Markers Of Metabolic Syndrome Research Articles

Changes in Body Weight, Dysglycemia, and Dyslipidemia After Moderately Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education (LOCABO Challenge Program) Among Workers in Japan.

PurposeIt is theorized that the prevalence of obesity has not decreased owing to poor adherence to implemented programs addressing metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes in Japan. Therefore, we intended to evaluate the influence of a moderately low-carbohydrate diet on improving markers of metabolic syndrome among workers in Japan.Patients and MethodsParticipants with metabolic syndrome or obesity were recruited based on the eligibility criteria for the Specific Health Guidance program and educated on a moderately low-carbohydrate diet between spring 2016 and fall 2018. The participants were then made to report their food intake and body weight once a week for the next 12 weeks and were counselled on maintaining a moderately low-carbohydrate diet. HbA1c levels, lipid profile, body weight, and sleep quality were evaluated. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Skewness/Kurtosis test. Each variable was compared before and after the intervention using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Further, a subgroup analysis of the data from the participants whose variables were abnormal at baseline was performed.ResultsAmong the 101 enrolled participants, a decrease in the median weight (from 82.5 to 79.7 kg, p<0.001, n=46), body mass index (from 27.3 to 26.9 kg/m2, p<0.001, n=46), and apnea-hypopnea index (from 24.1 to 17.1, p<0.01, n=39) was observed. Subgroup analysis of participants with abnormal baseline values revealed changes in HbA1c (from 6.7% to 5.8%, p<0.001, n=34), total cholesterol (from 220 to 209 mg/dL, p<0.01, n=54), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 133 to 120 mg/dL, p<0.001, n=31), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 35 to 40 mg/dL, p<0.01, n=31), triglycerides (from 242 to 190 mg/dL, p<0.01, n=57), and deep sleep percentage (from 10.4% to 18.2%, p<0.05, n=7).ConclusionA moderately low-carbohydrate diet may be considered a potential intervention for improving the markers of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes.

Evaluation of Neck Circumference as Potential Marker for Metabolic Syndrome in Children

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is complicated condition especially in pediatrics. For better MetS definition, marker discovery are interested. More accurate simple indices may be of value, such as neck circumference (NC). We investigated accuracy of NC for the diagnosis of MetS in adolescent girls. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on schoolgirl who live in Mashhad and Sabzevar cities, Razavi Khorasan, Iran at 2018. The study sample comprised 988 girls with mean age 14.56 ±1.53 years old. The NC measured in site between mid-cervical spine and mid-anterior neck and biochemical analysis was measured by enzymatic commercial kits. The definitions of MetS included: IDF, NCEP-ATP III, and two modified NCEPs. Results: often subjects are non-smoker, menstruated, and reside in Mashhad. The age, living location, and dwelling type showed the very weak association with NC. NC was significantly associated with WC and elevated TG. The highest (r= 0.275 (P= 0.0001) and lowest (r= 0.155 (P= 0.0001) association were between NC and the DeFerranti's and IDF definitions, respectively. The odd ratios (CI 95%) estimated for the different definitions were as follows: IDF: 1.41 (1.18- 1.69), NCEP: 1.54 (1.31- 1.79), Cook's: 1.68 (1.37- 2.07), and DeFerranti's: 1.59 (1.40- 1.80). ROC analysis showed that the specificity ranged between 78.57 – 100.00% and sensitivity ranged between 62.10 – 78.22% of NC for the different definitions of MetS definitions. A NC of >31 cm estimated as cutoff for all studied definitions except Cook's definition. Conclusion: Besed on the results, NC should be considered as marker for central obesity and fat distribution in the diagnosis of MetS.

The Association of Upper Body Obesity with Insulin Resistance in the Newfoundland Population.

