Lean Body Research Articles

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF RABBITS USING DIFFERENT GROWING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CHERKASSY REGION

According to the results of the study of the process of forming indicators of meat productivity of rabbits of the California and silver breeds (n = 200 heads), which were raised on the farm using retro-keeping technologies (the rabbit farm of the "Rokitchenkov A. P." Cherkassy region) and in the conditions of the industrial type rabbit farm (the rabbit farm of the Cherkassy experimental Station of Bioresources of the NAAS, Cherkassy), a different level of realization of the potential of meat productivity by rabbits was established, both according to the breed and depending on the cultivation technology. It was established that during the entire period of the study, and in particular before slaughter, a probable predominance was noted in young animals, which were raised according to industrial technology, regardless of the breed, the difference when comparing the average values was 165–222 g (р < 0.01). In terms of breed affiliation, animals of the California breed had higher live weight indicators at this age. It was established that the maximum indicators of animal growth were registered for rabbits of the California breed at the age of 60–90 days; for animals of the silver breed, the process of forming the live weight indicator continued until the age of 120 days. The obtained results indicate that rabbits of the meat direction of productivity have higher values of the index of body fatness (63.8–65.5%), which is typical for rabbits of this breed. This indicator is determined by the ratio of chest girth (27.0–27.2 cm) to the length of the trunk (41.5–42.3 cm) and has the following pattern: the larger the length of the trunk, the smaller the index of the whiplash. Among the analog groups, no significant difference was found in terms of the knockdown index in California rabbits. For rabbits of the silver breed, given the higher body length index (45.2–45.2 cm) with a slight difference in the chest girth index (24.7–25.0 cm), the body leanness index was 54.4–55.3%. Based on the results of the study, it was established that the cultivation of rabbits using industrial technology, in our opinion, to a certain extent, neutralizes the effect of negative factors in the surrounding environment and makes it possible to effectively realize the potential of meat productivity.

Anamorelin for the Treatment of Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome.

The following review will highlight the development of anamorelin to treat cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) including the potential benefits, limitations, and future directions. Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide hormone, is secreted by the stomach mucosa and regulates appetite, promotes lipogenesis, increases body weight, improves gastric motility, reduces catabolic wasting and inflammation. Several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluating anamorelin, a ghrelin agonist, for the treatment of CACS have reported improvement in appetite and body composition including both lean body and fat mass; however, most studies noted no improvement in physical function as assessed by measuring non-dominant hand-grip strength. Common adverse effects of anamorelin include the development of diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, and less frequently, hepatic abnormalities and cardiovascular events including conduction abnormalities, hypertension, and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Anamorelin has the potential to stimulate appetite, improve gastric movement, and may have anti-inflammatory effects on patients with CACS. In patients with cancer, studies involving anamorelin combined with other multimodal treatments including nutrition counseling (branched chain amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids, and other nutrients), exercise, treatment of hormonal abnormalities including hypogonadism and hypovitaminosis D, and anti-inflammatory agents are needed. Compliance with multimodality treatment has been a barrier and future studies may need to incorporate motivational counseling to promote adherence.

Health Promoting Self-Care: Evaluating the Impact of 28-Day Food and Fitness Program on the Physical and Mental Well-Being of Health Care Workers

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of the 28-Day Food and Fitness Program on the physical and mental well-being of health care workers. Social determinants of health significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life. Access to nutritious foods and physical activity is crucial to positive physical and mental well-being. The urgency for hospital executives, administrators, and leaders to prioritize the physical and mental well-being of health care workers has become increasingly evident with unprecedented rates of burnout, stress, and turnover following the COVID-19 pandemic. This 8-week prospective cohort study followed 65 multidisciplinary health care workers from a single Santa Monica, California, hospital, who voluntarily signed-up for a 28-day Food and Fitness Program in the spring of 2022. Participants completed body composition testing pre- and-post-intervention, and were surveyed using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale at baseline, 28 days (4 weeks), and 56 days (8 weeks). Pre- and-post-intervention data showed nonsignificant decreases in variables such as weight and body mass index with increases in lean body and skeletal muscle mass. Mean scores for all 3 subcategories of the ProQOL numerically improved from baseline, but did not reach statistical significance. Preliminary results support use of the 28-Day Food and Fitness Program to improve caregiver physical and mental well-being, but further research is needed to quantify impact more reliably.

