Marker Of Overweight Research Articles

Almond snacking modestly improves diet quality and waist circumference but not psychosocial assessments and other cardiometabolic markers in overweight, middle-aged adults: A randomized, crossover trial.

Almond snacking modestly improves diet quality and waist circumference but not psychosocial assessments and other cardiometabolic markers in overweight, middle-aged adults: A randomized, crossover trial.

Association between Gut Microbiota Profiles, Dietary Intake, and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Women.

Being overweight and obesity are significant global public health challenges due to their association with adipose tissue dysfunction, pro-inflammatory marker production, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. To explore the relationship between gut microbiota, dietary factors, and inflammatory markers in overweight or obese women, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving a healthy group (n = 20) and an overweight or obese group (n = 75). We collected data, including clinical, anthropometric, and dietary assessments, and carried out a blood biochemical analysis, the measurement of inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α), and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples. The gut microbiota analysis revealed notable differences in alpha and beta diversity between the two groups. Moreover, the abundance of gut microbiota in the overweight or obese group correlated positively with adiposity markers, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers. These findings highlight significant changes in gut microbiota associated with obesity, potentially implicating pathways such as lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Understanding the role of the gut microbiome in obesity could reveal specific avenues for intervention.

Evidence of obesity-induced inflammatory changes in client-owned cats.

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are common health issues in obese (OB) cats. In humans, obesity leads to alterations in adipokine and proinflammatory cytokine secretion, causing persistent inflammation. The inflammatory impact of obesity in cats remains unproven. This study investigated associations between obesity and inflammatory and metabolic changes in three groups of client-owned Brazilian domestic shorthair cats: naturally lean, overweight (OW), and OB. Cats from the Veterinary Hospital of Professor Sylvio Barbosa e Cardoso (FAVET/UECE) were clinically evaluated. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical profile measurements, and part of the serum was used for measuring adipokine and inflammatory cytokines using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In both the OW and OB groups, serum cholesterol and insulin concentrations increased, while triglyceride concentrations were notably elevated in the OB group. In the OW and OB groups, serum adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels were elevated, and leptin levels were significantly higher in the OB group. This study is the first in Brazil to reveal increased serum levels of inflammatory markers in OW and OB client-owned felines. OW cats exhibited higher proinflammatory marker levels, implying obesity-induced inflammation.

Camu-camu decreases hepatic steatosis and liver injury markers in overweight, hypertriglyceridemic individuals: A randomized crossover trial

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of the adult population with no effective drug treatments available. Previous animal studies reported that a polyphenol-rich extract from the Amazonian berry camu-camu (CC) prevented hepatic steatosis in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. This study aims to determine the impact of CC on hepatic steatosis (primary outcome) and evaluate changes in metabolic and gut microbiota profiles (exploratory outcomes). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial is conducted on 30 adults with overweight and hypertriglyceridemia, who consume 1.5g of CC capsules or placebo daily for 12weeks. CC treatment decreases liver fat by 7.43%, while it increases by 8.42% during the placebo intervention, showing a significant difference of 15.85%. CC decreases plasma aspartate and alanine aminotransferases levels and promotes changes in gut microbiota composition. These findings support that polyphenol-rich prebiotic may reduce liver fat in adults with overweight, reducing the risk of developing NAFLD.

Evaluating the impact of exercise on intermediate disease markers in overweight and obese individuals through a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of exercise on intermediate disease markers in populations with overweight and obesity, providing evidence-based recommendations for clinicians to utilize these markers in developing exercise prescriptions for this group. The study was conducted by retrieving data from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI and only including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of different exercise interventions on intermediate disease markers in overweight and obese people. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias Risk Assessment tool and the data was analyzed using Stata 15.1 data analysis software. The RCTs were collected from January 2017 to March 2024. A total of 56 RCTs were included and the results of 10 outcomes were analyzed using random effects meta-analysis. The total sample size used in the study was 3193 The results showed that resistance training significantly reduced total cholesterol (SUCRA: 99.9%), triglycerides (SUCRA: 100.0%), low-density lipoprotein (SUCRA: 100.0%), systolic pressure (SUCRA: 92.5%), and increased high-density lipoprotein (SUCRA: 100.0%). Aerobic exercise significantly reduced insulin (SUCRA: 89.1%) and HbA1c (SUCRA: 95.3%). Concurrent training significantly reduced HOMA-IR (SUCRA: 93.8%), diastolic blood pressure (SUCRA: 71.2%) and Glucose (SUCRA: 87.6%). Exercise has a significant impact on intermediate disease markers in populations with overweight and obese. Compared with no exercise, exercise lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HOMA-IR, insulin, and HbA1c, and increases HDL in people with overweight and obese. These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for exercise interventions aimed at weight reduction and the prevention of chronic diseases in individuals with overweight and obese.

P30-025-23 The Effects of Fresh Mango Consumption on Immune Markers in Overweight and Obese Adults

P30-025-23 The Effects of Fresh Mango Consumption on Immune Markers in Overweight and Obese Adults

The effect of date seed powder supplementation on glycaemic markers and lipid profile in women with overweight and obesity: a randomised controlled trial

SummaryThis randomised controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of date kernel on glycaemic control, lipid profile, and weight in women with overweight and obesity. A total of 124 women with overweight or obesity were randomly assigned to receive the date kernel supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and fasting plasma glucose and lipid profiles by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. In all, 98 subjects aged 40.7 years completed the trial (48 in the date kernel group and 50 in the placebo group). After 12 weeks, date kernel supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in HbA1c [mean (SD): −0.45 (0.36)] and fasting plasma glucose compared to the placebo [−0.16 (0.27)]. No significant change was observed in the lipid profiles of the total participants. However, date kernel decreased cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) in hypercholesterolaemic and hypertriglyceridaemic participants compared to the placebo. Date kernel improved glycaemic markers in overweight or obese women compared with the placebo. Furthermore, a significant reduction in total cholesterol and TG was observed only in hyperlipidaemic subjects. Date seed is a source of valuable components, including dietary fibre and bioactive compounds, that could provide economic, nutritional, and health benefits to the nutraceutical and food industries.

Moderate-intensity Exercise Decreases Cortisol Response in Overweight Adolescent Women

The study purpose was to demonstrate the effect of moderate-intensity exercise on reducing cortisol levels in overweight adolescent women.
 Materials and methods. This study is an actual trial study with a pre-test randomized control group design involving 20 overweight adolescent women aged 19–22 as research subjects who were randomly divided into two groups, namely CNG (n = 10, control group) and EXG (n = 10, moderate-intensity exercise group). The moderate-intensity exercise intervention was performed for 40 minutes on a treadmill. Cortisol levels were measured using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Data analysis technique used t-test of independent samples and correlation test using Pearson's correlation coefficient with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.
 Results. Cortisol levels were obtained as a result of the best means between CNG and EXG (222.57 ± 56.04 vs 225.56 ± 63.96 ng/mL, (p ≥ 0.05)), post-test cortisol levels between CNG and EXG (238, 27 ± 77.94 vs 118.13 ± 12.90 ng/mL, (p ≤ 0.001)) and cortisol Δ between CNG vs EXG (15.71 ± 13.14 vs -107.43 ± 21, 13 ng/mL, (p ≤ 0.001)). Cortisol levels also showed a positive relationship with markers of overweight (p ≤ 0.05).
 Conclusions. Based on the study results, it was concluded that the cortisol response decreased after moderate-intensity exercise and found a positive relationship between cortisol levels and markers of overweight. These results could be used as a long-term approach to modifying an active lifestyle to reduce stress levels.

Red, white, and processed meat consumption related to inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers among overweight and obese women.

