Markers In Adipose Tissue Research Articles

Plasma adipocytokines distinguish tuberculous lymphadenitis from pulmonary tuberculosis

Adipocytokines are the major secretory products of adipose tissue and potential markers of metabolism and inflammation. However, their association in host immune response against tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBL) disease is not known. Thus, we measured the systemic levels of adipocytokines in TBL (n = 44) and compared to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB, n = 44) and healthy control (HC, n = 44) individuals. We also examined the pre and post-treatment adipocytokine levels in TBL individuals upon completion of standard anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were performed between TBL, PTB and HCs to find the potential discriminatory markers. Finally, principal component (PCA) analysis was performed to reveal the expression patterns of adipocytokines among study groups. Our results demonstrate that TBL is associated with significantly higher systemic levels of adipocytokines (except resistin) when compared with PTB and significantly lower levels when compared with HC (except adiponectin) individuals. Upon completion of ATT, the systemic levels of adiponectin and resistin were significantly decreased when compared to pre-treatment levels. Upon ROC analysis, all the three adipocytokines discriminated TBL from PTB but not with HCs, respectively. Similarly, adipocytokines were differentially clustered in TBL in comparison to PTB in PCA analysis. Therefore, adipocytokines are a distinguishing feature in TBL compared to PTB individuals.

Estrogen modulates metabolic risk profile after resistance training in early postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Women experience an unhealthy change in metabolic risk profile at menopause. The purpose of the present study was to determine effects of resistance training with or without transdermal estrogen therapy (ET) on adipose tissue mass and metabolic risk profile in early postmenopausal women. A double-blinded randomized controlled trial, where healthy, untrained postmenopausal women were allocated to supervised resistance training with placebo (PLC, n = 16) or transdermal ET (n = 15) for 12 weeks. Endpoints with prespecified hypotheses were the change in total fat mass (FM) (main endpoint) and the change in visceral FM (secondary endpoint) from before to after the intervention. Additionally, prespecified endpoints of body composition, metabolic health-related blood markers, fat%, fat cell size, and lipogenic markers in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from abdominal and femoral region were explored. Compared with the ET group, the PLC group experienced a greater reduction (time × treatment interaction P < 0.05) in total FM (PLC vs ET: -5.6% vs -1.1%) and visceral FM (-18.6% vs -6.8%), and femoral SAT (-5.6% vs 1.0%), but not abdominal SAT mass (-8.5% vs -2.8%, P = 0.15).The ET group improved their metabolic blood profile by reduced low-density lipoprotein, glucose and hemoglobin A1c compared with PLC (time × treatment interaction P < 0.05). The intervention induced changes in lipolytic markers of abdominal SAT, whereas no changes were detected in femoral SAT. Use of transdermal ET reduced adipose tissue loss, but improved metabolic blood markers when combined with 12 weeks of progressive resistance training in early postmenopausal women.

The relationship between visceral fat depots and markers of renal dysfunction in patients with borderline arterial hypertension and obesity

