Murinometric measurements and retroperitoneal adipose tissue in young rats exposed to the high-fat diet: Is there correlation? / Medidas murinométricas e tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos jovens expostos à dieta hiperlipídica: existe correlação?

Aim: This study aimed to verify the correlation between murine measurements and retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats exposed to the high-fat diet. Material and methods: Wistar male adult rats, descendants of mothers who consumed a high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation and fed the same diet after weaning were used. At 60 days of life, body weight, longitudinal axis and waist circumference (WC) were measured. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Lee Index were calculated for a posterior analysis of the correlation with the amount of retroperitoneal adipose tissue dissected on the same day. For analysis of the data, the Pearson correlation test was used, considering statistical significance for p<0.05. Results: Body weight had a weak correlation (r= 0.31; p= 0.38) with retroperitoneal adipose tissue. While the longitudinal correlated moderately and negative (r= -0.40; p= 0.25). Abdominal circumference (r= 0.62; p= 0.05), body mass index (r= 0.61; p= 0.03) and Lee (r= 0.69; p= 0.03) correlated moderately and positively with adipose tissue. Conclusion: Among the measured murine measurements, weight and longitudinal axis were not good indicators to represent accumulation of retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats. However, Lee's index seems to be the best murine marker to diagnose the accumulation of retroperitoneal fat. BMI, CA and Lee index were murine parameters with higher correlation.

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a correlação entre medidas murinométricas e tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos expostos à dieta hiperlipídica. Material e métodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos adultos, descendentes de mães que consumiram dieta hiperlipídica durante a gestação e lactação e alimentados com a mesma dieta após o desmame. Aos 60 dias de vida, foram medidos o peso corporal, o eixo longitudinal e a circunferência da cintura (CC). O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e o Índice de Lee foram calculados para posterior análise da correlação com a quantidade de tecido adiposo retroperitoneal dissecado no mesmo dia. Para análise dos dados, utilizou se o teste de correlação de Pearson, considerando significância estatística para p<0.05. Resultados: O peso corporal apresentou uma correlação fraca (r= 0,31; p= 0,38) com o tecido adiposo retroperitoneal. Enquanto o longitudinal correlacionou moderadamente e negativo (r= -0,40; p= 0,25). A circunferência abdominal (r = 0,62; p = 0,05), índice de massa corporal (r= 0,61; p= 0,03) e Lee (r= 0,69; p= 0,03) correlacionaram-se moderada e positivamente com o tecido adiposo. Conclusão: Entre as medidas murinométricas, o peso e o eixo longitudinal não foram bons indicadores para representar o acúmulo de tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos. No entanto, o índice de Lee parece ser o melhor indicador murinométrico para diagnosticar o acúmulo de gordura retroperitoneal. O IMC, índice de Lee e CA foram parâmetros murinométricos com maior correlação.

Effects of chronic consumption of green tea on weight and body fat distribution of Wistar rats evaluated by computed tomography

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of chronic consumption of green tea on body weight and distribution of visceral fat by Computed tomography in female Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into control group (n = 5), which received water and feed ad libitum, and green tea group (n = 8), in which water has been replaced by green tea. The animals were weighed weekly and Computed Tomography was used at the beginning (1st week) and end (18th week) of the experiment for evaluating the distribution of visceral fat. The animals were followed for 18 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in body weight between the groups. However, there was significant difference in visceral fat area. The green tea group had less visceral fat area at the end of the experiment, 3.67 ± 1.2 cm2, while the control group showed an area of 6.25 ± 2.2 cm (p = 0.00). Conclusions: Chronic consumption of green tea leads to decreased visceral adipose tissue area.

