Sex- and age-related variations of the somatotype in a Chuvasha population.

The aim of this large, cross-sectional study was to describe the age- and sex-related variations of the somatotype, employing Heath and Carter's method, in a Chuvasha population residing in a rural region in central Russia. The investigated sample included 802 males aged 18-89 years (mean 46.9) and 738 females aged 18-90 years (mean 48.6). We evaluated the age and sex differences by one-way ANOVA with somatotype components as dependent variables and sex or age groups as grouping variables. Sex differences of somatotypes appear to be the strongest for endomorphy, with generally higher values in women. Endomorphy in males remained virtually unchanged after 30 years of age, but endomorphy in females kept increasing up to the 6th decade, and then subsequently decreased. Virtually no differences were noted in mesomorphy and a very small difference in ectomorphy between males and females aged 18-30 years. A reduction of sexual dimorphism in all somatotype components after age 70 was also observed. The largest difference of all somatotype components appeared between age groups 18-30 and 31-40 years. Thereafter, somatotypes remained practically unchanged. Mesomorphy continued to increase until the 5th decade in both sexes, while in females, endomorphy continuously increased until their 6th decade. In the 7th and 8th decades, a decrease in mean values was observed. Mesomorphy and ectomorphy showed opposite age-related trends. Results of our study clearly suggest that in physique investigations, the somatotypes need to be studied in each sex separately, and in studies of young people, they need also to be adjusted to age.     

Body size and physique among Canadians of First Nation and European ancestry

The purpose of this study was to compare body size and physique among Canadians of Aboriginal (First Nation [FN]) and European ancestry (EA) from the northern Ontario communities of Temagami and Bear Island. The sample consisted of 130 FN and 494 EA participants including adults (20–75 years: 214 men, 234 women) and youth (5–19 years: 97 boys, 79 girls). Indicators of body size and physique included stature, the sitting height–to-stature ratio (SSR), body mass, BMI, estimated upper-arm muscle area, biacromial, bicristal, biepicondylar, and bicondylar breadths, and the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy). There were few differences in body size between FN and EA, with the exception of adult females. Adult FN females were significantly heavier and had greater bone breadths than EA women (P < 0.001). On the other hand, somatotype differed significantly between EA and FN by age and sex, except for 5–19-year-old females. Among boys and men, FN had greater endomorphy (P < 0.03), whereas FN men also had lower ectomorphy (P < 0.01). Among women, FN were significantly more endomorphic and mesomorphic and less ectomorphic (P < 0.001). Although results for 5–19-year-old females were not significant, they were in the same direction as the other groups (greater endomorphy). Forward stepwise discriminant function analyses indicated that endomorphy was the most important discriminator between FN and EA by age and sex. Am J Phys Anthropol 108:161–172, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in correlation with glycated haemoglobin are present in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients but not in their relatives

The aim of this study is to test several biomarkers of inflammation, of endothelial dysfunction, glycated haemoglobin, and their reflection in arterial dilatation, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in their relatives, in order to demonstrate if relatives present markers as a form of precocious indicators of diabetes mellitus. Individuals between 30 and 55 years of age and without clinical arterial disease were divided in three groups: type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without complications (12 men and 18 women); first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus (14 men and 20 women); and control individuals (9 men and 16 women). Body composition was measured with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer and endothelial function with an eco-Doppler device. We determined glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glycated haemoglobin, fibrinogen, E-selectin, P-selectin, soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma. We also studied endothelium independent dilatation and endothelium dependent dilatation. The results: ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were significantly higher in the diabetic group (237.5+/-43.4 and 692.5+/-168.6 ng/l) than in controls (197.4+/-51.2 and 573.5+/-121.1 ng/l, p=0.011 and 0.013, respectively), but were not higher in the family group (224.5+/-45.2 and 599.8+/-150.4 ng/l). CRP was higher in the diabetic group (3.35+/-3.27 mg/l) than in the other groups (1.28+/-1.29 and 1.61+/-1.54 mg/l, p=0.002) and correlated with glycated haemoglobin. The non-endothelium mediated dilatation was lesser in the diabetic group than in the family group (17.3+/-6.1 vs. 24+/-8, p=0.029) and controls. In conclusion patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes, but not their relatives, have biochemical markers of sub-clinical inflammation in relationship with glycated haemoglobin and dysfunction of the endothelial cells markers. In these patients endothelium independent dilatation is more affected than endothelium dependent dilatation.     