Abstract Introduction Obesity is a potent risk factor for the development of kidney disease (CKD). The localization of adipose tissue and its hormonal activity plays an important role in the formation of the cardiorenal relationship. Purpose of work To assess the relationship between visceral fat stores with hormonal activity of adipose tissue, metabolic parameters and markers of renal dysfunction in patients with borderline arterial hypertension (AH) and obesity. Materials and methods The study included 100 people aged 44.8±6.4 years. Group 1 – patients with borderline hypertension – SBP 134.1±4.7 mm Hg; DBP – 84.3±5.9 mm Hg, BMI 36.1±3.2kg/m2. Group 2 was patients with BMI 35.5±3.9 kg/m2, SBP level 120.6±10.1 mm Hg and DBP 70.1±8.4 mm Hg. Albumin/creatinine ratio urine (ACRU), β2 microglobulin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL6), monocytechemoattractant protein (MCP-1) was determined in a single portion of morning urine, the level of leptin, resistin and cystatin C was determined by ELISA. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula and cystatin C (Hoek's formula). The examination of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was using an ultrasound method of investigation: the epi- and pericardial fat depots were assessed; VAT 1 – measurement at the level of the navel from the inner surface of the rectus abdominis to the posterior wall of the aorta and L4; VAT 2 – measurement at the level of the navel from the inner surface of the rectus abdominis to L4; the thickness of the posterior perirenal VAT on the right and left and the area of perirenal fat on both sides. Result The amount of fat depots in the groups is shown in Table 1. Indicators of hormonal activity of adipose tissue and renal markers are presented in Table 2. In the group with borderline hypertension the relationship between VAT 1 and 2 with ALT levels (r=0.40) and (r=0.42) was established, AST (r=0.52) and (r=0.47); HDL (r=−0.67) and (r=−0.70), TG (r=0.38) and (r=0, 39), HOMA index (r=0.45) and (r=0.39), MCP-1 (r=0.28) and (r=0.36). Perineal fat depot located to the right and left is correlated with LDL (r=0.40) and (r=0.37), glucose (r=0.49) and (r=0.50), ACRU (r=0.43) and (r=0.57), urinary excretion of cystatin C (r=0.28) and (r=0, 39). The connection with the optimal blood pressure level in control group was established between the perineal adipose tissue on the right and the left with the level of TG (r=0.35) and (r=0.29), GFR according to Hoek (r=0.29) and (r=0, 38), MCP-1 (r=0.36) and (r=0.29). Findings The increase of perinephral adipose tissue in obese patients is associated with an increase in cytokine excretion in the urine, an increase in VAT is accompanied by a deterioration in metabolic parameters. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Fenofibrate ameliorates olanzapine's side effects without altering its central effect: emphasis on FGF-21-adiponectin axis.

The present work was designed to investigate whether fenofibrate could ameliorate olanzapine deleterious effect on insulin resistance via its effect on fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21)-adiponectin axis without affecting olanzapine antipsychotic effect in postweaning socially isolated reared female rats. Treatment with olanzapine (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or fenofibrate (100 mg/kg, orally) have been started 5 weeks after isolation, then behavioral tests, hippocampal content of neurotransmitters, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assessed. Moreover, insulin resistance, lipid profile, FGF-21, adiponectin, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers of adipose tissue were assessed. Treatment of isolated-reared animals with olanzapine, or fenofibrate significantly ameliorated the behavioral and biochemical changes induced by postweaning social isolation. Co-treatment showed additive effects in improving hippocampal BDNF level. Besides, fenofibrate reduced the elevation in weight gain, adiposity index, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and FGF-21 level induced by olanzapine treatment. Also, fenofibrate increased adiponectin level which was reduced upon olanzapine treatment. Moreover, fenofibrate improved both adipose tissue oxidative stress and inflammatory markers elevation as a result of olanzapine treatment. Fenofibrate could ameliorate olanzapine-induced insulin resistance without affecting its central effect in isolated reared rats via its action on FGF-21-adiponectin axis.

Measuring Visceral Adipose Tissue Metabolic Activity in Sleep Apnea Utilizing Hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MRI: A Pilot Study.

PurposeVisceral adipose tissue (VAT) is proinflammatory and is associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease. We investigated the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) metabolic activity in a pilot group of patients using positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracer as a novel marker of adipose tissue inflammation.Patients and MethodsWe analyzed patients from an ongoing study, recruiting those with newly diagnosed, untreated OSA (Respiratory Disturbance Index [RDI] ≥ 5), using home sleep apnea testing (WatchPAT-200 Central-Plus). PET/MRI scans were acquired before continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-initiation, and after 3 months of CPAP therapy. Adipose tissue metabolic activity (18F-FDG-uptake) was measured using standardized uptake values (SUV) within the adipose tissue depots. The primary outcome was VAT SUVmean, and secondary outcomes included VAT volume, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume/SUVmean. Reproducibility and reliability of outcome measures were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the association between OSA and primary/secondary outcomes.ResultsOur analytical sample (n = 16) was 81% male (mean age 47 ± 15 years, mean BMI of 29.9 ± 4.8kg/m2). About 56% had moderate to severe OSA (mean RDI 23 ± 6 events/hour), and 50% were adherent to CPAP. We demonstrated excellent inter/intra-rater reliability and reproducibility for the primary and secondary outcomes. Patients with moderate-to-severe OSA had a higher VAT SUV mean compared to those with mild OSA (0.795 ± 0.154 vs 0.602 ± 0.19, p = 0.04). OSA severity was positively associated with VAT SUVmean (primary outcome), adjusted for age and BMI (B [SE] = 0.013 ± 0.005, p = 0.03). Change in VAT volume was inversely correlated with CPAP adherence in unadjusted analysis (B [SE] = −48.4 ± 18.7, p = 0.02).ConclusionDerangements in VAT metabolic activity are implicated in adverse cardiometabolic outcomes and may be one of the key drivers of CV risk in OSA. Our results are hypothesis-generating, and suggest that VAT should be investigated in future studies using multi-modal imaging to understand its role as a potential mediator of adverse cardiometabolic risk in OSA.