FRI391 A Metabolomics Analysis Of Moderate Energy Restriction In Healthy Lean Women

Abstract Disclosure: L. Levine: None. K. Overdahl: None. S. Molsberry: None. S. Shekhar: None. A. Jarmusch: None. J.E. Hall: None. Introduction: Metabolomics can elucidate metabolic responses to dietary interventions and has been used in energy restriction studies, primarily in overweight/obese men and women. Although the menstrual cycle affects the metabolome, most dietary intervention studies have not controlled for menstrual cycle phase, nor have they examined the effect of moderate, short-term energy restriction on the metabolic profile of healthy, normal-weight women. Objective: To characterize metabolomic changes in response to a 55% reduction in dietary intake during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Study participants included 19 healthy women aged 18-28 years who were of normal BMI and fitness, not restricting nutritional intake and with biochemically confirmed regular ovulatory menstrual cycles. Participants underwent 5-day dietary interventions in the early follicular phase of two menstrual cycles. The first diet consisted of neutral energy availability (NEA; 45 kcal/kg*lean body mass/day) and the second of deficient energy availability (DEA; 20 kcal/kg*lean body mass/day) without changes in macronutrient composition. On the 5th day of each diet, serum was collected at ∼8am following an overnight fast, and immediately before and every 10 minutes for 60 minutes after the consumption of a standardized isocaloric snack at ∼4pm. Untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Univariate statistics were performed on all metabolites, using t-tests with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate adjusted p-values to account for multiple testing (p-value ≤ 0.05). Log2-fold change was calculated for all chemical features. Results: At baseline, participants had a weight of 61.9±2.75 kg (mean±SEM), BMI of 23.96±0.69 kg/m2 (mean±SEM), and percent body fat of 28.01±1.61% (mean±SEM). DEA resulted in a 1.25±0.13 kg (mean±SEM) decrease in body weight (p<0.01). While few statistically significant differences were present between fasted NEA and DEA samples, numerous chemical features were significantly upregulated in DEA post-snack samples. Specifically, 11 carnitines, 7 phosphocholines, and 8 fatty acids or fatty acid intermediates exhibited a log2fold change of 0.5 or higher (>40% increase; p ≤ 0.05) in post-snack DEA samples compared to NEA samples. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that following isocaloric intake, moderate energy restriction in normal-weight, healthy women is associated not only with the use of fat as an energy source, but also with cellular membrane breakdown. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

A narrative review on concept of Bala and immunity in Ayurveda physiology

Bala in Ayurveda physiology is a multidimensional factor that refers to physical and psychological strength and the ability produced in response to antigen exposure and resistance against the manifestation of disease. It has also been synonymously used for components providing strength, nourishment, and stability to the body such as Oja, Vyadhikshamatva, Balya, Sara, Balavriddhikara Bhava, Prakrita Sleshma. The Bala of a person is determined by a complex interaction of multifactor such as Balavriddhikara Bhava, Dhatu Sarata, Prakriti, indulgence in dietary and behavioural activities, inherent qualities, etc. Further, it has also been opined that the Bala of a person cannot be assessed by just observing his body physique, as it has been seen that a person having a well-formed body does not always have good strength. In contrast, a person with a lean body may have excellent stability. As the Bala of a person serves as an important criterion for assessment of the severity as well as prognosis of disease, there is a need for the development of objective parameters for its assessment and implication in clinical practices.

A Study on Body Fat Percentage for Physical Fitness and Prevention of Obesity: A Two Compartment Model

The minimal amount of body fat is necessary for normal physiological functions that manages body temperature, creates energy to perform all the physical activities, and protects the organs of human body. Storage body fat consists of fat accumulation in adipose tissue. Total body fat in human body is the sum of essential fat and storage fat. At present body fat percentage is considered as one of the most accurate obesity evaluation tools. To determine body fat accurately the clinicians should use the most appropriate, accurate, and accessible strategies available in the scientific research area. Accurate measurement of body fat and lean body is essential for the nutrition assessment, and an individual’s overall health and well-being. In this study some measurement processes are discussed to determine body fat percentage (BFP) properly of a person by the analysis of two compartment model: fat mass and fat free mass.

