Obese Men Research Articles

Altered expression of aromatase and estrogen receptors in adipose tissue from men with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Obesity and insulin resistance in men are linked to decreased testosterone and increased estradiol (E2) levels. Aromatase (ARO) converts testosterone into E2, and this occurs mainly in adipose tissue in men. E2 acts through estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2, and they potentially affect development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study explored alterations in ARO, ESR1 and ESR2 in men with obesity or T2D. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from men with or without obesity or T2D was analyzed for ARO, ESR1, and ESR2 gene and protein expression. Data were compared across groups and correlated with markers of obesity, glycaemia, insulin resistance, and sex hormones. Moreover, SAT was incubated with E2 or testosterone for ex vivo glucose uptake measurements. Aromatase ARO levels were higher in SAT from men with obesity compared to non-obese men, and gene expression correlated positively with adiposity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance. No association was found between ARO and circulating E2. Men with obesity had lower levels of ESR1 and ESR1:ESR2 ratio, but not ESR2. ESR1 gene expression in SAT correlated negatively with adiposity and insulin resistance markers as well as with ARO expression, and tended to be lower in men with T2D. E2 reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, while testosterone increased basal glucose uptake in adipocytes. Elevated ARO in SAT was found in obese men, and this was linked to insulin resistance and glycaemia, supporting that local estrogen production contributes to metabolic dysregulation. ESR1 was reduced in men with T2D and was linked to adiposity and insulin resistance. Taken together, high ARO and low ESR1 expression in SAT in obese men may contribute to insulin resistance and T2D development.

Obese Hypertensive Men Have Fasting Serum Concentrations of Leptin Similar to Those of Obese Normotensive Men.

Leptin is a hormone which is secreted by the adipocytes. In the circulation, leptin levels are directly proportional to the body fat percentage. Studies have shown that higher leptin levels are associated with an increased risk of hypertension after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). Therefore, leptin has been proposed as a mediator of obesity-related hypertension. Whether leptin is associated with hypertension when controlling for body fat percentage remains unclear. We studied 103 obese men (BMI ≥30.0kg/m2). All men were healthy and were medication-free. We measured blood pressure using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) recordings. Hypertension was defined as 24-hour systolic ABP ≥130mm Hg and/or 24-hour diastolic ABP ≥80mm Hg, and normotension was defined as 24-hour ABP <130/80mm Hg. We measured fasting serum leptin concentrations and used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning to determine body fat percentage. Of the 103 obese men, 64 were hypertensive (24-hour systolic ABP (mean ± standard deviation) 137±11mg Hg and 24-hour diastolic ABP 83±6mm Hg) and 40 were normotensive (24-hour systolic ABP 117±6mg Hg and 24-hour diastolic ABP 73±4mm Hg). The 2 groups had similar fasting serum leptin concentrations (median (interquartile range)) 13.4 (5.7-36.1) µg/L versus 13.4 (5.4-27.1) µg/L, P=0.88) and total fat mass percentage (34.8±4.5% versus 34.0±4.7%, P=0.90). Obese hypertensive men have serum leptin concentrations similar to those of obese normotensive men with comparable body fat percentage measurements. This finding does not support leptin's candidacy as a mediator of obesity-related hypertension.

The influence of prolonged aerobic exercise on cardiac, muscular, and renal biomarkers in trained individuals with obesity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of prolonged aerobic exercise on cardiac, muscular and renal inflammatory markers in a group of trained obese men. Seventeen men (aged 40 ± 6years; body mass index [BMI] 31.3 ± 2.8kgm-2, maximal oxygen uptake [V'O2max] 41.5 ± 5.6mlkg-1min-1) ran a half, 30km, or full marathon. Troponin I (cTnI), the n-terminal creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin, creatinine (CREA) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)were measured before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 3days after the race (T2). The concentrations of cTnI, myoglobin, LDH, CK-MB and CREA significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas eGRF decreased at T1 (P < 0.05). All the above parameters returned to baseline at T2, except for eGFR, which remained lower than that at T0 (P < 0.05). A positive association was observed between ΔCK-MB (%) and the time spent in Zone 3 during the race (R = 0.686, P = 0.014). The Δmyoglobin (%) was positively correlated with race time, race mean speed and time in Zone 3 (R = 0.574-0.862, P < 0.05). The ∆CREA values were moderately correlated with the race mean HRMAX (%) and time spent in Zone 3 (%) (R = 0.514-0.610; P = 0.05). The ∆eGRF values were moderately inversely correlated with the time spent in Zone 3 (%) (R = - 0.627; P < 0.05). Changes in cardiac, muscular and renal inflammatory markers in trained men with obesity are consistent with those described in the literature in normal-weight individuals. Finally, running parameters, such as running time, average running intensity and time in Zone 3 appear to be responsible for the changes in cardiac, muscular and renal function markers after long-distance running.

