Obesity represents a significant global public health concern. The excessive accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue is often implicated in the development of metabolic complications associated with obesity. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of particular deposits of abdominal adipose tissue on the occurrence of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism complications. We established cut-off points for visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and the VAT/SAT ratio at which selected metabolic complications of obesity-related diseases (disorders of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolism) occur. We conducted an observational study involving 91 subjects with first- and second-degree obesity, accounting for gender differences. Anthropometric measurements were taken, body composition analysis (BIA) was conducted, and biochemical determinations were made. Our findings suggest that commonly used parameters for assessing early metabolic risk, such as BMI or waist circumference, may overlook the significant factor of body fat distribution, as well as gender differences. Both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue were found to be important in estimating metabolic risk. We identified the cut-off points in women in terms of their elevated fasting glucose levels and the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) based on SAT, VAT, and the VAT/SAT ratio. In men, cut-off points were determined for the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) based on VAT and the VAT/SAT ratio. However, the results regarding lipid disorders were inconclusive, necessitating further investigation of a larger population.

Undiagnosed and untreated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to the development of many complications, such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or cardiovascular diseases. Obese people are at increased risk of developing NAFLD. Due to the current lack of routine diagnostics, it is extremely important to look for new diagnostic methods and markers for this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of selected pro-inflammatory adipokines and cytokines in the unstimulated saliva of obese people with fatty liver disease in various stages (with or without slight fibrosis) and to analyze them for possible use as early markers of NAFLD diagnosis. The study involved 96 people who were divided into 5 groups based on the criterion of body mass index (BMI) and the degree of fatty liver (liver elastography). There were statistically significant differences between the groups in the concentrations of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9), resistin, and IL-1β (interleukin 1β) in saliva. Statistically significant, positive correlations between hepatic steatosis and the concentration of MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2), resistin, and IL-1β in saliva were also found. Statistically significant positive correlations were also found between the concentration of resistin in saliva and the concentration of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and GGTP (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) in serum. MMP-2, IL-1β, and resistin may be potential markers of NAFLD development, assessed in saliva. However, further research is needed because this is the first study to evaluate the concentrations of the selected pro-inflammatory parameters in the saliva of patients with NAFLD.

One of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). It is highly effective in reducing body weight, but it carries the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies and their consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical condition of obese patients after LSG in terms of nutritional status, metabolic disorders, and way of nutrition. Thirty participants (15 women and 15 men) took part in the study. A statistically significant reduction in the total body fat mass (women by 37.5% p < 0.05, men by 37.06% p < 0.05) and total fat free mass (women by 10% p < 0,05, men by 12.5% p < 0.05) was demonstrated 6 months after LSG. Moreover, insufficient protein intake has been shown in over 73% of women and 40% of men. Before and 6 months after LSG, insufficient intake of calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin D, and iron was observed. Six months after the LSG, significant decreases of fasting glucose (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.05), and AST (p < 0.05) concentrations, were observed in both groups. Optimization of nutrition in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies and their complications is a key element of the therapy of obese patients treated surgically.