Fat Mass Levels Research Articles

The Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein Inhibitor, Lomitapide, Improves Vascular Function in Obesity

ObjectivesIn this study, we investigate the effect of lomitapide, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, on cardiovascular function in obesity.HypothesisWe hypothesize that lipid level downregulation by lomitapide is a fundamental mechanism that improves cardiovascular function.MethodsEight‐week‐old C57/b6 mice were fed with a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks in the presence and absence of lomitapide. Lomitapide was administered by gavage (1mg/Kg/Day) for the last 2 weeks of HFD feeding. Bodyweight, blood glucose, body composition, and lipid profile were determined. Vascular function and endothelial function markers were studied in aorta and mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA).ResultsLomitapide treatment reduced the body weight in obese mice. Blood glucose, % of fat mass, total cholesterol, and LDL levels were significantly reduced and the % of lean mass was significantly increased after lomitapide treatment. Aortic and mesenteric arteries vascular response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was similar among groups. However, the vascular response to acetylcholine (Ach) was improved in the treated group. This was associated with a decreased level of vascular endoplasmic (ER) reticulum stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress.ConclusionsTreatment with lomitapide attenuated the increase in body weight in obese mice and restored the lipid profile and vascular function. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in inflammation and oxidative stress.

P143 Frailty is associated with inflammation, impaired glucose metabolism and reduced bone mineral density after adjustment for fat mass index: a UK biobank study

Abstract Background/Aims Frailty, a common syndrome associated with aging, represents a huge public health burden. An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying frailty are essential, especially in younger populations in whom frailty could be prevented. Fundamental aging processes such as chronic inflammation are associated with frailty, but the independence of these relationships from age, sex, lifestyle and adiposity is unclear. Using UK Biobank, we investigated associations between frailty, blood biomarkers and bone health, independent of these characteristics. Methods 502,640 participants aged 40-69 years were recruited to UK Biobank 2006-10. Venous blood samples were obtained and fat mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance. From 2014 onwards, a subset attended an imaging follow-up, including whole-body DXA (GE Lunar iDXA), grip strength (Jamar dynamometer), and a questionnaire. Frailty was defined using a modification of Fried’s classification (at least 3 of weight loss, mental exhaustion, low physical activity, slow gait speed and low grip strength). The presence of 1-2 criteria designated pre-frailty. Linear regression was used to discern associations between frailty status, biochemical markers (CRP, 25(OH)-vitamin D, IGF-1, Calcium, Phosphate, ALP, Creatinine, Urate, glucose and HbA1c) and bone outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, fat mass, smoking, alcohol and educational level. Non-frail was the reference category and blood biomarkers were standardised (β representing the mean difference in SD). Results 22,332 participants (11,484 women and 10,848 men) with frailty assessment and either DXA bone measures or blood biochemistry were included in the analysis; of these 547 (2.4%) were frail and 9359 (41.9%) pre-frail. Frail participants were more likely to be female [59.6% vs. 50.9%], with higher BMI [mean (SD) 30.7 (6.4) vs. 25.9 (4.0) kg/m2] and of older age [mean (SD) 63.2 (7.9) vs. 62.6 (7.3) years]. After full adjustment, frail participants had lower 25(OH)-vitamin D levels [-0.36 SD (-0.45,-0.27)], higher CRP [+0.29 SD (95% CI 0.21, 0.37)], and higher HbA1c [+0.32 SD (0.23, 0.40)], all p < 0.001. Frail participants had lower femoral neck [-0.18 SD (-0.26, -0.10)] and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) [-0.13 SD (-0.21, -0.06)], both p < 0.001. BMD associations were only apparent after fat mass adjustment, prior to fat mass adjustment the direction of association was positive. Similar associations were observed for pre-frail vs. non-frail participants. Conclusion In the UK Biobank cohort of middle-older aged people, frailty is associated with high levels of systemic inflammation, low 25(OH)-vitamin D, poorer glucose handling and lower BMD, independent of age, sex and lifestyle. The inversion of BMD associations after adjustment for fat mass is intriguing and suggests substantial phenotypic complexity in the associations. Our findings support further investigation of frailty phenotypes at younger ages and elucidation of possible contributions from conditions such as metabolic syndrome and obesity-related chronic inflammation. Disclosure E.M. Curtis: None. S. D'Angelo: None. S. Woolford: None. R. Durdin: None. Z. Raisi-Estabragh: None. K.A. Ward: None. C. Cooper: None. N.C. Harvey: None.

