Tag Archives: obesity

Anti-obesity and Antioxidant Effects of Ethanol Extract of Fingerroot Rhizomes (Boesenbergia pandurata Roxb.) on High-Carbohydrate Diet-induced Mice

Ari Yuniarto1, Abdul Aziz Setiawan2, Wulan Safitri1, Emir Rizky Taptajani2

1. Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Muhammadiyah A.R. Fachruddin University, Tangerang, Indonesia
2. Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Muhammadiyah A.R. Fachruddin University, Tangerang, Indonesia

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2024-0005

Objective: Obesity is defined as the abnormal and excessive accumulation of fat. Enlargement of white adipose tissue due to obesity activates the sympathetic nervous system to stimulate lipolysis to break down fat extensively. This causes a lot of free fatty acids to circulate in the body. Excessive circulating free fatty acids affect many cells and produce oxidative stress, which spreads throughout the body. This research purpose is to determine the anti-obesity and antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of B. pandurata rhizome (EEBP).
Methods: Fingerroot rhizomes were extracted using maceration and the extract was used for in vivo, antioxidant, and total flavonoid concentration tests. Anti-obesity test was carried out by dividing mice into 6 groups such as normal controls, obese controls, standard groups, and extract-treated groups (100, 200, 400 mg/kg b.w). The in vivo test parameters observed included measurement of body weight and also liver, kidney, spleen, and retroperitoneal fat index measurement. Furthermore, in this research antioxidant test was performed using the DPPH method.
Results: In vivo test showed that the giving of EEBP at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. effectively decreased body weight and retroperitoneal fat, but slightly affected the organ index of mice such as the liver, renal, and spleen. Furthermore, the antioxidant test showed that the IC50 EEBP results obtained were 37,05 µg/ml. In addition, the total flavonoid content found in the EEBP is 15,775 mgQE/g.
Conclusion: The present study showed that EEBP may have a considerable potential anti-obesity agent and also has a very strong antioxidant effect.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full text: PDF

Relationship between obesity and psychosocial risk factors in hypertensive patients

Enikő Nemes-Nagy, Zoltán Preg, Kinga-Ilona Nyulas, Tünde Pál, Sándor Pál, Mariana Cornelia Tilinca, Márta Germán-Salló

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2021-0030

Introduction: Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including sedentary behaviour and improper diet are major risk factors for obesity. Overweight is very frequent in hypertensive and type 2 diabetic patients. Psychosocial factors are associated with multiple health behaviors related to overweight/obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and psychosocial risk factors in hypertensive patients having different levels of education.
Material and methods: 623 hypertensive patients, admitted to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic in Tîrgu Mureș were evaluated by weight, height, waist circumference, laboratory analyses and psychosocial risk based on a validated questionnaire on nine topics. Non-paired Student t test was used for statistical evaluation of the obtained data.
Results: Obesity or overweight affected 86.9% of the studied hypertensive patients. Obesity was more frequent in subjects having type 2 diabetes as comorbidity. Mean BMI was significantly higher in the lower education group (p=0.007) compared to those with higher level of education. Average triglyceride and uric acid levels were significantly higher in obese subjects compared to those having lower BMI (p<0.0001). Patients living alone had significantly lower mean BMI (p=0.006) and waist circumference values (p=0.001) compared to those living with their spouse.
Conclusions: Weight excess in very frequent in the studied hypertensive patients, especially in those with type 2 diabetes as comorbidity and having lower educational level. Hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia occurred more frequently in obese subjects compared to non-obese ones. Overweight is less frequent in patients living alone.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Insulin resistance as risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic approach

Reka Annamaria Schmiedt1, Robert Aurelian Tiuca2,3, Raluca Maria Tilinca2, Lucia Mihaela Custura1, Oana Detesan1, Brigitta Iren Bacso1, Bianca Larisa Abalasei2, Andrew Corneliu Bell2, Maria Alexandra Streza2, Mariana Cornelia Tilinca1,2

