Obese Persons Research Articles

THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION IN PREVENTION OF OBESITY AMONG STUDENTS

This Issue of obesity has enormous ramifications for health care providers dealing with Medical problems caused or exacerbated by obesity, and for the organizations including employers and governments covering the escalating cost of Health care. They all have to take steps in helping the public to come with life styles and Misperceptions that are fueling this public health issue. The life style modification means is changes in the eating pattern and daily life style activity. The objective of the self instructional module is to improve the knowledge among obese persons about life style modifications to prevent obesity and to increase the awareness in obese persons to prevent obesity.

Central obesity is a contributor to systemic inflammation and monocyte activation in virally suppressed adults with chronic HIV in Kenya.

Objectives:Heightened systemic inflammation is common in obese individuals and persons with HIV (PWH) and is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We investigated the combined effect of central obesity, a surrogate measure of visceral fat and HIV on circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines among Kenyan adults.Design:A cross-sectional study.Methods:We analysed and compared data from 287 virally suppressed PWH and 277 noninfected Kenyan adults, including biomarkers of gut epithelial dysfunction (intestinal fatty acid binding protein), monocyte activation (soluble CD163 and CD14) and inflammation [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and hsCRP] by HIV/central obesity status (HIV-positive/obese, HIV-negative/obese, HIV-positive/nonobese and HIV-negative/nonobese). Central obesity was defined as waist circumference more than 80 cm for women and more than 94 cm for men. We assessed the association of HIV/obesity status with elevated biomarkers (>75th percentile) using logistic regression.Results:Median age for participants was 44 years and 37% were centrally obese. Levels of all biomarkers were higher among the HIV-positive/obese compared with the HIV-negative/nonobese (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The HIV-positive/obese group had the greatest odds of having elevated inflammatory biomarkers compared with other groups even after adjustment of age, BMI and other conventional CVD risk factors (P < 0.05 for all). Additional adjustment for sCD163 in the multivariate model substantially attenuated the association for HIV-positive/obesity with IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α but not hsCRP. The contribution of HIV-positive/obesity to inflammation was independent of the degree of immunosuppression.Conclusion:Central obesity is prevalent among virally suppressed African PWH and is associated with greater inflammation and monocyte activation independent of other comorbidities and HIV-specific factors.

A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Lekhana Basti and Modified Vachadi Gana Basti in Combination with Navaka Guggulu in Sthaulya (Obesity) -A Study Protocol

Background: Sthoulya described as Obesity occurs due to the vitiation of Kapha &amp; Vata. The signs and symptoms of Sthoulya can be correlated with Obesity. This has been said in Ayurveda and Sthaulya purusha (Obese person) is considered one of the nindita Purusha. Lekhaniya gana contains the drugs like Triphala, Shatpushpa, Madhu (Honey), Ushaka, Kasis, Tuttha, Shilajit, Saindhava (Salt), Yavakshar, Gomutra (Cow Urine) which are having specially lekhaniya (Scraping) properties, Kapha and Meda (fat) hara property, in sthaulya increased kapha and meda (fat) is seen, the medicine having these lekhaniya property helps to scrap the excess fat from the body so this medicine is helpful to reduce fat. While Modified Vachadi Gana (Group of herbs) contains Devdaru (Cedrus Deodara), Shunthi (Zingiber Officinale), Vacha (Acorus Calamus), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Ativisha (Aconitum Heterophyllum), Nagarmotha (Cyperus Rotundus), Ushaka, Kasis (Ferrous Sulfate), Tuttha (Blue Vitriol), Shilajit (Asphaltum), Saindhava (salt), Yavakshar (Hordeum Vulgare), Modified Vachadi gana having vata and kapha hara property &amp; Lekhaniya (Scraping) property both. So it is used in vata kaphaja vikara like sthaulya so to treat it vata kapha reducing medicine is to use. Modified Vachadi Gana having those above properties apart from that also having lekhaniya property. Hence, it also helps to scrap the excess fat from the body, so this medicine is helpful to reduce fat.&#x0D; Aim: To study the effect of Lekhana Basti &amp; Modified Vachadi Gana Basti along with Navak Guguulu in sthoulya (Obesity).&#x0D; Objectives: To study the impact of Lekhana Basti on body mass index, body circumference measurements, skinfold thickness, lipid profile, To study the impact of Vachadi gana yoga basti (Modified) on body mass index, body circumference measurements, skinfold thickness &amp; lipid profile, To compare the efficacy of Lekhana Basti and Modified Vachadi Gana basti on body mass Index, body circumference measurements, skinfold thickness &amp; lipid profile.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 35 patients will be selected in each group from the outpatient department of Panchakarma MGACH &amp; RC. Basti will be done in Yog basti pattern. In Group A, Lekhana Basti &amp; In Group B, Modified Vachadi Basti will be used. After Basti Krama 16 Days, Parihara Kala is to be given.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the result conclusion will be drawn.

