Body Fat Gain Research Articles

Diet modulates cecum bacterial diversity and physiological phenotypes across the BXD mouse genetic reference population.

The BXD family has become one of the preeminent genetic reference populations to understand the genetic and environmental control of phenotypic variation. Here we evaluate the responses to different levels of fat in the diet using both chow diet (CD, 13–18% fat) and a high-fat diet (HFD, 45–60% fat). We studied cohorts of BXD strains, both inbred parents C57BL/6J and DBA/2J (commonly known as B6 and D2, respectively), as well as B6D2 and D2B6 reciprocal F1 hybrids. The comparative impact of genetic and dietary factors was analyzed by profiling a range of phenotypes, most prominently their cecum bacterial composition. The parents of the BXDs and F1 hybrids express limited differences in terms of weight and body fat gain on CD. In contrast, the strain differences on HFD are substantial for percent body fat, with DBA/2J accumulating 12.5% more fat than C57BL/6J (P < 0.0001). The F1 hybrids born to DBA/2J dams (D2B6F1) have 10.6% more body fat (P < 0.001) than those born to C57BL/6J dams. Sequence analysis of the cecum microbiota reveals important differences in bacterial composition among BXD family members with a substantial shift in composition caused by HFD. Relative to CD, the HFD induces a decline in diversity at the phylum level with a substantial increase in Firmicutes (+13.8%) and a reduction in Actinobacteria (-7.9%). In the majority of BXD strains, the HFD also increases cecal sIgA (P < 0.0001)—an important component of the adaptive immunity response against microbial pathogens. Host genetics modulates variation in cecum bacterial composition at the genus level in CD, with significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Oscillibacter mapped to Chr 3 (18.7–19.2 Mb, LRS = 21.4) and for Bifidobacterium mapped to Chr 6 (89.21–89.37 Mb, LRS = 19.4). Introduction of HFD served as an environmental suppressor of these QTLs due to a reduction in the contribution of both genera (P < 0.001). Relations among liver metabolites and cecum bacterial composition were predominant in CD cohort, but these correlations do not persist following the shift to HFD. Overall, these findings demonstrate the important impact of environmental/dietary manipulation on the relationships between host genetics, gastrointestinal bacterial composition, immunological parameters, and metabolites—knowledge that will help in the understanding of the causal sources of metabolic disorders.

The Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs (Olanzapine and Risperidone) on Body Weight, Body Fat Percentage and Lipid Profiles of Patients with Psychotic Illness

&#x0D; Approximately 50% patients with psychotic illnesses on antipsychotic drugs have an increased risk of obesity. This study aimed to determine changes in body weight, body fat percentage and lipid profiles and to stress the importance of early nutrition intervention in the management of psychotic illness patient treated with antipsychotic drugs. This is a prospective longitudinal study conducted for 3 months in Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A total of 150 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) diagnosis of psychotic illness (either Olanzapine or Risperidone only at any dosage) first started or restarted after a treatment gap of at least 6 months were recruited. Weight, height and body fat percentage were measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) (Model Omron HBF-375) and blood fasting lipid test were taken from the point of starting medication for 12 weeks. Data were analysed using repeated measures of ANOVA for statistical method. All variables showed significant mean differences (p &lt; 0.05) in increasing pattern throughout the 12 weeks of treatment. However, the total cholesterol of risperidone patients had no significant mean difference from initial to week 6 (p = 0.282). It was proven that there was increase in body weight, body fat percentage and lipid profiles among patients on olanzapine and risperidone. The limitation of this study might relate to the drugs’ dosage and method used in assessing the body composition. It is suggested that early nutrition intervention is needed to control unnecessary gain of weight, body fat and lipid profiles in the management of patient with psychotic illnesses.