Health implications of racial differences in serum growth differentiation factor levels among men with obesity.

Growth differentiation factor (GDF15) has been considered a biomarker and recently a hormonal driver for diseases in different populations. However, the role of GDF15 as a biomarker of health outcomes in obese men from different racial/ethnic background has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to investigate the racial/ethnic differences on the relationship between GDF15 and markers of glucometabolic status, hormonal profile, body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) in obese men. One hundred ninety-three obese men from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds were enrolled. BMD and body composition were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum GDF15, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide, sclerostin, adiponectin, leptin, estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, lipid profile, and hemoglobin A1C (A1C) were measured. Non-African Americans (NAA) had significantly higher GDF15 level than African Americans (AA). Level was also higher in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In both the groups GDF15 correlated with A1C and lean mass. However. GDF15 correlated with body fat, LDL total cholesteroland femoral neck BMD only in NAA and with appendicular lean mass only in AA. Ethnicity, total cholesterol and T2DM were found to be independent predictors of GDF15. We conclude that GDF15 may influence glucometabolic status, body composition and bone parameters which may affect cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis between races.

Effect of caloric restriction with probiotic supplementation on body composition, quality of life, and psychobiological factors of obese men: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by an excess of fat mass. It is accompanied by a low-grade chronic systemic inflammation state that leads to numerous health disorders. To counteract this scenario, dietary-derived caloric restriction (CR) is the principal intervention for weight loss. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation has gained attention as a co-intervention to optimize weight loss and other health-related factors. As such, we aimed to verify the effect of CR with probiotic supplementation on the body composition, quality of life, sleep quality, anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms of adult men living with obesity. The study is called the Clinical Study of Obesity and Intestinal Microbiota (ECOMI). It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving two parallel groups of stable-weight adult men living with obesity. The inclusion criteria were male individuals aged 25-44 years, with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 30.0 to 39.99kg/m2, and stable body mass over the preceding three months. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Caloric Restriction with Probiotic (CRPRO) and Caloric Restriction with Placebo (CRPLA). The achieved CR was 30% of the total daily energy expenditure. Macronutrients were distributed as 50% carbohydrates, 30% lipids, and 20% proteins. Probiotic supplementation was carried out using two sachets/day of 1g, containing 1×109 Colony Forming Units (CFU) of each strain: Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, totaling 8 billion CFU/day. CR and probiotic (or placebo) supplementation intervention lasted 12 weeks. Body composition and psychobiological-related parameters (e.g., sleep, anxiety, stress, and depression) were assessed at baseline and following 12 weeks of intervention. Data are presented as mean and 95% confidence interval (CI) and mean difference (MD). The present study applied the per protocol analysis. Thirty-three subjects were evaluated and randomized, but only data from 25 (CRPLA n=12 vs CRPRO n=13) participants were included in the final analysis. We verified that CR resulted in weight loss (p<0.001; η2ρ=0.754) in both CRPLA (MD:-6.30kg; p<0.001) and CRPRO (MD:-5.97kg; p<0.001), without differences between groups (p=0.823; η2ρ=0.002). Moreover, both CRPLA (MD:-4.83kg; p<0.001) and CRPRO (MD:-5.20kg; p<0.001) decreased body fat without difference between groups (p=0.712; η2ρ=0.006). Regarding obesity-related problems, only the corporeality dimension (p<0.001; η2ρ=0.474) in both CRPLA (p=0.028) and CRPRO (p=0.039) improved. World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)-related dimensions were improved for perception (p<0.001; η2ρ=0.630), satisfaction (p<0.001; η2ρ=0.778), and psychological domain (p<0.001; η2ρ=0.567), without differences between groups. Moreover, sleep quality (p<0.001; η2ρ=0.522) improved in both groups, without differences between groups. Finally, anxiety (p=0.013; η2ρ=0.250) and depression (p=0.003; η2ρ=0.345) scores assessed via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) (p<0.001; η2ρ=0.448) improved only in the CRPRO group. Probiotic supplementation did not enhance the effects of caloric restriction on body composition, QoL-, or sleep-related parameters. However, anxiety and depressive symptoms improved only in the CRPRO group, despite no differences between groups after 12 weeks. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