Dietary whey and egg proteins interact with inulin fiber to modulate energy balance and gut microbiota in obese rats

Diets supplemented with protein and fiber are well known to reduce food intake and weight gain; however, less is known about the combined effects of protein and prebiotic fiber on energy balance and gut microbiota composition. We compared effects of diets containing high egg or whey protein with cellulose or prebiotic (inulin) fiber on energy balance, gut microbiota, hormones, and metabolites. Male obese rats (n=8/group) were allocated to four diets: Egg albumen+Cellulose (EC), Egg albumen+Inulin (EI), Whey protein+Cellulose (WC), and Whey protein+Inulin (WI). Results revealed that diet-induced hypophagia was transient with EC and prolonged with EI and WI, compared to WC. Importantly, CCK-1 receptor antagonist (Devazepide) attenuated the hypophagic effects of EC, EI, and WI. Further, EC, EI and WI decreased respiratory quotient, energy expenditure, weight and adiposity gains, and improved glycemia, relative to WC. Propranolol (β1-β2-receptor blocker) attenuated diet-induced changes in energy expenditure. Transcript abundance of thermogenic markers in brown adipose tissue, plasma hormones, and metabolites especially acyl-carnitines and glycerophospholipids, were differentially altered by diets. Diet explained 25% of compositional differences in cecal microbiomes, but diets with same fiber type did not differ. Microbiota differing between groups also strongly correlated with gut hormones and metabolites. Species most strongly correlated to a marker for butyrate production were in highest abundance in inulin diets. Together, these findings indicate that inulin enriched diets containing egg or whey protein improved energy balance, decreased adiposity, and modulated gut microbiota and metabolites, with CCK signaling partly mediating the satiety effects of diets.

Changing the dietary composition improves inflammation but not adipocyte thermogenesis in diet-induced obese mice

Pronounced weight loss was shown to improve adipocyte dysfunction and insulin sensitivity in obese subjects. While bariatric surgery is frequently accompanied by adverse side effects, weight loss due to caloric restriction is often followed by weight regain. Here we aimed to determine whether switching the diet from a metabolically harmful Western type diet to a balanced standard diet is sufficient to reverse adipocyte dysfunction in diet-induced obese mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a Western diet for 10 weeks and afterwards switched to a standard diet for eight more weeks (WD/SD mice) or continued to be fed a Western diet (WD/WD mice) ad libitum. Mice fed SD for 18 weeks served as control group (SD/SD). Insulin sensitivity was similar in WD/SD and SD/SD mice despite increased body weight in WD/SD mice. Beiging markers Ucp-1, Cidea and Cox8b were drastically reduced in subcutaneous adipose tissue of WD/SD mice when compared with SD/SD mice. Also, in brown adipose tissue morphologic features and markers of thermogenesis were still altered in both WD/SD and WD/WD mice. However, adipocyte size, Hif1α and macrophage infiltration were significantly lower in both, brown and white adipose tissues of WD/SD compared to WD/WD mice and additionally, a shift toward anti–inflammatory M2 phenotype was found in WD/SD mice only.In conclusion our data suggest that switching the diet is sufficient to improve adipose tissue inflammation, while western diet negatively affects thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue, and inhibits beiging of white adipose tissue in the long-term.

Inflammation Markers in Adipose Tissue and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction by Pomegranate Juice in Obesity Induced by a Hypercaloric Diet in Wistar Rats.