β-Cryptoxanthin Induces UCP-1 Expression via a RAR Pathway in Adipose Tissue

While β-cryptoxanthin is hypothesized to have a preventive effect on lifestyle-related diseases, its underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated the effect of β-cryptoxanthin on energy metabolism in adipose tissues and its underlying mechanism. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (60% kcal fat) containing 0 or 0.05% β-cryptoxanthin for 12 weeks. β-cryptoxanthin treatment was found to reduce body fat gain and plasma glucose level, while increasing energy expenditure. The expression of uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 was elevated in adipose tissues in the treatment group. Furthermore, the in vivo assays showed that the Ucp1 mRNA expression was higher in the β-cryptoxanthin treatment group, an effect that disappeared upon cotreatment with a retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist. In conclusion, we report that β-cryptoxanthin reduces body fat and body weight gain and that β-cryptoxanthin increases the expression of UCP1 via the RAR pathway.

Passion fruit peel intake decreases inflammatory response and reverts lipid peroxidation and adiposity in diet-induced obese rats

This study investigated Passiflora edulis peel flour (PEPF) intake and its effect against high-fat diet–induced obesity. PEPF is a source of fiber and phenolic compounds, which can decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, both linked to chronic inflammatory response and fat deposition in obesity. Therefore, we hypothesized that PEPF intake could decrease inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress observed in obesity, leading to decrease of fatness and chronic inflammatory response. The aims of the study were to evaluate the lipid peroxidation, the expression of antioxidants enzymes, and inflammatory parameters in obese rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 8 per group) according to the diets: control (based on AIN-93G), high-fat (HF, 35% fat w/w), and HF with PEPF (HFPF), and the experiment lasted for 10 weeks. PEPF showed high dietary fiber content and bioactive compounds, such as ferulic acid, and β-carotene. PEPF intake was effective in reducing body weight gain (13.31%) and total body fat (22.58%). The lipid peroxidation in the liver and adipose tissue decreased in the HFPF group compared to HF-fed animals, whereas hepatic glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity and their expressions in the liver were higher in HFPF than HF. In addition, the PEPF intake decreased inflammatory cytokines in serum. These results suggest that PEPF intake decreases oxidative stress, possibly by the increase of antioxidant enzymes expression. Furthermore, PEPF decreases inflammatory response and protects from adiposity. Then, PEPF could act as an adjuvant to control of early parameters in obesity dysfunction.

Impact of dietary sucrose on adiposity and glucose homeostasis in C57BL/6J mice depends on mode of ingestion: liquid or solid

ObjectiveAlthough it is widely accepted that obesity results from an imbalance of energy intake and expenditure, the mechanisms underlying this process and effective strategies for prevention and treatment are unclear. Growing evidence suggests excess consumption of sugar may play an important role, yet we showed previously in mice that consuming up to 30% of calories as sucrose in the diet had no impact on weight regulation. Since in humans consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been widely implicated, we investigated whether the mode of ingestion (solid or liquid) had different impacts on body weight regulation and glucose homeostasis. MethodsDietary sucrose was delivered in solid (as part of a standard pelleted rodent chow) and liquid (in drinking water) to C57BL/6 mice for 8 weeks. Body weight, body composition, energy intake and expenditure were monitored, as well as glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Expression of sweet taste receptors on the tongue, and glycogen and fat contents of the liver were also measured. ResultsConsumption of sucrose-sweetened water, but not equivalent levels of solid sucrose, led to body fat gain in C57BL/6 mice. Glucose intolerance was positively correlated to body fatness, rather than sucrose intake. ConclusionsOur data support the suggestion that consumption of liquid sucrose may be an important contributor to dysregulation of body weight and related metabolic syndromes.

Peptide YY Mediates the Satiety Effects of the Short Chain Fatty Acid – Butyrate (P08-004-19)