Central deficiency of IL-6Ra in mice impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion

ObjectiveIL-6 is an important contributor to glucose and energy homeostasis through changes in whole-body glucose disposal, insulin sensitivity, food intake and energy expenditure. However, the relative contributions of peripheral versus central IL-6 signaling to these metabolic actions are presently unclear. A conditional mouse model with reduced brain IL-6Ra expression was used to explore how blunted central IL-6 signaling alters metabolic status in lean and obese mice. MethodsTransgenic mice with reduced levels of central IL-6 receptor alpha (IL-6Ra) (IL-6Ra KD mice) and Nestin Cre controls (Cre+/- mice) were fed standard chow or high-fat diet for 20 weeks. Obese and lean mouse cohorts underwent metabolic phenotyping with various measures of energy and glucose homeostasis determined. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was assessed in vivo and ex vivo in both mouse groups. ResultsIL-6Ra KD mice exhibited altered body fat mass, liver steatosis, plasma insulin, IL-6 and NEFA levels versus Cre+/- mice in a diet-dependent manner. IL-6Ra KD mice had increased food intake, higher RER, decreased energy expenditure with diminished cold tolerance compared to Cre+/- controls. Standard chow-fed IL-6Ra KD mice displayed reduced plasma insulin and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion with impaired glucose disposal and unchanged insulin sensitivity. Isolated pancreatic islets from standard chow-fed IL-6Ra KD mice showed comparable morphology and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion to Cre+/- controls. The diminished in vivo insulin secretion exhibited by IL-6Ra KD mice was recovered by blockade of autonomic ganglia. ConclusionsThis study shows that central IL-6Ra signaling contributes to glucose and energy control mechanisms by regulating food intake, energy expenditure, fuel flexibility and insulin secretion. A plausible mechanism linking central IL-6Ra signaling and pancreatic insulin secretion is through the modulation of autonomic output activity. Thus, brain IL-6 signaling may contribute to the central adaptive mechanisms engaged in response to metabolic stress.

Effects of maternal branched-chain amino acid and alanine supplementation on growth and biomarkers of protein metabolism in dams fed a low-protein diet and their offspring.

A considerable number of studies have reported that maternal protein restriction may disturb fetal growth and organ development due to a lower availability of amino acids. Leucine, one of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) promotes protein synthesis through mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling. Here, we investigated the effects of BCAA supplementation in the dams fed a low-protein diet on serum and hepatic biochemical parameters of protein metabolism of dams and their offspring. Female ICR mice were fed a control (20% casein), a low-protein (10% casein), a low-protein with 2% BCAAs or a low-protein with 2% alanine diet for 2 weeks before mating and then throughout pregnancy and lactation. Alanine was used as an amino nitrogen control for the BCAA. Dams and their male offspring were sacrificed at postnatal day 21. There were no changes in body weight and fat mass in low-protein fed dams; however, BCAA supplementation significantly increased fat mass and serum leptin levels. Low-protein diet consumption reduced maternal protein synthesis based on biochemical analysis of serum albumin and hepatic protein levels and immunoblotting of S6 protein, which were increased by BCAA and alanine supplementation. Offspring from dams fed a low-protein diet exhibited lower body and organ weights. Body weight and hepatic protein levels of the offspring were increased by alanine supplementation. However, the decreased serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, triglyceride, total protein and albumin levels in the low-protein offspring group were not changed in response to BCAA or alanine supplementation. A reduced density of the hepatic vessel system in the offspring from dams fed a low-protein diet was restored in the offspring from dams fed either BCAA and alanine-supplemented diet. These results suggest that supplementation of amino nitrogen per se may be responsible for inducing hepatic protein synthesis in the dams fed a low-protein diet and alleviating the distorted growth and liver development of their offspring.

