Excessive Fat Accumulation Research Articles

Association of subclinical carotid artery atherosclerosis assessed by carotid ultrasound with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score in young and middle-aged men.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a widespread liver disorder caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver with no significant alcohol consumption. This condition has been linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaques, which are established markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, were used to assess CVD risk. However, few studies have explored the correlation between NAFLD and subclinical atherosclerosis, especially in young and middle-aged men. A study on 200 male patients aged 18-55 years aimed to investigate the association between NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and CIMT, as well as carotid plaque presence. The study, conducted between July 2023 and January 2024, included CIMT measurements and plaque assessments performed using B-mode ultrasound. Participants were divided into two groups based on CIMT values and plaque presence, and NFS was analyzed for its association with CIMT and plaque. Participants with higher CIMT values had a significantly higher NFS (-2.9 ± 1.13 vs. -1.9 ± 1.4, P < 0.001) than those with lower CIMT values. Similarly, participants with carotid plaque also exhibited a higher NFS (-2.5 ± 1.3 vs. -1.7 ± 1.4, P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NFS was a strong predictor of both increased CIMT (odds ratio [OR]: 1.564%95 CI 1.035-2.363; P = 0.034) and carotid plaque presence (OR: 1.605%95 CI 1.118-2.290; P = 0.010). These results emphasize the potential role of NFS as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in young and middle-aged men.

Epigenetic and Molecular Alterations in Obesity: Linking CRP and DNA Methylation to Systemic Inflammation.

Obesity is marked by excessive fat accumulation in the adipose tissue, which disrupts metabolic processes and causes chronic systemic inflammation. Commonly, body mass index (BMI) is used to assess obesity-related risks, predicting potential metabolic disorders. However, for a better clustering of obese patients, we must consider molecular and epigenetic changes which may be responsible for inflammation and metabolic changes. Our study involved two groups of patients, obese and healthy donors, on which routine analysis were performed, focused on BMI, leukocytes count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and completed with global DNA methylation and gene expression analysis for genes involved in inflammation and adipogenesis. Our results indicate that obese patients exhibited elevated leukocytes levels, along with increased BMI and CRP. The obese group revealed a global hypomethylation and upregulation of proinflammatory genes, with adipogenesis genes following the same trend of being overexpressed. The study confirms that obesity is linked to systematic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction through epigenetic and molecular alterations. The CRP was correlated with the hypomethylation status in obese patients, and this fact may contribute to a better understanding of the roles of specific genes in adipogenesis and inflammation, leading to a better personalized therapy.

A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Vyoshadi Sakthu on Elevated Lipid Profile

This single-armed open clinical study explores the efficacy of Vyoshadi Sakthu in managing hyperlipidemia, a condition marked by elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, posing substantial health risks such as cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Administered orally with buttermilk, Vyoshadi Sakthu leverages its Lekhana and Medohara properties to target excess fat accumulation. The study involved 20 participants meeting diagnostic criteria, with lipid profiles assessed at baseline and after a 60th day Vyoshadi Sakthu trial. Statistical analysis, employing the paired t-test, revealed significant reductions in serum cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels (p &lt; 0.001) post-intervention. These findings suggest a meaningful impact on lipid metabolism attributed to Vyoshadi Sakthu's Lekhana properties. Additionally, the study highlights potential synergies between Vyoshadi Sakthu treatment and lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments and regular exercise. This integrated approach may enhance treatment outcomes, emphasizing holistic management strategies for hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders. The results contribute to the growing evidence supporting Ayurvedic interventions' therapeutic efficacy in hyperlipidemia management. However, larger controlled studies are required to validate these findings and ensure the long-term safety and efficacy of Vyoshadi Sakthu. This underscores the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda into contemporary healthcare practices to address the complexities of metabolic disorders effectively.

