Effects Of Low-calorie Diet Research Articles

A very-low-calorie ketogenic diet normalises obesity-related enhanced levels of erythropoietin compared with a low-calorie diet or bariatric surgery

PurposeNutritional ketosis synergistically with body-weight loss induced by a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has proven to be effective in improving obesity-related pathophysiology. Recently, growing attention has been focused on the relation between erythropoietin (EPO) and obesity. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether nutritional ketosis and weight loss induced by a VLCKD modify the circulating levels of EPO in patients with obesity in comparison with the effect of low-calorie diet (LCD) or bariatric surgery (BS).MethodsEPO levels, iron status and body composition parameters were evaluated in 72 patients with overweight or obesity and 27 normal-weight subjects at baseline and after the three different weight-reduction therapies (VLCKD, LCD and BS) in 69 patients with excess body weight. β-hydroxybutyrate levels were also measured in the VLCKD group. The follow-up was established at 2–3 months and 4–6 months.ResultsIt was found that EPO levels were higher in morbid obesity and correlated with higher basal weight, fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) in the overall sample. High baseline EPO levels were also correlated with higher impact on the course of weight loss and changes in FM and FFM induced by the three weight-loss interventions. Furthermore, the VLCKD induced a decrease in EPO levels coinciding with maximum ketosis, which was maintained over time, while statistically significant changes were not observed after LCD and BS.ConclusionThe obesity-related increased EPO levels are restored after VLCKD intervention at the time of maximum ketosis, suggesting a potential role of the nutritional ketosis induced by the VLCKD. Baseline EPO levels could be a biomarker of response to a weight-loss therapy.Graphical abstract

Effect of low-calorie diet on psoriasis severity index, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and quality of life in psoriatic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Chronic-plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatological disease. Obesity comorbidities, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are highly prevalent in patients with chronic-plaque psoriasis. Recently, weight loss has been a highly recommended intervention to improve the severity of psoriatic symptoms, psoriasis-induced chronic systemic inflammation, psoriasis-associated cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, and the efficacy of anti-psoriatic drugs. This study was designed to assess the effect of a 12-week low-calorie-diet intervention on aspartate transaminase, psoriasis severity (assessed via Psoriasis Area and Severity Index - PASI), alanine transaminase, quality of life (assessed via Dermatology Life Quality Index - DLQI), triglycerides, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) in class I obese men with chronic-plaque and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sixty men with age ≥ 18 years with class I obesity and with chronic plaque psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were included in the study. All participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the first group as the low-calorie-diet group (30 men received immunosuppressive drugs, followed a low-calorie diet, and increased their energy expenditure through a daily 15,000-step outdoor walking program for 12 weeks) and the second as the control group (30 men received immunosuppressive drugs only). The primary outcome consisted of the results of the area and severity index. Weight, BMI, WC, laboratory results such as triglycerides, liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) as well as DLQI were considered as secondary outcomes. While no significant improvements were achieved in the measured variables of the control group, the low-calorie-diet group demonstrated significant improvement in all the measured variables. The results of the present study confirmed that 12-week low-calorie-diet intervention controls BMI, increases the response of psoriasis to pharmacological agents and improves the quality of life. Diet interventions significantly control the elevated hepatic enzymes (aspartate and alanine transaminases) and triglycerides in male patients with chronic-plaque psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Effects of caloric restriction on the gut microbiome are linked with immune senescence

BackgroundCaloric restriction can delay the development of metabolic diseases ranging from insulin resistance to type 2 diabetes and is linked to both changes in the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiota and immunological consequences. However, the interaction between dietary intake, the microbiome, and the immune system remains poorly described.ResultsWe transplanted the gut microbiota from an obese female before (AdLib) and after (CalRes) an 8-week very-low-calorie diet (800 kcal/day) into germ-free mice. We used 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate taxa with differential abundance between the AdLib- and CalRes-microbiota recipients and single-cell multidimensional mass cytometry to define immune signatures in murine colon, liver, and spleen. Recipients of the CalRes sample exhibited overall higher alpha diversity and restructuring of the gut microbiota with decreased abundance of several microbial taxa (e.g., Clostridium ramosum, Hungatella hathewayi, Alistipi obesi). Transplantation of CalRes-microbiota into mice decreased their body fat accumulation and improved glucose tolerance compared to AdLib-microbiota recipients. Finally, the CalRes-associated microbiota reduced the levels of intestinal effector memory CD8+ T cells, intestinal memory B cells, and hepatic effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.ConclusionCaloric restriction shapes the gut microbiome which can improve metabolic health and may induce a shift towards the naïve T and B cell compartment and, thus, delay immune senescence. Understanding the role of the gut microbiome as mediator of beneficial effects of low calorie diets on inflammation and metabolism may enhance the development of new therapeutic treatment options for metabolic diseases.Trial registrationNCT01105143, “Effects of negative energy balance on muscle mass regulation,” registered 16 April 2010.5rgGJcWAo76KA7q12F4J9PVideo