Body-fat distribution is a primary risk factor for insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Visceral fat explains only a portion of this risk. The link between upper-body fat and insulin resistance is uncertain. Furthermore, upper-body fat is not clearly defined. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can accurately quantify body fat. In this study, we explored the relationship between non-visceral upper-body adiposity and insulin resistance and other markers of metabolic syndrome. Fat proportions in the upper body, leg, and visceral regions were quantified by using DXA in 2547 adult Newfoundlanders aged 19 and older. Adjusting for remaining fat regions, we performed partial correlation analysis for each body region and insulin resistance defined by the Homeostatic Model of Assessment (HOMA). Similarly, partial correlation analysis was also performed between each fat region and other markers of metabolic syndrome, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides (TG), body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. Major confounding factors, including age, caloric intake, and physical activity, were statistically controlled by using partial correlation analysis. Interactions between sex, menopausal status, and medication status were also tested. Arm adiposity was correlated with HOMA-IR (R = 0.132, p < 0.001) and HOMA-β (R = 0.134, p < 0.001). Visceral adiposity was correlated with HOMA-IR (R = 0.230, p < 0.001) and HOMA-β (R = 0.160, p < 0.001). No significant correlation between non-visceral trunk adiposity and insulin resistance was found. Non-visceral trunk adiposity was negatively correlated with HDL in men (R = −0.110, p < 0.001) and women (R = −0.117, p < 0.001). Non-visceral trunk adiposity was correlated with TG (total: R = 0.079, p < 0.001; men: R = 0.105, p = 0.012; women: R = 0.078, p = 0.001). In menopausal women, leg adiposity was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (R = −0.196, p < 0.001) and HOMA-β (R = −0.101, p = 0.012). Upper-body adiposity in the arms is an independent contributor to insulin resistance. Upper-body adiposity in the non-visceral trunk region is an independent contributor to metabolic syndrome. Leg adiposity is protective against metabolic syndrome in women.

An update on inflammatory markers in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is an emerging global threat as a major health burden. It is widely presumed that Metabolic syndrome is associated with a low grade chronic inflammatory phenomenon. This inflammatory state is due to the imbalance between the pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Studies have been performed on various inflammatory markers in metabolic syndrome like hsCRP, TNF-alpha, Adiponectin, IL-6, IL-10. Articles were chosen from indexed journals from various search engines. Pro inflammatory cytokines like hsCRP, TNF – alpha, Interleukin -6 were found to be increased and anti-inflammatory cytokines like Interleukin – 10 were reduced in metabolic syndrome.

Діагностична та прогностична цінність гормональних показників, ліпідного спектра таультрасонографічних параметрів міокарда приметаболічному синдромі, ускладненому хронічною ішемічною хворобою серця і цукровим діабетом 2-го типу

Актуальність. Синтропічна патологія, зумовлена поєднанням метаболічних і гормональних змін, призводить до розвитку ускладнень серцево-судинної патології як безпосередньої причини смертності та зменшення тривалості чи якості життя населення. Щодо ролі гормонів при даній комплексній патології слід зауважити, що не повністю доведена їх патогенетична і клінічна взаємозалежність та кореляція із морфофункціональними параметрами стану міокарда. Методологічні труднощі таких досліджень полягають у потребі аналізувати десятки лабораторно-клінічних показників у багатьох групах порівняння. Мета дослідження: встановити діагностичні маркери при метаболічному синдромі, а також їх взаємозалежність порівняно із синтропічною патологією, представленою хронічною ішемічною хворобою серця (ІХС) та цукровим діабетом (ЦД) 2-го типу. Матеріали та методи. У дослідження залучені 319 пацієнтів, розподілених на 6 груп. Першу групу становили 82 пацієнти з метаболічним синдромом (МС), другу— із МС та ЦД компенсованим (39 осіб), третю— із МС та ЦД декомпенсованим (35 осіб), четверту— 44 особи з МС та появою ІХС, п’яту— 44 хворі на ІХС та ЦД 2-го типу в стані компенсації, що виник на тлі МС, шосту — 75 пацієнтів з ІХС та ЦД 2-го типу в стані декомпенсації на тлі МС. У контрольну групу увійшли 40 практично здорових осіб (чоловіки— 17, жінки— 23). Результати. У жінок віком до 40 років із МС без ЦД 2-го типу при підвищеному рівні пролактину, кортизолу та тиреотропного гормона (ТТГ) діагноз ІХС об’єктивно не підтверджується. При цьому спостерігалися вже початкові зміни ліпідного обміну за рахунок підвищення рівня тригліцеридів та ліпопротеїнів дуже низької щільності. Поява ІХС на фоні МС (лише за умови відсутності ЦД 2-го типу) характеризується наближеними до контролю рівнями пролактину та кортизолу на фоні значного підвищення ТТГ у всіх пацієнтів незалежно від статі. У четвертій групі пацієнтів з ІХС на тлі МС високому значенню суми індексів (∑і) ліпідного спектра відповідає найнижчий показник суми індексів гормонів. Для шостої групи з ІХС у поєднанні з декомпенсованим ЦД 2-го типу характерні найвищі показники ∑і як ліпідного обміну, так і гормонів. При поєднанні МС з ІХС та компенсованим ЦД 2-го типу рівні гормонів та ліпідів не відрізнялися від таких при МС з ІХС без ЦД 2-го типу. При МС, ускладненому декомпенсованим ЦД 2-го типу та ІХС, спостерігались підвищені рівні кортизолу і пролактину, при цьому рівень ТТГ був у нормі. Висновки. Установлено діагностичні маркери (гормональні показники, параметри ліпідного спектра й ультрасонографічні параметри міокарда) при МС, а також виявлено їх взаємозалежність порівняно із синтропічною патологією, представленою ІХС та ЦД 2-го типу.

