Non-obese Controls Research Articles

Different Expression of Micro-RNA in the Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue of Obese Subjects.

Obesity is a pathology characterized by an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and it is a condition associated with complex alterations affecting different organs and systems. Obesity has great influences on cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, and impairs the multiple aspects of metabolism. Since micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are thought to play a role in the regulation of various pathological processes, in this complex framework, the investigation of these classes of noncoding regulatory RNA seems to be promising. Selected group of obese subjects was recruited. We analyzed the expression of seven miRNAs from obese adipose tissue supposed to have a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and respiratory disease related to obesity and we compared it with the expression of the same miRNAs in a group of nonobese controls. In this study what emerged is miR-27b and miR-483 significant downregulation in subcutaneous adipose tissue from obese group compared with nonobese ones. For visceral adipose tissue, a significant decrease in miR-27b and miR-223 expression was observed in obese group. Moreover, a different expression of miR-26a and miR-338 in the obese group was found. Those findings could help the individuation of previously unknown key players in the development of different diseases usually associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Clinical Trials.gov ID: Ref 17/CE/2014.

Effect of high-intensity interval training and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on cardiac apoptosis in obese male rats.

Obesity is associated with several metabolic disorders and myocardial apoptosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on myocardial apoptotic proteins in obese male rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups including non-obese control (NOC), baseline obese control (BOC), HIIT, CoQ10, HIIT + CoQ10, and control. NOC and BOC groups were sacrificed at the beginning of the study. Exercise groups were subjected to a HIIT program over 12 weeks. Rats in CoQ10 group were gavage-fed with 500 mg/kg-1 CoQ10 supplement throughout the study. The heart muscle was removed 48 hours after the last training session. The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c, BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid), caspase-8, and caspase-3 protein expressions were analyzed using western blotting. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Bax, Bid, cytochrome c, caspase-8, caspase-3 proteins, and Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly higher in BOC group compared to NOC (P = 0.025, P = 0.0001, P = 0.013, P = 0.017, P = 0.010, P = 0.180, respectively). Moreover, Bcl-2 protein was lower in BOC compared to NOC group (P = 0.025). HIIT program decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P = 0.012), Bid (P = 0.0001), cytochrome c (P = 0.003), caspase-8 (P = 0.006), and caspase-3 (P = 0.002) proteins and increased Bcl-2 (P = 0.001) proteins in heart muscle. CoQ10 supplementation significantly increased Bcl-2 protein content (P = 0.001). HIIT exerts an anti-apoptotic effect in heart muscle of obese rats. Although the administration of CoQ10 increased Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein, it did not show a potent synergistic effect along with HIIT to reduce obesity-related myocardial apoptosis.

Age Related Homocysteine Serum Levels Elevate in Men with Epilepsy

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the correlation of age with serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in male nonobese epilepsy (Ep) patients and nonobese male control (C) subjects.
 Methods: This case-control study was conducted in non-obese male epilepsy patients (Ep; n: 44; age: 26-40 years) having predominant grand mal (generalized tonic-clonic) seizures, and in control subjects (C; n: 42; age: 26-40 years). The Ep and C subjects were further subdivided into age-based subgroups: 26-30, 31-35, 36-40 years. Determination of serum Hcy was carried out by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SPSS software version 24 was used for the purpose of data entry/ statistical analysis.
 Results: The mean± SD values for serum Hcy (?mol/L) in male Ep (n:44) and male C subjects (n:42) were 12.34±3.34 and 9.16±3.38 respectively, that showed highly significant increase in the level of Hcy (p< 0.001) in Ep compared to C subjects. Serum Hcy levels showed significant increased serum levels of Hcy, and positive linear correlation in all age groups (26-30, 31-35, 36-40, 26-40) in Ep subjects compared to control subjects. However, significantly elevated serum Hcy and lesser association (though significant) of Hcy with age in Ep group as compared to C subjects was found in the present report.
 Conclusion: Present study provides evidence of the significant impact of age on serum homocysteine levels in nonobese epilepsy patients. However, it is essentially required to carry out well controlled studies comprising wider age range data, and large number of samples in each age subgroup to have better idea about the potential impact of Hcy in epilepsy, and to investigate the comparative effects of AEDs and dosages of AEDs on serum levels of Hcy and vice versa.

Oral motor function in obesity.

