Andrea Regöly-Mérei

Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) for monitoring oxidative stress in critically ill patients : a simple, fast and inexpensive automated technique

Abstract Oxidative stress is known to be involved in many human pathological processes. Although there are numerous methods available for the assessment of oxidative stress, most of them are still not easily applicable in a routine clinical laboratory due to the complex methodology and/or lack of automation. In research into human oxidative stress, the simplification and automation of techniques represent a key issue from a laboratory point of view at present. In 1996 a novel oxidative stress biomarker, referred to as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), was detected in the plasma of chronic uremic patients. Here we describe in detail an automated version of the originally published microplate-based technique that we adapted for a Cobas Mira Plus clinical chemistry analyzer. AOPP reference values were measured in plasma samples from 266 apparently healthy volunteers (university students; 81 male and 185 female subjects) with a mean age of 21.3years (range 18–33). Over a period of 18months we determined AOPP concentrations in more than 300 patients in our department. Our experiences appear to demonstrate that this technique is especially suitable for monitoring oxidative stress in critically ill patients (sepsis, reperfusion injury, heart failure) even at daily intervals, since AOPP exhibited rapid responses in both directions. We believe that the well-established relationship between AOPP response and induced damage makes this simple, fast and inexpensive automated technique applicable in daily routine laboratory practice for assessing and monitoring oxidative stress in critically ill or other patients.

Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity on the basis of body mass index and body fat percentage in Hungarian schoolchildren: representative survey in metropolitan elementary schools.

Backgrounds/Aims: The incidence of obesity is increasing dramatically not only among adults, but also in children. The purpose of the survey was to assess the age- and gender-specific anthropometric data of children between the ages of 7 and 14 years who attended elementary schools in Budapest. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2005. Altogether 1,928 students (1,002 boys and 926 girls) were recruited from the schools. The representative sampling sites were selected randomly. Height and waist circumference were measured, other data were analyzed by an 8-polar bioelectrical impedance procedure. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 11 for windows. Results: On the basis of body mass index (BMI), prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 5.1, 18.1 and 7.4% for boys and 6.8, 19.6 and 6.3% for girls, respectively. On the basis of body fat percentage (%BF), prevalence of obesity was 17.9% for boys and 12.8% for girls. Forty nine percent of boys and 28% of girls categorized as overweight by BMI were obese according to their %BF. The difference in waist circumference between individuals categorized by BMI as normal and obese was 24.7 cm for boys and 20.5 cm for girls. Between those categorized as non-obese and obese by %BF, the difference was 17.3 cm for boys and 16.4 cm for girls. Normal and overweight boys and girls with high %BF had significantly higher waist circumferences than their counterparts with normal %BF. This means that many obese children may escape detection as obese, if classified as overweight on the basis of BMI alone. Conclusion: Results appear to underline that in addition to BMI, the determination of the %BF and waist circumference is important in epidemiological studies to identify obese subjects.

Dietary Habits of School Children: Representative Survey in Metropolitan Elementary Schools – Part Two

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the eating habits and the nutrient intake of 11- to 14-year-old school children as part of a representative nutrition and health survey in primary schools in Budapest. Methods: A food frequency questionnaire of 875 school children, aged from 11 to 14 (449 boys and 426 girls), was recorded and evaluated. Energy and nutrient intake of 235 children (124 boys and 111 girls) was calculated in parallel by 3-day dietary record. Results: The average energy intake (MJ) was appropriate (boys: 10.40 ± 1.89; girls: 9.18 ± 1.50); protein and fat intake was somewhat higher than the Hungarian recommended dietary allowances. Sodium intake was alarmingly high. The intake of calcium and vitamin D was inadequate. The intakes of zinc, chromium, retinol, folate for both genders, and iron in the case of girls were insufficient. The daily consumption of milk and dairy products was deficient, that of vegetables and fresh fruits was rather low, while the frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, chips, sticks and fast foods was high. Conclusions: Nutrition intervention programs should be launched among Hungarian school children.

