Ingestion Of Test Meal Research Articles

Popcorn is more satiating than potato chips in normal-weight adults

BackgroundStrategies that may increase compliance to reduced energy intakes are needed to reduce the health burden of obesity. Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effects of snacking on satiety and energy intake.MethodsThis study compared short-term satiety from two common snack foods, low fat popcorn or potato chips. Using a counterbalanced within-subject design, 35 normal weight non-smoking participants (17 men, 18 women) ages 20–50 years (mean age 33 ± 11, BMI 23 ± 2 kg/m2) consumed four conditions each: 200 mL of water (control), one cup (4 g, 15 kcal) popcorn, 6 cups (27 g, 100 kcal) popcorn, and one cup (28 g, 150 kcal) potato chips, each with 200 mL water. Participants rated their hunger, satisfaction, prospective consumption, and thirst on 100 mm visual analogue scales 30 minutes after commencement of snack consumption. In addition, post-snack energy intake from an ad libitum meal (amount served less amount remaining) was measured, and the test food and meal combined energy intake and energy compensation were calculated.ResultsParticipants expressed less hunger, more satisfaction, and lower estimates of prospective food consumption after six cups of popcorn compared to all other treatments (P < 0.05). Energy compensation was 220% ± 967%, 76% ± 143% and 42% ± 75% after one cup popcorn, six cups popcorn and one cup potato chips, respectively. Combined energy intake was significantly greater (P < 0.01) during the potato chips condition (803 ± 277 kcal) compared to control (716 ± 279 kcal) or popcorn conditions (698 ± 286 kcal for one cup and 739 ± 294 kcal for six cups). Combined energy intakes from both popcorn conditions were not significantly different than control (p > 0.05).ConclusionPopcorn exerted a stronger effect on short-term satiety than did potato chips as measured by subjective ratings and energy intake at a subsequent meal. This, combined with its relatively low calorie load, suggests that whole grain popcorn is a prudent choice for those wanting to reduce feelings of hunger while managing energy intake and ultimately, body weight.

Plasma cortisol levels in response to a cold pressor test did not predict appetite or ad libitum test meal intake in obese women

Heightened cortisol response to stress due to hyperactivation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis may stimulate appetite and food intake. In this study, we assessed cortisol responsivity to a cold pressor test (CPT) as well as appetite ratings and subsequent test meal intake (TMI) in obese women. Following an overnight fast on two counterbalanced days, 20 obese women immersed their non-dominant hand for 2min in ice water (CPT) or warm water (WW) as a control. Plasma cortisol (ng/ml), heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as ratings of stress, pain, and appetite, were serially acquired. An ad libitum liquid meal was offered at 45min and intake measured covertly. Fasting cortisol was higher at 15min (mean peak cortisol) following the CPT compared to WW. Higher stress was reported at 2 and 15min for the CPT compared to WW. Pain, an indirect marker of the acute stress, systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased following the CPT at 2min compared to WW. Hunger decreased after the CPT at 2 and 15min, and desire to eat ratings were lower following CPT compared to WW. Subjects did not have greater test meal intake (TMI) following CPT compared to WW. There was also no significant relationship between cortisol levels following stress and TMI, indicating that cortisol did not predict subsequent intake in obese women.

Gender differences in the satiety effects of sugar-containing drinks

Findings concerning the satiety effects of sugar-containing drinks are somewhat inconsistent, perhaps in part due to variations in study design and novelty of the drinks tested. In a parallel groups, preload-test meal study, healthy female (n = 54) and male (n = 54) participants (mean age 28 years, BMI 24 kg/m2 and DEBQ restraint 2.1) received 300 ml of either a blackcurrant drink sweetened with sucrose (670 kJ), the same amount of sucrose in water, or plain water. Twenty minutes later an ad libitum meal of sandwiches and creamy-yogurt dessert was served. Results showed a mean reduction (not significant) in meal energy intake following the blackcurrant drink versus water in men (−662 kJ), but not for women (+386 kJ) (preload by gender interaction, p = 0.07). Corresponding mean results for the sugar in water drink versus plain water were −431 and +441 kJ, respectively. Preferences for the test meal foods assessed before the study day, baseline (pre-drink) appetite ratings, BMI, dietary restraint, and eating disinhibition all failed to account significantly for variance in test meal intake. Although a parallel groups design avoids carry-over effects, because of large individual differences in meal energy intake this is not an efficient method for preload test-meal studies. The current findings of energy compensation in men but not women support previous studies that have shown gender differences in satiety following sugar-containing drinks and are worthy of further investigation. This research was partly funded by Sugar Nutrition UK.

Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Sleeve Gastrectomy on Glucose and Gut Hormones: a Prospective Randomised Trial

BackgroundLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the most common bariatric technique. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a restrictive procedure; the metabolic and endocrine effects of which remain unknown. We compared the effects of both procedures on glucose metabolism and fasting and meal-stimulated gut hormone levels. MethodsSeven patients were randomised to LRYGB and eight to LSG. All patients were evaluated before and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Plasma levels of glucose, insulin, ghrelin, leptin, peptide YY (PYY), GLP-1 and pancreatic polypeptide were measured before and after 10 and 60 min of a standard test meal ingestion. ResultsAge, body mass index and preoperative hormone levels were similar in both groups. A significant reduction of plasma glucose and insulin levels was observed after surgery. Moreover, a normalisation of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance value was also seen after both procedures. The fasting and postprandial leptin levels were significantly lower in the LRYGB group. LSG was followed by a significant reduction in fasting ghrelin levels. In the LRYGB group, GLP-1 levels increased significantly after the test meal. ConclusionsLRYGB and LSG markedly improved glucose homeostasis. Only LSG decreased fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels, whereas GLP-1 and PYY levels increased similarly after both procedures.

Response of low active GLP-1 like substances to test meal in obese Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with obese controls with normal glucose tolerance

Background: A secretion of plasma active GLP-1 (p-active GLP-1) after ingestion of breakfast test meal (TM) is decreased in obese European patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there was no significant difference in pactive GLP-1 secretion following TM between obese Japanese patients with T2DM and controls. The findings indicate the difference may be due to different races or dietary’s customs of subjects. Aims: We examined whether pactive GLP-1 is truly affected by TM in obese Japanese patients (n = 24, group 1) and obese controls (n = 12, group 2). Methods: Glucose (PG), insulin (s-IRI), C-peptide (s-CPR) and active GLP-1 like substances (p-active GLP-1-S) levels in blood were measured 0, 30 and 60 min after TM. Obese Japanese patients with mean 9 years of diabetes had micro- and macro-vascular disturbances and were treated with diet, exercise and/or oral drugs for hyperglycemia. Results: There was no significant difference in sex, age or BMI between groups. Means HbA1c and PG were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. There were no significant differences in means of basal s-IRI, HOMA-R and s-CPR between groups. However, means of HOMA-β, insulinogenic index, postprandial s-IRI, s-CPR and p-active GLP-1-S or p-active GLP-1-S/PG values after TM were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. Conclusions: These results indicate that a response of p-active GLP-1-S after TM in obese Japanese patients with T2DM was decreased and secretion of GLP-1 relative to PG was impaired. The method of enhancing function of active GLP-1 may be useful for treatment in some of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Susceptibility to Overeating Affects the Impact of Savory or Sweet Drinks on Satiation, Reward, and Food Intake in Nonobese Women 3

AbstractTaste is involved in food preference and choice, and it is thought that it can modulate appetite and food intake. The present study investigated the effect of savory or sweet taste on satiation, reward, and food intake and according to individual differences in eating behavior traits underlying susceptibility to overeating. In a crossover design, 30 women (BMI = 22.7 ± 2.3; age = 21.9 ± 2.6 y) consumed a fixed energy preload (360 kJ/g) with a savory, sweet, or bland taste before selecting and consuming items from a test meal ad libitum. Sensations of hunger were used to calculate the satiating efficiency of the preloads. A computerized task was used to examine effects on food reward (explicit liking and implicit wanting). The Three Factor Eating Questionnaire was used to compare individual differences in eating behavior traits. Satiation and total food intake did not differ according to preload taste, but there was an effect on explicit liking and food selection. The savory preload reduced liking and intake of high-fat savory foods compared to sweet or bland preloads. The eating behavior trait disinhibition interacted with preload taste to determine test meal intake. Higher scores were associated with increased food intake after the sweet preload compared to the savory preload. Independent of preload taste, disinhibition was associated with lower satiating efficiency of the preloads and enhanced implicit wanting for high-fat sweet food. Savory taste has a stronger modulating effect on food preference than sweet or bland taste and may help to preserve normal appetite regulation in people who are susceptible to overeating.