Multiple non-invasive peripheral vascular function parameters with obesity and cardiometabolic risk indicators in school-aged children

BackgroundThe Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT) technique measured by Endo-PAT™, is recently introduced for peripheral vascular assessment in youth, primarily benefits from its easy and non-invasive operation. However, the value of Endo-PAT as early indicator of obesity-related cardiometabolic risk factors remains unclear, with few studies focusing solely on Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI). A wider coverage of Endo-PAT algorithms is recommended to be applied simultaneously in youth. We evaluated the value of multiple Endo-PAT parameters on obesity and cardiometabolic risk indication in school-aged children, in comparison with another non-invasive Brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (BaPWV) method.MethodsThis cross-sectional sample included 545 youth (80 with overweight and 73 with obesity) aged 7–17 years. RHI, Framingham-Reactive Hyperemia Index (F-RHI), peak response and Augmentation Index normalized to Heart Rate 75 bpm (AIx75) were measured by Endo-PAT™ 2000 device. Spearman correlations of abovementioned Endo-PAT parameters and BaPWV, with adiposity (weight, waist circumference, BMI, body fat mass) and cardiometabolic indicators (glycemic response, blood pressure, lipid profiles) were calculated with non-linear adjustment on age, height, gender and baseline pulse-wave amplitude (PWA) using fractional polynomials. Analysis was repeated in students with obesity only [median BMI z score: 3.0 (2.5,3.5)] for sensitivity analysis.ResultsThe correlations of Endo-PAT parameters with adiposity measures and cardiometabolic indicators were overall mixed and weak (DBP: r ranged from − 0.20 to − 0.13, others: |r| < 0.1) after adjustment. Except that body fat mass (AIx75: r = 0.52 p < 0.01) and triglyceride level (RHI: r = − 0.32 p < 0.01, F-RHI: r = − 0.21 p > 0.05) was moderately reversed in students with obesity. In contrast, BaPWV showed consistently moderate correlations (|r| ranged from 0.123 to 0.322, p < 0.05) with almost all adiposity measures and cardiometabolic indicators regardless of obesity status.ConclusionContrary to previous suggestion, various Endo-PAT parameters performed similarly weak for early cardiometabolic risk indication in school-aged children, and less preferable than that by another non-invasive BaPWV method. Despite further investigation is needed to improve certainty of relevant research evidence, innovative technology and algorithms taking into account specifics of young population are worthy of consideration.

The Consumption of a Synbiotic Does Not Affect the Immune, Inflammatory, and Sympathovagal Parameters in Athletes and Sedentary Individuals: A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Place-bo-Controlled Pilot Study.

This investigation aimed to identify the effect of a synbiotic in athletes and sedentary people, and their potential varying responses regarding the immune system, autonomic regulation and body composition. Twenty-seven participants were involved in the protocol: 14 sedentary and 13 semi-professional soccer players. Both groups were randomly divided into an experimental and control group. A synbiotic (Gasteel Plus®, Heel España S.A.U.) comprising a blend of probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis CBP-001010, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036, and Bifidobacterium longum ES1, was administered to the experimental group, and a placebo was given to the control group for 30 days. Heart rate variability, body composition, and immune/inflammatory cytokines were determined. Statistically significant differences were observed between sedentary individuals and athletes in heart rate variability but not between the experimental and control groups. A difference between the athletic and sedentary group is observed with the influence of training on the effects of the synbiotic on the levels of fat mass and body-fold sum. No significant differences were shown in cytokines after the protocol study. No changes occur with the synbiotic treatment between the athlete and sedentary groups, while no negative effect was produced. Further research will be necessary to see chronic effects in the analyzed biomarkers.

The microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor lomitapide improves vascular function in mice with obesity.

In this study, the effect of lomitapide, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, on the cardiovascular function in obesity was investigated. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks in the presence and absence of lomitapide. Lomitapide was administered by gavage (1 mg/kg/d) during the last 2 weeks of high-fat feeding. Body weight, blood glucose, body composition, and lipid profile were determined. Vascular function and endothelial function markers were studied in the aorta and mesenteric resistance arteries. Lomitapide treatment reduced body weight in mice with obesity. Blood glucose, percentage of fat mass, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly reduced, and the percentage of lean mass was significantly increased after lomitapide treatment. The vascular response to sodium nitroprusside in the aorta and mesenteric arteries was similar among groups. However, the vascular response to acetylcholine was improved in the treated group. This was associated with decreased levels of vascular endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Treatment with lomitapide attenuated the increase in body weight in mice with obesity and restored the lipid profile and vascular function. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in inflammation and oxidative stress.