SUN-PO282: Beneficial Effects of Low-Calorie Diet on Visceral Adiposity and Adipokine Profile

SUN-PO282: Beneficial Effects of Low-Calorie Diet on Visceral Adiposity and Adipokine Profile

Comparison of plasma malondialdehyde and glutathione levels between low calorie high protein diet to standard protein in obese individuals with weight cycling – a randomised trial

Background: Increasing BMI increases the risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Oxidative stress is believed to be the underlying mechanism. A significant proportion of people who have previously succeeded in reducing body weight acquire subsequent weight gain (weight cycling). The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of low calorie diets, either with high or standard protein on plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in obese people with a history of weight cycling. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted in a worker’s health centre in Jakarta. Participants were assigned to a caloric restriction diet, with two different intervention groups; a high protein/HP group (22-30% of total caloric intake from protein) and a standard protein/SP group (12-20% protein). The diet programme was applied for 8 weeks with daily reminders and weekly counselling. 61 participants were recruited. 54 participants completed the programme but only 15 subjects had their MDA and GSH level measured pre- and post-treatment. Plasma MDA and GSH levels were measured according to Will’s method and Ellman’s method, respectively. Results: The mean changes of MDA levels after completing the diet programme in the HP and SP group were 0.031 + 0.124 and -0.034 + 0.363 nmol/ml plasma, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean changes of GSH levels in the HP and SP group were -0.059 + 0.1673 and -0.034 + 0.363 µg/ml plasma, respectively. No statistical significance were found between the mean difference of plasma MDA and GSH level changes among both groups. Conclusions: Changes in MDA and GSH levels after high protein or standard protein low-calorie diet intervention for 8 weeks were not significantly different. Protein proportion in the low calorie diet does not affect the change in oxidative stress state for obese individuals with weight cycling. Trial registration number: NCT03374150

A Comparison Between the Effect of Three Types of Low-Calorie Diets on Controlling Blood Glucose and Lipids in People with Type 2 Diabetes

The blood glucose level of people with diabetes can be normalized through an appropriate diet, physical activity, the use of chemical drugs and medicinal plants. This study aims to investigate the effects of low-calorie diets (1200, 1500, and 1800 kcal) on glucose and serum lipids in poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients. This clinical trial was conducted among 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The criteria for entering the study were fasting blood glucose higher than 130 mg/dl, hemoglobin A1C higher than 7% and BMI higher than 25. Blood glucose, fasting blood glucose and lipid levels were measured before and after intervention two hours after each meal. Patients were trained by an expert. Then, the questionnaires were completed and analyzed. In this study, the mean fasting blood glucose level in patients who used 1500 and 1200 kcal diet decreased significantly after intervention (p<0.05). Glucose decreased significantly after two hours using a 1500 kcal diet (p<0.009). In addition, triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in patients who used the 1500 kcal diet (p<0.05). Although, there was no significant difference in blood glucose levels between 1200, 1500 and 1800 kcal diets based on gender, residencency and BMI. Regarding the fact that there was no significant difference in reducing blood glucose and serum lipids between 1200 and 1500 kcal diets. It is recommended to use a 1500 kcal diet instead of 1200 kcal diet, which imposes fewer limitations and is easier to tolerate.

