Greater Fat Deposition Research Articles

Correlation between Pancreatic Fat Deposition and Metabolic Syndrome: Relationships with Location in the Pancreas and Sex.

Objective To investigate the correlation between pancreatic fat deposition and metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters, focusing on the locations of fat deposition in the pancreas and sex differences. Methods Degrees of fat deposition in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas were evaluated using computed tomography (CT). We examined the relationships between pancreatic fat deposition and the age, body mass index (BMI), visceral and subcutaneous fat, serum lipid profiles, hepatic steatosis, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension (HTN). Results In this retrospective study, greater fat deposition was associated with a higher BMI, visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation, and hepatic steatosis, with the pancreatic head showing the strongest correlation. Correlations of pancreatic fat deposition with the BMI and visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation were stronger in females than in males, while correlations with hepatic steatosis were stronger in males than in females. In addition, a multivariate analysis did not suggest a direct causal relationship between pancreatic fat deposition and DM and HTN, but there was a significant correlation between pancreatic fat deposition in the pancreatic head and visceral fat area. Conclusion Pancreatic fat deposition, as evaluated by CT, especially in the part of the pancreatic head adjacent to the ampulla of Vater, is a sensitive indicator of MetS. The correlations between pancreatic fat deposition and MetS parameters tended to be stronger in females than in males. These results may help further elucidate the pathophysiology of MetS and provide opportunities for its diagnosis.

One-leg standing time is a simple measure for loss of skeletal muscle mass and fat deposition in muscle: the J-SHIPP study

BackgroundsOne-leg standing time (OLST) has been frequently used physical performance measure; however, what muscular characteristics OLST represents remains uncertain.AimThis cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between OLST and muscle characteristics to clarify the possibility of using OLST as a physical performance measure.MethodsStudy participants comprised 1144 older adults aged 65 years or older. Computed tomography images provided mid-thigh skeletal muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value. OLST was measured for a maximum of 60 s. Static postural instability was assessed using a posturography.ResultsA frequency of OLST < 20 s was increased by quartiles of muscle cross-sectional area (Q1: 33.6, Q2: 12.8, Q3: 13.6, Q4: 11.9%, P < 0.001) and mean attenuation value (Q1: 32.3, Q2: 21.7, Q3: 14.3, Q4: 7.7%, P < 0.001). Results of the multinomial regression analysis indicated that muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value were independently associated with an OLST of less than 20 s. The crude odds ratio of OLST less than 20 s for the lowest quartiles of both cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value was 4.19 (95% CI: 3.01 − 5.84). The cross-sectional area of muscles with greater fat deposition was inversely associated with OLST, while that with smaller fat deposition showed a positive association with OLST, indicating why mean attenuation value and cross-sectional area were independently associated with OLST. No clear relationship was observed with static postural instability.ConclusionOLST was a simply measurable quantifiable physical measure representing the loss of muscle mass and quality in older adults.

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of obesity in cats and its correlation with fructosamine and lipid levels

The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasound imaging is an efficient method to assess subcutaneous fat in cats, the anatomical sites where more significant fat deposition occurs, and if there is a correlation between subcutaneous fat thickness and serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fructosamine. A total of 30 healthy adult cats were used and divided into three groups of 10 animals each, based on the estimated body condition score (BCS). The ideal group (IG) included cats with BCS 3; the overweight group (OWG), with BCS 4; and the obese group (OG), with BCS 5. Ultrasonographic measurement of subcutaneous fat was conducted in five anatomical regions: lumbar, abdominal, thoracic, femoral, and pectoral. We observed that obese cats had greater fat deposition in the abdominal and thoracic regions when compared to those with ideal weight, and that cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher with the increase in subcutaneous fat thickness in the thoracic region. Nonetheless, there were no differences in fat deposition in the OWG compared to cats from the IG and OG. Ultrasonography allows to differentiate obese cats from those with ideal weight through the analysis of subcutaneous fat thickness in the abdominal and thoracic regions, rendering this method efficient and less subjective.