The obesity-related mutation gene on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing, leading to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) characterized by excessive accumulation of liver fat and a risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The driver gene mutations may play the roles of passengers that occur in single 'hotspots' and can promote tumorigenesis from benign to malignant lesions. We investigated the impact of high body weight and BMI on HCC survival using The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) dataset. To explore the effects of obesity-related gene mutations on HCC, we collected driver mutation genes in 34 TCGA patients with BMI ≥ 27 and 23 TCGA patients with BMI < 27. The digital PCR performing the PBMC samples for the variant rate by clinical cohort of 96 NAFLD patients. Our analysis showed that obesity leads to significantly worse survival outcomes in HCC. Using cbioportal, we identified 414 driver mutation genes in patients with obesity and 127 driver mutation genes in non-obese patients. Functional analysis showed that obese-related genes significantly enriched the regulated lipid and insulin pathways in HCC. The insulin secretion pathway in patients with obesity HCC-specific survival identified ABCC8 and PRKCB as significant genes (p < 0.001). It revealed significant differences in gene mutation and gene expression profiles compared to non-obese patients. The digital PCR test ABCC8 variants were detected in PBMC samples and caused a 14.5% variant rate, significantly higher than that of non-obese NAFLD patients. The study findings showed that the gene ABCC8 was a patient with the obesity-related gene in NAFLD, which provides the probability that ABCC8 mutation contributes to the pre-cancer lesion biomarker for HCC.

Ultrasound Findings of Liver and Pancreas in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin dependence, is caused by the autoimmune destruction of β-cells in the pancreas. Diabetes mellitus can potentially lead to excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, resulting in fatty liver. Changes in pancreatic tissue during the course of the disease can lead to decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the size and fat content of the liver and pancreas in children with T1D using ultrasound and to explore their relationship with clinical and laboratory indicators. Patients and Methods: In this case-control research, 43 children without diabetes made up the control group, whereas 43 children with T1D (diagnosed based on American Diabetes Association criteria) between the ages of 3 and 18 years made up the case group, from March 2020 until July 2021. A checklist was used to collect data on age, the duration of diabetes, insulin dose, gastrointestinal or liver symptoms, and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, the height and weight of patients were measured. The results of blood tests, including hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), liver function tests, and autoantibodies related to diabetes, were extracted from the files. A transabdominal ultrasound study was performed by two pediatric radiologists, with 8 years and 5 years of experience, to evaluate the liver and pancreas regarding size and fat content. Correlation between laboratory test results and ultrasound findings was assessed by statistical analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with a significance level considered less than 0.05. T-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Partial correlation were the tests applied for data analysis. Results: The two groups had significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and HbA1c levels, with higher values observed in diabetic subjects. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of liver size. The frequency of fatty liver was higher in patients with T1D (65.1% in diabetic subjects versus 23.3% in non-diabetic subjects). The size of the body and tail of the pancreas in the case group was significantly lower than in the control group (10.33 ± 2.87 vs. 12.30 ± 2.1, P = 0.004 for the body, 9.47 ± 2.4 vs. 10.86 ± 2.2, P = 0.007 for the tail). Fatty pancreas was more prevalent in T1D compared to the control group (P = 0.03). The size and grade of fatty pancreas did not significantly correlate with the presence of autoantibodies. Liver size and body mass index were positively correlated (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Patients with T1D are more susceptible to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Pancreatic morphological alterations, including increased echogenicity and a decrease in the size of the pancreas (particularly at the body and tail), can be detected in ultrasound studies of children with T1D. Furthermore, no significant association was found between T1D autoantibodies and pancreatic morphological changes, suggesting that autoantibodies cannot be used to predict future pancreatic morphological alterations.

Anti-Obesity Activity of Sanghuangporus vaninii by Inhibiting Inflammation in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Obesity is an unhealthy condition associated with various diseases characterized by excess fat accumulation. However, in China, the prevalence of obesity is 14.1%, and it remains challenging to achieve weight loss or resolve this issue through clinical interventions. Sanghuangpours vaninii (SPV) is a nutritional fungus with multiple pharmacological activities and serves as an ideal dietary intervention for combating obesity. In this study, a long-term high-fat diet (HFD) was administered to induce obesity in mice. Different doses of SPV and the positive drug simvastatin (SV) were administered to mice to explore their potential anti-obesity effects. SPV regulated weight, serum lipids, and adipocyte size while inhibiting inflammation and hepatic steatosis. Compared with the vehicle-treated HFD-fed mice, the lowest decreases in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were 9.72%, 9.29%, and 12.29%, respectively, and the lowest increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 5.88% after treatment with different doses of SPV. With SPV treatment, the analysis of gut microbiota and serum lipids revealed a significant association between lipids and inflammation-related factors, specifically sphingomyelin. Moreover, Western blotting results showed that SPV regulated the toll-like receptor (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in HFD-diet mice, which is related to inflammation and lipid metabolism. This research presents empirical proof of the impact of SPV therapy on obesity conditions.

