Lee Index Research Articles

Role of diet on intestinal metabolites and appetite control factors in SD rats.

The present study aimed to investigate changes in the levels of metabolites and appetite control factors caused by different dietary interventions in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. A total of 35 male SD rats were weaned and immediately randomly assigned to five groups. The control group was given ad libitum access to a normal chow diet, and the other groups received a high-fat diet (FAT group), high-sugar diet, high-fibre or high-protein diet (PRO group) for 4 weeks. The high-fat diet contributed to weight gain and adipose tissue formation, and affected lipid indexed. The FAT group had a higher body weight, Lee's index, adipose mass and glucose tolerance than all of the other groups. The opposite effect was observed in the PRO group. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that short-chain fatty acid and amino acid formation were affected by the various diets. In addition, differences in the mRNA expression levels of leptin, ghrelin and associated receptors were determined in the gastrointestinal, adipose and hypothalamus tissues. The present study provides further evidence of the role of diet in obesity development and prevention. It also highlights the role of intestinal metabolites and appetite control factor expression in the pathogenesis of obesity in SD rats.

Administration of indigenous probiotics modulate high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in Sprague Dawley rats.

Modulation of the gut microbiota by probiotics, is emerging as a promising approach for the management of metabolic diseases but due to their species and strain specific response, isolation of new probiotic strains is gaining importance. The present study was designed to assess the effect of isolated and well characterised indigenous probiotics, Lactobacillus pentosus GSSK2, Lactobacillus fermentum PUM and Lactobacillus plantarum GS26A in high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic syndrome. It was observed that though supplementation of all three probiotics for 12weeks to Sprague Dawley rats fed with HFD, ameliorated the anthropometric parameters, but L. pentosus GSSK2 showed maximum reduction in weight gain while maximum decrease in abdominal circumference, Lee's index, BMI and visceral fat deposition was observed in L. plantarum GS26A compared with HFD animals. Further, administration of L. plantarum GS26A to HFD animals led to significant increase in lactic acid bacteria count and lipid excretion in feces followed by L. pentosus GSSK2 and L. fermentum PUM compared with counter controls. Additionally, both L. pentosus GSSK2 and L. plantarum GS26A exhibited improved glucose tolerance, liver biomarkers, alleviated oxidative stress and restored the histoarchitechture of adipose tissue, colon and liver compared with HFD animals. The study highlights the prophylactic potential of isolated probiotics in experimental metabolic syndrome model and revealed that amongst all three probiotics, L. pentosus GSSK2 and L. plantarum GS26A were equally effective and more promising than L. fermentum PUM in improving metabolic dysfunctions and may be employed as functional foods but needs to be correlated clinically.

Obesity as a factor in spermatogenesis disorders (experimental study)

Introduction. In recent years, the effects of obesity on male fertility have been extensively investigated. The results of existing studies are extremely contradictory.The study objective was to determine the effect of obesity on the male reproductive system using the biological model of laboratory rats as an example.Materials and methods. In vivo modeling of diet-induced obesity. The study was conducted on 22 laboratory sexually mature white rats weighing 140–160 g. The animals were divided into two groups: 1 control (10 animals) and 2 rats with diet-induced obesity (12 animals). After 12 weeks, the animals were removed from the experiment. All rats underwent: calculation of the Lee index (body mass index in rats), determination of the concentration and viability of spermatozoa in a suspension of sperm from the epididymis, determination of glucose level of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, study of sperm DNA fragmentation, histological examination testis: calculating the crosssectional area of the seminiferous tubule; determination of the number of non-functioning tubules and tubules with desquamated spermiogenic epithelium; determination of the average spermatogenesis index.Results. In the study groups there were no differences in glucose and total cholesterol levels. However, a statistically significant, significant difference in the level of triglycerides in the blood was revealed. The concentration of sperm and their viability in the studied groups did not differ. The level of sperm DNA fragmentation in the experimental group is significantly higher than in the control group (31.5 ± 10.1 and ± 1.4 %, respectively, p <0.05). Morphometric evaluation of histological preparations did not establish differences in the cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules and the average spermatogenesis index in the studied groups. In rats with obesity, compared with the control group, significantly more non-functioning tubules (2.9 ± 0.3 and 8.4 ± 0.3; p <0.05) and tubules with desquamated spermatogenic epithelium (1.8 ± 0.3 and 8.8 ± 0.5; p <0.05).Conclusion. Diet-induced obesity causes impaired spermatogenesis, and damage to the sperm genetic material in male white rats.