Obese individuals may have impaired oral sensory functioning and abnormal oral motor function, a consequence of fat deposition in muscles. To evaluate the oral motor function in obese individuals. Three observational cross-sectional studies were performed. In total, 140 participants were evaluated: (1) orofacial myofunctional evaluation (OMES) was performed in 26 obese and 26 control subjects; (2) time taken for suction of 50ml of water through straws of 3mm and 6mm of diameter was measured in 30 obese and 30 control subjects; (3) the oral phase of swallowing of 5ml moderately thick and 5ml extremely thick boluses was analysed by videofluoroscopy in 14 obese and 14 control subjects. Obese and non-obese control subjects had body mass index ≥40kg/m2 and <30kg/m2 , respectively. Obese subjects had worse oral myofunctional evaluation scores in posture/appearance (lips, jaw, cheeks, tongue and hard palate), in mobility (lips, tongue, jaw and cheeks) and in breathing, deglutition and mastication functions (p≤.020). The OMES total score was 73.5±5.5 in obese and 92.8±3.7 in controls subjects (p<.001). There was no difference between the groups in the time taken for 50ml of water suction through the 3-mm- or 6-mm-diameter straw. Videofluoroscopic evaluation of the bolus swallowed demonstrated a longer oral preparation time in obese individuals for both boluses (p≤.040) and no difference in oral transit time (p≥.140). A moderate change in oral motor function was observed in obese individuals with BMI ≥40kg/m2 .

Calculation of basal metabolic rate in patients with morbid obesity treated in spa conditions.

The present study aimed to calculate the basal metabolic rate (BMR) with the Mifflin equation based on the expected body mass for normal body mass index (BMI) values in obese patients treated in spa conditions. Patients with morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kgm-2 ) and non-obese controls (BMI < 30 kgm-2 ) were recruited. In total, 104 patients with morbid obesity (mean BMI ± standard deviation, 46.9 ± 2.1 kgm-2 ) treated in spa conditions and 90 non-obese controls (mean BMI, 28 ± 1.3 kgm-2 ) were included in the present study. The mean BMR calculated based on actual body mass was 2088 ± 303 kcal in patients with morbid obesity and 1424 ± 268 kcal in non-obese controls. The BMR calculated based on expected body mass for normal BMI decreased significantly in patients with morbid obesity (p < 0.01), but not in non-obese controls. Accordingly, energy expenditure and planned caloric intake was significantly lower when BMR was calculated based on expected body mass rather than actual body mass in patients with morbid obesity, but not in non-obese controls (p < 0.01). Expected body mass for normal BMI should be used to calculate the BMR in patients with morbid obesity.

Salivary phosphate as a biomarker for human diseases.

Phosphate is a common ingredient of the daily consumed foods and is absorbed in the intestine and is excreted in the urine through the kidney to maintain the homeostatic balance. For adults, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for phosphorus is around 700 mg/day. The change in dietary habits resulted in far more phosphate consumption (almost double) than the RDA, contributing to increased cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, and tumor formation. Due to a lack of clinical appreciation for the long‐term consequences of chronic phosphate burden on non‐communicable disorders, it is rapidly becoming a global health concern. The possible association between dysregulated phosphate metabolism and obesity is not studied in‐depth, mainly because such an association is believed to be nonexistent. However, in the animal model of obesity, serum phosphate level was higher than their non‐obese controls. In a similar observation line, significantly higher salivary phosphate levels were detected in obese children compared to normal‐weight children. Of clinical importance, despite the significant increase of salivary phosphate levels in obese children, the plasma phosphate levels did not change in samples collected from the same group of children. Such disparity between plasma and saliva raised the possibility that human salivary phosphate levels may be an early biomarker of childhood obesity.

Effects of obesity-related inflammatory markers on psychosomatic manifestations of premenstrual tension syndrome: towards better therapeutic outcomes (An original article)