Relationship between serum spexin levels and metabolic syndrome components in obese and normal weight people with or without diabetes

Spexin (SPX) as a novel polypeptide hormone plays a role in carbohydrate & lipid metabolism, energy balance, and calorie intake and it has a potential role in pathology of diabetes mellitus. Current study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum spexin levels and metabolic syndrome components in obese and normal weight people with or without diabetes. Eighty-six men and eighty-two women were recruited in this study as obese and normal weight people with or without diabetes. Insulin, HbA1c, FBS, TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels, serum SPX, weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, as well as blood pressure were measured by standard methods. There was a significant inverse relationship between serum levels of SPX and waist circumference (r = −0.37, P = 0.016) and triglyceride (r = −0.34, P = 0.028) in healthy people with normal weight. Moreover, a considerable relationship was observed between levels of SPX and FBS in healthy obese people (r = −0.42, P = 0.006). There was an inverse relationship between serum SPX and three components of metabolic syndrome, including FBS levels, waist circumference values, and serum TG concentrations in people without diabetes, highlighting SPX as a potential marker of metabolic syndrome in healthy people without diabetes. • A significant negative relationship was between serum SPX and WC (r = −0.37, P = 0.016) in healthy people with normal weight. • A significant negative relationship was between serum SPX and TG (r = −0.34, P = 0.028) in healthy people with normal weight. • A considerable relationship was observed between serum SPX and FBS (r = −0.42, P = 0.006) in healthy obese people.

ADIPONUTRIN LEVELS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS DEPENDING ON THE DEGREE OF OBESITY

Introduction. Well-known the fact that obesity, especially its abdominal (visceral) form, is one of the most important risk factors for hypertension. The purpose: to determine the level of adiponutrin in patients with hypertension and obesity. Assess how the degree of hypertension and obesity affects the level of adiponutrin in our patients with this comorbid pathology. Materials and methods. The study included 58 patients with hypertension. Grade 1 was diagnosed in 12 (20.69%), grade 2 - in 16 (27.59%), grade 3 - in 30 (51.72%) examined patients. Of these, 32 women and 26 men aged 32 to 79 years (mean age 57.5 ± 10.11 years). Patients underwent anthropometric measurements, assessed lipid profile and changes in carbohydrate metabolism, adiponutrin levels. Results. The level of adiponutrin in all groups of hypertensive patients with overweight and obesity was significantly increased compared to the control group, but the degree of hypertension did not affect the level of adiponutrin. However, the concentration of the latter in the serum gradually increases according to the duration of hypertension. In addition, the level of adiponutrin increased depending on the degree of obesity, which, in turn, was confirmed by a reliable direct linear relationship between adiponutrin and body mass index. Conclusions. Based on the data obtained, adiponutrin can be considered as a marker of metabolic syndrome.