The Impact of Body Resistance Training Exercise on Biomedical Profile at High Altitude: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Obesity causes different diseases, eventually. In our study, the results of resistance exercises were examined on selected biochemical markers in Abha City, Saudi Arabia, which is at the height of 2,270 meters above sea level. Methods A randomized controlled research was conducted with 60 participants equally divided into three groups, 20 subjects in each group: group 1 was composed of obese people who received resistance training exercise, group 2 was composed of the obese control group who did not receive resistance training exercise, and group 3 was composed of normal individuals who received resistance exercise training. The resistance exercises were done in the 6th and 12th weeks. Biochemical blood tests were done. Results Comparing to the control group, glucose decreased very little with insulin also showing little difference. It has been seen that TC, TG, and LDL reduced to a reasonable extent after resistance exercise, while HDL was increased (p ≤ 0.01). Plasma urea and creatinine showed no differences. Interleukin-6 and leptin decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.01), while there was a significant elevation in adiponectin and testosterone (p ≤ 0.01) once comparing group 1 with group 2 and group 3. Conclusion We have seen that resistance exercise helps in reducing lipid profile which will result in a decrease of the cardiac and related risk factors when conducted in obese patients in high-altitude regions. Also, alterations of the levels of interleukin-6, leptin, adiponectin, and testosterone showed that resistance exercise is of benefit and favourable in obese persons in high-altitude regions, which can also pave the way for added development of drugs related to the above parameters.

The effect of liraglutide and sitagliptin on oxidative stress in persons with type 2 diabetes

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have shown cardioprotective effects which have been suggested to be mediated through inhibition of oxidative stress. We investigated the effect of treatment with a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (liraglutide) on oxidative stress measured as urinary nucleic acid oxidation in persons with type 2 diabetes. Post-hoc analysis of two independent, randomised, placebo-controlled and double-blinded clinical trials. In a cross-over study where persons with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria (LIRALBU, n = 32) received liraglutide (1.8 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks in random order, separated by 4 weeks of wash-out. In a parallel-grouped study where obese persons with type 2 diabetes (SAFEGUARD, n = 56) received liraglutide (1.8 mg/day), sitagliptin (100 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Endpoints were changes in the urinary markers of DNA oxidation (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG)) and RNA oxidation [8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo)]. In LIRALBU, we observed no significant differences between treatment periods in urinary excretion of 8-oxodG [0.028 (standard error (SE): 0.17] nmol/mmol creatinine, p = 0.87) or of 8-oxoGuo [0.12 (0.12) nmol/mmol creatinine, p = 0.31]. In SAFEGUARD, excretion of 8-oxodG was not changed in the liraglutide group [2.8 (− 8.51; 15.49) %, p = 0.62] but a significant decline was demonstrated in the placebo group [12.6 (− 21.3; 3.1) %, p = 0.02], resulting in a relative increase in the liraglutide group compared to placebo (0.16 nmol/mmol creatinine, SE 0.07, p = 0.02). Treatment with sitagliptin compared to placebo demonstrated no significant difference (0.07 (0.07) nmol/mmol creatinine, p = 0.34). Nor were any significant differences for urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo liraglutide vs placebo [0.09 (SE: 0.07) nmol/mmol creatinine, p = 0.19] or sitagliptin vs placebo [0.07 (SE: 0.07) nmol/mmol creatinine, p = 0.35] observed. This post-hoc analysis could not demonstrate a beneficial effect of 12 weeks of treatment with liraglutide or sitagliptin on oxidatively generated modifications of nucleic acid in persons with type 2 diabetes.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist inhibits aeroallergen-induced activation of ILC2 and neutrophilic airway inflammation in obese mice.