Satiety-relevant sensory qualities enhance the satiating effects of mixed carbohydrate-protein preloads

Orosensory cues such as food texture and flavor have been shown to play a role in satiation, but their role in satiety remains less clear. The objective was to determine whether satiety-relevant orosensory cues enhance the satiating effects of energy in the context of beverage preloads. The effects of 6 drink preloads that combined 2 amounts of energy [high energy (HE): 279 kcal; low energy (LE): 78 kcal] and 3 satiety-relevant sensory contexts [low sensory (LS), medium sensory (MS), and high sensory (HS)] on subsequent appetite and test meal intake were assessed in 36 healthy nonobese volunteers. The ability of the preloads to modify appetite 30 min after consumption depended on both energy content and sensory context (P-interaction < 0.05), with hunger significantly being lower after consumption of the HE than after the LE preload in the HS context (P < 0.001), tending to be lower in the MS context (P = 0.08), but not different in the LS context. Food intake at lunch was lower after the HE than after the LE preloads (effect of energy P < 0.001), but this effect depended on sensory context (P < 0.005). The degree to which reduced test meal intake compensated for the added energy in the HE preloads was 88% in the HS context, which was significantly greater than in the MS (47%) and LS (18%) contexts. Small changes in the sensory characteristics of drinks altered the degree to which added energy was satiating, which implies that nutrients become more satiating when they are predicted by relevant sensory cues such as thickness and creaminess. This trial was registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN36258511.

Effects of the Traditional Japanese Medicine Rikkunshito on Postprandial Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Rikkunshito, a traditional Japanese medicine, has been used as a prokinetic agent to treat functional dyspepsia. Acceleration of gastric emptying of a meal may have a great impact on postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses, possibly resulting in lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between blood glucose and insulin levels and GLP-1 response after administration of solid test meals. Effects of Rikkunshito on glucose and lipid metabolism were also evaluated. A meal challenge test (cookie test) was performed on 11 healthy volunteers. Two-week intake of Rikkunshito did not affect postprandial glucose, GLP-1, triglyceride, or RLP-c responses, whereas the plasma insulin level at 60 min was significantly higher after intake of Rikkunshito. FFA levels were also lower from 60 min to 180 min after intake of Rikkunshito. This suggests that GLP-1 does not contribute to enhanced insulin secretion at 60 min after ingestion of solid test meals. It is likely that a prokinetic effect of Rikkunshito could alter insulin secretion after ingestion of solid test meals. Rikkunshito enhances insulin secretion at 60 min after taking solid meals and subsequently reduces plasma FFA levels. These may contribute to preventing metabolic syndrome.

Effects of Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists and Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Rate of Gastric Emptying: A Crossover Study Using a Continuous Real-Time C Breath Test (BreathID System)

Background/AimsThe effects of Histamine-2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors on the gastrointestinal motility have not yet been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intravenous bolus administration of famotidine and omeprazole on the rate of gastric emptying using the continuous 13C breath test (BreathID system, Exalenz Bioscience Ltd, Israel).MethodsTwelve healthy male volunteers participated in this randomized, 3-way crossover study. After fasting overnight, the subjects were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg of famotidine, 20 mg of omeprazole or 20 mL of saline alone by intravenous bolus injection before a test meal (200 kcal per 200 mL, containing 100 mg of 13C-acetate). Gastric emptying was monitored for 4 hours after the ingestion of test meal by the 13C-acetic acid breath test performed using the BreathID system.ResultsNo significant differences in the calculated parameters, namely, the T1/2, Tlag, GEC, β and κ, were observed among the 3 test conditions.ConclusionsThe study revealed that intravenous administration of gastric acid suppressant drugs had no significant influence on the rate of gastric emptying in comparison with that of saline alone as a placebo. Our results indicating the absence of any effect of either famotidine or omeprazole on accelerating the rate of gastric emptying suggest that both medications can be administered safely to patients suffering from hemorrhagic peptic ulcers who need to be kept nil by mouth from the viewpoint of possible acceleration of gastrointestinal motility in the clinical setting.