Background: Obesity-induced inflammation facilitates depression and premenstrual tension syndrome. Hypoxia is a common feature of inflammation. Hypoxia inducible factors adapt cells to low oxygen tension and inflammation. Objectives: We aimed to see how obesity, along with Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide, Metformin, calorie restriction, and walking exercise, affected psychosomatic characteristics of premenstrual tension syndrome, during a six-month period.Patients and methods: A prior ethical committee approval and informed patients’ consent were taken. This study was performed in Tanta University, Egypt from May 2019 to December 2019. This study aims at evaluating the effects of obesity-induced inflammatory mediators on psychosomatic effects in women having premenstrual tension syndrome. Effects of combined therapy using (Metformin, Amiloride. Hydrochloride/ Hydrochlorthiazide, caloric restriction, half an hour of walking exercise per day, and Vitazinc capsules) treatment was compared to the same combined therapy including Royal vitamin G treatment (instead of Vitazinc) on alleviating psychosomatic manifestations of premenstrual tension syndrome. Sixty obese women having premenstrual tension syndrome were categorized into younger age group (18-39 years) and older age (40-48 years) versus a non-obese age-matched control group. Body mass index in addition to serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and receptor activator of nuclear factor- kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) were assessed. Related psychosomatic manifestations of premenstrual tension syndrome (edema, anxiety, and fatigue) were also assessed. Results: Obesity significantly increased serum TNF-α (p < 0.01), HIF-1 α (p < 0.01) and RANKL (p < 0.01). Obesity-induced biochemical effects were higher in older obese women than younger ones. Obesity significantly exaggerated the severity of investigated psychosomatic manifestations (p < 0.001). Both combined therapies (including either Vitazinc or Royal vitamin G) significantly and dramatically decreased the percentage of cases having psychosomatic manifestations (p < 0.001) that was closely related to the decreased serum biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Combined therapy containing Royal vitamin G significantly improved serum biochemical parameters and psychosomatic manifestations better than combined therapy containing Vitazinc.

Risk Factors Influencing Seroconversion after Inactive SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in People Living with Obesity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike antigens and the risk factors affecting antibody levels in people living with obesity (PwO) after inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) administration. 169 consecutive patients with obesity who visited the Center for Obesity Management at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospitals, between May and August 2021, were invited to the study. The nonobese control group was recruited from 191 subjects who visited the Cerrahpaşa Hospitals Vaccination Unit. The study group and the nonobese control group have already received two doses of inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG nucleocapsid antibody test was administered to patients and control subjects to discover those who had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Forty-one patients who had prior infection and received two doses of vaccine were also included in the study as a subgroup. Blood samples were taken on the 3rd to 4th week after the second vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers were determined by quantitative serological methods. Antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen of individuals with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 were significantly lower than those with BMI <30 kg/m2 (p = 0.001) in the study group. Moreover, the antibody titers in people with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 were significantly lower than in those having a BMI <30.0 kg/m2 in the subgroup (p = 0.03). Age (p = 0.03), BMI (p = 0.006), and hypertension (p = 0.03) were found to be independent risk factors for antibody response in PwO. Women with non-prior SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a significantly higher antibody response then men (p = 0.001). SARS-CoV-2-Immunoglobulin G antibody levels against inactive (CoronaVac) vaccine were found to be lower in PwO compared to nonobese individuals. Antibody titers may be measured, and booster doses should be delivered accordingly in PwO for optimal protection.

Subclinical Impairment of Left Ventricular Function assessed by Speckle Tracking in Type 2 Diabetic Obese and Non-Obese Patients: Case Control Study.

Objectives:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, so early prediction of LV dysfunction carries better prognosis. So our aim was to assess the subclinical LV dysfunction in type 2 diabetic obese and non-obese patients using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE).Materials and Methods:We studied 93 patients, including two groups of 31 each with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), divided by body mass index (BMI), and 31 non-diabetic non-obese controls. All these subjects underwent two-dimensional Echo (2DE) imaging with analysis of conventional parameters of systolic and diastolic function, as well as speckle tracking echocardiography s (STE) analysis of LV global and regional longitudinal strain.Results:We reported significant inter-group differences in parameters of diastolic function, but no significant differences in ejection fraction or fractional shortening. Nevertheless, we found significant differences in strain, which we interpreted as evidence of subclinical systolic dysfunction.Conclusion:2DSTE is better than basic echocardiographic measurements in assessment of subclinical LV dysfunction in type 2 diabetic obese and non-obese patients which can be used to predict cardiomyopathic changes in the earlier course of type 2 DM and start earlier treatment with better prognosis.

CD147 Levels in Blood and Adipose Tissues Correlate with Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Diabetic Adults.