Pomegranate juice (Punica granatum) has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine (Unani Medicine, Ayurveda); its main compounds are anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and cardiovascular health effects. The objective was to evaluate the effect of pomegranate juice on inflammation, blood pressure, and vascular and physiological markers associated with obesity induced by a high-fat diet in a murine model. The results show that pomegranate juice reduces the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (cLDL) 39% and increases the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (cHDL) by 27%, leading to a 12%–18% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In addition to reducing blood pressure by 24%, it also had an antiatherogenic effect by decreasing sE-selectin levels by 42%. On the other hand, the juice significantly increased adiponectin levels in adipose tissue, decreased levels of inflammation markers (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), and inhibited the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Pomegranate juice requires clinical studies to prove its immunoregulatory and therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and atherogenic risks.

Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis Promotes Brown Adipose Tissue Inflammation Without Any Impact on Expression of Thermogenic-Related Genes.

Background and Aims: The negative effects of chronic low-level inflammation on adipose tissue physiology have been extensively demonstrated, whereas the effects of acute inflammation are less studied. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of sepsis-induced acute inflammation on gene expression markers of brown and white adipose tissue functionality.Methods: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and perirenal white adipose tissue (prWAT) gene expression markers were analyzed in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis mice model.Results: CLP-induced sepsis attenuated expression of adipogenesis-related genes, in parallel to increased Tnf, Il6, and Ltf gene expression in prWAT. In contrast, CLP-induced sepsis resulted in increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes (Il6, Ltf, and Lbp) in BAT, without affecting expression of genes encoding for thermogenic activity.Conclusion: Sepsis promotes both prWAT and BAT inflammation, associated with reduced adipogenesis-related gene expression in prWAT, without significant effects on BAT thermogenic genes.

Cinnamon as Dietary Supplement Caused Hyperlipidemia in Healthy Rats.

Objective Cinnamon is a cooking spice and a medicinal herb. It is increasingly used as a health supplement due to its perceived benefit to prevent and or manage type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. However, it is unclear if regular consumption of this medicinal plant will interfere with normal physiological functions. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of daily cinnamon supplements on glucose and lipid metabolic profiles in healthy rats. Methods Male rats (Sprague Dawley, 8 weeks) were supplied with cinnamon in their diet (equivalent to ∼1 g/day in humans) for two weeks. Blood glucose and lipid levels, as well as metabolic markers in both liver and abdominal white adipose tissue, were measured. Results Cinnamon significantly increased fat mass and blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, but reduced fasting blood glucose level by 12%. Liver functional enzymes were normal in rats consuming cinnamon. However, several lipid metabolic markers were impaired which may contribute to dyslipidemia, including two main switches for energy metabolism (sirtuin 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α) and the LDL receptor. However, de novo lipid synthesis enzymes and inflammatory markers were also reduced in the liver by cinnamon treatment, which may potentially prevent the development of steatosis. Markers for lipid oxidation were downregulated in fat tissue in cinnamon-treated rats, contributing to increased fat accumulation. Conclusion Daily low-dose cinnamon supplementation seems to promote abdominal adipose tissue accumulation and disturb lipid homeostasis in healthy rats, raising the concerns regarding daily use in healthy people.

The Association Of Ectopic Fat Depots And Cardiovascular Disease In Patients Referred For Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

Introduction: The deposition of ectopic fat is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The principal sites of ectopic fat deposition are the liver parenchyma, skeletal muscle and the heart. Systematic reviews have demonstrated some associations between increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and markers of subclinical coronary artery disease on computed tomography angiography (CTA). The evidence of the association of hepatosteatosis (HS) and CVD is conflicting. We sought to investigate the association of EAT and HS with CVD in patients referred for CTA.