The effect of low calorie diet on adiponectin concentration: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adiponectin secreted from adipose tissue is proposed to be inversely related to the body fat mass. However, the magnitude of the effect of low calorie diet on adiponectin concentrations remains unknown. The present study was aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical trials that access the effect of low calorie diet on adiponectin concentration. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI web of science, and Google scholar for RCTs until January 2015. Totally, 13 trials were found, which examined the effect of low calorie diet on adiponectin concentration compared control group without low calorie diet.Our meta-analysis showed that weight loss diet can substantially increase the adiponectin concentration in overall (Hedges' g=0.34, 95% CI:0.17-0.50, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis also revealed that the low calorie diet can substantially enhance adiponectin concentrations when prescribed for ≤16 weeks (Hedges' g=0.48, 95% CI: 0.12-0.83, p=0.01) compared to >16 weeks (Hedges' g=0.30, 95% CI: 0.11-0.48, p=0.002). Weight loss diet beneficially affects blood adiponectin concentrations. More clinical trials are recommended to clear this effect among different genders and nationalities, and assess the magnitude of the effect based on changes in fat mass.

Effect of Low Calorie Diet and Controlled Fasting on Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism in Obese Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity in T1DM patients is associated with the components of metabolic syndrome. The influence of controlled fasting and low calorie diet (LCD) on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism was studied in 14 obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (42.6+/-9.4 years, BMI 32.4+/-2.1 kg m(-2)). Insulin sensitivity in obese T1DM patients was measured using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp before fasting, immediately after 7 days of fasting, and after 21 days of LCD. Glucose oxidation and non-oxidative glucose disposal were measured before and during the clamp by indirect calorimetry. In the control group of 13 of non-obese T1DM patients (36.9+/-13.9 years, BMI 22.6+/-2.1 kg m(-2)), only one hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed. Obese T1DM patients lost 6.1+/-1.1 kg after fasting and maintained reduction in body weight after 21 days of LCD. Fasting transiently reduced insulin-mediated glucose disposal in the clamp (from 9.69+/-1.48 to 6.78+/-1.21 mg min(-1) kg(-1), P<0.001). This was caused by reduced glucose oxidation after the fasting period (from 2.81+/-0.52 to 0.88+/-0.98 mg min(-1) kg(-1), P<0.001). We conclude that one week of fasting transiently decreased insulin-mediated glucose disposal in T1DM patients. This was caused by reduced glucose oxidation.

The effect of nutritional intervention and physical activities on weight reduction

Background: Overweight and obesity increasing world wide because of changing life style and dietary habits. Diet therapy plays an important role to prevent obesity outcomes. The aim of this study was determining the effects of diet therapy on weight reduction and fitness. Methods: A clinical trial study was conducted using convenient sampling method and 216 subjects (190 female and 26 male) were recruited using BMI > 27 cut-off. After primary examinations all subjects received a low calorie diet for six months. Weight, height, BMI, percent of body fat, fat free mass and total body water were determined and body composition were measured and recorded following six months nutritional intervention. Data was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Results: The mean age of participants was 37.5+12.1 in women and 38.18+15.3 year in men. There was significant weight reduction between admission and six months after treatment 84.7+17.9 vs. 77.3+3.2kg (p<0.003). Significantly decrease in BMI before and after six months intervention 31.7+5.6 vs. 28.5+4.4 (p<0.003) was observed. The study showed more than 10% weight reduction after six months diet therapy (p<0.01). Conclusion: The study confirmed the effect of low calorie diet on weight reduction both in male and female which may reduce cardio vascular disease risk factors. Increasing public knowledge about healthy eating, weight management and obesity side effects as well as referring high-risk subjects to nutritionists for treatment highly recommended. Keywords: obesity, overweight, diet therapy, BMI, physical activity

The Effects of Low Calorie Diet with Soy Protein on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hyperlipidemic Patients

Serum lipid abnormalities are an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease in hyperlipidemic patients. Because of the side effect of long-term medications in these patients, soy protein, as a part of healthy diet, may improve their lipid profile. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soy protein with low-calorie diet on lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic patient. Fifty two hyperlipidemic patients of both sex and age range of 25-65 years were participated. The patients received low-calorie diet based on 1400 kcal energy 18% protein, 24% fat and 58% carbohydrate per day for 4 weeks. The treatment group received low-calorie diet including (30 g day(-1)) of soy protein. Blood samples were obtained after an overnight (12 h) fasting period before the study and in the last day of the intervention period. Anthropometric indices and levels of serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein were measured before and after the intervention. In groups, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences were significantly reduced (p<0.05) after four weeks. In comparison with control group, the results of treatment of soy protein with low-calorie diet showed that at the end of 4th week serum low-density lipoprotein was significantly (p<0.05) decreased while an insignificant reduction was seen in total cholesterol. This study suggest that soy protein with low calorie diet for 4 weeks treatment may be safe and effective alternative therapy for diminished the cardiovascular risk factors in hyperlipidemic patients.

