Effects of gender, body composition and birth size on IGF-I in 7- and 8-year-old children

We investigated the relationship between IGF-I, gender, height, weight, body composition and birth size in 260 healthy 7- and 8-year-old children (139 females). All children were born term at Nepean Hospital, Western Sydney. Body composition was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. IGF-I levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Girls had higher IGF-I levels than boys (20.2 +/- 6.5 nmol/l compared to 15.9 +/- 6.1 nmol/l, p < 0.001) but there was no correlation between age and IGF-I. IGF-I was positively correlated with height SDS (R(2) = 0.12), weight SDS (R(2) = 0.19), BMI SDS (R(2) = 0.18), total body fat (%) (R(2) = 0.14), and fat-free tissue/cm (R(2) = 0.03). After adjusting for gender and current weight, IGF-I-levels were inversely related to birth size - children with the lowest birth size and heaviest current weight had the highest IGF-I levels. This correlation between birth weight and IGF-I supports the hypothesis that the IGF-I axis is altered in babies who are small for gestational age.     

Relationships of dietary fat, body composition, and bone mineral density in inbred mouse strain panels.

Laboratory inbred mouse strains show a broad range of variation in phenotypes, such as body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), plasma leptin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and thus provide a basis for the study of associations among them. We analyzed these phenotypes in male and female mice from 43 inbred strains fed on a high-fat (30% caloric content) diet and from 30 inbred strains fed on a low-fat (6%) diet. Structural equation modeling of these data reveals that the relationship of body fat content and areal BMD is altered by dietary factors and genotypes. Sex has no net effect on areal BMD, but after accounting for body mass difference females have higher areal BMD. Leptin is affected by relative fat mass and has no net effect on areal BMD. IGF-I has a direct effect on areal BMD.     

Annual changes in bone mineral content and body composition during growth

OBJECTIVES: To compute the annual changes in total bone mineral content (BMCt), lean tissue mass and fat mass (LTM and FM) during growth. METHODS: Whole body DXA data were used to calculate the annual changes of the parameter P (P = BMCt, LTM or FM), as a percentage, as DeltaP% = 100 x (P(i+1) - P(i)) / P(i); with P(i) and P(i+1) the values for P at age i and age (i+1). Smoothed curves were then obtained from DeltaP% values plotted against age. RESULTS: Changes in FM were different in males and females. A peak velocity was marked for the three tissues at age 6.5 in boys, and at age 6.5-7.5 in girls; a pubertal peak spurt appeared at age 12 in girls and between age 13 and 14 in boys. This latter peak was followed by an exponential decrease, and no significant changes were found for the three components after age 20 in girls and age 21-22 in boys. CONCLUSION: Changes in tissue accretion during growth are easy to follow when expressed in percentages. Fat changes, especially, should be around 17% in girls and 15% in boys at the age of puberty.     

Relationship between anthropometric measures and body composition among Muslim females of West Bengal, India

The human body composition is assessed to determine percent body fat (PBF), fat mass (FM), and lean body mass or fat free mass (FFM). The topological distribution of body fat has been the subject of many studies in the world and India. To the best of our knowledge the present paper is the first report on the body composition in terms of PBF and FM, and their relationship with anthropometric measures in Muslim females in India. The present study examines anthropometric measurements and their relationship with the body composition among Muslim females of West Bengal, India. A cross-sectional study of 100 female, Muslim students of Howrah and Kolkata was undertaken to compare the relationships of biceps and triceps skinfold, waist, hip and upper arm circumference, waist hip ratio and conicity index with their body composition variables (PBF and FM). All anthropometric measures displayed significant (p < 0.05) correlation with body composition measures. The triceps skinfold, however, demonstrated a significant correlation with PBF (r = 0.90) and FM (r = 0.93). The greatest amount of variation of PBF (81.3 %) and FM (89.2 %) was explained by the triceps skinfold. In addition, a considerable amount of variation of PBF (72.8 %) and FM (86.0 %) was explained by the mid upper arm circumference. In conclusion, the present study displays a tendency of regional adiposity in the upper arm, triceps skinfold and mid upper arm circumference are much more strongly associated with body fat.     

