Anna Kęska

Body shape index versus body mass index as correlates of health risk in young healthy sedentary men

Recently a new simply calculated index of body composition -a body shape index (ABSI) has been introduced as an index more reliable than BMI of association between body composition and all-cause mortality. However, until now associations between ABSI and metabolic risk factors have not been evaluated. A total of 114 male university students not engaged in any planned physical activity participated in the present study. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference) were recorded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height, body shape index (ABSI) was calculated from waist circumference, weight, height and BMI. Blood was withdrawn after an overnight fast from the antecubital vein. Triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels in plasma were determined using colorimetric methods and Randox commercial kits. Plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations were calculated according to the Friedewald formula. Circulating insulin was assayed using a standard radioimmunological method with monoclonal antibodies against insulin and BioSource commercial kits. BMI was slightly, but significantly correlated only with circulating TG (r=0.330, p < 0.001) In contrast, ABSI was slightly, but significantly correlated with plasma levels of insulin (r=0.360, p<0.001), TC (r=0.270, p<0.002), LDL-C and non-HDL-C (r=0.300, p<0.001). In participants at the upper quartile of BMI circulating TG was higher (by 50%, p<0.05) than in their counterparts at the lower BMI quartile. Subjects representing the upper quartile of ABSI were characterized by higher plasma levels of insulin, TC, LDL-C and non-HDL in comparison with subjects at the lower ABSI quartile. (by 92 %, 11. %, 29 % and 21 % respectively, p<0.001). ABSI, a new simply calculated index of body fat seems to more accurately depict the variability in circulating insulin and lipoproteins than BMI at least in young, healthy male subjects.

High intensity interval and moderate continuous cycle training in a physical education programme improves health-related fitness in young females

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of regular physical education classes supplemented with high intensity interval cycle exercise (HIIE) or continuous cycle exercises of moderate intensity (CME). Forty-eight collegiate females exercising in two regular physical education classes per week were randomly assigned to two programmes (HIIE; n = 24 or CME; n = 24) of additional (one session of 63 minutes per week) physical activity for 8 weeks. Participants performed HIIE comprising 2 series of 6x10 s sprinting with maximal pedalling cadence and active recovery pedalling with intensity 65%–75% HRmax or performed CME corresponding to 65%-75% HRmax. Before and after the 8-week programmes, anthropometric data and aero- and anaerobic capacity were measured. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant time main effect for VO2max (p < 0.001), similar improvements being found in both groups (+12% in HIIE and +11% in CME), despite body mass not changing significantly (p = 0.59; +0.4% in HIIE and -0.1% in CME). A significant main time effect was found for relative fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). A group x time interaction effect was found for relative FM and FFM (p = 0.018 and p = 0.018); a greater reduction in FM and greater increase in FFM were noted in the CME than the HIIE group. Improvements in anaerobic power were observed in both groups (p < 0.001), but it was greater in the HIIE group (interaction effect, p = 0.022). Weight loss is not mandatory for exercise-induced effects on improving aerobic and anaerobic capacity in collegiate females. Eight weeks of regular physical education classes supplemented with CME sessions are more effective in improving body composition than physical education classes supplemented with HIIE sessions. In contrast to earlier, smaller trials, similar improvements in aerobic capacity were observed following physical activity with additional HIIE or CME sessions.

Variability in HOMA-IR, Lipoprotein Profile and Selected Hormones in Young Active Men

Resistance to insulin actions is contributing to many metabolic disturbances. Such factors as age, sex, nutrition, body fat, and physical activity determine body insulin resistance. Present study attempted to asses insulin resistance and its metabolic effects with respect to energy intake in young, lean, and active men. A total of 87 men aged 18–23 participated in the study. Plasma levels of glucose, insulin, lipoproteins, cortisol, and TSH were determined. Insulin resistance was expressed as Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and calculated using homeostatic model. The median value of HOMA-IR (1.344) was used to divide subjects into two groups. Men did not differ in anthropometric parameters, daily physical activity, and plasma TSH and cortisol levels. However, in men with higher HOMA-IR significantly lower daily energy intake was observed concomitantly with higher TG, TC, and HDL-C concentrations in plasma versus their counterparts with lower HOMA-IR. Exclusively in subjects with higher HOMA-IR significant and positive correlation was noted between HOMA-IR and TC and LDL-C. We concluded that despite a normal body weight and physical activity, a subset of young men displayed unfavorable changes in insulin sensitivity and lipid profile, probably due to insufficient energy intake.

Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus dietary intake in active and sedentary Polish students

Summary Study aim: To evaluate energy, macronutrient, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate daily intake in young healthy Polish male students. Material and methods: Two hundred and sixteen participants were physical education students engaged in regular physical activity (about 9 h/week) and were recognized as physically active. One hundred and fourteen students were from other specializations participating in 1.5 h/week gymnastics classes and were recognized as sedentary. Body mass and height were measured using standard medical equipment. Body fat was evaluated from four skinfold measurements. In all subjects daily intake of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium and phosphate was briefly assessed from 24-hour food records taken over 4 days. Results: The active students’ diet was characterized by significantly higher energy, macronutrient and mineral daily intake. Moreover, calcium to phosphorus and calcium to magnesium ratios in active subjects were higher than in sedentary ones. There was no significant difference between groups in protein or magnesium intake expressed per 1000 kcal. In contrast, daily intake of fat and phosphate expressed per 1000 kcal was significantly lower in the active students vs. sedentary ones (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 for fat and phosphate, respectively). Active students were characterized by significantly higher carbohydrate and calcium intake per 1000 kcal in comparison with their sedentary counterparts (p < 0.001 for both variables). Conclusions: The dietary pattern of active students was found to be slightly but significantly better than that of their sedentary counterparts. However, in both groups it was far from being a healthy one.

Insufficient physical activity increases cardiovascular risk in women with low birth mass

Summary Study aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between low birth mass and concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a cardiovascular risk factor in young women with various levels of physical activity. Materials and methods: 102 female students aged 19.7 ± 0.8 (18.6-23.0) were included. The study group was divided according to the declared physical activity: high physical activity (HPA, n = 69) and low physical activity (LPA, n = 33). Anthropometric indices were measured: body mass, height, hip and waist circumference. hsCRP levels were obtained from venous blood samples. Birth body mass (BBM) and birth height were collected from medical documentation. Results: Women with low BBM and LPA had a significantly higher concentration of hsCRP than women with low BBM and HPA, as well as women with normal BBM. Conclusions: Low birth mass together with low physical activity is a strong predictor of raised concentration of hsCRP, which correlates with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Regular physical activity in women with low birth mass may prevent an increased hsCRP concentration, and as a result decrease the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Relationships between bone mineral density and new indices of body composition in young, sedentary men and women

INTRODUCTION Data concerning the relationship between body fat and BMD are equivocal since both positive and negative effects have been noted. Recently, the index of fat mass (IFM) representing subjects with different body fat and similar lean mass and index of lean mass (ILM) representing subjects with different lean body mass and similar body fat, have been used to evaluate body composition effect on BMD in middle-aged women. This study aimed at determination of ILM and IFM association with BMD in young men and women. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 212 university students of Public Health (125 women and 87 men) participated in the study. Body composition was determined by the bioelectrical impedance method (BIA) using BC 418 MA equipment (Tanita Co., Japan). Fat mass and fat free mass were used to calculate ILM and IFM. Bone mineral density was measured on the wrist of the non-dominant hand using the DEXA method and EXA 3000 equipment (HFS Ltd., Korea). BMD was evaluated using Z-score, with values lower than -2.0 indicating inadequate BMD for subject chronological age. RESULTS Exclusively in women, IFM was markedly and positively correlated with Z-score (r=0.366, P<0.001). In both genders, a significant relationship was found between ILM and Z-scores (r=0.420; p<0.001 and r=0.220; p<0.02 in men and women, respectively). Women with lower than median IFM but similar ILM, were characterized by significantly lower Z-scores vs. women with higher IFM (-1.016 vs. -0.512; p<0.001). Irrespective of gender, participants with higher ILM but similar IFM, were characterized by markedly higher Z-score vs. their counterparts with low ILM. CONCLUSIONS The use of IFM and ILM in the present study, allowed the observation that in young adults lean body mass was associated with BMD, regardless of gender, while fat mass is significant for bone mineral density only in women.

The contribution of paraoxonase 1 and myeloperoxidase to HDL-cholesterol functionality

Summary The purpose of this study was to analyse the scientific evidence concerning the effects of two enzymes – paraoxonase 1 and myeloperoxidase – on the functions of HDL-cholesterol. It is well documented that disturbed circulating lipoproteins (a high total and high LDL-cholesterol, and low HDL-cholesterol) bring about atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is recognised as the main cause of death all around the world. In consequence, numerous studies have focused on procedures which will improve the plasma lipoproteins profile by decreasing the total cholesterol and the LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and increasing the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). However, the anti-atherogenic role of HDL-C has been challenged in studies showing that genetically elevated HDL-cholesterol does not offer protection against CVD. Moreover, it has been found that raising the circulating HDL-cholesterol fails to reduce atherosclerosis. The doubts concerning the protective role of HDL-C have been supported by in vitro studies which indicate that the HDL-C from patients with atherosclerosis does not have a protective action, but does stimulate inflammation and free radical synthesis. The above data suggests that HDL-C, commonly recognised as protective against atherosclerosis, in some circumstances becomes pro-atherogenic, and is thus dysfunctional. Our review focuses on two enzymes – paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) – which markedly affect the properties of HDL-C and contribute to its anti – or pro-atherogenic activity. Moreover, the effects of the diet and physical activity on PON1 and MPO are summarised with respect to the HDL-C functionality.