Considering that a high meat intake is directly associated with obesity, it is critical to address the relationship between consuming different types of meat with inflammation and metabolism in overweight and obese cohorts. Thus, we evaluated the association between red, white, and processed meat consumption with inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in overweight and obese women. The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 overweight and obese Iranian women. Dietary intake was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 147 items. The anthropometric measurements, serum lipid profile, and inflammatory markers were measured by standard protocols. All associations were assessed utilizing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and linear regression models. In the adjusted model, it was established that higher intake of processed meat had a significant positive association with leptin levels (β: 0.900, 95% CI: 0.031;1.233, p = 0.015). Moreover, after considering the confounders, a significant positive association between processed meat and macrophage inflammatory protein (MCP-1) levels was observed (β: 0.304, 95% CI:0.100;1.596, p = 0.025). Positive significant associations between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β:0.020, 95% CI:0.000;0.050, P = 0.014) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (β:0.263, 95% CI:0.112;0.345, p = 0.053) and MCP-1 (β:0.490, 95% CI: 0.175;1.464, p = 0.071) levels with red meat were also shown; while there was a significant negative association between red meat and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.016, 95% CI: -0.022, -0.001, p = 0.033). Furthermore, a significant negative association were established following confounding adjustment between Galectin-3 (Gal-3) (β: -0.110, 95% CI: -0.271;0.000, p = 0.044), MCP-1 (β: -1.933, 95% CI: -3.721;0.192, p = 0.022) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.011, 95% CI: -0.020,0.000, p = 0.070) levels with high adherence of white meat intake. In contrast, a significant marginally positive association between PAI-1 levels and high adherence to white meat intake (β: -0.340, 95% CI: -0.751;0.050, p = 0.070) has been shown. Higher red and processed meat consumption were positively associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers in overweight and obese women. In contrast, negative relationships between high adherence to white meat and various inflammatory and metabolic parameters were established. Further studies are needed to confirm the causality of these associations and potential mediating pathways.

Inflammation and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight women and men: the FATCOR study

Abstract Background Women have more body fat compared to men, and adipose tissue is associated with chronic inflammation. Cardiorespiratory fitness has on the other hand been postulated to lower chronic inflammation. However, sex-specific associations of inflammation with cardiorespiratory fitness is less studied. Purpose To assess inflammatory markers in overweight and obese women and men according to cardiorespiratory fitness in the FAT associated CardiOvasculaR dysfunction (FATCOR) study. Methods Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 566 subjects (mean age was 48±9 years, 60% women) with body mass index (BMI) >27.0 kg/m2. Participants were grouped according to sex, and fitness status identified from sex and age specific VO2max thresholds. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were analysed using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight mass spectrometry. Serum levels of the kynurenine:tryptophan ratio (KTR) and pyriodoxic acid ratio (PAr) were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. All inflammatory markers were log transformed before inclusion in linear regression analyses. Results In the total study population, 63% had obesity and 74% were cardiorespiratory unfit. Unfit women had the highest fat percentage and the highest serum levels of CRP and SAA compared to the other groups (p<0.05), while serum levels of KTR and PAr were higher only compared to fit men (p<0.05). In multivariable linear regression analyses in women, higher CRP (β −0.15, p=0.001), SAA (β −0.10, p=0.03) and PAr (β −0.09, p=0.03) were associated with lower VO2max after adjusting for age, fat percentage, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. In men, only higher PAr (β −0.14, p=0.02) was associated with lower VO2max in multivariable analyses adjusted for age, fat percentage and metabolic syndrome. In multivariable analyses in obese women only (n=213), higher CRP (β −0.15, p=0.01) and PAr (β −0.13, p=0.03) remained associated with lower VO2max, while in obese men (n=144) there was no significant associations between inflammatory markers and VO2max. Conclusion Among overweight subjects participating in the FATCOR study, cardiorespiratory unfit women had the highest serum levels of inflammatory markers. The association of inflammation with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness was more pronounced in women than men, in particular when obesity was present. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Western Regional Health Authority of Norway

Effects of weight loss through lifestyle changes on heart rate variability in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review

