Abdominal Fat Accumulation Research Articles

Adipokines and Endotoxemia Correlate with Hepatic Steatosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

(1) Background: The etiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is multifactorial. Dietary composition has been implicated as a factor modulating intestinal barrier and could affect disease severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary intake and markers of intestinal permeability in patients with NAFLD. (2) Methods: We enrolled 63 patients with NAFLD and compared them to age-matched controls. (3) Results: body mass index (BMI) and leptin to adiponectin ratio—the latter being an indicator of abdominal fat accumulation—correlated with the degree of hepatic steatosis being accompanied with rising levels of fasting insulin. Furthermore, endotoxin plasma levels and markers of inflammation were significantly higher in NAFLD compared to controls and increased with the severity of hepatic steatosis. Despite comparable intake of total energy and macronutrients, intake of fiber was lower in all patients with NAFLD compared to controls and were negatively related to disease severity. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, results of the present study suggest that fiber intake in patients is negatively related to steatosis degree and bacterial endotoxin levels, further suggesting that dietary fiber intake may be a target in NAFLD treatment (NCT: 02366052 and 03482284).

The role of physical activity in metabolic homeostasis before and after the onset of type 2 diabetes: an IMI DIRECT study

Aims/hypothesisIt is well established that physical activity, abdominal ectopic fat and glycaemic regulation are related but the underlying structure of these relationships is unclear. The previously proposed twin-cycle hypothesis (TC) provides a mechanistic basis for impairment in glycaemic control through the interactions of substrate availability, substrate metabolism and abdominal ectopic fat accumulation. Here, we hypothesise that the effect of physical activity in glucose regulation is mediated by the twin-cycle. We aimed to examine this notion in the Innovative Medicines Initiative Diabetes Research on Patient Stratification (IMI DIRECT) Consortium cohorts comprised of participants with normal or impaired glucose regulation (cohort 1: N ≤ 920) or with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes (cohort 2: N ≤ 435).MethodsWe defined a structural equation model that describes the TC and fitted this within the IMI DIRECT dataset. A second model, twin-cycle plus physical activity (TC-PA), to assess the extent to which the effects of physical activity in glycaemic regulation are mediated by components in the twin-cycle, was also fitted. Beta cell function, insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control were modelled from frequently sampled 75 g OGTTs (fsOGTTs) and mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTTs) in participants without and with diabetes, respectively. Abdominal fat distribution was assessed using MRI, and physical activity through wrist-worn triaxial accelerometry. Results are presented as standardised beta coefficients, SE and p values, respectively.ResultsThe TC and TC-PA models showed better fit than null models (TC: χ2 = 242, p = 0.004 and χ2 = 63, p = 0.001 in cohort 1 and 2, respectively; TC-PA: χ2 = 180, p = 0.041 and χ2 = 60, p = 0.008 in cohort 1 and 2, respectively). The association of physical activity with glycaemic control was primarily mediated by variables in the liver fat cycle.Conclusions/interpretationThese analyses partially support the mechanisms proposed in the twin-cycle model and highlight mechanistic pathways through which insulin sensitivity and liver fat mediate the association between physical activity and glycaemic control.

Effect of resveratrol on body composition in adult catch-up growth rats and its mechanism