Identification of lipid accumulation product (LAP) as a marker of metabolic syndrome: a study in healthy population of MMU

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), is a collection of lipid and non-lipid cardiac related disease risk factors, is an important public health issue because of its higher prevalence with development of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Henry Kahn anticipated lipid accumulation product (LAP), as a novel marker of central lipid accumulation, to predict the risk of MetS. This study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry of MMIMSR, Ambala, Haryana. In the current study, we are researching over a new diagnostic tool for diagnosing MetS by LAP use. MetS is diagnosed by National Cholesterol Education Program Adults treatment panel III (NCEPATP III) and then compared with LAP to find its efficacy over other variables. 200 volunteers were enrolled in this study, their biochemical parameters were estimated and anthropometric measurements were taken. MetS was diagnosed in apparently healthy subjects. LAP was calculated by Henry Kahn formula and required statistical tools were applied to analyse results. The parameters of MetS positive cases were compared with LAP and its validity was tested statistically. 56 (28%) out of 200 subjects were positive for MetS. More females (30) than males (26) were diagnosed positive for MetS. LAP values were found to be higher in MetS cases, its efficacy was confirmed by ROC curves. MetS was diagnosed in volunteers who were considering themselves as healthy. Raised LAP and LAP2 were found, in MetS positive subjects than MetS negative. Relation of LAP and MetS came to be strong. Further, researches in this area are definitely recommended.

The role of oxidant-antioxidant markers and resistin in metabolic syndrome elderly individuals.

In elderly, hormones and oxidant-antioxidant interplay are suggested to mediate biochemical balance between adipose tissue to other tissues. Thus the study attempts to explore metabolic traits, plasma resistin, and oxidant-antioxidant markers in metabolic syndrome (MetS) in comparison to non-metabolic syndrome (non-MetS) elderly individuals. A total of 541 healthy elderly Caucasians, with no acute and/or chronic disorders were invited. After taking into account inclusion/exclusion criteria's the MetS was defined as the presence of three out of five abnormal findings and allowed to divided groups into: non-metabolic syndrome, non-MetS (n = 25, median age 69.0 years), and newly diagnosed MetS (n = 29; median age 70.5 years) individuals. Glucose, plasma lipids, resistin (Res), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) were measured. The MetS had higher resistin than non-MetS (p < 0.04). The linear correlation (all at p < 0.05) showed correlation for Res&triacylglycerols (R = 0.44), and for Res&diastolic blood pressure (R = -0.58) and for SOD-1&fasting glucose (R = -0.34) in MetS, while in the non-MetS group fasting glucose correlates with Res (R = 0.58) and with TAS (R = -0.43). The multiple regression analysis (alone and in combination) showed that independently from other factors resistin correlated positively with fasting glucose (β = 0.37; R = 0.58; R2 = 0.23; p < 0.01) in all investigated elderly participants. In the MetS resistin correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure (β = -0.68; R = 0.80; R2 = 0.53; p = 0.0004) moreover in that group TAS correlated negatively with HDL-C (β = -0.71; R = 0.72; R2 = 0.37; p = 0.01). While age correlated negatively with systolic blood pressure (β = -0.60; R = 0.62; R2 = 0.14; p = 0.03) independently from other factors in the non-MetS group. Various metabolic factors contribute to maintain serum resistin and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the elderly people in the presence or absence of MetS. Resistin may serve as a predictor of MetS in the elderly, while strong antioxidant defense interactions in older individuals may indicate good health.

Prediction and Risk Factor Analysis of Obesity-related Proteinuria among Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Objective: In the present modern era of time, poor and frantic lifestyle has led to an enumerate increase in the number of people with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). Epidemiological studies have shown the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk factors in individuals with obesity and MS; despite the nonclear evidence on the existing potential risk factors, it became important to reassess existing potential risk factors that are involved in disease progression and its further complications. The strongest risk factor of CKD, albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) recognized as a marker of MS and obesity. This study was carried out to identify the association of obesity (body mass index [BMI]) as a risk factor for albuminuria and to observe the dependence and association with albuminuria of each critical and basic factor of MS. Design: We conducted the potential risk factor analysis on 913 subjects, including 398 females and 515 males, from various diabetic hospitals of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh from early 2013 to June 2015. The medical records of the patients followed up; the anthropometric measurements and clinical parameters were retrospectively collected. The total subjects were categorized as subjects with and without MS as per National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATPIII) and the subjects with BMI more than 30 kg/m2 were defined as obese according to WHO classification. Results: Student's t test analysis indicates a significant difference for ACR with mean values of 39.5 ± 44.8 and 18.4 ± 24.3 (P &lt; 0.0001) in subjects with MS and without MS, 43.4 ± 48.3 and 36.7 ± 42.5 (P &lt; 0.02) in obese and nonobese subjects, respectively. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association (P &lt; 0.05) between MS and ACR and correlation analysis manifested significant association (P &lt; 0.01) between ACR and FBS, TG, B.P, and Age in subjects with MS. The subjects with high prevalence of albuminuria exhibited significant association with an odds ratio (OR) of 1 (referent) 1.9 (95% CI, 1.34–2.58, P = 0.0002), 1.5 (95% CI, 1.11–1.96, P = 0.0082) for FBS &gt;110 mg/dL, and TG &gt; 150 mg/dL, respectively. Although the subjects with obesity showed no correlation with albuminuria, the risk for albuminuria was 1.5 times (95%CI 1.03–2.40, P = 0.03) higher among obese male subjects compared to obese female subjects. Conclusion: Our study strongly supports that albuminuria is highly prevalent among the subjects, with MS showing a significant positive association between obesity (BMI) with albuminuria in males only.