Relationships between legs bone mineral density, anthropometry and jumping height in prepubertal children

The aim of this study was to determine how the legs bone mineral density (BMD) is influenced by anthropometry and vertical jumping height in prepubertal children. In total, 64 8-11-year-old schoolchildren (27 boys and 37 girls) were studied. All children were at Tanner stage 1. The subjects' height and body mass were measured and BMI calculated. The following anthropometric parameters directly connected with leg were measured: skinfolds--front thigh and medial calf girths--gluteal, thigh, mid-thigh, calf and ankle; lengths--iliospinale height, trochanterion height, trochanteriontibiale laterale, tibiale-laterale height and tibiale mediale-spyrion tibiale; and breadths--biiliocristal, foot length and biepicondylar femur. Total body and legs fat mass and fat %, lean body mass (LBM) and both legs BMD were measured by DXA. Maximal jumping height was measured on the contact mat. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that body height in boys (54.6%; R2 x 100) and body mass in girls (57.3%) were the most important basic anthropometric parameters that influenced BMD in legs. From the measured skinfolds, that of the front thigh characterized legs BMD by 24.9-35.6%. From the girths, the most important parameter to characterize legs BMD was that of calf (50.0-59.1%). Tibiale laterale height was the only length parameter which was highly related with legs BMD (51.1-54.5%). Biepicondylar femur was the most important breadth parameter which characterized legs BMD (51.0-54.8%). Femur breadth and tibiale-laterale height were selected (68.7%) in boys, and tibiale-laterale height and front thigh skinfold thickness (66.0%) in girls when all measured leg anthropometric parameters were analyzed together. From the body composition parameters, the most important parameter to characterize legs BMD was legs LBM (48.9-59.5%). Jumping height did not correlate with legs BMD in any studied groups. In summary, the present study demonstrated that legs LBM together with tibiale-laterale height are the main predictors of legs BMD in prepubertal children.     

Plasma adiponectin concentration in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women: relationship with body composition, bone mineral, and metabolic variables

The aim of the current investigation was to determine the possible relationships of fasting adiponectin level with body composition, bone mineral, insulin sensitivity, leptin, and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters in 153 women. Subjects were classified as premenopausal (n = 42; 40.8 +/- 5.7 yr) if they had regular menstrual periods, early postmenopausal (n = 49; 56.7 +/- 3.6 yr) if they had been postmenopausal for more than >1 yr but <7 yr (5.5 +/- 1.3 yr), and postmenopausal (n = 62; 72.2 +/- 4.5 yr) if they had been postmenopausal for >7 yr. All women studied had a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m(2). Adiponectin values were higher (P < 0.05) in middle-aged (12.0 +/- 5.1 microg/ml) and older (15.3 +/- 7.3 microg/ml) postmenopausal women compared with middle-aged premenopausal women (8.4 +/- 3.2 microg/ml). Mean plasma adiponectin concentration in the total group of women (n = 153) was 12.2 +/- 6.3 microg/ml and was positively related (P < 0.05) to age, indexes of overall obesity (BMI, body fat mass), and cardiorespiratory fitness (PWC) values. In addition, a negative association (P < 0.05) between adiponectin with central obesity (waist-to-hip and waist-to-thigh ratio), fat-free mass, bone mineral (bone mineral content, total and lumbar spine bone mineral density), and leptin and insulin resistance (insulin, fasting insulin resistance index) values was observed. However, multivariate regression analysis revealed that only age, fasting insulin resistance index, and leptin were independent predictors of adiponectin concentration. In conclusion, circulating adiponectin concentrations increase with age in normal-weight middle-aged and older women. It appears that adiponectin is independently related to age, leptin, and insulin resistance values in women across the age span and menstrual status.     

Total body bone mineral and pelvis bone mineral content as parameters of bone mass in men. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry study.

Total body bone mineral content (TBBM) is a highly discriminating determinant of bone mass. We correlated TBBM with pelvis bone mineral content (PBMC) and pelvis bone mineral density (PBMD) in 179 normal men, in order to observe whether the pelvis is an adequate region of bone mass evaluation. There was a good correlation between PBMC and TBBM (r = 927, p less than 0.001), and significant correlations between PBMD and TBBM (r = 818, p less than 0.001) and between PBMC and PBMD (r = 0.902, p less than 0.001). As the pelvis does not undergo the densitometric changes so often observed in the spine, we believe that the pelvis is appropriate as anatomic region for bone mass evaluation studies.     