Sex, age and caste differences in somatotypes of Rajput and scheduled caste adolescents from the Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh, India

Somatotypes of a cross-sectional sample of 544 rural adolescents ranging in age from 11 to 17 years are described. The sample included 269 Rajput (141 girls and 128 boys) and 275 Scheduled Caste (135 girls and 140 boys) subjects. Each subject was somatotyped using the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype protocol (Carter & Heath 1990). In all, ten anthropometric measurements namely height, weight, bicondylar diameters of humerus and femur, flexed mid-upper-arm and calf circumferences, and triceps, subscapular, supraspinale and calf skinfolds were taken. The mean somatotypes of the Rajput boys and girls were 1.62- 3.30-3.85 (mesomorphic-ectomorph) and 2.42-2.90-3.99 (balanced ectomorph), respectively. The mean somatotypes of the Scheduled Caste subjects were 1.51-3.02-3.74 (mesomorphic-ectomorph) for boys and 2.38-2.64-3.70 (balanced ectomorph) for girls. A one-way ANOVA revealed that females of both the caste groups were significantly (p < or = 0.05) more endomorphic than the males. The sex differences in other two components were not significant (p +/- 0.05). Caste differences, as revealed by a one-way ANOVA analysis, were not significant (p +/- 0.05) in both sexes. With the exception of the Rajput girls, the differences in whole somatotypes between those in an early phase of adolescence and those in an advanced phase of adolescence were not significant (p = 0.05). The results indicate that populations exposed to same environmental situations for a long period of time tend to show similarity in physique. A one-way MANOVA analysis, which used Wilk's Lambda as test statistics, revealed that from 11-17 years there was no significant change (p < or = 0.05) in component dominance of mean somatotypes in the boys and girls of the present sample. Among males of a majority of the Indian populations, ectomorphy dominates over endomorphy and mesomorphy from 11 to 17 years.     

Circulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in women with gestational diabetes

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) has been implicated as a key factor in the recruitment and activation of peripheral blood leukocytes in atherosclerotic lesions and adipose tissue. Elevated levels of circulating MCP-1 have been found in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as with coronary artery disease. In this study we compared serum MCP-1 concentrations between pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and non-pregnant healthy women. The group studied consisted of 62 patients with GDM (mean age 30.1 +/- 5.0 years) at 29.0 +/- 3.5 week of gestation, 64 pregnant women with NGT (mean age 30.0 +/- 4.7 years) at 29.2 +/- 2.9 week of gestation and 34 non-pregnant healthy women (mean age 29.8 +/- 4.7 years). Serum MCP-1 concentration was measured using an enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay. Median MCP-1 concentrations did not differ significantly between women with GDM (median 342.3 [interquartile range 267.9-424.4] pg/ml) and NGT (338.0 [274.7-408.2] pg/ml), but were markedly lower than those found in non-pregnant women (485.2 [409.6-642.4] pg/ml, p<0.0001). After adjusting for glucose, the difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women remained highly significant (p<0.0001). In GDM patients MCP-1 levels correlated significantly with fasting glucose (r=0.2665, p=0.0363), insulin (r=0.4330, p=0.0004), HOMA-IR (r=0.4402, p=0.0003), ISQUICKI (r=-0.4402, p=0.0003), HbA1c (r=0.2724, p=0.0322), as well as with prepregnancy and current BMI (r=0.3501, p=0.0057 and r=0.3250, p=0.0106, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed that MCP1 concentrations were significantly predicted only by plasma glucose ( beta=0.3489, p=0.00004). Our results suggest that MCP1 levels are decreased in pregnant women, irrespective of their glucose tolerance status.     