An Energy-Restricted Diet Including Yogurt, Fruit, and Vegetables Alleviates High-Fat Diet–Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

The importance of the composition of an energy-restricted diet in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unknown. In this study we aimed to investigate the benefits of a novel dietary treatment (50% calorie restriction diet composed of yogurt, fruit, and vegetables [CR-YD]) in mice with MetS. Forty 7-wk-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10/group) that were fed for 14 wk ad libitum with a normal diet (ND; 10%:70%:20% energy from fat: carbohydrate: protein) or for 12 wk with a high-fat diet (HFD; 60:20:20) or the HFD followed by 2 wk of feeding with a 50% calorie-restricted HFD (CR-HFD) or YD (CR-YD, 21.2%:65.4%:13.4% energy). Body weight, fat deposition, hepatic steatosis, serum concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, and glucose homeostasis were assessed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to validate the roles of gut microbiota in MetS. The HFD group had 50% greater body weight and 475% greater fat deposition than the ND group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the CR-HFD and CR-YD groups had 22% and 31% lower body weight and 49% and 75% less fat deposition, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with the CR-HFD group, the CR-YD group had 11% lower body weight, 96% less fat deposition, 500% less hepatic steatosis, 75% lower glucose, and 450% more hepatic Akkermansia bacteria (P < 0.05). The CR-YD group also had 50% lower histopathology scores and 1.35-fold higher levels of Claudin4 than the CR-HFD group (P < 0.05). The HFD + CR-YD fecal group had 10.6% lower body weight, 119% lower steatosis, and 17.9% lower glucose (P < 0.05) than the HFD + CR-HFD fecal group. Compared with CR alone, the CR-YD diet has a better therapeutic effect in mice with HFD-induced MetS.

211 Overcoming the Growth Deficits Programmed by Maternofetal Stress

Abstract Prolonged maternofetal stress stunts placental development and causes fetal programming that reduces fetal growth and birthweight. Low birthweight due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) of the fetus increases perinatal mortality. More commonly, however, it results in lifelong impairment of muscle growth capacity and metabolic function. In humans, low birthweight increases risk for obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders by an estimated 18-fold. Similarly, low birthweight livestock exhibit greater early death loss, poor growth efficiency, and lower-quality carcasses at harvest. These animals manifest poor feed-to-gain ratios, less lean mass, and greater fat deposition. Together, these outcomes increase production costs, decrease value, and reduce the amount of meat produced per animal. The fetal programming mechanisms linking stress induced IUGR to impaired postnatal growth and metabolic efficiency are largely unknown. However, recent findings in IUGR fetal and neonatal lambs produced experimentally by maternal heat stress and maternofetal inflammation (and pair-fed controls) indicated skeletal muscle-centric programming of adrenergic and inflammatory pathways. Specifically, studies found reduced β2 adrenergic tone and enriched inflammatory signaling pathways. These changes coincided with intrinsic myoblast dysfunction, reduced muscle fiber hypertrophy, and impaired skeletal muscle glucose metabolism. Additionally, IUGR fetal and neonatal lambs exhibited impaired β cell function that may also be associated with adrenergic and inflammatory programming. Subsequent studies have investigated these mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets for interventions and treatments, which is a fundamental step in developing strategies to improve outcomes in low birthweight humans and livestock.

Dietary crude protein concentrations, feed grains, and whey protein interactively influence apparent digestibility coefficients of amino acids, protein, starch, and performance of broiler chickens

The present study was designed to investigate the impacts of dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations (220 and 180 g/kg) in either maize- or wheat-based diets, without or with 25 g/kg inclusions of whey powder (WP) concentrate on performance parameters and apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients in broiler chickens. The maize and wheat used in this study had CP levels of 84 and 119 g/kg, respectively. The 2 × 2 × 2 factorial array of 8 dietary treatments was offered to a total of 336 off-sex, male Ross 308 chicks from 7 to 35 d post-hatch with 7 replicate cages (6 birds per cage) per treatment. A treatment interaction (P = 0.016) between dietary CP and feed grains was detected for weight gains, where birds offered 180 g/kg maize-based diets displayed a weight gain advantage of 6.74% (2,628 vs. 2,462 g/bird) compared to their wheat-based counterparts. An interaction (P = 0.022) between feed grains and whey protein was observed for FCR as the addition of WP to maize-based diets improved FCR by 3.45% (1.314 vs. 1.361), but compromised FCR in wheat-based diets by 2.98% (1.415 vs. 1.374). A treatment interaction (P = 0.038) between dietary CP and feed grains was recorded for relative abdominal fat-pad weights weight gains as birds offered 180 g/kg CP maize-based diets had 43.4% (11.17 vs. 7.79 g/kg) heavier fat-pads than their wheat-based counterparts. Following the reduction in dietary-CP, apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients were depressed to greater extents in wheat-based diets. However, significant interactions between CP and feed grains were found in 14 of the 16 amino acids assessed and significant interactions between CP and WP were observed for 15 amino acids. Maize was the more suitable feed grain in terms of weight gain and FCR in 180 g/kg CP diets despite causing greater fat deposition. The inclusion of WP in reduced-CP diets did not enhance bird performance. Data generated indicate concentrations of microbial amino acids in distal ileal digesta were depressing apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients, which was more evident in wheat-based diets. Higher gut viscosities in birds offered wheat-based diets may have facilitated the proliferation of microbiota along the small intestine.