Relationship of handgrip strength with anthropometric and body composition variables in prepubertal children

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of handgrip strength with basic anthropometric variables, hand anthropometric variables, total body and hand composition, total body and hand bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in prepubertal children aged between 8 and 11 years (n=64, 27 boys, 37 girls). Height and body mass were measured and body mass index (BMI kg/m²) was calculated. Biceps and triceps skinfolds, arm relaxed, arm flexed, forearm and wrist girths, acromiale-radiale, radiale-stylion-radiale and midstylion-dactylion length and humerus breadth were measured. Specific hand anthropometric variables according to Visnapuu and Jürimäe [2007. Handgrip strength and hand dimensions in young handball and basketball players. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21, 923-929] were used. Five fingers’ spans, fingers’ lengths and perimeters of the hand were measured. Total body and right-hand fat percentage, fat mass and lean mass (LBM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Right-hand BMC and BMD were analysed from the bone variables. Maximal handgrip strength of the right hand was measured with the hand dynamometer. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the most important predictive value from the basic anthropometric variables was body height, explaining 76.1% (R²×100), 40.7% and 50.6% of the handgrip strength in boys, girls and total group, respectively. Measured skinfold thicknesses and breadths were not related to handgrip strength in any group. Forearm girths significantly predicted handgrip strength in boys (30.8%), girls (43.4%) and total group (43.4%). As a rule, handgrip strength was more dependent on the anthropometric and body composition variables in boys than girls. It was concluded that body height, forearm girth, midstylion-dactylion and acromiale-radiale length and hand LBM and BMC are the most limiting factors influencing handgrip strength in prepubertal children.     

Genome-wide QTL mapping of nine body composition and bone mineral density traits in pigs

Background

Since the pig is one of the most important livestock animals worldwide, mapping loci that are associated with economically important traits and/or traits that influence animal welfare is extremely relevant for efficient future pig breeding. Therefore, the purpose of this study was a genome-wide mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with nine body composition and bone mineral traits: absolute (Fat, Lean) and percentage (FatPC, LeanPC) fat and lean mass, live weight (Weight), soft tissue X-ray attenuation coefficient (R), absolute (BMC) and percentage (BMCPC) bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

Data on the nine traits investigated were obtained by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for 551 pigs that were between 160 and 200 days old. In addition, all pigs were genotyped using Illumina’s PorcineSNP60 Genotyping BeadChip. Based on these data, a genome-wide combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis was conducted. Thus, we used 44 611 sliding windows that each consisted of 20 adjacent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For the middle of each sliding window a variance component analysis was carried out using ASReml. The underlying mixed linear model included random QTL and polygenic effects, with fixed effects of sex, housing, season and age.

Results

Using a Bonferroni-corrected genome-wide significance threshold of P < 0.001, significant peaks were identified for all traits except BMCPC. Overall, we identified 72 QTL on 16 chromosomes, of which 24 were significantly associated with one trait only and the remaining with more than one trait. For example, a QTL on chromosome 2 included the highest peak across the genome for four traits (Fat, FatPC, LeanPC and R). The nearby gene, ZNF608, is known to be associated with body mass index in humans and involved in starvation in Drosophila, which makes it an extremely good candidate gene for this QTL.

Conclusions

Our QTL mapping approach identified 72 QTL, some of which confirmed results of previous studies in pigs. However, we also detected significant associations that have not been published before and were able to identify a number of new and promising candidate genes, such as ZNF608.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12711-014-0068-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Relationships between body composition, body size and alternative reproductive tactics in a lekking sandpiper, the Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

1. The Ruff is a lekking sandpiper in which males have two genetically determined alternative mating strategies: 'satellite' or 'independent'. Satellite males are non-territorial, following groups of females on and off leks. Independent males attempt to establish territories on leks and can be either 'resident' territory holders, or non-territorial 'marginals'. The time budgets of the three behavioural tactics (resident, marginal and satellite) differ notably in time allocated to foraging, aggression and display activity. These differences have led to the suggestion that the benefits of size and energy stores may vary with mating tactic.
2. In this paper in vivo estimates of body composition (fat, fat-free mass) for breeding male Ruffs using total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) are presented.
3. Satellite males have significantly shorter tarsi and wings than independent males.
4. After correcting for size, independent males are significantly heavier and fatter than satellites, and marginals in particular are heavier and fatter than both residents and satellites.
5. Estimates of energy expenditure during flight suggest that satellites may maintain reduced energy reserves to minimize flight costs, while the larger fat stores of independent males are consistent with the benefits of endurance as a territory holder.     

Relationship between 25-(OH) D3, the IGF-I system, leptin, anthropometric and body composition variables in a healthy, randomly selected population.