Blood pressure and blood lipids in normotensive patients with diabetes mellitus type I with microalbuminuria]

The study involved 50 normotensive men (means age = 34 years) with diabetes mellitus type I (mean duration of the disease 14 years). Group I included 29 patients with normal albumin excretion with the urine (UAE below 30 mg daily), and group II-21 patients with microalbuminuria (UAE 30-300 mg daily). Both groups were similar in relation to the age and duration of diabetes mellitus. Blood cholesterol was significantly higher in patients of group II than in patients of group I (p = 0.02) similarly to blood triglycerides levels (p = 0.01). Mean arterial pressure was lower in patients of group I than that in patients of group II (94.3 +/- 7.0 vs 99.1 +/- 6.0 mm Hg; p = 0.01). HbA1c was positively correlated with blood cholesterol (p = 0.01) and blood triglycerides levels (p = 0.05).     

Somatotypes of premenarcheal athletes and non-athletes

One-hundred thirty-four premenarcheal girls between the ages of 7 and 15 years were somatotyped according to the Health-Carter technique. Sexual maturation was determined by self-assessed Tanner stages. Statistical analysis was completed on 50 athletes (representing seven sports) and 29 non-athletes over the age of 10 years. The mean somatotype for the athletes was calculated to be 2.4-3.6-3.9 and for the non-athletes 3.7-3.7-3.6. Single component ANOVA's revealed that the athletes were significantly less endomorphic (p less than 0.01) than the non-athletes. The overall somatotype ratings and the equality of dispersion about the means were significantly different between the athletes and non-athletes. The single highest category for the athletes was mesomorph-ectomorph and for the non-athletes, mesomorphic-endomorph. Significant negative correlations were obtained between mesomorphy and breast development (-0.33, p less than 0.05) and mesomorphy and pubic hair development (-0.44, p less than 0.01) for the athletes. Significant positive correlations were obtained between endomorphy and breast development (0.55, p less than 0.01) and endomorphy and pubic hair development (0.45, p less than 0.05) for the non-athletes. The mean somatotype for the gymnasts was 2.1-3.9-3.6 and for the swimmers 2.5-3.4-4.1. These two groups were significantly different from each other on each separate component and overall somatotype, but not in equality of dispersion. The results support the conclusion that premenarcheal athletes are morphologically different from non-athletes despite their youth and from each other based on sport specificity.     

Contribution to the physique of women with manic-depressive disorder in Hungary

The purpose of this study was to get new data about the physique (somatotype) of manic-depressive patients. The somatotypes of manic-depressive females (n = 31, mean age: 30 year) investigated show a balanced mesomorphic-endomorphic predominance. The mean somatotype was 6.34, 5.27, 1.39. Previous Hungarian studies showed a meso-endomorphic somatotype in manic-depressive females. The physique of these patients determined by Kretschmer as pycnic did not show significant alteration due to environmental changes. Thus, according to the recent study, Kretschmer's statements (1921) are still valid in manic-depressive females. They are invariably characterized by a pycnic physique.     

Periodontal disease status of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between type I diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease in pregnant women. Fifty-two pregnant women aged 27.9 +/- 6.9 years with type I DM participated in the present study. Forty-two non-pregnant type I female diabetics (mean age: 27.9 +/- 6.1 years) and 121 healthy non-pregnant women (mean age: 29.1 +/- 5.7 years) without diabetes formed the control group. All subjects were given a clinical periodontal examination including probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), assessment of plaque and gingivitis scores (SBI). Blood parameters included levels of hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and leukocytes. The pregnant diabetic subjects showed despite a good metabolic control significantly higher values for the SBI compared to the controls. Pregnant diabetic subjects displayed a significant correlation between the dose of insulin per day and PPD (p < or = 0.05) as well as the PAL (p < or = 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that pregnant diabetics demonstrate a higher degree of periodontal inflammation and destruction compared to non-pregnant diabetics and healthy non-pregnant patients.     

Reversibility of autonomic nerve function in relation to rapid improvement of glycemic control.

