A common variant near BDNF is associated with dietary calcium intake in adolescents.

Specific targets for most obesity candidate genes discovered by genomewide association studies remain unknown. Such genes are often highly expressed in the hypothalamus, indicating their role in energy homeostasis. We aimed to evaluate the associations of selected gene variants with adiposity and dietary traits.

Glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance: prevalence, gender differences and predictors in adolescents.

Background: Adolescence, due to transient pubertal insulin resistance (IR), is associated with a higher risk for disturbances of glucose metabolism. The aim of our study was 1) to investigate the prevalence of disturbances of glucose metabolism, 2) to define gender specific homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) thresholds associated with increased cardiometabolic risks and 3) to provide predictors of HOMA-IR.

Methods: The studied cohort consisted of Czech adolescents aged 13.

[A new simple method for estimating trunk and visceral fat by bioelectrical impedance: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging and dual X-ray absorptiometry in Czech adolescents].

Background: The enlargement of visceral fat (VF) in abdominal obesity is associated with increased cardiometabolic health risks in both adults and adolescents. A precise measurement of VF by sophisticated methods as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cannot be applied in routine clinical practice. The aim of our study was to compare estimates on visceral and trunk fat in adolescents obtained by a new bioimpedance analysis instrument (BIA)--Tanita AB-140 ViScan--with those obtained by MRI, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and anthropometry.

Metabolic syndrome in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The aim of the presented study is to evaluate metabolic features in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in comparison with age- and BMI-matched subjects. Forty-three adolescents with PCOS according to ESHRE criteria were prospectively evaluated and compared with 48 control subjects. Blood sampling was done in the early follicular phase of menstrual cycle, between 1st and 5th day, for plasma glucose, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and C peptide.

[Reduction of abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic health risks in obese adolescents in response to a short-term spa weight management program].

Background: Overweight and obesity is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular complications even in children and adolescents. Obesity in childhood represents a serious health problem, as an obese child frequently remains obese subject in adulthood. Obesity is also an important early risk factor for morbidity and mortality in adulthood.

Entrapment of beta-galactosidase in polyvinylalcohol hydrogel.

beta-Galactosidase isolated from Aspergillus oryzae was immobilized in lens-shaped polyvinylalcohol capsules (with activity 25 U g(-1)) giving 32% of its original activity. Immobilization did not change the pH optimum (4.5) of lactose hydrolysis.