Marta Cvíčelová

Power of biomarkers and their relative contributions to metabolic syndrome in Slovak adult women

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of risk components which pre-dispose individuals to cardiovascular mortality. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the variability of biochemical and anthropometric characteristics, apolipoprotein E (APOE) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) genes and their contribution to MetS manifestation. Subjects and methods: A total of 438 adult women were recruited from different localities in Slovakia. All data was established by standard anthropometric, biochemical and genetic methods. Results: The logarithm of the ratio of plasma concentration of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol [log(TG-to-HDL-C)], waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein A1, glucose and alanin aminotransferase accounted for most of the differences in MetS manifestation. Logistic regression showed that participants with risk values of the atherogenic index log(TG-to-HDL-C) had a 15.62-fold higher risk of MetS compared to those with lower values for this index (95% CI = 8.3–29.1). Women with hyperglycaemia (or formerly diagnosed diabetes mellitus) had an 8.82–times higher risk of MetS (95%CI = 3.22–24.16). Women with hyper-uricaemia had the same risk of MetS incidence as women with abdominal obesity, Exp (B) = 4.05.Hypercholesterolaemia, ACE and APOE genotypes did not influence MetS. Conclusion: MetS may involve many risk factors that can cause serious disorders in multiple organs. However, women with risk values involving plasma atherogenic index log (TG-to-HDL-C) experienced the highest risk of developing MetS.

ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and its relationships to the components of metabolic syndrome in elderly Slovaks.

The purpose of this study was to assess clustering of Metabolic Syndrome components in aged Slovaks, and to investigate whether insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with this syndrome. Data were available from 374 Slovak participants (200 females and 174 males) ranging in age between 60 and 90 years. ACE I/D polymorphism was determined by PCR amplification of the ACE gene sequence. Metabolic Syndrome was diagnosed according to criteria in the NCEP ATP-III. Elderly males and females differ significantly in the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (females 45.1%, males 24.8%). The males and females including subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, respectively, did not differ significantly in the three genotype distributions (p = 0.603 and p = 0.247). The allele frequencies (D = 0.5483, I = 0.4517) in the entire sample fell within the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was no confirmed association between ACE genotype and phenotypic variation in the recognized risk components for Metabolic Syndrome in elderly Slovaks. Among other factors which may induce a difference in Metabolic Syndrome, significant effect was detected for sex, BMI, HDL, TG, glucose and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio.

Variant in the FTO gene and biomarkers related to health in mature Slovak women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variant (rs178 17449, G/T) in the first intron of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) was related to different obesity parameters and blood pressure in mature women from Slovakia. A total of 419 Slovak women (241 premenopausal and 178 postmenopausal) ranging in age from 39 to 65 years were recruited from different parts of Slovakia. The subgroups were categorized based on the WHO (1996) criteria. All participants gave written informed consent for participation in this study. Anthropometric parameters were measured using standard methods. Fat mass was examined by bioimpedance and blood pressure was measured in the morning during the medical examination. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood or saliva samples by the JET-QUICK Tissue DNA spine kit. The FTO variant was determined by PCR and restriction analysis according to the methodology of Hubacek et al. (2008). The obtained data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 17.0 for Windows. The FTO genotype and allele frequencies in the entire sample and in subgroups according to their menopausal and blood pressure status fell within the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In postmenopausal women the FTO (rs178 17449) genotype was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.024) in the dominant GG/GT vs.TT model and with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.030) in the recessive GG vs. GT/TT and the additive model (p = 0.043), respectively. In these postmenopausal women regression analysis showed a statistically significant effect of age, BMI and FTO dominant model on SBP, and of BMI on DBP among the other variables capable of inducing blood pressure differences. This study demonstrates that the SNP rs178 17449 in the FTO gene is associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure but not with BMI and obesity variables, as already replicated in several populations throughout the world.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in Slovak population: application in a clinical sample