Serum galectin-3BP as a novel marker of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Chinese adolescents

IntroductionChildhood obesity (OB) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have become a worldwide health problem. Comparative proteomic approaches are widely used in human OB to analyze protein changes in blood plasma. The...

Uric acid: A new marker for metabolic syndrome? Results of a population-based study with adults

Background and aimsRecently, studies have shown a positive association between serum uric acid (UA) and metabolic syndrome (MS). To evaluate the predictive capacity and the association of serum UA with pre-MS and MS, by sex, in adults. Methods and resultsCross-sectional study with 932 adults, of both sexes, from Viçosa, Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were obtained through a questionnaire and anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical evaluation. We used multinomial logistic regression and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The prevalence of pre-MS was 17.8% and of MS was 26.5%. The fitted models showed positive association of serum UA with pre-MS (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.09–2.40) and MS (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.99–3.42) among men. For women, similar results were found for MS (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.81–3.73). The optimal cutoff points obtained by AUC for pre-MS and MS were 4.7 and 4.9 mg/dL among men and 3.1 and 3.4 mg/dL among women, respectively. ConclusionThe results point to a positive association of UA with pre-MS and MS, with no significant differences between sexes. Therefore, UA can be used as an additional marker in the screening of these conditions.

91. Association of Pilonidal Disease with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Adolescent Females

<h3>Background</h3> Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Pilonidal Disease (PD) have been associated with a number of dermatologic conditions such as hirsutism, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. These conditions share similar risk factors including obesity, elevated androgens and metabolic syndrome. There is scant evidence about association between PCOS and PD. Prevalence of PD in adolescents is 0.7% and of PCOS is 8 to 13%. Pilonidal disease and PCOS are associated with significant morbidity and decreased quality of life, thus early diagnosis and treatment are important. We sought to determine whether pilonidal disease is associated with PCOS and whether severity of PD is greater in patients with concurrent PCOS and whether treatment of PCOS reduces pilonidal disease severity. <h3>Methods</h3> This was a retrospective chart review approved by the Institutional Review Board. Inclusion criteria was all girls aged 12 to 21 receiving a diagnosis of PCOS or PD from 2012-2019 at a tertiary medical center. Variables analyzed included age, race/ethnicity, BMI, menarche, tobacco use, payer status, treatment of PCOS and PD, serum markers of hyperandrogenism and metabolic syndrome. Data was analyzed with Student's t-test, chi-squared test, and multiple logistic regression <h3>Results</h3> In total, 100, 043 patients presented to an urban tertiary medical center with 769 patients diagnosed with PD of which 209 patients were diagnosed with both PD and PCOS. Patients with both diagnoses were more likely to have a higher BMI (31.4 v. 27.4, p<0.01), and be older (18.8 v. 18.3, p=0.04). The odds of patients with PD having PCOS was 34.6 times that of patients without PD [CI 29.2,40.9] (p<0.001). Patients with both diagnoses were less likely to receive intervention for PD (OR 0.22 [CI 0.13,0.37] (p<0.001)). Subgroup analysis of patients age < 18 years reduced confounding due to age and payer status. <h3>Conclusions</h3> There is a higher prevalence of PCOS among adolescent girls diagnosed with PD. PCOS treatment appears to confer a protective effect in reducing risk of intervention for PD. Increased awareness of the association between PCOS and PD among providers taking care of female adolescents with PD should result in lower threshold for screening for PCOS and/or referral to adolescent gynecology for further evaluation. If future studies involving diverse population show replicability of these findings, formalized practice guidelines aimed at screening for PCOS in girls presenting with PD should be developed. This approach may improve early detection and ultimately treatment of PCOS.