Early, emotional and embodied? Processing of emotional words and body words in the native and a second language – evidence from early event-related brain potential modulation and rapid serial visual presentation

ABSTRACT Visual processing of emotional words modulates early event-related potentials (ERPs) such as the early posterior negativity (EPN). Questions remain as to whether this modulation reflects modality-specific processing, preferentially elicited by emotional words of the native language (L1). This study investigates the modulation of early ERPs during rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of adjectives or nouns referring to emotional feeling states, neutral traits, to an overweight or lean body or to concrete body parts or neutral objects, presented in the L1 and the second language (L2). Word ratings in the L2 were assessed in a pilot study. The N100 and the EPN were modulated by the emotional valence of the stimuli irrespective of the word class or the task (silent reading vs. word counting). The results suggest that early affective appraisal is obligatory, not restricted to privileged categories of linguistic information (emotions) or solely found for the embodied language (L1).

Cellular, molecular and genomic alterations in the hatchlings of Labeo rohita after exposure to Triclosan

Triclosan 5-chloro-2-(2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol (TCS) is widely used as a biocide in human and veterinary medicines, personal care products and household articles. To obtain biomarkers for the acute stress of Triclosan, the hatchlings of Labeo rohita were exposed for 96 h to 0.06, 0.067 and 0.097 mg/L TCS. Morphological deformities, cell viability, frequency of micronucleated and aberrant cells, transcriptomic and biomolecular alterations were recorded after exposure and a depuration period of 10 days. The exposed hatchlings had a pointed head, curved trunk, lean body, deformed caudal fin, haemorrhage, hypopigmentation and tissue degeneration at 0.067 and 0.097 mg/L only. The frequency of viable cells declined but that of necrotic, apoptotic, micronucleated and abnormal cells increased (p ≤ 0.01) in a concentration dependent manner after exposure as well as the depuration period. After recovery, the frequency of viable and micronucleated cells increased, but that of necrotic, apoptotic, and aberrant cells declined in comparison to their respective 96 h values. The mRNA level of HSP47, HSP70, HSc71 and α-tropomyosin increased (p ≤ 0.01), while that of HSP60, HSP90, DHPR, myosin light polypeptide 3, desmin b and lamin b1 declined (p ≤ 0.01) after exposure. Ten days post exposure, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) over control was observed in the expression of all the heat shock and cytoskeletal genes and the values (except for HSc71) were higher than the respective 96 h values also. Infrared spectra showed that band area of amide A, amide I, amide II and phospholipids increased significantly (p ≤ 0.01) but peak intensity of lipid, glycogen and nucleic acids decreased after exposure. After recovery, area of the peaks for most of the biomolecules [except lipids (2924–2925, 1455–1457 cm−1) and glycogen (1163–1165 cm−1)] declined significantly over control and 96 h values. Collectively these changes seem to be responsible not only for the onset of paralysis but also for the concentration dependent increase in larval and cellular abnormalities as well as no/sporadic swimming movement in exposed hatchlings. It is evident that HSP60, HSc71, HSP90, α-tropomyosin and DHPR were strongly affected but DHPR can be used as the most sensitive marker for the toxicity of TCS. This is the first study reporting effect of TCS on the selected heat shock and cytoskeletal genes in a single model.

In the pitfall of expectations: An exploratory analysis of stressors in elite rhythmic gymnastics.

The present study explored the types of stressors faced by rhythmic gymnastics athletes, their parents, and coaches. Semi-structured interviews with 12 participants—four gymnasts, five coaches, and three parents—were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in a theory-driven framework. The categorizations of sport-related stressors for the parents, coaches, and gymnasts were based on existing theories. The results showed that both the gymnasts and the coaches predominantly noted mastery-avoidance goals in terms of performance, while the interviews with parents mostly indicated performance-avoidance goals. All three groups of participants consistently reported a detrimental atmosphere in rhythmic gymnastics. For instance, they emphasized the stress related to inadequate communication between the concerned parties. Moreover, all parties believed that having a lean body was linked to success in the competitive world of rhythmic gymnastics. The present study provides insight into some of the potential major stressors and the related subjective experiences affecting athletes socializing in the same sporting environment.