Representative study for the evaluation of age- and gender-specific anthropometric parameters and blood pressure in an adolescent Hungarian population

Backgrounds/Aims: To assess the age- and gender-specific anthropometric parameters and blood pressure in Hungarian adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between 1997and 2000. Altogether 6,345 secondary school students (aged 15–18 years) were involved in the study. The representative sampling sites were selected randomly. In the capital city 3-stage and in the counties 4-stage stratified groups were assigned for the studies. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows 9.0. Results: The age- and gender-specific percentile distributions are given with regard to body weight, body height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and arterial blood pressure values. Elevated blood pressure values were found at the first recording in 14.1% of the boys and in 2.5% of the girls. Since it is well known that the arterial blood pressure (ABP) may exhibit considerable intra- individual fluctuation with time, we therefore categorized normotensive and hypertensive students on the basis of the mean ABP values calculated from data obtained during the course of the three separate consecutive measurement periods at least 2 weeks apart. After that, the incidence of high blood pressure was 7.5% in boys and 1.1% in girls. Conclusion: The age- and gender-specific cutoff values thus formed may serve as reference values to assess the risk of developing nutrition-related noninfectious diseases in the future on the basis of the present percentile distribution of BMI. The present study also provides data on the prevalence of hypertension in the 15- to 18-year-old age group.

Effects of Oligofructose Containing Diet in Obese Persons

UNLABELLED In the treatment of obesity the introduction of a low-calorie diet is a fundamental requirement. The enhancement of the fiber content of food causing satiety may contribute to the observation of dietary prescriptions. Oligofructoses belong to the group of dietary fibers. AIM To study the effects of the consumption of a low-energy diet (2,000 kcal/day) completed with Jerusalem artichoke concentrate in obese adolescents and adults. METHODS 12 obese students (6 boys and 6 girls) and 6 obese women were put on a low-calorie regimen for 12 weeks, whereas 16 obese students (10 boys and 6 girls) and 17 obese women consumed the same low-calorie diet completed with Jerusalem artichoke concentrate containing 14 g/day oligofructose. Sensation of fullness was estimated. In addition to anthropometric parameters serum biomarkers of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and adipokines were determined. RESULTS The consumption of the low-calorie diet completed with Jerusalem artichoke concentrate resulted in a diminished sensation of hunger. Body mass index and body fat percentage decreased significantly. In girls and women, the serum levels of triglycerides were also significantly reduced and the rate of insulin resistance estimated on the basis of homeostasis model assessment was also improved. CONCLUSIONS The results of this pilot study appear to demonstrate that the Jerusalem artichoke concentrate produced by a new technology can be a promising component of future diet therapy.

Lifestyle of School Children: Representative Survey in Metropolitan Elementary Schools – Part One

Background/Aims: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children is increasing dramatically. Obesity is multifactorial and depends on lifestyle as well as genetic components. The purpose of the survey was to investigate the lifestyle of 7- to 14-year-old children attending elementary schools in Budapest. Methods: The research was questionnaire-based. Children were asked to answer questions about their leisure activities, physical exercise, nutritional, eating, and smoking habits. Results: Many children live a sedentary life and are dissatisfied with their body weight. One in 5 boys and 1 in 3 girls have been on a slimming diet at least once. About two-thirds of the children regularly consumed vitamin and/or mineral supplements and at the same time just over half of them knew how much fruit should be eaten daily. School children in the upper classes did not eat 5 times a day. More than 5% of the 11- to 14-year-old boys and more than 10% of the girls smoked regularly.Conclusions: According to our results, the unfavorable lifestyle of the great majority of Hungarian school children may have implications for their health during adulthood.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Hungarian University Students in Budapest