1. Compartment of Diabetology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Targu Mures, Romania
2. George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
3. Department of Endocrinology, Mures County Clinical Hospital, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2021-0033

Insulin resistance is a heterogenous condition with high prevalence in medical practice. As diabesity reaches epidemic levels worldwide, the role of insulin resistance is getting great importance. Contribution of risk factors like sedentary lifestyle, diets high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates leads to this state with significant consequences. Besides its role in diabetes, insulin resistance is also associated with other several endocrine diseases, having not only a role in their development, but also to their treatment approach, evolution and even prognosis. The present review summarizes the current literature on the clinical significance of insulin resistance, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms and treatment options in order to achieve a high quality of life of these categories of patients. Deepening the role of inflammatory cytokines involved in insulin resistance paves the way for future research findings in this continuously evolving field.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full text: PDF

The Complication Rates of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Deep Venous Thrombosis

Ionela Silivastru (Cozlea)1, Arthur-Atilla Keresztesi2, Gabriela Asofie (Keresztesi)1, Daniel Cozlea1,3, Daniela Ecaterina Dobru1,3

1. Targu Mures County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania
2. County Department of Forensic Medicine Ialomita, INML “Mina Minovici” Bucuresti, Romania
3. University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2019-0012

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the complication rates (embolic and hemorrhagic events) in deep venous thrombosis (DVT) patients on different types of oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC): direct oral anticoagulant therapy and vitamin K antagonist therapy.
Methods: A number of 62 DVT patients were included and divided in two groups, depending on the type of oral anticoagulation therapy administered. The first group was composed of patients treated with direct oral anticoagulant treatment (Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban) and the second group was composed of patients treated with vitamin K antagonist (Acenocumarol). General data, including BMI and comorbidities were noted. Embolic and hemorrhagic events were noticed.
Results: in the first group of patients (DOAC therapy), a number of 34 patients were included (14 of them with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 and 14 with concomitant atrial fibrillation), while the second group comprised of 28 patients treated with VKA (21 of them with a high BMI and only 3 of them with atrial fibrillation). After a mean period of 36 months of anticoagulant therapy, complications were present in 17 patients, hematuria (8 episodes) and pulmonary embolism (4 cases) were the most frequent, with no difference regarding the treatment applied. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was encountered regarding embolic and hemorrhagic event rates in our deep vein thrombosis patients.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Ultrasound Guidance Versus Peripheral Neurostimulation for Brachial Plexus Block Anesthesia with Axillary Approach and Multiple Injection Technique

Alexandra Lazar, János Szederjesi, Elena Iftenie, Leonard Azamfirei

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2017-0025

Introduction: There are several approaches for brachial plexus anesthesia: supraclavicular, infraclavicular, interscalenic and axillary. Out of these, the axillary approach is considered to be the safest because of the low risk of lesioning the adjacent structures, low risk of phrenic nerve blockade or of producing an iatrogenic pneumothorax. The block can be performed by one single injection at the site, by two injections or by several injection, among each nerve of the plexus. Ultrasound was introduced in regional anesthesia since 1978, being used initially as an auxiliary method to peripheral neurostimulator.
Objectives: The evaluation of ultrasound efficiency as an auxiliary method for brachial plexus block performance, in terms of success rate, vascular punctures. The influence of obesity on performing time, total duration of the block, and success rate of brachial plexus block.
Material and method: Prospective, randomized study which enrolled adult patients, scheduled for surgical emergency or elective surgical intervention on upper limb with brachial plexus block by axillary approach, using either the peripheral nerve stimulation or the ultrasound guidance.
Results: We enrolled 160 patients, grouped in two sets- the ultrasound group= 82 patients (US) the neurostimulation group = 78 patients (NS). Vascular punctures were statistically significant different p= 0, 04. The success rate was not influenced by the obesity.
Conclusions: Ultrasound guidance makes axillary brachial plexus block safer, we can recommend ultrasound guidance as routine for axillary brachial plexus block. The obese patient can beneficiate by both methods of brachial plexus blockage.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full text: PDF