The Association between Marital Status and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Obesity was included in the International Classification of Diseases in 1990 as a chronic disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat and a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. This systematic review was aimed to examine the role of marital status in determining body mass index and the risk of obesity. We performed a systematic literature search using three databases (PubMed (Medline), Embase, and Google Scholar) with the search query. Of the 105 studies included in the systematic review, 76 studies (72%) reported a greater risk of obesity in married individuals compared to unmarried individuals. A meta-analysis of 24 studies included a total population of 369,499 participants: 257,257 married individuals (40,896 of whom had obesity) and 112,242 comparison subjects (single, divorced, or widowed individuals, 15,084 of whom had obesity). Odds ratios for obesity found a significant pooled odds ratio for obesity in married individuals compared with controls (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.38-2.10). The socioeconomic environment was not the same throughout the period of studies analyzed. The odds of obesity in married individuals during economic crises was greater than during the period between crises: OR 2.56 (95% CI 2.09-3.13) during crises vs. OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.24-1.95) between crises. The results of this review confirm the importance of considering marital status in determining the risk of obesity.

Sex- and Gender-Related Differences in Obesity: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Clinical Implications.

Obesity, primarily characterized by excessive fat accumulation, is a multifactorial chronic disease with an increasing global prevalence. Despite the well-documented epidemiology and significant advances in understanding its pathophysiology and clinical implications, the impact of sex is typically overlooked in obesity research. Worldwide, women have a higher likelihood to become obese compared to men. Although women are offered weight loss interventions more often and at earlier stages than men, they are more vulnerable to psychopathology. Men, on the other hand, are less likely to pursue weight loss intervention and are more susceptible to the metabolic implications of obesity. In this narrative review, we comprehensively explored sex- and gender-specific differences in the development of obesity, focusing on a variety of biological variables, such as body composition, fat distribution and energy partitioning, the impact of sex steroid hormones and gut microbiota diversity, chromosomal and genetic variables, and behavioural and sociocultural variables influencing obesity development in men and women. Sex differences in obesity-related comorbidities and varying effectiveness of different weight loss interventions are also extensively discussed.

The distinct impacts of sarcopenic and dynapenic obesity on mortality in middle-aged and older adults based on different adiposity metrics: Results from I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) and dynapenic obesity (DO) represent two manifestations of excessive fat accumulation concurrent with compromised muscle mass and function, thereby necessitating an examination of their implications for health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between SO/DO and mortality, taking into account various adiposity measures and existing sarcopenia criteria, with further stratified analyses based on age and gender. The study sample comprised 1779 older adults residing in the community from the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS). Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was adhered to the 2019 consensus of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, while adiposity was measured by waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and fat percentage. SO/DO was defined as the coexistence of sarcopenia/dynapenia and obesity. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were adopted to examine the association between SO or DO, defined by WC, BMI, fat percentage, and mortality. This 11-year follow-up study of 1779 participants aged 63.9±9.2 years involved 15,068 person-years and 229 deaths. WC-defined SO (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3, p=0.021) and WC-defined DO (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, p=0.022) significantly increased mortality risk, whereas definitions employing alternative adiposity metrics exhibited no statistical significance. WC-defined SO was associated with increased risk of mortality among middle-aged adults, while WC-defined DO was associated with increased risk of mortality among older adults. In sex-specific analysis, WC-defined DO was also associated with increased risk of mortality in men (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4, p=0.019), while defined by other measurements showed no associations in both sexes. The study identified a significant link between SO/DO, defined by WC, and an 11-year mortality risk, advocating for WC-defined adiposity as an obesity measure and personalized interventions considering SO and DO's distinct impacts on mortality in middle-aged and older adults.

The role and mechanism of pyroptosis and potential therapeutic targets in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical pathological syndrome characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat within liver cells, which can progress to end-stage liver disease in severe cases, posing a threat to life. Pyroptosis is a distinct, pro-inflammatory form of cell death, differing from traditional apoptosis. In recent years, there has been growing research interest in the association between pyroptosis and NAFLD, encompassing the mechanisms and functions of pyroptosis in the progression of NAFLD, as well as potential therapeutic targets. Controlled pyroptosis can activate immune cells, eliciting host immune responses to shield the body from harm. However, undue activation of pyroptosis may worsen inflammatory responses, induce cellular or tissue damage, disrupt immune responses, and potentially impact liver function. This review elucidates the involvement of pyroptosis and key molecular players, including NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and the caspase family, in the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD. It emphasizes the promising prospects of targeting pyroptosis as a therapeutic approach for NAFLD and offers valuable insights into future directions in the field of NAFLD treatment.

