Complications Of Obesity Research Articles

The Prevalence, Risk Factors and Cardiometabolic Complications of Obesity in Childhood Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Prevalence, risk factors and metabolic complications of overweight/obesity (OW/OB) are not well described in the childhood survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Longitudinal changes in body mass index-z score (BMIz) from diagnosis to the last follow-up visit after the end of treatment were evaluated in 73 children at first complete remission. Of them, 40 were tested for adipokine profiles at visit. The mean BMIz increased gradually from diagnosis (0.07 ± 1.68) to the end of dexamethasone containing reinduction therapy (0.70 ± 1.48, P:0.007), followed by a fall at the end of treatment (0.15 ± 1.24) and a rise again at visit (0.40 ± 1.23, P:0.007). OW/OB percentage of 15% at diagnosis, increased to 35% at visit (p < 0.05). Post-treatment OW/OB in survivors was related with being OW/OB at diagnosis (OR 5.4, 95% CI [0.94-31.7]; P = 0.02) and after dexamethasone containing reinduction therapy (OR 5.1, 95% CI [1.1-21.4]; P = 0.05), but not with age at diagnosis, gender, treatment intensity and cranial irradiation. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was more prevalent in survivors (13%) than in Turkish children (2%). As compared with controls, survivors had higher leptin level (8.1 ± 8.6 vs 3.2 ± 2.2ng/ml, P = 0.01) and leptin/adiponectin ratio (2.1 ± 3.5 vs 0.6 ± 0.5, P = 0.03). Leptin/adiponectin ratio was correlated with HOMA-IR (r: 0.57, P = 0.001). The prevalence of OW/OB and MetS are elevated in the childhood survivors of ALL. Post-treatment OW/OB in survivors is related with OW/OB at diagnosis and dexamethasone containing therapy. Elevated leptin level and leptin: adiponectin ratio may serve as an early sign of metabolic derangement increasing the risk for early cardiovascular disease.

Supplementation of Nutraceuticals from Dwarf Kiwi and Apple Improves Lipid Profile in Overweight Adults

(1) Background: Overweight and obesity are emerging global problems causing multiple health complications. Excessive fat tissue content leads to chronic inflammation, which is why antioxidative compounds that could potentially reduce these processes are possible agents that could be supplemented in order to prevent metabolic complications of overweight and obesity. Apples and dwarf kiwis are good sources of antioxidative agents such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid. The aim of this study was to assess if apple and dwarf kiwi nutraceutical supplementation can improve the metabolic parameters of overweight adults. (2) Methods: 43 participants were enrolled in the double-blinded pilot study: 21 in the supplementation group and 22 in the placebo group. The one 1000 mg nutraceutical capsule contained 10% Chopin apple peel extract, 10% whole dwarf kiwi fruit extract, 75% Chopin apple core extract, and 5% rapeseed peptides. The supplementation group received two capsules/day for 60 days. (3) Results: The supplementation of the apple and kiwi product resulted in a lowering of ALT in the supplementation group (from 29.65 ± 19.02 UI/L to 23.80 ± 13.76 UI/L; p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis in men and women showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol level (from 220.15 ± 36.69 mg/dL to 208.43 ± 37.09 mg/dL; p = 0.04), non-HDL cholesterol (from 161.17 ± 41.00 mg/dL to 145.69 ± 41.75 mg/dL; p = 0.02) and ALT (from 25.41 ± 12.05 UI/L to 19.07 ± 6.13 UI/L; p = 0.01) in women and triglycerides levels (from 212.74 ± 127.15 mg/dL to 155.63 ± 80.61 mg/dL; p = 0.047) in men. (4) Conclusions: The supplementation of nutraceuticals from apples and dwarf kiwi led to improvements in lipid profile. It can be a possible new agent for counteracting overweight metabolic complications, however, larger group studies and more detailed tests are needed to support these preliminary findings.

Sports and Weight Control in Children.

Pediatric obesity is a global concern with distressing comorbid conditions, including mood disturbance, cardiovascular changes, endocrine imbalance, liver disease, sleep apnea, and orthopedic conditions. The primary treatment of this condition includes physical activity. Participating in organized sports has been shown to reduce weight and the complications of pediatric obesity more effectively than individual exercise.

