Tatjana Kums

The influence of ghrelin, adiponectin, and leptin on bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal women

The association of body fat mass (FM) with bone mineral mass (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) has been attributed to a mechanical load exerted on the skeleton by FM and by the effect of different hormones. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is a relationship between ghrelin, adiponectin, and leptin with BMC and BMD in healthy postmenopausal women (n = 88; age, 68.9 ± 6.8 years; body mass index, 27.4 ± 3.6 kg/m2). Body composition, BMC, and BMD were derived by dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry. Waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-thigh (WTR) ratios were also obtained. Ghrelin was associated with total BMC (β = −0.945; P = 0.0001), total BMD (β = −0.959; P = 0.0001), lumbar spine BMD (β = −0.945; P = 0.0001), and femoral neck BMD (β = −0.957; P = 0.0001), and remained associated (P < 0.041) in different analyses that controlled for measured body composition and hormonal and insulin resistance values. However, the associations between ghrelin and measured bone mineral values were no longer significant (P > 0.149) when adjusted for body fat distribution values (WHR, WTR). Adiponectin was significantly related to total BMC (β = −0.931; P = 0.0001), total BMD (β = −0.940; P = 0.0001), lumbar spine BMD (β = −0.937; P = 0.0001), and femoral neck BMD (β = −0.940; P = 0.0001) values, and these relationships remained significant (P < 0.019) after adjusting for measured body fat, hormonal, and insulin resistance values but not when adjusted for fat-free mass (FFM; P > 0.106). In addition, significant associations of leptin with total BMC (β = 0.912; P = 0.0001), total BMD (β = 0.907; P = 0.0001), lumbar spine BMD (β = 0.899; P = 0.0001), and femoral neck BMD (β = 0.906; P = 0.0001) were found. These associations remained significant (P < 0.010) in different analyses that controlled for hormonal and insulin resistance values, but the associations between leptin and bone mineral values were no longer significant (P > 0.145) when adjusted for specific body composition values (WHR, WTR, FM, and FFM). In conclusion, it appears that the influence of plasma ghrelin, adiponectin, and leptin levels on BMC and BMD values is mediated or confounded by the specific body composition parameters in healthy postmenopausal women.

Adipocytokine and ghrelin levels in relation to bone mineral density in physically active older women: longitudinal associations

PURPOSEnWe investigated the relationship between the decrease in bone mineral mass (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) values with baseline adipocytokine and ghrelin concentrations in physically active postmenopausal women.nnnMETHODSnLeptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, BMC, BMD and different body composition values were measured in 35 women (age: 69.7+/-6.0 years) before and after a 12-month prospective study period.nnnRESULTSnSignificant (P<0.05) decreases in fat-free mass (FFM) (by 2.56%) and BMC (by 1.63%) and increases in adiponectin (by 14.8%) were seen in older females as a result of the study period. The independent variables that were associated with decreases in total BMC were baseline fat mass (FM) and adiponectin explaining 30.6% (R(2)x100) of the total variance. In another model, baseline FFM and leptin were the independent variables that explained 20.6% (P<0.05) of the total variance in the decreases in total BMD value. The variables that were associated with decreases in femoral neck BMD were FM and leptin (R(2)=0.102; P<0.05), while the independent variables were baseline trunk fat:leg fat ratio and adiponectin in the model with decreases in lumbar spine BMD as the dependent variable, and accounted for 13.1% (P<0.05) of the decreases in BMD variance.nnnCONCLUSIONSnInitial adiponectin concentration together with specific body composition characteristics predicted loss in BMC and lumbar spine BMD values, while initial leptin concentration together with specific body composition parameters determined the loss in total and femoral neck BMD values in physically active older women.

Quadriceps femoris muscle function prior and after total knee arthroplasty in women with knee osteoarthritis

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to evaluate an isometric voluntary force generation and relaxation capacity of the quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle prior and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsIsometric maximal voluntary contraction force, rate of force development, voluntary activation, half-relaxation time, and latency of contraction of the QF muscle were recorded in 12 female patients (aged 49–68 years) with knee osteoarthritis one day before, 3 and 6xa0months following TKA in the operated and nonoperated leg. Knee pain intensity was assessed by visual analog scale, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire was used to assess knee problems during daily living.ResultsA significant decrease in knee pain and significant increase in KOOS were established after TKA. Maximal voluntary isometric force in the operated leg was lower (Pxa0<xa00.05) before, 3 and 6xa0months after TKA as compared to the nonoperated leg. Rate of force development of the QF muscle in the operated leg compared to the nonoperated leg was significantly lower (Pxa0<xa00.05) 3 and 6xa0months after TKA. Voluntary activation, latency of contraction, and half-relaxation time of the QF muscle did not differ significantly before, 3 and 6xa0months after TKA.ConclusionsThe present study indicated reduced maximal and explosive strength of quadriceps femoris muscle in the operated leg 3 and 6xa0months after TKA with no significant changes in voluntary activation, and capacity for rapid contraction and relaxation.Level of evidenceProspective comparative study, Level II.