Effects of aerobic exercise combined with Lycium ruthenicum on some indicators of myocardial lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet

To study the effects of aerobic exercise combined with Lycium ruthenicumon on some indicators of myocardial lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet. Fifty-five male Wistar rats were subjected to adaptive feeding for 4 days and weight-free swimming training for 3 days, 20 min/d. After eliminating 5 rats that were not suitable for swimming training, the others were randomly divided into 5 groups according to their weight: regular diet + quiet control group (RDC), high fat diet + quiet control group (HDC), high-fat diet + Lycium ruthenicum quiet control group (HDLC), high fat diet + aerobic exercise group (HDM), high fat diet + Lycium ruthenicum + aerobic exercise group (HDLM), 10 in each group. Group HDM and HDLM did 60 min/d swimming training for 6 weeks with no-bearing. Group C were fed regular diet; The other groups were fed with high-fat diet; Group HDLC and HDLM were intragastrically treated with Lycium ruthenicum at the dose of 4.48 g/(kg·d), and the volume was 5 mL/kg, and the other groups were given equivalent distilled water. The Lee's index, serum and myocardial biochemical indexes were measured after 6 weeks. Compared with group RDC, Lee's index, serum free fatty acids (FFA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), myocardial FFA and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) increased significantly (P＜0.01), serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased significantly (P＜0.01) in group HDC. Compared with group HDC, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-C, myocardial FFA and ICAM-1 decreased significantly (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), serum HDL-C levels increased significantly (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01) in group HDLC, HDM and HDLM. Compared with group HDLC and HDM, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-C, myocardial FFA and ICAM-1 decreased significantly (P＜0.05), serum HDL-C level increased significantly (P＜0.05) in group HDLM. Aerobic exercise and/or Lycium ruthenicum can improve lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet, reduce lipotoxicity caused by obesity. Combined intervention is more effective.

Regulating the Enteric Nervous System against Obesity in Mice by Electroacupuncture

Background and Objectives: The enteric nervous system (ENS) dominates the onset of obesity and has been shown to regulate nutrient absorption and energy metabolism. Methods and Study Design: This study was performed to investigate the role of electroacupuncture in regulating ENS function in obese mice. Obese mice were obtained by high-fat diet. 16S rRNA pyrosequencing, Western blotting, quantitative PCR, and neurotransmitter analysis were used for this purpose. Results: Body weight, Lee index, serum lipid, leptin, and adiponectin levels, and other basic indices were significantly ameliorated after electroacupuncture intervention. The pathological ENS scores, serum neurotransmitter levels, and intestinal transit rate were markedly changed in obese mice. Moreover, electroacupuncture promoted the diversity of gut microbiota. No significant differences were observed 21 and 28 days after electroacupuncture. Conclusions: These results suggested ENS may be a new treatment approach to obesity.

Effect of Obesity and/or Ligature-induced Periodontitis on Aortic Wall Thickness in Wistar Rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate aortic wall thickness after periodontal disease and/or obesity induction in a Wistar rat model.Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (CT), periodontal disease (PD), obesity (OB), and obesity plus periodontal disease (OB+PD). Groups OB and OB+PD received cafeteria diet for 17 weeks. After they had acquired obesity (week 12), periodontal disease was induced by placing a silk ligature on the maxillary right second molar of groups PD and OB+PD. During the experimental period, body weight and Lee index were assessed. Mean alveolar bone loss (ABL) was evaluated, and aortas were prepared for histometric analysis of the aortic wall by ImageJ software. Body weight and Lee index increased in rats exposed to cafeteria diet. Mean ABL was higher in Groups PD and OB+PD than in control and OB (p<0.05). ABL was 18% higher in Group OB+PD than in Group PD, with statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Aortas were thicker in Groups OB and OB+PD than in control and PD groups, respectively (2.31mm ± 0.28 and 2.33 ± 0.29 vs. 2.18 ± 0.26 and 2.14 ± 0.27). Group OB differed significantly from the control group (p=0.036), and OB+PD and OB differed significantly from PD (p=0.004 and p= 0.001, respectively). Obesity alters aortic wall thickness in Wistar rats. However, the presence of periodontal disease did not affect the aortic wall thickness under the conditions of the present study.

Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) Digested Total Protein Prevented Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Reduce Obesity Complications in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of digested total proteins (DTP) from chia seed to prevent adipogenesis and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet. Methods C57Bl/6 black mice (n = 44; 8 weeks old) where divided in 4 groups (n = 12 each): negative control (NC; standard diet AIN-93M); positive control (PC; high fat diet- HFD- 60% of lipids); normal diet + DTP (NH; standard diet + 400 mg/kg of body/day of DTP); high-fat diet plus DTP (HFH; HFD + 400 mg/kg of body/day of DTP). After 9 weeks of treatment, the animals were euthanized and the blood and the adipose tissue (total) were collected. Plasma was used to analyze total cholesterol, high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerides (TGL), aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferase levels by colorimetry. Waist circumference was measured by metric tape in the middle portion between the anus and mouth and the quantity of p-p65-NF-κB and PPAR-Y ELISA test. Histomorphometric analysis was determined in adipose tissue staining with hematoxylin/eosin to determined adipocytes area and foci of inflammation by the average of 1000 cells/group. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and post-hoc of Newman-Kews (P < 0.05). The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Viçosa (Protocol 01/2019). Results DTP from chia seed reduced the plasmatic levels of total cholesterol (−17.5%), LDL (−42.8%), TGL (−12.3%), and waist circumference (−5.5%) in obesity mice DTP-treated (P < 0.05). The treatment with DTP reduced the adipocytes area in HFH group by −15.1% and the foci of inflammation in −78.1% in comparison with PC (P < 0.05). The levels of p-p65-NF-κB in adipose tissue were reduced by DTP in mice fed a HFD in −41.1% (P < 0.05). However, PPAR-γ levels, body fat (%), Lee index, and HDL levels were not changed by DTP (P > 0.05). The levels of AST and ALT were not affected by HFD or DTP (P > 0.05). Conclusions DTP from chia seed had an anti-inflammatory and even an anti-adipogenic effect. These results show the effectiveness of digested proteins from chia seed against obesity and its associated inflammation. Funding Sources CNPq and CAPES (Brazil), and ACES (USA).

Dietary n-3 but not n-6 fatty acids modulate anthropometry and fertility indices in high-fat diet fed rats: a two-generation study.

The present study assessed the modulatory potentials of dietary n-3 [α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3 + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 22:6n-3), and n-6 fatty acid (LA, 18:2n-6)] on anthropometric parameters and fertility indices in high-fat-fed rats. Weanling female Wistar rats were fed with control diet (7% lard), high-fat diet (35% lard, HFL), high-fat with fish oil (21% fish oil + 14% lard, HFF), high-fat with canola oil (21% canola oil + 14% lard, HFC) and high-fat with sunflower oil (21% sunflower oil + 14% lard, HFS) for 2months, mated and continued on their diets during pregnancy. At gestation day 18-20, the intra-uterine environment was examined in representative rats, and the rest were allowed for delivering pups. The pups after lactation were subjected to mating and feeding trials as above. Growth parameters (body weight, body length (BL), abdominal circumference (AC), thoracic circumference (TC), and Lee index and fertility parameters (litter size and sex ratio) were studied. Feeding HFL diet increased BL (16%), AC (33%) and TC (21%) compared to control (p < 0.05). Adipose tissue accumulation was 11% higher in the HFL group compared to control and was lowered with n-3 fatty acid incorporation in the diet. HFL group exhibited a lower percentage of fertility, pregnancy, and delivery indices. Litter size was decreased by 20%, and litter weight was increased by 23% in HFL group compared to control with more male pups. Our study indicated that n-3 to a larger extent than n-6 fatty acids modulated high-fat induced changes in the anthropometric parameters and fertility indices.