BackgroundObesity is a risk factor for the development of asthma. However, pharmacologic therapeutic strategies that specifically target obese asthmatics have not been identified. We hypothesize that glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) treatment inhibits aeroallergen‐induced early innate airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma in the setting of obesity.MethodsSWR (lean) and TALLYHO (obese) mice were challenged intranasally with Alternaria alternata extract (Alt‐Ext) or PBS for 4 consecutive days concurrent with GLP‐1RA or vehicle treatment.ResultsTALLYHO mice had greater Alt‐Ext‐induced airway neutrophilia and lung protein expression of IL‐5, IL‐13, CCL11, CXCL1, and CXCL5, in addition to ICAM‐1 expression on lung epithelial cells compared with SWR mice, and all endpoints were reduced by GLP‐1RA treatment. Alt‐Ext significantly increased BALF IL‐33 in both TALLYHO and SWR mice compared to PBS challenge, but there was no difference in the BALF IL‐33 levels between these two strains. However, TALLYHO, but not SWR, mice had significantly higher airway TSLP in BALF following Alt‐Ext challenge compared to PBS, and BALF TSLP was significantly greater in TALLYHO mice compared to SWR mice following airway Alt‐Ext challenge. GLP‐1RA treatment significantly decreased the Alt‐Ext‐induced TSLP and IL‐33 release in TALLYHO mice. While TSLP or ST2 inhibition with a neutralizing antibody decreased airway eosinophils, they did not reduce airway neutrophils in TALLYHO mice.ConclusionsThese results suggest that GLP‐1RA treatment may be a novel pharmacologic therapeutic strategy for obese persons with asthma by inhibiting aeroallergen‐induced neutrophilia, a feature not seen with either TSLP or ST2 inhibition.

Facing an unexpected reality - oscillating between health and suffering 4-6years after bariatric surgery.

Obesity is a significant public health problem that is on the increase worldwide, and treatment with bariatric surgery is becoming more and more common. This type of surgery has proved to be good for weight reduction and for preventing complications, but few studies have investigated patients' long-term experiences of health and suffering. To explore people's experiences of health after bariatric surgery. What are their thoughts about their life, body and sexuality? This study is based on semi-structured interviews with eight women and eight men, 4-6years after bariatric surgery. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and resulted in 5 main themes and 14 subthemes. The new body enabled a healthy life due to better treatment in society, enhanced self-esteem, the pleasure of purchasing clothes and the courage to become more sexually active. At the same time, the body could be experienced as so unfamiliar that their life was dominated by despondency, a lack of freedom and a feeling of being lost, which made them wish to return to their old body. The participants received extensive information before as well as follow-up conversations up to one year after surgery. Nevertheless, they all experienced that changing from life as an obese person to a radically reduced body often meant a confrontation with an unexpected reality that oscillated between health and suffering. This indicates that preparedness for the life changes that bariatric surgery may entail is inadequate and that moving towards health and suffering takes its own time. Therefore, more time should be allocated to talking about how life is and can become in the long term, which may facilitate a dialogical, person-centred approach to the setbacks and situations each person needs to manage in order to improve her/his health.

The Contribution of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites EETs to Inflammation in Obesity

