Increased Fat Mass Research Articles

Assessment of sarcopenic obesity in patients with acromegaly.

Sarcopenic obesity (SO), a condition characterized by the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia, has primarily been studied in elderly populations. However, it can also affect individuals with chronic diseases. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of SO in patients with acromegaly. Observational, cross-sectional study, involving patients with acromegaly followed at a tertiary center and controls matched for age and sex. Health assessment questionnaire, physical tests, body composition and bone mineral density assessment, were performed in all participants. SO was diagnosed using criteria from ESPEN and EASO Consensus Statements. 48 patients with acromegaly (acromegaly group - AG, 26 women, mean age 56.3 ± 11.6, mean BMI 31.3 ± 4.9) were compared to 48 controls (control group - CG, 26 women, mean age 56.7 ± 13.7, BMI 25.5 ± 4.7). Despite having greater total and appendicular lean mass, AG showed significant impairments in physical performance, particularly in strength, gait speed and balance (p < 0.05). The prevalence of SO in the AG was 16.7%, compared to 0% in the CG (p = 0.006), and positively correlated with increased fat mass and impaired physical performance. SO is present in patients with acromegaly and is associated with notable functional impairments despite increased muscle mass.

Body composition of older adults with normal body mass index. Cross-sectional analysis of the Toulouse Frailty clinic.

Body mass index (BMI) determines general corpulence and health, whatever age, sex or clinical background. Normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kgm2) is defined as healthy, normal, weight leading to a false impression that no intervention is needed. Assess the prevalence of body impairments in the presence of normal BMI. Cross-sectional design. Bivariate and a multivariate regression analysis assessed the association of body composition with clinical parameters in the presence of normal BMI. Community dwelling older adults attending the Toulouse Frailty Clinic at the University Hospital, Toulouse. 876 community dwelling, autonomous older adults, 70 years and over. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) assessment, and cognitive, physical, nutritional, and demographic evaluations were included in the present analysis. Of the initial sample, 347 (39.61 %) patients had normal BMI, and among them, 152 (43.80 %) had low lean mass, 144 (41.49 %) were osteoporotic and 2 (0.58 %) increased fat mass. A poor nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment score, MNA-score, <24) was the only independent variable associated with body impairments in the presence of normal BMI (Odd Ratio 2.83; 95 % Confidence Interval 1.64-4.89). Nearly 70 % of the adults with normal BMI had at least one impairment in body composition (low lean mass, osteoporosis, or obesity). In the light of the present study, older adults with normal BMI and an MNA-score under 24 should be assessed with DXA to identify the age-associated impairments in body composition in order to lead to specific interventions.

Prevalence of metabolically associated steatotic liver disease in the elderly: analysis and perspectives

Metabolically associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is becoming a major public health problem, especially among the elderly. The recent change in nomenclature from “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease” to “MASLD” reflects a more accurate understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, linking it to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This new terminology emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, given its close association with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risk. Current estimates suggest that 24 % of the adult population, i. e. one billion people worldwide, suffer from the disease. Interestingly, the prevalence of fatty liver disease peaks between the ages of 40–50 years in men and 60–69 years in women, and then declines slightly in older age groups (over 70 years). The prevalence of MASLD is increasing worldwide, reflecting the increasing incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. The elderly are particularly susceptible to MASLD due to age-related metabolic changes, comorbidities. Aging is associated with changes in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and increased fat mass, which predispose the elderly to hepatic lipid accumulation and subsequent liver damage. In addition, age-related decline in the liver»s regenerative capacity may exacerbate the progression of hepatic steatosis to advanced stages such as steatohepatitis and hepatic fibrosis. However, MASLD in the elderly remains under-recognized and under-diagnosed, posing challenges for timely intervention and treatment. Prospects for addressing MASLD in the elderly emphasize the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment, including evaluation of metabolic health and liver function.

Effects of changes in body composition on cardiometabolic diseases by sex and presence of sarcopenia.