The "Domino effect" in MASLD: The inflammatory cascade of steatohepatitis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly common complication of obesity, affecting over a quarter of the global adult population. A key event in the pathophysiology of MASLD is the development of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which greatly increases the chances of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The underlying cause of MASH is multifactorial, but accumulating evidence indicates that the inflammatory process in the hepatic microenvironment typically follows a pattern that can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) Detection of hepatocyte stress by tissue-resident immune cells including γδ T cells and CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells, followed by their secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, most notably IL-17A. (2) Recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells, mostly of the myeloid lineage, and initiation of inflammation through secretion of effector-type cytokines such as TNF, TGF-β, and IL-1β. (3) Escalation of the inflammatory response by recruitment of lymphocytes including Th17, CD8 T, and B cells leading to chronic inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, and fibrosis. Here we will discuss these three stages and how they are consecutively linked like falling domino tiles to the pathophysiology of MASH. Moreover, we will highlight the clinical potential of inflammation as a biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of MASLD.

Response of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines After A Single Bout of Moderate-Intensity Endurance Exercise in Obese

Reducing the complications of obesity by controlling the balance of inflammation and losing weight with physical exercise can be used as a strategy to overcome obesity problems. This study aims to prove the effect of moderate-intensity endurance exercise on the acute response of proinflammatory cytokines in obese women. A total of 22 obese women aged 20-24 years, with body mass index 27-33 kg/m2, and body fat percentage ≥30%, were selected to be respondents and given moderate-intensity endurance exercise intervention (60-70% HRmax) for 40 minutes. ELISA Kit was applied to evaluate TNF-α levels in all samples. The data analysis technique uses an independent sample t-test with a significance level of 5%. The results show the average TNF-α levels between the control (CON) vs endurance exercise group (END) in pre-exercise (5.47±2.19 vs 5.39±1.45 pg/mL, p=0.932), post-exercise (5.76±2.08 vs 3.68±2.10 pg/mL, p=0.039), delta (value of pre-exercise – post-exercise) (0.29±2.27 vs -1.72±1.04 pg/mL, p=0.020). This study consistently proves that one session of moderate-intensity endurance exercise for 40 minutes reduces TNF-α levels in obese women.

Ingestion of Bean Leaves Reduces Metabolic Complications and Restores Intestinal Integrity in C57BL/6 Mice with Obesity Induced by a High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet.

Consumption of foods with fiber and compounds can promote gastrointestinal health and reduce obesity complications. Therefore, treatment with common bean leaves (BL) against obesity was evaluated in mice with a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) for 14 weeks. The bromatological and phytochemical characterization of BL were determined. Afterwards, the animals were supplemented with BL (10%) or a standard diet (SD) as a strategy to encourage a healthy diet for 12 additional weeks. Changes in body composition, lipid profile, and intestinal integrity were analyzed. The characterization of BL stood out for its content of 27.2% dietary fiber, total phenolics (475.04 mg/100 g), and saponins (2.2 mg/100 g). The visceral adipose tissue (VAT) decreased in the BL group by 52% compared to the HFFD group. Additionally, triglyceride levels were 23% lower in the BL consumption group compared to the HFFD group. The improvement in lipid profile was attributed to the 1.77-fold higher fecal lipid excretion in the BL consumption group compared to the HFFD group and the inhibition of pancreatic lipase by 29%. Furthermore, BL supplementation reduced the serum levels of IL-6 (4.4-fold) and FITC-dextran by 50% compared with those in the HFFD group. Metabolic endotoxemia was inhibited after BL supplementation (-33%) compared to the HFFD group. BL consumption as a treatment in obese mice reduces adipose tissue accumulation and improves the lipid profile. Furthermore, we report for the first time that BL consumption improves intestinal integrity.

