NW Group Research Articles

A Protein‐Based Breakfast Increases Postprandial Fat Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Children

Breakfast is a key component of a healthy diet and can positively impact children's health. However, there has been a steady decline in breakfast consumption in children over the past 40 years. The objective of this study was to determine if breakfast macronutrient composition (protein (PRO)‐based breakfast [22% protein, 45% carbohydrate, 26% fat] or an isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO)‐based breakfast [4% protein, 67% carbohydrate, 29% fat]) can influence postprandial (pp) substrate utilization in overweight/obese (OW; n=13) versus normal weight (NW; n=16) children ages 8‐11 years old. We found no significant difference in fasting respiratory quotient (RQ) between groups. There was no difference in postprandial RQ area under the curve (AUC) between OW and NW or between PRO and CHO breakfasts. OW had significantly higher fasting VO2 (oxygen consumption) values (P = 0.02) and VCO2 (carbon dioxide production) values (P = 0.01) compared to NW. OW had significantly higher pp AUC VO2 in response to the PRO breakfast compared to NW children (P < 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.06) for OW to burn more kcal from CHO during fasting and there was no significant pp response between NW and OW or PRO and CHO breakfasts. Finally, there was no significant different in fasting kcal from fat between OW and NW groups, however OW burned significantly higher kcal from fat following the PRO breakfast (31%) compared to the CHO breakfast and NW children consuming PRO and CHO breakfasts (28% and 28%, respectively). These data suggest that consumption of a PRO breakfast has the potential to modulate postprandial substrate utilization by increasing kcal used from fat in OW children. Funded by the American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center.

Effects of Physical Training on Cardiac Modulation in Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Individuals: A Comparative Study

Our study has assessed the effect of aerobic physical training on the heart rate variability (HRV) on sedentary women with different body mass indices (BMI; weight/height2). Forty-eight volunteers were divided into three groups according to their BMI as follows: NW group (normal weight), 18.0-24.9; OW group (overweight), 25.0-29.9; and OB group (obese), 30.0-39.9. HRV was assessed with the subjects at rest and during tilt test by means of spectral analysis before and after 16 weeks of an aerobic physical training protocol. Prior to the aerobic physical training, OW and OB groups exhibited decrease in low frequency (LF, 0.4-0.15 Hz) and high frequency (HF, 0.15-0.5 Hz). After aerobic physical training all groups had similar HF oscillations, with only OB group exhibiting increase in LF oscillations. The HRV responses to tilt test obtained before and after aerobic physical training showed that NW group had no differences in LF (34 ± 6% vs. 36 ± 8%) and HF (-65 ± 6% vs. -60 ± 7%) oscillations. However, OW group had an increase in LF (46 ± 6% vs. 86 ± 14%) and HF (-44 ± 7% vs.-61 ± 7%) oscillations, whereas OB group had a decrease in LF (288 ± 25% vs. 159 ± 16%) and HF (-83 ± 5 vs. -70 ± 4%) oscillations. In conclusion, our results suggest that the increase in the percentage of body fat may impair the cardiac autonomic modulation in proportion to BMI, which is an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In turn, the physical exercise can attenuate this negative effect, regardless of the reduction of body fat mass.

Penile length, digit length, and anogenital distance according to birth weight in newborn male infants.

PurposeAnogential distance (AGD) and the 2:4 digit length ratio appear to provide a reliable guide to fetal androgen exposure. We intended to investigate the current status of penile size and the relationship between penile length and AGD or digit length according to birth weight in Korean newborn infants.Materials and MethodsBetween May 2013 and February 2014, among a total of 78 newborn male infants, 55 infants were prospectively included in this study. Newborn male infants with a gestational age of 38 to 42 weeks and birth weight>2.5 kg were assigned to the NW group (n=24) and those with a gestational age<38 weeks and birth weight<2.5 kg were assigned to the LW group (n=31). Penile size and other variables were compared between the two groups.ResultsStretched penile length of the NW group was 3.3±0.2 cm, which did not differ significantly from that reported in 1987. All parameters including height, weight, penile length, testicular size, AGD, and digit length were significantly lower in the LW group than in the NW group. However, there were no significant differences in AGD ratio or 2:4 digit length ratio between the two groups.ConclusionsThe penile length of newborn infants has not changed over the last quarter century in Korea. With normal penile appearance, the AGD ratio and 2:4 digit length ratio are consistent irrespective of birth weight, whereas AGD, digit length, and penile length are significantly smaller in newborns with low birth weight.