Bioimpedância elétrica e gordura visceral: uma comparação com a tomografia computadorizada em adultos e idosos / Bioelectrical impedance and visceral fat: a comparison with computed tomography in adults and elderly

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre bioimpedância elétrica (BIA) e gordura visceral (GV) em adultos e idosos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, 191 indivíduos (52% mulheres, 49% idosos), estratificados por sexo, grupo etário e massa corporal. Obtiveram-se dados sobre tomografia computadorizada (área de GV) e BIA (percentual de gordura corporal total (%GCT-BIA), ângulo de fase, reactância e resistência). Análise estatística: Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson, Anova, Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Curva ROC. RESULTADOS: Áreas de GV > 130 cm² foram mais observadas em idosos e em homens. Entre as mulheres adultas, mostrou-se correlação mais forte entre GV e %GCT-BIA. Os demais grupos apresentaram resultados semelhantes e correlações estatisticamente significantes. As correlações entre GV e ângulo de fase foram fracas e sem significância estatística. As análises da Curva ROC indicaram os seguintes %GCT-BIA que identificaram excesso de GV: homens: 21,5% (adultos), 24,25% (idosos); mulheres: 35,05% (adultas), 38,45% (idosas), com sensibilidade de 78,6%, 82,1%, 83,3%, 66,7% e especificidade de 70,6%, 62,5%, 79,1%, 69%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: BIA apresentou satisfatória sensibilidade e especificidade para predizer GV, entretanto, outros aparelhos e técnicas devem ser investigados para melhorar essa predição.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and visceral fat (VF) in adult and elderly patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 191 subjects (52% women, 49% elderly) stratified by sex, age and body mass. Computerized tomography (VF area) and BIA (percentage of total body fat (%TBF-BIA), phase angle, reactance and resistance) data were generated. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, Anova, Pearson's Chi-square, and ROC curves. RESULTS: VF areas > 130 cm² were more prevalent among the elderly and among men. Adult females showed a stronger correlation between GV and %TBF-BIA. The other groups showed similar results and statistically significant correlations. Correlations between GV and phase angle were weak and not statistically significant. ROC Curves analyzes showed the following %TBF-BIA, which identified excess VF: for male subjects: 21.5% (adults) and 24.25% (elderly); for female subjects: 35.05% (adults) and 38.45% (elderly) with sensitivity of 78.6%, 82.1%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, and specificity of 70.6%, 62.5%, 79.1%, and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSION: BIA was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity to predict VF; however, other devices and other techniques should be investigated to improve VF prediction.

Letter to the Editor: Visceral Fat and Liver Fat as Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome

No abstract available.

Comparison of Visceral Fat and Liver Fat as Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome

The principal objective of this study was to determine whether visceral fat or liver fat is a more relevant risk factor for metabolic syndrome. A total of 98 subjects aged 18-65 yr, who visited a health promotion center in a university hospital, were enrolled in this study. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the modified National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III report (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria. We defined the visceral obesity as a visceral fat area of > or = 100 cm2 which was acquired by CT at the L4-5 level. To evaluate fatty liver, we applied a liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio < or = 1.1 as measured by CT at the T12 level. We employed binary logistic regression models that used the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome as a dependent variable and age, sex, and the presence or absence of visceral obesity and fatty liver as independent variables. Visceral obesity was not found to be an independent variable as a risk factor of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 2.7; 95% confidence interval 0.55-13.30), but fatty liver was found to be significant in this model (odds ratio 71.3; 95% CI 13.04-389.53). Our study suggests that liver fat may be a more important risk factor than visceral fat in terms of its association with metabolic syndrome.