Sex differences in markers of metabolic syndrome and adipose tissue inflammation in obesity-prone, Osborne-Mendel and obesity-resistant, S5B/Pl rats

The current study examined the role of sex differences in the development of risk factors associated with obesity and its comorbidities using models that differ in their susceptibility to develop obesity, obesity-resistant S5B/Pl (S5B) and obesity-prone Osborne-Mendel (OM) rats. Male and female rats were fed a low fat or high fat diet (HFD) and markers of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and expression of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in visceral and subcutaneous adipose depots were measured. We hypothesized that male and female OM and S5B rats would exhibit differential responses to the consumption of HFD and that females, regardless of susceptibility to develop obesity, would display decreased obesity-related risk factors. Results suggested that consumption of HFD increased adiposity and fasting glucose levels in male OM and S5B rats, decreased circulating adiponectin levels in male S5B rats, and increased body weight and triglyceride levels in male OM rats. The consumption of HFD increased body weight and adiposity in female OM rats, not female S5B rats. Overall, female rats did not meet criteria for MetSyn, while male rats consuming HFD met criteria for MetSyn. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue inflammation was higher in male rats. In visceral adipose tissue, HFD consumption differentially altered expression of cytokines in male and female S5B and OM rats. These findings suggest that resistance to obesity in males may be overridden by chronic consumption of HFD and lead to increased risk for development of obesity-related comorbidities, while female rats appear to be protected from the adverse effects of HFD consumption.

In utero exposure to Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. &amp; Avé-Lall. improves metabolic syndrome parameters in pregnant rats and offspring

Context: Intrauterine and early life environments contribute to adult metabolic phenotype. Use of medicinal plants like Hypoxis hemerocallidea during pregnancy raises the question of whether this species may have epigenetic benefits or detriments due to intrauterine-programming, which is phenotypically expressed in the offspring. Aims: To evaluate the effect of H. hemerocallidea on selected markers of metabolic syndrome on dams and their pups (offspring). Methods: Pregnant female Wistar rats (n=18) were divided into three treatment groups (n=6/group): Ethanol extract of H. hemerocallidea at 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w and the control (distilled water) were administered for 21 days. Body weights were monitored and oral glucose tolerance was determined for dams on day 20 of gestation and for pups 28 days postpartum. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), LDL and HDL were determined 28 days postpartum. Results: H. hemerocallidea had no effect on body and organ weights of the treated dams. Pups born to H. hemerocallidea dams had reduced visceral fat compared to the untreated controls. H. hemerocallidea increased the glucose tolerance of treated dams and their pups compared to untreated controls. H. hemerocallidea extract increased serum HDL in treated dams while it decreased LDL in pups born to treated dams. H. hemerocallidea increased TAC in pups born to treated dams. Conclusions: H. hemerocallidea protected pregnant dams and their pups from insulin resistance, improved lipid profiles, reduced visceral fat accumulation and boosted total antioxidant capacity in pups. These protective effects of H. hemerocallidea in pups may have resultedfrom intrauterine programming during pregnancy.

Deciphering Biochemical and Molecular Signatures Associated with Obesity in Context of Metabolic Health.