1166A&gt;C polymorphism of the &lt;i&gt;AGTR1&lt;/i&gt; gene as a marker metabolic disorders in the North residents

BACKGROUND: dyslipidemia is currently considered to be one of cardiovascular risk factors. Angiotensin II receptor type I (AGTR1) genetic polymorphisms are known as candidate genes for hypertension, diabetes, as well as for diabetes and obesity complications. Until now, there are not much data on how 1166A&gt;C (rs5186) polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene correlates with Northerners’ carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders. In addition, the data are contradictory. Following on from this, we see it is relevant to study the subject.AIM: this research assessed variants of 1166A&gt;C (rs5186) polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene as a predictor of dyslipidemia, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, overweight, and hypertension.MATERIALS AND METHODS: the North residents from Magadan Region, Caucasian by ethnicity, aged from 24 to 56 (average age 43.7± 1.4 yrs) participated in the survey. By real-time polymerase chain reaction we determined the single nucleotide polymorphism of the AGTR1 (rs5186) gene. We also analyzed physical development and cardiovascular variables as well as the concentrations of glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The insulin resistance index and the atherogenicity coefficient were calculated using standard methods.RESULTS: the examined subjects were one hundred and one volunteers. According to the results of genetic analysis, 55 people were assigned to the group of homozygotes for the wild type (AA) and 46 people were assigned to the group of the AGTR1*C allele variant carriers (heterozygotes and homozygotes AC+CC). Our findings contributed to the evidence on more unfavorable lipid pictures showed by the AGTR1*C allele variant carriers: significantly high values of total cholesterol (5,77±0,11, р=0.045), low-density lipoproteins (3,87±0,09, р=0.009), triglycerides (1,43±0,06, р=0.035), and atherogenicity coefficient (3,61±0,10, р=0.001), along with significantly low values of high-density lipoproteins (1,30±0,03, р=0,008). The above indicators were observed as opposed to significantly high fasting glycemia (5,74±0,14, р=0.006) and glycosylated hemoglobin (5,74±0,09, р=0.001) exhibited by the AA homozygotes subjects whose indices could be defined as the state of prediabetes. No intergroup differences were found in anthropometric or cardiovascular variables.CONCLUSION: thus, we could see impairments in the lipid pictures of the AGTR1*С polymorphic variant carriers along with the optimization of carbohydrate metabolism and no effect on the blood pressure or anthropometric characteristics.

Association Between Clonal Hematopoiesis Driver Mutations, Immune Cell Function, and the Vasculometabolic Complications of Obesity.

Obesity is accompanied by dysregulated inflammation, which can contribute to vasculometabolic complications including metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. Recently, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has emerged as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to determine how CHIP is related to immune cell function, systemic inflammation, and vasculometabolic complications in obese individuals. Two hundred ninety-seven individuals with overweight and obesity, between the ages of 54 and 81 years, were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Clonal hematopoiesis driver mutations (CHDMs) were identified with an ultrasensitive targeted assay. Assessment of carotid artery atherosclerosis was performed with ultrasound. Detailed immunological parameters, including cytokine production capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and targeted plasma proteomics analysis, were studied. Adipose tissue inflammation was determined in subcutaneous fat biopsies. Individuals with CHIP had higher concentrations of circulating IL (interleukin)-6. Total number of leukocytes and neutrophils were higher in individuals with CHIP. In contrast, exvivo cytokine production capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly lower in individuals with CHIP. Sex-stratified analysis showed that men with CHDMs had significantly higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, and exvivo cytokine production capacity was lower in women with CHDMs. Surprisingly, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques was significantly lower in individuals with CHDMs. There was no relation between CHIP and metabolic syndrome. In individuals with overweight or obesity, CHDMs are not associated with vasculometabolic complications, but rather with a lower presence of carotid plaques. CHDMs associate with increased circulating inflammatory markers and leukocyte numbers, but a lower peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine production capacity.