The effects of calorie restriction and physical activity on autonomic regulation and cardiac vagal control in overweight and obese individuals remain inconsistent. Thus, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the weight loss effects through lifestyle changes on heart rate variability (HRV) markers in overweight and obese subjects. A systematic search for studies published up to November 2021 was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, EBSCO host and VHL REGIONAL/LILACS. The main outcomes were changes in HRV indices from pre- and post-nutritional intervention and exercise in overweight and obese individuals. This review was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42021274467. The literature search retrieved 959 articles, of which 12 were included in this review. The intervention in nine studies was diet only, in two studies was diet and exercise, and in one study diet was compared to diet and exercise. The weight loss was greater than 10% in four studies and between 5 and 10% in three studies. Most of the studies revealed that weight loss through lifestyle changes seems to promote beneficial effects on HRV, restoring sympathovagal balance by increasing parasympathetic activity and reducing sympathetic activation. This systematic review exhibited the beneficial effects of weight loss through lifestyle changes on cardiac autonomic control in overweight and obese individuals. Future investigations need standardization of HRV indices for better interpretation of autonomic function in different clinical situations.

Effects of exercise training on inflammatory and cardiometabolic health markers in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The improvements in inflammation and cardiometabolic health play an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. However, the interactions between different exercise training (ET) modalities with inflammatory and cardiometabolic biomarkers are not completely understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of ET on inflammatory and cardiometabolic health markers in overweight and obese adults. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science up to December 15, 2021. Thirty-five studies including 2752 participants were included and analyzed using a random-effects model to estimate weighted mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The meta-analysis found that ET significantly (P<0.05) increased adiponectin (WMD: 0.72 µg/mL; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.84; SMD=0.65) and maximal oxygen consumption levels (WMD: 5.26 mL.kg.min; 95% CI: 3.84, 6.69; SMD=1.21). Moreover, ET significantly (P<0.05) reduced fasting insulin (WMD: -2.40 μIU/mL; 95% CI: -3.43 to -1.37; SMD=-0.87), fasting blood glucose (WMD: -5.41 mg/dL; 95% CI: -7.91, -2.91; SMD=-0.66), insulin resistance (WMD: -0.66; 95% CI: -1.08, -0.24; SMD=-0.66) and triglyceride levels (WMD: -10.88 mg/dL; 95% CI: -17.61, -4.15; SMD=-0.91). No significant changes were observed in interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, leptin, C-reactive protein and cholesterol concentrations. Subgroup analysis by type of training indicated that aerobic and resistance exercise had the most consistent beneficial effects as compared to other modalities. Our findings suggest that ET may improve inflammation and cardiometabolic health in overweight and obese adults. Aerobic and resistance training appear to be more beneficial for improving adiponectin, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance index and triglyceride levels as compared to other exercise modalities. Further long-term studies are required to confirm and expand on these findings.

Circulating Inflammatory Markers May Mediate the Relationship between Healthy Plant-Based Diet and Metabolic Phenotype Obesity in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background It has been posited that both metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO) could be emergent from diet and inflammatory markers. Thus, we sought to investigate the influence of plant-based diet on MHO and MUHO phenotypes mediated by inflammatory markers in overweight and obese women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 289 women aged ≥18 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2. Dietary intake was measured using 147 item food frequency questionnaire, as well as anthropometrics and biochemistry panel, in all participants. Metabolic health phenotypes were considered using Karelis score, while plant-based diet indices (PDI) were evaluated based on 18 food groups, where healthy and unhealthy PDI were identified. Results Accordingly, 26.9% of women had MHO and 73.1% had MUHO phenotypes. After adjusting for potential confounders, TGF-β1 had a significant inverse association with hPDI (β: −0.28; 95% CI: 452.99, −85.25; P: 0.004). Moreover, we found that women with higher hPDI had lower odds of MUHO (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.39, 2.30; P: 0.03). Regarding the mediatory effect of the inflammatory markers, TGF-β1 (P: 0.73), IL-β1 (P: 0.14), and MCP1 (P: 0.51) played a role in decreasing the odds of MUHO among hPDI tertiles. Conclusion There was a significant inverse relationship between adherence to hPDI and MUHO phenotype in overweight and obese Iranian women. This association appeared to be mediated by TGF-β1, IL-β1, and MCP1.