Methods of predicting visceral fat in Brazilian adults and older adults: a comparison between anthropometry and computerized tomography

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is linked with the metabolic consequences of obesity, being necessary the use alternative methods of predicting this type of fat, like anthropometry. The objective of this study was assess the performance of anthropometry in predicting visceral fat measured with computerized tomography in adults and older adults. Study transversal with 197 individuals underwent computerized tomography (CT) and anthropometry. The variables analized were: visceral adipose tissue area by CT, Sagittal Abdominal Diameter (SAD), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR). A descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation and ROC curve were carried out. We observed Correlations higher than 0.7 (p=0.000) between the SAD, WC and the VAT area were found in adult men and older men and in adult women. WHR displayed the least correlations. The most sensitive and specific SAD cut-off points were equal for all the men (Adults: 20.2 cm /Older adults: 20.2 cm) but different for the women (Adults: 21.0 cm; sens.: 83.3; spec.: 79.1 /Older adults: 19.9 cm; sens.: 81.0; spec.:79.3). The WC cut-off points that identified a VAT area =130cm² were 90.2 cm and 92.2 cm for men (adult men - sens.: 86.7; spec.: 86.1 - and older men- sens.: 79.3; spec.: 77.8 -respectively), while for women the recorded values were 92.3 cm (adult women- sens.: 83.3; spec: 81.4) and 88.2 cm (older women - sens.:76.2; spec.: 69.0).This study showed that WC and SAD achieved the best performance in the identification of visceral fat considered at risk for the development of cardiometabolic diseases in adults and older adults.

Tejido adiposo visceral (TAV) está vinculado con las consecuencias metabólicas de la obesidad, siendo necesario el uso de métodos alternativos de predicción de este tipo de grasa, como la antropometría. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desempeño de la antropometría en la predicción de la grasa visceral medido con tomografía computarizada en adultos y adultos mayores. Estudio transversal con 197 individuos sometidos a tomografía computarizada y la antropometría. Las variables fueron: área de TAV, diámetro abdominal sagital (DAS), circunferencia de cintura (CC) y el índice cintura-cadera (RCC). Análisis descriptivo, de correlación de Pearson y la Curva ROC se llevaron a cabo. Hemos observado correlaciones superiores a 0,7 (p=0,000) entre el DAS, CC y TAV en los hombres adultos y adultos mayores y en mujeres adultas. RCC muestren la mínima correlación. Los puntos de corte de DAS más sensible y específico son iguales para los hombres (adultos y adultos mayores: 20,2cm), pero diferente para las mujeres (Adultos: 21,0cm - sens.:83.3; espec.:79.1 /adultos mayores: 19,9cm - sens.: 81.0; espec.: 79.3). El CC de los puntos de corte fueron de 90,2cm y 92,2cm para los hombres (Hombres adultos- sens.: 86.7; espec.: 86.1- y los hombres mayores - sens.: 79.3; espec.: 77.8, respectivamente), mientras que para las mujeres los valores registrados fueron de 92.3cm (mujeres adultas- sens.: 83.3; espec.:81.4) y 88.2cm (mujeres mayores- sens.: 76.2; espec.:69.0). Este estudio mostró que la CC y el DAS lograr el mejor rendimiento en la identificación de la grasa visceral considerados de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiometabólicas en los adultos y adultos mayores.

Medición volumétrica de grasa visceral abdominal con RM y su relación con elastografía hepática en una población diabética / Volumetric measurement of abdominal visceral fat by MRI and its relation to transient elastography in a diabetic population