ObjectivesFermentation of fiber in the gut generates short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), such as butyrate, which decrease food intake and promote weight loss in rodent models. SCFA have been shown to enhance secretion of the gut satiety hormone peptide YY (PYY). However, it is unknown whether PYY is causative to SCFA-induced changes in energy balance. Our Objectives were to determine the dose-response effects of butyrate on energy balance, and assess whether PYY signaling is essential for mediating the satiety effects of butyrate. MethodsMale Sprague Dawley rats (8 wks old, n = 39) were randomized to one of three isocaloric (4.63 kcal/g) diets: 1) control (0% sodium butyrate, n = 14), 2) 5% sodium butyrate (n = 13), or 3) 10% sodium butyrate (n = 12), and followed for upto 4 weeks. A PYY Y-2 receptor antagonist (BIIE0246) or vehicle were administered IP acutely during the study. Measurements included food intake, respiratory quotient, and energy expenditure (CLAMS®), and body composition (Minispec LF110 NMR). ResultsCompared to control, 10% sodium butyrate decreased food intake and respiratory quotient for 4 days, whereas, 5% sodium butyrate was ineffective. Notably, compared to control, 10% sodium butyrate decreased body weight and fat gain without changing energy expenditure. Importantly, systemic Y-2 receptor blockade stimulated food intake and increased respiratory quotient, without altering energy expenditure, only in 10% sodium butyrate group. ConclusionsWe found that dietary butyrate dose-dependently decreases food intake and respiratory quotient. Importantly, Y-2 receptor blockade attenuated butyrate-induced hypophagia, which supports a role for endogenous PYY in the satiety effects of dietary butyrate. Funding SourcesNSERC, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Whole Egg Consumption in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats Display a Dose-dependent Reduction in Weight Gain and Total Body Fat, Accompanied by an Increase in Lean Body Mass (P21-054-19)

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the lowest dose of whole egg-based diets to effectively attenuate the obese phenotype in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats using a dose-response experimental design. MethodsMale Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats (n = 8) and their lean controls (n = 8) were obtained at 6 weeks of age. Following one week of acclimation, animals were randomly assigned to one of 5 treatment groups: a casein-based diet (20% protein, w/w) or a whole-egg based diet provided at either 20, 10, 5, or 2.5% egg protein (w/w). Animals were fed their respective diets for 8 weeks with weight gain and food intake measured daily. At 14 weeks of age, body composition was analyzed by dual X-ray absorptiometry and statistical differences were measured between groups using a 2-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. ResultsWhole egg-based diets exerted a dose-dependent decrease in cumulative body weight gain and final body weight; increased in food intake; decreased total body fat; and increased lean body mass. Interestingly, the 20% whole egg protein diet decreased body fat and increased lean body mass in the ZDF rats and their lean controls. ConclusionsTogether, these data support the hypothesis that dietary consumption of whole eggs may decrease weight gain, reduce body fat, and increase lean body mass in a dose-dependent manner in ZDF rats. These results suggest the need to modify dietary recommendations during T2D and obesity to potentially consume more whole egg. Funding SourcesThis work was supported by the Egg Nutrition Center and in part by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪▪

Low Protein/low Methionine/high Carbohydrate Diets Induce Hyperphagia, Increase Energy Expenditure and FGF21, but Modestly Affect Adiposity in Female BalbC Mice (OR09-01-19)

ObjectivesLow-protein diets are reported to induce hyperphagia to fulfil protein needs but at the expense of energy balance with a risk to gain in adiposity. However, different studies did not show body fat gain because an increased energy expenditure partly compensated the increase in energy intake and prevents the gain in adiposity. The present study evaluated in mice the consequence of protein restricted diets combined with protein quality (milk protein versus soy protein with slight methionine deficiency) on energy balance and adiposity and the role of FGF21 in the response to the protein restricted diets. MethodsThe study investigated in female BalbC mice the behavioural, metabolic and phenotypic responses to 8 weeks feeding a very low (3% energy - P3), moderately low (6% - P6) or adequate (20% - P20) dietary protein diet and evaluated if methionine scarcity, using soy protein (S) vs casein (C), affected these responses. Food intake, body weight, adiposity (assessed by DEXA), were measured throughout the study and body composition determined at the end of the study. Plasma, liver, muscle, adipose tissue and hypothalamus samples were collected for nutrient, hormones and gene expression measurements. ResultsDecreasing dietary casein from 20% to 3% increased energy intake, slightly increased adiposity, and this was exacerbated with methionine-deficient soy protein (figure 1). Lean body mass was reduced in 3% casein fed mice but preserved in all 6% fed mice. The effect on fat mass was limited because energy expenditure was also increased (figure 2). In plasma, low protein diets decreased IGF-1 and increased FGF21 that was related to protein level, protein to carbohydrate ratio and methionine content in the diet (figure 3). Insulin response to an oral glucose test was reduced in soy and low-protein fed mice. Low-protein diets did not affect Ucp1 but increased Fgf21 in brown adipose tissue and Fgf21, Fas, and Cd36 in the liver. In the hypothalamus, Npy was increased and Pomc was decreased only in 3% casein fed mice. ConclusionsReducing dietary protein and protein quality increases both energy intake and energy expenditure resulting only in slight increase in adiposity. In this process FGF21 is probably a signal that responds to a combination of protein restriction and carbohydrate content of the diet. Funding SourcesInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique, AgroParisTech. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪▪

Body composition and growth in full-term small for gestational age and large for gestational age Swedish infants assessed with air displacement plethysmography at birth and at 3-4 months of age.

BackgroundBeing born small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) has short and long term metabolic consequences. There is a growing interest in the extent to which body composition, both in the short and the long term, differs in infants born at the extremes of these birth weights.MethodsBody composition in 25 SGA and 25 LGA infants were assessed during the first days of life and at 3–4 months of age using air displacement plethysmography.ResultsSGA infants had significantly lower body fat (%) at birth compared to LGA infants. SGA infants increased their body weight and length at a significantly higher rate between birth and 3–4 months than LGA infants. Fat mass (g) in SGA infants increased 23 times between birth and 3–4 months of age compared to 2.8 times for LGA infants. At 3–4 months of age LGA infants reached a threshold in body fat (%) while SGA infants were still gaining body fat (%).ConclusionSeveral significant differences have been identified between SGA and LGA infants, indicating that the effects of intrauterine life continues to play an important role in body composition and growth during the first 3–4 months of life.

Ad libitum Mediterranean diet reduces subcutaneous but not visceral fat in patients with coronary heart disease: A randomised controlled pilot study

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is recognised to reduce risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), in part, via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be mediated via effects on body fat distribution. Diet efficacy via these mechanisms is however unclear in patients with diagnosed CHD. This study aimed to determine: (1) the effect of ad libitum MedDiet versus low-fat diet intervention on adiposity, anti-inflammatory marker adiponectin, oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and traditional CVD risk markers, and (2) whether improvement in MedDiet adherence score in the pooled cohort was associated with these risk markers, in a pilot cohort of Australian patients post coronary event. Participants (62±9 years, 83% male) were randomised to 6-month ad libitum MedDiet (n=34) or low-fat diet (n=31). Pre- and post-intervention, dietary adherence, anthropometry, body composition (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) and venepuncture measures were conducted. The MedDiet group reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area compared to the low-fat diet group (12.5cm2 more, p=0.04) but not visceral adipose tissue or other body composition measures. In the pooled cohort, participants with greatest improvement in MedDiet adherence score had significantly lower waist circumference (-2.81cm, p=0.01) and SAT area (-27.1cm2, p=0.04) compared to participants with no improvement in score at 6-months. There were no changes in adiponectin, MDA or other risk markers in the MedDiet compared to low-fat diet group, and no differences in 6-month levels between categories of improvement in MedDiet score (p>0.05). Within the MedDiet group only, the proportion of participants taking beta-blocker medication reduced from baseline to 6-months (71% vs. 56%, p-trend=0.007). Adherence to 6-month ad libitum MedDiet reduced subcutaneous fat and waist circumference which discounts the misconception that this healthy but high fat diet leads to body fat gain. The effect of MedDiet on body fat distribution and consequent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as need for medications, in patients with CHD warrants exploration in larger studies. Clinically significant effects on these markers may require adjunct exercise and/or caloric restriction. ACTRN12616000156482.

