor of histological fibrosis stage in patients with NAFLD (β = 0.662, t=5.6, P <0.001). The area under the ROC curve was estimated 0.931 to separate patients with severe fibrosis from patients with other fibrotic stages.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of CTGF may be a clinical utility for distinguishing NAFLD patients with and without advanced fibrosis.

Symptomatic hypokalaemia and rhabdomyolysis due to excessive and long-term soft drink consumption: a case report

A 35-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room with the complaint of weakness of the extremities, which abruptly began in the morning. Only mild generalized muscle weakness was present on physical examination. Laboratory data showed hypokalaemia, elevation of creatinine phosphokinase and serum transaminases. He had been consuming 2.5 litres of soft drink per day for 20 years. There could not be found any metabolic, organic, traumatic and/or pharmacological reason to cause hypokalaemia and rhabdomyolysis other than the long-term and excess consumption of soft drinks. The patient was cured by the replacement of electrolytes and the avoidance of drinking soft drinks.

Is vitamin D deficiency an independent risk factor for obesity and abdominal obesity in women?

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin D has been determined to have some effects on b cell function and insulin sensitivity, and it is known that type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperparathyroidism can cause obesity. The aim of our study was to investigate if vitamin D deficiency without diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome is associated with obesity and abdominal obesity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 276 healthy premenopausal women. To exclude other causes of obesity, postmenopausal women and subjects with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome were excluded. Women were divided into two groups depending on their 25-hydroxyvitaminD(3) [25(OH)D(3)] levels: subjects with vitamin D deficiency (Group 1) and subjects without vitamin D deficiency (Group 2). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

BMI, WC, WHR, rates of obesity, and abdominal obesity according to WC and WHR of Group 2 were lower than those of Group 1 (p = 0.0005, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0045, p = 0.032, p = 0.002, p = 0.011, respectively). 25(OH)D(3) levels negatively correlated with BMIs (r = -0.480, p < 0.0001), WCs (r = -0.480, p < 0.0001) and WHRs (r = -0.312, p < 0.05). There were no differences between serum parathormone, calcium and phosphorus levels of Group 1 and 2 (p = 0.239, p = 0.354, p = 0.95, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency without diabetes mellitus and hyperparathyroidism may be associated with obesity and abdominal obesity.

Effects of thyroid autoimmunity on abdominal obesity and hyperlipidaemia

BACKGROUND

Thyroid autoimmunity has been suggested as a risk factor for atherosclerosis independent of thyroid function in several studies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether thyroid autoimmunity had any effect on hyperlipidaemia, obesity and abdominal obesity independent of thyroid function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

184 premenopausal female patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and 150 healthy premenopausal female volunteers as control group (CG) were included in the study. According to thyroid function status, the patients were divided into three subgroups: overt hypothyroid patients (ohp), subclinical hypothyroid patients (shp) and euthyroid patients (ep). Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratios, waist circumference (WC), and serum lipid levels of all the participants were determined. These parameters of ep were compared with those of ohp, shp and CG. Relationships among thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid autoantibodies and lipid levels were investigated.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of ohp and ep with HT (P = 0.18, P = 0.07 respectively) and LDL-C levels of ep were higher than those of CG (P = 0.03, P = 0.042, respectively). Although TSH levels did not correlate with serum lipid levels, levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody correlated with triglyceride levels and WCs (r = 0.158; P = 0.013, r = 0.128; P = 0.048 respectively) and negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (r = -0.137; P = 0.031). Levels of anti-thyroglobulin antibody also correlated with triglyceride and nonHDL-C levels (r = 0.208; P = 0.007, r = 0.158; P = 0.043 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Thyroid autoimmunity may have some effects on hyperlipidaemia and abdominal obesity independent of thyroid function.

Frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of cardio-metabolic risk factors. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease. The aim of this study was to elucidate the frequency of traditional and novel cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease. Identification of these risk factors will allow for precautions to be taken earlier to prevent cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome in chronic kidney disease patients.

METHODS

A total of 214 patients (91 females, 123 males, mean age 56.1 ± 14.4 years) with chronic kidney disease who were followed in the Nephrology Department of Istanbul Goztepe Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements for cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome parameters were recorded. Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were estimated using the Cockroft Gault formula. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to International Diabetes Federation criteria.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven percent of patients with chronic renal failure were found to have three or more major cardiovascular risk factors. Seventy percent of patients were found to have metabolic syndrome. The mean numbers of major cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome parameters in patients with different GFR stages were: 1.8 ± 1.0, 2.6 ± 1.2 (GFR <15 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), n = 102); 2.4 ± 1.0, 3.0 ± 1.0 (GFR 15-29 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), n = 51 ); 2.5 ± 1.1, 3.3 ± 1.0 (GFR 30-59 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), n = 39); 2.4 ± 1.1, 3.5 ± 0.7 (GFR 60-89 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), n = 22), respectively (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Although the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome were high in patients with chronic kidney disease, they were negatively correlated with the stage of renal failure.

Dietary breads: myth or reality?

AIMS

To assess the differences in acute effects of whole wheat bread, wheat bran bread and rye bread--perceived as dietary (Low caloric!) breads--on glucose and insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, as compared to white wheat bread.

METHODS

One hundred twenty one type 2 diabetic patients were randomized into three groups as whole wheat, wheat bran and rye bread groups. Each group ate 100 g of bread with water with in 10 min. Blood glucose measurements were made at every 30 min in 2 h. Insulin was measured at fasting and at the second hour in the patients who do not use insulin. The same processes were repeated on the following day, with white wheat bread for each group.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in either glycemic or insulinemic effects between four types of breads when compared to each other (p=0.093 for glycemic effect and p=0.297 for insulinemic effect).

CONCLUSION

Three different bread types consumed as an alternative to white bread in Turkey, increase blood glucose levels of diabetic patients similar to white bread.