The purpose of this study is to provide new data on body composition in the Slovak population, particularly impedance vector components according to sex and age, relevant for bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in a clinical sample. The reference sample consisted of 1543 apparently healthy individuals (1007 females and 536 males), aged from 18 to 92 years and of 60 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) (26 females and 34 males), aged from 40 to 81 years. Bioelectrical parameters of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) were measured with a monofrequency analyser (BIA 101). BIVA was used to analyse tissue electric properties in control subjects and patients with PD. The mean vector position differed significantly between PD patients and healthy controls in males of age subgroups 60–69 years and 70–79 years, respectively. These results were conterminous with significant Hotelling’s T2-test; 60–69 y T2=7.8, P=0.024 and 70–79 y T2=7.6, P=0.026. In the RXc-score graph three patients had values outside the 95% ellipse. Altered tissue electric properties were present in 23.5% of males and 15.4% of females. Distribution of impedance vector components in different age categories of healthy Slovak subjects are relevant to comparative population studies and to clinical practice.

The association of cytochrome P450 1B1 Leu432Val polymorphism with biological markers of health and menopausal symptoms in Slovak midlife women.

ObjectiveIn this study, the CYP1B1 polymorphism was examined in relationship to recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In particular, this study focused on plasma lipid levels, atherogenic indices, and body composition. Furthermore, this polymorphism was analyzed as a predisposing factor for menopausal symptoms among women during midlife, subdivided according to their menopause status. MethodsA total of 399 women aged from 39 to 60 years were examined. They were recruited from the western and middle parts of Slovakia. Participants were interviewed during their medical examination, and they were investigated with respect to a variety of aspects such as anthropometric and medical aspects, and a menopause-specific questionnaire was included. The participants provided a saliva or blood sample for DNA genotyping and a blood sample for biochemical analysis. ResultsThe Leu432Val genotype demonstrated statistically significant associations with triglycerides, with the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and with the logarithm of the ratio of plasma concentration of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in women in their reproductive period. The mean values were significantly lower in women carrying the Val/Val genotype. Four atherogenic indices showed a decreasing trend in relationship to the CYP1B1 genotypes in women during their reproductive period (in the following order of magnitude: Leu/Leu + Leu/Val vs Val/Val) and an increasing trend among postmenopausal women in the same order. Furthermore, the Val/Val genotype diminished experiences of bloated stomach, of vaginal dryness in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, and of palpitations in premenopausal women. ConclusionsThe Leu432Val polymorphism may be associated with the lipid profile in midlife women. Moreover, this polymorphism may influence the risk of some menopausal symptoms.

Effect of APOE polymorphism on obesity and lipid profile in women of differing reproductive status

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the effect of apolipoprotein E polymorphism (APOE) on somatic and lipid risk parameters varies in women of differing reproductive status. We analyzed 447 Slovak women aged between 39 and 90 years. APOE genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. Regression analysis confirmed the effect of the APOE genotype on the levels of LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (apoB), nonHDL-cholesterol and on the three atherogenic indices: apoB-to-apoA1, TC-to-HDLcholesterol, LDL-C-to-HDL-cholesterol. Here, lower mean levels were registered in the E2 carriers than in the E3 and E4 subgroups. However, the impact of menopausal status on lipid parameters was not confirmed. Bonferroni correction showed that systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the E4 carriers compared to the E3 group (P=0.017). Univariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between the menopausal group and the APOE group, and their common effect on waist-to-hipratio (WHR). Bonferroni correction in early postmenopausal women showed that the mean WHR values were significantly different between E2 and E4 groups (P=0.008). This study demonstrates that the E*2 allele has a protective effect against higher blood lipid levels. Moreover, the results suggest that E*2 could have a partial negative effect on WHR in early postmenopausal Slovak women.