Cinnamon: A potent nutraceutical agent for the protection of the cardiovascular system

Diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypertension are risk factors for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). About 17.3 million deaths worldwide were due to CVDs in 2013 and is anticipated to be 23.3 million by 2030. Common therapies for CVDs are associated with wide side effects. Thus, herbal medicines have been regarded more due to fewer side effects, availability, cultural beliefs, and being cheap. For thousands of years, herbal medicine has been used for bacterial infections, colds, coughs, and CVDs. Cinnamon bark contains phenolic compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid with protective properties that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cardiac ischemia and hypertrophy, and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits beneficial effects on the complications of diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension which cause CVDs. Although the protective effects of cinnamon on the heart have been reported in many studies, it needs more clinical studies to prove the pharmaceutical and therapeutic efficacy of cinnamon on risk factors of CVDs. This review explains the protective effects of bioactive compounds of cinnamon on the cardiovascular system.

Review article: Pharmacologic management of obesity - updates on approved medications, indications and risks.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with >40% of the US population affected. Although traditionally managed by lifestyle modification, and less frequently by bariatric therapies, there are significant pharmacological advancements. To conduct a narrative review of the neurohormonal and physiological understanding of weight gain and obesity, and the development, clinical testing, indications, expected clinical outcomes, and associated risks of current FDA-approved and upcoming anti-obesity medications (AOMs). We conducted a comprehensive review in PubMed for articles on pathophysiology and complications of obesity, including terms 'neurohormonal', 'obesity', 'incretin', and 'weight loss'. Next, we searched for clinical trial data of all FDA-approved AOMs, including both the generic and trade names of orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, bupropion/naltrexone, liraglutide, and semaglutide. Additional searches were conducted for tirzepatide and retatrutide - medications expecting regulatory approval. Searches included combinations of terms related to mechanism of action, indications, side effects, risks, and future directions. We reviewed the pathophysiology of obesity, including specific role of incretins and glucagon. Clinical data supporting the use of various FDA-approved medications for weight loss are presented, including placebo-controlled or, when available, head-to-head trials. Beneficial metabolic effects, including impact on liver disease, adverse effects and risks of medications are discussed, including altered gastrointestinal motility and risk for periprocedural aspiration. AOMs have established efficacy and effectiveness for weight loss even beyond 52 weeks. Further pharmacological options, such as dual and triple incretins, are probable forthcoming additions to clinical practice for combating obesity and its metabolic consequences such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Assessment of species diversity of anaerobic intestinal microbiota in children and adolescents with exogenous constitutional obesity

The problem of the increasing obesity among children and adolescents is urgent. One of the most interesting and promising directions in this area is to study the correlation of individual microorganisms with the presence and absence of obesity. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the isolation frequency of individual microorganisms and the presence of obesity in children and adolescents and to identify possible associations between different groups of microorganisms in obese patients. Material and methods. 156 male and female patients aged from 7 to 17 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into a control group (n=23) (healthy patients), a group of children with exogenous constitutional obesity without complications (n=25), a group of children who had one or more complications of obesity (n=108). For all patients body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Additional examination included a cultural study of the intestinal microbiota. Fecal samples of patients were used as the material. Preparation of the material for inoculation, inoculation and subsequent incubation of the Petri plates were carried out under anaerobic conditions. The isolated microorganisms were identified using the MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry method. Results. When analyzing the correlation between obesity and individual taxa, statistically significant differences were obtained only for Bifidobacterium spp. (p=0.045). The analysis of the correlation between obesity and the isolation of individual microorganisms has shown that Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (p=0.012), Candida albicans (p=0.012), Streptococcus salivarius (p=0.016), Bifidobacterium breve (p=0.003), Veillonella parvula (p=0.013), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (p=0.003), Streptococcus oralis (p=0.001), Weissella confusa (p=0.036), Enterococcus mundtii (p=0.036) were isolated less often in patients with obesity than in control group. Conclusion. The results of the study has demonstrated that only one taxon, Bifidobacterium spp., had a significant correlation with the absence of obesity. At the same time, a reliable correlation with the absence of obesity was also established for individual microorganisms, including several microorganisms from Bifidobacterium spp. and Streptococcus spp., which may enable to establish certain microbiological predictors of obesity and its complications.