Muscle mass loss and fat mass increase are risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. We evaluated the effect of changes in body composition on the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases in older adults with or without sarcopenia, over two-year follow-up. Changes in body composition and the development of cardiometabolic diseases over 2years were measured in community-dwelling older adults recruited from the Korean Frailty Aging Cohort Study. Individuals with sarcopenia were 1:1 matched to those without sarcopenia via propensity score matching. Among a total of 1634 eligible subjects, 353 were identified with sarcopenia. In men without sarcopenia, an increase in waist circumference by 1cm was associated with a 32% higher risk of the development of hypertension. Conversely, an increase in appendicular lean mass by 1kg was associated with lower risks of the development of cardiovascular disease (41% lower) and hyperlipidemia (28% lower). However, there were no significant associations between changes in body composition and any incident cardiometabolic diseases in men with sarcopenia. Women without sarcopenia who experienced an increase in weight of 1kg were 21% less likely to develop hyperlipidemia. In women with sarcopenia, the risk of diabetes mellitus was reduced by 30% with an incremental increase in weight by 1kg, while the risk of hyperlipidemia increased almost threefold with an increase in appendicular lean mass by 1kg. In older adults without sarcopenia, a decrease in obesity-related indices and a gain in muscle gain are beneficial for men, but inverse relationships between weight and cardiometabolic diseases were reported in women. We found no cardiometabolic benefit of increasing lean mass in older adults with sarcopenia regardless of sex.

Sarcopenic obesity and brain health: A critical appraisal of the current evidence.

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a body composition phenotype derived from the simultaneous presence in the same individual of an increase in fat mass and a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and/or function. Several protocols for the diagnosis of SO have been proposed in the last two decades making prevalence and disease risk estimates of SO heterogeneous and challenging to interpret. Dementia is a complex neurological disorder that significantly impacts patients, carers and healthcare systems. The identification of risk factors for early cognitive impairment and dementia is key to mitigating the forecasted trends of a 2-fold increase in dementia case numbers over the next two decades worldwide. Excess adiposity and sarcopenia have both been independently associated with risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Whether SO is associated with a greater risk of cognitive impairment and dementia is currently uncertain. This review critically appraises the current evidence on the association between SO with cognitive outcomes and dementia risk. It also discusses some of the putative biological mechanisms that may link the SO phenotype with alteration of brain functions.

Specific Physical Performances of Young Male Basketball Players in Palestine: An Assessment by Maturity Status.

There is a lack of studies that investigate the relationship between anthropometric profiles, biological maturity, and specific physical performances in young male basketball players. This study aimed to evaluate the development of anthropometric characteristics and physical performance across different age and maturity groups among male basketball players in Palestine, as well as to identify the anthropometric factors influencing physical performance within this population. A total of one-hundred-fifty male basketball players, aged 12 to 16, participated in this study. The players were categorized by age groups (U-12 to U-16) and divided into five maturational groups based on their maturity offset, ranging from -1.5 to 2.5 years relative to peak height velocity (PHV). The measurements included anthropometric variables and physical performance, such as sprinting performances, jumping ability, agility tests, and maximal aerobic capacity. Statistical analyses, including a full model and multiple regression analysis, were conducted to identify the anthropometric parameters that significantly influenced the performance variables. Anthropometric development, particularly lower-limb length, significantly influenced vertical jump performance, while increases in body composition and fat mass negatively impacted sprinting and strength test outcomes. Our study confirms that maturity status plays a crucial role in determining physical performance among young Palestinian basketball players. Early-maturing players generally demonstrated greater strength and endurance, whereas late-maturing players excelled in agility and speed. The full model and the multiple equations were used to determine the determinants of physical performances according to anthropometric variables. The findings show that performance benchmarks based on age and maturational groups may contribute to a better understanding of training protocols and talent identification for young male basketball players in Palestine, as well as support the development of strategies for physical activity practice.

Body Composition in Preterm Infants: Current Insights and Emerging Perspectives.