BDNF/TRK/KCC2 pathway in nicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia.

PurposeTo investigate the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) on potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) in rats following nicotine withdrawal and the roles played by BDNF/Trk/KCC2 pathway in nicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia.MethodsSeventy-eight rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control group (n = 12) without any treatment, normal saline group (NS group, n = 12) and nicotine withdrawal group (NW group, n = 30) receiving a subcutaneous injection of saline or nicotine for 7 days, respectively. The NW + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (n = 12) and NW+ Trk antagonist K252a groups (n = 12) received an intrathecal injection of DMSO (10 μl) and K252a (10 μg/10 μl) for 3 days after nicotine withdrawal, respectively. Nicotine withdrawal was precipitated by subcutaneous injection of nonselective and noncompetitive antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mecamylamine. Pain was tested using thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). A Western blot was used to examine the expression of BDNF and KCC2.ResultsThe TWL was significantly decreased in NW group relative to control and NS groups (P < 0.01). Compared with the NW group, the NW+K252a group manifested a significantly higher latency (P < 0.01). The BDNF expression was increased and KCC2 was decreased in NW group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). K252a reduced KCC2 downregulation.ConclusionBDNF/Trk signaling may contribute to nicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia via downregulation of KCC2.

Wheezing in low birth weight infants

12,582 valid questionnaires were considered, and 11,411 (90.7%) infants were born with NW and 1,171 (9.3%) with LW. For the RWh, was 2,488 (21.9%) infants in the NW group and 331 (28.3%) in LW group (p < 0.001). Presented SRWh, 1,491 infants (13.1%) of the NW group and 248 (21.2%) of LW (p < 0.001) group.

Does Nordic walking improves the postural control and gait parameters of women between the age 65 and 74: a randomized trial.

[Purpose] To assess the effect of 12-weeks Nordic walking training on gait parameters and some elements of postural control. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-seven women aged 65 to 74 years were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into a Nordic Walking group (12 weeks of Nordic walking training, 3 times a week for 75 minutes) and a control group. In both study groups, a set of functional tests were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the study: the Forward Reach Test (FRT) and the Upward Reach Test (URT) on a stabilometric platform, and the analysis of gait parameters on a treadmill. [Results] The NW group showed improvements in: the range of reach in the FRT test and the URT test in compared to the control group. The length of the gait cycle and gait cycle frequency also showed changes in the NW group compared to the control group. [Conclusion] A 12-week NW training program had a positive impact on selected gait parameters and may improve the postural control of women aged over 65 according to the results selected functional tests.

Can We Improve the Birth Weight Prediction Using the Symphysis- Fundal-Height Mesaurement? An Exploratory Prospective Cohort Study in Spain

Objective: The construction of a predictive model that improves the estimation of the fetal weight (EFW). Study Design: a comparative, descriptive study. One hundred forty pregnant women were recruited at two-stage sample in health department in Spain. They were classified in four groups depending on the pre-gestational BMI. Fetal weight was estimated by ultrasound at 35-40 weeks (EFW40w) by one gynecologist. A regression model was created with the variables that reacted to the newborn´s weight, symphysis-fundal height (SFH), EFW40w, gestational age (GA), ferritin level and cigarettes smoked. Results: A multivariatel model was created for the NW group to estimate the fetal weight (EFWme), resulting in R2=0.727 (p<0.001). The differences of the averages obtained between EFW40w and EFWme, with the new born´s weight were significant (p<0.001). EFWme underestimates birth weight by 0.07 g (mean error 0.53%), and EFW40w overestimates it by 300.89 g (mean error 10.12%). In order to evaluate the predictive model and verify the predictions we used the Bland-Altman analysis. The average error in estimating the birth weight with EFWme was 1.94% underestimating the result, whereas the ultrasound error overestimated the result 10.93%. Conclusion: The multivariate model created for the NW group improves the accuracy of the ultrasound.