O009 Does exercise preserve fat free mass during rapid weight loss in overweight or obese men with obstructive sleep apnoea? A pilot study

Abstract Introduction Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Very low energy diets (VLEDs) are effective for reducing weight but are associated with greater fat free mass (FFM) reduction than other energy-restricted diets. Exercise may protect against this, having been shown to reduce OSA severity independently of weight loss. We aimed to assess the feasibility and tolerability of VLED-induced rapid weight loss with or without functional exercise in overweight or obese men with OSA. Methods This open-label pilot randomised controlled trial recruited men aged 18-55 years with a BMI of ≥27kg/m2 and untreated moderate-to-severe OSA to VLED-only (VO) or VLED-plus-exercise (VEX) for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a VLED providing &amp;lt;800kcal/day. The VEX group also participated in supervised functional exercise training at a commercial gym. Results Twenty men were recruited and completed the study, with one drop out from VEX. Significant AHI reductions were observed in both VO (n=9, -20.9 events/hr [95%CI -28.3 to -13.6]) and VEX (n=11, -15.4 events/hr [-26.0 to -4.7]). A total weight loss of -14.5kg [-17.5 to -11.5] and -9.3kg fat mass [-11.0 to -7.6] was achieved. FFM reduction occurred (-3.9kg [-5.5 to -2.3]), with a trend towards preservation in the VEX group. Discussion VLED, with or without exercise, proved feasible and well-tolerated and demonstrated positive outcomes in AHI and body composition variables. No between-group differences were observed in any outcomes, however the small reduction in FFM loss seen in the VEX group may suggest a potential mechanism for exercise to preserve FFM.

Effects of Resistance Training on Muscular Adaptations and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Men.

Purpose: Obesity may blunt exercise responsiveness to improve muscular adaptations. The effect of resistance training (RT) targeting different body regions on muscle and inflammatory markers is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of upper (upper body exercises), lower (lower body exercises), or combined (upper body + lower body exercises) RT on muscle and inflammatory markers, body composition, and performance in overweight and obese men.Methods: Sixty overweight and obese men (age = 31 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: upper-body RT (UB; n = 15), lower-body RT (LB; n = 15), combined RT (UB + LB; n = 15) or control (C; n = 15). The training protocol consisted of 3 exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks. Blood samples for measuring serum markers (follistatin, myostatin, C-reactive protein [CRP], adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and irisin) were obtained at baseline and 48 hours after the final training session. Fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody 720).Results: SMM, FFM, UB and LB strength and power, follistatin, follistatin:myostatin ratio, adiponectin, and irisin significantly increased while FM, BFP, myostatin, CRP, and TNF-α significantly reduced from pre- to post-training in all training groups (p < 0.05). Changes in LB muscle power (r = 0.558), both UB (r = 0.518) and LB (r = 0.419) muscle strength, and follistatin (r = 0.545), had moderate positive relationships with ΔSMM, while changes in myostatin (r = -0.585) had a moderate negative relationship with ΔSMM. Also, changes in myostatin (r = 0.825) and CRP (r = 0.715) had a strong positive relationship with ΔFM, while TNF-α (r = 0.467) had a moderate positive relationship with ΔFM. Follistatin (r = -0.789) and adiponectin (r = -0.713) had a strong negative relationship with ΔFM, while irisin (r = -0.426) had a moderate negative relationship with ΔFM.Conclusions: Combined RT elicits the greatest increases in follistatin, follistatin:myostatin ratio, adiponectin, and decreases in myostatin and CRP compared with other training groups in overweight and obese men. However, systemic improvements may be achieved through performing UB or LB RT alone.