In recent years, significant advancements in respiratory and nutritional care have markedly improved the survival rates of preterm infants and enhanced long-term health outcomes. Despite these improvements, emerging research highlights the lasting impacts of early growth patterns on an individual's health trajectory. Adults born prematurely face a higher incidence of health issues related to their early birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that preterm infants should achieve growth rates similar to those of fetuses, with clinicians emphasizing nutrition delivery to help these infants reach their expected weight for gestational age. However, this approach often results in altered body composition, characterized by increased fat mass and decreased fat-free mass compared to full-term infants. Air displacement plethysmography stands out as a highly reliable method for measuring preterm body composition, while DEXA scans, despite their reliability, tend to overestimate body fat. Other methods include bioelectric impedance, isotope dilution, MRI, ultrasound, and skinfold thickness, each with its own strengths and limitations. In this paper, we aim to raise awareness among neonatal clinicians about the importance of achieving acceptable neonatal body composition. We discuss the pros and cons of different body composition measurement methods, the impact of nutrition and other factors on body composition in preterm infants, long-term follow-up data, and the potential use of body composition data to tailor nutritional interventions in NICU and post-discharge settings. This comprehensive approach is designed to optimize health outcomes for preterm newborns by focusing on their body composition from an early stage.

Androgens differentially modulate glucocorticoid effects on adipose tissue and lean mass.

Glucocorticoids and androgens affect each other in several ways. In metabolic organs such as adipose tissue and the liver, androgens enhance glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance and promote fat accumulation in male mice. However, the direct contribution of the androgen receptor (AR) to these effects is unknown. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the potentiating effect of androgens on glucocorticoid signaling in fat extends to other tissues such as skeletal muscle and bone. In this study, we used two complementary models for androgen deprivation (orchidectomy and chemical castration) to investigate the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on corticosterone (CORT). We found that after two weeks of intervention DHT alone did not affect fat mass but increased lean mass, while CORT increased fat mass and decreased lean mass. Co-supplementation with DHT counteracted the CORT effect on lean mass but enhanced its effect on adiposity. Glucocorticoid induction of Gilz, Fkbp5 and Mt2a in gonadal white adipose tissue depended on the presence of androgens, while in interscapular brown adipose tissue these genes responded to glucocorticoids also without androgens. To directly assess the impact of the AR on the glucocorticoid response, male global AR knock-out mice were exposed to CORT and compared to WT littermates. CORT exposure resulted in an increase in fat mass and a decrease in lean mass in both genotypes. In conclusion, functional AR signaling is dispensable for the metabolic response to glucocorticoids. However, androgen signaling in WT mice modulates glucocorticoid response in a tissue-dependent manner, by counteracting lean mass and potentiating fat mass effects.

Changes in nutritional status and effectiveness of the dietary intervention of multimodal prehabilitation for patients with colorectal cancer: A secondary analysis of the PREHAB randomized clinical trial.

Prehabilitation is a preoperative multimodal program including exercise, nutritional, and psychological support. Little is known about changes in nutritional status during prehabilitation. This secondary analysis of the PREHAB trial aims to assess changes in nutritional status and explore the effectiveness of a four-week nutritional intervention. Data were collected at baseline and preoperatively (end of the program), including body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis (single frequency, 50kHz), muscle strength (indirect 1RM leg press), three-day food diaries and the scored PG-SGA. Protein requirements were set at 1.5g/kg body weight. Sixty-seven participants were enrolled, 34 to standard care and 33 to four-week prehabilitation. Nutritional status improved in both groups:-1 point change in the standard care group (p=, 0.027), and-1.5 point in the prehabilitation group (p=0.015). Those who received prehabilitation statistically increased fat free mass (0.9kg, p=0.017) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (0.5kg, p=0.007. In contrast, an increase in fat mass (0.6kg, p=0.016) was observed within the standard care group only. Participants in the prehabilitation group had a substantial increase of 27% muscle strength (p= <0.001). Optimal protein intake was more often achieved within the prehabilitation group (47%, p= <0.001). Our study provides evidence for the positive impact of multimodal prehabilitation on preoperative nutritional status in adult patients with CRC, especially in body composition and muscle strength. Achieving optimal protein intake was challenging, both dietary counseling and supplements are recommended to improve intake. PREHAB RCT: NTR5947.

Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Characteristics Among Female University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Obesity and body composition are crucial indicators of health, especially among young adults whose lifestyle changes during university years can impact physical well-being. This study examines obesity levels and body composition parameters in female university students, hypothesizing that they exhibit elevated body fat percentages compared to health standards, likely due to a sedentary lifestyle. A secondary hypothesis posits a correlation between physical activity levels and body composition, anticipating higher fat mass in students with low physical activity levels. The study included 258 female students, aged 18-23, from seven faculties at the University "Dunărea de Jos" of Galați. Body composition metrics, such as total body water, protein, minerals, body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and BMI, were assessed using the InBody 720 (Biospace, Korea). Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated through the Ruffier Test, a widely accepted measure in Europe. SPSS 26 software was used for statistical analysis, applying Skewness and Kurtosis to assess data distribution, while Pearson correlation evaluated relationships between physical activity and body composition. The analysis revealed a significant trend toward elevated fat mass and obesity indicators. The average body fat mass was 32.3%, substantially above the healthy standard of 23%, and 52.3% of participants were classified as having excessive body fat. BMI showed 38% of students in the overweight or obese range. Waist-to-hip ratios highlighted prevalent central adiposity, with a mean of 0.918, exceeding recommended limits for women. A positive correlation was found between lower physical activity and increased fat mass, supporting Hypothesis 2. Findings indicate a high prevalence of obesity-related parameters among female university students, likely linked to lifestyle changes. These results emphasize the importance of health promotion efforts to encourage physical activity and healthy habits in this population, suggesting a role for bioelectrical impedance analysis as a valuable tool in university health assessmentsy.

Testosterone-"Fuel" for old men?

Testosterone is anatural hormone which is an essential factor to maintain the physical and emotional well-being in men, regardless of age. Male hypogonadism is an endocrinal condition of testosterone deficiency with the potential to cause multiple physical complaints and psychosocial problems. The condition can be of primary (due to testicular injury), secondary (due to diseases of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland) or functional nature (due to comorbidities, such as inflammatory diseases, obesity, type2 diabetes mellitus). Testosterone deficiency causes problems of a sexual nature, promotes metabolic disequilibrium and can impair physical abilities (reduction in muscle mass, increase in fat mass). In addition, in the condition of hypogonadism depression, osteoporosis and/or anemia often develop. Atestosterone replacement therapy should not be initiated in cases of a desire to have children, unclear processes of the prostate glands or mammary glands or an elevated hematocrit value. The diagnosis as well as treatment and monitoring of the treatment should follow the international guidelines and then a clear improvement in the abovenamed complaints can be expected. Particularly functional hypogonadism, which is mostly but not exclusively diagnosed in older men, always requires treatment of the underlying comorbidity prior to starting testosterone administration.

Protein-coding mutation in Adcy3 increases adiposity and alters emotional behaviors sex-dependently in rats.

Adenylate cyclase 3 (Adcy3) has been linked to both obesity and major depressive disorder. We identified a protein-coding variant in the transmembrane (TM) helix of Adcy3 in rats; similar obesity variants have been identified in humans. This study investigates the role of a TM variant in adiposity and behavior. We mutated the TM domain of Adcy3 (Adcy3mut/mut) and created a heterozygous knockout (Adcy3+/-) in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Wild-type, Adcy3+/-, and Adcy3mut/mut rats were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. We measured body weight, fat mass, glucose tolerance, food intake, metabolism, emotion-like behaviors, memory, and downstream proteins. Adcy3+/- and Adcy3mut/mut rats weighed more than wild-typerats due to increased fat mass. There were key sex differences: adiposity was driven by increased food intake in males but by decreased energy expenditure in females. Adcy3mut/mut males displayed increased passive coping and decreased memory, whereas Adcy3mut/mut females displayed increased anxiety-like behavior. Adcy3mut/mut males had decreased hypothalamic cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling, with decreased phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) signaling in both sexes. The ADCY3 TM domain plays a role in protein function via p-AMPK and CREB signaling. Adcy3 may contribute to the relationship between obesity and major depressive disorder, and sex influences the relationships between Adcy3, metabolism, and behavior.