Usefulness of pre- and intraoperative risk scores in nonagenarian surgical patients.

Preoperative assessment at extreme ages would identify patients at a high risk of developing postoperative complications. The objective of this study was to compare the usefulness of different risk scales in a series of nonagenarian surgical patients. A total of 244 surgical nonagenarians, 148 women (60.7%), median age 91years (IQR: 90-93), were analysed. The following scales were evaluated: preoperative status (ASA-PS, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Lee Index, Reiss Index, and surgical mortality probability model-S-MPM); intraoperative status (Surgical Apgar Score and SASA score), and, as output variables, surgical outcomes (morbidity measured by the Comprehensive Complication Index-CCI, and death). Univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were performed. Area under ROC curves (AUROC) were evaluated to define the best predictors of poor outcomes. Operative mortality was 27.0%, and 73.4% presented some type of postoperative complication. Operative mortality was associated with the ASA-PS score (p < 0.001), Reiss Index (p < 0.001), Lee Index (p = 0.010), S-MPM (p < 0.001), Surgical Apgar Score (p < 0.001), SASA score (p < 0.001), and emergency surgery (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were related to the ASA-PS score (p = 0.001), Reiss Index (p < 0.001), Lee Index (p < 0.001), S-MPM (p < 0.001), Surgical Apgar Score (p < 0.001) and SASA score (p < 0.001). The best predictors of operative mortality and complications were the SASA and Surgical Apgar Score (AUROCs > 0.88). As in the general population, the Surgical Apgar Score and SASA score are the best predictors of operative mortality and morbidity in nonagenarian patients. These risk scales should be considered in the perioperative management of these patients.

Effects of stem bark aqueous extract of Fagara tessmannii Engl (Rutaceae) on cardiovascular risks related to monosodium glutamate-induced obesity in rat: In vivo and in vitro assessments

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFagara tessmannii is a shrub of the African rainforests in South-West, Centre, South and East provinces in Cameroon. It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of tumors, swellings, inflammation, gonorrhoea, schistosomiasis, antifungal, heart diseases and as anti-hypertensive. Aim of the studyWe investigated the potential effects of F. tessmannii on cardiovascular risk related to monosodium glutamate-induced obesity. Materials and methodsMonosodium glutamate (MSG, 4 mg/g/day) was injected subcutaneously to newborn Wistar rats for the four consecutive first days of their life and on the 6th, 8th and 10th day after birth. After 21 weeks, obese rats were treated orally with F. tessmannii (100 or 200 mg/kg/day), orlistat (10 mg/kg/day) or telmisartan (10 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Body weight, obesity, body mass index (BMI), Lee index, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, blood pressure, lipid profile as a Coronary Risk Index (CRI), and reactivity of isolated thoracic aorta were evaluated. ResultsIn addition to significantly decrease body weight (17.60% and 20.34%), BMI, Lee's index, retroperitoneal fat, total adiposity, and coronary risk indicators, F. tessmannii has significantly decreased insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and high blood pressure observed in MSG-obese rats. The high contractility to phenylephrine as well as the hypersensitivity to sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide-donor), observed in MSG aortic rings were significantly reduced by the F. tessmannii extract. Enhanced serum Na+ and Cl- levels and decreased K+ observed in obese rats were also significantly reversed after F. tessmannii treatment. ConclusionsF. tessmannii fights against obesity and associated cardiovascular risks by modulating production and vascular responsiveness to vasoactive factors, monitoring premature aging. F. tessmannii promotes the loss of ectopic fat and other fatty tissues, the sensitivity of the peripherical tissues to insulin, the energy expenditure and the renovascular decompression and regulates ions movement which prevents hypertension.