Maní tostado y molido conduce a una menor respuesta glicémica postprandial comparado con maní crudo

Introduction: Few studies have evaluated the effect of nuts processing on the glycemic response and satiety. Objective: To evaluate the effect of peanut processing on glycemic response, and energy and nutrients intake. Method: Thirteen healthy subjects (4 men and 9 women), with a mean age of 28.5 ± 10 years, BMI 22.7 ± 2.5kg/m², and body fat 23.7 ± 5.7% participated in this randomized crossover clinical trial. After 10-12h of fasting, one of the following types of test meals were consumed: raw peanuts with skin (RPS), roasted peanuts without skin, ground-roasted peanuts without skin (GRPWS) or control meal. The test meals had the same nutrient composition, and were consumed with 200 ml of water in 15 minutes. Glycemic response was evaluated 2 hours after each meal. Energy and nutrients intake were assessed through diet records reflecting the habitual food intake and food consumption 24 hours after the ingestion of test meal. Result: The area under the glycemic response curve after GRPWS was lower (p = 0.02) the one obtained for RPS. There was no treatment effect on energy intake, macronutrients and fiber consumption after the test meal. Conclusion: The consumption of ground-roasted peanuts may favor the control and prevention of diabetes due to its reduction on postprandial glucose response. However, more prospective studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Gallbladder Emptying in Patients with Major Depression: A Case Series

Although several adverse effects of antidepressants on the gastrointestinal tract have been described (bleeding, constipation, dolichocolon), their influence on gallbladder motility was not investigated.The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of selected antidepressants on gallbladder emptying in patients with major depression. The study was set up as an open clinical trial, with the same intervention (ingestion of test meal provoking gallbladder emptying) undertaken in 112 patients with major depression. There were 30 patients not taking antidepressants (the control group), 25 patients taking amitriptyline, 30 patients taking maprotiline, and 27 patients taking fluoxetine. The volume of gallbladder in the study patients was measured by ultrasonography before the test meal, and 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after the meal. 1 h after ingestion of the study meal, the amitriptyline group showed incomplete gallbladder emptying (F=10.829, df=3, p=0.000; mean residual volume 11.0±6.1 mL), while in the control, maprotiline and fluoxetine groups emptying of gallbladder was complete (mean residual volumes 5.0±3.3 mL, 5.6±3.7 mL and 5.7±2.3 mL, respectively). In patients with cholecystitis, it would be wise to use antidepressants which do not impair gallbladder emptying, like maprotiline or fluoxetine, and to avoid amitriptyline.

Review and meta‐analysis of the short‐term effects of a vegetable oil emulsion on food intake

Several short-term studies have investigated the effects of a vegetable oil emulsion on subsequent food intake, although findings have been inconsistent. This work aimed to review all studies, and investigate differences in study outcomes based on methodology. All known studies were identified. Data were abstracted from published studies (n = 7). Details of unpublished studies were gained from investigators/sponsors (n = 5), or were unavailable for reasons of confidentiality (n = 4). Available data were combined using meta-analyses. A combined appetite suppressant effect of the emulsion compared with control was found for test meal intake at approximately 4, 12 and 36 h post-treatment: smallest combined mean difference (random effects model) = 0.53 MJ (95% confidence interval 0.20, 0.86), P < 0.01. However, considerable heterogeneity (variability) between study results was also found (smallest I(2) = 94%, P < 0.01), questioning the predictive validity of the above findings. Meta-regression suggested this heterogeneity to be related to differences in the processed nature of the product, treatment dose and in particular year of study (smallest B = 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.06, 1.03, P = 0.04), although again heterogeneity was found. The only consistent finding was a lack of effect on food intake 4 h post-preload in studies conducted after 2003. These results suggest a small but inconsistent appetite suppressant effect of the vegetable oil emulsion. However, due to the large heterogeneity, no definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Decreased active GLP-1 response following large test meal in patients with type 1 diabetes using bolus insulin analogues