This study aims to identify the clinical and genetic markers related to the two uncommon nutritional statuses—metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUNW) and metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHOW) individuals in the physically active individuals. Physically active male volunteers (n = 120) were recruited, and plasma samples were analyzed for the clinical parameters. Triglycerides, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and insulin resistance were considered as markers of metabolic syndrome. The subjects were classified as ‘healthy’ (0 metabolic abnormalities) or ‘unhealthy’ (≥1 metabolic abnormalities) in their respective BMI group with a cut-off at 24.9 kg/m2. Analysis of biochemical variables was done using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits with further confirmation using western blot analysis. The microarray was conducted, followed by quantitative real-time PCR to identify and analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The MHOW group constituted 12.6%, while the MUNW group constituted 32.4% of the total study population. Pro-inflammatory markers like interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and ferritin were increased in metabolically unhealthy groups in comparison to metabolically healthy groups. Gene expression profiling of MUNW and MHOW individuals resulted in differential expression of 7470 and 5864 genes, respectively. The gene ontology (GO) biological pathway analysis showed significant enrichment of the ‘JAK/STAT signaling pathway’ in MUNW and ‘The information-processing pathway at the IFN-β enhancer′ pathway in MHOW. The G6PC3 gene has genetically emerged as a new distinct gene showing its involvement in insulin resistance. Biochemical, as well as genetic analysis, revealed that MUNW and MHOW are the transition state between healthy and obese individuals with simply having fewer metabolic abnormalities. Moreover, it is possible that the state of obesity is a biological adaptation to cope up with the unhealthy parameters.

Usefulness of Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio and Alanine Aminotransferase for Predicting Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in the Japanese Population.

Background: Considering the fact that both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio are useful markers for cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic syndrome (MetS), the possible association of ALT and TG/HDL-C ratio is conceivable, but the association is not well studied. Moreover, assessment of IR and MetS by a combination lipid and liver biomarkers has rarely been carried out. Methods: A total of 11,808 Japanese subjects who underwent an annual health examination and who were not taking medications were recruited. The association between TG/HDL-C ratio and ALT level was investigated using correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the number of MetS components were evaluated after subjects were stratified by TG/HDL-C ratio and ALT levels. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that ALT levels were positively associated with TG/HDL-C ratio. Moreover, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that TG/HDL-C ratio was positively associated with ALT levels, and the association was attenuated but persisted in both men and women after additional adjustment for visceral adiposity (body mass index, waist circumference, or fatty liver) and IR (HOMA-IR). HOMA-IR and MetS component number increased with either ALT or TG/HDL-C ratio in both men and women. HOMA-IR and MetS component number were particularly high (HOMA-IR: men 2.82, women 3.22, MetS component number: men 2.6, women 2.1) in subjects with highest ALT level and TG/HDL-C ratio. Conclusions: TG/HDL-C ratio showed a positive association with ALT levels in both sexes. Assessments of IR and MetS can become more precise by evaluating TG/HDL-C ratio and ALT, simultaneously.

Impact of metabolic syndrome parameters and different fat depots on arterial stiffness in patients with abdominal obesity

Overweight is closely associated with development of cardiovascular disorders. Currently, the terms metabolically healthy abdominal obesity (MHAO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity, i.e., metabolic syndrome (MS) are stated. Comparison target organs status and their link with fat depots in persons of these categories is of important scientific and practical interest.&#x0D; Aim. To assess arterial stiffness in young people with abdominal obesity with / without MS by various methods as well as its link with various fat stores and other metabolic factors.&#x0D; Materials and methods. 116 people, 18- to 45-year-old, with abdominal obesity were divided into two groups: MHAO (n=46), aged 40 [34; 43] years and MS (n=70), aged 40 [35; 44] years. The control group (CG) included 16 conditionally healthy volunteers without obesity, aged 32 [27; 35] years (p0.01). All subjects were assessed for height, body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference. Lipid profile, glucose, 2-hour glucose tolerance test, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, HOMA-IR were determined. 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed. Subcutaneous, visceral, perivascular, epicardial fat volumes and, the ratio of subcutaneous fat to visceral fat were determined by computed tomography. Arterial stiffness was determined according to CAVI (Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity baPWV (VaSera 1000), aortic pulse wave velocity aoPWV (EnVisor ultrasound system).&#x0D; Results. aoPWV were significantly different between groups (p0.01). In persons with MS: 6.61.1 m/s, in MHAO and CG groups: 4.30.9 m/s and 5.51.0 m/s, respectively. Significant differences in baPWV were found only in MS group 13.88.2 m/s (p0.01) compared with CG and MHAO groups: 10.981.2 and 12.33.8 m/s, respectively. The CAVI index did not differ significantly between groups. There were reliable relationships between aoPWV and baPWV and almost all MS factors. The highest correlation coefficient was between aoPWV and visceral (r=0.55; p0.01) and epicardial (r=0.45; p0.01) fats. A close relationship between aoPWV and HOMA IR was revealed (r=0.42; p0.01). Correlation analysis showed a higher quality relationship between aoPWV and MS markers, insulin resistance, and fat depots compared to baPWV. According to multivariate regression analysis, the main contribution to the formation aoPWV is made by body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and epicardial fat.&#x0D; Conclusion. The most sensitive to metabolic factors and the volume of fat depots was aoPWV indicator. Significant differences on some metabolic risk factors and aoPWV between the control group and MHAO raises doubts about the correctness of the term metabolically healthy obesity.