Comparative evaluation of the pharmacological value of virgin coconut oil, omega 3 fatty acids, and orlistat in experimental study on obesity with normo/hyper-lipidaemic diet

In this study, we compared the anti-obesitogenic effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO), omega3 fatty acids (N-3), and orlistat in obese Wistar rats fed with normo- or hyper-lipidaemic diets. The eighty rats (n = 10) that were used for this study were divided into 8 groups. The results revealed that VCO, N-3, and orlistat showed comparable effects on lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, c-reactive protein, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, total protein, atherogenic and Lee indices, lipid profile, and insulin resistance. However, VCO demonstrated superior actions than N-3 and orlistat on malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and interleukin -6, while orlistat and N-3 proved to have a better effect on total antioxidant capacity and alanine aminotransferase respectively. Moreover, VCO and orlistat had an equivalent but more desirable effects than N-3 on glucose and insulin resistance, while VCO and N-3 precipitated a parallel but dominant action than orlistat on total bilirubin. The histological findings largely agreed with the biochemical assays. Conclusively, like orlistat, VCO and N-3 showed considerable anti-obesitogenic effects.

Integration of an Objective Cognitive Assessment Into a Prognostic Index for 5-Year Mortality Prediction.

Prognostic indices rarely include cognition. We determined if a comprehensive cognitive screen or brief individual items were associated with improved mortality predictions of a widely used prognostic index. The National Social Life Health and Aging Project Wave 2, a nationally representative, cross-sectional, in-home survey conducted in 2010 to 2011 on 3,199 community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 99 years. Cognition was measured using a Survey-Adapted Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-SA) grouped into three screened categories: screen normal (≥24 points), screen positive for mild cognitive impairment (18-23 points), and screen positive for dementia (<18 points). Single-item cognitive measures included clock-draw and five-word delayed recall. We constructed a modified Lee Prognostic Index (range = 0-18 points) based on age, behavior, function, and comorbidities shown to predict long-term mortality. We used logistic regression and the fraction of new information provided to determine if each cognitive measure improved the Lee index's 5-year mortality prediction. The sample was 54% female and had a mean age of 72 years, MoCA-SA score of 22 (SD = 4.5), and Lee index of 7 (SD = 3). Regression analysis indicated the MoCA-SA modestly improved the Lee index's mortality prediction (P < .001; fraction of new information provided = 0.06); for low Lee index scores (<4 points), the absolute mortality rate difference was 7% by cognitive status; and for higher Lee index scores (4-7 points or 8-12 points), the absolute mortality rate difference was 15% by cognitive status. The clock-draw and delayed-recall items added similar value to mortality predictions as the longer MoCA-SA. Cognition had the third highest fraction of new information of all 13 Lee index items. Incorporating a brief measure of cognition into a modified Lee index, even with single items, resulted in more accurate 5-year mortality risk predictions. Cognition should be included in prognostic calculators in older adults given its independent association with mortality risk. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1796-1802, 2020.

Investigation of the effects of dietary modification in experimental obesity: low dose of virgin coconut oil has a potent therapeutic value

There is no report in literature on possible physiological changes that accompany dietary modification in obese condition. Moreover, there is no conclusive evidence on the optimal amount of virgin coconut oil (VCO) that could be of health benefit, although it is known to enhance lipid metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the antiobesitogenic action of graded doses of VCO (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) in obese rats fed with normo/hyper-lipidaemic diet. Sixty rats (n = 10) were divided into 6 groups and treated as follows: the control and high fat diet (HFD) groups were administered normal saline (0.1 mL/day, p.o.) during the last four weeks of the study, and were fed with normal and HFD respectively throughout the twenty weeks duration of the experiment. Groups 3–6 were fed with HFD for 16 weeks, then normal diet during the next 4 weeks. While group - 3 received saline (0.1 mL/day, p.o.) during the last four weeks, groups 4–6 received graded doses of VCO. The results showed that HFD-induced obesity caused impaired glucose homeostasis, distorted hepatic histoarchitecture, selected deviations in hepatic function indices, pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and dsylipidaemic effects. There were evidence of escalated and reversed pathological actions following the replacement of HFD with normal diet. VCO showed no effect on glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, total protein, uric acid and TAC; but equitable effects on CAT, IL-6, CRP, ALT, AST & GGT, irrespective of the dose. Compared to the effects of VCO at 400 and 600 mg/kg, at 200 mg/kg, VCO had more significant therapeutic effects on LDH, MDA, SOD, GPX, TC, TG, LDL-C, total bilirubin, atherogenic and lee indices and hepatic histoarchitecture. Conclusively, VCO, preferably at a low dose could be used to reverse hepatic structural alteration and some biochemical deviations following dietary modifications in obese condition.