CD147 is a glycoprotein that stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), known contributors to cardiovascular risk. The activity of CD147 protein depends on its glycosylation. However, it is unclear whether CD147 protein expression or glycosylation are influenced by the diabetic milieu characterized by hyperglycemia and abundant glycation-end-products (AGEs). We examined the circulating and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) levels of CD147 and their correlation with vascular function in obese, obese diabetic, and non-obese controls (n = 40, each). The circulating levels of CD147 and the glycosylated CD147 protein in VAT were considerably higher in obese, particularly obese diabetic subjects compared to controls. Obese diabetics had the lowest brachial and arteriolar vasoreactivity and the highest carotid pulse-wave velocity (PWV, a measure of arterial stiffness) among the three groups. CD147 correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), total and visceral fat mass, PWV, and plasma levels of glucose, insulin, MMPs, and AGEs and negatively with brachial artery and VAT-arteriolar vasoreactivity and nitric oxide production. Multivariate regression revealed that BMI, body fat mass, insulin, and glucose levels significantly predicted CD147. Our data suggest that higher levels of CD147 in obese subjects, particularly those with diabetes, are linked to vascular dysfunction and several cardiometabolic risk factors.

The Role of Triglyceride to HDL Cholesterol Ratio in Sera as a Clinical Surrogate Marker for Cardiovascular Risk and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Summary The study aimed to investigate the triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol ratio (Tg/HDL) and the interaction of this ratio with insulin resistance (IR) and insulin secretion indices, with the levels of interleukin - 1(IL-1), interleukin-6 (Il-6), and tumour necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) in sera among patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). A prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted on 45 patients with MS without data for hyperglycemia and 21 metabolically healthy non-obese controls. The levels of fasting and postprandial glucose, immunoreactive insulin (IRI), total cholesterol, triglycerides (Tg), IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured in all the participants. We calculated the LDL cholesterol levels, Tg/HDL ratio, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the homeostatic model of β-cell function (HOMA-b). Patients with MS had higher BMI (38.73±1.84 vs. 24.32±2.71 kg/m2; р&lt;0.05) and waist circumference (115.56 ±4.7 vs. 81.1±8.4cm; р&lt;0.05) than non-obese controls. The same patients had higher LDL cholesterol levels (3.42±0.3 vs. 2.63±0.66 mmol/l; р&lt;0.05) and Tg (1.59±0.22 vs. 1.08±0.31mmol/l; р&lt;0.05), as well as lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (1.03±0.09 vs. 1.27 ± 0.24mmol/l; р&lt;0.05) compared to the controls. The Tg/HDL ratio was 2.03±0.87 among the patients with MS and 0.88±0.27 in controls; р&lt;0.05. The plasma levels of basal IRI (19.32±3.22 mIU/l vs. 9.13±0.73mIU/l; р&lt;0.05), HOMA-IR (4.02 vs. 1.97; р&lt;0.05) and HOMA-b (258.77±57.76 vs. 183.31±17.52; р&lt;0.05) were significantly higher in the MS group. The same patients with MS had higher concentrations of IL-1 (18.37±4.28pg/ml vs. 7.12±1.74pg/ml; p&lt;0.05), IL-6 (1.01±0.3pg/ml vs. 0.1±0.3pg/ml; р&lt;0.05) and TNF-α (2.13±1.43 pg/ml vs. 1.82±0.94pg/ml; р=0.24) too. Positive correlations between the levels of IL-1 and Tg/HDL ratio (r= 0.46; p=0.008), IL-1 and HOMA-%В (r=0.47; p=0.005) were found. The Tg/HDL ratio is a potential, cheap and available surrogate marker for screening for cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance in patients with MS in clinical practice.

Genomic analysis to screen potential genes and mutations in children with non-syndromic early onset severe obesity: a multicentre study in Turkey.

Obesity is a complex genetic-based pediatric disorder which triggers life-threatening conditions. Therefore, the understanding the molecular mechanisms of obesity has been a significant approach in medicine. Computational methods allow rapid and comprehensive pathway analysis, which is important for generation of diagnosis and treatment of obesity. Aims of our study are to comprehensively investigate genetic characteristics of obesity in children with non-syndromic, early-onset (< 7years), and severe obesity (BMI-SDS > 3) through computational approaches. First, the mutational analyses of 41 of obesity-related genes in 126 children with non-syndromic early-onset severe obesity and 76 healthy non-obese controls were performed using the next generation sequencing (NGS) technique, and the NGS data analyzed by using bioinformatics methods. Then, the relationship between pathogenic variants and anthropometric/biochemical parameters was further evaluated. Obtained results demonstrated that the 15 genes (ADIPOQ, ADRB2, ADRB3, IRS1, LEPR, NPY, POMC, PPARG, PPARGC1A, PPARGC1B, PTPN1, SLC22A1, SLC2A4, SREBF1 and UCP1) which directly related to obesity found linked together via biological pathways and/or functions. Among these genes, IRS1, PPARGC1A, and SLC2A4 stand out as the most central ones. Furthermore, 12 of non-synonymous pathogenic variants, including six novels, were detected on ADIPOQ (G90S and D242G), ADRB2 (V87M), PPARGC1A (E680G, A477T, and R656H), UCP1 (Q44R), and IRS1 (R302Q, R301H, R301C, H250P, and H250N) genes. We propose that 12 of non-synonymous pathogenic variations detected on ADIPOQ, ADRB2, PPARGC1A, UCP1, and IRS1 genes might have a cumulative effect on the development and progression of obesity.

Impact of Obesity on Physical Activity

BACKGROUND: Obesity occurs due to an imbalance between the calories and the energy released. On the animal model, obesity is considered as the ground for low physical activity. This is caused by low dopamine D2 receptor in the striatum. However, this suggestion is still unproven in the human condition. AIM: The aim of this study was to find out difference in dopamine expression in obese subjects compared to non-obese subjects when triggered by the stimuli of physical activity. METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study. The sample was obese and non-obese (control) female who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Before treatment was given, subjects were asked to fill out a depression, anxiety, and exercise motivation questionnaire. All subjects were tested for vital signs, anthropometrics, and neurological examinations to determine the initial condition. Then, the subjects saw video about physical activity and were taken for blood to measure blood dopamine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences in dopamine levels between the obese and control groups were analyzed using independent t-test. The relationship between dopamine levels and exercise motivation was analyzed using Pearson. RESULTS: The obese group’s dopamine level was 71.19 ±3.02ng/ml and the control group was 81.15 ± 3.17ng/ml (independent t-test, p = 0.032). The obese group’s motivation score was 58.46 ± 1.59 and the control group score was 62.38 ± 1.54 (independent t-test, p = 0.09). Furthermore, there was no correlation between dopamine levels and motivation scores (Pearson test, p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in dopamine levels between the obese group and the control group but no correlation between dopamine levels and exercise motivation scores.

Waist-to-height ratio as a clinical predictor for cardiovascular risks and insulin resistance in children and adolescents with exogenous obesity

BackgroundObesity is one of the most challenging clinical syndromes associated with deleterious health problems. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), a newer index for abdominal fat assessment, can be a superior tool in the evaluation of cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to determine the relation between WHtR and lipid cardiovascular risk ratios and insulin resistance (IR) in children and adolescents with exogenous obesity.ResultsThis analytical cross-sectional study included 80 children and adolescents with exogenous obesity, compared to 80 age- and sex-matched healthy non-overweight non-obese controls. Fasting lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), fasting insulin, and fasting blood glucose were done and lipoprotein risk ratios were calculated; TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, non-HDL/HDL, and TG/HDL). In addition, homeostatic model assessment for IR (HOMA IR), triglyceride glucose index (TyG), TyG-BMI, and TyG-WC were calculated. The study group included 55 (34.4%) males and 105 (65.6%) females with a mean age of 13.6 ± 2.22 years. Obese group had significantly higher TC, TG, LDL, non-HDL, LDL/HDL, TC/HDL, non-HDL/HDL, and TG/HDL, with significantly lower HDL. In addition, they had significantly higher FBG, HOMA IR, TyG, TyG-BMI, and TyG-WC indices compared to the control group. There were statistically significant correlations between WHtR and lipid profile, lipid risk ratios and indices of IR. WHtR was found to be an independent predictor of IR by linear regression analysis.ConclusionWHtR can be an excellent, easy, and reliable clinical predictor for cardiovascular risk and IR in children and adolescents with exogenous obesity.