Effect of genetic merit for backfat thickness and paternal breed on performance, carcass traits, and gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of feedlot-finished steers

• Backfat thickness trait can be selected through genetic merit in Nellore and crossbred steers (½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore). • Animal performance is not affected by genetic merit for backfat thickness. • The expression of ACACA, ADIPOQ, FASN, PLIN 1, PPARG and SREBF1 genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue is not affected by genetic merit for backfat thickness. This study evaluated selection for backfat thickness based on genetic merit (GMB) in Nellore (N) and crossbred (½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore, AN) steers, as well as the effects of this selection on animal performance, carcass traits, and gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The animals were obtained by mating Nellore cows with Nellore or Aberdeen Angus bulls. Both paternal genetic groups were selected to have positive (+, high GMB) or negative (-, low GMB) expected progeny differences for backfat thickness. Seventy-six animals (14 N+, 20 N-, 20 AN+, and 22 AN-) were reared on pasture and finished in the feedlot. The animals were slaughtered, and SAT samples were collected to investigate the relative expression of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha ( ACACA ), adiponectin, C1Q and collagen domain containing ( ADIPOQ ), fatty acid synthase ( FASN ), perilipin 1 ( PLIN1 ), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma ( PPARG ), and sterol regulatory element binding protein ( SREBF1 ) genes. Carcass weight and yield, conformation, finishing score, fat distribution score, and measurements of backfat thickness and rib eye area were evaluated. There was no effect of GMB on performance or on the relative expression of the genes studied. High GMB steers had greater backfat thickness and higher finishing, conformation and fat distribution scores in the carcass than low GMB animals. The use of high GMB animals provides better carcass finishing without affecting performance. The greater fat deposition in carcasses of high GMB animals is not associated with the relative expression of the genes studied.

Going Up Inflame: Reviewing the Underexplored Role of Inflammatory Programming in Stress-Induced Intrauterine Growth Restricted Livestock.

The impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on health in humans is well-recognized. It is the second leading cause of perinatal mortality worldwide, and it is associated with deficits in metabolism and muscle growth that increase lifelong risk for hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Comparatively, the barrier that IUGR imposes on livestock production is less recognized by the industry. Meat animals born with low birthweight due to IUGR are beset with greater early death loss, inefficient growth, and reduced carcass merit. These animals exhibit poor feed-to-gain ratios, less lean mass, and greater fat deposition, which increase production costs and decrease value. Ultimately, this reduces the amount of meat produced by each animal and threatens the economic sustainability of livestock industries. Intrauterine growth restriction is most commonly the result of fetal programming responses to placental insufficiency, but the exact mechanisms by which this occurs are not well-understood. In uncompromised pregnancies, inflammatory cytokines are produced at modest rates by placental and fetal tissues and play an important role in fetal development. However, unfavorable intrauterine conditions can cause cytokine activity to be excessive during critical windows of fetal development. Our recent evidence indicates that this impacts developmental programming of muscle growth and metabolism and contributes to the IUGR phenotype. In this review, we outline the role of inflammatory cytokine activity in the development of normal and IUGR phenotypes. We also highlight the contributions of sheep and other animal models in identifying mechanisms for IUGR pathologies.