Trapped fat: Obesity pathogenesis as an intrinsic disorder in metabolic fuel partitioning.

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity remains at best incomplete despite a century of research. During this time, two alternative perspectives have helped shape thinking about the etiology of the disorder. The currently prevailing view holds that excessive fat accumulation results because energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, with excessive food consumption being the primary cause of the imbalance. The other perspective attributes the initiating cause of obesity to intrinsic metabolic defects that shift fuel partitioning from pathways for mobilization and oxidation to those for synthesis and storage. The resulting reduction in fuel oxidation and trapping of energy in adipose tissue drives a compensatory increase in energy intake and, under some conditions, a decrease in expenditure. This theory of obesity pathogenesis has historically garnered relatively less attention despite its pedigree. Here, we present an updated comprehensive formulation of the fuel partitioning theory, focused on evidence gathered over the last 80 years from major animal models of obesity showing a redirection of fuel fluxes from oxidation to storage and accumulation of excess body fat with energy intake equal to or even less than that of lean animals. The aim is to inform current discussions about the etiology of obesity and by so doing, help lay new foundations for the design of more efficacious approaches to obesity research, treatment and prevention.

The efficacy and safety of Dachaihu decoction in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also known as metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is a common liver condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver which is not caused by alcohol. The main causes of NAFLD are obesity and insulin resistance. Dachaihu decoction (DCHD), a classic formula in traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved to treat NAFLD by targeting different aspects of pathogenesis and is being progressively used in the treatment of NAFLD. DCHD is commonly applied in a modified form to treat the NAFLD. In light of this, it is imperative to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of DCHD in the management of NAFLD. There is a need for a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of modified DCHD in treating NAFLD. The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of DCHD in treating NAFLD. This meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Including seven databases, both Chinese and English databases were searched for relevant studies. The quality of included studies was carefully assessed using the bias risk assessment tool in the Cochrane Handbook. Eligible articles were the source of extracted data which was meta-analyzed by using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17.0. A total of 10 studies containing 825 patients were included. Compared with conventional treatments, combined treatment could clearly improve the liver function of NAFLD patients, which could reduce the levels of ALT (MD = -7.69 U/L, 95% CI: -11.88 to -3.51, p < 0.001), AST (MD = -9.58 U/L, 95% CI: -12.84 to -6.33, p < 0.01), and it also had a certain impact on regulating lipid metabolism, which could reduce the levels of TC (MD = -0.85 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.22 to 0.48, p < 0.01), TG (MD = -0.45 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.64 to 0.21, p < 0.01). Adverse event showed that DCHD was relatively safe. Due to the inclusion of less than 10 trials in each group, it was not possible to conduct a thorough analysis of publication bias. According to the meta-analysis, in the treatment of the NAFLD, it is clear that the combination of DCHD was advantages over conventional treatment alone in improving liver function, regulating lipid metabolism. Additionally, DCHD demonstrates a relatively safe profile. Nevertheless, due to limitations in the quality and quantity of the studies incorporated, the effectiveness and safety of DCHD remain inconclusive. Consequently, further high-quality research is imperative to furnish more substantial evidence supporting the widespread clinical application of DCHD. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023397353, CRD42023397353.

Evaluation of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in liver cells' cultures by MEKC: Initial hints to comprehend its role in diabetes mellitus of obese individuals.

Genetic factors, diet, lifestyle, and other factors lead to various complications in the body, such as obesity and other chronic diseases. The inflammatory state caused by excessive accumulation of body fat affects the pathways related to the control of glycemic homeostasis, leading to a high demand for insulin, to subsequent failure of stressed β cells, and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study of new endocrine signalers, such as bile acids (BAs), becomes necessary as it allows the development of alternatives for T2DM treatment. In this work, a methodology was developed to quantify tauroursodeoxycholic BA (TUDCA) in liver cells of the HepG2 strain treated in hyperlipidic medium. This BA helps to improve insulin clearance by increasing the expression of the insulin-degrading enzyme, restoring sensitivity to this hormone, and making it viable for treating T2DM. Herein, a targeted metabolomic method for TUDCA determination in extracellular medium of hepatocyte matrices by micellar electrokinetic chromatography-UV was optimized, validated, and applied. The optimized background electrolyte was composed of 40mmol/L sodium cholate and 30mmol/L sodium tetraborate at pH 9.0. The following figures of merit were evaluated: linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, accuracy, and precision. Data obtained with the validated electrophoretic method showed a self-stimulation of TUDCA production in media supplemented only with BA. On the other hand, TUDCA concentration was reduced in the hyperlipidic medium. This suggests that, in these media, the effect of TUDCA is reduced, such as self-stimulated production and consequent regulation of glycemic homeostasis. Therefore, the results reinforce the need for investigating TUDCA as a potential T2DM biomarker as well as its use to treat several comorbidities, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Effect of quercetin on oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 mature and hypertrophic cells