To observe the effects of resveratrol on body composition in adult catch-up growth rats and to explore the possible mechanism. Eight-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal controls for 4 weeks (NC4) group, caloric restriction for 4 weeks (R4) group, calorie restriction meanwhile resveratrol treatment for 4 weeks (R4E) group, normal controls for 12 weeks (NC12) group, catch-up growth (CUG) group and catch-up growth meanwhile resveratrol treatment for 8 weeks (CUGE) group. At the end of the four-week and twelve-week experimental period, the body weight, muscle and fat content of trunk and whole body, the ratio of trunk to whole body fat were detected, and at the end of twelve-week experimental period, the expression of SIRT1 in skeletal muscle and epididymal adipose tissue, and the expression of PPARγ in epididymal adipose tissue were detected. Compared with NC12 group, the fat content of trunk and whole body and trunk to whole body fat ratio in CUG group were increased significantly, along with the expression of PPARγ in epididymal adipose tissue was increased significantly (P＜0.05), while the muscle content of trunk and whole body, the expression of SIRT1 in skeletal muscle and epididymal adipose tissue in CUG group were decreased significantly compared with NC12 group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); compared with CUG group, oral administration of resveratrol distinctly reduced the body fat content and trunk to whole body fat ratio in the CUGE groups, and the expression of PPARγ in epididymal adipose tissue of CUGE group was also significantly decreased (P＜0.05). Meanwhile, the muscle content and the expression of SIRT1 in skeletal muscle and epididymal adipose tissue in CUGE group were significantly increased compared with the CUG group (P＜0.05). Resveratrol can decrease body fat content, increase muscle content and improve abdominal fat accumulation in adult catch-up growth rats, and its mechanism may be associated with increasing SIRT1 expression in skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue, decreasing PPARγ expression in visceral adipose tissue.

The relationship between renal sinus lipomatosis detected at abdominal computed tomography and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation and metabolic risk factors.

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between renal sinus lipomatosis (RSL) and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation and metabolic risk factors.Material and methodsA total 73 subjects were included in the study. The study group consisted of 35 cases with RSL and 38 control cases matched for age and sex. Total, visceral, and subcutaneous abdominal fat areas were measured by abdominal computed tomography (CT). The relationship between RSL and visceral abdominal fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, total abdominal fat, high total cholesterol level, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, high very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol level, high triglyceride level, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, impaired fasting glucose level, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension (HT), and metabolic syndrome (MS) were investigated.ResultsRSL existence was observed at significantly higher levels statistically in cases with low HDL cholesterol level, high LDL cholesterol level, high VLDL cholesterol level, high triglyceride level, high total cholesterol level, and high glucose levels. In the presence of MS, DM, and HT, the presence of RSL was at a significantly higher level according to the statistics. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors affecting RSL presence together. It was observed that the model formed as the result of the evaluation using the backward method is statistically significant. Furthermore, the variables of age, high total cholesterol level, high glucose level, and abdominal subcutaneous fat were included in the obtained model.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated an association between the presence of RSL and age, high total cholesterol level, high glucose level, and subcutaneous fat.

Vitamin D levels in patients with metabolic syndrome

Background Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by several cardiovascular risk factors, such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, obesity, abdominal fat accumulation, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Objective To find an association between plasma 25-cholecalciferol (vitamin D) level and the MS. Patients and methods A case–control study was conducted on 48 patients with MS who were compared with 48 age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals (without MS). Results Although there was a significant increase in all parameters of MS in patient group over the control group, there was no statistically significant difference between them in vitamin D levels (P≥0.090). In both studied groups, there was no statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and BMI (P≥0.299), waist circumference (P≥0.208), blood pressure (systolic P≥0.257 and diastolic P≥0.081), fasting blood sugar (P≥0.227), and serum triglycerides (P≥0.438). We found an inverse correlation between vitamin D and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P≤0.001) in both groups. Only patients with MS showed an inverse correlation between vitamin D and lipid accumulation product (P≤0.001). Conclusion Although vitamin D level is not correlated with all MS parameters; it is negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lipid accumulation product, which is considered an accurate index for MS.

Pear pomace water extract reduces adiposity in vivo and in vitro by activating the AMPK-dependent pathway

Objective: To explore the inhibitory effect of water extract from pear pomace on abdominal fat accumulation and its underlying mechanism in high fat diet-fed animals. Methods: Three groups of male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a 60% kcal fat diet for 8 weeks. Pear pomace water extract (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered once daily via oral gavage. To confirm the possibility of the water extract of pear pomace acting as an activator of adenosine 5’-monophosphate- activated protein kinase (AMPK), differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was induced in the presence of the water extract of pear pomace with or without compound C. Body weight, food efficacy ratio, insulin resistance, and adipogenic protein expression were measured. Moreover, in the 3T3-L1 cells, lipid content and lipogenesis-related proteins were measured using Oil Red O staining and Western blotting analysis. Results: Body weight gain and total abdominal fat weight were reduced in mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Pear pomace water extract reduced fasting blood glucose and insulin, thereby reducing the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. It also resulted in dose-dependent decreases in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol. The protein expression of p-AMPK increased, while the expression of AMPK-downstream proteins including PPAR-γ, C/ EBPa, SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS decreased in the adipose tissue of mice treated with pear pomace water extract. Furthermore, the inhibition of AMPK by compound C blocked pear pomace water extract-induced reduction of lipid content and the expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Conclusions: Pear pomace water extract prevents fat accumulation both in vivo and in vitro by activating AMPK.