Association of CILP2 and ACE Gene Polymorphisms with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Slovak Midlife Women

The aim of this study is to assess the association of two polymorphisms, the cartilage intermediate layer protein 2 (CILP2) G/T and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D, with blood pressure and anthropometrical and biochemical parameters related to the development of cardiovascular disease. The entire study sample comprised 341 women ranging in age from 39 to 65 years. The CILP2 genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP and the ACE genotypes by PCR. The Bonferroni pairwise comparisons showed the effect of the CILP2 genotype on high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB), apoB-to-apoA1 ratio, the total cholesterol (TC)-to-HDL-C ratio, non-HDL-C, and the LDL-C-to-HDL-C ratio (P < 0.05). Here, higher mean levels of HDL-C and lower mean levels of the remaining above mentioned lipid parameters were registered in the GT/TT genotype carriers than in GG carriers. Statistically significant association was identified between the ACE genotype and the following parameters: TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C (P < 0.05). The II genotype can lower serum level of TC (B = 0.40), LDL-C (B = 0.37), and non-HDL-C levels. The results of this study suggest that the minor T allele of CILP2 gene and I allele of ACE gene have a protective effect against elevated serum lipid and lipoprotein levels.

Vasomotor, urogenital, psychological, and somatic symptoms in association with CYP1B1 polymorphisms in Slovak women of different menopausal status

The aim of this study was to examine if the Arg48Gly, Ala119Ser, Leu432Val, and Asn453Ser polymorphisms in the CYP1B1 estrogen‐metabolizing gene are associated with menopausal symptom experience in healthy Slovak women aged 40–60 years. We also investigated the possible association of other factors with menopausal symptoms, including health status, physical activity, reproductive history, psychological status, and smoking.

The association of Asn453Ser polymorphism in CYP1B1 gene with selected somatic and biochemical variables in Slovak women of different menopause status.

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the CYP1B1 Asn453Ser polymorphism and selected somatic and biochemical variables, and atherogenic indices in premenopausal and postmenopausal Slovak women. Methods:The studied sample consisted of 334 women; 188 premenopausal (mean age 45.73 ± 3.77 y) and 146 postmenopausal women (mean age 53.51 ± 4.52 y). The participants were interviewed during their medical examination. They provided a blood sample for biochemical analysis and DNA genotyping. Results:The frequency of rare allele Ser (CYP1B1*4) was equal to 0.125 in premenopausal and 0.168 in postmenopausal women. The observed genotype frequencies were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The Asn453Ser genotype showed statistically significant associations with a high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) and apolipoprotein A1 levels in postmenopausal women. The mean values of the above mentioned variables were significantly higher in women carrying the Ser/Ser genotype. The general linear model analysis confirmed the results of the additive genetic model in postmenopausal women and demonstrated significant association of the Asn453Ser polymorphism with HDL-cholesterol levels also in premenopausal women (P = 0.041). Conclusions:This pilot study revealed a significant association of the CYP1B1 Asn453Ser genotypes with the plasma levels of HDL-cholesterol and of apolipoprotein A1 in postmenopausal women and less unequivocal findings in premenopausal women. Because of study limitations, these results need to be examined in a larger study.

The variability of body composition characteristics in pre- and postmenopausal women from Slovakia

Abstract Various changes in body composition and body fat distribution are accompaniments of biological ageing, presented mostly in the middle age and significantly notable during the menopause transition. This study aimed to examine the effect of menopausal status on body composition characteristics in 368 apparently healthy women aged 38-61 years. Bioelectrical parameters were measured with a bioimpedance monofrequency analyser (BIA 101) and bioelectric impedance vector analysis (BIVA) was used to analyse tissue electric properties. Data dealing with menopausal status and symptoms as well as life style variables were obtained by the Menopause specific questionnaire. Statistical analysis adjusted for age did not show differences either in the body composition characteristics or in the nutrition and obesity indices between pre- and post-menopausal women. Regression analyses pointed on statistically significant effect (p<0.05) of physical exercise on Xc (B=2.353), FM % (B=-1.746) and MM % (B=1.201), of hypertension on R (B=-22.381), FM % (B=4.468), MM % (B=-2.306), of smoking on Xc (B=1.835), FM % (B=-1.227), MM % (B=0.767), of muscle and joint ache on the FM % (B=1.923) and on MM % (B=-1.061). The age had impact on Xc (B=-13.468) and on the phase angle (B=-1.320). To conclude, in our study group of pre- and postmenopausal Slovak women, age, health and life style factors seem to have more important effect on the body composition characteristics than menopausal status alone