Effects of TABATA Exercise Volume and Royal Jelly Supplementation on NLRP3 Inflammasome and lncRNA-H19 Expression in Obese Men

Background: Both coding and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in almost every cellular process, and their expression can be modulated by external stimuli, such as physical exercise. Objectives: The current research aimed to investigate the effects of different volumes of TABATA-high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises combined with royal jelly (RJ) supplementation on the NLRP3 inflammasome and lncRNA-H19 expression in obese males. Methods: Forty-two healthy men [Body Mass Index (BMI) = 30 kg/m², waist-to-hip ratio = 0.95, age range: 40 - 60 years] volunteered to participate in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into five experimental groups (N = 35) and one control + placebo group (N = 7). The high-volume (HV) or low-volume (LV) TABATA exercise programs were performed twice a week for 8 weeks. Participants in the RJ supplementation groups received a 1000 mg capsule once a day for 8 weeks. The expression of NLRP3 and lncRNA-H19 genes was evaluated using the real-time PCR method. Results: The NLRP3 gene expression in the Bruce test, measured before and after the 8-week exercise interventions and RJ supplementation, showed insignificant changes across the different groups. However, the H19 gene expression in the Bruce test showed a significant reduction in the HV-TABATA HIIT intervention groups, which was more pronounced than in the LV groups after 8 weeks: HV group (P = 0.004), RJ group (P = 0.001), HV + RJ group (P = 0.007), and LV + RJ group (P = 0.002). After 8 weeks of non-pharmacological interventions involving exercise training and supplementation, a significant decrease in NLRP3 and a significant increase in H19 gene expression were detected in the HV group compared to the LV group (P = 0.05 and P = 0.010). Significant improvement was also found in the resting H19 levels between the RJ and LV groups (P = 0.011) and the LV + RJ group (P = 0.44). Moreover, a significant reduction in resting NLRP3 gene expression was observed between the RJ + LV and LV groups (P = 0.038). Conclusions: Chronic HV TABATA HIIT exercise, when combined with RJ supplementation, is effective in attenuating inflammatory responses to acute stress.

Semaglutide improved sperm morphology in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and functional hypogonadism.

To compare the effects of semaglutide and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on semen quality and parameters of functional hypogonadism (FH) in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. We designed a randomised open-label trial in 25 men with type 2 diabetes (aged 50 [46-60] years, BMI 35.9 [32.8-38.7] kg/m2) and FH randomised to semaglutide (SEMA) 1 mg/week or intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (TRT) 1000 mg/10-12 weeks for 24 weeks. Semen analysis and parameters of FH were measured at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment. Participants completed questionnaires of the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) and the Aging Symptoms in Men (AMS). The quality of baseline sperm parameters of our study cohort was poor, below the 5th percentile of reference values. In the SEMA group, there was a significant increase in morphologically normal sperm from baseline to the end of the study (2% [2; 3.5] vs. 4% [2; 5.5]; p = 0.012), whereas sperm concentration and total number decreased significantly in the TRT group. Compared to TRT, the SEMA group had a significantly higher number of morphologically normal sperm, sperm concentration and total number. Both groups experienced an increase in total testosterone and improvement in the AMS score, whereas the IIEF-15 score significantly improved only in the TRT group. Semaglutide markedly improved sperm morphology, total testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism. These findings highlight semaglutide's potential as a therapeutic approach for men with obesity-related FH who desire fertility. NCT06489457, www. gov.

The Effect of CLA Supplementation and High-Intensity Interval Training on Plasma Neuregulin 4, Interleukin 6, and TNF-α in Obese Men

The Effect of CLA Supplementation and High-Intensity Interval Training on Plasma Neuregulin 4, Interleukin 6, and TNF-α in Obese Men

A Comparative Randomized Cross-Over Trial to Examine Efficacy of Urine Capture and Comfort of Two Male External Urine Collection Devices in Healthy Male Volunteers.