Vitamin D Supplementation and Genetic Polymorphisms Impact on Weight Loss Diet Outcomes in Caucasians: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is common in obese people, with some studies suggesting that low vitamin D level might be an independent predictor of obesity. Thus, the purpose of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of oral spray vitamin D3 3000 IU supplementation along with personalized weight-loss diet on obesity markers in overweight and obese Caucasians with vitamin d deficiency or insufficiency. The impact of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and adrenergic receptors (ADRs) genetic variants on vitamin D levels and weight loss diet outcomes was also investigated. After signing informed consent, a total of 125 eligible volunteers were randomly assigned into vitamin D (vitamin D3 3000 IU/d oral spray supplementation, n = 76) or placebo (xylitol, water, mint, n = 49) group following a weight loss program (600 calories less than the total energy expenditure of each volunteer) for 3 months. Fat mass, BMI, REE and 25(OH)D serum level were monitored on baseline and each month. DNA samples were extracted from buccal swabs and genotyped for the rs2228570 (VDR), rs1544410 (VDR), rs731236 (VDR), rs1800544 (ADRA2A), rs1801252 (ADRB1), rs1042713 (ADRB2), and rs4994 (ADRB3) polymorphisms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS package (v.23). Between group comparisons revealed significant improvement in serum 25(OH)D level and greater reduction in weight, BMI and fat percentage in the vitamin D group compared to placebo group (p < 0.05). In the vitamin D group, carriers of the rs2228570 T allele tended to have greater vitamin D level improvement compared with the homozygous C allele (p = 0.067). Furthermore, heterozygous (CT) for the rs731236 tended to have lesser weight loss (p = 0.068) and for the rs1042713, a lower decline in fat percentage was observed for homozygous AA carriers compared to the heterozygous (p = 0.051). In the control group, differences in weight loss (p = 0.055) and BMI (p = 0.045) were observed between rs1544410 AA and GG homozygous. In conclusion, vitamin D oral spray supplementation seems to improve vitamin D status and decrease obesity markers during a weight-loss intervention in overweight/obese Caucasians with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Also, the results of the present study indicate that VDR and ADRs genetic polymorphisms seem to influence vitamin D supplementation response and obesity markers.

Associations of circulating xanthine oxidoreductase activity with cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight and obese Japanese men: a cross-sectional pilot study.

Circulating xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-related adverse cardiometabolic profiles. This pilot study aimed to examine the cross-sectional associations between plasma XOR activity and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) markers in overweight and obese men. In 64 overweight and obese Japanese men (aged 31–63 years), plasma XOR activity and several CMR markers, such as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and clustered CMR score were measured in each participant. Clustered CMR score was constructed based on waist circumference, triglyceride, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Plasma XOR activity in overweight and obese men was positively associated with the body mass index, waist circumference, visceral fat area, body fat mass, hemoglobin A1c, serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, HOMA-IR, and clustered CMR score and was inversely associated with handgrip strength and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Multiple linear regression analysis further demonstrated that the associations of plasma XOR activity with HOMA-IR and the clustered CMR score remained significant after adjustment for covariates including uric acid. Our data demonstrate that circulating XOR activity was independently associated, albeit modestly, with HOMA-IR and the clustered CMR score. These preliminary findings suggest that circulating XOR activity can potentially be one of the preventive targets and biomarkers of cardiometabolic disorders in over­weight and obese men.

Effects of indulgent food snacking, with and without exercise training, on body weight, fat mass, and cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight and obese men.

