Higher Rate Of Lipolysis Research Articles

Encapsulation of vitamin D3 using rhamnolipids-based nanostructured lipid carriers.

This work had as main objective to encapsulate vitamin D3 (VD3) into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using rhamnolipids as surfactant. Glycerol monostearate and medium chain triglycerides with 2.625 % of VD3 were used as lipid materials. The three formulations of NLCs with VD3 (NLCs+VD3) were composed by 99 % of aqueous phase, 1 % of lipid phase and 0.05 % of surfactant. The difference between them was the ratio of solid:liquid in lipid phase. The NLCs+VD3 sizes ranged between 92.1 and 108.1nm. The most stable formulation maintaining their caracteristics for 60days at 4°C. The NLCs+VD3 cytotoxicity demonstrated that concentrations of 0.25mg/mL or lower up had a good biocompatibility in vitro. During the in vitro digestion, formulations with lower sizes and higher content on solid lipid had higher lipolysis rate and consequently higher VD3 bioaccessibility. The rhamnolipids-based NLCs are a good option for the encapsulation of VD3.

Effect of interaction between ovotransferrin fibrils and pectin on properties of oleogel-based Pickering emulsions

The effect of interaction between ovotransferrin fibrils (OVTFs) and citrus pectin (CP) on the properties of oleogel-based Pickering emulsions was innovatively explored. Firstly, the interaction between OVTFs and CP was investigated by constructing OVTF–CP complexes. OVTF–CP complexes with better stability were obtained when OVTFs to CP mass ratio of 3:1 at pH 5.0, which exhibited pearl chain-like structures by electrostatic attractions. Subsequently, to discuss the effect of interaction between OVTFs and CP on the properties of oleogel-based Pickering emulsions, oleogel-based OVTF-stabilized Pickering emulsion (OE) and oleogel-based OVTF–CP complex-stabilized Pickering emulsion (OCPE) were developed. The interaction between OVTFs and CP endowed OCPE with better stability, smaller droplet size, more prominent gel-like structure, higher viscosity and superior texture properties compared with OE. To construct an efficient delivery system for nutraceuticals, OE and OCPE were used to load curcumin. Compared with curcumin-loaded OE, curcumin-loaded OCPE had excellent protection for curcumin, higher rate of lipolysis and bioaccessibility of curcumin. Our work demonstrates that the interaction between OVTFs and CP can regulate the properties of oleogel-based Pickering emulsions, which will provide new insights into the formation and application of protein fibril–polysaccharide complexes. This may contribute to the precise development of Pickering emulsions with protein fibril–polysaccharide structures and ideal properties.

The advantages of physical exercise as a preventive strategy against NAFLD in postmenopausal women.

The prevalence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increase in women after menopause. This narrative review discusses the causes and consequences of NAFLD in postmenopausal women and describes how physical activity can contribute to its prevention. The authors followed the narrative review method to perform a critical and objective analysis of the current knowledge on the topic. The Medical Subject Heading keywords 'physical exercise', 'menopause', 'hormone replacement therapy', 'estradiol' and 'NAFLD' were used to establish a conceptual framework. The databases used to collect relevant references included Medline and specialized high-impact journals. Higher visceral adiposity, higher rate of lipolysis in adipose tissue after oestrogen drop and changes in the expression of housekeeping proteins involved in hepatic lipid management are observed in women after menopause, contributing to NAFLD. Excessive liver steatosis leads to hepatic insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating NAFLD progression. Physical activity brings beneficial effects against several postmenopausal-associated complications, including NAFLD progression. Aerobic and resistance exercises partially counteract alterations induced by metabolic syndrome in sedentary postmenopausal women, impacting NAFLD progression and severity. With the increased global obesity epidemic in developing countries, NAFLD is becoming a severe problem with increased prevalence in women after menopause. Evidence shows that physical activity may delay NAFLD development and severity in postmenopausal women, although the prescription of age-appropriate physical activity programmes is advisable to assure the health benefits.