368-P: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Increases Epicardial Adipose Tissue Senescence in Subjects with Coronary Artery Disease during Elective Cardiac Surgery

Cellular senescence is a novel mechanism suggested to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases. Here, we analyzed the expression of senescent markers in myocardium and adjacent adipose tissue of subjects with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) and T2DM undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Eleven subjects with CAD and T2DM (DM group), 13 subjects with CAD without T2DM (CAD group) and 8 subjects without both CAD and T2DM (C - control) group undergoing elective cardiac surgery (CABG and/or valvular surgery) were included into the study. Samples of subcutaneous (SAT) and epicardial (EAT) adipose tissue and myocardium form right atrial wall were taken along with standard biochemical and anthropometric parameters at the beginning and end of surgery. mRNA expression of senescent markers p21 and p16 was assessed using qRT PCR. All 3 groups did not differ with respect to age (65.2 ± 6.9 vs. 61.7 ± 9.8 vs. 57.9 ± 12.3 years for DM vs. CAD vs. C, n.s.) or BMI (30.8 ± 3.9 vs. 28.5 ± 3.9 vs. 30.2 ± 3.4 kg/m2, n.s.), while DM group showed higher levels of fasting glucose (8.4 ± 1.6 vs. 5.9 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 0.9 mmol/, p=0.005) and HbA1C (52.5 ± 8.9 vs. 38.9 ± 4.2 vs. 31.5 ± 8.9 mmol/mol, p&amp;lt;0.001) relative to others. At the beginning of surgery no difference in mRNA expression of either factor could be seen in any of the examined tissues except of increased expression of p16 in the myocardium of CAD group (p=0.044 vs. C group). In DM subjects, cardiac surgery significantly increased mRNA expression of p21 in myocardium (p=0.15 vs. C and CAD group) and EAT (p=0.002 vs. C group), while not such change could be seen in the nondiabetic CAD and C group. To conclude, in CAD subjects T2DM is associated with increased cellular senescence in EAT and myocardium during elective cardiac surgery. This mechanism might at least partially explain the more detrimental outcomes of CAD patients with as compared to without T2DM. Disclosure M. Mraz: None. M. Haluzik: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Consultant; Self; Sanofi. J. Trnovska: None. B. Kasperova: None. I. Dvorakova: None. Z. Lacinova: None. D. Hlavacek: None. J. Mahrik: None. P. Ivak: None. I. Netuka: None. Funding Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic (RVO-VFN64165, NV19-0200118); IKEM (IN00023001)

Effect of Aerobic Training and Octopamine Supplementation on the Expression of Octopamine Receptors in the Visceral Adipose Tissue of Rats Exposed to Deep Fried Oils

Background: The use of deep fried oils (DFOs) to cook foods is associated with numerous diseases. Although the role of physical activity and some supplements on fat lipolysis has been established, the effect of aerobic training (AT) and octopamine (Oct) on octopamine receptor-dependent lipolysis pathway is not well understood. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of AT and Oct supplementation on the expression of Oct receptors in the visceral adipose tissue of DFO-exposed rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into (1) healthy control (C), (2) DFO, (3) DFO + Oct, (4) DFO + AT, and (5) DFO + Oct + AT groups. Aerobic training was performed for four weeks, five sessions per week at an intensity of 16 - 26 m/min and equivalent to 50% - 65% VO2max, and Otc supplement was interperitoneally injected at 81 µmol/kg five days a week. Results: Aerobic training and Oct supplementation increased tyramin-R and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) (P ≤ 0.05), while Oct significantly decreased G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) (P ≤ 0.05). Also, the interaction of AT and Oct on GPCR reduction was significant (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that AT and Otc alone improve octopamine receptors and lipolysis markers in the visceral adipose tissue of DFO-treated rats, but these two factors have no interactive effects on this pathway.

A Pilot Study of Associations Between Visceral Fat, IL-6, and Urinary F2-Isoprostanes in Older Adults Exposed to a Diet Intervention.