This study assessed the efficiency of urine collection using external urine collection devices over two voids in a group of morbidly obese and non-obese men. Prospective single-blind comparative crossover study. We assessed the comparative urine capture efficiency of two commercially available male external urine management systems. Continent consenting men were randomized to use each device for a single void. The proportion of urine captured by each device expressed as a percentage of the total volume voided in grams was calculated and compared. Results were compared between morbidly obese (BMI≥40 kg/m2) and non-morbidity (BMI≤40 kg/m2) men. Fifty-nine men completed the study; their mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 40.8 (SD 12.4) years. For void 1, the mean proportion of urine capture for Device A was 97.8% (SD 10.0); for Device B it was 90.7% (SD 20.7). For void 2, the mean proportion of urine capture for Device A was 91.1% (SD 25.8); for Device B it was 85.2% (SD 21.7). The mean difference between devices was 6.6% (95% CI 0.18, 13.0), P =.044. Stratified by weight, in the morbidly obese men, Device A captured 99.7% (SD 0.88) of the first void versus 83.5% (SD 32.2) for Device B. Analysis of the second voids found that Device A captured 80.8% (SD 36.9) versus 79.3% (SD 23.3) for Device B. Device A (the investigational device) performed significantly better than Device B in capture rates when compared based on voided volume, order of void, or BMI category. Device A male external catheter system is an effective option for urine management in both obese and non-obese men.

Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication – Role of a Catheter Mount and a Laparoscopic Washer in the Removal of an Intrabronchial Foreign Body

ABSTRACT Foreign body retrieval from the airway can be quite challenging due to various concerns such as sharing of the airway between the anesthesiologist and pulmonologist, reduced functional residual capacity, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, etc. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy through supraglottic airway devices has been preferred over rigid bronchoscopy for foreign body retrieval as there is better control of the airway, provides access to distal airways, and allows bronchoalveolar lavage. However, intermittent pauses in positive pressure ventilation could be deleterious in patients with reduced functional residual capacity. The incorporation of a catheter mount with a laparoscopy washer in the suction port will enable the simultaneous execution of ventilation and foreign body extraction. We have successfully used the above technique in the retrieval of an intrabronchial foreign body from a 65-year-old obese man.

The Effect of High Protein-High Fat and High Protein-High Carbohydrate Meals on Resting Metabolic Rate and Metabolic Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults: The Study Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

Background: The macronutrient composition of daily meals plays a crucial role in influencing the body's metabolic responses during the postprandial phase. However, existing research on the effects of macronutrients, particularly fats and carbohydrates, has produced inconsistent findings. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the postprandial effects of two high-protein meals—one low in fat and high in carbohydrates (HP-LF-HC) and the other high in fat and low in carbohydrates (HP-HF-LC)—on energy metabolism, appetite response, and blood markers in overweight and obese men and women without underlying health conditions. Methods: This study was conducted as an acute randomized crossover clinical trial at the Health Monitoring Center of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) within Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. A total of 30 overweight and obese men and women, meeting the eligibility criteria and free of underlying diseases, were recruited through a public call. Participants were randomly assigned to receive both intervention meals, with a washout period of at least one week between each trial. Results: The primary outcomes focused on the acute effects of the two dietary interventions on energy metabolism, particularly resting metabolic rate (RMR), and appetite response. Secondary outcomes included changes in lipid profiles, insulin, blood glucose levels, thyroid hormones, and epinephrine. Conclusions: This study aims to identify which macronutrient composition most effectively enhances resting energy expenditure. The findings could provide valuable insights for dietitians in developing more efficient dietary plans, helping overweight and obese individuals maintain an ideal weight or achieve weight loss by modifying food composition without altering meal volume.

Weight Loss, Pathological Changes, and Inflammatory Effects from a Short-Term Ketogenic Diet in Overweight and Obese Men with Untreated Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance.

Active Surveillance (AS) is a favored strategy for the management of indolent prostate cancers (PCs). Overweight and obese men harbor an increased risk of cancer progression during AS. We aim to prospectively evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a ketogenic diet (KD) weight-loss intervention in overweight men with PC. Men with PC and a BMI > 25 kg/m2 undergoing AS were placed on an 8-week ad libitum KD program before a scheduled surveillance biopsy to assess the impact on clinical grade group (CGG). Blood ketone levels were tracked to ensure compliance. BMI, PSA, and inflammatory marker data (TNF-α, TNFR1, TNFR2, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, IL-6, IL1-RA, CRP, and SAA) were collected before and after the KD intervention. A Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to assess the normality of all continuous study variables. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were utilized to compare normally and non-normally distributed study outcomes, respectively. Ten AS patients aged 62.1 (±5.4) years were enrolled with an average BMI of 31.7 kg/m2 (±11.8). Post-KD intervention mean blood ketone levels were 0.32 (±0.12) mmol/L with a mean BMI reduction of 7.4% (p < 0.0003). There were no meaningful changes in PSA or inflammatory biomarkers (p > 0.05). Nine patients completed re-biopsy following a KD with four patients showing no evidence of cancer; one downgraded to a lower CGG; two had unchanged CGG scores; and two had higher CGG scores compared to baseline. Short-term KD interventions for BMI reduction are feasible in men undergoing AS for PC and may result in favorable pathological effects without inflammatory marker changes. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to explore whether KD-induced weight loss can improve clinical outcomes with AS in PC.