Lactoferrin particles assembled via transglutaminase-induced crosslinking: Utilization in oleogel-based Pickering emulsions with improved curcumin bioaccessibility

In this study, the optimal environmental condition for preparation of lactoferrin particles assembled via transglutaminase-induced crosslinking (TG-LF particles) was pH 8, 100 U/g of TG concentration, 50 °C and 2 h of crosslinking time. Contact angle of TG-LF particles was 79°. Then, corn oil-based oleogels were prepared with carnauba wax (CW), behenyl alcohol (BA) and CW-BA mixture at 1:4 ratio (MT). To investigate the effect of oleogels on oleogel-based Pickering emulsions, oleogel-based Pickering emulsions were prepared by a two-step method using different oleogels as the oil phase and the TG-LF particles as the emulsifier. In vitro digestion study revealed that CW oleogel-based Pickering emulsion had the highest lipolysis rate and curcumin bioaccessibility. This study demonstrated that TG-LF particle-stabilized oleogel-based Pickering emulsions had good performance in curcumin delivery, which provided a new idea for the preparation of Pickering emulsifier and enriched the knowledge in the field of oleogel-based Pickering emulsion.

Inhibiting serotonin signaling through HTR2B in visceral adipose tissue improves obesity-related insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is a cornerstone of obesity-related complications such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A high rate of lipolysis is known to be associated with insulin resistance, and inhibiting adipose tissue lipolysis improves obesity-related insulin resistance. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) signaling through serotonin receptor 2B (HTR2B) in adipose tissues ameliorates insulin resistance by reducing lipolysis in visceral adipocytes. Chronic high-fat diet (HFD) feeding increased Htr2b expression in epididymal white adipose tissue, resulting in increased HTR2B signaling in visceral white adipose tissue. Moreover, HTR2B expression in white adipose tissue was increased in obese humans and positively correlated with metabolic parameters. We further found that adipocyte-specific Htr2b-knockout mice are resistant to HFD-induced insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue inflammation, and hepatic steatosis. Enhanced 5-HT signaling through HTR2B directly activated lipolysis through phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase in visceral adipocytes. Moreover, treatment with a selective HTR2B antagonist attenuated HFD-induced insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue inflammation, and hepatic steatosis. Thus, adipose HTR2B signaling could be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of obesity-related insulin resistance.

Effects of different starter cultures on the ripening characteristics of Golot cheese

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical, textural and sensory properties of some starter cultures fruit-added Golot cheese.Design/methodology/approachSix types of Golot cheeses were produced in this study. While the control sample contained no starter cultures, five different starter culture combinations (GS1: Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, L. lactis subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus; GS2: S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus; GS3: S. thermophilus; GS4: S. thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus; and GS5: S. thermophilus, L. lactis subsp. cremoris and L. lactis subsp. lactis) were applied to the other cheese samples using an immersion technique. Then, all cheeses were vacuum-packed and ripened at 4 ± 1°C for three months and their chemical, biochemical, sensory and textural analyses were performed on the 2nd, 15th, 30th, 60th and 90th days of ripening.FindingsResults indicated that generally starter cultures have positive effects on the chemical, biochemical and sensory properties of Golot cheese. Considering the final values, the addition of starter cultures enhanced the ripening index of Golot cheeses (8.4%–9.2%), except the GS3 (7.4%), compared to the control (8.1%). At the end of the ripening period, meltability values of GS4 (16.5 mm) cultured cheeses were higher than those of other cultured cheeses (13.0–15.5 mm) and control cheese (14.5 mm). While lipolysis values were low in fresh cheese, it increased during ripening. Overall, GS3 (2.46 acid degree value [ADV]) and GS4 (2.40 ADV) had the highest lipolysis rate, while GS1 (2.14 ADV) had the lowest (p = 0.07). Electrophoretograms indicated that the highest fragmentation of α- and ß-casein occurred in GS5 (48.43%) and GS1 (44.24%), respectively. Also, GS5 was the most appreciated and preferred cheese in terms of sensory. Regarding texture, hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness and gumminess values were determined to be statistically important in terms of ripening time and cheese variety (p < 0.01).Originality/valueConsequently, all starters had a positive impact on Golot cheese samples and among all S. thermophilus and L. helveticus starter were determined to be the most applicable one considering ripening, texture, sensory and melting properties.