Влияние низкокалорийных диет с включением белковых заменителей пищи на антропометрические и клинико-биохимические показатели у больных ожирением

Влияние низкокалорийных диет с включением белковых заменителей пищи на антропометрические и клинико-биохимические показатели у больных ожирением

The Effects of Low-Calorie Diets on Abdominal Visceral Fat, Muscle Mass, and Dietary Quality in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Subjects (Korean Diabetes J 2009;33:526-36)

We would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Lee for his letter and his interest in our manuscript, effects of low-calorie diets on abdominal visceral fat, muscle mass, and dietary quality in obese type 2 diabetic subjects. Our responses to Dr. Lee's comments follow. As Dr. Lee noted, our study has some limitations, including a relatively small sample size that included only female patients. However, we wish to emphasize the controlled nature of this trial. In order to evaluate the clinical impacts of low calorie diets, all participating subjects were selected in a controlled manner so that the data could be adjusted for total energy expenditure and physical activity. A specifically female patient group was selected, because the reduction of visceral fat by low calorie diets is typically less in women than in men [1]. Although a healthy diet is a cornerstone to the reduction of overweight, long term body weight reduction and weight maintenance by simple reductions of dietary energy intake reduction were difficult to maintain. Previous research has shown that only about 20% of overweight individuals are successful at long-term weight loss when weight loss is defined as losing at least 10% of the starting body weight and maintaining the loss for at least one year [2]. Therefore, new strategies need to be developed to improve the achievement of this goal. The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) provides information about the strategies used by successful weight loss maintainers to achieve and maintain long-term weight loss; these include high levels of physical activity, eating a low-calorie, low-fat diet, eating breakfast regularly, self-monitoring weight, and maintaining a consistent eating pattern across weekdays and weekends [3]. We cannot answer Dr. Lee's question about effective weight loss and the rate at which successful weight loss is maintained, nor the most successful weight reduction strategy in Korean diabetic patients, as there have been no clinical studies or follow-up studies of weight reduction in Korean diabetic patients. However, Song et al. reported that the body mass indexes of diabetic patients who undertook a Structured Diabetes Education Program (SDEP) were similar to those of a conventional education group over four years of follow-up [4]. There is a clear need for Korean diabetic patients to implement more aggressive strategies for successful weight reduction. Additional clinical studies based on this strategy will be necessary to answer Dr. Lee's question. As other reviewers note, recent data show that about 70% of Korean type 2 diabetes patients are overweight or obese. As there are few clinical dietary intervention studies on weight reduction in obese Korean type 2 diabetes patients [5,6], we look forward to additional clinical intervention studies and increasing the numbers of systemic studies of these issues in Korea through the implementation of our new guidelines. More studies are necessary to confirm these data and to properly consider various deviations in terms of dietary pattern and gender. Lastly, we completely agree with Dr. Lee's final comment regarding extending the study further by exploring the effects of low calorie diet on adipokines and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients. Such studies will give us more insight into the factors governing the relationship between reduction of visceral fat and improvement of insulin resistance without the reduction of muscle. Such a study is in progress at present, and we anticipate that these trials will provide us with answers that are urgently needed. Thank you very much for taking interest in this study and also for your comments.

Letter: the effects of low-calorie diets on abdominal visceral fat, muscle mass, and dietary quality in obese type 2 diabetic subjects (korean diabetes j 2009;33:526-36).

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly, and it is expected that its prevalence in 2025 will be double its prevalence in 2000 [1]. Obesity and physical inactivity are important and correctable factors that influence type 2 DM. Over 80% of the type 2 DM patients in Western countries are overweight or obese. In Korea, data from the 1970s indicated that in the past, most Korean type 2 DM patients were not obese, but recent data show that about 70% of current Korean type 2 DM patients are overweight or obese [2,3]. Economic development, increased calorie intake and physical inactivity seem to be main drivers of this change in Korea.