Background. Increase in visceral fat is associated to the development of fatty liver and liver fibrosis. Hepatic elastography is a novel noninvasive method for assessing liver fibrosis. Objective. To evaluate the relationship between visceral adipose tissue volume (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue volume (SAT) as measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and transient elastography (TrE) values using ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse) in type 2 Diabetic Mellitus patients (DM2). Methods. We included 20 DM2 patients (mean age: 62 years, range: 55-75, mean weight: 77.8 kg, range: 61.5-97). Patients underwent an MRI study in a Philips Intera 1.5T scanner. MR imaging protocol included a spectral excitation sequence centered on the fat peak. The sequence included 32 cross sections, 7mm thick, from the diaphragmatic cupula to the inferior border of the kidney. VAT was measured by using the semiautomatic Image J software. Each patient underwent a hepatic elastograpy (HE); 10 ARFI measurements were performed in the right hepatic lobe. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed by applying Pearson correlation between abdominal fat volumes and ARFI scores Results. Mean VAT was 2472 +/- 861 cc, (1173-4020 cc), whilst the mean ARFI was 1.62 ± 0.8 m/s, (0.8-3.4 m/s). Correlations obtained were r=0.08 between VAT and ARFI (p=0.72); 0.13 between SAT and ARFI (p=0.57), and -0.06 between (VAT+SAT) and ARFI (p=0.77). By subdividing the sample universe, we observed that the group with ARFI scores greater than 1.6 m/s (7 patients) had a correlation of 0.63 between VAT and ARFI (p=0.12); of 0.66 between SAT and ARFI (p=0.10), and of 0.94 between VAT+SAT and ARFI (p=0.001). In the subgroup with ARFI values inferior to 1.6 m/s (13 patients), the correlation was of 0.11 between VAT and ARFI (p=0.71); of 0.26 between SAT and ARFI (p=0.38), and of 0.32 between ( VAT+SAT) and ARFI (p=0.28). When adjusted for gender, ARFI scores greater than.

Introducción. La acumulación de grasa visceral se asocia al desarrollo de enfermedad hepática. La elastografía hepática es un método novedoso no invasivo para evaluar fibrosis hepática. Objetivo. Evaluar la relación entre el volumen de tejido adiposo visceral (VAT), volumen de tejido adiposo subcutáneo (SAT) medido por resonancia magnética (RM), con índices de elastografía hepática (EH) utilizando ARFI (fuerza de impulso de radiación acústica) en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Métodos. Fueron incluidos 20 pacientes (edad promedio: 62 años, rango: 55-75 años, peso promedio: 77,8 kg, rango: 61,5-97 kg) con DM2. Los pacientes se sometieron a un examen de RM en un resonador Philips Intera 1.5T. Al protocolo de RM se agregó una secuencia de excitación espectral centrada en el peak de grasa. La secuencia incluyó 32 cortes transversales, grosor 7mm, desde la cúpula diafragmática hasta el borde inferior renal. En las imágenes se midió VAT utilizando el software Image J (freeware). En cada paciente se realizó una EH, utilizando ARFI con 10 medidas en lóbulo hepático derecho. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis estadístico a través de la correlación de Pearson entre los volúmenes de grasa abdominal y ARFI. Resultados. El promedio de VAT fue 2472 +/- 861 cc, (1173-4020 cc), el promedio de ARFI fue 1,62 ± 0,8 m/s, (0,8-3,4 m/s). Se obtuvieron correlaciones de r=-0,08 entre VAT y ARFI (p=0,72), de 0,13 entre SAT y ARFI (p=0,57), y de -0,06 entre (VAT+SAT) con ARFI (p=0,77). Subdividiendo el universo muestral, se encontró que el grupo con ARFI mayor que 1,6 m/s (7 pacientes) obtuvo una correlación de 0,63 entre VAT y ARFI (p=0,12), de 0,66 entre SAT y ARFI (p=0,10), y de 0,94 entre (VAT+SAT) con ARFI (p=0,001). En el subgrupo con ARFI inferior a 1,6 m/s (13 pacientes) la correlación fue 0,11 entre VAT y ARFI (p=0,71), de 0,26 entre SAT y ARFI (p=0,38), y de 0,32 entre (VAT+SAT) y ARFI (p=0,28).

Indicadores antropométricos de resistência à insulina / Anthropometric indicators of insulin resistance

Alguns estudos têm analisado a eficiência de indicadores antropométricos em predizer resistência à insulina (RI), por serem mais econômicos e acessíveis. Neste estudo, objetivou-se discutir sobre as medidas e índices antropométricos que têm sido associados à RI. Realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases Scielo, Science Direct e Pubmed. Dentre os estudos analisados, perímetro da cintura e diâmetro abdominal sagital apresentaram melhor capacidade preditiva para RI, com resultados mais consistentes. As relações cintura/coxa, cintura/estatura, pescoço/coxa, o índice de conicidade e o índice sagital demonstraram resultados positivos, contudo mais estudos são necessários para consolidá-los como preditores de RI. Os resultados obtidos com o uso do índice de massa corporal e da relação cintura/quadril foram mais inconsistentes. Sugere-se a realização de estudos avaliando o desempenho desses indicadores em predizer RI na população brasileira, pois resultados de estudos feitos com outras populações muitas vezes não são aplicáveis à nossa, devido às diferenças étnicas resultantes da grande miscigenação no País.