Differential Effects of a Bout of Moderate‐intensity Physical Exercise on Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Lean and in Obese Mice

Inflammation is an adaptive response that is triggered by the noxious stimuli in order to maintain the homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that higher lipolysis rate after fasting is associated with the influx of leukocytes and increased cytokine levels in the epididymal adipose tissue (EAT). Fat mobilization is also highly activated during and post‐exercise. In spite of substantial evidences having supported the link between inflammation and exercise, the association between EAT, cytokines and acute exercise is less explored. Herein, we characterized the EAT inflammation following exercise in lean and obese mice. We used in vivo confocal imaging from EAT vessel to display the higher recruitment of neutrophils 0 and 6 hours post‐exercise in lean mice. Additionally, we found that exercise enhanced the levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐alpha in the EAT which were correlated with increased serum free fatty acids in lean mice. Interestingly, obese mice subjected to exercise showed lower pro‐inflammatory level of cytokines in the EAT and lost the correlation between IL‐6, TNF‐alpha and free fatty acids. Furthermore, obese mice increased IL‐10 24h post‐exercise. Together, our data show that exercise induces inflammation in the EAT in lean mice. These responses may have a physiological purpose and be important to stimulate fat breakdown. Conversely, exercise in obese mice promoted a reduction in pro‐inflammatory mediators and elevated IL‐10. Despite of the low‐grade inflammation being associated with metabolic dysfunctions, at least in part, the inflammatory milieu in EAT may be also important to regulate fat remodeling induced by exercise.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

In vitro lipolysis of dairy and soy based infant formula

Hydrolysed and non-hydrolysed dairy and soy proteins with vegetable oils are commonly used in infant formulations. Lipid digestion of these infant formula emulsions was studied under an in vitro gastrointestinal condition for 60 min in the stomach and 120 min in the small intestine (with and without the presence of enzyme proteases). The distribution of oil droplets, the released free fatty acids, and micro-structure changes of the digesta were monitored over the digestion period. Oil droplet coalescence was observed during gastric phase but not in the intestinal phase for most of formulations. The emulsion structure and the oil-water interface of the oil droplets play an important part in lipolysis kinetics. Higher rate of lipolysis in infant formula emulsion stabilized by hydrolysed proteins was noted. The obtained results suggest that digestive proteases had a limited impact on lipolysis of infant formulations.

NF-κBp65 and Expression of Its Pro-Inflammatory Target Genes Are Upregulated in the Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Cachectic Cancer Patients.

Cancer cachexia, of which the most notable symptom is severe and rapid weight loss, is present in the majority of patients with advanced cancer. Inflammatory mediators play an important role in the development of cachexia, envisaged as a chronic inflammatory syndrome. The white adipose tissue (WAT) is one of the first compartments affected in cancer cachexia and suffers a high rate of lipolysis. It secretes several cytokines capable of directly regulating intermediate metabolism. A common pathway in the regulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in WAT is the activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB). We have examined the gene expression of the subunits NF-κBp65 and NF-κBp50, as well as NF-κBp65 and NF-κBp50 binding, the gene expression of pro-inflammatory mediators under NF-κB control (IL-1β, IL-6, INF-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1), and its inhibitory protein, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκB-α). The observational study involved 35 patients (control group, n = 12 and cancer group, n = 23, further divided into cachectic and non-cachectic). NF-κBp65 and its target genes expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1 and IκB-α) were significantly higher in cachectic cancer patients. Moreover, NF-κBp65 gene expression correlated positively with the expression of its target genes. The results strongly suggest that the NF-κB pathway plays a role in the promotion of WAT inflammation during cachexia.

Myotubes from severely obese type 2 diabetic subjects accumulate less lipids and show higher lipolytic rate than myotubes from severely obese non-diabetic subjects.

About 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes are classified as overweight. However, only about 1/3 of severely obese subjects have type 2 diabetes. This indicates that several severely obese individuals may possess certain characteristics that protect them against type 2 diabetes. We therefore hypothesized that this apparent paradox could be related to fundamental differences in skeletal muscle lipid handling. Energy metabolism and metabolic flexibility were examined in human myotubes derived from severely obese subjects without (BMI 44±7 kg/m2) and with type 2 diabetes (BMI 43±6 kg/m2). Lower insulin sensitivity was observed in myotubes from severely obese subjects with type 2 diabetes. Lipolysis rate was higher, and oleic acid accumulation, triacylglycerol content, and fatty acid adaptability were lower in myotubes from severely obese subjects with type 2 diabetes compared to severely obese non-diabetic subjects. There were no differences in lipid distribution and mRNA and protein expression of the lipases HSL and ATGL, the lipase cofactor CGI-58, or the lipid droplet proteins PLIN2 and PLIN3. Glucose and oleic acid oxidation were also similar in cells from the two groups. In conclusion, myotubes established from severely obese donors with established type 2 diabetes had lower ability for lipid accumulation and higher lipolysis rate than myotubes from severely obese donors without diabetes. This indicates that a difference in intramyocellular lipid turnover might be fundamental in evolving type 2 diabetes.