Short-Term Low Calorie Diet Intervention Reduces Serum Advanced Glycation End Products in Healthy Overweight or Obese Adults

Background: Obesity is a metabolic and cardiovascular risk factor. A low calorie diet (LCD) is one of the treatment modalities for weight loss. Serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are linked to increased atherogenicity and inflammation in diseases such as diabetes and renal failure. Obesity has an inflammatory component, but interestingly there are no studies on serum AGE levels in obesity or on the effects of LCD as a therapeutic measure on these markers of glycation. Aim: We hypothesized that weight loss by caloric restriction has a beneficial effect on serum AGE levels. We investigated the prospective effects of a sole LCD intervention for weight loss on serum AGEs in a cohort of overweight and non-morbidly obese but otherwise healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 37 Japanese subjects (30 females, 7 males, mean age 48.2 ± 9.3 years) with a mean BMI of 28.3 ± 3.2 participated in this study. During the intervention period of 2 months, they were placed on an LCD (Diet’s™; 5,023 kJ/day) with meal replacement every dinner. The following data were evaluated pre- and post-intervention: AGEs, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- and LDL- cholesterol. Results and Discussion: After the intervention, BMI levels were clearly reduced by 6.3% (p < 0.001), waist circumference by 5.7% (p < 0.002) and triglycerides by 11.9 % (p < 0.002). At baseline, AGEs levels were 63 ± 11 AU for obese subjects and 63 ± 14 for control subjects (not significant). After intervention, AGEs were reduced by 7.21% (range 0–35%, p < 0.001). The percent change in AGEs was significantly and positively correlated with that of triglycerides (r = 0.42, p < 0.009), waist circumference (r = 0.40, p < 0.011), and BMI (r = 0.42, p < 0.007). We show for the first time that serum AGEs can be reduced by an LCD intervention on weight loss, a change that correlates with the reduction in triglycerides. This may plausibly be a reflection of a reduction in glycation/lipoxidation due to the caloric restriction and its metabolic consequences, or it may be due to the decreased intake of food containing glycotoxins, or a combination of both.

The Effects of Low-Calorie Diets on Abdominal Visceral Fat, Muscle Mass, and Dietary Quality in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Background: Weight loss through low-calorie diets (LCDs) decreases visceral fat (VF). However, the effects on muscle mass, changes of dietary quality, and insulin sensiti vity are unknown for Korean obese type 2 diabetic subjects. Therefore, this study examined such effects of LCDs. Methods: A total of 30 obese type 2 diabetic subjects (body mass index, 27.0 ± 2.2 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to an LCD or control group. Subjects on LCDs took 500~1,000 kcal fewer energy than their usual dietary intake (1,000~1,500 kcal/day) over the course of 12 weeks. The abdominal VF and femoral muscle mass were evaluated by computed tomography, and insulin sensitivity was assessed using an insulin tolerance test (Kitt; rate constant for plasma glucose disappea rance, %/min). Dietary nutrient intake consumed by subjects was assessed by 3-day food records. Results: The percent VF reduction was -23.4 ± 17.2% in the LCD group and -9.8 ± 11.8% in the control group after 12 weeks (P < 0.001, P = 0.002). However, significant decrease in femoral mass or proportional change of marcronutrient intake and mean adequacy ratio were not found in the LCD group, as compared to the control group. Insulin sensitivity improved in the LCD group, as compared to the control group (P = 0.040). Conclusion: LCD effectively improved insulin sensitivity and reduced abdominal VF without reduction of femoral muscle and dietary quality in obese type 2 diabetic subjects. (Korean Diabetes J 33:526-536, 2009)

The effect of a rapid weight loss on lipid profile and glycemic control in obese type 2 diabetic patients.

To test the effect of low calorie diet (LCD) on body weight, lipid profile, and glycemic control in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Dietary intervention. Department of Human Nutrition, Copenhagen. Outpatients: 11 type 2 DM patients (three males/eight females) (10 completed), four on oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA). Body mass index (BMI) 36.8 +/- 5.5 kg/m2 and age 62 +/- 5.7 y. In all, 8 weeks full meal-replacement diet: eight sachets of a nutrition powder (Nutrilett, 850 kcal/day). Lipid profile assessed by NMR spectroscopy. Mean body weight fell by 10.9 kg (approximately 11%, P<0.001). Fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fell significantly. There were large positive changes (statistically insignificant) in LDL subclass distribution and a similar shift in high-density lipoprotein subclass distribution. Medication was discontinued in all four subjects taking OHA for 2 weeks prior to the intervention and throughout the whole 8-week intervention period. LCD is effective in improving glycemic control and blood lipids through weight loss in overweight type 2 DM patients.