Background: Obesity is associated with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adipose tissue (AT) contains a complex immune environment and is a central contributor to heightened systemic inflammation in obese persons. Increased chronic inflammation in obesity contributes to metabolic disease by increasing insulin resistance, and to CVD by causing an atherogenic dyslipidemia and increasing endothelial cell dysfunction and activation. Despite these links between inflammation and cardiometabolic disease in obesity, there are no current targeted therapies to prevent or reverse chronic inflammation in AT.Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are lipid signaling molecules that act as potent vasodilators and promote sodium excretion in the kidney. Increasing EETs in rodents protects against hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. In humans, circulating EETs correlate with insulin sensitivity and are decreased in individuals with insulin resistance. EETs also decrease the inflammatory response to obesity in animal models, but the effect of EETs on inflammation in humans is currently unknown. EETs are hydrolyzed to less active forms by the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), and we hypothesized that pharmacologic sEH inhibition with a specific inhibitor GSK2256294 (GSK) in obese patients would decrease AT inflammation.Methods: Thirty-four obese prediabetic individuals were treated with placebo and GSK in a crossover design (NCT03486223). Participants had a seven-week washout in between drugs, and the order of drug was randomized and blinded. In a subgroup of patients, we collected subcutaneous AT by liposuction and characterized T cell phenotypes by flow cytometry (N=7 paired samples).Results: GSK decreased sEH activity in plasma (47.3% vs placebo; P=0.008) and in AT (58.8% vs placebo; P=0.002). GSK also decreased serum F2-isoprostanes (P=0.03), which are markers of oxidative damage and inflammation. In seven paired AT samples, T helper (Th) 1 cells producing the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFNγ were reduced by treatment with GSK as compared with placebo (% of total lymphocytes: Placebo 13.6% ± 6.9, GSK 11.0% ± 5.6, P=0.03 Wilcoxon Signed Rank). In this small sample, we did not detect significant differences in the percentage of other IFNγ-producing cells (natural killer: Placebo 19.0% ± 9.0, GSK 13.3% ± 4.9, P=0.18; CD8: Placebo 12.0 ± 11.0, GSK 6.1 ± 4.6, P=0.61). In addition, we did not detect any change in Th17, Th2, or regulatory T cells.Conclusions: In a pilot study of seven individuals treated with placebo or an sEH inhibitor, we found that the sEH inhibitor decreased pro-inflammatory Th1 cells as compared with placebo in matched AT samples. Understanding the contribution of the EET/sEH pathway to inflammation in obesity could lead to new strategies to modulate AT and systemic inflammation and reduce the risk of CVD.

Obesity and Ideal Cardiovascular Health: Results from the My Research Legacy Study

Obesity is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases compared to normal-weight and overweight status. We hypothesized that obese subjects would have lower ideal cardiovascular health than normal-weight and overweight subjects, but a subset among the obese would have a favorable cardiovascular health profile. Differences in ideal cardiovascular health between normal-weight (n = 523), overweight (n = 378), and obese (n = 660) subjects were examined using data from the Life’s Simple 7 survey and digital health devices. Obese participants were more likely to have prevalent cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia compared to normal weight and overweight (all p &lt; 0.01). Life’s Simple 7 Health Scores, a measure of ideal cardiovascular health, were lower in obese than in normal-weight and overweight groups (5.6 ± 1.2 vs. 8.0 ± 1.1 vs. 6.8 ± 1.1, p &lt; 0.01). A subset of obese with ideal cardiovascular health scores was identified (n = 103). Compared to obese with non-ideal health scores (n = 557), these individuals were more likely to have ideal cardiovascular risk factor status, diet, and exercise profiles. These findings indicate that there is heterogeneity among obese persons and suggest that an assessment of cardiovascular health factors and behaviors can identify areas for intervention beyond weight reduction alone to optimize cardiovascular health.

High-Protein, Low-Glycaemic Meal Replacement Decreases Fasting Insulin and Inflammation Markers-A 12-Month Subanalysis of the ACOORH Trial.

Lifestyle interventions, including meal replacement, are effective in the prevention and treatment of type-2-diabetes and obesity. Since insulin is the key weight regulator, we hypothesised that the addition of meal replacement to a lifestyle intervention reduces insulin levels more effectively than lifestyle intervention alone. In the international multicentre randomised controlled ACOORH (Almased Concept against Overweight and Obesity and Related Health Risk) trial, overweight or obese persons who meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome (n = 463) were randomised into two groups. Both groups received nutritional advice focusing on carbohydrate restriction and the use of telemonitoring devices. The intervention group substituted all three main meals per day in week 1, two meals per day in weeks 2–4, and one meal per day in weeks 5–26 with a protein-rich, low-glycaemic meal replacement. Data were collected at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. All datasets providing insulin data (n = 446) were included in this predefined subanalysis. Significantly higher reductions in insulin (−3.3 ± 8.7 µU/mL vs. −1.6 ± 9.8 µU/mL), weight (−6.1 ± 5.2 kg vs. −3.2 ± 4.6 kg), and inflammation markers were observed in the intervention group. Insulin reduction correlated with weight reduction and the highest amount of weight loss (−7.6 ± 4.9 kg) was observed in those participants with an insulin decrease > 2 µU/mL. These results underline the potential for meal replacement-based lifestyle interventions in diabetes prevention, and measurement of insulin levels may serve as an indicator for adherence to carbohydrate restriction.