BackgroundShort-term markers of successful visceral adipose tissue (VAT) loss are needed. Urinary F2-isoprostanes might serve as a marker for intensified lipid metabolism, whereas circulating IL-6 might stimulate fat oxidation and enhance mobilization of VAT.ObjectivesThis pilot study was designed to explore the hypotheses that 1) reduction in VAT is associated with increase in IL-6, and 2) that increases in urinary F2-isoprostanes are associated with increases in IL-6 and reduction in VAT.MethodsEighteen participants (aged 60–75 y, BMI 30–40 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a very-low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD; <10:25:>65% energy from carbohydrate:protein:fat) or a low-fat diet (LFD; 55:25:20%) for 8 wk. Changes in fat distribution were assessed by MRI. Four urinary F2-isoprostane isomers were quantified in 24-h urine collection using LC-MS/MS analyses. Changes in 4 F2-isoprostane isomers were summarized using factor analysis (Δ-F2-isoprostane factor). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.1.ResultsWithin the VLCD group, change in VAT was inversely associated with change in IL-6 (r = −0.778, P = 0.069) and Δ-F2-isoprostane factor (r = −0.690, P = 0.086), demonstrating that participants who maintained higher concentrations of F2-isoprostane factor across the intervention showed greater decreases in VAT. A positive relation between Δ-F2-isoprostane factor and change in IL-6 was observed (r = 0.642, P = 0.062). In the LFD group, no significant associations between changes in VAT, F2-isoprostane factor, or IL-6 were observed.ConclusionsResults from this exploratory study in older adults with obesity suggest that, in the context of a VLCD, IL-6 could be involved in VAT mobilization, and urinary F2-isoprostanes could reflect intensified oxidation of mobilized fatty acids.Trial registration: This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02760641.

Accumulating evidence to support the safe and efficacious use of a proprietary blend of capsaicinoids in mediating risk factors for obesity.

Obesity is a significant public health concern, and finding safe and effective means for combating this condition is needed. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of supplementation of a blend of capsaicinoids on weight gain, fat mass, and blood chemistry in a high‐fat diet (HFD) model of obesity in mice and on adipocyte differentiation and gene expression in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. High‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice were treated with a proprietary capsaicinoid concentrate (Capsimax®; OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd., India) and compared to orlistat (ORL) and normal chow‐fed mice (NC). Mice fed a high‐fat diet showed significantly lower weight gain upon Capsimax® (CAP) administration than their HFD counterparts and similar to that observed with ORL animals. In addition, CAP decreased the high‐fat diet‐induced increases in adipose tissue and epididymal fat pad mass and hypertrophy after 52 days of treatment. Both the CAP and ORL groups had increased plasma concentrations of leptin. CAP extracts decreased triacylglycerol content in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and decreased markers of adipogenesis including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR‐ɣ) and fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4). Expression of genes involved in lipogenesis such as stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) and fatty acid synthase (FSN) was decreased by CAP in a dose‐dependent manner. Thermogenic genes and markers of brown adipose tissue including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and PR domain‐containing 16 (Prdm16) were induced by CAP in the preadipocyte cells. These in vivo and in vitro data support that this proprietary capsaicinoid concentrate reduces weight gain and adiposity at least in part through decreasing lipogenesis and increasing thermogenesis.

Serum sclerostin concentration is associated with specific adipose, muscle and bone tissue markers in lean adolescent females with increased physical activity.

Sclerostin is an important regulator of bone mass involving the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Relatively few studies have investigated the relationships of circulating sclerostin levels with adiposity-related and muscle-related biochemical factors in individuals with increased energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of circulating sclerostin with adipokines, myokines, osteokines and body composition values in lean adolescent females with increased physical activity. A total of 73 adolescent females who were physically active and aged 14-18 years old participated in the study. Sclerostin, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, irisin, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and insulin were obtained from fasting blood samples. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and analyzed for body fat mass, lean body mass, bone mineral content and muscle mass. Serum sclerostin (117.9±60.3pg/mL) was correlated with age, age at menarche, body fat, muscle mass, training activity, leptin, TNF-α, irisin, osteocalcin, CTx and IGF-1. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that fat mass (β = 0.434; p = 0.001), leptin (β =-0.308; p = 0.015), irisin (β = 0.227; p = 0.024) and CTx (β = 0.290; p = 0.031) were the most important predictors of serum sclerostin concentration. Bone-derived sclerostin is associated with specific adipokine, myokine and osteokine values in lean adolescent females with increased physical activity. These results suggest that the interactions between bone, adipose and muscle tissues could also be associated with circulating sclerostin concentrations.

