Body Composition Modifications Research Articles

Choline consumption reduces CVD risk via body composition modification

Despite extensive research on the relationship between choline and cardiovascular disease (CVD), conflicting findings have been reported. We aim to investigate the relationship between choline and CVD. Our analysis screened a retrospective cohort study of 14,663 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2013 and 2018. Propensity score matching and restricted cubic splines was used to access the association between choline intake and the risk of CVD. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to examine the potential causality. Additionally, sets of single cell RNA-sequencing data were extracted and analyzed, in order to explore the role of choline metabolism pathway in the progression and severity of the CVD and the underlying potential mechanisms involved. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for stroke were 0.72 (0.53–0.98; p = 0.035) for quartile 3 and 0.54 (0.39–0.75; p < 0.001) for quartile 4. A stratified analysis revealed that the relationship between choline intake and stroke varied among different body mass index and waist circumference groups. The results of MR analysis showed that choline and phosphatidylcholine had a predominantly negative causal effect on fat percentage, fat mass, and fat-free mass, while glycine had opposite effects. Results from bioinformatics analysis revealed that alterations in the choline metabolism pathway following stroke may be associated with the prognosis. Our study indicated that the consumption of an appropriate quantity of choline in the diet may help to protect against CVD and the effect may be choline-mediated, resulting in a healthier body composition. Furthermore, the regulation of the choline metabolism pathway following stroke may be a promising therapeutic target.

FGF21 mediating sex dependent response to dietary macronutrients.

Sex is key variable influencing body composition and substrate utilization. At rest, females maintain greater adiposity than males and resist the mobilization of fat. Males maintain greater lean muscle mass and mobilize fat readily. Determining the mechanisms that direct these sex-dependent effects is important for both reproductive and metabolic health. Here we highlight the fundamental importance of sex in shaping metabolic physiology and assess growing evidence that the hepatokine Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) plays a mechanistic role to facilitate sex-dependent responses to a changing nutritional environment. First, we examine the importance of sex in modulating body composition and substrate utilization. We summarize new data that point towards sex-biased effects of pharmacologic FGF21 administration on these endpoints. When energy is not limited, metabolic responses to FGF21 mirror broader sex differences; FGF21-treated males conserve lean mass at the expense of increased lipid catabolism whereas FGF21-treated females conserve fat mass at the expense of reduced lean mass. Next, we examine the importance of sex in modulating the endogenous secretion of FGF21 in response to changing macronutrient and energy availability. During the resting state when energy is not limited, macronutrient imbalance increases the secretion of FGF21 more so in males than females. When energy is limited, the effect of sex on both the secretion of FGF21 and its metabolic actions may be reversed. Altogether, we argue that a growing literature supports FGF21 as a plausible mechanism contributing to the sex dependent mobilization vs preservation of lipid storage and highlight the need for further research.

The influence of acute lifestyle changes on NAFLD evolution in a multicentre cohort: a matter of body composition.

Unhealthy lifestyles represent a key element fueling Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) onset and worsening. We aimed to evaluate the effects of forced acute lifestyle changes on NAFLD evolution. 187 NAFLD patients were followed two years pre- and two years during the lockdown social restrictions in three Italian medical centers. For each patient, biochemical, clinical, non-invasive liver fibrosis, nutritional, and body composition data were collected. An increase in fats and carbohydrate intake associated with impaired weekly physical activity during the lockdown was demonstrated as well as an increase in body mass index and waist-hip-ratio (p < 0.0001 for all). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and transaminases worsened during the lockdown (glucose: p = 0.0007; p < 0.0001 for the others). Moreover, NAFLD fibrosis score, liver stiffness, and controlled attenuation parameter were also impaired during the same period (p < 0.0001 for all). The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) evidenced an increase of fat mass (FM), and a reduction of free fat mass (FFM) and body cell mass (BCM) (p < 0.0001 for all). The lockdown overall hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Milan-out HCC occurrence revealed Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.398, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.16-5, p = 0.02, and HR:5.931, CI:2-17.6, p = 0.008 respectively. A liver disease stage and comorbidities independent association between both the assessed outcomes and body composition analysis in terms of mean values and variation (T1-T2 Δ) was demonstrated. The acute lifestyle changes impacted NAFLD evolution via body composition modifications negatively influencing the HCC occurrence.