Exploration of NADI in Context of SHARIR

Abstract: The word Nadi means 'flow'. In this sense, Nadis are subtle flows of energy. Nadis are not to be confused with nerves, which are related to the physical body; rather than energy body. The network of Nadis is so subtle and complex that yogic texts differ in their exact number. According to Goraksha Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika Nadi are 72,000; Prapanchasara Tantra gives the number of 300,000; while the Shiva Samhita states that 350,000 Nadis emerge from the navel centre. The body of energy has its own anatomy, based on seven major energy vortices called Chakras. The word Chakra means circle, wheel or disk. The Chakra line up along a central energy channel or Nadi, which runs from the base of the spine to the the top of the head. It is called the Sushumna. The life force's main pathway through the energy body is called Sushumna (Kundalini). Primary there is central Sushumna and two others on either side. The left-side channel is the Ida. Its qualities are cool, soft, reflective, sensitive and like the moon. The Pingala or right-side channel is associated with heat, activity, and strength and much like the sun. The balance of energy flow on these two sides, affects the sensations of heat and cold in the physical body. These two channels originate in Sushumna, near the base of the spine (bulb or Kanda), and correspond to the first Chakra, Muladhara. At each of upper Chakras, as they crisscross & ascend the Sushumna. According to Gherand Samhita, “When the Nadis are full of impurities, Vayu does not enter them.” The signs of free from impurities are lean body, glowing colour, eyes are clear, body is healthy, Bindu under control, and appetite increases.

Clinical Characteristics Associated with the Development of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective This study analyzed the clinical and laboratory parameters that might influence the clinical outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes who develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which has not been well investigated. Methods We reviewed the clinical and laboratory data of 158 patients who were hospitalized due to DKA between January 2006 and June 2019 and compared the data of patients stratified by the type of diabetes. In addition, the patients with type 2 diabetes were subdivided according to age, and their clinical and laboratory findings were evaluated. Results Patients with type 2 diabetes had a longer symptom duration associated with DKA, higher body mass index (BMI), and higher C-peptide levels than those with type 1 diabetes (p＜0.05). Among patients with type 2 diabetes, elderly patients (≥65 years old) had a longer duration of diabetes, higher frequency of DKA onset under diabetes treatment, higher effective osmolarity, lower BMI, and lower urinary C-peptide levels than nonelderly patients (＜65 years old) (p＜0.05). A correlation analysis showed that age was significantly negatively correlated with the index of insulin secretory capacity. Conclusion Patients with DKA and type 2 diabetes had a higher BMI and insulin secretion capacity than those with type 1 diabetes. However, elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, unlike younger patients, were characterized by a lean body, impaired insulin secretion, and more frequent DKA development while undergoing treatment for diabetes.

Identifying components of drive for muscularity and leanness associated with core body image disturbance: A network analysis.

Alongside thin ideals, internalizing muscular and/or lean body ideals is associated with eating disorder (ED) symptomatology, especially among males. However, assessment of drive for muscularity (DM) and drive for leanness (DL) also captures attitudes and behaviors that are normative in the general population. The aim of this study was to identify components of DM and DL that are independently linked to core body image disturbance in EDs-shape/weight dissatisfaction, overvaluation ,and fear of weight gain-in community adolescents using network analysis. A representative sample of 4,975 Australian adolescents (53% females, Mage = 14.92) from Wave 1 of the EveryBODY study was included in the analyses. We estimated regularized and unregularized networks, identified communities of items, estimated bridge centrality between communities, and explored sex differences in network structure and connectivity with a Network Comparison Test. Results showed that items "feeling better about oneself if having a lean body" and "wishing to be muscular" had the highest bridge centralities, and network structures of male and females did not significantly differ. Importantly, some components of DM were negatively associated with body image disturbance. These findings suggest that, when investigating the role of DL and DM in EDs, it would be useful to further assess these constructs as multifaceted since relationships between these phenomena are likely more nuanced than previously speculated. Development and subsequent use of instruments for certain behaviors and/or attitudes more specifically associated with body image disturbance might be more informative than somewhat artificially confined focus on either thinness, leanness, or muscularity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The VIP/VPAC1R Pathway Regulates Energy and Glucose Homeostasis by Modulating GLP-1, Glucagon, Leptin and PYY Levels in Mice.

