Kyung Hee Yi

Gender Differences in Total and Regional Body Composition Changes as Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Korean Children and Adolescents

The objective of this study was to gain normal reference values and to evaluate gender differences in total and regional body composition changes according to age and Tanner stage by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in Korean. Four hundred and forty-nine healthy subjects, aged 5-20 yr were enrolled. Until 9 yr of age, males had a higher lean tissue mass and a lower percent body fat (%BF) than the females (12.6% vs 10.0%, p<0.01). These differences were not evident from 10 to 12.9 yr because of early pubertal progression in girls. After 13 yr, a significant sex difference in the body compositions were observed again. In late teens, females have higher %BF than males (25.6% vs 12.3%, p<0.01). However, females have lower android-gynoid percent fat ratio than males at Tanner stages (TSs) 4 and 5 (p<0.01). These differences are because of significant increase of gynoid lean tissue mass after 13 yr in males. The reference data would be useful for future research related to growth and obesity in Korean children and adolescents.

Early menarche increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes in young and middle‐aged Korean women

To investigate the association between early menarche (menarche age < 12 years) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in young and middle‐aged Korean women.

Behavioral and intelligence outcome in 8- to 16-year-old born small for gestational age.

Purpose We investigated behavioral problems, attention problems, and cognitive function in children and adolescents born small for gestational age (SGA). Methods Forty-six SGA children born at term and 46 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children born at term were compared. Psychiatric symptoms were examined with reference to the Korean-Child Behavior Checklist, Korean-Youth Self Report, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (ADHD-RS). Cognitive function was estimated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Sociodemographic data were recorded from interviews. Results SGA children had high scores on delinquent behavior, aggressive behavior, and the externalizing scale, and they also showed a propensity for anxiety and depression. The SGA group had a higher mean ADHD-RS score than the AGA group (10.52±8.10 vs.9.93±7.23), but the difference was not significant. The SGA group had a significantly lower verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) than the AGA group, but the mean scores of both groups were within normal limits. Conclusion This study indicates marked behavioral problems, such as delinquency, aggressiveness, and anxiety and depression, as well as low verbal IQ in the SGA group than in the AGA group. Even in cases in which these symptoms are not severe, early detection and proper treatment can help these children adapt to society.

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and metabolic syndrome in Korean children and adolescents

Aims Vitamin D is required not only for bone health but also has been reported to play a role in a range of ailments such as autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, depression, and certain types of cancer. Several studies have reported that poor vitamin D status during childhood and adolescence is related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular disease while 25(OH)D concentration is known to be independently associated with both insulin sensitivity and beta cell function. A recent study reported that low serum 25(OH)D to be associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean children. We investigated the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and the presence of metabolic syndrome components in Korean children and adolescents. We also compared the components of metabolic syndrome according to vitamin D status in Korean children and adolescents.

Mixed gonadal dysgenesis in 45,X Turner syndrome with SRY gene

Turner syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in girls. Various phenotypic features show depending upon karyotype from normal female through ambiguous genitalia to male. Usually, Turner girls containing 45,X/46,XY mosaicism, or sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene may have mixed gonadal dysgenesis with various external sexual differentiation. We experienced a short statured 45,X Turner girl with normal external genitalia. Because SRY gene was positive, laparoscopic gonadectomy was performed. The dysgenetic gonads revealed bilateral ovotesticular tissues. The authors report a mixed gonadal dysgenesis case found in clinical 45,X Turner patient with positive SRY gene. Screening for SRY gene should be done even the karyotype is 45,X monosomy and external genitalia is normal.

Correlation of leptin, neuropeptide Y and amylin in childhood obesity

Methods The body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, blood pressure (systolic/diastolic), lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, leptin, neuropeptide Y(NPY), amylin were measured in 56 children (24 obese children and 32 non-obese controls). We calculated HOMA-IR and evaluated the relationship between each anthropometric data, metabolic bio-marker and diet regulating factor (leptin, NPY, amylin).