Plasma adiponectin concentration is associated with the average accelerometer daily steps counts in healthy elderly females

This study is aimed to evaluate whether circulating adiponectin concentration is associated with physical activity (PA) level in healthy older females. To date, daily PA in older adults (≥65xa0years) has primarily relied on self-report. This study used accelerometry, which objectively measured minute-by-minute movement to assess PA volume and intensity performed by elderly females. In addition, body composition, leptin and insulin resistance values were measured to assess the influence of these parameters on the possible relationship between adiponectin and PA levels in this specific age group of older women. On 49 women (mean age: 73.6xa0±xa04.2xa0years), adiponectin, leptin, insulin resistance, body composition and 7-day PA parameters were measured. Average daily accelerometer step counts and time spent in different PA levels were obtained from 7-day PA measurement. Average daily accelerometer step-count was 7,722xa0±xa03,069xa0stepsxa0day−1 and the recommended 150xa0min weekly of at least moderate/vigorous PA in bouts of at least 10xa0min was achieved by 71.4% (35/49) of the participants. Correlation analysis showed that plasma adiponectin concentration (16.0xa0±xa06.1xa0μgxa0ml−1) was related (Pxa0<xa00.001) to steps per day (rxa0=xa00.438) and leptin (rxa0=xa0−0.443) values. Multivariate regression analysis further revealed that only steps per day and leptin were independent predictors of circulating adiponectin concentration in healthy elderly females. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that being physically active is associated with better adiponectin concentration and a reduced risk of having metabolic disease risk in the specific group of healthy elderly females.

Spinal curvature and trunk muscle tone in rhythmic gymnasts and untrained girls

The aim of this study was to compare spinal curvature and muscle tone characteristics in elite female rhythmic gymnasts (n = 32) and untrained controls (n = 48). Results showed that the angles of lumbar lordosis (LL) and thoracic kyphosis (TK) were lower (p < 0.001) in gymnasts in comparison with the control group. It was evident that the vertebral column of gymnasts had straightened in thoracic as well as in lumbar part of the spine. The trunk flexors in gymnasts were undertoned, the tone of rectus abdominis muscle was lower (p < 0.001) in gymnasts compared to that of the control group, while tone of erector spinae muscle (trunk extensor) was not differed from the control group. The tone of spinal muscles was higher (p < 0.001) than that of abdominal muscles in gymnasts, whereas the tone of these muscles did not differ significantly in controls. In the control group, the tone of trunk flexor and extensor muscles were in balance, whereas in gymnasts it was imbalanced. The indicator of tone imbalance of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles correlated negatively with the difference in body height in supine and standing positions (L) (r = −0.66, p < 0.001) for the group of gymnasts. In gymnast, TK and LL correlated negatively with Oswestry score (r = −0.68, p < 0.05 and r = −0.66, p < 0.05, respectively) and positively with L (r = 0.63, p < 0.05 and r = 0.60, p < 0.05 respectively). This indicates that the more rigid vertebral column, flattened in thoracal and lumbar part that appeared in gymnasts, associated with imbalance in muscle tone and low back pain (LBP). In 50% of measured gymnasts, LBP incidence

Relationships between adiponectin, leptin, and blood lipids in physically active postmenopausal females

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationships between adiponectin and leptin with blood lipids (CHOL, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, and TG) in physically active postmenopausal women. One hundred and thirty‐four physically active practicing gymnastics (2–3 times per week) women between the ages of 51 to 85 years participated in this cross‐sectional study. Body height, body mass, waist‐to‐hip circumference ratio (WHR), and BMI were used as anthropometrical parameters. Body composition parameters (fat%, fat mass, fat free mass) were measured by DXA. The fasting adiponectin, leptin, CHOL, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, and TG were measured. From the anthropometrical and body composition parameters, only WHR correlated significantly with adiponectin (r = −0.306). In addition, adiponectin correlated with TG (r = −0.277) and leptin (r = −0.381). Leptin was positively related to body mass (r = 0.261), and BMI (r = 0.274) from anthropometrical parameters and body fat% (r = 0.288) and fat mass (r = 0.298) from body composition variables. No relationships emerged between leptin and blood lipids. We found that there are some significant relationships between adiponectin, leptin and anthropometrical and body composition parameters in physically active postmenopausal females. From blood lipids, only TG correlated significantly with adiponectin. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:609–612, 2010.

Plasma ghrelin concentration is a signal of decreased fat free mass in healthy elderly females.