서천지역 일부 유아의 식행동 및 관련 요인 평가

This study evaluated the dietary behavior and nutritional status of 249 infants aged 4-6 years in Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. The dietary behavior of infants and the factors influencing NQ were assessed using the Nutrition Quotient (NQ). The NQ questionnaire comprised a checklist of 19 food behavior items, grouped into 5 categories: balance, variety, moderation, regularity, and practice. The NQ questionnaire was completed by mothers of the subjects, and anthropometric data of the children were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. All data were statistically analyzed by the SPSS program (Ver. 23), and statistical differences between variables were evaluated by the χ²-test, t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Duncan’s multiple range test. The total NQ score of the subject was determined to be 60.1 with no differences obtained between genders. The factor scores for balance, diversity, moderation, regularity, and practice were 53.3, 50.7, 76.8, 63.2, and 65.2 points, respectively. The mean balance, diversity, regularity, and practice scores did not meet the respective cut-off points, but the moderation score was determined to be above the cut-off point. The NQ-Diversity score of girls was significantly higher than the boys(p＜0.05) with a higher and significantly different diversity score obtained with increasing age(p＜0.05). Moreover, the NQ-Moderation score of the overweight/obesity(OW/OB) group was significantly lower than the subjects in the normal weight group. NQ-Moderation scores were higher among older mothers, and significantly higher for employed mothers. Particularly, the scores of consuming fast foods and late-night snacks were higher(p＜0.05) in the normal weight group, as compared to the OW/OB group. Body fat mass levels of the children were found to be negatively correlated with diversity, regularity, practice and NQ scores. Percent body fat level also showed a negative correlation with balance, moderation and NQ scores, whereas obesity(%) level showed a negative correlation with moderation and practice scores. Positive correlations were obtained between age of the infant and diversity factors, and age of the mother with moderation factor. Overall results indicate that the NQ score of infants residing in Seocheon-gun is lower than the national average. Therefore, adequate nutrition education is required to correct the eating behavior and improve the nutritional status of children. We believe that results of this study can be used as basic data for the development of customized eating behavior improvement education programs by considering both the characteristics of children as well as the regional characteristics.

Intragastric safflower yellow and its main component HSYA improve leptin sensitivity before body weight change in diet-induced obese mice.

Our previous studies found that safflower yellow (SY) and its main component hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) could alleviate obesity and improve leptin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice. Therefore, our present study aimed to investigate whether the above effect of SY/HSYA was a direct effect or follow-up effect of weight loss and whether leptin was essential for the anti-obesity effect of SY/HSYA or not. HFD-induced obese mice were treated with SY or HSYA for 4weeks, while ob/ob mice were treated with SY for 10weeks. Body weight, food intake, fat mass, and serum leptin levels were measured. The leptin sensitivity experiment was conducted in HFD-induced obese mice. The expressions of leptin and its signaling-related genes were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot methods. SY/HSYA treatment had no effect on food intake, energy expenditure, body weight, fat mass, and serum leptin levels in HFD-induced obese mice. However, the leptin sensitivity experiment showed that the food intake decreased by 18.4% in the HFD-SY group and the body weight gain decreased by 104.6% in the HFD-HSYA group, respectively (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expressions of leptin and leptin signaling inhibitory regulators were significantly decreased, while the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) were notably increased in WAT of HFD-induced obese mice, fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes after SY/HSYA intervention (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, SY treatment was ineffective on body weight, fat mass, and glucose metabolism in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. SY/HSYA administration could firstly improve peripheral leptin resistance in adipose tissue of HFD-induced obese mice before their body weight was significantly changed, and leptin was essential for the anti-obesity effect of SY.

Effect of Exercise and Quercetin in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome Induced with Fructose.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), one of the most researched topics in recent years, is a metabolic disorder that presents with increased inactivity and has increasing prevalence in the developing world where many ready-made foods are consumed. This research aimed to investigate the protective effect of exercise and quercetin administration in a rat model of MetS induced by fructose. Methods: Forty-two male rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6): control (C), fructose (F), exercise (E), quercetin (Q), fructose+exercise (F+E), fructose+quercetin (F+Q), and fructose+quercetin+exercise (F+Q+E). Fructose was given as 20% solution in drinking water, and quercetin (15 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage. Treadmill running exercises were applied 30 min a day for 5 days a week. After the experiments, biochemical assays, Lee index, and body fat mass analyses were measured. Result: Fructose administration caused a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressures (SBP), triglycerides (TG), VLDL-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared with the control group, and the MetS model was successfully demonstrated (P < 0.05). It was determined that SBP, serum TG, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and Lee indexes, and body fat mass, were decreased in the F + E group (P < 0.05). In addition, it was found that the MetS-related parameters improved, except lipid profile in the F + Q group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results show that high fructose consumption leads to elevated SBP, TG, cholesterol, body fat mass, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels, and aerobic exercise training treatment has beneficial effects on these biochemical parameters in rats. Although quercetin has positive effects on SBP and insulin levels, it was observed to cause a significant increase especially in TG and body fat mass. Therefore, more detailed dose studies and pathways of quercetin are needed to elucidate its mechanism of action in body fat mass.