Sex-specific thermoregulatory effects of estrogen signaling in Reprimo lineage cells.

Menopause affects over a million individuals annually and is characterized by variable and declining ovarian hormones. Decreasing estrogen levels impact energy homeostasis and increases the risk of metabolic disorders. Energy expenditure is largely directed towards thermoregulation, which is modulated in part by estrogen receptor (ER) α expressing neurons in the hypothalamus. Whether specific sub-populations of ERα+ neurons control the effects of estrogens on thermogenesis remains poorly understood. This study investigates the function of ERα in neurons that express Rprm (Reprimo), a gene we previously linked to thermoregulation in females. Here, we use a novel ReprimoCre mouse to selectively knock out ERα in Rprm lineage neurons (Reprimo-specific estrogen receptor α KO; RERKO) and report changes in core temperature in female mice, with no changes in body weight, body composition, or food intake. RERKO females have elevated brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperature and lower tail temperature relative to controls, suggesting increased heat production and impaired heat dissipation, respectively. Developmental expression of Rprm was detected in the brain, but not in BAT or white adipose tissue suggesting temperature changes may be mediated by the nervous system. Thus, we next ablated Rprm expressing neurons in the ventrolateral area of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMHvl) and observed a reduction in core temperature and increased fat mass in ablated female mice relative to controls. Taken together, these results show that estrogen signaling in Rprm expressing cells and VMHvl Rprm neurons are critical for thermoregulation, mainly through the modulation of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in female, but not male mice.

Diacylglycerol kinase δ is required for skeletal muscle development and regeneration.

Diacylglycerol kinase δ (DGKδ) phosphorylates diacylglycerol to produce phosphatidic acid. Previously, we demonstrated that down-regulation of DGKδ suppresses the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. However, the myogenic roles of DGKδ invivo remain unclear. In the present study, we generated DGKδ-conditional knockout mice under the control of the myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) gene promoter, which regulates myogenesis and brown adipogenesis. The knockout mice showed a significant body weight reduction and apparent mass decrease in skeletal muscle, including the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. Moreover, the thickness of a portion of the myofibers was reduced in DGKδ-deficient TA muscles. However, DGKδ deficiency did not substantially affect brown adipogenesis, suggesting that Myf5-driven DGKδ deficiency mainly affects muscle development. Notably, skeletal muscle injury induced by a cardiotoxin highly up-regulated DGKδ protein expression, and the DGKδ deficiency significantly reduced the thickness of myofibers, the expression levels of myogenic differentiation markers such as embryonic myosin heavy chain and myogenin, and the number of newly formed myofibers containing multiple central nuclei during muscle regeneration. DGKδ was strongly expressed in myogenin-positive satellite cells around the injured myofibers and centronucleated myofibers. These results indicate that DGKδ has important roles in muscle regeneration in activated satellite cells. Moreover, the conditional knockout mice fed with a high-fat diet showed increased fat mass and glucose intolerance. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DGKδ plays crucial roles in skeletal muscle development, regeneration, and function.

Body Composition Trend in Slovene Adults: A Two-Year Follow-Up.

This research re-evaluates the prevalence of obesity in a cohort of 432 Slovenian adults two years after an initial population-based cross-sectional examination, utilizing the World Health Organization's body mass index (BMI) and total body fat percentage (FAT%) classifications. Herein, a medically approved electrical bioimpedance monitor was used to analyse body composition, and the results revealed a significant increase in the percentage of individuals classified as having overweight or obesity on the basis of BMI, from 40.7% initially to 45.2% at follow-up (FU); however, these percentages were notably higher in males than in females. The increases in body mass, BMI, fat mass, and FAT% were observed mainly in adult females, whereas in adult males, the increases in BM and BMI were attributed to fat-free mass (FFM) rather than fat mass. In this study, BMI was also compared with the FAT% obesity classification, and the BMI classification was shown to result in significantly fewer participants with obesity in both measures. However, the proportion of participants with obesity based on the two classifications did not differ substantially between the initial and FU measurements. In this study, mixed linear models were used to analyse overall trends and subgroup variations and highlight the importance of considering sex, age, and time of measurement when assessing body composition metrics. These findings emphasize the need for personalized health assessments and the importance of measuring body composition to evaluate adult obesity more accurately for both clinical assessments and public health policies. The state, in collaboration with social initiatives and industrial stakeholders, should prioritize these data and advance public health through innovative educational and awareness initiatives that are founded on robust scientific principles and that empower and promote the adoption of a healthy, active lifestyle.