Getting to precision psychopharmacology: Combining clinical and genetic information to predict fat gain from aripiprazole

IntroductionAll atypical antipsychotics are associated with some degree of weight gain. We applied a novel statistical approach to identify moderators of aripiprazole-induced fat gain using clinical and genetic data from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of treatment resistant depression in older adults. Materials and methodsAdults aged ≥60 years with non-response to a prospective trial of venlafaxine were randomized to 12 weeks of aripiprazole augmentation (n = 91) or placebo (n = 90). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measured adiposity at baseline and 12 weeks. Independent moderators of total body fat gain were used to generate two combined multiple moderators, one including clinical data alone and one including both clinical and genetic data to characterize individuals who gained fat during aripiprazole augmentation. ResultsThe value of the combined genetic + clinical multiple moderator (Mcg) was 0.57 [95% CI 0.46, 0.68] (effect size: 0.57), compared to the combined clinical moderator (Mc) value of 0.49 [0.34, 0.63] (effect size: 0.49). Individuals who gained adiposity in this study were more likely to be female and younger in age, have lower weight, fasting glucose and lipids at baseline and positive for the HTR2C polymorphism. DiscussionThese results demonstrate a combined multiple moderator approach, including both clinical and genetic moderators, can be applied to existing clinical trial data to understand adverse treatment effects. This method allowed for more specific characterization of individuals at risk for the outcome of interest. Further work is needed to identify additional genetic moderators and to validate the approach.

Octacosanol and policosanol prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by activating brown adipose tissue and improving liver metabolism

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive therapeutic target for treating obesity and metabolic diseases. Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol, a mixture of very long chain aliphatic alcohols obtained from plants. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of octacosanol and policosanol on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Mice were fed on chow, or HFD, with or without octacosanol or policosanol treatment for four weeks. HFD-fed mice showed significantly higher body weight and body fat compared with chow-fed mice. However, mice fed on HFD treated with octacosanol or policosanol (HFDo/p) showed lower body weight gain, body fat gain, insulin resistance and hepatic lipid content. Lower body fat gain after octacosanol or policosanol was associated with increased BAT activity, reduced expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and cholesterol uptake in the liver, and amelioration of white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation. Moreover, octacosanol and policosanol significantly increased the expression of Ffar4, a gene encoding polyunsaturated fatty acid receptor, which activates BAT thermogenesis. Together, these results suggest that octacosanol and policosanol ameliorate diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by increasing BAT activity and improving hepatic lipid metabolism. Thus, these lipids represent promising therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Low Citrate Synthase Activity Is Associated with Glucose Intolerance and Lipotoxicity.

Citrate synthase (CS) is a key mitochondrial enzyme. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that low CS activity impairs the metabolic health of mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) and promotes palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in muscle cells. C57BL/6J (B6) mice and congenic B6.A-(rs3676616-D10Utsw1)/KjnB6 (B6.A), a strain which carries the A/J allele of CS on the B6 strain background, were fed HFD (45% kcal from fat) for 12 weeks. C2C12 mouse muscle cells were used to investigate effects of CS knockdown on cell viability and signalling after incubation in 0.8 mM palmitate. CS activity, but not that of β-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase was lower in the gastrocnemius muscle and heart of B6.A mice compared to B6 mice (P < 0.001). During HFD feeding, glucose tolerance of mice decreased progressively and to a greater extent in B6.A females compared to B6 females, with males showing a similar trend. Body weight and fat gain did not differ between B6.A and B6 mice. After an 18 h incubation in 0.8 mM palmitate C2C12 muscle cells with ∼50% shRNA mediated reduction in CS activity showed lower (P < 0.001) viability and increased (P < 0.001) levels of cleaved caspase-3 compared to the scramble shRNA treated C2C12 cells. A/J strain variant of CS is associated with low enzyme activity and impaired metabolic health. This could be due to impaired lipid metabolism in muscle cells.