The utility of nanowater for ram semen cryopreservation.

Nanowater (NW; water declusterized in the low-temperature plasma reactor) has specific physicochemical properties that could increase semen viability after freezing and hence fertility after artificial insemination (AI) procedures. The main goal of this study was to evaluate ram semen quality after freezing in the media containing NW. Ejaculates from 10 rams were divided into two equal parts, diluted in a commercially available semen extender (Triladyl®; MiniTüb GmbH, Tiefenbach, Germany) prepared with deionized water (DW) or NW, and then frozen in liquid nitrogen. Semen samples were examined for sperm motility and morphology using the sperm class analyzer system and light microscopy. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) was employed to determine the size of extracellular water crystals in frozen semen samples. Survival time at room temperature, aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations post-thawing as well as conception/lambing rates after laparoscopic intrauterine AI of 120 ewes were also determined. There were no significant differences between DW and NW groups in sperm progressive motility (26.4 ± 12.2 and 30.8 ± 12.4%) or survival time (266.6 ± 61.3 and 270.9 ± 76.7 min) after thawing and no differences in the percentages of spermatozoa with various morphological defects before or after freezing. There were, however, differences (P < 0.05) in AspAT (DW: 187.1 ± 160.4 vs. NW: 152.7 ± 118.3 U/l) and ALP concentrations (DW: 2198.3 ± 1810.5 vs. NW: 1612.1 ± 1144.8 U/l) in semen samples post-thawing. Extracellular water crystals were larger (P < 0.05) in ejaculates frozen in NW-containing media. Ultrasonographic examinations on day 40 post-AI revealed higher (P < 0.05) conception rates in ewes inseminated with NW (78.3%) compared with DW semen (58.3%), and the percentages of ewes that carried lambs to term were 73.3% and 45.0% in NW and DW groups, respectively (P < 0.01). In summary, the use of a semen extender prepared with NW was associated with a substantial improvement in the fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed ram semen and lamb productivity of inseminated ewes.

Changes in behaviour, milk production and bodyweight in beef cows subjected to two-step or abrupt weaning

The objective was to compare the behavioural and productive response of cows to either abrupt or two-step weaning with nose flaps. Calves were fitted with nose flaps during the 14 days before separation from their dams (NF group); were abruptly and permanently separated (AW group), or remained as non-weaned controls (NW group). The behaviour of the cows was recorded before and after nose-flap insertion and permanent separation. Milk yield and composition were determined. After permanent separation, milk yield of NW cows was greater than that of NF and AW cows. AW cows paced and vocalised more than NF and NW cows, and NF cows more times than NW cows. The two-step weaning method with nose flaps was positive for the wellbeing of cows, as it reduced the main behavioural changes that indicate distress and decreased the bodyweight loss. Weaning, either in one or two steps, decreased milk yield 1 week after permanent separation.

Patterns of circulating inflammatory biomarkers in older persons with varying levels of physical performance: a partial least squares-discriminant analysis approach.

Background: Chronic, low-grade inflammation and declining physical function are hallmarks of the aging process. However, previous attempts to correlate individual inflammatory biomarkers with physical performance in older people have produced mixed results. Given the complexity of the inflammatory response, the simultaneous analysis of an array of inflammatory mediators may provide more insights into the relationship between inflammation and age-related physical function decline. This study was designed to explore the association between a panel of inflammatory markers and physical performance in older adults through a multivariate statistical approach.Methods: Community-dwelling older persons were categorized into “normal walkers” (NWs; n = 27) or “slow walkers” (SWs; n = 11) groups using 0.8 m s−1 as the 4-m gait speed cutoff. A panel of 14 circulating inflammatory biomarkers was assayed by multiplex analysis. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to identify patterns of inflammatory mediators associated with gait speed categories.Results: The optimal complexity of the PLS-DA model was found to be five latent variables. The proportion of correct classification was 88.9% for NW subjects (74.1% in cross-validation) and 90.9% for SW individuals (81.8% in cross-validation). Discriminant biomarkers in the model were interleukin 8, myeloperoxidase, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (all higher in the SW group), and P-selectin, interferon gamma, and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (all higher in the NW group).Conclusion: Distinct profiles of circulating inflammatory biomarkers characterize older subjects with different levels of physical performance. The dissection of these patterns may provide novel insights into the role played by inflammation in the disabling cascade and possible new targets for interventions.