New App-Based Dietary and Lifestyle Intervention on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Health.

Consumer digital technology is rapidly evolving, allowing users to manage their health in a simple, non-invasive manner. However, there are few studies revealing if using digital technology as part of an intervention really has an impact in consumer health compared with traditional strategies. The objective of the current study is to compare two groups (MTB; n = 18, 46.1 ± 10.4 years and MTBAPP; n = 19, 45.3 ± 6.40 years) of overweight, prehypertensive individuals in losing weight and lowering their blood pressure. Both were provided with nutritionist-guided recommendations, a wearable tracking device and a dietary supplement that has previously been proven to help lose body weight and lower blood pressure. In addition, one of the groups (MTBAPP) used a mobile app specifically designed for the intervention. Blood pressure, body composition, triglyceride level, peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in the first second and maximum oxygen volume were measured at different time points. In addition, participants were monitored with an activity bracelet throughout the intervention. As a result, both groups significantly lost body weight, while the group using the app additionally improved blood pressure levels and lowered fat mass. Furthermore, the app users significantly increased the number of daily steps and decreased sedentary time. In conclusion, the addition of a mobile app with daily reminders to follow healthy lifestyle recommendations increased physical activity and overall improved blood pressure and fat mass levels when compared with a group performing the same intervention but in absence of the mobile application.

Effect of an Integrative Mobile Health Intervention in Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes: Crossover Study

BackgroundObesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are worldwide epidemics that inflict burdens on both public health and health care costs. Self-management plays an important role in the proper management of these 3 chronic diseases, and in this context, mobile health (mHealth) can be a cost-effective self-management tool.ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the effects of an integrative mHealth approach for obesity, hypertension, and T2DM on body fat, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels and demonstrate the clinical outcomes. The participants were patients aged 40 to 70 years who were treated for T2DM (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] above 6.0%) without insulin or hypertension and obesity, controlled with pharmacotherapy.MethodsThis pilot study was performed using a controlled, randomized, 3-month, 2-period crossover design. A total of 37 participants were recruited from 2 university hospitals in South Korea. Integrative mHealth comprised 4 parts: self-measuring home devices for monitoring blood glucose and blood pressure; 2 smartphone apps, where one gathered lifestyle data, giving them feedback with health information, and the other provided drug information and reminders of the medication schedule; unmanned kiosks for official measurement of blood pressure and body composition; and web-based access to participants’ health information.ResultsData from the 32 participants were analyzed. Their mean HbA1c level was 7.5% (SD 0.8, ranging from 6.1% to 9.4%). Approximately 38% (12/32) of the participants had hypertension. BMIs of all participants except 1 were >23 kg/m2. The input rates of food intake and exercise to the smartphone app were very low (24.9% and 5.3%, respectively). On the contrary, the input rate of medicine intake was high (84.0%). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the input rate of taking medicine irrespective of whether the mHealth period was before or after the conventional treatment period (80.3% and 87.3%, respectively; P=.06). Among the 3 input functions of food intake, exercise, and medicine intake in smartphone apps, the input of medicine intake was a more helpful, easier to use, and better-designed function than the others. There were no significant differences in changes in body weight (−0.519 kg vs 0 kg), BMI (−0.133 kg/m2 vs −0.167 kg/m2), body composition (body fat −0.255% vs 0.172%), blood pressure (systolic −0.226 mm Hg vs −2.839 mm Hg), and HbA1c (−0.269% vs –0.009%) between the integrative mHealth and conventional treatment groups. However, in proportion to the elevation in the input rate of taking medicine, body fat mass (P=.04) and HbA1c (P=.03) were lower in the integrative mHealth group.ConclusionsAlthough smartphone apps can influence body fat and blood glucose levels, they have failed to show clinical improvement. A higher input rate of taking medicine was related to significantly lower body fat mass and HbA1c levels.