Unlocking Strength: The Powerful Impact of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplementation on Resistance Training

Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, has gained popularity in recent years among individuals interested in healthy lifestyles, natural medicine, and sports. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the effects of ashwagandha supplementation on various aspects of physical performance, particularly in the context of resistance training. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can positively impact muscle strength, with significant increase of muscle force and power output. Additionally, it has demonstrated potential in modulating body composition, with reduction of body fat percentage noted in certain populations. However, results of studies on ashwagandha’s effect on muscle size remain inconclusive and may depend on various factors such as training status and individual responses. In terms of endurance, ashwagandha supplementation has been associated with improvement in maximal oxygen uptake, indicating enhanced aerobic capacity and delayed exhaustion during endurance activities. Furthermore, ashwagandha was shown to aid muscle recovery by reducing exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammatory response, potentially accelerating the muscle regeneration process. Ashwagandha may also influence hormone levels, such as testosterone and cortisol, with potential implications for muscle growth and recovery. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects. Overall, ashwagandha supplementation appears to hold promise for enhancing physical performance and overall well-being. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal dosages, long-term safety, and potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

The relationship between muscle strength and epicardial fat in healthy adults

BackgroundMuscular strength and muscle mass are considered key factors for healthy ageing. Modification of body composition and redistribution of adipose tissue has been described in advanced age. Muscle strength has an important predictive role for health outcomes. However, little is known regarding the relationship between muscle strength and epicardial fat. Methods and materialsIn a cohort of healthy adults following physical capacity evaluations, anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength (HGS), echocardiography and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) were performed. Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation and regression analysis adjusted for confounders were applied. ResultsA total population of 226 adults, age range 18–83 years, were included. Epicardial fat thickness resulted significantly associated with age p < 0.001, HGS (p < 0.001). Regression analysis adjusted for confounders revealed an independent relationship between handgrip strength and epicardial fat thickness: regression coefficient: -1.34; R2 = 0.27 and p = 0.044. ConclusionsThe relationship between epicardial fat and muscle strength is inverse and independent. Implementation of HGS measurement may be useful for the identification of subjects with excessive epicardial fat and cardiovascular risk. Measurement of epicardial fat could be helpful in the early detection of physical decline associated to ageing.

Effects of Dietary Intervention on Nutritional Status in Elderly Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising, especially in elderly individuals. The overlap between CKD and aging is associated with body composition modification, metabolic abnormalities, and malnutrition. Renal care guidelines suggest treating CKD patient with a low-protein diet according to the renal disease stage. On the other hand, geriatric care guidelines underline the need for a higher protein intake to prevent malnutrition. The challenge remains of how to reconcile a low dietary protein intake with insuring a favorable nutritional status in geriatric CKD populations. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of a low-protein adequate energy intake (LPAE) diet on nutritional risk and nutritional status among elderly CKD (stage 3-5) patients and then to assess its impact on CKD metabolic abnormalities. To this purpose, 42 subjects [age ≥ 65, CKD stage 3-5 in conservative therapy, and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) ≥ 98] were recruited and the LPAE diet was prescribed. At baseline and after 6 months of the LPAE diet, the following data were collected: age, sex, biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and the GNRI. According to their dietary compliance, the subjects were divided into groups: compliant and non-compliant. For the compliant group, the results obtained show no increased malnutrition risk incidence but, rather, an improvement in body composition and metabolic parameters, suggesting that the LPAE diet can provide a safe tool in geriatric CKD patients.

Antibody blockade of activin type II receptors preserves skeletal muscle mass and enhances fat loss during GLP-1 receptor agonism

ObjectiveGlucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce food intake, producing remarkable weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. While much of this weight loss is fat mass, there is also a loss of lean mass, similar to other approaches that induce calorie deficit. Targeting signaling pathways that regulate skeletal muscle hypertrophy is a promising avenue to preserve lean mass and modulate body composition. Myostatin and Activin A are TGFβ-like ligands that signal via the activin type II receptors (ActRII) to antagonize muscle growth. Pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrate that ActRII blockade induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy and reduces fat mass. In this manuscript, we test the hypothesis that combined ActRII blockade and GLP-1 receptor agonism will preserve muscle mass, leading to improvements in skeletomuscular and metabolic function and enhanced fat loss. MethodsIn this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody against ActRII, to modify body composition alone and during weight loss induced by GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in diet-induced obese mice. Mechanistically, we define the specific role of the anabolic kinase Akt in mediating the hypertrophic muscle effects of ActRII inhibition in vivo. ResultsTreatment of obese mice with bimagrumab induced a ∼10 % increase in lean mass while simultaneously decreasing fat mass. Daily treatment of obese mice with semaglutide potently decreased body weight; this included a significant decrease in both muscle and fat mass. Combination treatment with bimagrumab and semaglutide led to superior fat mass loss while simultaneously preserving lean mass despite reduced food intake. Treatment with both drugs was associated with improved metabolic outcomes, and increased lean mass was associated with improved exercise performance. Deletion of both Akt isoforms in skeletal muscle modestly reduced, but did not prevent, muscle hypertrophy driven by ActRII inhibition. ConclusionsCollectively, these data demonstrate that blockade of ActRII signaling improves body composition and metabolic parameters during calorie deficit driven by GLP-1 receptor agonism and demonstrate the existence of Akt-independent pathways supporting muscle hypertrophy in the absence of ActRII signaling.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement: Effects on Nutritional Status in Cirrhotic Patients.

Malnutrition is a tangible complication of cirrhosis with portal hypertension with a prevalence of up to 50%. In particular, sarcopenia and myosteatosis, defined as the alteration in muscle quantity and quality, have a negative impact on the main complications of liver disease and are associated with higher mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Recently, alterations in adipose tissue have also been described in cirrhotic patients and they seem to influence the course of liver disease. Several pieces of evidence indicate that a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), placed for the treatment of refractory portal hypertension, can lead to a modification of body composition consisting in the improvement of the skeletal muscle index, myosteatosis, and an increase in subcutaneous fat. These modifications of the nutritional status, even more pronounced in sarcopenic patients before TIPS, have been associated with an amelioration of cognitive impairment after TIPS as well as with an increase in the survival rate. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the effects of TIPS placement on nutritional status in cirrhosis focusing on its pathophysiological mechanisms and its relationship with liver-related outcomes.

Dietary Inflammatory Index score and its association with body mass index, body fat percentage, body fat mass, and lipid profile in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) may cause modifications in body composition, particularly for body fat associated with obesity and some biochemical parameters such as lipid profiles. We investigated whether there is a link between the inflammatory contents of diets and body composition and lipid profiles in patients with MS. This was a cross-sectional study that included 85 MS patients. The study data of the patients were collected in the Neurology Clinic of Ondokuz Mayıs University's Health Practice and Research Center. The data included demographic characteristics; anthropometric measurements such as body weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat mass, body fat-free mass, and waist-hip ratio; and biochemical parameters such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. The body fat percentages of the patients were higher among those with proinflammatory diets (p < 0.05). Body fat percentage had a positive and very weak correlation with the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score (rho = 0.206 and rho = 0.217, respectively; p < 0.05). HDL-c levels were higher in the group with high DII scores and there was a positive and weak correlation between HDL-c and DII scores (rho = 0.307, p < 0.05). Crude and adjusted linear regression models showed that the effect of HDL-c on DII scores was significant (p < 0.05). We showed that DII scores, associated with the inflammatory potential of the diet and proinflammatory diets, may be associated with adiposity in MS patients and can be used from a clinical point of view for assessment.

TESTOSTERONE RESTORES BODY COMPOSITION, BONE MASS AND BONE STRENGTH FOLLOWING EARLY PUBERTY SUPPRESSION IN A MOUSE MODEL MIMICKING THE CLINICAL STRATEGY IN TRANS BOYS.

Transgender youth increasingly present at pediatric gender services. Some of them receive long-term puberty suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) before starting gender-affirming hormones (GAH). The impact of GnRHa use started in early puberty on bone composition and bone mass accrual is unexplored. It is furthermore unclear whether subsequent GAH fully restore GnRHa effects, and if the timing of GAH introduction matters. To answer these questions, we developed a mouse model mimicking the clinical strategy applied in trans boys. Prepubertal 4-week-old female mice were treated with GnRHa alone, or with GnRHa supplemented with testosterone (T) from 6 weeks (early puberty) or 8 weeks (late puberty) onwards. Outcomes were analyzed at 16 weeks and compared to untreated mice of both sexes. GnRHa markedly increased total body fat mass, decreased lean body mass and had a modest negative impact on grip strength. Both early and late T administration shaped body composition to adult male levels, while grip strength was restored to female values. GnRHa-treated animals showed lower trabecular bone volume, and reduced cortical bone mass and strength. These changes were reversed by T to female levels (cortical bone mass and strength) irrespective of the time of administration, or even fully up to adult male control values (trabecular parameters) in case of earlier T start. The lower bone mass in GnRHa-treated mice was associated with increased bone marrow adiposity, also reversed by T. In conclusion, prolonged GnRHa use started in prepubertal female mice modifies body composition towards more fat and less lean mass, and impairs bone mass acquisition and strength. Subsequent T administration counteracts GnRHa impact on these parameters, shaping body composition and trabecular parameters to male values while restoring cortical bone architecture and strength up to female but not male control levels. These findings could help guide clinical strategies in transgender care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Response to Ustekinumab Therapy Is Associated with an Improvement of Nutritional Status in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