An in-depth multidimensional review of hypertension in adolescents in relation to obesity: Risk approach management is the solution

Background: The emergence of isolated high blood pressure (HBP) among adolescents and its relation to obesity needs to be investigated. Aim: This study aims to assess prevalence, underlying risk factors, and consequences of HBP among adolescents in Egypt. Methods: We consolidated findings from three studies. The first one examined 150 adolescents (age: 16–18 years) for HBP and obesity using body mass index (BMI); the second one studied 150 adolescents for the lifestyle risk factors in relation to depression, anxiety, general health score, and suicidal score (SS) using relevant tools; the third one was a nested case–control study of 60 obese versus 60 non-obese adolescents examined for HBP, BMI, lifestyles and dietary habits, biochemical markers as lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: In Stage I, the prevalence of HBP was 8% of whom, 58.3% were obese. Stage II: Dietary risk behavior as junk foods (high in salt) and soft drinks was 75.3% and 80%, respectively, and was linked with a high SS. Smoking was associated with a high anxiety score (p&lt;0.05) and not playing sports with a higher depression score (p&lt;0.05). The nested case–control study for obese versus non-obese showed that HBP (both systolic and diastolic) was significantly higher in the obese. Consumption of junk foods, sugary drinks, and inactivity was significantly higher in the obese (p&lt;0.05). Lipid profile, FBS, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the obese group versus non-obese control group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Lifestyle and unhealthy diet are the underlying cause of HBP, obesity, and mental health problems including SS, atherosclerosis, and high FBS. Increasing awareness about risk factors and using them in clinical practice for early detection of HBP is recommended.

Trabecular Bone Score and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Morbid Obesity-A Clinical Paradox.

Obesity has long been considered to have a protective effect on bone, but specific complications in those with morbid obesity are known to have a detrimental impact on bone architecture. We aimed to study the bone microarchitecture (TBS—trabecular bone score) and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with morbid obesity compared to obese and non-obese age-matched women. Eighty-five consecutive postmenopausal women with morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2) were enrolled and compared to age-matched obese (n = 80) and non-obese postmenopausal controls (n = 85). The BMD and TBS were assessed in all subjects using a Hologic-QDR 4500-W Discovery-A DXA scanner. The mean BMD (gm/cm2) at the femoral neck in women with morbid obesity was found to be significantly lower as compared to the age-matched postmenopausal obese controls (0.723 versus 0.762, p-value = 0.002). The BMD at the lumbar spine and hip showed similar trends but were not statistically significant. The bone microarchitecture was found to be significantly lower in those with morbid obesity (1.205) as compared to the other two groups (obesity 1.244; non-obese 1.228) (p < 0.013). Though obesity was associated with a better bone density and bone microarchitecture in postmenopausal women, a paradoxical lower value was seen in those with morbid obesity.

Do serum hepassocin levels change in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

BackgroundInsulin resistance is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially in obese patients. Hepassocin is a peptid marker which increases in obesity and insulin resistance. ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate hepassocin levels in patients with PCOS in this study. MethodsThis prospective case-control study was conducted with a total of 60 patients with PCOS and age-matched 30 healthy women with body mass index < 30. Patients with PCOS were classified as obese PCOS and non-obese PCOS according to their BMI. Hepassocin levels were measured by using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine independent factors related to hepassocin levels. ResultsHepassocin levels of the obese-PCOS group were found significantly higher than non-obese PCOS and control group (6.95 ± 3.59, 2.69 ± 2.51, 2.66 ± 2.22, respectively, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in hepassocin levels between control and non-obese PCOS group (p = 0.99). Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was independently associated with hepassocin concentrations after adjusting for age, low density lipoprotein C (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein C (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and C reactive protein (CRP). ConclusionObese patients with PCOS exhibited high serum levels of hepassocin. HOMA-IR index was found as the independent variable associated with high levels of hepassocin. Hepassocin can be used as a simple and easy way of detecting insulin resistance in obese patients with PCOS.

Obesity and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass drive changes in miR-31 and miR-215 expression in the human rectal mucosa