To determine the reversibility of autonomic nerve function in relation to the rapid improvement of glycemic control, we studied 54 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (33 men and 21 women; mean age, 49+/-8 years; mean duration of diabetes, 10+/-7 years). For 4 weeks of admission, the subjects were placed on strict dietary therapy, and 10 of them were under dietary therapy, 16 initially continued treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents, while 28 were treated with insulin. We measured the dark-adapted pupillary area (DAPA) by infrared photography, an indicator of diabetic autonomic neuropathy, on the second and 28th day after hospitalization. The change in FPG (delta FPG = - 111+/-49 mg/dl; mean +/- SD, p<0.001) and the change in HbA1c (delta HbA1c = -1.3+/-0.3%, p<0.001) were significantly improved. We observed significant improvements in the change in DAPA (delta DAPA) of all patients (25.1+/-11.0 vs. 25.7+/-11.6 mm2, delta DAPA = 0.6+/-1.4 mm2, p<0.01) and in those of patients without retinopathy (delta DAPA = 1.0+/-0.6 mm2, p<0.01). No change was observed in those of patients with retinopathy (delta DAPA= -0.02+/-0.3 mm2, NS). The delta DAPA was related to the delta HbA1c (r = -0.479, p<0.001) and also to the diabetic duration (years, r = -0.517, p<0.001). These findings suggest that a rapid improvement of glycemic control improves autonomic nerve function observed in type 2 diabetes with shorter duration. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining strict glycemic control at the stage of diabetic patients without retinopathy and those with shorter duration.     

Anthropometric and health-related fitness characteristics in middle-aged obese women

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the possible relationships between anthropometrical and health-related fitness parameters in obese middle-aged women. Twenty one obese (BMI > 27 kg/m2) and 12 control (BMI < 27 kg/m2) middle-aged females (35-45 yrs) participated in this investigation. Three series of anthropometrical measurements on the right side of the body were taken according to the O-scale physique assessment system. The Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotyping method was used and the ratio of waist to hip circumferences was calculated. The body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance method (Bodystat-500, UK). The following health-related fitness tests used were: dynamic sit-up, hand grip, sit-and-reach, single leg balance and plate tapping. Physical working capacity (PWC) was measured using single ergometer test. Obese women possessed significantly higher (p < 0.05) values for skinfold, girth and breadth measurements. While the differences in somatotype indices were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) between obese and control groups, the transformation of somatotype characteristics to the effect sizes (ESs) revealed that these differences were large (ectomorphy: ES = 1.73; endomorphy: ES = 1.64; mesomorphy: ES = 1.71). Relative aerobic fitness (VO2max/kg, calculated from PWC) and dynamic sit-up were higher (p < 0.05) in control subjects, while obese women presented significantly higher values for hand grip strength. The thicker skinfold thicknesses increased the absolute value of PWC in obese group (r = 0.39-0.57; p < 0.05). In contrast, the thinner skinfold thicknesses in suprailiac and mid-thigh significantly increased the absolute value of PWC in control women. There were only a few significant correlations between girth and breadth measures, and health-related fitness parameters. In addition, somatotype characteristics seldom influenced the results of health-related fitness tests. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that health-related fitness test items were more dependent on the anthropometrical parameters in obese than in control women.     

Father's physique influences mate preferences but not the actual choice of male somatotype in heterosexual women and homosexual men

Body constitution plays an important role in human mate choice. Cross-cultural research reports that women on average prefer men with muscular physique. It is still unclear, however, what mechanisms influence the inter-individual variation in mate preferences and choices of partner's physique. In this study, we tested the mechanisms of an imprinting-like effect (similarity between father and an ideal and actual partner) and of homogamy (similarity between self and an ideal and actual partner) for male physique in heterosexual women and homosexual men. To assess the variation in male physique, we employed somatotype paradigm which characterizes body constitution using three components: endomorphic (heavy-set), mesomorphic (muscular), and ectomorphic (lean). In total, 149 homosexual men and 769 heterosexual women from the Czech Republic indicated the somatotype of their father, ideal and actual partner, and in homosexual men also their own somatotype. In line with previous research, the somatotype most preferred by both men and women was the mesomorphic, followed by the ectomorphic and the endomorphic one. Women's preferences for an ideal partner somatotype weakly correlated with their fathers' somatotype, especially in women who reported a positive relationship with their fathers during childhood. Among homosexual men, we found imprinting-like preferences only for the ectomorphic somatotype component and no significant association with the quality of their relationships with their fathers. We also found no significant relationship between the fathers' and actual partners' somatotype in either heterosexual women or homosexual men. Our research indicates that fathers have a rather weak influence on mate preference for somatotypes and no influence on actual mate choice.     