Background/aims: The lack of data regarding cardiovascular risk factors among university students in Hungary prompted us to undertake a cross-sectional pilot study in students at Semmelweis University, Budapest. Methods: A total of 264 students (78 males, mean age 21.4 ± 2.6 years, and 186 females, mean age 21.2 ± 2.6 years) participated in the study. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure and serum lipid parameters were investigated. The relationship between body mass index and cardiovascular disease risk factors were analyzed. Results: The occurrence of overweight and abdominal obesity was significantly higher in the male group. The mean serum lipid values were within the acceptable range for both genders; however, in a significantly greater number of male than female students the HDL-cholesterol concentration (<1 mmol/l) was in the low range. High lipoprotein(a) values were seen in 33% of the male and 22.6% of the female students. In both groups of students the body mass index exhibited a positive correlation with waist circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (p < 0.01), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the female students there was an inverse correlation between body mass index and HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Conclusions: The anthropometric and lipid parameters of the student population studied were more favorable than those for an age-matched Hungarian youth population. Nevertheless, the higher occurrence of elevated blood pressure, overweight, abdominal obesity, lower HDL-cholesterol in the male group should be regarded as a warning sign, all the more since their diet was imbalanced and their knowledge in this field was incomplete. The results of our preliminary study point out the importance of teaching nutrition more efficiently, not only during university training but also at an earlier age.

Lifestyle of Hungarian Adolescents – Observations among Metropolitan Secondary School Students

Background/Aims: Obesity among adolescents is a significant and global disease which requires early prevention. The development of overweight and obesity depends not only on genetic components but also on lifestyle. The objective of the survey was to study the lifestyle of 15- to 19-year-old secondary school students in Budapest. Methods: Students (n = 1,273, 670 boys, 603 girls) were asked to complete questionnaires about their leisure activities, physical exercise, eating habits and knowledge of nutrition. The response rate was 45.2%. Results: Three-quarters of the secondary school students lived a sedentary life and more than half were dissatisfied with their body weight. More than 40% of the girls had been on a slimming diet at least once. Half of the students regularly consumed vitamin and/or mineral supplements. Nearly 25% of the adolescents did not have breakfast and nearly 60% of the school-leavers smoked regularly. Conclusions: Coordinated cooperation is necessary among stakeholders to support the aim of changing nutritional and exercise behavior of adolescents.

Colorectalis tumorban szenvedô betegek tápláltsági állapota és antioxidáns-státusza

Az oxidativ stressz a colorectalis carcinogenesis egyik rizikofaktora. A gyulladasos reakciokban aktivalodnak a leukocytak, szabad gyokoket termelve mutagen es mitogen hatast kifejtve elősegitik a tumorkepződest. Az elhizas, a hyperlipidaemia es a hyperinzulinaemia noveli az epithelialis sejtek energiamennyiseget, ez pedig gatolhatja a mitochondrialis elektrontranszportlanc folyamatos műkodeset. Az utobbi kovetkezmenye a fokozott szabadgyok-kepződes, ami a sejtciklus szabalyozasi zavarahoz, mutaciokhoz es a karosodott sejtek kontrollalatlan szaporodasahoz vezethet. Celkitűzes: Malignus es benignus colorectalis tumorokban szenvedő betegek taplaltsagi allapotanak es antioxidans-statuszuk nehany parameterenek a vizsgalata. Modszerek: Tapanyagbevitel szamitasa, antropometriai meresek (testmagassag, testtomeg, derek-, csipő-, felkarkorfogat, testtomegindex, derek-csipő hanyados), szerumprealbumin-meghatarozas, antioxidans-statusz biomarkereinek vizsgalata (szuperoxid-dizmutaz-, glutation-peroxidaz aktivitas, h...

Medical Activities of Aesculus hippocastaneum (Horse-Chestnut) Saponins

The general health condition of the Hungarian population can be regarded as not satisfactory. Life expectancy is very short, and there is observed a declining tendency, mainly for the male population. Recently Hungary had first place in the frequency and mortality from ischemic heart diseases among European countries, and this situation has not changed since that time. Mainly the male population between 35–44 year is liable to die from cardiovascular diseases.