Postprandial plasma immunoreactive active glucagon-like peptide-1 (p-active GLP-1) levels in type 1 diabetic patients who did not use bolus insulin responded normally following ingestion of test meal, while a small response of p-active GLP-1 levels was seen in type 2 diabetic patients. To determine whether p-active GLP-1 levels are affected by ingestion of test meal in type 1 diabetic Japanese patients who used bolus rapid-acting insulin analogues, plasma glucose (PG), serum immunoreactive insulin (s-IRI), serum immunoreactive C-peptide (s-CPR), and p-active GLP-1 levels were measured 0, 30, and 60 min after ingestion of test meal in Japanese patients without diabetic complications (n=10, group 1) and control subjects with normal glucose tolerance (n=15, group 2). HbA1c levels were also measured in these groups. The patients in group 1 were treated with multiple daily injections or CSII using injections of bolus rapid-acting insulin analogues before ingestion of test meal. There was no significant difference in mean of sex, age, or BMI between groups. Means of HbA1c, basal and postprandial PG, and postprandial s-IRI levels with integrated areas under curves (0-60 min) (AUC) in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2. Means of basal and postprandial s-CPR, and postprandial p-active GLP-1 levels with AUCs were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. These results indicated that postprandial p-active GLP-1 levels following ingestion of test meal in type 1 diabetic Japanese patients using bolus rapid-acting insulin analogues were decreased relative to those in controls.

Normal Response of Active GLP-1 Level like Substances to Test Meal in Non-Obese Type 2 Diabetic Japanese Patients with Complications and Receiving Treatments

Background: Study has shown no significant differences in basal and postprandial plasma active glucagon-like peptide-1 (p-active GLP-1) levels following test meal (TM) between complication- and treatment-naive non-obese Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and controls. Methods: In non-obese Japanese patients with T2DM (n=23, group 1) and healthy individuals as control (n=13, group 2), blood levels of plasma glucose (PG), serum insulin (s-IRI), serum C-peptide (s-CPR) and p-active GLP-1 like substances (p-active GLP-1-S) were measured 0, 30, and 60 min after TM (520-560 kcal. 23% fat, 60% carbohydrate and 17% protein). HbA1c levels were also measured in the groups. Patients with mean of 9.2 years disease had various complications and treatment with diet, exercise and/or oral medical drugs except incretin-related drugs for hyperglycemia. Results: There was no significant difference in mean of sex, age, or BMI between groups. Means of HbA1c and basal and postprandial PG with area under curve (AUC), and HOMA-R were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Means of HOMA-β and insulinogenic index after ingestion of TM were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. However, there were no significant differences in means of basal and postprandial with AUC levels of s-IRI, s-CPR and p-active GLP-1-S levels between groups. Conclusion: These results indicated that a response of p-active GLP-1-S to TM in non-obese Japanese patients with T2DM associated with a long duration of disease, various complications and various treatments with except incretin-related drugs was similar to those in non-obese healthy individuals.

Preservation of micronutrients during rapeseed oil refining: A tool to optimize the health value of edible vegetable oils? Rationale and design of the Optim'Oils randomized clinical trial