Simple SummaryThe current study is the first complete characterization of the phenotypic, metabolic, calorimetric, and homeostatic effects of VPAC1R in a null murine model. To evaluate the role of VPAC1R on body phenotype, feeding behavior, glucose/energy homeostasis, metabolic rate and plasma hormones, a long-term study was conducted in VPAC1R−/− and WT mice. The outcome data document that VPAC1R−/− mice have altered metabolism and insulin intolerance, with significant increase of feeding bouts, reduction of total energy expenditure and respiratory gases during both the dark and light cycle, together with elevated fasting levels of GLP-1 and PYY, and higher postprandial levels of GLP-1, glucagon leptin and PYY. These findings suggests that VPAC1R controls glucose homeostasis and energy balance by regulating plasma metabolic hormones.Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide binds with high affinity to VPAC1R and VPAC2R, thus regulating key physiologic functions. Previously, we documented in VIP−/− mice a leaner body phenotype and altered metabolic hormones. Past reports described in VPAC2−/− mice impaired circadian rhythm, reduced food intake, and altered metabolism. To better define the effects of VPAC1R on body phenotype, energy/glucose homeostasis, and metabolism, we conducted a 12-week study in a VPAC1R null model. Our results reveal that VPAC1−/− mice experienced significant metabolic alterations during the dark cycle with greater numbers of feeding bouts (p = 0.009), lower Total Energy Expenditure (p = 0.025), VO2 (p = 0.029), and VCO2 (p = 0.016); as well as during the light cycle with lower Total Energy Expenditure (p = 0.04), VO2 (p = 0.044), and VCO2 (p = 0.029). Furthermore, VPAC1−/− mice had significantly higher levels of GLP-1 and PYY during fasting, and higher levels of GLP-1, glucagon leptin and PYY during postprandial conditions. In addition, VPAC1−/− mice had lower levels of glucose at 60′ and 120′, as assessed by insulin tolerance test. In conclusion, this study supports a key role for VPAC1R in the regulation of body glucose/energy homeostasis and metabolism.

Aspiration pneumonia and anesthesia techniques in hip fracture surgery in elderly patients: A retrospective cohort study using administrative data.

Purpose: Aspiration pneumonia is a critical issue. General anesthesia may suppress the airway's protective reflex. However, aspiration pneumonia is also observed in patients who undergo hip fracture surgery under spinal anesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anesthesia methods and aspiration pneumonia as well as the predictive factors of aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Methods: The medical records of 19,809 patients aged ≥60years who underwent hip fracture surgery under general or spinal anesthesia were reviewed. After propensity score matching, the anesthesia methods affecting the occurrences of aspiration pneumonia and other complications were investigated via logistic regression and instrumental variable analyses. Predictive factors of aspiration pneumonia were also investigated in all subjects using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 11,673 general anesthesia patients and 8136 spinal anesthesia patients, aspiration pneumonia occurred in 356 patients (1.8%). Post-propensity score matching the incidences of aspiration pneumonia with general and spinal anesthesia were 1.8% and 1.5%, respectively (p = 0.158); other pulmonary complications were 1.5% and 1.5%, respectively (p = 0.893); and the mortality rates were 1.4% and 1.2%, respectively (p = 0.219). The predictive factors of aspiration pneumonia were advanced age, male sex, lean body, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and dependency for activities of daily living (eating). Conclusion: Spinal and general anesthesia showed similar incidences of aspiration pneumonia in elderly hip fracture surgery. Regardless of the anesthesia method, great care should be taken, especially in elderly patients with the identified predictive factors.

Somatotype and its association with body mass index, body fat, and muscle mass among adult male elite weightlifters of Merida, Mexico

Aim: To evaluate somatotype and its association with body mass index (BMI), body fat (%), and muscle mass (%) among adult male elite weightlifters in Merida, Mexico. Methods: Eight elite male weightlifters, age ranged from 20-29 year were studied at Yucatan State Sports Institute of Mexico. Height, weight, skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, iliac crest, supraspinale, thigh, and calf), girths (mid-upper arm relaxed and flexed, mid-thigh, and calf) and breadths (humerus, femur) were recorded. BMI, body fat (%), muscle mass (%), and somatotype were estimated. Phantom Z-score values (Zp scores) were calculated to estimate similarity of body size and proportionality. Results: Average age of the participants was 25.80±1.6 years. Average endomorphic mesomorph somatotype (3.8-7.1-0.5) was observed in the present study. Endomorphy showed significant (p<0.05) correlation with BMI (r= 0.80), percent body fat (r= 0.98), and percent muscle mass (r= -0.91). Mesomorphy was significantly correlated with percent muscle mass (r= 0.65, p<0.05). BMI had correlation with percent body fat (r= 0.70, p<0.05) and percent muscle mass (r= -0.55, p>0.05). Simultaneous increase of body fat and muscle mass with the rise of body weight of the weightlifters were evident. Body weight, breadths and circumferences had positive Zp scores whereas skinfolds had negative Zp scores. Conclusions: Somatotype of elite weightlifters showed higher relative muscularity and lower body fatness. Somatotype was observed to be a reliable indicator to distinguish between body fatness and leanness.