The presence of sarcopenia has been associated with the worst outcome of Crohn's disease (CD). At present, no studies have evaluated the impact of ustekinumab (UST) in terms of its effects on body composition. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether UST treatment could modify the parameters of body composition as assessed by bioelectrical impedance assay (BIA) in patients with CD. We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with CD treated with UST, evaluating the therapeutic outcome at week 48 in terms of clinical remission and mucosal healing. BIA was performed at baseline and at week 48, assessing body cellular mass, total body water, phase angle, and body mass index. Out of 44 patients enrolled, 26 (59%) were in clinical remission and 22 (50%) achieved mucosal healing at the end of follow up. No significant differences were observed at baseline in all the BIA parameters between responders and non-responders. Phase angle increased over time in responders, while this was not observed in non-responders (test for the interaction between time and outcome, p-value = 0.009 and 0.007 for clinical remission and mucosal healing, respectively). The same differential increase was observed for body cellular mass (test for the interaction between time and outcome, p-value = 0.03 and 0.05 for clinical remission and mucosal healing, respectively). Total body water and BMI increased homogenously over time regardless of the outcomes (tests for the association with time, p-values of 0.01). To conclude, responsiveness to UST therapy seems to be associated with body composition modifications in patients with CD. In particular, the increase in phase angle in responders suggests that a significant improvement of nutritional status occurred in these patients.

Effectiveness of exergames programme to modify body composition and health-related physical fitness in adolescents with down syndrome after COVID-19 quarantine

ABSTRACT Aims: to determine the effect of a 20-week exergame program on different indicators of body composition and components of health-related physical fitness in adolescents with Down syndrome. Methods and Procedures Outcomes: 49 adolescents (19 female and 30 males; average age, 14.19 ± 2.06 years) with Down syndrome were recruited and randomized to two groups (control group vs. intervention group). Adolescents allocated in the control group carried out a physical activity program three times a week for 20 weeks meanwhile adolescents allocated in the exercise group performed an exergame program three times a week for 20 weeks. Results: The exercise group had significant improvements in all health-related physical fitness variables and there is an improvement in some body composition variables (p < 0.05). Conclusions and Implications: 20 week exergame program consisting of 3 sessions of 60 minutes is able to improve levels of body composition and health-related physical fitness in adolescents with Down syndrome. Highlights Research in body composition and health-related physical fitness of people with Down syndrome has revealed that an exergame programme increases levels of health-related physical fitness in adolescents with Down syndrome An exergame programme can improve differences in markers of body composition between the control group and the intervention group The intervention group that performed the exergame programme showed increases in health-related physical fitness levels after 20 weeks of intervention. The control group that performed a based on developing motor behaviour programme did not show differences in body composition or health-related physical fitness after 20 weeks of intervention.

Exergames to Limit Weight Gain and to Fight Sedentarism in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

Exergames are defined as digital games that require bodily movements to play, stimulating an active gaming experience to function as a form of physical activity (PA). The players interact with the game through whole-body movements improving energy expenditure. Exergames may be effective in improving physical and psychological aspects of children and adolescents with obesity. In this narrative review, we synthesized the current evidence regarding the role of exergames in modifying body composition and weight and in promoting changes in sedentary behavior to define the benefits of active video games as useful tools for fighting sedentarism and to outline the future directions of exergaming as a supplementation exercise rather than a replacement in educational programs for pediatric obesity. Data from the literature indicate that exergames may offer an interesting impact on childhood obesity and may be considered a potential strategy for controlling weight gain and body composition, promote PA, and decrease time spent on sedentary behavior in children and adolescents with obesity. However, exergame use also has some limits, such as children’s poor self-regulation and poor structuring of exergame use. Therefore, a prudent approach should be maintained, and additional high-quality research is needed to determine if exergames can be effectively used in the treatment of childhood obesity and if new digital media, as a supplementation of exercise rather than a replacement, could be considered to combat sedentary behavior in educational programs for pediatric obesity prevention.