Effect of Intake of Different Water Temperatures on Thermoregulatory Responses during Sauna Exposure

Drinking during heat exposure alters thermoregulatory responses of core and skin temperatures and compensatory mechanisms, including sweating. This study aims to investigate the effect of drinking water in different temperatures on core and skin temperatures and the amount of sweat under high heat stress in sauna. Nine healthy sedentary males were exposed to sauna room at 60-70°C for 30 min. After 10 min of acclimatization, intervention was randomly conducted, at least 1 week apart which asked subjects to drink water at 2% of nude body weights of 4 different temperatures: ambient temperature water (29.6 ± 0.2°C, AW group), cold water (4 ± 1°C, CW group), body temperature water (37 ± 1°C, BW group) and warm water (50 ± 1°C, WW group). Another trial of no water (NW group) supplement was conducted as control group. Skin temperatures (TS) and the amount of sweat at forehead (Tf, Sf), back (Tb, Sb), leg (Tl, Sl) and arm (Ta, Sa) were measured using digital thermistors connected to thermal sensor monitor (YSI Instruments Co., Yellow Spring, OH, USA) and wet-dry weights toweling method respectively. Rectal thermistor probe was used to monitor core temperature. Rectal temperature (Tr) in all groups changed in a narrow range from 36.41 to 36.93°C. There were different patterns of changes of Tr in all groups compared to initial values: steady throughout the study in AW group, gradually increased in BW group (at 25 and 30 min, P ＜ 0.05) and WW group (at 15, 25, and 30 min, P ＜ 0.05), and steeply declined in CW group (at 15, 25, and 30 min, P ＜ 0.05). After water intake, TS in all groups showed significant increase compared to corresponding initial values throughout the study (P ＜ 0.05). TS steeply changed at forehead, then slightly rose, and were finally steady throughout the rest of the study. In all skin areas, BW induced greater amounts of sweat (grams/min) than other groups did. The lowest amount of sweat was observed in CW group at all skin sites (P ＜ 0.05) throughout the study. The lowest amount of sweat was detected at forehead (P ＜ 0.05) and the highest one was detected at back region (Sb) (P ＜ 0.05) no matter which water temperatures had been consumed. Human body appropriately adjusted itself during 30 min of sauna exposure with narrow changes in core temperatures in all situations. Different water temperatures induced similar changes on skin at the selected sites. However forehead, which representd higher center, showed the highest increment in temperature. Compensation via sweating prevented a rise in core temperature and high amounts of sweat were observed at the limbs and trunk. We believed that vasomotor dilations via trunk and limbs are responsible for minimizing increase in higher center and core temperatures.

자생 산사(Crataegus pinnatifida BUNGE)의 고지혈증 개선 효과

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the Crataegus pinnatifida BUNGE extract supplementation of non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), concentrations of serum protein and electrolyte in sera on the hyperlipidemic rats. Concentrations of NEFA and globulin were remarkably lower in the Crataegus pinnatifida BUNGE extract group (HW group) than in the hyperlipidemic group (HD group), but no difference between control group (CO group) and extract of Crataegus pinnatifida BUNGE supplement in control group (NW group). However, concentrations of electrolyte K and A/G were higher in the HW group than HD group. Concentrations of total protein, albumin, electrolyte of total Ca, Pi, Na and Cl were no difference between HW group than HD group. The results indicate that Crataegus pinnatifida BUNGE extract was in the improvement of hyperlipidemic rats.