Research of the Genotype Association by Locus Rs7903146 of the Tcf7l2 Gene and the Risk of Abdominal Obesity Development among Young Residents of the North

Currently, interest in studying obesity as a chronic inflammatory disease continues to grow. Despite numerous recommendations for reducing excess weight, the majority of the population does not assess the importance of this pathology for the development of serious cardiovascular diseases. Eating disorders and physical inactivity continue to prevail among the majority of the population, and especially, it is common among young people. Climatic factors also play an important role in changing fat metabolism. This is peculiar, especially to residents of the northern regions, where, under the influence of cold, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism is often disturbed, which contributes to the accumulation of abdominal fat. However, a genetic predisposition to obesity is one of the common causes of this disorder. The TCF7L2 gene (localization - 10q25.3) controls the synthesis of a transcription factor that regulates the expression of the proglucagon gene involved in carbohydrate metabolism [1]. So, the CT and TT alleles of rs7903146 of the TCF7L2 gene lead to insulin deficiency in the body. In addition, the TCF7L2 gene regulates the differentiation of adipose tissue cells [2; 3]. To study the association of rs7903146 of the TCF7L2 gene with a risk of developing abdominal obesity among young residents of the north.

Trajectories of Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure with Mid-Range Ejection Fraction

Background: Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). However, common WHR trajectories are not well established in HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) persons, and their relationship to clinical outcomes remains uncertain. Method: We prospectively enrolled 1,396 participants with HFmrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction 40–49%) from April 2013 through April 2017. The waist and hip circumferences of the subjects were measured at regular intervals, and the WHR was calculated as waist circumference divided by hip circumference. Latent mixture modeling was performed to identify WHR trajectories. We then used Cox proportional-hazard models to examine the association between WHR trajectory patterns and incident HF, incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality. Results: We identified four distinct WHR trajectory patterns: lean-moderate increase (9.2%), medium-stable/increase (32.7%), heavy-stable/increase (48.0%), and heavy-moderate decrease (10.1%). After multivariable adjustment, the heavy-stable/increase and heavy-moderate decrease patterns were associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk (heavy-stable/increase: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.75–4.62; heavy-moderate decrease: adjusted HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.71–3.04), incident CVD risk (heavy-stable/increase: adjusted HR 4.03, 95% CI 2.39–4.91; heavy-moderate decrease: adjusted HR 3.05, 95% CI 2.34–4.09), and incident HF risk (heavy-stable/increase: adjusted HR 2.72, 95% CI 2.05–3.28; heavy-moderate decrease: adjusted HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.80–3.03) with reference to the lean-moderate increase pattern. Conclusion: Among patients with HFmrEF, the trajectories of WHR gain are associated with poor outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of abdominal fat accumulation management during the progression of HFmrEF.

Antibiotics promote abdominal fat accumulation in broilers.

Antibiotics stimulate the growth of animals but result in drug residues and bacterial resistance. In this study, the negative effect of antibiotics on abdominal fat deposition was evaluated in broilers. The results showed that adding both chlortetracycline (50g/1,000kg) and tylosin (50g/1,000kg) significantly increased abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat percentage (p<.05), and triglyceride and cholesterol levels (p<.05) in blood. Also, both products synchronously stimulated intestinal absorption and synthesis of liver fat. The expression levels of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ (PPARγ), diacylgycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4) genes in abdominal fat tissue significantly increased (p<.05 or 0.01) when antibiotics were added to the feed. However, no significant difference was found in expression of the fatty acid synthesis (FAS) or acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) genes. Further in vitro study results revealed that antibiotics had no effect on fat content or the related gene expression levels in preadipocytes. In summary, the antibiotics induced fat deposition in adipose tissues by activating extracellular absorption of fatty acids from intestinal absorption and synthesis of liver fat. However, it shows no direct regulation by adipose tissue.