The long-term effects of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes on growth and development: systematic review

The increasing prevalence of childhood-onset type-1 diabetes (T1D) has brought to light its multifaceted implications on growth and development. This necessitates a holistic understanding of its long-term effects on physical, neurological, metabolic, and psychosocial aspects. Thus, this study systematically reviewed the long-term effects of childhood-onset T1D on growth and development in children and adolescents. Using the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted mainly on PubMed for studies in English, resulting in the inclusion of nine studies with a collective participant count of 24,880. These studies spanned across various geographical locations, with a predominant focus on the younger demographic, averaging around 11 years of age. The findings indicated significant associations of T1D with altered physical growth patterns, neurological and cognitive implications, metabolic outcomes, and psychosocial challenges. Notably, growth complications and cognitive patterns seemed to intertwine with T1D onset and management. Studies showed that poor glycemic control and early T1D onset, negatively impact the projected adult height of the child. Additionally, poor glycemic control implications such as diabetic ketoacidosis have a negative impact on cognitive functions. Finally, psychosocial complications of T1D and obesity, particularly in adolescent girls, highlighted the importance of parental education and perceived stress on these vulnerable children. Childhood-onset T1D has profound implications on growth and development. While effective glycemic control is beneficial to reduce these complications, a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing endocrinology, neurology, and psychology, is essential for comprehensive care and improved life quality in these children.

Direct oral anticoagulant use in hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation across body mass index categories: design and rationale for a retrospective cohort study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity are common conditions globally; yet, there remains suboptimal pharmacological management contributing to high rates of hospitalization in patients with AF. The altered pathophysiology of both obese and underweight individuals may influence the pharmacology of medications, including those used to manage AF. This, in turn, increases the risk of adverse events and impacts patient risk for stroke and rehospitalization. Despite the well-established complications of obesity, research investigating the relationship between obesity and AF is scant. The primary aim of this study is to describe cardiovascular-related hospitalization in AF patients according to BMI categories. A secondary aim is to describe anticoagulant and antiarrhythmic prescribing practice patterns in patients with AF, according to the BMI category. A retrospective, exploratory descriptive observational cohort study, using routinely collected electronic medical record data from five public hospitals within a single health district, with a population dominantly that is culturally and linguistically diverse, and has a low socioeconomic status. Data extraction will include a 24-month period (January 2017 to December 2018) with a 12-month follow-up. All adult (⩾18 years) patients at discharge diagnosed with AF, prescribed any oral anticoagulant and/or oral rate/rhythm control agent, will be eligible for inclusion. Ethics approval from the health district and the University of Wollongong has been granted. Findings will seek to demonstrate associations between management strategies and patient outcomes, as well as describe patterns of acute care management from prescribers. These data will be used to inform and generate hypotheses for large-scale studies examining the impact of body weight on anticoagulation prescribing at national and global scales.

Современный взгляд на метаболические особенности детского ожирения и его осложнения

INTRODUCTION: Over the past several decades, the problem of pediatric exogenous constitutional obesity has acquired the status of a non-infectious pandemic of the 21st century. Statistics shows that both the prevalence of overweight and obese children and the incidence of morbid obesity, its complications and metabolic syndrome are increasing, which most is alarming for healthcare workers. This tendency requires specialists to understand the metabolic bases of formation of obesity, to search for new ways to treat and prevent the disease, as well as to prevent the development of complications. CONCLUSION: The given review considers the main features of metabolic alterations in the formation of childhood obesity, which can be an additional risk factor for both the development of the disease itself, and of its complications, the main ones being physiological insulin resistance of adolescents and a significant secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 in children in the period of active growth. Understanding of metabolic features of the development of obesity at the pathophysiological and biochemical levels can become the basis for development of the ways to influence these processes. Of attention is the fact of a high prevalence of obesity complications and metabolic syndrome in childhood, with a continuing tendency to growth proportional to increase in the prevalence of obesity itself. A key point is the current absence of ways to predict obesity complications in children. Taking into account very limited possibilities of treatment of childhood obesity and its complications, the existence of prognostic markers may contribute to prevention or earlier, timely diagnosis of the main obesity complications, with a further decline of disability and mortality at a young age, as well as a considerable improvement of the quality of life of obese patients. The presented data require an in-depth analysis of mechanisms of development of childhood obesity — one of the most common problems in the world, and permit to reconceive the problems of treatment and prevention, to open up new prospects for creation of new approaches to diagnosis and control of this disease and its complications.