Selected Body Composition Parameters Analysis Based on Bioelectrical Impedance in Patients Operated for Gastrointestinal Cancer.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis is a method that evaluates body composition, useful in assessing the nutritional status of cancer patients. The analysis of its indicators may be helpful in predicting clinical course. The aim of the study was to evaluate the following body composition parameters: fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscle mass index (MMI), visceral fat (VF) and body mass index (BMI) measured before and after surgery in patients with gastrointestinal cancer and to determine the relationship between body composition and the course of treatment. The study included 125 patients, aged 65-68, operated on due to gastric, pancreatic or colorectal cancer. Body composition was assessed with electrical bioimpedance before and on the fifth postoperative day. The severity of complications was assessed with the Clavien-Dindo classification. In the whole group of patients, the percentage of FM, VF, and BMI levels measured before surgery were significantly higher in curative surgery patients in comparison to palliative surgery patients, p<0.001. The MMI value was also significantly higher, p=0.045. In patients after curative surgery, the values of BMI and FM significantly decreased (BMI - p<0.001; FM - p=0.003) after the surgery. There was no relation between body composition parameters and severity of postoperative complications. In the investigated group, body composition differed between radical and palliative surgery groups. Surgery with curative intent produced more changes in body composition parameters in the early postoperative period than palliative surgery. These observations may be helpful in prehabilitation planning for such patients.

CD147 Levels in Blood and Adipose Tissues Correlate with Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Diabetic Adults.

CD147 is a glycoprotein that stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), known contributors to cardiovascular risk. The activity of CD147 protein depends on its glycosylation. However, it is unclear whether CD147 protein expression or glycosylation are influenced by the diabetic milieu characterized by hyperglycemia and abundant glycation-end-products (AGEs). We examined the circulating and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) levels of CD147 and their correlation with vascular function in obese, obese diabetic, and non-obese controls (n = 40, each). The circulating levels of CD147 and the glycosylated CD147 protein in VAT were considerably higher in obese, particularly obese diabetic subjects compared to controls. Obese diabetics had the lowest brachial and arteriolar vasoreactivity and the highest carotid pulse-wave velocity (PWV, a measure of arterial stiffness) among the three groups. CD147 correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), total and visceral fat mass, PWV, and plasma levels of glucose, insulin, MMPs, and AGEs and negatively with brachial artery and VAT-arteriolar vasoreactivity and nitric oxide production. Multivariate regression revealed that BMI, body fat mass, insulin, and glucose levels significantly predicted CD147. Our data suggest that higher levels of CD147 in obese subjects, particularly those with diabetes, are linked to vascular dysfunction and several cardiometabolic risk factors.

Latilactobacillus sakei WIKIM31 Decelerates Weight Gain in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice by Modulating Lipid Metabolism and Suppressing Inflammation.

Obesity and related metabolic diseases are major problems worldwide. Some probiotics are currently considered potential therapeutic strategies for obesity. We aimed to investigate the antiobesity efficacy of Latilactobacillus sakei WIKIM31 in obese mice induced by a high fat diet. The administration of a high-fat diet with L. sakei WIKIM31 reduced body weight gain, epididymal fat mass, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the blood, and remarkably decreased the expression of lipogenesis-related genes in the epididymal adipose tissue and liver. Interestingly, intake of L. sakei WIKIM31 improved gut barrier function by increasing the gene expression of tight junction proteins and suppressing the inflammatory responses. Additionally, L. sakei WIKIM31 enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate and propionate, in the intestinal tract. These results showed that L. sakei WIKIM31 can be used as a potential therapeutic probiotic for obesity.

The Effects of 6 Weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. Supplementation on Body Composition, Hormonal Response, Perceived Exertion, and CrossFit® Performance: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) supplementation have been shown to enhance sports performance in many but not all studies. Moreover, data regarding the potential impact of TT supplementation on CrossFit® endurance is limited. This study aimed to determine whether TT supplementation improve body composition, hormonal response, and performance among CrossFit® athletes. In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a total of 30 healthy CrossFit®-trained males were randomly allocated to receive either 770 mg of TT supplementation or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Body mass, fat mass, fat composition, testosterone and cortisol levels, and CrossFit® performance (5 common Workouts of the Day: back squat, bench press, dead lift, Grace, and CrossFit® Total) were assessed before and after intervention. There were no significant group x time interactions for the outcomes of the study except for testosterone levels and bench press performance (p < 0.05). TT supplementation did not impact enhance performance or body composition in CrossFit® male athletes. However, TT supplementation may act as a testosterone booster helping the recovery after physical loads and mitigating fatigue.