Body Mass Index and the Relationship with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Romania

Carmen Denise Caldararu1, Dorin Tarta1*, Raluca Pop2, Mirela Gliga1, Emilian Carasca3, Grigore Dogaru1

1 Department of Nephrology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures, Romania
2 Research Methodology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures, Romania
3 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2016-0016

Obesity and chronic kidney disease are epidemic size. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) appears to be more common in obese, although interrelation is not supported by all authors. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of overweight and obesity on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors for CKD.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on 627 patients admitted in a Nephrology Department between January 2007 – December 2011. Patients were divided according to eGFR in a CKD group and a non-CKD group. Patients were divided based on BMI in: normal (<25 kg/m2), overweight (≥ 25 kg/m2 and ≤30 kg/m2) and obese (>30 kg/m2). Demographical, clinical and laboratory data (serum creatinine, lipid parameters, etc) were used for the statistical analysis. The relationship between BMI (as a marker of obesity and overweight), glomerular filtration rate and other possible risk factors for chronic kidney disease was studied.
Results: 43.70% patients were obese and 33.17% overweight. CKD prevalence was 58.69%. Logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure was the main determinant of CKD in our patients.
Conclusion: Lack of association between BMI and CKD was demonstrated in our study.

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF

Association Between Sleep Disorder and Increased Body Mass Index in Adult Patients

Bocicor Andreea Elena1, Buicu Gabriela1,2, Sabau Daniela1,2, Varga Andreea1,3, Tilea I1,3*, Gabos-Grecu I1,2

1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mures, Romania
2 Psychiatry I Clinic, County Hospital, Tirgu Mures, Romania
3 Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic, Emergency County Hospital, Tirgu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2016-0015

Introduction and objectives. Obesity is a public health issue, with increasing prevalence and incidence all over the world. Diet and exercise applied in obesity treatment are not always as effective as expected, as there are many other determining factors which can lead to obesity. One of these modifiable factors seem to be sleep disorder. The objective of our study was to test the positive association between the presence of sleep disorder and increased body mass index (BMI).
Material and method. 84 patients were screened in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Each patient completed the adjusted 7 items University of Toronto Sleep Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ©). Each affirmative answer was accounted 1 point. The total score was calculated. Mild sleep disorder was considered at 4-5 points, severe sleep disorder at 6 – 7 points. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each patient by the formula weight (Kg)/squared height (m2). We considered increased BMI values greater than 25 kg/m2. The association between the sleep disorder and increased BMI was statistically tested.
Results. We interviewed 84 patients, 32 (38%) men (average age 54 +/- 6.63) and 52 (62%) women (average age 50 +/- 5.26). Mild sleep disorder was present in 36 patients, and severe sleep disorder in 25 patients. We noticed association between sleep disorder and increased BMI (p=0.0064, RR=2.925, 95% CI 1.16-7.36). We observed the risk for increased BMI dependent on the sleep disorder severity.
Conclusions. Sleep disorder is a potentially modifiable risk factor which can be included in obesity therapeutic approach and management. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorder is important in obesity prevention.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full text: PDF

The Role of Acanthosis Nigricans in Identifying Clinical and Metabolic Features of the Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children

Duncescu Corina1, Mărăzan Monica1,2, Chirita-Emandi Adela1, Craioveanu Teodora2, Dăescu Camelia1,2, Sabău I2, Micle Ioana1,2