The Perks of Doing Housework: Its Impacts on Physical Health, Mental Well-Being, Cognitive Performance, and Survival

Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effects of doing housework. While some earlier studies have found no association between performing heavy housework and health, other studies have found various benefits of doing housework, including body leanness and lower mortality rate. This study examined the effects of housework on older adults’ survival over a period of 14 years, and investigated the underlying mechanisms. A total of 2,768 older adults in Hong Kong (female: 47.29%; age: 65-98) from a longitudinal survey study were included in the current analyses. Linear regression analysis revealed that doing more housework was significantly associated with surviving more days (β = 45.36, SE = 6.40, p < .001). We then examined whether the association between housework and survival was mediated by physical health, mental health and/or cognitive functioning using a parallel mediation model with multiple mediators. Results showed a significant partial mediating effect of physical health (β = 1.20, SE = .53, p = .003), a marginally significant partial mediating effect of cognitive functioning (β = 1.35, SE = .70, p = .054) and no mediating effect of mental health. All the analyses remained consistent after controlling for sex, education, marital status, subjective social status and living arrangement. These results suggest that doing housework may benefit survival by improving physical and cognitive functioning. Our findings have implications for better understanding factors that influence mortality, developing accessible physical activity interventions for older adults, and supporting aging in place.

Abstract P184: Aging Male Offspring Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rat Model Have Normal Blood Pressure And Exaggerated Pressor Response To Angiotensin II

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenemia and elevated blood pressure (BP). Male offspring of hyperandrogenemic female (HAF) rats, PCOS model, have low birth weight, with normal BP, but exaggerated pressor response to Angiotensin (Ang) II as adults. The present study tested the hypothesis that with aging, male HAF offspring are at increased risk of developing hypertension (HT). Methods: Hyperandrogenemia was induced in female SD rats (5α-dihydrotestosterone pellets 7.5 mg/90 d, s.c. at 4 wks of age and throughout life). HAF and controls (10-12 wks of age) were mated, allowed to deliver and lactate. HAF and control male offspring (F1 HAF and F1 Contr. ) were left untreated until 16-20 mos of age. Body composition (echoMRI) and proteinuria were measured in aging offspring. BP was measured (baseline; 9 d, enalapril (25 mg/kg/d); 7d) by telemetry. Rats were then given Ang II (50 ng/kg/min, s.c. minipumps) or saline (No Ang II) for 13 d. High salt (4%) diet (HSD) was started for both Ang II and No Ang II groups on day 8 of Ang II. Results: Aging male F1 HAF had similar fat mass, but lower lean mass (433.7 ± 6 vs 453.6 ± 7 g, p&lt; 0.05) and body weight (552.3 ± 11 vs 590.4 ± 11 g, n = 8-16, p&lt;0.05) than F1 Contr. . Despite higher proteinuria in F1 HAF (412 ± 42 mg/24h vs 292 ± 47 mg/24h, n = 11-13, p&lt;0.05), baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) was similar between F1 HAF and F1 Contr. (130 ± 1 mmHg vs 126 ± 4 mmHg, respectively, n = 8, p=NS). Enalapril decreased MAP similarly in both F1 HAF and F1 Contr. (110 ± 2 mmHg vs 107 ± 3 mmHg, respectively). On low salt, Ang II increased MAP to higher levels in F1 HAF than F1 contr., saline-treated&gt;F1 HAF and F1 Contr. (140 ± 11 mmHg vs 119 ± 10 mmHg, 105 ± 3 mmHg and 103 ± 4 mmHg, respectively, n = 4, p&lt;0.05 F 1 HAF vs other grps). With 6 days of HSD, MAP was similar between F1 HAF and F1 Contr. not treated with Ang II (142 ± 6 mmHg and 132 ± 9 mmHg, respectively). MAP was also similar between F1 HAF and F1 Contr. with Ang II (169 ± 1 mmHg and 159 ± 9 mmHg, respectively). However, both Ang II-treated groups had significantly higher MAP compared to their respective No Ang II control groups. Conclusion: Aging male HAF offspring do not develop hypertension, but are at increased risk of renal injury and cardiovascular disease due to enhanced pressor sensitivity to Ang II.