Effects of Milk and Milk-Product Consumption on Growth among Children and Adolescents Aged 6–18 Years: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Although studies have suggested that milk and milk-product consumption may influence growth during childhood and puberty, results are inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the available evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing whether milk and milk-product consumption could affect growth and body composition among children and adolescents aged 6-18 y. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for all RCTs published up to December 2017 that investigated milk and milk-product consumption (≥12 wk) on growth and body composition among participants (aged 6-18 y) without undernourishment or diseases. Study screening and data extraction by 2 reviewers followed established PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the quality of the trials. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Seventeen trials with 2844 children and adolescents were included. Milk and milk-product interventions resulted in a greater increase in body weight (0.48 kg; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.76 kg; P = 0.001), lean mass (0.21 kg; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.41 kg; P =0.04), and attenuated gain in percentage body fat (-0.27%; 95% CI: -0.45%, -0.09%; P =0.003) compared with control groups. However, there were no significant changes in fat mass, height, or waist circumference in the intervention groups compared with the control groups (P≥0.05). In subgroup analyses, the baseline weight and age, and the duration of intervention were associated with the efficacy of milk and milk-product intake on the change in lean mass, percentage body fat, and waist circumference, respectively (test for subgroup differences: P<0.05). Children and adolescents aged 6-18 y consuming milk and milk products are more likely to achieve a lean body phenotype. This meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as CRD42018086850.

Hormonal adjustments to urban conditions: stress hormone levels in urban and rural populations of Apodemus agrarius

Animals’ adaptation to life in cities is a widely studied issue in ecology. One such adaptation is the adjustment of stress response to new conditions and anthropogenic disturbances. There are various examples of such adjustments in urban birds, but the stress response of non-avian species has rarely been investigated. We studied an urban and a rural population of a small mammal, the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius. We compared baseline corticosterone (CORT) concentration in faecal samples from mice, using ELISA tests with antibodies for this hormone. We found that although urban specimens have more anthropogenic stressors than their rural equivalents, they do not have an elevated level of CORT. This confirms the hypothesis that urban animals undergo hormonal adjustment to urban conditions. Moreover, the CORT concentrations of urban mice were lower compared to their rural conspecifics, while for body weight we observed an inverse relationship. A CORT level allows urban mammals to redirect more energy to weight gain (body fat); this is probably an effect of the lower pressure of competitors in urban areas, as well as better food availability (access to anthropogenic food). The results of this work show that species that have managed to overcome fear of humans and adapt to anthropogenic stressors can therefore achieve measurable ecological benefits.

Novel approaches for the assessment of relative body weight and body fat in diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa: A cross-sectional study

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychosomatic disease that seriously affects nutritional status. Therapeutic approaches primarily aim for rapid weight restoration by high caloric diets and activity restriction. This often promotes abdominal body fat gain, which potentially negatively influences the patient's compliance and increases the risk of relapse. This study focused on the evaluation of body weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in AN patients by novel approaches. The SAT of AN patients (n=18, body mass index (BMI) 15.3±1.3kg/m2) was determined by a highly accurate and reliable ultrasound method. The sum of SAT thicknesses of eight sites (DINCL) was calculated. Individual metabolic profiles were analyzed. The mass index (MI), which considers body proportions, was used in addition to BMI. Additional to the standard laboratory diagnostics, dermal carotenoids measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy, leptin, and oxidative stress indicators were determined. The mean MI was 15.7±1.4kg/m2. The DINCL considerably differed between individuals with the same BMI. Half of the patients (Group 1) had low DINCL: 1.3-28.4mm, and Group 2 showed values up to 58.2mm (corresponding to approximately 6kg SAT mass). The two group means differed by more than 300% (P < 0.001). Accordingly, leptin levels significantly differed (P < 0.001). Mean SAT thicknesses were significantly higher in Group 2at all eight sites. The groups also significantly differed in two oxidative stress parameters: total antioxidative capacity, malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein immunoglobulin M (MDA-LDL IgM), and in the carotenoid level. Half of the patients had sufficiently high fat mass, despite very low BMI. Consequently, their muscle (and other organ) masses must have been extremely low. Diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols for AN should consider each patient's body composition. In addition to dietary treatments, muscle training at low energy turnover rates may be essential for avoiding unnecessary body fat gain, better treatment results, and long-term recovery.

The Health Risks of Obesity Have Been Exaggerated.

The Health Risks of Obesity Have Been Exaggerated.