Study on serum metabolomics characteristics of obese patients with erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual health problem that can be associated with obesity. This study aimed to identify serum metabolic differences and pathways related to ED in obese men using non-targeted metabolomics techniques. We included 54 obese male patients with (n = 27) and without (n = 27) ED. We collected 5 mL of fasting elbow vein blood and analyzed serum metabolites using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis) were used to identify differential metabolites between the groups. Finally, pathway analysis using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database identified 4 differential metabolic pathways in obese men with ED compared to obese men without ED. A total of 77 differential metabolites were identified in obese men with ED compared to the control group (obese men without ED) using a threshold of variable importance in the projection > 1 and P < .05. Pathway analysis revealed 4 main differences: glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism. Specific metabolites associated with these pathways included betaine aldehyde, choline, L-threonine, phosphatidylcholine, L-serine, and D-glutamine. Our findings suggest abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism between obese men with and without ED. Metabolites such as betaine aldehyde, choline, L-threonine, phosphatidylcholine, L-serine, and D-glutamine may be potential biomarkers for distinguishing obese men with ED.

Metabolomic signature of sperm in men with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia.

Obese men have a significantly increased risk of developing asthenozoospermia. Sperm motility is directly related to cellular energy supply and metabolic status. Sperm metabolomics research based on Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology can provide useful information for the pathological mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity-associated asthenozoospermia. Sperm samples were obtained from a healthy control group (n = 49) and patients with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia (n = 40). After the analysis of sperm samples using GC-MS, various multivariate statistical methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were conducted. A total of 56 metabolites were identified in the sperm samples. Among them, 19 differential metabolites were found between the two groups. Metabolites such as glutamic acid, fumaric acid, and cysteine were significantly downregulated in the sperm of patients with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia, while metabolites like palmitic acid, stearic acid, and alanine were significantly upregulated. The differential metabolites were enriched in D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism; proline, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; glutathione metabolism and the other metabolic pathways. Obesity may influence the composition of metabolic products in sperm, and metabolomic analysis proves beneficial for the future diagnosis and treatment of obesity-associated asthenozoospermia.

Middle-aged Central American men’s perceptions of a healthy body weight, excess body weight and its relationship to chronic disease: Qualitative findings

Objective: To explore Central American men’s perceptions of healthy body weight, factors that influence weight gain and increase awareness of being overweight/obese, consequences of excess weight gain and gender similarities and differences in body weight. Design: In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with low-income, overweight or obese Central American men residing in the USA ( n = 25). Setting: Semi-structured, individual interviews (via Zoom or phone call) were conducted in Washington, DC in 2020–2021. Methods: Participants discussed their thoughts on the meaning of healthy weight; the role that weight management plays in the likelihood of getting diseases such as diabetes, cancer or hypertension; and whether having a healthy weight is different for men and women. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed to identify themes using NVivo v12. Results: Participants were first-generation immigrants (mean age 50.9 ± 6.4) and had resided in the USA for 23.7 ± 10.2 years. They defined healthy weight as having the energy to carry on daily activities, not carrying extra body fat, being in good physical health, and having a balance between height and weight. Participants discussed having an unbalanced diet, not engaging in physical activity and getting older influenced weight gain. Factors that raised awareness of their weight gain included doctors’ advice and cognisance of their current body weight. Participants in the study discussed the connection between weight status and some chronic diseases (i.e. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 virus infection); cancer was the least discussed. Participants discussed that both men and women should have a healthy weight and contributing factors to why men weigh more than women. Conclusion: Health promotion interventions for Central American immigrant men should consider framing weight management as a means to continue fulfilling important social and cultural roles and responsibilities. Future research should examine Central American men’s perceptions of weight management as part of cancer prevention.