The impact of weight loss on thyroid autoimmunity - Weight loss decreases thyroid peroxidase antibody levels: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives: Within the last two decades, an increase has been seen both in autoimmune diseases and obesity, therefore, the correlation between obesity and autoimmunity has been questioned and many studies have been conducted on this issue. Based on this relationship, we aimed to determine whether the weight loss affects the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels of obese individuals with thyroid autoimmunity or not. Methods: The patients who were aged over 18 years, had a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 Kg/m2 and TPO antibody ≥ 5.60 IU/mL were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the change in TPO antibody levels of the patients at the end of the sixth month of the follow-up. The correlations of TPO antibody levels with anthropometric and laboratory measurements were evaluated. Results: At the end of the sixth month of follow-up of the patients, TPO antibody levels decreased after weight loss (p &amp;lt; 0.001). No significant correlations were found between the differences in weight, fat mass, muscle mass and TPO antibody levels (p = 0.171; p = 0.656; p = 0.939). Conclusions: Weight loss caused a decrease in the levels of TPO antibody levels in the obese individuals having thyroid autoimmunity pointing that weight loss might be useful to stop the progression or lead to regression of the disease.

여자대학생의 전공에 따른 신체조성 및 신체부위별 골밀도 비교 연구

The following conclusions were obtained by analyzing the body composition and bone density by body part according to the major of female college students, and analyzing body composition and bone density by part according to the type of physical activity.<BR> In this study, female college students were classified according to physical education, dance, and general majors, and as a result of frightening the difference between skeletal muscle mass and lean mass were significantly higher than those of general majors, and there was no significant difference. In addition, as a result of verifying the difference in bone density for each group, the leg bone density was significantly higher in physical education and dance majors than in general majors, and in pelvic, BMD, and T-score, the physical education majors were significantly higher than in general majors.<BR> According to the above results, physical education majors and dance majors have continued to engage in large amounts of intense physical activity through steady exercise and dance movements, confirming high skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and normal bone density levels.

Recombinant human GLP-1 beinaglutide regulates lipid metabolism of adipose tissues in diet-induced obese mice

SummaryGLP-1 analogs are a class of glucose-lowering agents with multiple benefits in diabetes, but its role in adipose tissues remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the action of recombinant human GLP-1 (rhGLP-1) Beinaglutide (BN) in the insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism of adipose tissues. We have shown that, after BN injection, obese mice displayed lower body weight, fat mass, and plasma lipid levels. In addition, BN promoted the insulin sensitivity in the white adipose tissues. Furthermore, we have found that the BN treatment caused significant changes in content and composition of different lipid classes, including glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids, as well as expression of genes in lipid metabolic pathways in the adipose tissues. Taken together, our data demonstrate that BN could resist HFD-induced obesity by targeting the composition of major lipid classes and the expression of genes in lipid metabolism of adipose tissues.

Chronic Exposure to HIV-Derived Protein Tat Impairs Endothelial Function via Indirect Alteration in Fat Mass and Nox1-Mediated Mechanisms in Mice.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) have increased risk for atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease (CVD), the main cause of death in this population. Notwithstanding, the mechanisms of HIV-associated vascular pathogenesis are not fully elucidated. Therefore, we sought to determine whether HIV-regulatory protein Tat mediates HIV-induced endothelial dysfunction via NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1)-dependent mechanisms. Body weight, fat mass, leptin levels, expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzymes and vascular function were assessed in C57BL/6 male mice treated with Tat for 3 days and 4 weeks. Aortic rings and human endothelial cells were also treated with Tat for 2–24 h in ex vivo and in vitro settings. Chronic (4 weeks) but not acute (3 days and 2–24 h) treatment with Tat decreased body weight, fat mass, and leptin levels and increased the expression of Nox1 and its coactivator NADPH oxidase Activator 1 (NoxA1). This was associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Importantly, specific inhibition of Nox1 with GKT771 and chronic leptin infusion restored endothelial function in Tat-treated mice. These data rule out direct effects of HIV-Tat on endothelial function and imply the contribution of reductions in adipose mass and leptin production which likely explain upregulated expression of Nox1 and NoxA1. The Nox1 and leptin system may provide potential targets to improve vascular function in HIV infection-associated CVD.