Stochastic Resonance Whole Body Vibration (SR-WBV) Does Not Affect the Body Composition of Healthy Young Women: A Preliminary Controlled Before–After (CBA) Study

According to the WHO, overweight and obesity, defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, are a major risk factor for many diseases. The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a commonly used method of assessing body composition in clinical practice and medical research. When the BIA reveals abnormalities, the recommended therapeutic procedure is to modify the diet and implement physical activity. One method that can reinforce or support physical activity is whole-body vibration (WBV). Vibrating devices with stochastic resonance (SR) generate vibrations of variable amplitude and frequency. For people with unhealthy body composition who cannot undertake physical activity for various reasons, procedures with stochastic resonance seems to be a good solution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) on the body composition of women. Measured BC parameters included fat mass (FM, kg), percent body fat (PBF, %), visceral fat area (VFA, cm2), soft lean mass (SLM, kg), fat-free mass (FFM, kg), skeletal muscle mass (SMM, kg), body cell mass (BCM, kg), protein (kg), minerals (kg), bone mineral contents (BMC, kg), intracellular water (IW, l), extracellular water (EW, l), total body water (TBW, l), extracellular water/total body water (EW/TBW). The study involved 240 healthy young women with normal body composition (BC) and low or moderate physical activity levels. Two groups were randomly formed from among all participants: the V group included 134 women participating in 12 SR-WBV procedure sessions over 6 weeks; the C group included 106 women not participating in SR-WBV procedure sessions over 6 weeks. The stochastic procedure consisted of 12 sessions over 6 weeks. One session lasted 15 min, consisting of nine active series of vibrations lasting 45 s each with 40 s breaks between series. The vibration frequency was 2–8 Hz and the amplitude ranged 0.5–3.5 mm. While observing the effect of SR-WBV vibrations on body composition in the group of women, no statistically significant changes were found. Hence, we conclude that the stochastic resonance vibration procedure cannot be recommended as a way to modify body composition in healthy young women characterized by normal body composition and low or moderate physical activity levels.

Physical exercise alleviates oxidative stress in brown adipose tissue and causes changes in body composition and nutritional behavior in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

AimPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disorder in women. We investigate the effect of physical exercise on body composition, nutritional parameters, and oxidative stress in rats with PCOS. MethodsFemale rats were into three groups: Control, PCOS, and PCOS + Exercise. PCOS was induced by letrozole (1 mg/kg via p.o.) for 21 days consecutively. Physical exercise was swimming, for 21 consecutive days, 1 h/day with 5 % load. In all groups, we assessed the nutritional and murinometric parameters, body composition, thermography, and oxidative stress in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and peri-ovarian adipose tissue (POAT). Key findingsIn PCOS we observed an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight vs. the Control group. But, the PCOS + Exercise group prevent this weight gain (P < 0.05). The temperature in BAT, decrease (P < 0.05) in the PCOS group vs. Control group. PCOS + Exercise prevented this reduction (P < 0.05) in BAT temperature vs. PCOS groups. We observed decreases (P < 0.05) in Lee Index and BMI in POS + Exercise vs. PCOS group. In PCOS rats, we observed an increase (P < 0.05) in murinometric (SRWG, EI, and FE) and body composition parameters (TWB, ECF, ICF, and FFM) vs. the Control group. The PCOS + Exercise prevents (P < 0.05) these changes in all groups, compared with PCOS. Regarding the BAT, we observe an increase (P < 0.05) in MPO and MDA levels in the PCOS vs. Control group. PCOS + Exercise prevents (P < 0.05) these increases vs. the PCOS group. SignificancePCOS modifies body composition, and nutritional parameters, and induces changes in oxidative stress in BAT. Physical exercise prevented these alterations.