Protective Effects of the Food Supplement Flexovital in a Model of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in Mice.

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is increasing rapidly, and cardiovascular complications pose significant risks in individuals with kidney disease and metabolic dysfunction. Understanding the mechanisms of CKM disorders is crucial, as is the discovery of novel preventive treatments. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of a specially formulated nitric oxide-enhancing food additive in a mouse model of CKM syndrome induced by unilateral nephrectomy (UNX) in combination with chronic Western diet (WD) feeding. Methods: C57BL/6J mice underwent UNX and were fed a WD high in salt, sugar, and fat for 12 weeks, compared to sham-operated mice on standard chow. One group of UNX+WD mice received Flexovital (FLX), a food additive containing extracts of Rhodiola rosea and beetroot, and the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline. CKM parameters were assessed both in vivo and ex vivo alongside histological and biochemical analyses. Results: The UNX+WD mice showed an increase in body fat mass, the fat/lean mass ratio, and adipocyte area, of which most were significantly reduced by FLX. Elevated fasting glucose levels were also reduced by FLX, which tended towards improving glucose clearance. Elevated arterial blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction in UNX+WD mice were significantly reduced by FLX. FLX improved GFR and reduced glomerular and tubular injuries in UNX+WD mice. Additionally, FLX increased the P/O ratios of oxidative phosphorylation in the isolated renal mitochondria of UNX+WD mice. Conclusions: In this model of CKM syndrome, FLX effectively prevented the onset and progression of CKM dysfunctions induced by UNX+WD, as well as the associated organ injuries. These promising results highlight the need for validation in upcoming human trials.

An integrative approach prioritizes the orphan GPR61 genomic region in tissue-specific regulation of chronotype.

Chronotype, a manifestation of circadian rhythms, affects morning or evening preferences and ease of getting-up. This study explores the genetic basis of morning chronotype and ease of getting-up, focusing on the G protein-coupled receptor locus, GPR61. We analyzed the genetic correlation between chronotype and ease of getting-up using linkage disequilibrium score regression with summary statistics from the UK Biobank (n=453,379). We prioritized shared signals between chronotype and ease of getting-up using the Human Genetic Evidence (HuGE) score. We assessed the significance of GPR61 and the lead variant rs12044778 through colocalization and in-silico analyses from ENCODE, Genotype-Tissue Expression, Hi-C, and Knockout Mouse Project databases to explore potential regulatory roles of causal genes. We identified a strong genetic correlation (Rg=0.80, P=4.9 x10 324 ) between chronotype and ease of getting-up. Twenty-three genes, including three circadian core clock components, had high HuGE scores for both traits. Lead variant rs12044778 in GPR61 was prioritized for its high HuGE score (45) and causal pleiotropy (posterior probability=0.98). This morningness variant influenced gene expression in key tissues: decreasing GPR61 in tibial nerve, increasing AMIGO1 in subcutaneous adipose, and increasing ATXN7L2 in the cerebellum. Functional knockout models showed GPR61 knockout increased fat mass and activity, AMIGO1 knockout increased activity, and ATXN7L2 knockout reduced body weight without affecting activity. Our findings reveal pleiotropic genetic factors influencing chronotype and ease of getting-up, emphasizing GPR61 's rs12044778 and nearby genes like AMIGO1 and ATXN7L2 . These insights advance understanding of circadian preferences and suggest potential therapeutic interventions. This study investigates the genetic underpinnings of chronotype preferences and ease of getting up, with a focus on the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR61 and the locus lead variant rs12044778. By combining genomic data with in silico functional analysis, we provide mechanistic insight into a locus for morning chronotype and ease of getting in the morning. We identified the variant rs12044778 as a key regulator of GPR61 and nearby genes AMIGO1 and ATXN7L2 influencing circadian and metabolic traits. Our findings shed light on the intricate genetic networks governing circadian rhythms, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for disorders of the circadian rhythm.