Prevalence of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Gene (G972R) Polymorphism, Insulin Resistance, and Determination of β-Cell Function among Overweight and Obese Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common metabolic disorder and its pathogenesis is characterized by a combination of peripheral insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretory capacity of pancreatic β cell. Genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors including diet, physical activity, and age leading to the development of diabetes.ObjectiveTo determine the proportion of overweight and obese persons with type 2 diabetes and to compare the fasting blood sugar, fasting serum insulin, insulin resistance and β-cell function in G972R carrier and non-carrier overweight and obese persons with type 2 diabetes.MethodologyOne hundred overweight and obese patients with T2DM were recruited from persons with diabetes attending the Diabetes Outpatient Department of Yangon General Hospital. History taking and physical examination were done and blood samples were collected. Plasma glucose level was determined by the glucose oxidase method and fasting serum insulin was measured by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit method. Polymerase chain reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism were done for genetic polymorphism.ResultsAmong 100 overweight and obese subjects with T2DM, 81 patients were of homozygous (G/G) genotype, 18 patients were of heterozygous (G/A) and only one patient of homozygous (A/A) genotype. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of genotypes between overweight and obese subjects with T2DM.There was no significant difference in fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting serum insulin, HOMA-IR, β-cell function, lipid parameters between IRS-1 (G972R) carriers and non-carriers. There is significant negative correlation between insulin resistance and TG level (r2=0.0529, p=0.01).ConclusionIt was concluded that IRS-1 G972R polymorphism was not important in insulin resistance, β-cell function and lipid parameters in overweight and obese T2DM. There could be a number of candidate genes in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, genetic sequencing of IRS-1 and other genes in the insulin signaling pathway, and finding out the alteration in their genetic patterns would provide clues for the association of the site-specific polymorphisms of these genes with insulin resistance in T2DM.

Brown Adipose Tissue Volume and Fat Content Are Positively Associated With Whole-Body Adiposity in Young Men-Not in Women.

Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) volume has consistently been claimed to be inversely associated with whole-body adiposity. However, recent advances in the assessment of human BAT suggest that previously reported associations may have been biased. The present cross-sectional study investigates the association of BAT volume, mean radiodensity, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake (assessed via a static positron emission tomography [PET]-computed tomography [CT] scan after a 2-h personalized cold exposure) with whole-body adiposity (measured by DXA) in 126 young adults (42 men and 84 women; mean ± SD BMI 24.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2). BAT volume, but not 18F-FDG uptake, was positively associated with BMI, fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass in men but not in women. These associations were independent of the date when the PET-CT was performed, insulin sensitivity, and body surface area. BAT mean radiodensity, an inverse proxy of BAT fat content, was negatively associated with BMI, fat mass, and VAT mass in men and in women. These results refute the widely held belief that human BAT volume is reduced in obese persons, at least in young adults, and suggest that it might even be the opposite in young men.

Processed Radio Frequency towards Pancreas Enhancing the Deadly Diabetes Worldwide

Diabetes is a chronic and debilitating disease, which is associated with a range of complications putting tremendous burden on medical, economic and socio-technological infrastructure globally. Yet the higher authorities of health services are facing the excruciating cumulative reasons of diabetes as a very imperative worldwide issue in the 21st century. The study aims to relook at the misapplication of the processed radio frequency that frailties in the pancreas within and around the personal body boundary area. The administered sensor data were obtained at laboratory experiments from the selected specimens on dogs and cats in light and dark environments. The study shows the frequent urine flow speed varies with sudden infection due to treated wireless sensor networks in active open eyes. The overweight and obese persons are increasingly affected in diabetes with comprehensive urinary pressure due to continuous staying at dark environment. The findings replicate the increasing tide of diabetes globally. The study also represents the difficulties of physicians to provide adequate diabetic management according to their expectancy due to insecure personal area network control unit.Dynamic sensor network is indispensable for healthcare but such network is at risk to health security due to digitalized poisoning within GPS positions. The study recommends the anti-radiation integrated system policy with user’s security alternative approach to inspire dealing with National Health Policy and Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Thực trạng thừa cân béo phì của sinh viên Đại học Xây Dựng và một số yếu tố liên quan