Some studies have analyzed the efficacy of anthropometric indicators in predicting insulin resistance (IR), for they are more economic and accessible. In this study, the objective was to discuss the measures and anthropometric indices that have been associated with IR. A bibliographic review was done, based on Scielo, Science Direct and Pubmed. Among these studies, waist and sagittal abdominal diameter presented better predictive capacity for IR, with more consistent results. The waist-to-thigh, waist-to-size, neck-to-thigh ratios, the conicity and the sagittal index have showed positive results; nevertheless, more studies are necessary to consolidate them as predictors to IR. The obtained results, with the use of body mass index and of the waist-to-hip ratio, were inconsistent. In the Brazilian population, the realization of studies evaluating the performance of these indicators in predicting IR is suggested, since the results of the studies conducted in other populations are not always applicable to ours, due to ethnical differences resulting from the great miscegenation in the country.

The N363S polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor gene: effects on visceral fat assessed by abdominal computed tomography / Polimorfismo N363S do gene do receptor de glucocorticoide: efeito sobre a adiposidade visceral medida pela tomografia computadorizada

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether N363S polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor-gene can be associated to visceral fat by CT scan in obese individuals, and the impact of this variant on metabolic profile. METHODS: The N363S variant was screened in 295 Brazilians, 195 were obese and 100 presented normal weight. Based on genotype, obese N363S SNP carriers were paired with obese wild-type subjects. This group was submitted to a CT scan and metabolic profile assessment. RESULTS: Ten subjects were found to be heterozygous for the variant (A/G genotype frequency 3.4 percent), 8 (4.1 percent) obese and 2 (2.0 percent) non-obese. No differences were reported for visceral adiposity area (145.8 ± 49.9 vs.147.7 ± 48.8 cm²; p = 0.92) based on CT scan results but N363S SNP carriers showed a proneness to unfavorable metabolic changes. CONCLUSION: The N363S polymorphism prevalence is low in the Brazilian population, although its presence may contribute to the worsening of individuals' metabolic profiles.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se a presença do polimorfismo N363S do gene do receptor de glucocorticoide estaria associada, em indivíduos obesos, à presença de adiposidade visceral pela tomografia computadorizada, e sobre o impacto desta variante genética no perfil metabólico. MÉTODOS: A variante N363S do receptor do glicocorticoide foi verificada em um grupo de 295 indivíduos brasileiros, sendo 295 obesos e 100 com peso normal. Com base na genotipagem, os indivíduos obesos carreadores do polimorfismo N363S foram pareados com obesos normais. O grupo com polimorfismo foi submetido a exames de tomografia computadorizada abdominal e laboratoriais para a caracterização de seu perfil metabólico. RESULTADOS: Dez indivíduos eram heterozigotos para a variante AG (3,4 por cento), sendo oito obesos (4,1 por cento) e dois não-obesos (2 por cento). Não foram encontradas diferenças na quantidade de adiposidade visceral (145,8 ± 49,9 versus 147,7 ± 48,8 cm²; p = 0,92) baseados no TC de abdômen. No entanto, os indivíduos carreadores do N363S SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) apresentaram tendência a perfil metabólico desfavorável. CONCLUSÃO: O polimorfismo N363S do gene do receptor de glucocorticoide teve prevalência baixa na população estudada. A sua presença pode contribuir para a deterioração do perfil metabólico desses indivíduos.