Effects of low-calorie diet on steatohepatitis in rats with obesity and hyperlipidemia.

To evaluate the effects of low calorie diet (LCD) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats with obesity and hyperlipidemia. 29 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups. The animals in control (n=9) and NASH group (n=10) were fed on standard rat diet and high fat diet respectively for 12 weeks, ten rats in LCD group were fed on high fat diet for 10 weeks and then low calorie diet for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiment, body weight, abdominal adipose content, liver function, and hepatopathological changes were examined to evaluate the effect of different feeding protocols on the experimental animals. There was no death of animal in the experimental period. All rats in the NASH group developed steatohepatitis according to liver histological findings. Compared with the control group, body weight (423.5+/-65.2 vs 351.1+/-43.0 g, P<0.05), abdominal adipose content (14.25+/-1.86 vs 9.54+/-1.43, P<0.05), liver index (3.784+/-0.533 vs 2.957+/-0.301 %, P<0.01), total serum cholesterol (1.60+/-0.41 vs 1.27+/-0.17 mmol/L,P<0.05) and free fatty acids (728.2+/-178.5 vs 429.2+/-96.7 mmol/L, P<0.01), serum alanine aminotransferase (1,257.51+/-671.34 vs 671.34+/-118.57 nkat/L, P<0.05) and aspartic aminotransferase (2,760.51+/-998.66 vs 1,648.29+/-414.16 nkat/L, P<0.01) were significantly increased in the NASH group. Whereas, when rats were fed on LCD protocol, their body weight (329.5+/-38.4 g, P<0.01), abdominal adipose content (310.21+/-1.52 g, P<0.05), liver index (3.199+/-0.552 %, P<0.05), and serum alanine aminotransferase (683.03+/-245.49 nkat/L, P<0.05) were significantly decreased, and the degree of hepatic steatosis (P<0.05) was markedly improved compared with those in the NASH group. However, no significant difference was found in serum lipid variables and hepatic inflammatory changes between the two groups. LCD might play a role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and hepatic steatosis in SD rats, but it exerts no significant effects on both serum lipid disorders and hepatic inflammatory changes.

Insulin signal transduction and glucose transport in adipocytes from obese women: Effects of low calorie diet

Insulin signal transduction and glucose transport in adipocytes from obese women: Effects of low calorie diet

Low calorie unrestricted protein diet attenuates renal injury in hypertensive rats.

In the present investigation we researched the effects of low calorie diet without protein restriction on the renal function and glomerular injury of uninephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats. We compared the findings with those that occurred in two different groups of uninephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats: one treated with oral hydralazine (10 mg/kg per day) and a second fed regular food. The low calorie diet and hydralazine treatment significantly reduced intra-arterial blood pressure in each group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The control group showed at the end of the experiment a slight but not significantly different increase in the intra-arterial blood pressure. Low calorie diet was more effective in protecting the kidney function. Creatinine clearance after treatment was significantly higher in uninephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats on a low calorie diet than in either the hydralazine-treated or control groups (p < 0.01). The 24-hour urinary protein excretion in the low calorie diet group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05) and lower but not statistically different from the hydralazine-treated group. The mean glomerular injury index of the remaining kidney in the low calorie diet group was lower than in either the hydralazine-treated or control groups (p < 0.05), and the mean mesangial expansion index in the low calorie diet group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). The favorable effect of low calorie diet on renal function was independent of protein restriction or sodium and potassium content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of low-calorie diets on the sympathetic nervous system, body weight, and plasma insulin in overweight hypertension

When weight reduction was found to decrease blood pressure in the overweight hypertensive patient, it was hailed as the causative factor. A growing number of recent studies indicate that this association may be secondary to a correlation between diet-associated metabolic change and the sympathetic nervous system. A select group such as overweight hypertensive patients may have a genetic predisposition for such a correlation. In overweight hypertensive patients, low-calorie diet and especially very-low-calorie diet, correlate with improved glucose metabolism, a decrease in plasma insulin concentration, and altered norepinephrine concentrations and thus sympathetic nervous system activity. Several of these studies also show a lack of effect of salt intake on blood pressure. Thus, it seems that metabolic changes caused by the decrease in caloric intake are responsible for the decrease in blood pressure. These must be investigated to understand the effect of the different diets on blood pressure. Very-low-calorie diets were found very useful in breaking the vicious circle of severe nonresponsive hypertension to medication.