OBJECTIVE: This study prompted us to investigate the relationship between 25-(OH) D (3) and the IGF-I system, leptin, sex, age, anthropometric and body composition variables in healthy adults. We hypothesised that these variables would regulate 25-(OH) D (3) concentrations. DESIGN: We included 253 subjects--126 men and 127 women. Body mass index (BMI) and body composition was determined, along with serum leptin, total IGF-I, free IGF-I, IGFBP3 and plasma 25-(OH) D (3) concentrations. RESULTS: 25-(OH) D (3) deficiency was observed in 69 subjects. There was a difference between 25-(OH) D (3) values and season (summer vs. winter). We observed similar 25-(OH) D (3) concentrations in men to those in women. The differential characteristics in subjects without 25-(OH) D (3) deficiency were lower BMI, fat mass and body fat and higher free IGF-I. We observed that leptin increased in the last decades and IGF-I system decreased by decade in both men and women. In subjects without 25-(OH) D (3) deficiency, there was a correlation between free IGF-I and 25-(OH) D (3) in men, and a negative correlation between 25-(OH) D (3) and age, BMI, fat mass and leptin and a positive correlation with total IGF-I in women. The multivariate linear regression analysis explained 37.8 % of 25-(OH) D (3) variability in men and 39 % in women, and only season and free IGF-I made an independent contribution to 25-(OH) D (3) in men, and season and fat mass in women. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that free IGF-I in men and fat mass in women could regulate 25-(OH) D (3) concentrations.     

Effects of strength training on body composition and bone mineral content in children who are obese

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that strength training benefits diet-controlled obese children with respect to lean mass and bone mineral acquisition. Eighty-two Hong Kong school children (aged 10.4 +/- 1.0 years, 70 in Tanner stage 1, 12 in stage 2) who were obese/overweight were randomly assigned to receive either a balanced low-energy (900-1200 cal) diet plus strength training (n = 41) (training group) or the diet alone (n = 41) (control group). The training group attended a 75-minute strength exercise program 3 times/week for 6 weeks (phase 1), after which they were offered and 22 children opted to continue a once-weekly program for a further 28 weeks (phase 2). All children were evaluated at baseline, after 6 weeks, and at the end of the 36-week study (including an intervening 2-week introduction to phase 2). Body composition and bone mineral content were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and diet was assessed by food-frequency questionnaire. The results showed that the exercise programs were well accepted, with good attendance at the exercise classes. After 6 weeks, the children in the training group showed significantly larger increases in lean body mass (+ 0.8 kg [2.4%] vs. +0.3 kg [1.0%], p < 0.05) and total bone mineral content (+46.9 g [3.9%] vs. +33.6 g [2.9%], p < 0.05) than those in the control group. At the end of the study, these trends were maintained in the continued-training subgroup, though no longer reaching statistical significance. We conclude that in diet-controlled prepubertal obese/overweight children, participation in an exercise program with emphasis on strength training resulted in improved lean mass and bone mineral accrual.     

Relationships between tail-flicking, morphology, and body condition in Moorhens

ABSTRACT.   Prey-predator communication of alertness has been reported for Moorhens ( Gallinula chloropus ) and other species of birds. Because ability to flee is probably related to body condition, healthy potential prey may behave more conspicuously to send predators an unambiguous message. Moorhens have a contrasting rump patch that is flashed by rapid tail-flicking. During two winter months, we observed sex-related differences in the rate of tail-flicking. Females tail-flicked at a faster rate than males, and more vigilant and more symmetrical males tail-flicked faster. The rate of tail-flicking was negatively correlated to the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in both sexes and positively correlated to hematocrit and albumin/globulin ratio in females. These results suggest that male and female Moorhens in better physical condition tail-flick at a faster rate and support the pursuit deterrent hypothesis, with healthy individuals appearing to inform predators that they would be difficult to capture.     

Relationships between force-time parameters and muscle oxygenation kinetics during maximal sustained isometric grip and maximal repeated rhythmic grip with different contraction frequencies

The purposes of this study were to examine the relationships between various force-time parameters and muscle oxygenation kinetics during maximal sustained isometric grip (SIG) and maximal repeated rhythmic grips (RRG) with different grip intervals (interval times: 5, 4, 3, and 2 s). Subjects were 10 healthy young males, aged 20-26 years (height 173.9+/-7.3 cm, body mass 71.5+/-11.2 kg). After measuring maximal grip force, each subject performed the SIG and RRG tests with a target frequency of 12, 15, 20, and 30 grips.min(-1) (interval times: 5, 4, 3, and 2 s, respectively) for 6 min. The decreasing time until 80% MVC showed significant and high correlations with final force values in RRGs with over 3 s intervals (r=0.866-0.941), but not in the SIG and RRG with a 2 s interval. The time at the lowest Oxy-Hb/Mb value showed a significant and high correlation with the time at the highest Deoxy-Hb/Mb value only in the SIG and RRG with a 2 s interval (r=0.825-0.916). Oxy-Hb/Mb decreases markedly and deoxy-Hb/Mb increases after the onset of SIG due to the obstruction of blood flow caused by the increase in intramuscular pressure. A similar physiological response to that of SIG occurs also in RRG with a 2 s interval, but RRGs with intervals over 3 s achieve more resumption of blood flow in the muscular relaxation phase. Hence, in spite of the same RRGs, it was determined that RRGs with intervals over 3 s differ significantly in a changing pattern of grip force and muscle oxygen kinetics from RRGs with a 2 s interval.     