The effect of exercise on obesity, body fat distribution and risk for type 2 diabetes.

It is well known that obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), while exercise is known to reduce body fatness and attenuate the risk of T2D. The aim of this chapter is to examine the interactions between exercise, obesity and body fat distribution, and the risk for T2D. Firstly, we show that body fatness, in particular visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation, is associated with insulin resistance and incident T2D. We then show that aerobic exercise of sufficient intensity and volume results in a decrease in body fat and VAT. Conversely, sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are associated with increased body fat and VAT. Finally, the chapter examines the interaction between physical activity (PA), obesity and risk for T2D and shows that both obesity and PA are significant independent predictors of incident T2D, but the magnitude of risk imparted by high levels of body fat is much greater than that of low levels of PA. Further, we show that obese physically active individuals are at greater risk for incident T2D than normal-weight physically inactive individuals. The mechanisms underlying this complex interaction include the ability of exercise to increase free fatty acid oxidation to match high rates of lipolysis associated with obesity, as well as the effects of exercise on adipokine, cytokine and myokine secretion. Exercise, of sufficient volume and intensity, is therefore recommended to reduce obesity, centralization of body fat, and risk of T2D.

Hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity do not improve 2 weeks after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery has rapid metabolic effects on glucose metabolism before the occurrence of clinically significant weight loss. This suggests an acute effect of the surgery itself, e.g., resulting from bypassing the nutrient flow from the proximal gastrointestinal tract. Rapid effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) on glucose metabolism were defined. Glucose metabolism and total triglyceride hydrolysis in the basal state and during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp using stable isotopes 2 weeks were studied before and after RYGB. Eighteen pre-menopausal women scheduled for RYGB were included. 2 weeks after RYGB median weight loss was 7.8 kg. Basal insulin and glucose levels decreased after surgery. Endogenous glucose production (EGP) was lower after surgery. In addition, insulin levels were lower during the clamp after surgery, suggesting enhanced clearance. Hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity did not change. Free fatty acid (FFA) levels increased after surgery both in the basal state and during the first step of the clamp. Total triglyceride hydrolysis did not change in the basal state and tended to be higher during hyperinsulinemia. Within 2 weeks, RYGB reduces basal EGP as well as insulin and glucose levels without an acute beneficial effect on hepatic or peripheral insulin sensitivity. The latter may be explained by higher rates of lipolysis and exposure to FFA induced by the hypocaloric state.

Medium-chain fatty acids from coconut or krabok oil inhibit in vitro rumen methanogenesis and conversion of non-conjugated dienoic biohydrogenation intermediates

Myristic (C14:0) and lauric (C12:0) acid have been suggested to synergistically influence rumen methanogenesis. This experiment compared the effect of krabok and coconut oil on rumen fermentation, in an attempt to assess this synergism using two natural oil sources which contain similar amounts of C12:0 but with krabok oil containing greater proportions of C14:0 than coconut oil. As a simultaneous action on both rumen methanogenesis and biohydrogenation has been reported for another medium chain fatty acid (C10:0), rumen biohydrogenation also was monitored during the current in vitro study. Five treatments were used: one control (CON), without supplementation of coconut or krabok oil, two coconut oil and two krabok oil supplemented incubations. Coconut and krabok oil were supplemented in two doses, providing either 80 (C80 and K80) or 120mg (C120 and K120) of C12:0+C14:0 per 100ml of incubation fluid. A standard concentrate typically fed to ruminant livestock in Thailand (200mg), buffer (20ml) and rumen fluid (5ml) were added to each incubation flask, with or without an external PUFA source (20mg of a mixture of sunflower and linseed oil). All flasks were incubated at 39°C for 24h. Both krabok and coconut oil reduced methane production (P<0.05) and increased propionate production (P<0.05) at the expense of acetate (P<0.05) and butyrate production (P<0.05). Krabok and coconut oil induced similar changes and effects were stronger in combination with linseed and sunflower oil, whereas the latter, in the amounts supplemented here, did not change methane production nor induced shifts in the production of any of the VFA. A trend for lower amounts of C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 after 24h incubation was observed indicating a higher rate of lipolysis and isomerization of C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3, as the inclusion levels of krabok oil increased. Overall, the effect of krabok and coconut oil on rumen biohydrogenation was limited.

