Android to gynoid fat ratio and its association with functional capacity in male patients with heart failure

Abstract

Aims We studied the association between android (A) to gynoid (G) fat ratio and functional capacity (peak VO 2 ) in male patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods and resultsWe enrolled 118 male patients with HFrEF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%. Body composition (by using dual x-ray absorptiometry) and peak VO 2 (by cardiopulmonary exercise testing) were measured. Sarcopenic obesity was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health criteria (FNIH). Blood sample for metabolic and hormonal parameters were measured. Fifteen patients (12.7%) showed sarcopenic obesity (body mass index > 25 kg/m 2 with FNIH index < 0.789). The median A/G ratio was 0.55. A/G ratio > 0.55 was detected in 60 patients. Relative peak VO 2 was lower in patients with A/G ratio > 0.55 than in patients with A/G ratio <0.55 (18.7 ± 5.3 vs. 22.5 ± 6.1 mL/kg/ min, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed A/G ratio >0.55 to be independently associated with reduced peak VO 2 adjusted for age, body mass index, LVEF, presence of sarcopenia, anabolic hormones, and haemoglobin (odds ratio 3.895, 95% confidence interval 1.030-14.730, P = 0.045). Conclusions Body fat distribution, particularly android and gynoid fat composition, together with other cofactors, might have an important adverse role on functional capacity in male patients with HFrEF. Future studies are needed to address possible mechanisms involved in this relationship.

The association between body fat distribution and bone mineral density: evidence from the US population

“…The main finding of this study was that body fat mass (Android or Gynoid) was positively associated with BMD, regardless of gender (Males or Females) or sites (Femur or Lumbar spine), which was inconsistent with our hypothesis or conventional perception. Gender differences were found in body fat distribution, consistent with the previous studies [ 24 , 25 ]. In males, fat was more likely to be concentrated in the abdomen (Android fat), and in females, fat was more likely to be concentrated in the buttocks (Gynoid fat) [ 26 ].…”

Sarcopenia and Nutrition in Elderly Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study to Determine Prevalence and Risk Factors

“…Furthermore, the A/G ratio is linked to the progression of sarcopenia and inflammation. This could be related to the data observed in our patients [56]. Nevertheless, these findings should be interpreted with caution, since gynoid and android fat measures that are taken using older versions of DXA, as was the case in our study, do not distinguish between subcutaneous fat (orthotopic) and the ectopic fat in the abdominal muscle fascia, and the mesenteric fat surrounding organs and blood vessels [57].…”

Association between android fat mass, gynoid fat mass and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in adults: NHANES 2003–2007

“…Some studies have shown that gynoid fat mass, like android fat mass, was associated with increased cardiovascular risk ( 12 – 14 ) and various disease risks ( 15 , 16 ). It may also raise the burden on heart failure patients ( 17 ). However, a study reported that, android fat mass distribution is a risk factor for CVD, but gynoid fat mass distribution pattern is not, according to Kyoung-Bok Min et al ( 18 ).…”