We hypothesized that exercise training would prevent gains in body weight and body fat, and worsening of cardiometabolic risk markers, during a 4‐week period of indulgent food snacking in overweight/obese men. Twenty‐eight physically inactive men (ages 19–47 yr) with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 consumed 48 donuts (2/day, 6 days/week; ~14,500 kcal total) for 4 weeks while maintaining habitual diet. Men were randomly assigned to control (n = 9), moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT; n = 9), or high‐intensity interval training (HIIT; n = 10). Exercise training occurred 4 days/week, ~250 kcal/session. Controls did not increase body weight, body fat, or visceral abdominal fat. This was partially explained by a decrease in self‐reported habitual energy (−239 kcal/day, p = 0.05) and carbohydrate (−47 g/day; p = 0.02) intake. Large inter‐individual variability in changes in body weight, fat, and fat‐free mass was evident in all groups. Fasting blood pressure, and blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, and lipids were unchanged in all groups. Glucose incremental area under the curve during an oral glucose tolerance test was reduced by 25.6% in control (p = 0.001) and 32.8% in MICT (p = 0.01) groups. Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) was not changed in any group. VO2max increased (p ≤ 0.001) in MICT (9.2%) and HIIT (12.1%) groups. We conclude that in physically inactive men with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, consuming ~14,500 kcal as donuts over 4 weeks did not adversely affect body weight and body fat, or several markers of cardiometabolic risk. Consumption of the donuts may have prevented the expected improvement in FMD with HIIT.

Clitoria ternatea Flower Extract Attenuates Postprandial Lipemia and Increases Plasma Antioxidant Status Responses to a High-Fat Meal Challenge in Overweight and Obese Participants.

Simple SummarySupplementation of high-fat meals with edible plants is the principal strategy to control postprandial dysmetabolism and inflammation. This study demonstrated that consumption of Clitoria ternatea flower extract (CTE) decreased postprandial serum triglyceride and serum free fatty acids, and improved plasma antioxidant status and glutathione peroxidase activity responses to a high-fat meal challenge in overweight and obese participants. However, CTE could not reduce the effect of HF meal-induced increase in postprandial glycemia and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings of the present study suggest that CTE may be used as an effective ingredient to suppress postprandial lipemia and improve the antioxidant status in overweight and obese individuals that frequently consume HF diets.High-fat (HF) meal-induced postprandial lipemia, oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation is exacerbated in overweight and obese individuals. This postprandial dysmetabolism contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Clitoria ternatea flower extract (CTE) possesses antioxidant potential and carbohydrate and fat digestive enzyme inhibitory activity in vitro. However, no evidence supporting a favorable role of CTE in the modulation of postprandial lipemia, antioxidant status and inflammation in humans presently exists. In the present study, we determine the effect of CTE on changes in postprandial glycemic and lipemic response, antioxidant status and pro-inflammatory markers in overweight and obese men after consumption of an HF meal. Following a randomized design, sixteen participants (age, 23.5 ± 0.6 years, and BMI, 25.7 ± 0.7 kg/m2) were assigned to three groups that consumed the HF meal, or HF meal supplemented by 1 g and 2 g of CTE. Blood samples were collected at fasting state and then at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 min after the meal consumption. No significant differences were observed in the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for postprandial glucose among the three groups. Furthermore, 2 g of CTE decreased the iAUC for serum triglyceride and attenuated postprandial serum free fatty acids at 360 min after consuming the HF meal. In addition, 2 g of CTE significantly improved the iAUC for plasma antioxidant status, as characterized by increased postprandial plasma FRAP and thiol levels. Postprandial plasma glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher at 180 min after the consumption of HF meal with 2 g of CTE. No significant differences in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) were observed at 360 min among the three groups. These findings suggest that CTE can be used as a natural ingredient for reducing postprandial lipemia and improving the antioxidant status in overweight and obese men after consuming HF meals.

Comparison of the Effect of Amaranth Oil vs. Rapeseed Oil on Selected Atherosclerosis Markers in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Cross-Over Trial.