Thrifty energy phenotype predicts weight regain in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity and is related to FGFR1 signaling

Long term improvement of body weight and metabolism is highly requested in obesity. The specific impact of weight loss associated temporary negative energy balance or modified body composition on metabolism and weight regain is unclear. We randomly assigned 80 post-menopausal women (BMI 33.9 (32.2-36.8)kg/m2) to an intervention (IG) or control group (CG). IG underwent a dietary three month-weight loss intervention followed by a four week-weight maintenance period without negative energy balance. The CG was instructed to keep their weight stable. Phenotyping was performed at baseline (M0), after weight loss (M3), the maintenance period (M4) and 24-month follow-up (M24). Co-primary outcomes were changes of insulin sensitivity (ISIClamp) and lean body mass (LBM). Energy metabolism and adipose gene expression were secondary endpoints. Between March 2012 and July 2015, 479 subjects were screened for eligibility. 80 subjects were randomly assigned to IG (n=40) or CG (n=40). The total number of dropouts was 18 (IG: n=13, CG: n=5). LBM and ISIClamp were stable in the CG between M0 and M3, but were changed in the IG at M3 (LBM:-1.4 (95%CI -2.2-(-0.6)) kg and ISIClamp:+0.020 (95%CI 0.012-0.028) mg·kg-1·min-1/(mU·l-1)) (p<0.01 and p<0.05 for IG vs. CG, respectively). Effects on LBM, ISIClamp, FM and BMI were preserved until M4. Lower resting energy expenditure per LBM (REELBM) at M3 and stronger difference of REELBM between M3 and M4 (ΔREELBM-M3M4), which indicates a thrifty phenotype, were positively associated with FM regain at M24 (p=0.022 and p=0.044, respectively). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a relationship of this phenotype to weight loss-induced adaption of adipose FGFR1 signaling. Negative energy balance had no additional effect on insulin sensitivity. FGFR1 signaling might be involved in the adaption of energy expenditure to temporary negative energy balance, which indicates a thrifty phenotype susceptible to weight regain. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01105143, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01105143, date of registration: April 16th, 2010.

Potential of Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Leaf Polyphenols for Modulation of Body Composition

Due to increased life spans and senescence in society, there is a growing need for supplements that enable healthy aging. Aging is accompanied by changes in body composition such as loss of bone and muscle mass and increase/redistribution of adipose tissue. These changes may, at least in part, be alleviated by exercise, adequate diet and possibly some natural adjuvants. Laurel (L. nobilis L.) leaves are rich in secondary metabolites, especially polyphenols (mostly flavonols, phenolic acids and flavones) which have recently showed potential for modulation of body composition that could allow healthier aging. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of laurel leaf polyphenols for modulating body composition. We searched the literature available on the PubMed electronic database related to the main polyphenolic representatives of laurel leaf extracts (namely, kaempferol, hydroxycinnamic acids and apigenin) and their modulation of bone, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The search yielded 135 articles showing that the main laurel leaf polyphenols exhibit various positive effects on bones, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. These effects could ameliorate metabolic disorders related to modern lifestyles and result in an improvement of body composition and function, resulting in healthier aging, but more evidence-based research in humans is needed.

The Assessment of Body Composition and Nutritional Awareness of Football Players According to Age.

The optimal body composition for health is an individual trait and is determined by genetic factors, sex, age, somatotype, physical activity, and individual variability. The present study aims to assess how professional football players' body composition has changed over the training macrocycle in various age groups and to determine the correlation between nutritional awareness and body composition maintenance. Thirty-eight football players participated in the study, with 16 players classified in the younger age group (19-25) and 22 in the older age group (26-31). Using the direct segmented multi-frequency electrical impedance analysis technique, the athletes' body composition was assessed six times across a training macrocycle made up of preparatory, competitive, and transitional periods. The Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire was used to evaluate nutrition knowledge. The above correlations show that both younger and older athletes with higher awareness are better able to adjust their nutrition to meet the goals of the preparation period and can achieve greater gains in muscle mass and greater reductions in body fat. According to the study's results, athletes who are better conscious of their nutritional needs during competition experience less muscle loss and exhibit more consistent body weight and BMI levels. Football players' body composition suffers detrimental alterations throughout the transition period. Higher body mass, lean body mass content, and skeletal muscle mass are traits of older players. Higher nutritional knowledge reduces the negative modifications of body composition consisting of muscle mass reduction and fat gain. Nutritional knowledge influences the stability of body composition in both age groups during all the analyzed periods: Preparation, competition, and transition.