Anti-Obesity and Anti-Adipogenic Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharide (GO2KA1) in SD Rats and in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes Models.

Excess body weight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated metabolic complications, and weight loss has been shown to improve glycemic control and decrease morbidity and mortality in T2D patients. Weight-loss strategies using dietary interventions produce a significant decrease in diabetes-related metabolic disturbance. We have previously reported that the supplementation of low molecular chitosan oligosaccharide (GO2KA1) significantly inhibited blood glucose levels in both animals and humans. However, the effect of GO2KA1 on obesity still remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of GO2KA1 on lipid accumulation and adipogenic gene expression using 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro and plasma lipid profiles using a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model. Murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated to differentiate under the adipogenic stimulation in the presence and absence of varying concentrations of GO2KA1. Adipocyte differentiation was confirmed by Oil Red O staining of lipids and the expression of adipogenic gene expression. Compared to control group, the cells treated with GO2KA1 significantly decreased in intracellular lipid accumulation with concomitant decreases in the expression of key transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBP/α). Consistently, the mRNA expression of downstream adipogenic target genes such as fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), fatty acid synthase (FAS), were significantly lower in the GO2KA1-treated group than in the control group. In vivo, male SD rats were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induced obesity, followed by oral administration of GO2KA1 at 0.1 g/kg/body weight or vehicle control in HFD. We assessed body weight, food intake, plasma lipids, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) for liver function, and serum level of adiponectin, a marker for obesity-mediated metabolic syndrome. Compared to control group GO2KA1 significantly suppressed body weight gain (185.8 ± 8.8 g vs. 211.6 ± 20.1 g, p < 0.05) with no significant difference in food intake. The serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly lower in the GO2KA1-treated group than in the control group, whereas the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was higher in the GO2KA1 group. The GO2KA1-treated group also showed a significant reduction in ALT and AST levels compared to the control. Moreover, serum adiponectin levels were significantly 1.5-folder higher than the control group. These in vivo and in vitro findings suggest that dietary supplementation of GO2KA1 may prevent diet-induced weight gain and the anti-obesity effect is mediated in part by inhibiting adipogenesis and increasing adiponectin level.

An Investigation of the Genetic Variability of Metabolic Syndrome and Hemoglobin A1c among African Americans: Rethinking Current Standards of Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

Biological markers for Metabolic Syndrome, such as serum lipids and Hemoglobin A1c may have genetic variability among African Americans versus their Caucasian American counterparts. Although cases of Type 2 diabetes and its sequela significantly outweigh Caucasian Americans in the US, paradoxically research has found a lower prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among blacks versus whites despite there being higher rates of Type 2 diabetes among the former population. Research has shown Metabolic Syndrome lipid parameters among African Americans are more favorable despite outstanding Type 2 diabetes incidence. With the emergence of the Human Genome Project and Genome Wide Association Studies, genetic differences in these parameters have been uncovered and genetic variability may play a role in such paradoxical mismatch. It may be reasonable to consider modifying Metabolic Syndrome parameters as given this new biological evidence. Hemoglobin A1c, also a biological marker used to monitor glucose levels over time, shows variability in its measurements with respect to African Americans. Genetic factors may play a role in the discrepancies among African Americans populations when using this parameter to monitor blood glucose. Precision medicine is now at the forefront of a biomedical new age, to find therapies that cater to specific populations based on genetic research. African Americans may not benefit from such a revolutionary paradigm shift in medicine due to evidence of lack of inclusivity in such studies like the Human Genome Project. Consideration should be made to the future of molecular medicine to include more minority populations such as African Americans in order to cater to specific differences rather than generalized standards of care.