Abstract Purpose: The process of excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat in the body is called obesity, and its prevalence is increasing globally. The imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals, or oxidative stress, can be caused by or result from obesity. Flavonoids with antioxidant potential may help lower the increased oxidative stress associated with obesity. This study aimed to determine how quercetin affected oxidative stress in hypertrophied and mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Materials and methods: After differentiating, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with insulin and a glucose-containing medium to become mature (10 days) and hypertrophic (18 days). The cells were subsequently incubated with 80 µM quercetin for 24 and 48 hours. ELISA was used to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity/total oxidant capacity (TAS/TOS). Using Oil Red O staining, an accumulation of triglycerides in cells was examined. Results: It was shown that the quercetin molecule had a prooxidative effect on hypertrophic adipocytes but did not impact on oxidative stress in mature adipocytes. Conclusion: It is believed that the number and kind of fat cell will determine the appropriate dose and duration of administration for quercetin's antioxidant mechanism of action, which produces numerous beneficial effects.

Relationship of Overweight and Obesity with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review

Abstract Globally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become the foremost cause of global illness and death. Previously, it was considered a health issue in developed countries only; as of now, 4 out of 5 deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries is due to chronic kidney disease. Obesity is defined as the accumulation of excessive body fat uncharacteristically, which may develop into impaired health. In literature, by the WHO, overweight is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2; and obesity is characterized by a BMI greater than or equal to 30 Kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity-associated renal disorders has become greater than before by 10-fold in recent years. Glomerulomegaly, enlargement of the glomerulus, is one of the characterized clinical features of obesity, followed by an increase in glomerular filtration rate. All prospective, retrospective cohort observational studies focused on assessing the relationship between higher BMI, overweight, obesity, and CKD were included. Articles published in Electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Google scholar) were analyzed for the present study. Obesity has been increasing with years, as of the data of 1975 to 2020 it has increased three times, categorically 13% of grown people aged 18 years and above were obese, 39% of adults were overweight, and the number of children under the age of 5 reported obese and, overweight was 39 million in 2020. Twenty-one studies were assessed based on the requirement, after which eight articles were included. Finding suggests central obesity has major role in impairment of renal function and resulting in CKD. It is clear that obesity has a very significant association with CKD. The present narrative review supports the hypothesis that a higher BMI of 25 or above, overweight, and obesity might be risk factors for CKD.

Hydrogen-Rich Water (HRW) Reduces Fatty Acid-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress Damage through Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in HepG2 Cells.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Intracellular oxidative stress induced by lipid accumulation leads to various hepatocellular injuries including fibrosis. However, no effective method for mitigating MASLD without substantial side effects currently exists. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has garnered attention due to its efficiency in neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its ability to penetrate cell membranes. Some clinical evidence suggests that H2 may alleviate fatty liver disease, but the precise molecular mechanisms, particularly the regulation of lipid droplet (LD) metabolism, remain unclear. This study utilized an in vitro model of hepatocyte lipid accumulation induced by free fatty acids (FFAs) to replicate MASLD in HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated a significant increase in LD accumulation due to elevated FFA levels. However, the addition of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) effectively reduced LD accumulation. HRW decreased the diameter of LDs and reduced lipid peroxidation and FFA-induced oxidative stress by activating the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that HRW has potential as an adjunctive supplement in managing fatty liver disease by reducing LD accumulation and enhancing antioxidant pathways, presenting a novel strategy for impeding MASLD progression.

Genome-wide Methylation Dynamics and Context-dependent Gene Expression Variability in Differentiating Preadipocytes.