Effect of placement weight and days on feed on feedlot cattle performance and carcass traits

One hundred and thirty six Angus steers were used to evaluate the effects of feedlot placement weight (PW; weight of the animal at the time of its placement into the feedlot) and days on feed (DOF) on feed efficiency, carcass transfer (CT), and carcass traits. The 2 × 4 factorial experiment included PW (Light (LT), 310 kg BW; or Heavy (HV), 415 kg BW) and DOF (54, 83, 111, or 145 d) before slaughtering. At d 0, four steers selected at random from each PW group were slaughtered to determine initial hot carcass weight (HCW). The rest of the steers were allocated in pens (4 pens/treatment; 4 steers/pen) with ad libitum access to feed and drinking water. No PW × DOF interactions were detected for any response variables (P > 0.05). Heavy steers showed greater (P < 0.001) daily dry matter intake (DMI) than LT steers. Daily DMI did not change (P = 0.11) across DOF. Average daily gain (ADG) and daily carcass weight gain (CWG) were not affected (P > 0.05) by PW. Although ADG showed a quadratic (P = 0.003) response across DOF, CWG was higher (P < 0.05) for steers fed 83 d or longer. This resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.001) in CT (ratio of CWG to ADG, expressed as a percentage) during the 145 feeding period. Feed efficiency (DMI: ADG and DMI: CWG ratios) was better (P < 0.001) for LT than HV steers. The ratio DMI: ADG was higher (P < 0.05) for 145 DOF steers, whereas the ratio DMI: CWG tended (P = 0.08) to be better for 111 DOF. Heavy steers showed greater (P < 0.05) final live weight, HCW, ribeye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and marbling score than LT steers. Final weight and HCW increased linearly (P < 0.001) with DOF. Subcutaneous fat thickness was higher (P < 0.05) for steers fed 111 d or longer. Marbling score and LM total lipid increased linearly (P < 0.001) with DOF. Longissimus muscle pH and color (a*, b*), and subcutaneous fat color (L*, a*, b*) were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Warner Bratzler shear force did not differ (P = 0.16) between PW but was affected (P = 0.005) by DOF. However, all steaks showed a WBS value below 4.0 kg. Regardless of treatment, WBS decreased (P < 0.001) as postmortem aging days increased. Overall, HV steers produced larger carcasses that had greater fat deposition, and similar tenderness than LT steers. Feeding up to 111 days, regardless PW, could improve animal performance and CT, and produce large carcasses with acceptable levels of subcutaneous fat thickness and palatable beef.

Antral follicular count has limited impact in the selection of more fertile beef heifers

The selection of replacements using applications such as reproductive tract scores and antral follicle count may be useful to eliminate less fertile animals before breeding. Previously, we reported that heifers with increased numbers of follicles achieved puberty earlier than heifers with diminished numbers of follicles. We, therefore, hypothesized that heifers that achieved a reproductive tract score ≥4 earlier in the breeding season would have greater numbers of follicles than heifers that achieved a reproductive tract score ≥4 later in the breeding season. The uterus and ovaries of three hundred and fifty beef heifers from a commercial farm were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography 20 days before breeding and parameters of growth and development were recorded. The antral follicle count (AFC) of both ovaries was recorded and the heifers assigned a reproductive tract score (1 to 5). Only heifers with a reproductive tract score ≥4 entered to two fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) programs. The first group (FTAI1,n = 269) started the day of the beginning of the breeding period and the second group (FTAI2, n = 61) one month later. The rest were naturally mated (no FTAI, n = 20). Serial pregnancy scanning was performed throughout the breeding season and 45 days after bull removal to estimate the day of conception. Data indicative of growth and development were analysed using the REG and GLM procedures of SAS with FTAI (0, 1 and 2), AFC (low, medium and high), and the interaction as the independent variables. Reproductive tract development was negatively associated to AFC (P>0.0001). There was no interaction between FTAI and AFC (P>0.11). Heifers inseminated at FTAI1 were heavier and taller, had greater deposition of fat and muscle, and conceived earlier than those inseminated at FTAI2 (P<0.05); however, there was no difference in AFC between heifers inseminated in FTAI1 and FTAI2 (15.6 ± 0.4 vs. 16.7 ± 0.9 follicles, respectively; P = 0.3). Furthermore, conception rates did not differ statistically between heifers in FTAI1 and FTAI2 (P = 0.12). Antral follicle count influenced growth and carcass traits (P>0.05) and heifers in the High AFC class conceived approximately 1 week earlier than heifers in the Low and Medium AFC class (P<0.05). We conclude that pubertal heifers have less AFC, thus similar numbers were observed for heifers in both FTAI programs and no differences in pregnancy rate. Antral follicle count may allow for the selection of heifers that conceive earlier, but may result in a lower pregnancy rate.