The effects of using a starter culture, lipase, and protease enzymes on ripening of Mihalic cheese

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fungal lipase from Mucor miehei and a bacterial neutral protease from Bacillus subtilis alone and combined with a starter culture on ripening properties of traditional Turkish Mihalic cheese. The use of protease with lipase (Cult + Prot + Lip) resulted in better flavour and texture with accelerated ripening. The obtained results pointed out that the gross compositions of the cheeses were changed by the type of enzymes and ripening time (P &lt; 0.01). The acid degree value (ADV) of all cheeses showed a linear increase with ripening. The highest lipolysis rate was noted in lipase‐added cheese batch (as 5.56 ADV) with highest γ‐CN ratio and β‐CN degradation. At the end of ripening time, it was observed that αs‐CN ratios decreased in starter‐added (Cult), starter + protease–added (Cult + Prot), and protease‐added (Prot) cheese batches. The use of protease with lipase (Cult + Prot + Lip) resulted in better flavour and texture with accelerated ripening. Protease‐added cheeses, which were characterized by bitterness and crumbly textural properties owing to the intense breakdown of β‐casein, scored lower than lipase‐added cheeses. It was determined that the use of mesophilic aromatic starter culture with lipase and protease could be used to accelerate ripening of Mihalic cheese made from pasteurised milk.

Excessive Hepatic Mitochondrial TCA Cycle and Gluconeogenesis in Humans with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Approximately one-third of the U.S. population has nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition closely associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of liver injury. Dysregulated mitochondrial metabolism is central in these disorders, but the manner and degree of dysregulation are disputed. This study tested whether humans with NAFLD have abnormal in vivo hepatic mitochondrial metabolism. Subjects with low (3.0%) and high (17%) intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) were studied using (2)H and (13)C tracers to evaluate systemic lipolysis, hepatic glucose production, and mitochondrial pathways (TCA cycle, anaplerosis, and ketogenesis). Individuals with NAFLD had 50% higher rates of lipolysis and 30% higher rates of gluconeogenesis. There was a positive correlation between IHTG content and both mitochondrial oxidative and anaplerotic fluxes. These data indicate that mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is ~2-fold greater in those with NAFLD, providing a potential link between IHTG content, oxidative stress, and liver damage.

Galactose promotes fat mobilization in obese lactating and nonlactating women

Galactose consumption as the only carbohydrate source results in little increase in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations when compared with fasting. Lower insulin might promote endogenous lipolysis during meal absorption, which may facilitate fat loss. The objective was to test the hypothesis that consumption of an isocaloric, isonitrogenous galactose drink will result in higher rates of lipolysis and fat oxidation than consumption of a glucose drink in obese lactating and nonlactating women. Seven healthy, obese, exclusively breastfeeding women and 7 healthy, obese, nonlactating women were studied on 2 occasions according to a randomized, crossover, single-blinded design. Subjects received drinks providing ≈70% of the daily estimated energy requirement, of which 60% was either glucose or galactose. The primary outcomes were the rate of appearance (Ra) of glycerol and palmitate, and the secondary outcomes were glucose Ra, milk production, energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) and those of glycerol, palmitate, free fatty acids, and triglycerides were higher (P < 0.05) during galactose than during glucose feeding in both nonlactating and lactating women. During galactose feeding, glucose Ra was lower (P < 0.01) and glycerol, palmitate, and free fatty acid Ra were higher (P < 0.01) in both groups. During galactose feeding in all women combined, fat oxidation was higher (P = 0.01) and protein oxidation was lower (P < 0.01). Milk production, energy expenditure, and carbohydrate oxidation were similar between glucose and galactose feeding. Galactose consumption is associated with higher endogenous fat mobilization and oxidation during meal absorption. Long-term studies are required to determine whether galactose as an exclusive carbohydrate source would promote body fat loss in obese subjects.