Background/ObjectivesObesity increases colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, the effects of weight loss on CRC risk are unclear. Epigenetic mechanisms involving microRNAs that lead to dysregulated gene expression may mediate the effects of obesity and weight loss on CRC risk. We examined the effects of obesity and weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on microRNA expression in the human rectal mucosa.Subjects/MethodsWe collected rectal mucosal biopsies from obese patients (n = 22) listed for RYGB and age- and sex-matched healthy non-obese Controls (n = 20), at baseline and six months post-surgery. We quantified microRNA expression in rectal mucosal biopsies using Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to investigate the likely functional consequences of these epigenetic changes.ResultsCompared with non-obese individuals, obese individuals showed differential expression of 112 microRNAs (p < 0.05). At six-months post-RYGB, when mean body mass had fallen by 27 kg, 60 microRNAs were differentially expressed, compared with baseline (p < 0.05). The expression of 36 microRNAs differed significantly between both i) obese and non-obese individuals and ii) obese individuals pre- and post-RYGB. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) demonstrated that expression of miR-31 and miR-215 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher, 143-fold and 15-fold respectively, in obese than in non-obese individuals. Weight loss, following RYGB, reduced expression of miR-31 and miR-215 to levels comparable with Controls. These differentially expressed microRNAs are implicated in pathways linked with inflammation, obesity and cancer.ConclusionOur findings show, for the first time, that obesity is associated with dysregulated microRNA expression in the human rectal mucosa. Further, surgically-induced weight loss may normalise microRNA expression in this tissue.

Potential Effects of Stem Cells Derived from the Peripheral Nerve and Adipose Tissue after the Nerve Crush Injury in Control and Obese Rats

Aim of this study is to investigate effects of stem cells derived from the peripheral nerve and adipose tissues following the nerve crush injury in control and obese rats. For this aim, 41 Wistar Albino female rats were separated into eight equal groups; non-obese control (NOC) obese control (OC), non-obese injury (NOH), obese injury (OH), non-obese adipose (NOY), obese adipose (OY), non-obese nerve (NOPS), obese nerve (OPS). At the end of 8 weeks, all experimental animals without control groups were subjected to nerve crush procedure and sciatic nerve or fat stem cell homogenates were injected on the treatment group rats, and then, recovery process has been observed and histopathological, stereological, electrophysiological analyses and bioinformatic evaluation were made on removed sciatic nerves. Stereological results showed that adipose homogenate gave more successful results than peripheral nerve homogenates in the NOY group in comparison to the NOPS group in terms of myelinated axon number. Peripheral nerve homogenate has shown more successful results in the OPS group in comparison to the OY group. The number of unmyelinated axons was increased following treatment with adipose tissue homogenate in NOY and OY groups. In terms of myelin sheath thickness; we detected that treatments by peripheral nerve and especially adipose tissue homogenates lead to increase in the thickness of the axons of the peripheral nerves belong to the control and obese injury groups. All results showed that mesenchymal stem cell treatment by fresh tissue homogenates is successful in peripheral nerve regeneration and fat tissue is a considerable source of the stem cells for clinical applications.

Association of diabetes and obesity with sperm parameters and testosterone levels: a meta-analysis

BackgroundThe present study performed two distinct meta-analyses with common outcomes (sperm parameters); one was performed in obese individuals (and non-obese controls) and the other in diabetic individuals (and non-diabetic controls).MethodsPubMed, Embase, The Cochrane library, Web of Science, Scopus databases were searched to collect clinical studies related to the effects of obesity and diabetes on male sperm from inception to on 1st February 2021. Statistical meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan 5.4 software. Stata16 software was used to detect publication bias. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Ottawa–Newcastle scale using a star-based system.ResultsA total of 44 studies were finally included in the present study, which enrolled 20,367 obese patients and 1386 patients with diabetes. The meta-analysis results showed that both obesity and diabetes were associated with reduced semen volume (obese versus non-obese controls: mean difference (MD) = − 0.25, 95% CI = (− 0.33, − 0.16), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 0.45, 95% CI = (− 0.63, − 0.27), p < 0.001), reduced sperm count (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 23.84, 95% CI = (− 30.36, − 17.33), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 13.12, 95% CI = (− 18.43, − 7.82), p < 0.001), reduced sperm concentration (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 7.26, 95% CI = (− 10.07, − 4.46), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 11.73, 95% CI = (− 21.44, − 2.01), p = 0.02), reduced progressive motility (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 5.68, 95% CI = (− 8.79, − 2.56), p < 0.001; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 14.37, 95% CI = (− 21.79, − 6.96), p = 0.001), and decreased testosterone levels (obese versus non-obese controls: MD = − 1.11, 95% CI = (− 1.92, − 0.30), p = 0.007; diabetes versus non-diabetic controls: MD = − 0.37, 95% CI = (− 0.63, − 0.12), p = 0.004).ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that obesity and diabetes negatively affect sperm parameters in men and are associated with low testosterone levels. Due to the limitation of the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.