Long-term drinking of green tea combined with exercise improves hepatic steatosis and obesity in male mice induced by high-fat diet.

Dietary habits and exercise play an important role in the well-being of human health. Currently, how long of drinking tea combined with exercise could efficiently ameliorate hepatic steatosis and obesity still needs to be investigated. Here, short-term and long-term green tea drinking combined with exercise were studied to improve hepatic steatosis and obesity in high-fat diet-induced (HF) mice. Our results showed that Yunkang 10 green tea (GT) combined with exercise (Ex) exhibited synergistic prevention effects on ameliorating hepatic steatosis and obesity. Especially, 22-week intervention with GT or Ex improved all symptoms of obesity, which indicated that long-term intervention exhibited profound preventive effects than the short term. Moreover, the combined intervention of 22 weeks inhibited the activation of NF-κB pathway and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which suggests that tea combined exercise may improve liver steatosis mainly by inhibiting inflammation. The key molecules for regulating lipid and glucose metabolism SCD1 were obviously downregulated, and GLU2 and PPARγ were significantly upregulated by GT and exercise in the liver of high-fat diet-induced mice. This study demonstrated that long-term intervention with GT and exercise effectively relieved hepatic steatosis and obesity complications by ameliorating hepatic inflammation, reducing lipid synthesis, and accelerating glucose transport.

Endoscopic Revisional Gastroplasty After Bariatric Surgery with a Single-Channel Endoscope.

Less invasive endoscopic bariatric procedures are under development for the management of recurrence of obesity. The purpose of the current manuscript was to evaluate the safety of the endoscopic revisional gastroplasty (ERG) for patients with recurrence of weight gain following different bariatric procedures. This is a retrospective single-center study over 22 patients using the ERG between January 2020 to July 2022 at Bouchard Private Hospital (Marseille, France). The demographic data, past surgical history, obesity complications, time interval between the surgical and endoscopic procedures, and intra and postoperative parameters and outcomes were analyzed. A total of 22 patients underwent ERG: 19 female (86.4%) with a mean age of 34.2years and a mean BMI of 32.9kg/m2 (± 3.4). Average time between the revisional bariatric surgery and ERG was 14.4months (range 5-36). There were 14 cases of LSG (77.8%), 9 cases of RYGBP (19.4%), and 3 cases with previous gastric band. All procedures were completed by endoscopy with no complication and a mean length of hospital stay of 1.1days (± 0.9). The weight loss results at 1-year follow-up were available for 17 of the 22 patients: two patients were lost to follow-up (4%) and 3 patients had less than a 1-year follow-up from the ERG. The mean BMI, 1year after ERG, was 28.7kg/m2 (± 7.4); the mean BMI loss and %EWL were, respectively, 4.2kg/m2 (± 4.7) and 53.1% (± 17). Endoscopic revisional gastroplasty represents a safe minimal invasive approach that can be considered an effective and well-tolerated procedure for patients with previous bariatric surgery.

Stevioside Ameliorates Prenatal Obesity Induced Postpartum Depression: The Potential Role of Gut Barrier Homeostasis.

Postpartum depression and cognitive impairment are the common complications of prenatal obesity. Stevioside is a non-nutritive natural sweetener with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. However, its effects on depression behaviors and cognitive impairment induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) remain unclear. An 8-week HFD is used to establish a prenatal obesity model in female C57BL/6J mice to explore the improvement effects of stevioside (0.5 mgmL-1 in drinking water) on maternal depression and cognitive dysfunction after weaning. The results demonstrated that stevioside improves behavioral performance of obese maternal mice, and inhibits neuronal damage and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) abnormality induced by HFD. In addition, stevioside inhibits oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities in the brains of obese maternal mice. Additionally, stevioside improves gut barrier integrity and prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extravasation, and alleviates neuroinflammation. Correlation analysis shows that gut barrier and serum LPS are closely related to behavioral performance and brain biochemical indicators. Stevioside is capable to prevent prenatal obesity-induced cognitive and mood disorders by restoring intestinal barrier damage and inhibiting inflammation.

Duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery activates eNOS and enhances antioxidant system by activating AMPK pathway to improve heart oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a serious complication of obesity with type 2 diabetes and is a major cause of mortality. Metabolic surgery, such as duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB), can effectively improve diabetic cardiomyopathy; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Oxidative stress is one of the pivotal mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our objective was to investigate the effect and potential mechanisms of DJB on oxidative stress in the heart of diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. High-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used to establish diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. DJB was performed on diabetic cardiomyopathy rats, and high glucose and palmitate were used to simulate diabetic cardiomyopathy in H9C2 cells in vitro. Sera from different groups of rats were used for experiments in vivo and in vitro. DJB effectively improved oxidative stress and activated the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway to increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation level and the expression of antioxidative system-related proteins and genes in the heart of diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. AMPK agonists and serum from DJB rats activated the AMPK pathway to increase eNOS phosphorylation level and the expression of antioxidative system-related proteins and genes and decreased the content of reactive oxygen species in H9C2 cells, but this improvement was almost eliminated by the addition of AMPK inhibitors. DJB activates eNOS and enhances the antioxidant system by activating the AMPK pathway-and not solely by improving blood glucose-to improve oxidative stress in the heart of diabetic cardiomyopathy rats.

Peripheral 5-HT/HTR6 axis is responsible for obesity-associated hypertension

Hypertension is one of the major life-threatening complications of obesity. Recently adipose multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were implicated to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hypertension. These cells amplify noradrenaline-induced vascular cell contraction via cAMP-mediated signaling pathway. In this study we tested the ability of several cAMP-mediated hormones to affect the adrenergic sensitivity of MSCs and their associated contractility. Despite that adipose MSCs express a plethora of receptors capable of cAMP signaling activation, only 5-HT was able to elevate α1A-adrenoceptor-induced Ca2+ signaling in MSCs. Furthermore, 5-HT markedly enhanced noradrenaline-induced MSCs contractility. Using HTR isoform-specific antagonists followed by CRISPRi-mediated knockdown, we identified that the observed 5-HT effect on MSCs was mediated by the HTR6 isoform. This receptor was previously associated exclusively with 5-HT central nervous system activity. Discovered effect of HTR6 on MSCs contractility points to it as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of obesity-associated hypertension.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Adropin Levels and Blood Pressure in Obese Adolescents

Background: Adropin is a bioactive protein that maintains energy balance through the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Adropin is associated with blood pressure, endothelial function, and glucose metabolism, according to reported studies. High blood pressure is one of the complications of obesity. Objectives: Our study investigated the relationship between adropin levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in obese adolescents. Methods: The study was conducted with a total of 88 adolescents, 45 females and 43 males, aged 10 - 18 years. The mean age of the participants was 13.79 ± 1.98 years. Participants were divided into two groups: "obese" (n = 61) and "control" (n = 27). Adolescents with a body mass index (BMI) above the 95% percentile for age, gender, and race were defined as "obese." The control group comprised adolescents with a body mass index between the 5th and 85th percentiles. A sample was taken from the forearm pit of the subjects after fasting for at least 12 hours for the determination of glucose, insulin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), C- reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL- cholesterol), triglyceride, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (fT4), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. In both groups, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were assessed using an aneroid manometer and a suitable cuff after subjects had rested for at least 10 minutes in the outpatient clinic. The following formula determined the homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): fasting insulin (uIU/mL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL) /405. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to measure adropin levels. Results: The insulin, HOMA-IR, AST, ALT, GGT, CRP, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol levels of adolescents in the obese group were statistically significantly higher than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). HDL-cholesterol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels of adolescents in the obese group were statistically significantly lower than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in glucose, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, TSH, fT4, and adropin levels (P &gt; 0.05). In the obese group, there was an inverse and statistically significant correlation between adropin level and diastolic blood pressure (P: 0.029; P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: We found an inverse relationship between adropin levels and DBP but no relationship between adropin levels and SBP in obese adolescents.