Haloperidol increases hepatic lipid peroxidation promoted by high-fat diet in rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with haloperidol (HAL) associated with a high-fat diet (HF) on hepatic and renal damage, intracellular magnesium (Mg2+) levels, and abdominal fat content. Young male Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet or control diet during 48 weeks and, at the 24-week, part of animals began to be co-treated with HAL (1 mg/Kg/day intramuscularly). After 4 weeks of the drug administration, the livers and kidneys were removed for analyses. The results showed that HF diet significantly increased lipid peroxidation in the hepatic tissue of treated animals, when compared to animals treated with control diet (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, HF associated with HAL further increased the hepatic lipid peroxidation levels (P&lt;0.05). In contrast, HF and/or HAL did not promote significant changes in renal lipid peroxidation levels. We also found a negative correlation between intracellular Mg2+ levels and abdominal fat content among all animals. In conclusion, the data presented suggest adverse interactions between HAL and HF on liver. Furthermore, the negative correlation between the intracellular Mg2+ levels and the abdominal fat accumulation suggest a possible involvement of Mg2+ in the metabolic syndrome development associated with a HF diet.

Why Do Men Accumulate Abdominal Visceral Fat?

Men have a higher tendency to accumulate abdominal visceral fat compared to pre-menopausal women. The accumulation of abdominal visceral fat in men, which is a strong independent predictor of mortality, is mainly due to the higher dietary fat uptake by their abdominal visceral fat. Since dietary fat is absorbed by the enterocytes and transported to the circulation in the forms of chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs), it is crucial to understand how these lipoproteins are different between men and women. The chylomicrons in men are generally bigger in size and more in quantity than those in women. During the postprandial state, these chylomicrons congest the lamina propria and the low-pressure lymphatics. In this paper, we propose that this congestion predisposes the chylomicron triglycerides to hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The liberated fatty acids are then stored by the nearby abdominal visceral adipocytes, leading to the accumulation of abdominal visceral fat. These mechanisms perhaps explain why men, through their bigger and higher production of chylomicrons, are more likely to accumulate abdominal visceral fat than pre-menopausal women. This accumulation eventually leads to belly enlargement, which confers men their apple-shaped body.

Longitudinal association of changes in diet with changes in body weight and waist circumference in subjects at high cardiovascular risk: the PREDIMED trial

BackgroundConsumption of certain foods is associated with long-term weight gains and abdominal fat accumulation in healthy, middle-aged and young, non-obese participants. Whether the same foods might be associated with changes in adiposity in elderly population at high cardiovascular risk is less known.ObjectiveUsing yearly repeated measurements of both food habits and adiposity parameters, we aimed to investigate how changes in the consumption of specific foods were associated with concurrent changes in weight or waist circumference (WC) in the PREDIMED trial.DesignWe followed-up 7009 participants aged 55–70 years at high cardiovascular risk for a median time of 4.8 years. A validated 137-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for dietary assessment with yearly repeated measurements. We longitudinally assessed associations between yearly changes in food consumption (serving/d) and concurrent changes in weight (kg) or WC (cm).ResultsYearly increments in weight were observed with increased consumption (kg per each additional increase in 1 serving/d) for refined grains (0.32 kg/serving/d), red meat (0.24), potatoes (0.23), alcoholic beverages (0.18), processed meat (0.15), white bread (0.07) and sweets (0.04); whereas inverse associations were detected for increased consumption of low-fat yogurt (− 0.18), and low-fat milk (− 0.06).Annual WC gain (cm per each additional increase in 1 serving/d) occurred with increased consumption of snacks, fast-foods and pre-prepared dishes (0.28), processed meat (0.18), alcoholic beverages (0.13), and sweets (0.08); whereas increased consumption of vegetables (− 0.23), and nuts (− 0.17), were associated with reductions in WC.ConclusionsIn this assessment conducted in high-risk subjects using yearly repeated measurements of food habits and adiposity, some ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates (including white bread), potatoes, red meats and alcohol were associated with higher weight and WC gain, whereas increases in consumption of low-fat dairy products and plant foods were associated with less gain in weight and WC.Trial registrationThis study was registered at controlled-trials.com with International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 35739639. Registration date: 5 October 2005.