Impact of Resistance Training on Body Composition and Physical Function in Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with challenges like increased fat mass and reduced muscle tone. This study aims to analyze the impact of resistance training on improving muscle strength and physical function in individuals with DS. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for studies published up to August 2023. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the efficacy of resistance training. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including 127 participants with DS, met the inclusion criteria. Resistance training significantly improved muscle strength in the knee extensors (SMD: 1.009, 95% CI: 0.505-1.513), knee flexors (SMD: 1.133, 95% CI: 0.106 to 2.16), and upper limbs (SMD: 0.748, 95% CI: 0.152-1.343). The SMD for upper limb function was 0.385 (95% CI: 0.004-0.765), showing a small improvement. For walking ability, the SMD was 0.259 (95% CI: -0.171-0.690), and for stair climbing ability, the SMD was 0.257 (95% CI: -0.189-0.703), both indicating no significant changes. Improvements in upper limb physical function were significant, but no notable improvements were seen in lower limb functions. Conclusions: Resistance training for more than four weeks enhances muscle strength in individuals with DS, with greater gains seen in younger participants. While improvements were noted in upper limb physical function, lower limb function remained largely unchanged. These findings suggest that resistance training is a valuable exercise for improving muscle strength and physical function in individuals with DS.

Low-calorie and high-protein diet has diverse impacts on the muscle, bone, and bone marrow adipose tissues.

The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of a high-protein diet under conditions of calorie restriction (CR) in the muscle, adipose tissue, bone, and marrow adipose tissue (MAT). It included three groups of 20 female Wistar Hannover rats, fed with the following diets for 8wk: control group (C) fed with an AIN93M diet, CR group (R) fed with an AIN-93M diet modified to 30% CR, and CR + high-protein group (H) fed with an AIN-93M diet modified to 30% CR with 40% protein. Body composition was determined by DXA. The femur was used for histomorphometry and the estimation of adipocytes. Microcomputed tomography (μCT) was employed to analyze the bone structure. Hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow were harvested for osteoclastogenesis. Body composition revealed that the gain in lean mass surpassed the increase in fat mass only in the H group. Bone histomorphometry and μCT showed that a high-protein diet did not mitigate CR-induced bone deterioration. In addition, the number of bone marrow adipocytes and the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into osteoclasts were higher in H than in the other groups. These results indicated that under CR, a high-protein diet was beneficial for muscle mass. However, as the μCT scanning detected significant bone deterioration, this combined diet might accentuate the detrimental effect on the skeleton caused by CR. Remarkably, the H group rats exhibited greater MAT expansion and elevated hematopoietic stem cell differentiation into osteoclasts than the CR and control counterparts. These data suggest that a high protein may not be an appropriate strategy to preserve bone health under CR conditions.

Effects of Resveratrol on Adipocytes: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Obesity, a prevalent global health issue, arises from an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, leading to the expansion of adipose tissue and metabolic dysfunction. White adipose tissue (WAT) stores energy as lipids, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a pivotal role in energy dissipation through adaptive thermogenesis. Recent research initiatives have focused on finding strategies to decrease adipogenesis and fat mass accumulation and increase thermogenesis. Finding chemicals with anti-obesity properties would be beneficial. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound abundantly found in the skin of grapes and red wine, possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. This literature review examines the effects of resveratrol on adipocytes in culture and adipose tissue in animal models of obesity. The existing evidence indicates that resveratrol may exert its anti-obesity effects by inhibiting adipogenesis, promoting the apoptosis of mature adipocytes, reducing lipid accumulation, and increasing thermogenesis. Further research utilizing animal and clinical studies is required to understand in detail the anti-obesity potential of resveratrol.