Association of the new visceral adiposity index with coronary artery calcification and arterial stiffness in Korean population

Background and aimsThe new visceral adiposity index (NVAI) is an indirect marker of visceral adipose tissue recently developed using a Korean population. Here we examined the association of NVAI with coronary artery calcification and arterial stiffness in asymptomatic Korean patients. Methods and resultsWe analyzed data from 60,938 asymptomatic Korean adults. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for coronary artery calcification score (CACS) > 100 and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) ≥14 m/s were calculated across NVAI tertiles using multiple logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used to assess the ability of NVAI to predict moderate to high risk of cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of moderate and high risk of cardiovascular disease increased significantly as the NVAI tertile increased. The odds ratio (95% CI) of the highest NVAI tertile for CACS >100 was 5.840 (5.101–6.686) for men and 18.916 (11.232–31.855) for women, after adjusting for confounders. All NVAI AUC values were significantly higher than the AUC values for other visceral adiposity markers. ConclusionsThis study provides the evidence that NVAI is independently and positively associated with coronary calcification and arterial stiffness in asymptomatic Korean adults.

Beige Adipose Tissue Identification and Marker Specificity-Overview.

Adipose tissue (AT) is classified based on its location, physiological and functional characteristics. Although there is a clear demarcation of anatomical and molecular features specific to white (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), the factors that uniquely differentiate beige AT (BeAT) remain to be fully elaborated. The ubiquitous presence of different types of AT and the inability to differentiate brown and beige adipocytes because of similar appearance present a challenge when classifying them one way or another. Here we will provide an overview of the latest advances in BeAT, BAT, and WAT identification based on transcript markers described in the literature. The review paper will highlight some of the difficulties these markers pose and will offer new perspectives on possible transcript-specific identification of BeAT. We hope that this will advance the understanding of the biology of different ATs. In addition, concrete strategies to distinguish different types of AT may be relevant to track the efficacy and mechanisms around interventions aimed to improve metabolic health and thwart excessive weight gain.

Integrins and extracellular matrix proteins modulate adipocyte thermogenic capacity

Obesity and the metabolic disease epidemic has led to an increase in morbidity and mortality. A rise in adipose thermogenic capacity via activation of brown or beige fat is a potential treatment for metabolic diseases. However, an understanding of how local factors control adipocyte fate is limited. Mice with a null mutation in the laminin α4 (LAMA4) gene (KO) exhibit resistance to obesity and enhanced expression of thermogenic fat markers in white adipose tissue (WAT). In this study, changes in WAT extracellular matrix composition in the absence of LAMA4 were evaluated using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. KO-mice showed lower levels of collagen 1A1 and 3A1, and integrins α7 (ITA7) and β1 (ITB1). ITA7-ITB1 and collagen 1A1-3A1 protein levels were lower in brown adipose tissue compared to WAT in wild-type mice. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed lower levels and different spatial distribution of ITA7 in KO-WAT. In culture studies, ITA7 and LAMA4 levels decreased following a 12-day differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into beige fat, and knock-down of ITA7 during differentiation increased beiging. These results demonstrate that extracellular matrix interactions regulate adipocyte thermogenic capacity and that ITA7 plays a role in beige adipose formation. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions can be used to improve systemic energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis.

Tart Cherry Juice and Seeds Affect Pro-Inflammatory Markers in Visceral Adipose Tissue of High-Fat Diet Obese Rats.

Background: Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are a rich source of anthocyanins. They are phytochemical flavonoids found in red and blue fruits, and vegetables that can reduce hyperlipidemia. Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) has emerged as a major player in driving obesity-related inflammatory response. Methods: This study has investigated the potential positive effects of tart cherries on rats with Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO). In particular, the inflammatory status in retroperitoneal (RPW) and perigonadal (PGW) adipose tissue were studied. Rats were fed ad libitum for 17 weeks with a hypercaloric diet with the supplementation of tart cherries seeds powder (DS) and seeds powder plus tart cherries juice containing 1mg of anthocyanins (DJS). In RPW and PGW, expression of CRP, IL-1 β, TNF-α, CCL2 and CD36, were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques. Results: No differences in the weight of RPW and PGW animals were found between DS and DJS groups compared to DIO rats. However, an increase of inflammatory markers was observed in DIO group in comparison with control lean rats. A modulation of these markers was evident upon tart cherry supplementation. Conclusion: Study results suggest that tart cherry enriched-diet did not modify the accumulation of visceral fat, but it decreased inflammatory markers in both tissues. Therefore, this supplementation could be useful, in combination with healthy lifestyles, to modify adipose tissue cell metabolism limiting-obesity related organ damage.