Semaglutide Treatment Effects on Liver Fat Content in Obese Subjects with Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Background: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a major clinical complication of obesity. Methods: In this study, we used magnetic resonance (MR) methods to determine the effect of obesity treatment with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, on the liver fat content and selected metabolic variables. We investigated whether treatment would affect the acute response of liver fat to glucose and fructose administration and whether it would affect the fatty acid profile of VLDL-triglycerides. Sixteen obese non-diabetic men underwent a 16-week dietary intervention and 16-week treatment with subcutaneous semaglutide in a crossover design without a washout period. The order of the interventions was randomized. Results: After treatment, body weight of the subjects decreased by 5% and liver fat by a third, whereas dietary intervention had no impact on these parameters. The decrease in liver fat with semaglutide did not correlate with changes in body weight and other measures of adiposity and was unrelated to improved insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: The proportion of palmitic and palmitoleic acids in VLDL-triglycerides decreased after treatment, suggesting that the beneficial effects of semaglutide on liver fat are mediated by the suppression of de novo lipogenesis.

8073 Association Between Serum GDF15 Level And Metabolic Parameters in Severely Obese Men Undergoing Weight Loss From Lifestyle Intervention

Abstract Disclosure: S. Bathina: None. V. Fuenmayor Lopez: None. M. Prado: None. G. Colleluori: None. D.T. Villareal: None. R.C. Villareal: None. Background: Growth Differentiation factor (GDF-15), member of TGF-β superfamily was identified as marker of aging, frailty, and metabolic disorders. Several clinical studies demonstrated an association between GDF15 with obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, information on the changes in GDF15 and its relationship to changes in metabolic and body composition parameters in the population of severely obese subjects undergoing weight loss (WL) remains lacking. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of WL on serum GDF15 level and its relationship to glucometabolic parameters in severely obese hypogonadal men. Method: Data from 116 severely obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) hypogonadal men participating in an ongoing clinical trial of WL from lifestyle intervention±anastrozole, aged 35-65 years old (NCT03490513) were analyzed. Hemoglobin A1C (A1C) was measured by HPLC, lipid profile by colorimetric method (except LDL was calculated), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) LC-MS and GDF-15 by ELISA. Body composition was measured by DXA. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.4±7.6 years with mean BMI 41.8 ±5.4 kg/m2. At baseline, serum GDF15 positively correlated with age (r=0.25, p=0.01), fasting blood glucose (r=0.29, p=0.004) and A1C (r=0.39, p&amp;lt;0.001) but no correlation was found for lipid parameters and with T and E2. GDF15 was negatively correlated with total lean mass (r= -0.23, p=0.03), appendicular lean mass (r= -0.30, p=0.02), and fat-free mass (r= -0.22, p=0.03), but positively correlated with visceral adipose tissue volume (r=0.22, p=0.03). Average WL was 4.2±4.7% and 5.8±8.5% at 6months (6M) and 12 months (12M), respectively. Overall GDF15 levels increased by 9.4±84.7% at 6M and 18.4±128.0% at 12M. At 12M, changes in GDF15 levels positively correlated with changes in A1C (r= 0.26, p&amp;lt;0.05), and negatively with changes in total cholesterol ( r= -0.30, p=0.05), Triglycerides (r= -0.35, p=0.02) and E2 (r=-0.31, p=0.028). For LDL cholesterol changes, a negative correlation with GDF15 changes was observed at 6M (r= -0.27, p=0.047). There was no correlation between changes in GDF15 with changes in body weight and changes in body composition parameters. A comparison for those with significant WL (≥5%) vs. those with less WL showed that at 6M, GFD15 levels were reduced among those with WL of ≥5% (-19.5±42.3%) vs &amp;lt;5% (+19.8±93.9%), p=0.07, and at 12M (≥5% (-29.5±38.7) vs &amp;lt;5% (+0.61±69%), p&amp;lt;0.1). Conclusion: We demonstrated that changes in serum GDF15 in severely obese men undergoing WL was associated with alteration in cardiometabolic parameters. Our results show a new perspective on the potential role of GDF15 in cardiometabolic disorders associated with severe obesity. Aside from GDF15 used as a biomarker for health, it may also be used as target for drug development in modifying potential cardiometabolic complications in severe obesity. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Influence of equation selection on adaptive thermogenesis in obese men: Effects of caloric restriction and probiotic supplementation

Influence of equation selection on adaptive thermogenesis in obese men: Effects of caloric restriction and probiotic supplementation