Obesity, characterized by the accumulation of excess fat, is a complex condition resulting from the combination of genetic and epigenetic factors. Recent studies have found correspondence between DNA methylation and cell differentiation, suggesting a role of the former in cell fate determination. There is a lack of comprehensive understanding concerning the underpinnings of preadipocyte differentiation, specifically when cells are undergoing terminal differentiation (TD). To gain insight into dynamic genome-wide methylation, 3T3 L1 preadipocyte cells were differentiated by a hormone cocktail. The genomic DNA was isolated from undifferentiated cells and 4 hours, 2 days postdifferentiated cells, and 15 days TD cells. We employed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to ascertain global genomic DNA methylation alterations at single base resolution as preadipocyte cells differentiate. The genome-wide distribution of DNA methylation showed similar overall patterns in pre-, post-, and terminally differentiated adipocytes, according to WGBS analysis. DNA methylation decreases at 4 hours after differentiation initiation, followed by methylation gain as cells approach TD. Studies revealed novel differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with adipogenesis. DMR analysis suggested that though DNA methylation is global, noticeable changes are observed at specific sites known as "hotspots." Hotspots are genomic regions rich in transcription factor (TF) binding sites and exhibit methylation-dependent TF binding. Subsequent analysis indicated hotspots as part of DMRs. The gene expression profile of key adipogenic genes in differentiating adipocytes is context-dependent, as we found a direct and inverse relationship between promoter DNA methylation and gene expression.

Edukasi dan Skrining Pentingnya Pemantauan Obesitas Terhadap Terjadinya Resistensi Insulin Pada Lanjut Usia

Obesity is a condition where a person has an exceeds body weight than normal limit due to accumulation of excess fat in the body. Obesity closely related to insulin resistance, which is a condition where the body cannot respond to insulin effectively. Therefore, education and routine screening for the elderly in order to detect and manage insulin resistance at an early stage is very important. This service activity is carried out using the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) method, which includes education about healthy eating patterns, physical activity and weight management, as well as screening insulin levels. Based on these activities, education and screening have proven important in preventing further complications and improving the quality of life of the elderly.

Normal Weight Obesity Associated with Enhanced Echo Intensity, Insulin Resistance, and Decreased Muscle Strength in Young Adults

Abstract Context: Obesity refers to the accumulation of excess body fat. Even individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI) of &lt;23 Kg/m2 but a high percentage of body fat have an increased risk for noncommunicable disease. This condition is referred to as normal weight obesity (NWO). Aim: To assess the association between muscle strength, ultrasound-derived muscle thickness, insulin resistance, and echo intensity in NWO and normal weight nonobese (NWNO) young adults. Methods and Material: Eighty young adults of a normal BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 Kg/m2 were recruited in this current study. Forty subjects with cutoff points of body fat percentage ≥ 20.6% for men and ≥ 33.4% for women were taken as NWO group and 40 were NWNO. Fasting glucose and insulin were used for calculating insulin resistance, sensitivity, and beta cell function. Ultrasonography (USG) was done to measure forearm radial and ulna muscle thickness. The echo intensity was measured from an ultrasound image as a mean pixel value using Adobe Photoshop. Subjects were tested for handgrip strength using hand dynamometry. Results: Hand grip strength was higher in NWNO group, and subcutaneous fat thickness and echo intensity were higher in the NWO group. Glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance were significantly higher in the NWO group. Linear regression showed a significant correlation between ulna muscle thickness, forearm circumference, echo intensity, and insulin resistance with handgrip strength (r = 0.835 P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: NWO adults have higher insulin resistance and echo intensity, indicating decreased muscle quality compared to NWNO individuals.

7-MEGA™ inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and suppresses obesity in high-fat-diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice

BackgroundOverweight, often known as obesity, is the abnormal and excessive accumulation of fat that exposes the health of a person at risk by increasing the likelihood that they may experience many chronic conditions. Consequently, obesity has become a global health threat, presenting serious health issues, and attracting a lot of attention in the healthcare profession and the scientific community.MethodThis study aims to explore the anti-adipogenic properties of 7-MEGA™ in an attempt to address obesity, using both in vitro and in vivo research. The effects of 7MEGA™ at three distinct concentrations were investigated in obese mice who were given a high-fat diet (HFD) and 3T3-L1 adipocytes.Results7MEGA™ decreased the total fat mass, overall body weight, and the perirenal and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (PWAT and SWAT) contents in HFD mice. Additionally, 7MEGA™ showed promise in improving the metabolic health of individuals with obesity and regulate the levels of insulin hormone, pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines. Furthermore, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α and γ, Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP-1), Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 1 (SREBP-1), Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 (FABP4), Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS), Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC), Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 (SCD-1) and CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein (C/EBPα) were among the adipogenic regulators that 7MEGA™ could regulate.ConclusionIn summary, this study uncovered that 7MEGA™ demonstrates anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity effects, suggesting its potential in combating obesity.