Arterial stiffness is increased in overweight and stunting Guatemalan adolescents (37.2)

Background. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of arterial stiffness, is an independent predictor of CV mortality in adults. PWV in children is associated with age and body dimensions. Objective. To assess the effect of being overweight and/or stunted on PWV. Methods. This study comprised 106 boys and 98 girls (10‐18 yr of age) living in Guatemala City, divided in 4 groups: 36 normal weight non‐stunted (NW‐NS, BMI‐z &lt; +1; HtA‐z &gt;‐1), 85 normal weight stunted (NW‐S, BMI‐z &lt; +1; HtA‐z s 蠄 ‐1), 36 overweight non‐stunted (OW‐NS, BMI‐z 蠅 +1; HtA‐z &gt;‐1), and 47 overweight stunted (OW‐S, BMI‐z 蠅 +1; HtA‐z e 蠄 ‐1). Fat free mass (FFM, kg) and %fat (deuterium dilution technique), blood pressure (median of 3 measures), sexual maturation (self‐assessment, Tanner stage), and PWV (applanation tonometry, Sphygmocor, AtCor Medical) were measured. Results. There were significant differences among groups in age and sex, but not for Tanner stage. PWV means were lower in NW‐NS compared to the other groups (p&lt;0.01). After adjusting by age, sex, fat, and height, the PWV in OW‐S (4.77 ± 0.10 m/s) was higher than in OW‐NS (4.68 ± 0.09, p&lt;0.01), and both NW groups had lower values (NW‐NS 4.57 ± 0.12, NW‐S, 4.62 ± 0.11), although NW groups didn’t differ from each other. Conclusion. Stunting and being overweight are risk factors of arterial stiffness in adolescents.Grant Funding Source: Supported by International Atomic Energy Agency

Walks4Work: Assessing the role of the natural environment in a workplace physical activity intervention

The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of physical activity (PA) in the natural environment (eg, "green exercise") on resting autonomic function in the Walks4Work intervention. A secondary aim was to assess the feasibility of Walks4Work in terms of adherence, change in PA levels, and cardiovascular health parameters. In an 8-week randomized control trial, 94 office workers in an international company were allocated to one of three groups: control, nature (NW), or built (BW) lunchtime walking route. Both walking groups were required to undertake two lunchtime walks each week. The NW route centered around trees, maintained grass, and public footpaths. In contrast, the BW consisted of pavement routes through housing estates and industrial areas. Data were collected at baseline and following the intervention. To investigate the impact of the intervention, mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. A total of 73 participants completed the intervention (drop-out rate of 22%). No difference was observed in resting autonomic function between the groups. Self-reported mental health improved for the NW group only. PA levels increased at the intervention mid-point for all groups combined but adherence to the intervention was low with rates of 42% and 43% within the BW and NW groups, respectively. Accompanying a guideline of two active lunchtimes per week with low facilitator input appears inadequate for increasing the number of active lunchtimes and modifying cardiovascular health parameters in an office population. However, this population fell within normal ranges for cardiovascular measures and future research should consider investigating at-risk populations, particularly hypertensive individuals.

Relationship of serum ANGPTL4 to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective To investigate the level of serum angiopoietin-like protein 4 （ ANGPTIA ） in normal subjects and patients with obesity and newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus （ T2DM）, and to explore the relationship of serum ANGPTL4 with parameters of body fat, glucose-lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance index （ HOMA-IR）. Methods A total of 160 subjects with normal glucose regulation（NGR） and newly-diagnosed T2DM, were divided into 4 groups ： NGR with normal weight group （ NGR-NW ） , NGR with overweight/obese group （ NGR- OW/OB） , rF2DM with normal weight group （T2DM-NW）, and T2DM with overweight/obesity group （T2DM-OW/ OB） according to their body mass index （BMI）. ELISA was used to determine the level of serum ANGPTIA. The weight, height, waist circunfferenee, hip circumference, waist hip ratio （WHR） , and BMI, fasting insulin （ FINS ） , lipid metabolism parameters, and insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） were measured. Results Compare with the NGR group, the level of ANGFFIA was significantly decreased in the T2DM group [ （ 25.75 ± 2.85 vs 31.08± 3.35 ） ng/ml, P〈0.01 ], the level of ANGPTIA in OW/OB group was significantly lower than that in the NW group [ （ 27.27 ±3.05 vs 29.04 ± 4.64） ng/ml, P〈0.01 ]. Partial correlation analysis showed that serum ANGPTIA was negatively correlated with BMI, WHR, FPG, 2hPG, HbA1C, FINS, HOMA-IR, AST, ALT, and TG levels（P〈0.01 ）, but positively correlated with the HDL-C （ P〈0.01 ）. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that HbA1C, FINS, and HDL-C were independent risk factors of serum ANGPTIA （β = -0. 825, -0. 119, 3. 301, P〈0.01 ）. Conclusion Sernm ANGPT1A level in T2DM and OW/OB group was lower than that in NGR and NW group. Serum ANGPTIA is associated with FINS and lipid metabolism, suggesting that it may play an important role in the pathophysiology of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Key words: A ngiopoietin-like protein 4 ; Lipid metabolism disorders ; Insulin resistance ; Diabetes mellitus,type 2