Numerous micronutrients naturally abundant in oilseeds prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing cholesterolemia and oxidative stress. These micronutrients include phytosterols and various antioxidants such as polyphenols, tocopherols and coenzyme Q10/Q9 but most of them are lost during the oilseed oil refining. The main objective of the Optim'Oil project was to modify the processes of oil refining in order to reduce the lost of micronutrients. Two clinical trials (cross-over, monocentric, randomized, double-blind and controlled) were designed to investigate the effect of an optimized rapeseed oil 1) on cardiovascular biomarkers (long-term study) and 2) on oxidative stress parameters (post-prandial study). For the long-term study, 59 volunteers ingested daily 20 g of oil and 22 g of margarine (optimized or standard) for 2 periods of 3 weeks separated by a 3-week wash-out period. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of each period. For the post-prandial study, a sub-group of 16 volunteers came fasted at the laboratory and took 300 mL of a test meal containing 60% of the optimized or standard oils. Blood samples were collected before and during 6 h after the test meal intake. In comparison with the standard oil and margarine, the optimized oil and margarine exhibit as expected an increased content of phytosterol (+ 22%), polyphenols (×11), tocopherols (+ 131%) and coenzyme Q10/Q9 (+ 165%). Overall, conditions of this study were relevant to investigate the effect of the optimized rapeseed oil and margarine on the cardiovascular risk and the oxidative stress.

Gastric dysmotility in healthy first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia

Gastric dysmotility has been reported in patients suffering from major depression or schizophrenia. An increased sympathetic activity modulating the gastric pacemaker located in the antrum of the stomach has been suggested as the underlying pathology. Similar to patients suffering from schizophrenia, their first-degree relatives showed alterations in cardiac autonomic modulation. Here we aimed to investigate gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy relatives of patients suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. Electrogastrography (EGG) was performed before and after test meal ingestion in 20 patients with paranoid schizophrenia, 20 of their first-degree relatives and 20 healthy matched controls. Autonomic and abdominal symptoms were assessed by the autonomic symptom score as previously reported. Autonomic parameters were correlated with the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). Only minimal differences were observed before test meal ingestion between relatives and controls. In contrast, after test meal ingestion we observed a significantly increased tachygastria within the signal of the gastric pacemaker in relatives compared to controls, whereas normogastria was reduced. Significant difference between relatives and controls were also found for postprandial ICDF (instability coefficient of dominant frequency) and slow wave, which represents the dominant frequency of gastric pacemaker activity, indicating gastric dysmotility in relatives. Between relatives and patients just a difference for ICDP (instability coefficient of dominant power) was observed. After stimulation of the enteric nervous system we have observed an increased sympathetic modulation in first-degree relatives of patients suffering from schizophrenia. This result adds evidence to an ongoing debate on the genetic influence of autonomic dysfunction in the disease.

The satiety effect of disguised liquid preloads administered acutely and differing only in their nutrient content tended to be weaker for lipids but did not differ between proteins and carbohydrates in human subjects

Whether protein is the macronutrient with the strongest satiety effect remains a matter of debate because of the diversity of study designs employed. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of different liquid preloads made up of proteins, fats or carbohydrates only, under stringently controlled conditions, on satiety. Fifty-six subjects participated in the present study which consisted of four randomised test days, i.e. 1d per macronutrient and one control day. During each test day, the subjects were required to consume the preload in full, and then their subsequent food intake was measured. The volunteers were divided into two groups: the first (T0) group, which consumed the preload immediately before lunch, and the second (T1) group, which consumed it 1h beforehand. The main results showed that the participants consumed significantly less at lunch following the consumption of all three preloads than on the no-preload day, and consumed less after the consumption of the carbohydrate preload than after the consumption of the lipid preload. When energy from the preload was included, overall energy intake was significantly greater in all the three preload conditions than in the situation involving no preload, with only partial compensation for preload energy in all conditions. Total daily energy intake was highest after the lipid preload ingestion, but this could be a chance finding since it was not significantly higher than that observed after protein or carbohydrate preload ingestion. No significant effects of the interval between the preload and test meal ingestion were found. These results do not confirm the greater satiety effect of proteins than of carbohydrates, but partially confirm the weaker effect of fats.