A prospective study on changes in body composition and fat percentage during the first year of cancer treatment in children

BACKGROUNDS/OBJECTIVESCancer treatment may lead to significant body composition changes and affect growth and disease outcomes in pediatric cancer patients. This prospective study aimed to evaluate short- and long-term body compositions changes focused on body fat during the first year of cancer treatment in children.SUBJECTS/METHODSA prospective study was conducted in 30 pediatric cancer patients (19 hematologic malignancies and 11 solid tumors) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements and body composition analysis using whole body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry were performed at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 month(s) of cancer treatment. Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wilcoxon paired t tests, and generalized estimation equation (GEE) were applied for statistical analysis.RESULTSAt baseline, no differences in weight, height, body mass index, abdominal circumferences, body fat, and fat-free mass were observed between 30 controls and 30 pediatric cancer patients. Total fat mass (P < 0.001) and body fat percentage (P = 0.002) increased significantly during the first month, but no changes were observed from 1 to 12 months; however, no changes in the total mass were observed during the first year of cancer treatment. Meanwhile, the total fat-free mass decreased during the first month (P = 0.008) and recovered between 6 and 12 months of follow-up (P < 0.001). According to GEE analysis, there was a significant upward trend in body fat percentage during the first year, especially the first month, of cancer treatment in children with hematologic malignancies, but not in those with solid tumors.CONCLUSIONSOur results indicate that cancer treatment is related to significant body composition changes and rapid body fat gain, particularly during the first month after initiating cancer treatment, in children with hematologic malignancies. Therefore, individualized dietary strategies to prevent excessive fat gain are needed in pediatric cancer patients for better outcomes.

The Effects of Aging on Rho-Kinase and Insulin Signaling in Skeletal Muscle and White Adipose Tissue of Rats.

The insulin receptor substrate 1 regulates insulin-mediated glucose uptake and is a target of Rho-kinase (Rock); however, the relationship between age-related insulin resistance and Rock signaling specifically in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue is unknown. We evaluated the content and activity of Rock in C2C12 myotubes, and in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue (WAT) from two rodent models that differ in their patterns of body fat accumulation during aging (Wistar and Fischer 344 rats). Body fat gain in the Wistar rats was greater than in Fischer rats and only Wistar rats had impairment of whole-body insulin sensitivity. Rock activity and insulin signaling were impaired in skeletal muscle in both rat models, but only middle-aged Wistar rats had higher Rock activity in WAT. These data are consistent with a positive role of Rock in regulating insulin signaling in both skeletal muscle and its negative role in the adipose tissue, suggesting that Rock activity in adipose tissue is important in age-related insulin resistance.

Associations of changes in BMI and body fat percentage with demographic and socioeconomic factors: the ELANA middle school cohort.

Adolescent weight and fat gain is determined by multiple factors. This study examined the association between changes in body fat indicators, excessive weight and fat gain, and sociodemographic factors among Brazilian adolescents over a 4-year period. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) of 809 middle school students (mean age: 11.8 ± 1.15 years) were evaluated annually, from 2010 to 2013. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the trajectories of BMI and BFP in both boys and girls according to the type of school attended (public or private) and skin colour. General estimating equations logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between sociodemographic variables and the development of overweight or high BFP. Girls from private schools (p = 0.003) and white boys (p = 0.041) experienced bigger increases in BMI, as compared to girls from public schools and black/brown boys, respectively. White boys also had an increased chance of presenting excessive weight (OR = 3.28; CI 95%: 1.13-9.52) and BFP (OR = 3.32; CI 95%: 1.38-8.01) gain than black/brown boys. Conversely, white girls were less likely to present excessive body fat gain when compared to black/brown girls (OR = 0.42; CI 95%: 0.18-0.96). Adolescents who experienced better socioeconomic conditions, especially boys, were more likely to have greater increases in body fat indicators. Our findings contribute to the better understanding of BMI trajectories and body composition changes during puberty, as well as demonstrates the relationship between socioeconomic variables and adiposity indicators among adolescents in middle-income countries.