P678 Ustekinumab therapy improves the nutritional status in patients with Crohn's Disease. A prospective study

Abstract Background Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) display high rates of nutritional deficiencies and metabolic imbalances, primarily due to mucosal damage induced by inflammation. In particular, the loss of lean muscle mass configures a condition known as sarcopenia, which is not necessary associated with a low Body Mass Index (BMI). The presence of sarcopenia has been associated with a worst outcome of IBD. At present, no studies evaluated the impact of Ustekinumab (UST) in terms of its effects on body composition. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether UST treatment could modify the parameters of body composition assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance Assay (BIA) in patients with CD. In particular, we evaluated phase angle, which represents the most clinically established impedance parameter and it might be considered as a reliable and optimal marker of nutritional status. Methods We prospectively enrolled all consecutive CD patients treated with UST at our center, following the current guidelines. BIA was performed at baseline and at week 48, assessing Body Cellular Mass (BCM), total body water, phase angle and BMI. At the same time-points, a colonoscopy was performed in order to evaluate the therapeutic outcome in terms of mucosal healing, defined as a Simple Endoscopic Score for CD &amp;lt;2. We evaluated also clinical remission, defined as a Harvey-Bradshaw Index &amp;lt;5 at week 48. Results Out of 44 patients enrolled, 26 (59%) presented clinical remission and 22 (50%) achieve mucosal healing at the end of follow up. No significant differences were observed at baseline in all the BIA parameters between responders and non-responders. Phase angle increased over time in responders, while this was not observed in non-responders (test for the interaction between time and outcome, p-value=0.010 and 0.008 for clinical remission and mucosal healing, respectively). The same differential increase was observed for BCM (test for the interaction between time and outcome, p-value=0.037 and 0.076 for clinical remission and mucosal healing, respectively). No other significant differences were observed regarding the other BIA parameters. Conclusion UST therapy seems to be able to modify body composition of patients with CD. In particular, the increase in phase angle in responders suggests that a significant improvement of nutritional status occurred in these patients. Our results are in line to what was shown by a previous study performed in patients with psoriasis treated with UST.

PS-BPC08-4: IMPACT OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY ON 24-HOUR AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSUR E MEASUREMENTS IN MALES WITH OPIOID-INDUCED ANDROGEN DEFICIENCY. A PLACEBO-CONTROLLED RCT

Objective: The primary aim was to investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (24hABPM) in opioid-treated men with relative hypogonadism. The secondary aim was to evaluate potential effect modification of baseline body composition and red blood cell measurements on the impact of TRT on 24hABPM. Design and methods: This was a double blinded and placebo controlled study. Men aged &gt; 18 years, treated with an opioid dosage &gt; 50 mg opioid/day were eligible for inclusion if total testosterone (TT) was &lt; 12 nmol/L. Participants were randomized to TRT (1,000 mg testosterone undecanoate) or placebo at 0, 6 and 18 weeks. Participants were examined before and during 24 weeks of TRT/placebo. Results: The two groups (TRT, n = 15 and placebo, n = 20) were comparable at baseline. TRT was associated with numerical increase in 24hABPM. The difference in changes from baseline of daytime systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 5.2 mmHg (P = 0.134) between the TRT group and the placebo group. In subgroup analysis, baseline values of body mass index (BMI), hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hgb) levels displayed significant positive interaction on the effect of TRT on change in SBP compared to placebo. In participants with BMI above the study median (30.7 m2/kg), daytime SBP change from baseline was 17.6 mmHg [10.6, 24.6] (P = 0.002) in the TRT group and 0.4 mmHg [-5.5, 4.7] (P = 0.864) in the placebo group. In participants with Hct levels above the study median (0.43%), daytime SBP increased 8.4 mmHg [-1.9, 18.8] (P = 0.09) in the TRT group and decreased -2.3 mmHg [-11.3, 6.8] (P = 0.564) in the placebo group. Similarly, in participants with Hgb&gt; 8.7 mmol/L daytime, SBP change was 11.2mmHg [0.6–21.7] (P = 0.041) in the TRT group and -2.9 mmHg [-4.1, 9.9] (P = 0.367) in the placebo group. Baseline cIMT also increased the strength of association between TRT and change in SBP. After adjusting for delta-BMI, delta-Hct remained significantly associated with increase in daytime SBP. An increase in 1 mmHg SBP was associated with an increase in Hct of 0.11% [0.10–0.22] (P = 0.032). Conclusions: Baseline levels of BMI, Hct, Hgb and cIMT, influence the effect of TRT on BP. The magnitude of BP increase is associated with increase in Hct levels.