1 “Louis Ţurcanu” Emergency Hospital for Children, Timişoara, Romania
2 1st Pediatric Clinic, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatologic marker of hyperinsulinemia and has been linked with metabolic syndrome in adults. In children, the relationship between AN and different components of the metabolic syndrome has received mixed research results. We investigated whether the clinical and metabolic profile of obese children with AN was different from those without AN.
Material and methods: We studied retrospectively the observation charts of children who were evaluated in our clinic for obesity and/or anomalies of glucose metabolism from January 1st 2005 to December 31st 2009. The study population consisted of 52 children. The analyzed data included: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), the presence or absence of AN, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the results of the oral glucose tolerance test, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, baseline insulin, the homeostatic model assessment: insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glicated hemoglobin. We divided our study population into two groups according to the presence or absence of AN. We used One-Way ANOVA to evaluate the clinical and metabolic differences between the two study groups.
Results: We found significant differences between the two groups for BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, baseline insulin and HOMA-IR.
Conclusions: Our study shows that AN seems to be linked with most of the features of the metabolic syndrome in children. The relationship of AN and anomalies of glucose metabolism need further testing.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Nutritional Status Assesment in Overweight and Obese Children

Pitea Ana Maria, Baghiu Maria Despina, Mărginean Oana, Eșianu Andreea

Pediactrics Clinic 1, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Background: Obesity represents the abnormal/excessive accumulation of fat in adipose tissue. Anthropometry takes a person’s body measurements, especially for use on a comparison or classification basis to establish his/her nutritional status. Nutritional condition also includes clinical examination and laboratory findings. Our aim was to assess the nutritional status in a group of obese children versus normal-weight children.
Material and methods: Our prospective study, conducted between October 1, 2010 and April 15, 2011, included a study group with 20 obese children and a control-group with 35 healthy children; we performed antropometric measurements, we calculated some anthropometric indices and performed laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound and real-tyme elastography; statistical analysis involved Graph PadPrisma and Graph Pad InStat Demo programme; Student’s t test and correlation coefficient Pearson were used.
Results: Children weight and weight-for-age z-score significantly differed between the study-group and controls, at each age group, stature and height-for-age z-score was not significantly different. Medium upper-arm circumference (MUAC) had higher values than Body Mass Index, (BMI), while Tricipital Skin-fold (TSF) recorded the highest values, reflecting the fat deposits of obese children (in controls these indices were between -2SD and +2SD). The laboratory findings were generally within normal limits; total cholesterol values were higher in obese and triglycerides were incresed in a part of children in which they were determined. Liver elasticity was lower in obese than in the control-group.
Conclusion: Overweight alters the nutritional status, disturbs lipid metabolism and decreases the elasticity of the liver, highlighting the risks related to obesity and the importance of prevention and treatment of this disorder.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Obesity and Insulin Resistance Status: The Impact of Using Different International Growth Standards in Romanian Children

Duncescu Corina1, Mărăzan Monica1,2, Chirita-Emandi Adela1, Craioveanu Teodora2, Dăescu Camelia1,2, Sabău I2, Micle Ioana1,2

1 “Louis Ţurcanu” Emergency Hospital for Children, Timişoara, Romania
2 1st Pediatric Clinic, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania

Introduction: Worldwide, childhood obesity is on the rise. A lot of debate exists within the scientific community regarding the best way to define overweight and obesity in different populations. Currently, three sets of growth references are in use internationally: the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards, the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) reference, and the 2000 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts. We examined the impact of using these international growth references on diagnosing obesity in a group of overweight and obese Romanian children. Afterwards, we evaluated the relationship between diagnosed obesity and insulin resistance status.
Material and method: We studied retrospectively the observation charts of children who had their insulin levels tested in our hospital’s laboratory between January 1st 2008 and December 31st 2009. The study population consisted of 76 children. We analyzed: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), the homeostatic model assessment: insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We divided the children into two categories according to their HOMA-IR values. We used each of the standards and grouped the study population into two BMI groups: overweight and obese. We used One-Way ANOVA to evaluate the differences between the three definitions.
Results: We found significant differences between the WHO and the IOTF and CDC references. The WHO standards identified the least overweight children with insulin resistance.
Conclusions: Our study shows that using WHO growth standards may be the proper method to diagnose obese children. A large populational study is needed to establish the proper growth references for our population.

Keywords: , , , , ,
Full text: PDF