Body Composition, Insulin Resistance and Mediators of Appetite and Energy Homeostasis in Hyperthyroidism

Background: Hyperthyroidism is associated with reduced body weight despite an increase in appetite; due mainly to an increase in energy production. While appetite is regulated by the balance of orexogenic and anorexogenic peripheral signals like Ghrelin and Leptin respectively, energy expenditure is profoundly influenced by thyroxine itself as well as mediators like FGF 21 and Leptin. Hyperthyroidism offers a good model to study the impact of thyroid hormones on the above mediators. Materials & Methods: 35 adult patients with overt hyperthyroidism were evaluated for leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, FGF21 levels & insulin resistance as well as the body composition by DEXA both at baseline and a minimum of two months following normalization of serum thyroxin on carbimazole treatment. Results: Correction of hyperthyroidism was associated with an increase in body weight including both the lean body (p<0.001) and the fat mass (p<0.001), but with no change in percentage of total body fat (p=0.516). Accompanying the weight gain, there was no change in adiponectin (p=0.98), while a paradoxical decrease in insulin resistance was observed (p<0.001). Correction of hyperthyroidism was also associated with a decrease in FGF21 (p<0.001) and leptin levels (p=0.03) and an increase in ghrelin (p=0.05). Conclusion: Thyrotoxic state is associated with high leptin & FGF21 levels - both known to be thermogenic. Despite a lower weight and fat mass, thyrotoxicosis is associated with insulin resistance- possibly a direct effect of thyroxine. Ghrelin levels are low in thyrotoxicosis; which together with raised leptin is an unexpected finding, given the increased appetite observed in this condition.

Effects of air pollution on mortality of patients with chronic kidney disease: A large observational cohort study

Due to industrialization, the burden of diseases associated with air pollution is increasing. Although the risk associated with air pollution in the general population has been actively investigated, few studies have been conducted on the effects of exposure to air pollution in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in East Asia. A total of 29,602 patients with CKD in Seoul participated in a retrospective cohort at three medical centers. We assessed the association of individualized exposure to five types of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO) using inverse distance weighting (IDW) on mortality in CKD patients in the Cox proportional hazard model that was adjusted for sex, age, eGFR, hemoglobin, hypertension, diabetes, and area-level characteristics. During the 6.14 ± 3.96 years, 3863 deaths (13%) were observed. We confirmed the significant effects of PM2.5 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–0.29) and CO (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00–1.38) on mortality in CKD patients. Different associations were found when stratified by age, body mass index, smoking, and drinking status. Long-term exposure to air pollutants had negative effects on mortality in patients with CKD. These effects were prominent in patients aged over 65 years, patients with a lean body, and those who did not drink alcohol.

How body concerns, body mass, self-rated health and self-esteem are mutually impacted in early adolescence: a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundImpaired self-rated health (SRH) and self-esteem (SE) in adolescents are associated with increased body mass index (BMI). These associations are often studied using cross-sectional designs; we performed a longitudinal cohort survey to examine them.MethodsA longitudinal cohort study of 1225 Norwegian high school students, with SRH, SE and BMI as primary outcomes. We reported the results from temporal causal and residual change analyses separately, with odds ratios (ORs) and standardised regression coefficients (b) and 95% confidence limits.ResultsBody and weight concerns had unfavourable effects on SRH and SE, which both had favourable effects on each other. Increased BMI had unfavourable effects on SRH, but less so on SE. Body and weight concerns impacted SE change only among girls. Paradoxically, the intention of becoming thinner was associated with an increase in BMI, and the intention of becoming fatter predicted a decrease in BMI during the 2 years. SE and SRH were associated with a leaner body after 2 years.ConclusionsThis study confirms that body concerns had unfavourable effects on subjective health, and that positive self-concepts predicted a leaner body. Health promotion strategies built on body acceptance should be increasingly emphasised in clinical and public health practice.