Effects of age and regular exercise on muscle strength and endurance

Twenty male and 20 female non-professional tennis players were classified into two different age groups (n = 10 per group): young active men (30.4 +/- 3.3 years), young active women (27.5 +/- 4.3 years), elderly active men (64.4 +/- 3.7 years), and elderly active women (65.3 +/- 4.5 years). These individuals were matched (n = 10 per group) according to sex, age, height and mass to sedentary individuals of the same socio-economical background: young sedentary men (29.2 +/- 3.4 years), young sedentary women (25.6 +/- 4.4 years), elderly sedentary men (65.2 +/- 3.2 years) and elderly sedentary women (65.6 +/- 4.4 years). An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the strength of the knee extensors and flexors (two separate occasions) and the endurance of the extensors. Vastus lateralis electromyogram (EMG) was measured concomitantly. Significant sex, age and exercise effects (P less than 0.001) were observed for peak torque of both muscle groups. The effect of age on extensor strength was more pronounced at high speeds where men were also able to generate larger relative torques than women. No age or sex effects were noted for muscle endurance. However, muscles of active individuals demonstrated a greater resistance to fatigue than those of sedentary individuals. In conclusion, men were found to be stronger than women, age was associated with a decrease in muscle strength, but not of muscle endurance, and tennis players were stronger and had muscles that were more resistant to fatigue than their sedentary pairs in both age groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evidence for higher heritability of somatotype compared to body mass index in female twins

The influence of genetics on human physique and obesity has been addressed by the literature. Evidence for heritability of anthropometric characteristics has been previously described, mainly for the body mass index (BMI). However, few studies have investigated the influence of genetics on the Heath-Carter somatotype. The aim of the present study was to assess the heritability of BMI and somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy) in a group of female monozygotic and dizygotic twins from childhood to early adulthood. A total of 28 females aged from 7 to 19 years old were studied. The group included 5 monozygotic and 9 dizygotic pairs of twins. The heritability was assessed by the twin method (h(2)). The anthropometric measures and somatotype were assessed using standard validated procedures. Significant differences between monozygotic and dizygotic pairs of twins were found for height, endomorphy, ectomorphy, and mesomorphy, and the heritability for these measures was high (h(2) between 0.88 and 0.97). No significant differences were found between monozygotic and dizygotic twins for weight, and the BMI and the heritability indexes were lower for these measures (respectively 0.42 and 0.52). The results of the present study have indicated that the somatotype may be more sensible to genetic influences than the BMI in females.     

Thyroid autoimmunity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Effect of age, gender and HLA type

Type 1 diabetes is often associated with additional autoimmune phenomena. However, data reported on the frequency of thyroid autoimmunity differ vastly. Therefore, the prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies was evaluated at a large pediatric diabetes center in Southern Germany. 2,305 determinations (TPO and TG, ELISA) were performed in 495 patients with type 1 diabetes (234 boys, 261 girls; age at last measurement: 15.4 +/- 0.3 years, duration of diabetes 7. 5 +/- 0.2 years). The prevalence of elevated thyroid antibodies increased dramatically with age: from 3.7% in patients less than 5 years of age up to 25.3% in the age group 15-20 years (p < 0.0001). For children older than 10 years, girls were significantly more affected than boys (p < 0.0001). Thyroid autoimmunity tended to be more prevalent in the subgroup of patients with the HLA type DR3/DR4 compared to patients with other HLA types (p = 0.08). In children older than 10 years, basal TSH concentrations were significantly elevated in antibody-positive patients (p < 0.05). In conclusion, thyroid autoimmunity is prevalent in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Adolescent girls and young women are especially affected. Yearly routine determinations of thyroid antibodies are therefore recommended.     