*Background: Overweight and obesity in students are increasing and becoming one of the challenges. This study was conducted to identify the status of overweight and obesity of students of the National University of Civil Engineering and some factors related. *Methodology: A cross-section study was carried out among 515 third-year students of the National University of Civil Engineering in the learning year 2018-2019 by self-reported questionnaires. *Results: The study results showed that the proportion of underweight students was 16.1%, overweight and obese was 17.9%, of which 10.9% were overweight; obesity 7.0%. The figures for overweight and obesity in men were 27.1% higher than women (7.7%). Some factors related to overweight and obesity including gender (OR = 4.47, 95% CI: 2.24-8.95); have a habit of consuming processed foods (OR = 1.65 (95% CI: 1.01-2.78); have a overweight and obese person in the family (OR = 3.63 (95% CI: 1.70-7.76); not regularly playing sport / gym (OR = 2.19 (95% CI: 1.29-3.80). *Conclusions: Civil Engineering University students need to pay more attention to risk factors related to gender, preference for processed food, and physical inactivity to adjust their habits properly to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.

Analisis aktivitas fisik pada penyandang obesitas menggunakan smartwatch

The occurrence of obesity cannot be separated from lifestyle, such as decreased physical activity. Obesity is considered the first signal of the emergence of non-infectious diseases such as diabetes and cholesterol. This study aims to determine physical activity in obese people. Through SmartWatch, people will get data that is footsteps, heart rate, calories. Method: This research using experiment research or Single-Subject Research called SSR. Subjects had 110 kg in weight and 171cm in height with a BMI of 37,6 (Very Fat/Obesity). Analysis of the physical activity of obese people using the active lifestyle rubric and SmartWatch. The research findings that the average score obtained by obese subjects for the footstep category was 1,704 (very low category), which means that the physical activity carried out is also included in the light physical activity category. The average score for the heart rate category obtained by the subject was 67bpm which was included in the normal and low categories, while for the category of calories in and out, the average score obtained was 44 calories used, including into the low category. Physical activity of obese people based on monitoring using SmartWatch also concluded that the active lifestyle of an obese person is very low or low; this can be seen from the results of monitoring physical activity, namely footsteps, heart rate, calories, and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Transcription factor AP-2beta in development, differentiation and tumorigenesis.

To date, the AP-2 family of transcription factors comprises five members. Transcription factor AP-2beta (TFAP2B)/AP-2β was first described in 1995. Several studies indicate a critical role of AP-2β in the development of tissues and organs of ectodermal, neuroectodermal and also mesodermal origin. Germline mutation of TFAP2B is known to cause the Char syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by facial dysmorphism, patent ductus arteriosus and anatomical abnormalities of the fifth digit. Furthermore, single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TFAP2B were linked to obesity and specific personality traits. In neoplasias, AP-2β was first described in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Immunohistochemical staining of AP-2β is a recommended ancillary test for the histopathological diagnosis of this uncommon childhood malignancy. In neuroblastoma, AP-2β supports noradrenergic differentiation. Recently, the function of AP-2β in breast cancer (BC) has gained interest. AP-2β is associated with the lobular BC subtype. Moreover, AP-2β controls BC cell proliferation and has a prognostic impact in patients with BC. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge about AP-2β and its function in organ development, differentiation and tumorigenesis.

Personality traits and BMI trends over three years in Japanese university students.

In Europe and America, associations between personality traits and body-mass index (BMI) have been reported. However, in Japan, the association between personality traits and BMI (i.e., thinness and obesity) has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the relationship between Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) personality traits and changes in BMI status among Japanese students during their university attendance. We measured the height and weight of 5,340 students in a Japanese university during annual medical checkups and calculated their BMI. The students’ personality traits were measured using the short Japanese version of the TCI at university admission. The participants were divided into seven groups based on how BMI changed from the first year to the fourth year at university. In men, compared to the group that maintained normal BMI status (N = 2,189) over time (i.e., the control group), the group that maintained thinness status (N = 226) were lower in Reward Dependence, and the group whose status improved from thinness to normal (N = 117) were higher in Harm Avoidance. In women, compared with the control group (N = 1,510), the group that maintained thinness status (N = 302) was lower in Novelty Seeking, and the group whose status worsened from normal to thinness (N = 127) was higher in Harm Avoidance. Weak associations were found between thinness and TCI personality traits among Japanese university students. Further elaboration of the relationship between obesity or thinness and personality traits may help to provide effective preventive interventions in these areas.