An Image-Based Approach to Capture Influence of Production Mechanism on Aggregate Dimension Distribution and Breakage Potential

Abstract This study evaluates the breakage potential of basaltic coarse aggregates of three different sizes, i.e., P19-R12.5 (passing 19 mm and retaining on 12.5 mm), P12.5-R9.5, and P9.5-R4.75 produced from three different production mechanisms using the image-based dimension analysis approach. At first, the effects of three different crushing mechanisms, specifically, jaw-horizontal shaft impactor (JH), jaw-cone (JC), and JC-vertical shaft impactor (VSI) (named JCV) were evaluated on particle dimensional distribution. The dimensions were determined using the digital image–based aggregate image measurement system (AIMS) and analyzed in the form of flakiness, elongation, flakiness and elongation (F&amp;E), and Zingg’s distribution. Further, the aggregate samples were subjected to breakage and three different breakage potentials, namely the breakage index, Lee and Farmhood breakage index, and Hardin relative breakage index, were determined. The results from dimension analysis indicated that the crushing mechanism has significant effects on the amount of flaky particles, whereas the elongation shows little dependence. The aggregate produced from JC presented the highest percentage of F&amp;E aggregates with 3:1 and 5:1 ratios, followed by JH and JCV, respectively. Also, it was found that the Zingg’s distribution is helpful for capturing the shape of aggregates having similar F&amp;E characteristics. Further, the breakage potential indicated that the JC- and JH-produced aggregates had significantly higher probabilities of breakage compared to JCV. In addition, this study has presented an approach to capture AIMS competency in differentiating the aggregate dimensions and concluded that the approach can be used to assess the quality of aggregate size bifurcation.

High-sugar diet leads to obesity and metabolic diseases in ad libitum -fed rats irrespective of caloric intake.

Objective Provide a comprehensive view of the events surrounding the sugar consumption, under conditions of energy equivalence; through the analysis of behavioral aspects of intake, and of biochemical, metabolic and physiological parameters, as well as the effect of this nutrient on the plasticity of adipose tissue. Materials and methods Newly weaned male Wistar rats were classified in two groups and subjected to the following normocaloric diets: standard chow diet or to high-sugar diet (HSD) ad libitum for 18 weeks. Results The animals submitted to the HSD were associated with a lower caloric intake during the 18 weeks of experimentation. However, the HSD induced a significant increase in body weight, white adipose tissue weight, adiposity index, Lee index, and the levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein in the serum. In addition, it induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and compensatory increase of insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells. Also increased heart rate and induced hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of retroperitoneal visceral adipose tissue. In the liver, the HSD was associated with increased hepatic lipid content (i.e., triglycerides and cholesterol) and hepatomegaly. Conclusion The post-weaning consumption of HSD induces an adaptive response in metabolism; however, such an event is not enough to reverse the homeostatic imbalance triggered by the chronic consumption of this macronutrient, leading to the development of metabolic syndrome, irrespective of caloric intake. These findings corroborate recent evidence indicating that sugar is a direct contributor to metabolic diseases independent of a positive energy balance. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):71-81.

Predicting Mortality and Adverse Outcomes: Comparing the Frailty Index to General Prognostic Indices.