Association of FTO common variant (rs9939609) with body fat in Turkish individuals

BackgroundVariations in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene (16q12.2) are associated with obesity in some populations. This study aimed to determine the relationship between FTO gene polymorphism and adiposity&related markers in Turkish adults was aimed.MethodsThe present study included 200 participants aged 18–65 years, who were genotyped for variants of the FTO gene (rs9939609). Anthropometric measurements were performed. Body compositions were analyzed with Tanita BC 545 N Inner ScanTM. Infrared analyzer (VISCANTM) was also used to determinate the degree of abdominal fat. Body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI) and lipid accumulation products (LAP) index which are used in body fat estimation were calculated. Body fat amounts were classified using gender-based cut-offs. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to determine the risk of having a high body fat amount associated with the risk allele.ResultsThe frequency of the rs9939609 AA genotype was 19.0%, which was 42.5% for the AT genotype and 38.5% for the TT genotype (wild type). AA genotype was found to be higher in females than in males (26.0 and 12.0%, respectively). The total body fat amount of the individuals with AA genotype was high (28.5 ± 9.25%) compared to AT (27.0 ± 10.31%) and TT (23.7 ± 10.62%) genotype (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in abdominal fat amounts (%) (AA:38.6%, AT:36.2%, TT:33.7%), internal fat levels and waist/hip ratios (p > 0.05). Significance of association between FTO genotypes and total body fat (%) was retained after adjustment for BMI and gender as well. BMI, LAP, and BAI index values were not different between different genotypes in all individuals and different genders (p > 0.05).ConclusionOur study supports that the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism is associated with fat accumulation in the whole body without being associated with abdominal fat accumulation in Turkish adults.

Association Between Visceral Abdominal Fat Accumulation and Severity of Liver Fibrosis in Nondiabetic Individuals Coinfected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus.

Our primary objective was to assess the independent association between liver fibrosis (LF) and abdominal fat accumulation (AFA) and fatty liver disease (FLD). We also aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of AFA and FLD for the prediction of cirrhosis measured using unenhanced low-dose computed tomography (CT). This is a cross-sectional study in stable human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients with active HCV replication. CT was used to quantify fat content in segments III and VI of the liver and AFA. Transient elastometry was used to stage LF. Multivariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and linear mixed model analysis were applied. One hundred fifteen HIV/HCV-coinfected patients were included. Cirrhosis was detected in 20.8% (24 patients). There was a high correlation between anthropometric characteristics and radiological variables. The factors independently associated with cirrhosis were albumin concentration [odds ratio (OR), 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58-0.83; p < .0001] and visceral fat accumulation (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; p = .0003). Multinomial analysis showed that visceral fat area (VFA) was the factor independently associated with stage F2 (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.0-1.03; p < .005) and albumin concentration with stage F3 (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64-0.89; p < .001). VFA was the only radiological variable with an area under the curve >0.7 for the prediction of cirrhosis. There was no inter- or intraobserver variability in the measurement of AFA; however, high interobserver variability was recorded in the measurement of FLD. The association of VFA with cirrhosis, the high reproducibility of CT for the measurement of VFA, and the ability of VFA to predict cirrhosis make CT a suitable technique for identifying HIV/HCV-coinfected patients for closer surveillance.

Comparative characterization of bacterial communities in geese consuming of different proportions of ryegrass.

Geese are extremely well-adapted to utilizing plant-derived roughage in their diet, so the grass must be added to commercial diets under intensive rearing systems. However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiota will change significantly when adding different proportions of ryegrass. In this study, 240 healthy male Yangzhou geese (28 days old) with similar body weights were randomly divided into four groups and fed different proportions grass (CK, whole commercial diets; EG1, ryegrass: commercial diets = 1.5:1; EG2, ryegrass: commercial diets = 2:1; EG3, ryegrass: commercial diets = 3:1) respectively. When the geese grew to 70 days old, their intestines were collected and high-throughput sequencing technology was performed to investigate the microbial diversity in the caecum of geese with different dietary supplements. There was no obvious change in the alpha diversity of gut microbiota of geese with ryegrass intake (P > 0.05) and the composition of dominant bacterium (including Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) was also similar. However, the ratio between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes was remarkably reduced with ryegrass intake (P < 0.05), and the relative abundance of 30 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) significantly differed. Additionally, the content of cellulose-degrading microbiota such as Ruminiclostridium and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 were significantly increased in geese fed with increasing amounts of grass. Finally, the functional profiles of the goose gut microbiota were explored using the PICRUSt tool. Carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were dominant metabolic pathways. Lipid metabolism was significantly increased in EG3 compared that in the CK group (P < 0.05). Interestingly, Turicibacter and Parasutterella may have affected abdominal fat deposition as grass intake increased. Taken together, although the diversity of bacterial communities was similar in geese fed with different proportions of ryegrass, cellulose-degrading microbiota (Ruminiclostridium and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010) were abundant and the lipid metabolic pathway was enriched, which may reduce abdominal fat accumulation in high-ryegrass fed geese.

Abdominal Adipose Tissue Is Associated With Alterations in Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism and Markers of Systemic Inflammation in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

While both adipose tissue accumulation and tryptophan metabolism alterations are features of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, their interplay is unclear. We investigated associations between abdominal adipose tissue, alterations in kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, and systemic inflammation in people with HIV (PWH). Eight hundred sixty-four PWH and 75 uninfected controls were included. Plasma samples were collected and analyzed for kynurenine metabolites, neopterin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and lipids. Regression models were used to test associations in PWH. PWH had higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio than uninfected individuals (P < .001). In PWH, increase in waist-to-hip ratio was associated with higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (P = .009) and quinolinic-to-kynurenic acid ratio (P = .006) and lower kynurenic acid concentration (P = .019). Quinolinic-to-kynurenic acid ratio was associated with higher hs-CRP (P < .001) and neopterin concentrations (P < .001), while kynurenic acid was associated with lower hs-CRP (P = .025) and neopterin concentrations (P = .034). In PWH, increase in abdominal adipose tissue was associated with increased quinolinic-to-kynurenic acid ratio, suggesting activation of proinflammatory pathway of kynurenine metabolism, with reduction of anti-inflammatory molecules and increase in systemic inflammation. Our results suggest dysregulation of kynurenine metabolism associated with abdominal fat accumulation to be a potential source of inflammation in HIV infection.

Effects of aromatherapy on stress, fructosamine, fatigue, and sleep quality in prediabetic middle-aged women: A randomised controlled trial

IntroductionAlthough there has been an overall increase in life expectancy, the rise in chronic diseases poses a threat to healthy life expectancy. In particular, individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes, stress, fatigue, postmenopausal accumulation of abdominal fat, insulin resistance, and insomnia are likely to have a poorer quality of life. This study aimed to investigate whether aromatherapy (inhalation and massage) could affect levels of stress, blood glucose, fatigue, and sleep quality in middle-aged prediabetic women. MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial. In this study, prediabetic middle-aged women, aged 40–65-years old, with a fasting blood glucose or HbA1c level of 100 mg/dL–126 mg/dL or 5.5–6.4%, respectively, were included. The experimental treatment consisted of direct inhalation of aroma essential oil and self-massage with 3% massage oil for two weeks, as prescribed by an international aromatherapist. To determine the effects of treatment, subjective stress, objective stress index, fructosamine, fatigue, and sleep quality were measured. Differences in stress response, sleep quality, and fatigue over time and between the two groups were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and Student’s t-tests. ResultsSubjective stress did not significantly differ between the two groups after one week but became significantly different after two weeks (t=−3.78, p = .001). After the treatment, there were significant changes in fructosamine (t=−3.53, p = .001), fatigue (t=−4.12, p = .001), and sleep quality (t=6.27, p < .001). ConclusionThe study suggests that aroma inhalation and self-abdominal massage may help manage blood sugar, fatigue and improve sleep quality in pre-diabetic women.