Randomized Controlled Trial of Expressive Writing for Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma

This randomized controlled trial examined the quality-of-life benefits of an expressive writing (EW) intervention for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and identified a potential underlying mechanism of intervention efficacy. Patients (N = 277) with stage I to IV RCC were randomly assigned to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings regarding their cancer (EW) or about neutral topics (neutral writing [NW]) on four separate occasions. Patients completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Impact of Event Scale (IES) at baseline and 1, 4, and 10 months after the intervention. The mean age of participants (28% stage IV; 41% female) was 58 years. Multilevel modeling analyses, using a Bonferroni-corrected α = .021 for six outcomes adjusted for the correlation among outcomes, revealed that, relative to the NW group, patients in the EW group reported significantly lower MDASI scores (P = .003) and higher physical component summary scores on the SF-36 (P = .019) at 10 months after the intervention. Mediation analyses revealed that significant group differences for MDASI scores at 10 months were mediated by lower IES scores at 1 month after the intervention in the EW group (P = .042). No significant group differences were observed in the BFI, CES-D, PSQI, and mental component summary of the SF-36. EW may reduce cancer-related symptoms and improve physical functioning in patients with RCC. Evidence suggests that this effect may occur through short-term improvements in cognitive processing.

Meat quality of veal: Discriminatory ability of weaning status

The physicochemical and fatty acid compositions of meat from 81 calves were measured in order to prove whether the extension of suckling period could distinguish “Normal” from “Suprema” class calves. Three groups of animals were investigated depending on their weaning status: NW (animals were milk-fed until seven months), W1 and W2 (animals which were weaned at different ages and reared either in family farms or in feedlot, respectively). There was no difference among animals in relation to the main components (moisture, protein and ash). Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) were found regarding intramuscular fat; the contents were higher in animals weaned at early ages. Color and texture parameters were significantly affected by weaning status. The intramuscular fatty acid composition in the three types of animals showed that saturated fatty acids were the predominant ones in the three groups with values ranging between 48.71% and 49.52% of total methyl esters. Significant differences (p&lt;0.001) were found depending on weaning status in linolenic acid and in the n-6/n-3 ratio, obtaining the highest values in NW animals. Factor analysis method using principal component was applied to the data. The data matrix constructed was subjected to a canonical discriminant analysis in order to classify the NW, W1 and W2 groups. These results showed that 96.6% for the NW group, and 66.7% and 82.4% for W1 and W2 groups respectively, were correctly classified.

Prevalence of metilentetrahidrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism, consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determination of lipidic hydroperoxides in obese and normal weight Mexican population.

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of the principal comorbidities of obesity. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) participates in the metabolism of folate with the action of vitamins B6 and B12. The gene of MTHFR may present a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 677 (C677T), which can promote homocysteinemia associated to the production of free radicals. To determine the frequency of SNP C677T of the MTHFR, evaluate the consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determine the concentration of plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) in obese and control groups. 128 Mexican mestizo according to their body mass index were classified as normal weight (Nw; n=75) and obesity (ObeI-III; n=53). Identification of SNP C677T of MTHFR was performed by PCR-RFLP technic. The consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 was assessed by a validate survey. LOOH was determined as an indicator of peripheral oxidative stress. There was no statistical difference in the frequency of the C677T polymorphism between the TT homozygous genotype in Nw (0.19) and ObeI-III (0.25). The frequency of T allele in Nw was 0.45 and 0.51 in ObI-III group. There were no statistical differences in the consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 between Nw and ObI-III groups. The LOOH showed statistical difference (p < 0.05) between Nw and ObI–III group. Oxidative stress is present in all grades of obesity although there were no differences in the vitamin consumption and the SNP C677T between Nw and ObeI–III groups.