Mortality prediction models are useful to guide clinical decision-making based on prognosis. The frailty index, which allows prognostication and personalized care planning, has not been directly compared with validated prognostic models. To compare the discrimination of mortality, disability, falls, and hospitalization between a frailty index and validated prognostic indices. Secondary Analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Seven thousand thirty-three Medicare beneficiaries 65years or older. We measured a deficit-accumulation frailty index, Schonberg index, and Lee index at the 2011 baseline assessment. Primary outcome was mortality at 5years. Secondary outcomes were decline in activities of daily living (ADL), decline in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), fall, and hospitalization at 1year. We used C-statistics to compare discrimination between indices, adjusting for age and sex. The study population included 4146 (44.8%) with age ≥ 75years, with a median frailty index of 0.15 (interquartile range 0.09-0.25). A total of 1385 participants died (14.7%) and 2386 (35.2%) were lost to follow-up. Frailty, Schonberg, and Lee indices predicted mortality similarly: C-statistics (95% confidence interval) were 0.78 (0.77-0.80) for frailty index; 0.79 (0.78-0.81) for Schonberg index; and 0.78 (0.77-0.80) for Lee index. The frailty index had higher C-statistics for decline in ADL function (frailty index, 0.80 [0.78-0.83]; Schonberg, 0.74 [0.72-0.76]; Lee, 0.74 [0.71-0.77]) and falls (frailty index, 0.66 [0.65-0.68]; Schonberg, 0.61 [0.58-0.63]; Lee, 0.61 [0.59-0.63]). C-statistics were similar for decline in IADL function (frailty index, 0.61 [0.59-0.63]; Schonberg, 0.60 [0.59-0.62]; Lee, 0.60 [0.58-0.62]) and hospitalizations (frailty index, 0.68 [0.66-0.70]; Schonberg, 0.68 [0.66-0.69]; Lee, 0.65 [0.63-0.67]). A deficit-accumulation frailty index performs as well as prognostic indices for mortality prediction, and better predicts ADL disability and falls in community-dwelling older adults. Frailty assessment offers a unifying approach to risk stratification for key health outcomes relevant to older adults.

Effect of red edible seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum on diet-induced obesity in vivo

Eucheuma denticulatum is a red edible seaweed found in the east coast of Malaysia. This seaweed has shown to promote potential health benefits. The present work aimed to assess the anti-obesity effect of E. denticulatum freeze-dried powder supplemented with high-fat diet (HFD) on an in vivo model. Male Sprague Dawley rats aged 6–7 weeks (weighing 200-250 g) were divided into six groups (n = 6 per group) according to the following diet: normal diet group (CTR), high-fat diet group (HFD), HFD with orlistat (50 mg kg−1) (HFD + OR), HFD with 10% E. denticulatum (HFD-10), HFD with 15% E. denticulatum (HFD-15), and HFD with 20% E. denticulatum (HFD-20). Each group was fed for 7 weeks ad libitum, and food intake was monitored. At the end of the nutritional period, the rats were sacrificed. Blood was collected for determination of biochemical parameters and obesity biomarkers while tissue samples for histological analysis. Acute oral toxicity was employed to assess E. denticulatum for possible toxicity. Eucheuma denticulatum-fed rats significantly (p < 0.05) reduced weight gain, BMI, Lee index, visceral fat mass, triglyceride, liver enzymes, insulin, and leptin while improving ghrelin level relative to the HFD-fed rat. Food and energy intakes did not differ between the HFD and treatment groups. Histopathological examination showed E. denticulatum supplementation decreased fat size and reduced lipid droplets in the liver. Moreover, E. denticulatum showed no sign of toxicity in rodent acute oral toxicity study. Eucheuma denticulatum effectively attenuates weight gain independent of food intake and improving its related biomarkers, highlighting the potential of E. denticulatum in tackling obesity associated pathologies.

Comparative utility of frailty to a general prognostic score in identifying patients at risk for poor outcomes after aortic valve replacement

BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend considering life expectancy before aortic valve replacement (AVR). We compared the performance of a general mortality index, the Lee index, to a frailty index.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of 246 older adults undergoing surgical (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at a single academic medical center. We compared performance of the Lee index to a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI). Logistic regression was used to assess the association of Lee index or FI with poor outcome, defined as death or functional decline with severe symptoms at 12 months. Discrimination was assessed using C-statistics.ResultsIn the overall cohort, 44 experienced poor outcome (31 deaths, 13 functional decline with severe symptoms). The risk of poor outcome by Lee index quartiles was 6.8% (reference), 17.9% (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval, [0.9–10.2]), 20.0% (OR 3.4; [1.0–11.4]), and 34.0% (OR 7.1; [2.2–22.6]) (p-for-trend = 0.001). Risk of poor outcome by FI quartiles was 3.6% (reference), 10.3% (OR 3.1; [0.6–15.8]), 25.0% (OR 8.8; [1.9–41.0]), and 37.3% (OR 15.8; [3.5–71.1]) (p-for-trend< 0.001). The Lee index predicted the risk of poor outcome in the SAVR cohort Lee index (quartiles 1–4: 2.1, 4.0, 15.4, and 20.0%; p-for-trend = 0.04), but not in the TAVR cohort (quartiles 1–4: 27.3, 29.0, 21.3, 35.4%; p-for-trend = 0.42). In contrast, the FI did not predict the risk of poor outcome well in the SAVR cohort (quartiles 1–4: 2.3, 4.4, 15.8, and 0%; p-for-trend = 0.24), however in the TAVR cohort (quartiles 1–4: 9.1, 14.3, 29.7, and 40.7%; p-for-trend = 0.004). Compared to the Lee index, an FI demonstrated higher C-statistics in the overall (Lee index versus FI: 0.680 versus 0.735; p = 0.03) and TAVR (0.560 versus 0.644; p = 0.03) cohorts, but not SAVR cohort (0.724 versus 0.766; p = 0.09).ConclusionsWhile a general mortality index Lee index predicted death or functional decline with severe symptoms at 12 months well among SAVR patients, the FI derived from a multi-domain geriatric assessment better informs risk-stratification for high-risk TAVR patients.

Morin attenuates high-fat diet induced-obesity related vascular endothelial dysfunction in Wistar albino rats

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is caused by dyslipidemia, hypertension, and deficiency of antioxidant systems. In this study, the protective effect of a flavonol, morin was investigated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced dyslipidemia and vascular endothelium dysfunction. The dose-dependent attenuating effect of morin was tested at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day in an in-vivo model of HFD-induced dyslipidemia using rats whereas vascular endothelial reactivity was assessed in isolated rat aorta using ex-vivo organ bath setup. Morin administration in HFD-induced dyslipidemic rats for three weeks, resulted in a significant decrease in the body weight, LW/BW ratio as compared to rats treated with HFD only where the increase in body weight was observed. Significant reduction in the waist, BMI and lee index was also observed after morin treatment in HFD-induced dyslipidemic rats. In the lipid profile studies, HFD group showed a significant increase in the total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL levels while HDL levels were decreased significantly, whereas morin treatment reversed all these parameters which were comparable to standard diet (SD) group. In the ex-vivo isolated aorta studies, HFD-induced endothelium dysfunction was observed, whereas it was reversed in the aorta of animals treated with morin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, comparable to SD group. Morin treatment produced dose-dependent improvement in lipid profile and vascular endothelium protection, thus rationalizing its medicinal use in dyslipidemia and cardiovascular-related endothelial disorders.

The Effect of Autophagy on Chronic Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Ameliorating Liver Damage in Metabolic Syndrome Rats

AimOur previous study demonstrated that chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH) can confer hepatic protection by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in high-fat-high-fructose induced metabolic syndrome (MS) rats. It is known that there is a functional coupling between autophagy and ERS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CIHH on autophagy function and adenosine mono-phosphate-activated protein kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPKα-mTOR) signaling pathway in hepatic tissue of MS rats.Main Methods6-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into: control (CON), CIHH (treated with hypobaric hypoxia simulating 5000-m altitude for 28 days, 6 h daily), MS (induced by 16-week high fat diet and 10% fructose water feeding), and MS + CIHH groups (exposed to CIHH after 16-week MS model). Food and water intakes, body weight, Lee’s index, fat coefficient, systolic arterial pressure, blood biochemicals, and histopathology of liver were measured, the expression of phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, p-mTOR, autophagy-related and ERS-related proteins were assayed in hepatic tissue.Key FindingsThe MS rats displayed obesity, hypertension, polydipsia, glucose and lipids metabolism disorders, increased inflammatory cytokine, hepatic tissue morphological and functional damage, and the up-regulated expressions of ERS-related, autophagy-related proteins and p-mTOR, and the down-regulated expression of p-AMPKα. All aforementioned abnormalities in MS rats were ameliorated in MS + CIHH rats.SignificanceIn conclusion CIHH confers hepatic protection through activating AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway and the autophagy function, thus inhibiting ERS in hepatic tissue.