Increased adipose tissue lipolysis after a 2-week high-fat diet in sedentary overweight/obese men

The purpose of this study was to determine if a high-fat diet would result in a higher lipolytic rate in subcutaneous adipose tissue than a lower-fat diet in sedentary nonlean men. Six participants (healthy males; 18-40 years old; body mass index, 25-37 kg/m 2) underwent 2 weeks on a high-fat or well-balanced diet of similar energy content (approximately 6695 kJ) in randomized order with a 10-day washout period between diets. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue lipolysis was determined over the course of a day using microdialysis after both 2-week diet sessions. Average interstitial glycerol concentrations (index of lipolysis) as determined using microdialysis were higher after the high-fat diet (210.8 ± 27.9 μmol/L) than after a well-balanced diet (175.6 ± 23.3 μmol/L; P = .026). There was no difference in adipose tissue microvascular blood flow as determined using the microdialysis ethanol technique. These results demonstrate that healthy nonlean men who diet on the high-fat plan have a higher lipolytic rate in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue than when they diet on a well-balanced diet plan. This higher rate of lipolysis may result in a higher rate of fat mass loss on the high-fat diet; however, it remains to be determined if this higher lipolytic rate in men on the high-fat diet results in a more rapid net loss of triglyceride from the abdominal adipose depots, or if the higher lipolytic rate is counteracted by an increased rate of lipid storage.

Ocular characteristics in 10 children with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: a cross-sectional study with long-term follow-up

Ocular characteristics in 10 children with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: a cross-sectional study with long-term follow-up

Higher Content of Trans Fatty Acids in Abdominal Visceral Fat of Morbidly Obese Individuals undergoing Bariatric Surgery compared to Non-Obese Subjects

The purpose of this study was to determine the total content of trans fatty acids (TFA) in subcutaneous, retroperitoneal and visceral fat of morbidly obese and non-obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery or plastic and abdominal surgery. The adipose tissues were obtained by surgery; lipids were extracted, saponified and esterified. TFA were measured by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. The TFA average in obese patients was 6.3% for retroperitoneal and 8.7% for visceral fat. For non-obese patients, the figures were 6.9% (subcutaneous) and 9.3% (visceral). There was no difference between the groups. However, the TFA depot in visceral fat was higher than other fatty tissues for morbidly obese (P<0.001) and non-obese (P<0.05) patients. Our values for TFA content in all adipose tissues analyzed are higher than reported in other countries (3-6%). We showed more TFA in visceral adipose tissue than in other abdominal fat (subcutaneous and retroperitoneal) stores. The visceral adipose tissue level is worrisome because the higher rate of lipolysis in this tissue appears to be an important indicator of metabolic alterations and the levels of TFA found in adipose tissue presumably reflect the higher dietary intake of TFA by Brazilians.

Glucose and fat metabolism in adipose tissue of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 knockout mice

Acc2-/- mutant mice, when fed a high-fat/high-carbohydrate (HF/HC) diet, were protected against diet-induced obesity and diabetes. To investigate the role of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) in the regulation of energy metabolism in adipose tissues, we studied fatty acid and glucose oxidation in primary cultures of adipocytes isolated from wild-type and Acc2-/- mutant mice fed either normal chow or a HF/HC diet. When fed normal chow, oxidation of [14C]palmitate in adipocytes of Acc2-/- mutant mice was approximately 80% higher than in adipocytes of WT mice, and it remained significantly higher in the presence of insulin. Interestingly, in addition to increased fatty acid oxidation, we also observed increased glucose oxidation in adipocytes of Acc2-/- mutant mice compared with that of WT mice. When fed a HF/HC diet for 4-5 months, adipocytes of Acc2-/- mutant mice maintained a 25% higher palmitate oxidation and a 2-fold higher glucose oxidation than WT mice. The mRNA level of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) decreased several fold in the adipose tissue of WT mice fed a HF/HC diet; however, in the adipose tissue of Acc2-/- mutant mice, it was 7-fold higher. Moreover, lipolysis activity was higher in adipocytes of Acc2-/- mutant mice compared with that in WT mice. These findings suggest that continuous fatty acid oxidation in the adipocytes of Acc2-/- mutant mice, combined with a higher level of glucose oxidation and a higher rate of lipolysis, are major factors leading to efficient maintenance of insulin sensitivity and leaner Acc2-/- mutant mice.