Sex Differences in the Effects of Inherited Bitter Thiourea Sensitivity on Body Weight in 4–6‐Year‐Old Children

Previous studies have shown that inherited taste blindness to bitter compounds like 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) may be a risk factor for obesity, but this literature has been highly controversial. The objectives of this study were (i) to confirm findings that show an interaction between PROP status and sex on BMI z-score, and (ii) to determine if sex also interacts with variations in TAS2R38 (phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) genotype) to influence weight status in 4-6 year olds. Also, we tested whether nontaster children consumed more fat and total energy at laboratory-based meals. Seventy-two ethnically diverse children who ranged in weight status were classified as tasters (N = 52) or nontasters (N = 20) using a standard PROP screening solution. Anthropometric measures were taken, and at the end of each visit, children ate ad libitum from test meals intended for exploratory purposes. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva and alleles at TAS2R38 were genotyped for A49P polymorphisms. In 75.8% of children, PTC genotype predicted PROP phenotype, whereas in 24.4%, genotype did not predict phenotype. PROP nontaster males had higher BMI z-scores than taster-males and females in both groups (P < 0.05), but due to a three-way interaction between PROP phenotype, TAS2R38 genotype, and sex, this relationship was only true for children who were homozygous for the bitter-insensitive allele (P < 0.0005). There were no differences in test-meal intake as a function of PROP phenotype or TAS2R38 genotype. These results suggest that the TAS2R38 variation, PROP phenotype, and sex interact to impact obesity risk in children. Future studies should be done to determine how this trait influences energy balance.

Linear and non-linear measures indicate gastric dysmotility in patients suffering from acute schizophrenia

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been reported in patients suffering from schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate gastric electrical activity in unmedicated patients suffering from acute schizophrenia in relation to their symptoms. Electrogastrography was performed before and after test meal ingestion in 26 patients suffering from schizophrenia and 26 matched controls. The non-linear measure approximate entropy (ApEn) was calculated for the first time from the obtained signal in addition to standardized measures. Results were correlated with the scales for the assessment of positive symptoms and negative symptoms. In addition, autonomic and abdominal symptoms were assessed by the autonomic symptom score. We found a significantly increased amount of tachygastria and arrhythmia within the signal of the activity of the gastric pacemaker before and after test meal digestion in patients compared to controls, indicating increased sympathetic modulation within the enteric nervous system. A significant difference was observed for slow wave, which represents the dominant frequency of gastric pacemaker activity, indicating gastric dysmotility in our patients. The elevated ApEn measure points to increased complexity and dysregulation. In addition, we have observed a correlation between delusions and tachygastria. Sympathetic function seems to be altered in the enteric nervous system of patients suffering from schizophrenia. Future studies need to explore the influence of the disease on different branches of the autonomic nervous system and clinical consequences of enteric dysfunction. Our findings point to a possible systemic autonomic imbalance that needs to be studied in respect to the neurobiology of schizophrenia.

No effect of added β-glucan or of fructooligosaccharide on appetite or energy intake

BackgroundAn increase in gastrointestinal viscosity or colonic fermentation is suggested to improve appetite control and reduce food intake. It has been proposed that β-glucan and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) are food ingredients that increase gastrointestinal viscosity and colonic fermentation, but the results are inconclusive. ObjectiveThe objective was to test the effect of FOS, β-glucan, or a combination thereof on appetite ratings and food intake over 2 consecutive days. DesignIn a 4-way balanced-order, crossover, double-blind design, 21 healthy volunteers [mean body mass index (in kg/m2) 25.9] consumed a meal-replacement bar at 0900 and an ad libitum lunch at 1300 on 2 consecutive days. On day 1 only, the subjects consumed a second (identical) bar at 1700 and a fixed snack at 1900. The control bar contained 0.3 g β-glucan from 6.8 g oats (control), and the 3 equicaloric test bars contained an additional 0.9 g β-glucan (from 8.0 g barley), 8 g FOS, or 0.9 g β-glucan + 8 g FOS. Appetite scores and subsequent ad libitum test meal intakes were measured. Viscosities in response to bar consumption were determined under simulated gastric conditions. The results were analyzed by analysis of covariance. ResultsThe addition of β-glucan, FOS, or a combination thereof did not affect appetite ratings or food intake, although the addition of β-glucan to the bar doubled gastric viscosity (841 compared with 351 mPa · s). ConclusionsConsumption of β-glucan, FOS, or a combination thereof in meal-replacement bars at the levels tested for 2 consecutive days does not improve appetite control. Efficacy may have improved if the consumption period was longer, if the content of β-glucan was greater, or if a form of β-glucan that generates even higher gastric viscosity was consumed. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00776256.