Metabolic Inflexibility Is an Early Marker of Bed-Rest-Induced Glucose Intolerance Even When Fat Mass Is Stable.

ContextThe effects of energy-balanced bed rest on metabolic flexibility have not been thoroughly examined.ObjectiveWe investigated the effects of 21 days of bed rest, with and without whey protein supplementation, on metabolic flexibility while maintaining energy balance. We hypothesized that protein supplementation mitigates metabolic inflexibility by preventing muscle atrophy.Design and SettingRandomized crossover longitudinal study conducted at the German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany.Participants and InterventionsTen healthy men were randomly assigned to dietary countermeasure or isocaloric control diet during a 21-day bed rest.Outcome MeasuresBefore and at the end of the bed rest, metabolic flexibility was assessed during a meal test. Secondary outcomes were glucose tolerance by oral glucose tolerance test, body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, ectopic fat storage by magnetic resonance imaging, and inflammation and oxidative stress markers.ResultsBed rest decreased the ability to switch from fat to carbohydrate oxidation when transitioning from fasted to fed states (i.e., metabolic inflexibility), antioxidant capacity, fat-free mass (FFM), and muscle insulin sensitivity along with greater fat deposition in muscle (P < 0.05 for all). Changes in fasting insulin and inflammation were not observed. However, glucose tolerance was reduced during acute overfeeding. Protein supplementation did not prevent FFM loss and metabolic alterations.ConclusionsPhysical inactivity triggers metabolic inflexibility, even when energy balance is maintained. Although reduced insulin sensitivity and increased fat deposition were observed at the muscle level, systemic glucose intolerance was detected only in response to a moderately high-fat meal. This finding supports the role of physical inactivity in metabolic inflexibility and suggests that metabolic inflexibility precedes systemic glucose intolerance.

Heat stress in pregnant sows: Thermal responses and subsequent performance of sows and their offspring.

Seasonal infertility is a significant problem in the swine industry, and may be influenced by photoperiod and heat stress. Heat stress during gestation in particular affects pregnancy, resulting in long-term developmental damage to the offspring. This review summarizes what is known about how heat stress on the pregnant sow affects lactation and her offspring. Sows responded to heat stress during gestation with increased rectal temperature, respiration rate, and skin temperature, and tended to reduce their activity-which may have changed their body composition, increasing the adipose-to-muscle ratio. Heat stress during gestation caused temporary insulin resistance during lactation, but this metabolic state did not seem to affect health, lactation, or rebreeding performance of the sow. Heat-stressed sows also presented with a shorter gestation period and reduced litter birth weight, although weaning weights are not affected when these sows are moved to thermoneutral conditions for lactation. The offspring of gestational heat-stressed sows, however, possessed unique phenotypes, including elevated body temperature, greater fat deposition, and impaired gonad development. Thus, gestational heat stress may significantly impact a herd through its effects on sows and their offspring. Further work is necessary to determine the magnitude of the effects across fa cilities and breeds.

Growing goats of different sexes have distinct metabolic responses to continuous feed restriction

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of sex on the hormonal and metabolic changes in growing goats subjected to levels of feed restriction. We used 72 Saanen kids, including 24 intact males, 24 castrated males and 24 females with initial bodyweight of 15.76 ± 0.174 kg and initial age of 108.4 ± 18.86 days respectively. A split-plot design was employed (3 sexes = intact males, castrated males, and females; 3 levels of feed restriction = 0% (ad libitum), 25% and 50%). Groups of three goat kids were formed by sex (each goat eating one level of feed restriction); goats of each group were slaughtered when animals fed ad libitum reached 30 kg bodyweight. Fat and protein deposition were calculated by the difference between the determinations performed on samples of homogenates of control animals slaughtered at the start of the experiment and the experimental animals. Blood samples were collected every 10 days to evaluate glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, creatine kinase, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine and insulin-like growth factor. Females presented greater fat deposition than did castrated and intact males, regardless of feed restriction (P &lt; 0.0001). Protein body retention (kg) was affected only by feed restriction (P &lt; 0.0001). In females, aspartate aminotransferase activity was greater in those subjected to 50% feed restriction (83.83 ± 4.96 U/L). Regardless of sex, the greatest serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was observed when animals were subjected to 50% feed restriction (P &lt; 0.0149). Plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 was similar in castrated and females, being lower than in intact males. Intact males showed lower plasma T3 concentration than did females (P &lt; 0.05). Females changed their glycolytic metabolism to retain fat deposition even under feed restriction, whereas males mainly changed their protein metabolism to retain protein synthesis, and were less affected by feed restriction.

