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Thyroid Function and Morphology in Gaucher Disease: Exploring the Endocrine Implications
Gaucher disease (GD), the most common ultra-rare metabolic disorder, results from lipid accumulation. Systemic inflammation, cellular stress, and metabolic dysfunction may influence endocrine function, including the thyroid. This study evaluated thyroid function and morphology in 60 GD patients, alongside carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal tests were conducted, including thyroid ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE). Clinical data, bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition (BOD POD) analyses were correlated. Healthy controls, matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), were included. GD patients had higher thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels within normal limits. Hypothyroidism occurred in 7%, elevated anti-thyroid antibodies in 8%, and nodular goiter in 23%. Patients with nodular goiter showed lower platelet counts and higher chitotriosidase and glucosylsphingosine (lysoGb-1) levels. Patients with type 3 GD had larger thyroid volumes and greater stiffness on SWE than patients with type 1 GD. GD patients also exhibited increased metabolic risk, including central obesity and elevated glucose levels. GD patients, despite normal thyroid hormone levels, exhibit subtle alterations in thyroid function indicators. Their increased risk of central obesity and glucose metabolism disorders, alongside higher TSH and FT4 levels, underscores the need for closer monitoring and further investigation.
Intake of Low Glycaemic Index Foods but Not Probiotics Is Associated with Atherosclerosis Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at high cardiometabolic risk. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) strongly predicts atherosclerosis. Some studies suggest that probiotic intake may lower AIP. This study analysed the relationship between the frequency of dietary intake of low glycaemic index (prebiotic) and probiotic foods and atherosclerosis risk in women with PCOS. Methods: A total of 127 women were divided into two groups: AIP over 0.11 (highAIP) and AIP ≤ 0.11 (lowAIP). The KomPAN® questionnaire was used to measure food frequency intake; pro-healthy, non-healthy, low glycaemic and probiotic dietary indexes were calculated based on daily food consumption. Body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography (BodPod). AIP was calculated as a logarithm of triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins from plasma. Results: The highAIP group was 63% less likely to consume low glycaemic index foods three or more times a day than the lowAIP group. The HighAIP group was also 62% less likely to consume buckwheat, oats, whole-grain pasta or coarse-ground grains at least a few times a week. Pro-healthy foods tended to be less frequently consumed by the highAIP group, when adjusted for BMI and age. Conclusion: Women with PCOS at high risk of atherosclerosis consumed less low glycaemic index foods than women with a low risk of atherosclerosis. Intake of high-fibre, low glycaemic index foods could prevent atherosclerosis in women with PCOS; however, the effect of probiotic food intake remains unclear.
Self-esteem differentiates the dietary behaviours and adipose tissue distribution in women with menstrual bleeding disorders - pilot study
Menstrual bleeding disorders (MBDs) are multifaceted issues affecting women’s health. Understanding their causes and impacts is vital for management and treatment. MBDs can affect women’s self-esteem (SE), creating a cycle of physical and emotional challenges. Women may resort to unhealthy behaviours; therefore, we raised the question of whether MBD women’s self-esteem differs in dietary behaviours, consequently leading to obesity. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between SE, dietary behaviours and body fat (BF) distribution in 63 19–35 y MBD women. It was conducted on two BMI and age-matched groups that differ by android fat content. Rosenberg’s SE questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire were used. BF distribution was measured by dual-energy-X-ray-absorptiometry (DXA), and the android-to-gynoid fat ratio was calculated. We revealed the following determinants of higher android-to-gynoid fat distribution: medium or high self-esteem (OR: 3.4, 95%CI: 1.0; 10.8), daily milk products frequency intake (OR: 3.3, 95%CI: 1.1; 10.3). The level of self-esteem could affect dietary behaviours. Women with higher android fat distribution tend to consume dairy products more frequently but with less meat. Women with lower android fat distribution had lower SE. The issues raised in this project affect a complex area that requires further research in a larger group of participants.
The Significance of Plant-Based Foods and Intense Physical Activity on the Metabolic Health of Women with PCOS: A Priori Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Approach
The study aimed to analyse dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) and their relation with visceral obesity and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 140 women were diagnosed with PCOS. The KomPAN® and The ShortIPAQ questionnaires analysed the food frequency intake, health habits, economic situation, and physical activity. The dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the visceral and total adipose tissue. The analysis distinguished three DLPs: western (WDLP), prudent (PDLP) and active (ADLP). The WDLP was characterised by high visceral fat, increased intake of animal foods, sweets and sweetened beverages, white grains, junk and fried foods, and low plant foods. High intakes of plant foods and dairy, high daily meal frequency, and intense exercise characterised PDLP. ADLP was characterised by high visceral fat, intake of plant products, intense exercise, and low intake of junk and fried food. Women with LDL > 135 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP, and with triglycerides >150 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP [OR 7.73 (CI95% 1.79; 33.2), p < 0.05] and [3.70 (1.03; 13.27); p < 0,05]. In conclusion, plant-based foods related to PDLP and intense physical activity offer a significantly higher chance of improving metabolic health in women with PCOS.