Tumor necrosis factor alpha system and plasma adiponectin concentration in women with gestational diabetes.

Plasma concentrations of adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and its soluble receptors sTNFR-1 and sTNFR-2 were measured in 80 patients with gestational diabetes (GDM) (mean age 29.0 +/- 4.9 years) and 30 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (mean age 28.2 +/- 6.0 years). We found that GDM patients had significantly lower concentrations of adiponectin (11.28 +/- 5.91 vs. 16.31 +/- 6.04 microg/ml, p = 0.00009) and elevated levels of TNF-alpha (1.71 +/- 0.92 vs. 1.27 +/- 0.42 pg/ml, p = 0.0175) in comparison to NGT women. The differences remained statistically significant after adjusting for BMI. Plasma levels of sTNFR-1 and sTNFR-2 also tended to be higher in GDM patients. In the GDM group TNF-alpha concentrations correlated significantly with sTNFR-1 (r = 0.444, p = 0.00008), sTNFR-2 (r = 0.364, p = 0.0016) and with C-peptide concentrations (r = 0.318, p = 0.016), whereas in women with NGT TNF-alpha correlated only with TG levels (r = 0.50, p = 0.024). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that prepregnant BMI was the most predictive indicator of TNF-alpha concentrations in GDM women. TG concentrations as well as BMI before pregnancy and at the time of sampling in pregnant NGT women were significant predictors, explaining 62% of the variance in TNF-alpha concentration. There were also negative correlations between adiponectin concentrations and a pregestational BMI (r = - 0.298, p = 0.009), BMI at the time of sampling (r = - 0.239, p = 0.034) and TG concentrations (r = - 0.379, p = 0.039) in GDM patients, whereas women with NGT showed only a negative correlation between adiponectin and TG concentrations (r = - 0.488, p = 0.025). In a multivariate regression analysis, prepregnancy BMI and TG levels remained significant predictors, explaining 39% of the variation in plasma adiponectin concentration in GDM women. In conclusion, our results suggest that decreased adiponectin concentration in GDM may not simply reflect maternal adiposity and insulin resistant state, but may contribute to the impaired glucose metabolism during pregnancy, with potential implications for screening and prevention of the disease.     

Leptin in type 2 diabetic or myotonic dystrophic women.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is an important determinant of circulating leptin concentrations in humans, but its independent contribution on plasma leptin levels are controversial. In the present study, we characterized plasma leptin levels and their regulation in women with 2 different insulin resistance states: type 2 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy disease, and in controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 3 groups of women: 21 type 2 diabetic patients, 20 myotonic dystrophic patients and a control group of 20 normoglycemic subjects, matched in age and body mass index. Body composition, fasting glucose and insulin, IGF-I, IGF-binding protein-3 and leptin were studied. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Insulin sensitivity (in percentage) was modeled according to a computer-based homeostasis model assessment model. Data are expressed in mean +/- SEM. RESULTS: In both groups of patients, glucose concentrations were higher in type 2 diabetic patients than in myotonic dystrophic patients, and insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity were similar in the 2 groups of patients (82.4 +/- 18.6% in type 2 diabetic patients vs. 69.7 +/- 9.7% in myotonic dystrophic patients, p = 0.2) and lower than in controls. Serum leptin and leptin/fat mass ratio were higher in myotonic dystrophic patients than in type 2 diabetic patients (30 +/- 4.9 ng/ml vs. 17.7 +/- 2.6 ng/ml, p = 0.03 and 2.32 +/- 0.69 ng/ml/kg vs. 1.07 +/- 0.2 ng/ml/kg, p = 0.02, respectively) or those found in controls. In type 2 diabetic patients, leptin concentrations were correlated with body mass index and body fat, and in myotonic dystrophic patients leptin concentrations were correlated with age, body mass index, fasting insulin and lower insulin sensitivity, whereas leptin concentrations were not correlated with body fat. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that leptin concentrations and regulation in myotonic dystrophic patients are different from type 2 diabetes.     