Abstract 19: Pericardial Fat Volume is Associated with Incident Atrial Fibrillation: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the Jackson Heart Study

Introduction: Obesity is associated with higher risk of incident AF, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Increased pericardial fat deposition may lead to atrial fibrosis and renin-angiotensin system activation due to free diffusion of cytokines into the thin atrial wall, promoting AF development. Little is known about the association of pericardial fat volume with incident AF. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that greater pericardial fat volume is associated with higher AF risk in MESA and JHS, overall and in four race/ethnic groups. Methods: Pericardial fat volume was measured on chest CT scans (performed 2000-02 in MESA, 2007-09 in JHS) in 18 2.5-mm slices, from 1.5 cm above to 3.0 cm below the superior extent of the left main coronary artery, using Volume Analysis software (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI). Data were combined across the 2 studies. Participants with prevalent AF before the scan were excluded. Incident AF was identified by hospital discharge diagnosis codes for AF or atrial flutter, by study ECG at a follow-up visit, or, for those enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare, by an inpatient or outpatient claim with an AF diagnosis in any position. We used Cox regression to estimate adjusted hazard ratios for incident AF. Results: A total of 8056 participants (6681 in MESA; 1375 in JHS) had pericardial fat volume measured and were followed for clinical events. Among MESA participants, 1855 were AA, 2568 white, 1470 Hispanic, and 788 Chinese; all JHS participants were AA. In the combined data, the average age was 62 years; 55% were women. Greater pericardial fat volume was associated with male sex, older age, white or Hispanic race/ethnicity, greater BMI and systolic blood pressure (SBP), treated hypertension (HTN), impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes mellitus. Despite more obesity, AA participants had on average the lowest pericardial fat volume. During an average of 9 years of follow-up in MESA and 4 years in JHS, a total of 614 cases of incident AF were identified. Whites had the highest unadjusted AF incidence and AA the lowest. In all 4 race/ethnic groups, pericardial fat volume was positively associated with unadjusted AF incidence. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and study, greater pericardial fat volume was associated with higher risk of incident AF (HR=1.17 per SD pericardial fat volume [41 ml], 95% CI 1.09-1.26). After further adjustment for BMI, height, diabetes, SBP, and treated HTN, the association was attenuated (HR 1.06 per SD, 95% CI 0.97-1.16). Associations did not differ in subgroups defined by sex, race/ethnicity, or study. Conclusion: Greater deposition of fat in the pericardium is associated with higher AF incidence and higher adjusted risk of incident AF. Much of this association appears to be related to obesity, diabetes, and HTN. Lower average pericardial fat volume may explain in part the observed lower AF incidence in AA than in whites.

&lt;b&gt;Replacement of animal protein with vegetable protein in the diets of &lt;i&gt;Astyanax altiparanae

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing animal protein with vegetable protein sources on the productive performance of Astyanax altiparanae (lambari-do-rabo-amarelo). Five experimental diets were formulated with increasing replacement levels of animal protein by vegetable protein. A total of 9000 individuals (initial mean weight 1.18 ± 0.12 g, initial mean length 2.1 ± 0.3 cm) were distributed in 20 net cages (1 m3) with a density of 450 ind. m-3. Cages were randomly placed in a pond (180 m2, 1.5 m deep, 10% water renewal per day). After 63 days of cultivation, total count and individual biometrics from 20% of each experimental unit were taken. Mean weight, total length, survival, feed conversion, biomass weight gain and proximate body composition were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replications. The reduction in the formulation cost achieved by increasing levels of vegetable protein compensated the slight decrease in biomass gain. Besides that, inclusion of vegetable protein resulted in greater fat deposition, suggesting future exploration of A. altiparanae as a functional food.