This study aimed to evaluate whether circulating ghrelin is associated with changes in different body composition parameters over a 12‐month prospective study period in healthy older females. On 41 postmenopausal women (mean age: 71.0 ± 6.5 years), ghrelin, leptin, insulin resistance (IR), and body composition parameters were assessed before and after the study period. Trunk fat: leg fat ratio (+3.6%), fat free mass (FFM) (−4.1%), glucose (+5.8%), and IR (+7.0%) were significantly changed (P < 0.05), whereas no changes in height, body mass, body mass index, fat mass (FM), %FM, trunk fat, leptin, ghrelin, and insulin were observed as a result of study period. At baseline, ghrelin correlated negatively (r > −0.306; P < 0.05) with body mass, FM, %FM, trunk fat, FFM, leptin, insulin, and IR. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that baseline ghrelin concentration was significantly associated only with the mean change in FFM value over the 12‐month study period. In conclusion, basal ghrelin concentration predicted the loss of FFM in healthy elderly females. In addition, these results suggest that circulating ghrelin concentration could be regarded as a signal of decreased FFM in healthy elderly females. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009.

Body Composition, Neuromuscular Performance, and Mobility: Comparison Between Regularly Exercising and Inactive Older Women

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in body composition, neuromuscular performance, and mobility in healthy, regularly exercising and inactive older women, and examine the relationship between skeletal muscle indices and mobility. Overall, 32 healthy older women participated. They were divided into groups according to their physical activity history as regularly exercising (n = 22) and inactive (n = 10) women. Body composition, hand grip strength, leg extensor muscle strength, rapid force development, power output, and mobility indices were assessed. Regularly exercising women had lower fat mass and higher values for leg extensor muscle strength and muscle quality, and also for mobility. Leg extensor muscle strength and power output during vertical jumping and appendicular lean mass per unit of body mass were associated with mobility in healthy older women. It was concluded that long-term regular exercising may have beneficial effects on body composition and physical function in older women.

Associations of distinct levels of physical activity with mobility in independent healthy older women

Background: Older adults have twice as many disabilities and four times as many physical limitations as people <60 years of age. Positive influence of physical activity to prevent these limitations has been presented in some studies. However, the indispensable combination of physical abilities and body composition parameters to maintain independence in later life and their relationship with physical activity has not been studied thoroughly. Objective: The main aim of this study was to determine possible differences in body composition and mobility parameters among older women with various levels of engagement in physical activity. In addition, the relationships between mobility and distinct levels of physical activity were evaluated in healthy older women. Methods: Eighty‐one healthy older women aged from 65 to 91 years participated in this study and were allocated to three groups according to weekly moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time in 10 min bouts: highest MVPA (H‐MVPA) (n = 27), middle MVPA (M‐MVPA) (n = 40) and lowest MVPA (L‐MVPA) (n = 14). Body composition (fat mass [FM] and fat free mass [FFM]) variables were assessed with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), objective physical activity data were collected with accelerometers and mobility tests were carried out to assess static and dynamic balance, lower limbs strength and aerobic capacity. Results: No differences in body composition parameters were observed between studied groups (p > 0.0025). Women in L‐MVPA covered significantly shorter distance during the six‐minute walk test (6MWT) compared to H‐MVPA (p = 0.000) and M‐MVPA (p = 0.003) groups, performed timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG) slower compared to H‐MVPA group (p = 0.003) and five‐times‐sit‐to‐stand (FTSTS) test slower compared to H‐MVPA (p = 0.006) and M‐MVPA (p = 0.009) groups. There were no differences in body composition and mobility parameters between women in H‐MVPA and M‐MVPA groups. Regardless of bout duration, MVPA was correlated with mobility (TUG r = −0.47; FTSTS r = −0.37; 6MWT r = 0.53) parameters, whereas no relationships was observed with light physical activity (LPA). Conclusion: MVPA is associated with body composition and mobility parameters, while LPA is not related to any measured body composition nor mobility parameters. Accordingly, healthy older women could benefit from MVPA to maintain body composition and mobility parameters to preserve independence in later life. HighlightsMore physically active women have better mobility.Light physical activity is not enough to gain health benefits in later life.At least moderate physical activity is needed for maintaining independence.

Comparison of bone mineral density in adolescent male soccer and basketball players

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescent male basketball (BB) and soccer (S) players.MethodsThe study included Estonian national youth league level participants: 12 BB (16.3xa0±xa00.7xa0years, 186.8xa0±xa06.6xa0cm, 80.9xa0±xa011.9xa0kg) and 15 S players (16.0xa0±xa00.3xa0years, 178.5xa0±xa08.1xa0cm, 66.3xa0±xa06.8xa0kg). All participants had a history of 7.9xa0±xa02.9xa0years of training, with training loads of 9.2xa0±xa01.8xa0h per week. Body composition and BMD were determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).ResultsBB were significantly taller, heavier and had greater lean body mass (LBM) compared to S. No significant (Pxa0<xa00.05) differences existed in age, body fat %, sports participation, and weekly training load. BB had significantly (Pxa0<xa00.05) greater BMD values in total body, lumbar spine, right arm, left arm, right leg, right femur, right femoral neck, and right femoral shaft compared to S. The biggest between-groups difference (Pxa0<xa00.001) existed in upper extremities (25–28%). LBM was the main determinant for all BMD variables.ConclusionsRegular participation in basketball and soccer practice in adolescent males is associated with enhanced BMD in loaded sites specific to demands of the sport. Basketball practice seems to have higher impact on non-weight bearing bones, compared to soccer.