A comparison between CLNA and CLA effects on body fat, serum parameters and liver composition

The potential of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as an anti-obesity molecule for humans is still a matter for debate. Thus, a great deal of scientific work is focussed on the research of new effective molecules without deleterious effects on health. The aim of the present work was to analyse the effects of jacaranda seed oil, rich in a conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA), jacaric acid (cis-8,trans-10,cis-12), on body fat, serum parameters and liver composition in rats, and to compare these effects with those oftrans-10,cis-12 CLA. Twenty-six male Wistar rats were divided into three groups fed with high-fat diets, supplemented or not (control group) with 0.5%trans-10,cis-12 CLA (CLA group) or 0.5% jacaric acid (CLNA group) for 7 weeks. No statistical differences in food intake or in final body weight were found. Whereas CLA reduced adipose tissue size, CLNA did not. Both CLA and CLNA significantly reduced non-HDL-cholesterol. In spite of a lack of significant changes in glucose and insulin levels, HOMA-IR index was significantly increased, as well as did non-esterified fatty acid levels in CLNA-fed rats. No changes in liver composition were observed. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, jacaric acid, unlike CLA, does not show a body-fat lowering effect. Even though it leads to a healthy lipoprotein profile, it impairs insulin function. Consequently, it cannot be proposed as an anti-obesity molecule.     

Standard anthropometric, body composition, and strength variables as predictors of jumping performance in elite junior athletes

The aim of the study was to investigate whether variables routinely assessed while testing athletes can also predict movement performance. The relation between jumping performance and standard strength, anthropometric, and body composition variables was examined in elite junior basketball players. The 33 males were tested for maximal vertical jump, as well as for maximal isometric voluntary force and rate of force development of hip and knee extensors. Standard anthropometric and body composition measures (body height, lean body mass, as well as the percentage of fat and muscle tissue) were also taken. Except for maximal isometric forces (0.38 and 0.52 N.kg(-1) for hip and knee extensors, respectively), all correlation coefficients between the selected variables and jump height were insignificant. As a consequence, the corresponding multiple correlation coefficient, R = 0.71, also suggested a moderate predictability of jumping performance by the standard strength tests and anthropometric and body composition variables. The results obtained dispute the use of the examined tests in sport performance assessment, and also question applying the tests for other purposes such as evaluation of training procedures or selection of young athletes. Therefore, the results are in line with the concept that a reliable performance assessment in homogeneous groups of athletes requires predominantly movement-specific testing.     

Bone mineral density and body composition in postmenopausal women with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Introduction  

The aim of the present study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition (BC) measurements as well as identify risk factors for low BMD and osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women with psoriasis (Ps) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).     

Comparative analysis of rhythmic parameters of the body temperature in humans measured with thermistors and digital thermometers

In this paper we compare rhythmic parameters of human body temperature simultaneously measured with digital thermometers and thermistors with memory (Thermochron iButtons®). Thirteen healthy male and female volunteers (mean age of 25) measured oral and axillary temperatures with digital thermometers every hour during wakefulness for two days and every three hours for three days, totalling five consecutive days. Concomitantly, they wore badges with thermistors in the thorax and the wrist. Temporal series circadian rhythmicity was evaluated with the Cosinor technique. Acrophases average were 17:32 h±2:02 h for axillary temperature, 10:12 h±7:26 h for thoracic temperature, 17:18 h±00:50 h for oral temperature and 4:15 h±1:55 h for wrist temperature. The rhythmic parameters of the wrist are more robust than those of the thorax. The collection of data in humans, generally performed with digital thermometers, is restricted to the waking phase and depends on the discipline of the volunteers. We suggest that the use of the thermistor with memory in the wrist can be adopted as alternative methodology to studies of human body temperature rhythmicity, especially recommended for long temporal series.