Effects of low protein diets on performance of pigs with a lean genotype between 40 and 115 kg liveweight

The aim of the work was to assess the effects of three dietary protein regimes on pig performance and nitrogen (N) excretion, in particular, whether performance can be maintained in lean, fast growing pigs when protein levels are reduced to limit N excretion. Entire male pigs of a lean genotype (Pietrain × Large White × Landrace), 192 in total in four batches, were grown from 40 to 115 kg in pens with four pigs per pen. The diets were: (i) a high-protein control regime; (ii) a low-protein regime in which protein was reduced by ~2 percentage units in each growth stage, but with levels of five essential amino acids the same as in the control (LP1); (iii) an even lower protein regime in which levels of essential amino acids were not maintained beyond 60 kg (LP2). The LP2 regime was designed to promote intramuscular fat deposition rather than efficient growth. Excretion of N was reduced by 17% and 19% in LP1 and LP2, respectively, compared with the control. Average daily gain was lower and feed conversion ratio higher in LP2 than the other regimes, as expected. The control and LP1, which differed in protein but not essential amino acid levels, produced broadly similar results for performance, but pigs in LP1 had poorer feed conversion than control pigs, which could be due to slightly greater fat deposition. The results show the difficulty in maintaining consistently high levels of performance in fast-growing, lean pigs when dietary protein levels are reduced.

EFEITO DA INCLUSÃO DE SOJA INTEGRAL EM RAÇÕES EXTRUSADAS NO DESEMPENHO DE JUVENIS DE PIAVUÇU (Leporinus macrocephalus L.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of extruded soybean in diets for piavucu ( Leporinus macrocephalus L.) juveniles with different levels of digestible energy. A hundred fish with initial weight of 5.06 ± 0.61 g were distributed into 20 aquarium (80 L), in a entirely randomized design with five treatments (0.00, 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 67.5% full fat soybean in the diets) and four replications. Isonitrogenous, isocalcium, isophosphorus, isoaminoacids for methionine diets with different digestible energy values (3,193; 3,326; 3,413; 3,510 and 3,621 kcal/kg) were given to fish for seventy days. The criteria evaluated were weight gain, length increment, daily feed intake, feed gain, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate. No differences (P>0.05) were observed among treatments regarding the performance criteria. We concluded that the inclusion of full fat soybean in piavucu juveniles diet is a viable option, and it may partially or totally replace soybean meal, without decreasing performance, while providing greater deposition of fat in the carcass. KEYWORDS: alternative feedstuff; digestible energy; fish production; Glycine max L; nutrition.

Early metabolic imprinting events increase marbling scores in fed cattle

Early weaning of calves to a high concentrate diet results in greater fat deposition and suggests early postnatal metabolic imprinting events may be exploited as a management tool to improve cattle value. Our objective was to implement a short, high energy dietary intervention before a typical grazing period to manipulate intramuscular fat deposition in finishing cattle. Fall-born, Angus-sired steer calves (n = 24) were stratified by sire and randomly assigned to normal weaned (NW) or metabolic-imprinted (MIP) treatments. At 105 ± 6d (135kg), MIP calves were transitioned to a diet containing 20% CP and 1.26 Mcal/kg NEg. Metabolic-imprinted calves were fed ad libitum as a group. Normal weaned calves remained on their dam until 253 ± 6 d of age. At this time, treatment groups were combined and grazed for 156 d on a mixed summer pasture. Following the grazing phase, steers were adapted to a corn silage-based feedlot diet and performance was monitored on 28-d intervals. Calves were staged for harvest based on backfat endpoint (target 1.0 to 1.2 cm). Metabolic-imprinted calves were heavier (P < 0.05) than NW calves (341 vs. 265 ± 4.2 kg) at normal weaning age. During the grazing phase, NW steers gained more weight than (P < 0.05) MIP steers (0.69 vs. 0.35 ± 0.03 kg/d). Feedlot performance and USDA yield grade were similar (P > 0.20) between treatments. However, MIP steers produced heavier (P < 0.05) carcasses (564 vs. 524 ± 5.6 kg) with higher (P < 0.001) marbling scores (645 vs. 517 ± 23). Therefore, calves consuming a high concentrate diet for 148 d after early weaning produced higher quality carcasses. This suggests early weaning and feeding a high concentrate before grazing is a viable strategy to increase marbling deposition compared with a traditional production system.