It is well known that rapeseed oil improves lipid profile and has antiatherosclerotic properties. Recently, amaranth oil has also become popular due to its potential health benefits. However, the effect of this oil on atherosclerosis markers in humans is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of amaranth and rapeseed oils on selected atherosclerosis-related parameters in overweight and obese subjects. In this randomized cross-over study, 44 subjects were instructed to consume 20 mL of amaranth oil and rapeseed oil during two consecutive three-week intervention periods separated by a washout period of the same duration as the intervention. The outcome variables included changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, adiponectin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, apolipoproteins (Apo) A1, B and E as well as glucose and insulin homeostasis markers. Compared to rapeseed oil, amaranth oil had a slight positive effect on adiponectin levels (mean (95% confidence interval): 0.55 (0.22–0.89) vs. -0.29 (−0.75–0.16), p = 0.0002) but negatively affected ApoB concentrations (0.05 (−0.01–0.11) vs. 0.03 (−0.07–0.00), p = 0.0004) and ApoB/A1 ratio (0.01 (−0.03–0.05) vs. −0.02 (−0.04–0.00), p = 0.0113). No differences between the other analyzed parameters were observed. In conclusion, amaranth oil does not have a greater beneficial effect on atherosclerosis markers than rapeseed oil. However, further studies with a longer intervention period are needed. The study was retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register within the number: DRKS00014046, date of registration: 3 May 2018.

Effects of probiotics on body adiposity and cardiovascular risk markers in individuals with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Evidence suggests that gut microbiota is a potential factor in the pathophysiology of both obesity and related metabolic disorders. While individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the effects of probiotics on adiposity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in subjects with overweight and obesity, the results are inconsistent. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on body weight, body adiposity and CVD risk markers in overweight and obese subjects. A systematic search for RCTs published up to December 2020 was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus and LILACS. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was chosen to analyze the impact of combined trials. Twenty-six RCTs (n=1720) were included. Data pooling showed a significant effect of probiotics in reducing body weight (MD:-0.70kg; 95%CI:-1.04,-0.35kg; P<0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD:-0.24kg/m2; 95%CI:-0.35,-0.12kg/m2; P=0.0001), waist circumference (WC) (MD:-1.13cm; 95%CI:-1.54,-0.73cm; P<0.0001), fat mass (MD:-0.71kg; 95%CI:-1.10,-0.32kg; P=0.0004), tumor necrosis factor-α (MD:-0.16pg/ml; 95%CI:-0.24,-0.08pg/ml; P=0.0001), insulin (MD:-0.85mcU/ml; 95%CI:-1.50,-0.21mcU/ml; P=0.010), total cholesterol (MD:-0.16mmol/l; 95%CI:-0.26,-0.05mmol/l; P=0.003) and LDL (MD:-0.09mmol/l; 95%CI:-0.16,-0.03mmol/l; P=0.006) compared with control groups. There was a significant decrease in body weight, BMI and WC in studies using both single and multi-bacterial species. Decreases in body adiposity parameters were only observed in studies using a probiotic dose of ≥ 1010CFU and for ≥8 weeks duration. The present meta-analysis suggests that probiotics consumption may be helpful for improving body weight, body adiposity and some CVD risk markers in individuals with overweight and obesity. The review was registered on PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews): CRD42020183136.

Effect of Different Acute Exercise Intensities on the Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Subjects

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of different exercise intensities on modifying the inflammatory markers in overweight and obese subjects. Sixty adult males divided into: a control group (n=30) included normal weight subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and an overweight (OW) and obese group (n=30) included subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Each group was randomly subdivided into three groups (n=10 each): low, moderate and high intensity exercise groups. Anthropometric measurements obtained and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured before and thirty minutes after twenty minutes incremental exercise, at 45%, 60% or 80% of predicted maximum heart rate, on a motor driven treadmill. Following an acute bout of moderate or high intensity exercise, OW and obese subjects showed significant increase in CRP and IL-6 levels; however, TNF-α levels significantly decreased. Nevertheless, an acute low intensity exercise induced no significant changes in any of the measured markers in the OW and obese subjects. In conclusion, an acute bout of moderate or high intensity exercise, but not low intensity exercise, induces an inflammatory response, characterized by a rise in levels of CRP and IL-6, and a decrease in TNF-α level in overweight and obese subjects.