The comparison of obese and non-obese persons in terms of food addiction

Aim: Although the term 'addiction' was previously used only to describe excessive alcohol and substance abuse, it has recently been realized that some behaviors have a neurobiological basis similar to alcohol and substance addiction. Food addiction is one of these behaviors.&#x0D; In many studies, it has been suggested that especially obese and overeating people have food addiction (1,2). The aim of our study was to compare the food addiction prevalence among obese and non-obese persons who applied to obesity and family medicine outpatient clinics.&#x0D; Material-method: &#x0D; The patients who applied to the Family Medicine outpatient clinic and obesity outpatient clinic between 15.01.2019-30.06.2019 were included in the study. The age, gender, weight, height, and smoking status of the patients were questioned. Yale Food Addiction Scale which was developed by Ashley N. Gearhardt (1) et al and adapted to the Turkish language by Bayraktar (2) et al was conducted on the individuals who volunteer to participate in the study.&#x0D; Results: 195 patients without obesity and 403 patients with obesity were included in the study. The mean age and body mass index, the distribution of gender, and smoking status of the individuals are shown in Table 1. The food addiction prevalence in the obese group was 33,7% and 14% in the non-obese group. The prevalence of food addiction was significantly higher in obese individuals (p

Disentangling the Drivers of Obesity: An Analytical Framework Based on Socioeconomic and Intrapersonal Factors.

Obesity is increasing at exponential rates in developed economies despite the numerous policy interventions being implemented. The causes of obesity are multifactorial demanding a holistic review for targeted intervention. This study, therefore, provides a holistic overview of multiple factors affecting body weights i.e., socioeconomic and intrapersonal factors. We used data from a household and experimental survey carried out in Spain (Barcelona) in 2014. A non-linear path analysis was used considering the non-linear relationships that might exist between these factors and body weight. Results confirm non-linear relationships between some socioeconomic, intrapersonal factors and body weight. Among the intrapersonal factors, obesity is directly influenced by volitional control of obesity, attitude toward obese persons, holding a correct body image and body image dissatisfaction. Socioeconomic factors that have significant influence on obesity were age, education and gender. Risk attitudes do not correlate with obesity.

Follistatin secretion is enhanced by protein, but not glucose or fat ingestion, in obese persons independently of previous gastric bypass surgery.

Follistatin is secreted from the liver and is involved in the regulation of muscle mass and insulin sensitivity via inhibition of activin A in humans. The secretion of follistatin seems to be stimulated by glucagon and inhibited by insulin, but only limited knowledge on the postprandial regulation of follistatin exists. Moreover, results on postoperative changes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are conflicting with reports of increased, unaltered, and lowered fasting concentrations of follistatin. In this study, we investigated postprandial follistatin and activin A concentrations after intake of isocaloric amounts of protein, fat, or glucose in subjects with obesity with and without previous RYGB to explore the regulation of follistatin by the individual macronutrients. Protein intake enhanced follistatin concentrations similarly in the two groups, whereas glucose and fat ingestion did not change postprandial follistatin concentrations. Concentrations of activin A were lower after protein intake compared with glucose intake in RYGB. Glucagon concentrations were also particularly enhanced by protein intake and tended to correlate with follistatin in RYGB. In conclusion, we demonstrated that protein intake, but not glucose or fat, is a strong stimulus for follistatin secretion in subjects with obesity and that this regulation is maintained after RYGB surgery.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Circulating follistatin and activin A were studied after intake of isocaloric protein, fat, or glucose drinks in subjects with obesity with and without previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Protein intake enhanced follistatin similarly in both groups, whereas glucose and fat ingestion did not change follistatin. Activin A was lower after protein compared with glucose in RYGB. The novel finding is that protein intake, but neither glucose nor fat, stimulates follistatin secretion independently of previous RYGB.