Sex dimorphism in the distribution of adipose tissue and its influence on proinflammatory adipokines and cardiometabolic profiles in motor complete spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2019 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1436125 · Published: July 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Endocrinology

Simple Explanation

This study examines how sex influences the distribution of fat tissue, inflammatory markers, and heart-related metabolic profiles in people with complete spinal cord injuries. It looks at differences between men and women with SCI in terms of visceral fat (VAT), subcutaneous fat (SAT), and related health indicators. The study found that men with SCI had more visceral fat, while women had more subcutaneous fat. These differences in fat distribution were linked to different levels of inflammation and variations in heart health markers between the sexes. These findings suggest that sex plays a significant role in how fat is stored and how it affects the body after a spinal cord injury, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to diet and exercise to manage health risks.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

47 individuals with chronic motor complete SCI (38 males, 9 females)

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional and correlational study

Key Findings

1
Male participants with SCI had significantly greater visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume and VAT:SAT ratio compared to females.
2
Female participants with SCI had a significantly greater subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume compared to males.
3
In male participants with SCI, VAT volume significantly correlated with TNF-α. In female participants with SCI, SAT volume correlated with PAI-1, and both VAT volume and the VAT:SAT ratio correlated with hs-CRP.

Research Summary

This study investigated the influence of sex on adipose tissue distribution and its relationship with inflammatory adipokines and cardiometabolic profiles in individuals with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI). The main findings revealed a sex-based dichotomy in central adiposity and proinflammatory adipokines in men and women with SCI. Men exhibited greater VAT volume and VAT:SAT ratio, whereas women had greater SAT volume. The study concludes that sex influences adipose tissue distribution, potentially affecting inflammatory and cardiometabolic profiles after SCI, emphasizing the need for further research on dietary and exercise interventions tailored to sex-specific adiposity patterns to mitigate health risks.

Practical Implications

Personalized Interventions

Recognizing sex-specific differences in adipose tissue distribution can inform tailored exercise and dietary interventions for individuals with SCI.

Targeted Therapies

Understanding the unique correlations between adipose tissue depots and proinflammatory adipokines in each sex may lead to targeted therapies to reduce inflammation and cardiometabolic risk.

Future Research Directions

Further research should focus on larger sample sizes and prospective studies to evaluate the long-term impact of sex-based adiposity on health outcomes and the effectiveness of specific interventions.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size of female participants compared to males.
2
Lack of assessment of physical activity level and sex hormone levels.
3
Cross-sectional study design limits the ability to determine long-term implications.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury