Blood Metabolic Parameters Research Articles

Maternal dyslipidemia during pregnancy and lactation increases blood pressure and disrupts cardiorespiratory and glucose hemostasis in female rat offspring.

Hypertension and metabolic disorders evidenced in adults who have been exposed to nutritional insults during early life may be sex-dependent. We evaluated if blood pressure (BP), cardiorespiratory control, and metabolic parameters are affected in female offspring (FO) from dams fed a dyslipidaemic diet during pregnancy and lactation. FO was obtained from dams who received control (CTL) or dyslipidaemic diets during pregnancy and lactation. The effects of a maternal dyslipidaemic diet on BP, cardiorespiratory control, and biochemical parameters were assessed at 30 and 90 days of age. The experimental protocol based on a dyslipidaemic diet intervention was effective in developing maternal dyslipidemia. At 30 days of age, the FO from dyslipidaemic dams displayed disordered respiratory pattern, enhanced ventilatory response to hypercapnia (P < 0.05), and increased serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides (P < 0.05) when compared with CTL female offspring. At 90 days of age, FO from dyslipidaemic dams had augmented BP (P < 0.05), exacerbated cardiorespiratory responses to hypercapnia (P < 0.05), enhanced pressor responses to peripheral chemoreflex activation (P < 0.05), impaired baroreflex (P < 0.05), and larger delta variations in arterial pressure after ganglionic blockade (P < 0.05). Furthermore, during oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests, FO from dyslipidaemic dams exhibited altered glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) when compared with FO from CTL dams. Altered breathing linked to enhanced central and peripheral chemosensitivity, impaired baroreflex, and augmented sympathetic tone may be predisposing factors for increased BP and metabolic disorders in female offspring from dyslipidaemic dams.

Growth performances, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood metabolic parameters in rabbits of local Algerian population and synthetic line.

Aim:The objective of this work was to study the growth performance, slaughter traits, meat quality, and metabolic profile in rabbits of local Algerian population and a synthetic line.Materials and Methods:In total, 120 weaned rabbits were used (60 per group). Growth traits were recorded from weaning (35 days) to slaughter (91 days). At slaughter, carcass traits, meat quality, and metabolic profiles were measured.Results:The synthetic line showed heavier total weight and faster daily weight gain than the local population (+15% and +19%, respectively), better feed conversion (3.92 vs. 4.81 g/g), and heavier weight of cold carcass, and perirenal fat (+15%). No differences were found between the two groups in dressing out percentage, muscular pH, weight of liver, or scapular fat. Wider intestinal villi were found in the synthetic line (+20%, p<0.0001) allowing better absorption surface in this line. The synthetic line also showed higher fat content (3.41% vs . 2.22%, p<0.0001) in the meat and lower protein content (22.02% vs . 18.98%, p=0.0002). Glucose level was 19% higher in the local population than in the synthetic line.Conclusion:The synthetic line is well adapted to the local conditions of Algeria. This line has shown better growth, daily gain, and feed conversion, due to its better intestinal absorption surface.

Evaluation of Mediterranean Type Nutrition Habits with Blood Pressure Regulation and Metabolic Syndrome Parameters in Hypertension Patients

Evaluation of Mediterranean Type Nutrition Habits with Blood Pressure Regulation and Metabolic Syndrome Parameters in Hypertension Patients

Prediction model optimization using full model selection with regression trees demonstrated with FTIR data from bovine milk

Predictive modeling is the development of a model that is best able to predict an outcome based on given input variables. Model algorithms are different processes that are used to define functions that transform the data within models. Common algorithms include logistic regression (LR), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), classification and regression trees (CART), naïve Bayes (NB), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN). Data preprocessing option, such as feature extraction and reduction, and model algorithms are commonly selected empirically in epidemiological studies even though these decisions can significantly affect model performance. Accordingly, full model selection (FMS) methods were developed to provide a systematic approach to select predictive modeling methods; however, current limitations of FMS, such as its dependency on user-selected hyperparameters, have prevented their routine incorporation into analyses for model performance optimization.Here we present the use of regression trees as an innovative method to apply FMS. Regression tree FMS (rtFMS) requires the development of a model for every combination of predictive modeling method options under consideration. The iterated, cross-validation performances of these models are then passed through a regression tree for selection of a final model. We demonstrate the benefits of rtFMS using a milk Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy dataset, wherein we build prediction models for two blood metabolic health parameters in dairy cows, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA). The goal for building NEFA and BHBA prediction models is to provide a milk-based screening tool for metabolic health in dairy cattle that can be incorporated automatically in milk analysis routines. These models could be used in conjunction with physical exams, cow side tests, and other indications to initiate medical intervention.In contrast to previously reported FMS methods, rtFMS is not a black box, is simple to implement and interpret, it does not have hyperparameters, and it illustrates the relative importance of modeling options. Additionally, rtFMS allows for indirect comparisons among models developed using different datasets. Finally, rtFMS eliminates user bias due to personal preference for certain methods and rtFMS removes the dependency on published comparisons of methods. Thus, rtFMS provides clear benefits over the empirical selection of data preprocessing options and model algorithms.

Assessment of Dietary Management in AODCI-WDF Diabetes Network in Provinces of Côte d'Ivoire

Introduction: Effective management of diabetes should be holistic, taking into account the roles of different health actors. The objective of this study is to determine the contribution of dietary prescriptions to the balance of blood glucose and metabolic parameters in diabetic patients managed in micro-clinics. Methods: The anthropometric, biological, metabolic parameters of the patients, the follow-up of the dietetic and dietary measures prescribed by the dieticians to the patients were raised. The usual statistics were used to analyze the results. Results: In total, 17221 patients were managed in the AODCI-WDF micro-clinics, from 2012 to 2017. Only 39% of patients had benefited from dietary prescriptions (DP), 54% exclusively of medication prescriptions (MP), 7% had regular physical activity (PA), and other patients have benefited from the combination of these different treatments (61% MP+PA, 46% DP+PA, 93% MP+DP). Treatments that included dietary prescriptions (DP, DP + PA, MP + DP et MP + DP + PA) more patients with better control of anthropometric, biological, and metabolic parameters. Conclusion: The AODCI-WDF diabetes network is a significant contributor to the decentralization of diabetes care through the presence of micro-clinics in many parts of the country. The diets prescribed by dieticians contribute enormously to the control of metabolic parameters of patients.

Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy in runners with metabolic disorders.

Running is a very popular modality of physical activity, which may help to lose weight and normalize pathological values of blood parameters in subjects suffering from metabolic disorders. Given that both overuse and metabolic pathologies are responsible for the onset of tendon damage, aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the first group of pathogenetic factors or the latter was more responsible for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Thirty-six and 28 subjects with and without mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, who were regular runners and started running for metabolic disorders, were enrolled, respectively. Information about body weight and blood parameters at baseline was collected. The characteristics of running practice, dietary habits and anthropometric measures were registered. An ultrasound evaluation of the tendon was performed, and the blood metabolic parameters were evaluated. The amount of running years and mileage was equivalent in both groups. A similar weight loss was observed; the subjects with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy showed a worse metabolic profile (Hb1aC%, p = 0.008; total cholesterol, p = 0.04; HDL cholesterol, p = 0.003; triglycerides, p = 0.009). These findings suggest that the subjects with less evident positive effects of running on metabolism are more exposed to the onset of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.

Abstract P113: Early Life Stress-Induced Increases in Urinary Aldosterone Precedes Renal Dysfunction and Hypertension in Male Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

We have previously shown that mice subjected to maternal separation and early weaning (MSEW), a model of early life stress, display exacerbated angiotensin II-dependent obesity-induced hypertension and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after 16 weeks of high fat diet (HF). In this study, we hypothesized that renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) activation in MSEW mice fed a HF for only 12 weeks will precede a decline in GFR and heightened hypertension. MSEW was performed by separating the pups from their mother for 4 to 8 hours from postnatal days (PD) 2 to 16. Mice were weaned at PD 17. Control mice remained undisturbed and were weaned at PD 21. We used 16 MSEW and 14 control litters. Eight-week-old mice were fed on a low fat diet (LF) or HF (10 or 60 % fat Kcal) for 12 weeks. Each litter was represented by one male randomly assigned to each diet. After 11 weeks, 24-hr urine was collected to measure proteins, creatinine, aldosterone and electrolytes by Duo ICAP-OES. At week 12, transcutaneous GFR and blood pressure were measured in all mice. Male MSEW and control mice fed a HF displayed similar blood pressure and metabolic parameters, including water intake (3.4±0.3 vs. 3.4±0.2 ml/day), diuresis (1.1±0.1 vs. 1.0±0.2 ml/day), natriuresis (0.10±0.01 vs. 0.09±0.01 mmol/day), proteinuria (3.5±0.7 vs. 2.9±0.5 mg/day) and GFR (0.97±0.04 vs. 0.96±0.03 ml/min/100g BW). However, MSEW increased kaliuresis (0.41±0.07 vs. 0.23±0.02 mmol/day, p&lt;0.05) and urinary aldosterone (25±4 vs. 11±1 ng/g crea, p&lt;0.05). In addition, MSEW mice displayed increased plasma aldosterone (158±32 vs. 87±17 pg/ml, p=0.056) and lower plasma renin concentration compared to controls (2.3±0.4 vs. 3.7±0.4 ng/mL/30’, p&lt;0.05), suggesting elevated circulating angiotensin II. Only MSEW mice showed increased adiposity (36±1 vs. 24±4, %) and a positive correlation between urinary aldosterone and fat mass (2.6±0.9 vs. -0.1± 0.1, p&lt;0.05). These data indicate that MSEW-induced RAAS overactivation precedes the increases in blood pressure and decline in GFR found in HF-fed mice later in life. Thus, increased angiotensin II, most likely due to elevated fat angiotensinogen, may stimulate adipocyte and/or adrenal-derived aldosterone production exacerbating obesity-hypertension in MSEW mice.

The inflammation paradox: Why are Tsimane protected against Western diseases while Westerners are not?

We here describe two apparent paradoxes concerning high CRP levels and NCD risk. One has emerged from observational studies in the Amazon region showing that the indigenous Tsimane in Bolivia appear protected against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases despite increased inflammatory markers. These findings stand in contrast to Western societies, where an increasing body of evidence demonstrates that low-grade-inflammation is the driver of NCDs. The second paradox has emerged from two field studies (Eifel studies) conducted in 2013 and 2014 with Westerners who returned to a simulated Palaeolithic lifestyle in a National park for 4 days. We had detected elevated inflammation markers, despite otherwise anti-inflammatory effects of these interventions as indicated by metabolic blood parameters. We here propose three hypotheses for this second inflammatory paradox.

The inflammation paradox: Why are Tsimane protected against Western diseases while Westerners are not?

We here describe two apparent paradoxes concerning high CRP levels and NCD risk. One has emerged from observational studies in the Amazon region showing that the indigenous Tsimane in Bolivia appear protected against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases despite increased inflammatory markers. These findings stand in contrast to Western societies, where an increasing body of evidence demonstrates that low-grade-inflammation is the driver of NCDs. The second paradox has emerged from two field studies (Eifel studies) conducted in 2013 and 2014 with Westerners who returned to a simulated Palaeolithic lifestyle in a National park for 4 days. We had detected elevated inflammation markers, despite otherwise anti-inflammatory effects of these interventions as indicated by metabolic blood parameters. We here propose three hypotheses for this second inflammatory paradox.

Metabolic syndrome and biochemical changes among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients attending a tertiary care hospital of Nepal

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is mutually and bidirectionally linked with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of which it is both the cause and the consequences. Worldwide, 6.3 to 33% of the general populations are estimated to suffer from the disease with even higher prevalence in the group sharing metabolic co-morbidities. Hence, this study aims to recognize various risk factors including metabolic components and blood parameters to predict the possible incidence of the disease.MethodsTotal of 429 (219 NAFLD and 210 control) subjects were conveniently selected for study during the period of 9 months. Diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was done by liver imaging and based on liver enzymes. Assessment of metabolic syndrome was done by International Diabetic Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. All biochemical and hematological parameters and liver enzymes were estimated by using standard guideline. Mean comparison of quantitative data in different groups were performed using analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). Risk estimation of NAFLD associated with each character was verified by Chi-square test.ResultsThere was significant high levels of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and lipid profiles in NAFLD patients in comparison to control population (p < 0.001). Further, according to the NCEP ATP III criteria, 13.6% of NAFLD were present with MetS where risk estimate was significant (OR = 2.15). Whereas, other criteria (IDF) for MetS showed higher frequency (30.1%) with higher risk (OR = 29.75) for the presence of MetS in NAFLD patients. The change in triglycerides (TG) and HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) was also statistically significant in different grades of NAFLD. High risk for NAFLD was associated with existing co-morbid conditions like cardiovascular risk patients (3.18 times) followed by obese patients (1.72 times) and Diabetes Mellitus patients (1.68 times) at a significant level.ConclusionThe result of this study suggests that there is an increased prevalence of all the components of MetS and significant changes in biochemical markers in cases of NAFLD. Timely diagnosis would help in delaying its complications and co-morbidities.

Optimization of Blood Pressure Control, Metabolic Parameters, and Target Organs Protection with Perindopril + Indapamide Fixed Combination in Hypertensive Patients with Obesity and Prediabetes

The study objective was to evaluate the ability of the fixed combination (FC) of perindopril + indapamide (P+I) to reduce insulin resistance and low intensive noninfectious inflammation as well as to improve arterial elasticity in patients with hypertension, obesity and prediabetes on previous successful antihypertensive therapy with losartan + hydrochlorothiazide (L+HTZ) 100/12.5 mg. A 12-week open-label study included 50 patients (age 54.8 ± 6.6 years, body mass index (BMI) 32.5 ± 3.2 kg/m2). All patients underwent a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, applanation tonometry (assessment of augmentation index (AI), central blood pressure (CBP)), pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement and laboratory investigations (lipid profile, fasting glucose, the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, homocysteine, leptin, adiponectin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP)). Results: The switch of patients from L+HTZ to a FC of P+I resulted in an additional decrease in systolic BP and diastolic BP by 3.9% and 5.4%, respectively (p &amp;lt;0.05). Significant decrease in the BP load and variability was observed. PWV, AI, central SBP, vascular age decreased by 2.2%, 9.4%, 2.1% and 6.0% (p &amp;lt;0.05 for all). Fasting glycemia, insulinemia, and HOMA index decreased by 4.9%, 6.0% and 10.3% (p &amp;lt;0.05 for all). Triglycerides (TG) decreased by 13.5% (p&amp;lt;0.05) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) increased by 9.6% (p &amp;lt;0.05). Leptin and hsCRP levels decreased by 14.4% and 11.0%, adiponectin increased by 9.9% (p &amp;lt;0.05 for all). Clinically significant results were obtained in weight and BMI reduction on 6,0% and 1,2%. Conclusions: FC of P+I is superior to the L+HTZ in BP control, improvement of arterial elasticity and promotes a decrease in BMI, suppression of insulin-resistance and low intensive noninfectious inflammation in patients with hypertension, associated obesity and prediabetes. Disclosure S.V. Nedogoda: None. I. Barykina: None. A. Salasyuk: None. V.O. Smirnova: None. E. Popova: None.

Resveratrol supplementation decreases blood glucose without changing the circulating CD14+CD16+ monocytes and inflammatory cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Chronic low-grade inflammation is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although in vitro and animal studies have shown that resveratrol exerts anti-inflammatory effects, clinical trials addressing these effects in patients with T2D are limited. Therefore, in the present study, we hypothesized that supplementation of resveratrol might improve inflammatory markers in patients with T2D in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 45 T2D patients were supplemented with either of 800 mg/d resveratrol or placebo capsules for 8 weeks. Percentage of CD14+CD16+ monocytes, plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin [IL] 1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), the expression levels of genes involved in the inflammatory responses (toll-like receptor 2, toll-like receptor 4, and nuclear factor κB), lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β, and IL-6) secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and metabolic and anthropometric parameters were assessed at both the baseline level and the end of the study. Compared with the placebo group, we could not detect any significant difference in the percentage of CD14+CD16+ monocytes, lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine secretion, plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, and the expression of inflammatory genes in resveratrol group. Moreover, we did not find any significant change in the metabolic and anthropometric parameters except for a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and blood pressure. In conclusion, 8-week supplementation of resveratrol reduces blood glucose level in patients with T2D without improving their inflammatory markers.

Determinants of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the First Decade of Life: A Longitudinal Study Starting at Birth.

The present prospective study assessed the association of birth weight (BW) and growth pattern on cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort followed from birth to 10 years of age. One hundred and forty-five subjects (73 girls) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and had all their data recorded at birth and at 5 years were enrolled. Of these, 100 (52 girls) also recorded data at 10 years. Anthropometric measurements, office and 24-hour blood pressure, and metabolic parameters were obtained. At 5 years, both BW and current weight were determinants of blood pressure and metabolic parameters; however, as the subjects got older, the impact of body size increased. Higher BW and maternal obesity increased the risk of becoming obese at 5 years while this was reduced if breastfeeding. Maternal obesity was the only factor associated with becoming obese at 10 years. Twenty-two children at 10 years had insulin values ≥15 U/L, some of whom were persistent from 5 years while in others it increased afterward. Subjects with insulin values ≥15 U/L showed significant higher values of office systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and uric acid and lower values of high-density lipoprotein than did those with normal insulin values. Highest weight gain from 5 to 10 years and lowest BW were the main determinants of high insulin levels. In conclusion, although BW was a proxy of the events during fetal life and projected its influence later, the influence of gaining weight was a key determinant in the risk to develop obesity and metabolic abnormalities.

SAKK 08/15-promet: Multicenter, randomized phase II trial of salvage radiotherapy +/- metformin for patients with prostate cancer after prostatectomy.

TPS157 Background: Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) is as a potentially curative treatment for prostate cancer (CaP) patients presenting biochemical relapse after radical prostatectomy (RP). Metformin is a well-known antidiabetic drug that has demonstrated anti-cancer and radio-sensitizing effects. We aim to study whether metformin combined with SRT will improve cancer control by prolonging time to progression (TTP). Methods: This is a multicenter, randomized (1:1) phase II trial of SRT (70Gy/35fr to the prostate bed) with or without metformin (850mg BID for 52 wks) (NCT02945813). Metformin 850mg q.d. is started 4 wks prior to SRT. Stratification variables include Gleason score, PSA at randomization, surgical margin status and ADT use (allowed if PSA &gt; 0.5, R0, post-RP PSA-DT &lt; 6 mos or pT3b). Major eligibility criteria include: histologically proven CaP adenocarcinoma pT2a-3b, pN0 or cN0, M0; RP &gt; 12 wks before registration; PSA progression after RP defined as 2 consecutive rises with final PSA &gt; 0.1 ng/mL or 3 consecutive rises; and PSA ≤ 2 ng/mL within 14 days prior to registration. A sample size of 170 patients (85 per arm) is planned based on the primary endpoint TTP. Using a type I error of 5% and a power of 80%, 62 events are needed to show superiority of the treatment arm under the alternative hypothesis that the hazard ratio (HR) is 0.65 (TTP at 18 mos of 80% in the control arm vs. 86.5% in the treatment arm). All efficacy endpoints will be analyzed based on the full analysis population. The treatment effect will be assessed using Cox regression with the treatment arm as independent variable and the stratification factors as strata. Correlative studies including prostate tissue, blood (metabolic parameters), saliva and feces (microbiota) will be performed. Conclusion: Centers in Switzerland, Germany and France (GETUG) will recruit patients for this study. If positive, these results could help elucidate the role of metformin in CaP and determine the design of a subsequent phase III trial. Clinical trial information: NCT02945813.

Increasing variability of body mass and health correlates in Swiss conscripts, a possible role of relaxed natural selection?

The body mass index (BMI) is an established anthropometric index for the development of obesity-related conditions. However, little is known about the distribution of BMI within a population, especially about this distribution's temporal change. Here, we analysed changes in the distribution of height, weight and BMI over the past 140 years based on data of Swiss conscripts and tested for correlations between anthropometric data and standard blood parameters. Height and weight were measured in 59 504 young Swiss males aged 18-19 years during conscription in 1875-79, 1932-36, 1994 and 2010-12. For 65% of conscripts in 2010-12, results of standard blood analysis were available. We calculated descriptive statistics of the distribution of height, weight and BMI over the four time periods and tested for associations between BMI and metabolic parameters. Average and median body height, body weight and BMI increased over time. Height did no longer increase between 1994 and 2010-12, while weight and BMI still increased over these two decades. Variability ranges of weight and BMI increased over time, while variation of body height remained constant. Elevated levels of metabolic and inflammatory blood parameters were found at both ends of BMI distribution. Both overweight and underweight subgroups showed similar changes in inflammation parameters, pointing toward related metabolic deficiencies in both conditions. In addition to environmental influences, our results indicate a potential role of relaxed natural selection on genes affecting metabolism and body composition.

Prevalence of Physical Inactivity and its Effects on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Parameters in a Brazilian Urban Population

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the world and physical inactivity represents an important risk factor. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of physical inactivity in the adult population and its effects on blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profile. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study with stratified simple random sampling was conducted in 1,717 adults divided by age groups: 18-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and ≥ 70 years. The participants answered the physical activity questionnaire and were classified as physically active or inactive. The bootstrap statistical method was used to assess physical activity, associated with lipid profile and blood glucose levels. The level of significance was 5%. Results: The prevalence of physical inactivity in the general population was 65.8%. There was a significant difference in the group older than 70 years. There was a significant decrease in physical activity in the group with lower educational level, with a significant difference between social classes AB and C. The prevalence of hypertension was 27.5% among physically inactive and 21.4% among active individuals (p = 0.04). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 26.1% in inactive and 16.7% in the active individuals (p = 0.007). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides levels were more elevated in the physically inactive group, which was not observed with high-density lipoprotein levels. Blood glucose was also higher in the inactive group. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of physical inactivity and a positive correlation between risk factors for cardiovascular disease, mainly blood pressure, glucose and lipids profiles. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2018; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Switching from low-dose thiazide diuretics to sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor improves various metabolic parameters without affecting blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Aims/IntroductionSodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors function to increase urinary glucose excretion and improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as diuretics, increase urinary volume, which leads to the reduction of blood pressure. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor and thiazide diuretic on blood pressure, metabolic parameters and body mass composition.Materials and MethodsA total of 31 participants were enrolled in the present study. We switched from thiazide diuretics to an SGLT2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, in participants with type 2 diabetes and hypertension whose blood pressure was controlled with thiazide diuretics. Three months after the switch, we evaluated the effects of such switching on blood pressure, various metabolic parameters and body mass composition.ResultsThere was no significant difference in blood pressure from baseline to 3 months later. However, glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and uric acid were significantly decreased after the switch. Body mass index and visceral fat area were also significantly reduced after the switch. Furthermore, urinary albumin excretion was also significantly decreased after the switch.ConclusionsSwitching from thiazide diuretic to an SGLT2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, markedly improved various metabolic parameters and body mass composition without affecting blood pressure in participants with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Nox4 genetic inhibition in experimental hypertension and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of symptoms including obesity, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Oxidative stress appears to be a pathophysiological factor that links these signs and encourages progression towards heart failure and diabetes. Nox4 is a hydrogen peroxide nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH) oxidase isoform -found in various cardiovascular cells and tissues, but also in tissues such as the liver- which is involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis. To test whether inhibition of the Nox4 enzyme could improve blood pressure and metabolic parameters in mice receiving either angiotensinII or a high-fat diet. Systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, pulse rate and heart rate were obtained in 24male mice (12wild-type [WT] and 12Nox4-/-) before and during 14days of angiotensinII infusion. After angiotensinII infusion, cardiac histological remodeling was assessed. Weight and biochemical parameters were measured in 18male and 18female mice (nine WT and nine Nox4-/- per gender) after 10weeks on a standard chow diet, then 15weeks on a high-fat diet. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were tested at age 25weeks. Knock-out animals did not demonstrate a baseline blood pressure phenotype, but blocking Nox4 protected against angiotensinII-mediated arterial and pulse pressure increases. No protection against angiotensinII-induced cardiac fibrosis was observed. From a metabolic point of view, Nox4 inhibition reduced plasma triglycerides in male and female mice under a chow diet. However, Nox4 deletion did not affect the metabolic profile under a high-fat diet in males or females, but increased glucose intolerance in females. Our data identify Nox4 as a key source of radical oxygen species involved in hypertension and some metabolic problems.

Association of residual feed intake with growth and slaughtering performance, blood metabolism, and body composition in growing lambs

The aim of this study was to determine the association of residual feed intake (RFI) with growth performance, blood metabolic parameters, and body composition factors in growing lambs. Individual body weight (BW) and dry matter intake (DMI) were determined in 137 male Hu lambs that were given a pellet feed four times a day for 50 d. RFI did not show a correlation with metabolic BW (MBW) or average daily gain (ADG), but it showed a positive correlation with DMI and feed conversation ratio (FCR). Organ weight and intestine length had a large influence on RFI in lambs. The low-RFI lambs have smaller rumen and longer duodenum indicating the less feed intake and more sufficient absorption rate of low-RFI lambs. The smaller organs like liver, lung and kidney in low-RFI lambs may be related to lower energy consumption and slower metabolic rate. The observed bigger testis was in low-RFI lambs was another cause of the improved feed efficiency. Finally, the plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were lower in the ELow-RFI group than in the EHigh-RFI group. This study provides new insight into the biological processes underlying variations in feed efficiency in growing lambs.

The role of tryptophan metabolism and food craving in the relationship between obesity and bipolar disorder

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have a significantly increased risk of obesity-related conditions. The imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure is assumed to be a major risk factor for obesity in BD. This study analyzed food craving in relation to anthropometric, metabolic, and neurobiological parameters in a well-characterized cohort of euthymic individuals with BD. One-hundred-thirty-five patients completed the Food-Craving Inventory assessing four categories of food craving (fat, fast-food, sweets and carbohydrate craving). Additionally, clinical, metabolic and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Higher levels of fat craving were observed in males, versus females, with BD. High levels of carbohydrate craving positively correlated with kynurenine and the kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio. Higher serum nitrite and neopterin levels were related to fat craving. Parameters of fat metabolism (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein) were associated with fat and fast-food craving. Anthropometric measures of obesity (e.g. body mass index, waist-to-hip-ratio) were not related to food craving. Overweight/obese individuals with BD show an increased driving of tryptophan down the kynurenine pathways, as indicated by an increase in the serum kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio. The driving of tryptophan down the kynurenine pathway is mediated by immune-inflammatory activity and stress. The correlation of increased kynurenine with food craving, especially carbohydrate craving, probably indicates a regulatory deficit in the maintenance of chronic inflammatory processes in obesity and BD. Food craving seems to be of clinical importance in the treatment of metabolic disturbances in BD, although not associated with anthropometric measures of obesity. Rather, food craving correlates with blood metabolic parameters and an increased activation of the kynurenine pathway, both of which are linked to higher affective symptomatology and the development of cardiovascular diseases.