Antroquinonol Attenuated Abdominal and Hepatic Fat Accumulation in Rats Fed an Obesogenic Diet.

An imbalance of energy intake and expenditure leads to fat accumulation and metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of antroquinonol on diet-induced obesity. Thirty-two rats were divided into a control group (C), an obesogenic group (OB), and two experimental groups consuming 25 (OB-AQ25) and 50 mg/kg (OB-AQ50) antroquinonol (n = 8). After a 12-week experimental period, we collected blood, liver, abdominal fat, and gastrocnemius muscle tissue for analysis. The obesogenic diet induced greater weight gain and fat accumulation, and increased hepatic lipids, and tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β concentrations in rats. Antroquinonol consumption reduced epididymal and hepatic lipids and inflammatory cytokines. We found that antroquinonol upregulated hepatic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and downregulated sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 protein expressions and downregulated fatty acid synthase mRNA expression. In addition, gastrocnemius fibronectin type III domain containing 5 protein expression was also higher in the B group. In conclusion, our results suggested that consuming antroquinonol may ameliorate diet-induced abdominal and hepatic fat accumulation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Antroquinonol is a bioactive compound derived from Antrodia camphorate which is traditionally used in Chinese medicinal cuisine, and is used for developing functional foods in Taiwan. This is the first study investigating the possible effects of antroquinonol on obesity and we found that antroquinonol can ameliorate diet-induced obesity, and therefore may be used in further studies and functional food development.

The association of red meat intake with inflammation and circulating intermediate biomarkers of type 2 diabetes is mediated by central adiposity.

We explored the role of lipid accumulation products and visceral adiposity on the association between red meat consumption (RMC) and markers of insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation in USA adults. Data on RMC and health outcome measurements were extracted from the 2005-2010 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Overall 16621 participants were included in the analysis (mean age = 47·1 years, 48·3% men). ANCOVA and 'conceptus causal mediation' models were applied while accounting for survey design. In adjusted models, a lower RMC was significantly associated with a cardio-protective profile of IR and inflammation. BMI had significant mediation effects on the association between RMC and C-reactive protein (CRP), apo B, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homoeostatic model assessment of IR and β-cell function, glycated Hb (HbA1c), TAG:HDL ratio and TAG glucose (TyG) index (all Ps < 0·05). Both waist circumference and anthropometrically predicted visceral adipose tissue mediated the association between RMC and CRP, FBG, HbA1c, TAG:HDL ratio and TyG index (all Ps < 0·05). Our findings suggest that adiposity, particularly the accumulation of abdominal fat, accounts for a significant proportion of the associations between red meat consumption, IR and inflammation.

А-АЛЛЕЛЬ ГЕНА FTO АССОЦИИРОВАН С ПОВЫШЕННЫМ НАКОПЛЕНИЕМ ЖИРА У ВЕГЕТАРИАНЦЕВ

Recent evidence suggests that the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) genotype may interact with dietary intakes in relation to adiposity; previous findings suggest that low dietary protein intake may increase the obesity risk. The aim of present paper was to test the effect of FTO variants on obesity related morphological trains (fat accumulation and topography) in adult vegetarians. Methods: Lifestyle, genetic (FTO T/A, rs9939609) and anthropometric data were collected from 114 adult Russian vegetarians (48 males and 66 females), mean age was 30,6 ± 7,0 yrs. Results: Vegetarian men had lower total body fat (11,4 %) compared with non-vegetarian Russian men the same age. Vegetarian women had normal total body fat (23,7 %). A lot of significant associations between A allele and obesity related traits were found in males' subgroup. In this subgroup the AA genotype carriers demonstrate abdominal fat accumulation. There were no significant differences between alternative FTO genotype carriers in obesity related traits in vegetarian women. Conclusion: Obesity risk allele (FTOxA) is associated with fat accumulation on trunk in vegetarian men.