Ethnic Differences and β-Cell Changes

Ethnic differences in diabetes prevalence have led to investigations in the pathophysiologic mechanism that underlie the development of hyperglycemia among various races (1, 2). The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely associated with obesity and concomitant insulin resistance, sedentary lifestyle, and decreased insulin secretion (3). Asians have increased risk and rates of T2DM but, unlike Caucasians, are leaner yet more insulin-resistant. Studies of insulin secretion and resistance among South Asians (Indians) and East Asians (Chinese, Koreans, Filipino, and Japanese), who typically have lower mean body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference as compared with Caucasians of similar BMI and waist circumference, demonstrated reduced insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance (3). Studies in Asians identified the characteristic of increased visceral adiposity that has since become recognized as the abnormality that belies insulin resistance despite leaner BMI (4). For example, Filipino women in California with a normal Asian-adjusted BMI ( 23 kg/m) had a greater volume of intra-abdominal fat compared with white or African American women also with a normal BMI ( 25 kg/m) (5). Therefore, the available evidence argues that Asian ethnicity may predispose to greater deposition of fat in the visceral depot. Induced with modest weight gain, abnormal adipose tissue changes the expression of a number of adipocytokines and impedes the response of target organs liver, muscle, and kidney to insulin (3). A small BMI change but with adipose tissue distributed viscerally increases compensatory insulin secretion similar to changes seen in other ethnic groups with greater weight gain. The capacity of -cells to respond to insulin resistance appears to be different among Asians compared with Caucasians and suggests that the development of hyperglycemia and manifest diabetes are also ethnically different in the pancreas (6). Investigations of -cell mass or islet changes of the pancreas in humans are very difficult, and the clinical assessment of insulin secretions associated with cellular changes of the -cell is even more challenging. Studies that evaluate a stimulated response of and -cells provide invaluable assessment of overall capacity and/or dysfunction but do not offer insight to cellular changes that may account for the abnormal response. The preservation of pancreas tissue at autopsy offer an opportunity to examine morphohistologic changes and quantitate cellular mass and regenerative processes in disease and nondisease states among various ethnic groups. For this purpose, several reports have shown that -cell mass increases in obese individuals and decreases in diabetic individuals as compared with lean nondiabetic subjects. A reduction of approximately 50% of -cell mass has been reported by a number of investigators (7–10). These findings appear congruent with the conceptual understanding of the compensatory increase in -cell function observed with physiological demand such as pregnancy or abnormal demand in obesity and insulin resistance that precede reduced -cell mass and secretion in the development of T2DM and hyperglycemia (11). These findings suggest that cellular changes in the pancreas follow a pathway of similar processes from lean to obese to diabetic states in various ethnic groups. The study by Kou et al (12) in this issue presents results of a case-control study of nondiabetic, lean and obese Japanese individuals, characterizing differences in and -cells in pancreatic tissue. Eligible cases were identified postmortem (age 20–69 years with no history of diabetes or pancreatic disease or glucocorticoid use and autopsy performed within 24 hours), and pancreatic tissues were cytohistochemically examined and quantified for comparative analysis using standard statistical methods. Pancre-

Effects of supplementary feeding on carcass and meat quality traits of young llamas (Lama glama)

Sixty llamas were used to study the effect of a 90 days feed supplementation on performance, carcass traits and meat quality. Treatments were: GR=llama on native pasture until slaughter; GR+SH=like GR, but llama had overnight access to barley/alfalfa hay (0.30kg/animal/day), GR+SC=like GR, but llama had overnight access to wheat bran/sorghum grain concentrate (0.30kg/animal/day). The characteristics of daily weight gain, final live weight, hot and cold carcass weight, perirenal fat weight, loin eye muscle area and marbling score were significantly increased by concentrate supplementation (P<0.05). Concentrate supplementation of grazing llamas also provided animals with greater morphometric measures in vivo and in carcass (thoracic perimeter, leg perimeter, hindquarter perimeter). Carcass dressing percentage was improved by both hay and concentrate supplementation compared to grazing only (P<0.01). Perirenal fat had a higher mean b* value (was yellower) and a lower mean L* value in GR+SH fed llamas compared to GR+SC (P<0.05), but did not differ from controls. In conclusion, supplementation of young llamas grazing native pasture with concentrate led to greater live weight, greater carcass weight, greater fat deposits and improved carcass characteristics, supporting the idea that it is a good alternative in the production of llama meat, especially in the dry season where there is poor pasture availability.