Impact of geographical region on urinary metabolomic and plasma fatty acid profiles in subjects with the metabolic syndrome across Europe: the LIPGENE study

The application of metabolomics in multi-centre studies is increasing. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of geographical location on the metabolic profiles of individuals with the metabolic syndrome. Blood and urine samples were collected from 219 adults from seven European centres participating in the LIPGENE project (Diet, genomics and the metabolic syndrome: an integrated nutrition, agro-food, social and economic analysis). Nutrient intakes, BMI, waist:hip ratio, blood pressure, and plasma glucose, insulin and blood lipid levels were assessed. Plasma fatty acid levels and urine were assessed using a metabolomic technique. The separation of three European geographical groups (NW, northwest; NE, northeast; SW, southwest) was identified using partial least-squares discriminant analysis models for urine (R² X: 0·33, Q²: 0·39) and plasma fatty acid (R² X: 0·32, Q²: 0·60) data. The NW group was characterised by higher levels of urinary hippurate and N-methylnicotinate. The NE group was characterised by higher levels of urinary creatine and citrate and plasma EPA (20 : 5 n-3). The SW group was characterised by higher levels of urinary trimethylamine oxide and lower levels of plasma EPA. The indicators of metabolic health appeared to be consistent across the groups. The SW group had higher intakes of total fat and MUFA compared with both the NW and NE groups (P≤ 0·001). The NE group had higher intakes of fibre and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids compared with both the NW and SW groups (all P< 0·001). It is likely that differences in dietary intakes contributed to the separation of the three groups. Evaluation of geographical factors including diet should be considered in the interpretation of metabolomic data from multi-centre studies.

Effects of increased body mass index upon laparoscopic radical rectal surgery and its clinical efficacy

To assess the feasibility, the safety and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic radical rectal surgery for rectal cancer patients with increased body mass index (BMI) . Retrospectively data reviews were conducted for 405 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer from June 2008 to June 2012. They were classified as normal-weight (NW, BMI 18.6-22.9 kg/m(2), n = 165), overweight (OW, BMI 23.0-24.9 kg/m(2), n = 125), and obese (OB, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m(2), n = 115)groups according to the categories as proposed by 2007 Chinese Obesity Surgery Treatment Guidelines. The differences of oncologic, intraoperative and postoperative status, postoperative complications, number of resected lymph nodes and short-term survival rates were compared among three groups. The data were analyzed by χ(2) or Fisher exact test. The Mann-Whitney U test or analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was used for parametric comparisons. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan Meier method and the survivals of 3 groups were by the Log-rank test. The comorbidity of patients in the NW and OW groups were less than that in the OB group(27.9% (46/165) and 30.4% (38/125) vs 47.0% (54/115), χ(2) = 12.066, P < 0.05). No significant difference existed among the groups in terms of conversion rate (9.1% (15/165), 10.4% (13/125) and 12.2% (14/115)), the rate of postoperative complications (20.6% (34/165), 21.6% (27/125) and 24.3% (28/115) ), intraoperative volume of blood loss ((105 ± 30), (110 ± 25) and (115 ± 45) ml), first flatus( (2.8 ± 1.2), (2.9 ± 1.1) and (3.1 ± 1.4) d), postoperative hospital stays ((13.7 ± 5.5), (14.3 ± 7.5) and (14.1 ± 8.5) d, all P > 0.05), and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes(P > 0.05). While the operation duration in the OB group were longer than that in the NW and OW groups ((250 ± 35) vs (205 ± 20) and (210 ± 30) min, F = 7.216, P < 0.05) . And 368 patients (90.9%) were followed up for a median of 24 months(2-48 months). As for survival curves, no significant difference existed among three groups (P > 0.05). It is both safe and feasible for obese patients with increased BMI to undergo laparoscopic radical rectal cancer. And there is no effect upon immediate survival.