Cardio-pulmonary fitness and anthropometric features in men aged 50+ trained in long-distance running and those not trained

Summary Study aim: the aim of study was assessment somatic features and selected cardio-ventilatory indices in men above 50 years old with different physical activity levels. Materials and methods: the study included 55 men on average aged 54.5 ± 4.32, classified to the trained group (T), n = 33, and not trained group (NT), n = 22. Total physical activity was assessed using the SDPAR Questionnaire. Measurements: anthropometric indices, ventilatory indices and VO2 peak, hemodynamic indices and fatigue using Borg scale during exercise maximal test. Results: daily energy expenditures for sport and recreation differ significantly between T and NT groups, 6.82 METs vs. 0.2 METs, respectively (p < 0.001). Men in T and NT groups significantly differ in somatic features, and cardio-pulmonary indices including: time of physical tests effort (s) 1103 ± 193 vs. 681 ± 328; max speed (km/h) 14 ± 1.5 vs. 10 ± 1.4, VE peak 135.9 ± 21.17 l/min vs. 112.9 ± 21.49 l/min; VO2 peak 61.8 ± 8.83 ml/kg/min vs. 41.9 ± 8.55 ml/kg/min; HR rest (beat/min) 69 ± 16.95 vs. 83 ± 14.48; HR peak (beat/min) 171 ± 1.23 vs. 163 ± 15.28; SV peak (ml) 162 ± 24.23 vs. 135 ± 33.22; CO peak 27.4 ± 4,3 vs. 21.6 ± 5.17. Conclusions: men aged 50+ who practice running training differ favourably and significantly from men not trained in anthropometric as well as cardio-ventilatory indices. Significant correlations were found between DEE and FAT(%), VO2 peak (ml/kg/min), SV peak (ml) and COpeak (l/min) as well between CO peak and VO2peak was record linear relationship (r = 0.56).

The influence of thyroid function and bone turnover on lipoprotein profile in young physically active men with different insulin sensitivity.

Physical activity induces changes in the endocrine system. Previous data indicated that changes in insulin secretion and the tissue response to this hormone are very important for energy metabolism. It is believed that they are accompanied by changes in lipid metabolism, but factors contributing to this process are still disputed. The aim of this study was to assess interactions among insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, a bone turnover marker and serum lipid profile in young physically active men. Eighty-seven physical education students, aged 18-23 years, participated in the study. We measured serum levels of glucose, lipids, insulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), osteocalcin and anthropometric parameters. Insulin sensitivity was determined using homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The median value of HOMA-IR (1.344) was used to divide the study population into Group A (above the median) and Group B (below the median). Men from both groups did not differ in anthropometric parameters or in daily physical activity. Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were higher in Group A (P < 0.05). TSH and osteocalcin levels were similar in males with different HOMA-IR. Multiple regression analysis for TSH and osteocalcin showed that in Group A these hormones had no effect on plasma lipoproteins. However, in Group B they significantly determined the variation of plasma TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (in about 28% and 29%, respectively). We concluded that TSH and osteocalcin are involved in determination of a more healthy lipid profile at a certain level of insulin sensitivity.

Effect of five-week preparatory training period on aerobic and anaerobic performance of male judo athletes

Summary Introduction. The physiological demands of a judo match strain both anaerobic and aerobic systems. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of five weeks of training during a preparatory period on anaerobic and aerobic performance of well trained male judokas. Material and methods. The subject of the present study were nine male judo athletes, members of a collegiate team. Before and after five-week training, all participants performed a graded exercise test on the treadmill for the determination of anaerobic threshold and the 30 s Wingate test for lower body. After each workload, the capillary blood from finger tips was taken for lactate determination during incremental exercise and 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 30 minutes after cessation of the 30 s Wingate test. Results. Five-week training period resulted in statistically significant increase of velocity at anaerobic threshold (VAT), determined in a graded exercise test. The peak power, in terms of relative (W/kg) values, measured in the Wingate test for lower body, was similar before and after the five-week training period, however the relative mean power was significantly higher after this training period finished. The blood lactate concentration, 30 minutes after cessation of the Wingate test, was significantly lower after the five weeks of training in comparison with the values before training. Conclusions. The obtained data shows that the five-week preparatory training period resulted in the increase of aerobic fitness of male judo athletes. The results of the current study in well trained male judokas may provide useful information for coaches and trainers in optimizing training programs.