Body shape in relation to socio-economic status in young adults from the basque Country

Body shape has a great variability determined, partly, by energy intake and physical activity, as well as by gender and age. The aim of this research was to analyse the relation between socio-economic status (SES) and body shape estimated through the somatotype, in a sample of university students. The sample included 316 males and 635 females aged 18-33. Somatotype was estimated by the Heath-Carter anthropometric technique. The information included data of SES. A MANOVA test was used to test differences among groups. The mean somatotypes were 4.0-4.4-2.3 in males and 5.4 -3.4-2.2 in females. Sexual dimorphism for the whole somatotype was found (p < 0.001). There is a greater stability of the body shape in females regarding SES and more variability in males. Males' somatotype was significantly related to SES, low socioeconomic levels were associated with high values of endomorphy and mesomorphy.     

Circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha is higher in non-obese, non-diabetic Mexican Americans compared to non-Hispanic white adults

Mexican Americans (MA) exhibit high risk for the insulin resistance syndrome characterized by subclinical inflammation and greater risk for type 2 diabetes compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) adults. The reasons for this phenomenon remain obscure. Because the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), is associated with insulin resistance in various models of obesity and diabetes, we sought to determine whether circulating concentrations of this cytokine and its soluble receptors are higher in MA than NHW, and also to determine if the TNF alpha system is related to the lower insulin sensitivity in MA. Fasting blood samples were used to determine concentrations of TNF alpha, soluble TNF receptors 1 (sTNFR1) and 2 (sTNFR2) in the same 13 MA (7 women, 6 men, age=27.0+/-2.0 years, BMI=23.0+/-0.7) and 13 NHW (7 women, 6 men, age=24.8+/-1.5 years, BMI=22.8+/-0.6) previously shown to exhibit differences in insulin sensitivity. Circulating TNF alpha was significantly higher (3.11+/-0.38 vs. 2.10+/-0.24 pg/ml, p<0.05) and sTNFR2 was significantly lower (1324+/-85 vs. 1925+/-127 pg/ml, p<0.05) among MA compared with NHW subjects. Soluble TNFR1 was not different between groups (MA: 970+/-111 pg/ml vs. NHW: 1218+/-73 pg/ml, p=0.07). TNF alpha, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were not correlated with HOMA-IR when the two groups were analyzed in aggregate. This study documents higher circulating TNF alpha concentrations in non-obese, non-diabetic MA, a population group at increased risk for the metabolic syndrome and the untoward effects of sub-clinical inflammation. The clinical implications of this difference, if any, are not yet known.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone in relation to adiposity, glucose tolerance and lipid spectra in Czech non-diabetic population

This study aimed to examine relationships between DHEA(S), anthropometric parameters, oral glucose tolerance test derived data and lipid spectra in a Czech non-diabetic population. 380 healthy volunteers both with and without a family history of diabetes type 2 (DM2) were enrolled into the study (women: n=235, age 28.9+/-9.4 years, BMI 22.3+/-4.5 kg/m(2), men: n=145, age 32.3+/-10.0 years, BMI 24.7+/-3.6 kg/m(2)). Spearman's correlations (both without and with the adjustment for age, age and BMI), as well as ANCOVA were used. Non-adjusted data showed many "beneficial" correlations between DHEA(S) and both anthropometric and metabolic variables. Statistical analysis revealed that almost all correlations of DHEA(S) to adiposity and fat distribution in men as well as in women disappeared after the adjustment. There are, however, differences between men and women in the correlation of DHEA(S) to insulin sensitivity and lipid levels. The use of hormonal contraceptives (COC) is also an important factor in this relationship. In men and also in women using COC, DHEA-S after adjustment correlated positively with fasting and stimulated glucose, insulin and C-peptide, and negatively with insulin sensitivity. In this respect, the benefit of DHEA(S) supplementation seems -- at least in terms of its alleged antiobesity and antidiabetogenic effects -- to be more than controversial.