Obesity Research Research Articles

Dietary intervention improves health metrics and life expectancy of the genetically obese Titan mouse

Suitable animal models are essential for translational research, especially in the case of complex, multifactorial conditions, such as obesity. The non-inbred mouse (Mus musculus) line Titan, also known as DU6, is one of the world’s longest selection experiments for high body mass and was previously described as a model for metabolic healthy (benign) obesity. The present study further characterizes the geno- and phenotypes of this non-inbred mouse line and tests its suitability as an interventional obesity model. In contrast to previous findings, our data suggest that Titan mice are metabolically unhealthy obese and short-lived. Line-specific patterns of genetic invariability are in accordance with observed phenotypic traits. Titan mice also show modifications in the liver transcriptome, proteome, and epigenome linked to metabolic (dys)regulations. Importantly, dietary intervention partially reversed the metabolic phenotype in Titan mice and significantly extended their life expectancy. Therefore, the Titan mouse line is a valuable resource for translational and interventional obesity research.

Developing an obesity research agenda with British Pakistani women living in deprived areas with involvement from multisectoral stakeholders: Research priority setting with a seldom heard group.

IntroductionBritish Pakistani women have exceptionally high rates of obesity and yet are seldom heard in a research priority setting concerning weight management. The objectives of this study were (i) to ascertain what multisectoral professionals perceive to be the most pressing unmet obesity needs or topic areas that need more research in relation to Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford and (ii) to determine the top 10 obesity health priorities for this group to develop an obesity research agenda.MethodsA two‐step process was adopted using the following: (i) a survey of a wide range of multisectoral professional stakeholders (n = 159) and (ii) a ranking exercise involving Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford (n = 32) to select and prioritize their top 10 obesity health concerns and unmet needs from a list of 31 statements identified in the survey and previous research. Survey data were analysed using inductive content analysis and themes were identified. Themes were translated into statements to be ranked by Pakistani women. The ranking exercise was conducted by telephone either via voice or video call. Data were analysed using a reverse scoring system.ResultsSurvey responses were grouped into statements reflecting the following three categories: education needs; healthy behaviour barriers and mental well‐being. The highest rankings were given by Pakistani women to statements on mental health and the need for education. The top 10 prioritized statements were developed with members of the public into an obesity research agenda that reflected the target population.ConclusionActively engaging British Pakistani women in setting research priorities provided a unique opportunity to understand the key areas they think are important for future research. The culminating research agenda can be used by researchers to advance the field of obesity research in Pakistani communities, thus producing research outputs that are relevant to and have impact in this population.Patient or Public ContributionParticipants in the ranking exercise collected data. Public contributors were involved in developing the prioritized statements into a research agenda.

Adipose tissue measurement in clinical research for obesity, type 2 diabetes and NAFLD/NASH.

IntroductionExcess body fat is linked to higher risks for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CV), among other health conditions. However, it is not only the level but also the distribution of body fat that contributes to increased disease risks. For example, an increased level of abdominal fat, or visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is associated with a higher risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).MethodsA review of the most relevant primary and secondary sources on body composition from the last 25 years was conducted. Relevant articles were identified using PUBMED and Google Scholar. Narrative synthesis was performed as statistical pooling was not possible due to the heterogeneous nature of the studies.ResultsThe body mass index (BMI) is commonly used as a proxy measure of body fatness. However, BMI does not reflect the level and distribution of body fat. Other anthropometric methods such as waist circumference measurement and waist‐hip ratio, as well as methodologies like hydro densitometry, bioelectrical impedance, and isotope dilution are also limited in their ability to determine body fat distribution.Imaging techniques to define body composition have greatly improved performance over traditional approaches. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are now commonly used in clinical research. Of these, MRI can provide the most accurate and high‐resolution measure of body composition. In addition, MRI techniques are considered the best for the determination of fat at the organ level. On the other hand, imaging modalities require specialized, often expensive equipment and expert operation.ConclusionsAnthropometric methods are suitable for rapid, high‐volume screening of subjects but do not provide information on body fat distribution. Imaging techniques are more accurate but are expensive and do not lend themselves for high throughput. Therefore, successful trial strategies require a tiered approach in which subjects are first screened using anthropometric methods followed by more sophisticated modalities during the execution of the trial.This article provides a brief description of the most clinically relevant adipose tissue measurement techniques and discusses their value in obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD/NASH clinical research.

Murine Models of Obesity

Obesity, classified as an epidemic by the WHO, is a disease that continues to grow worldwide. Obesity results from abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat and usually leads to the development of other associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, among others. In vitro and in vivo models have been crucial for studying the underlying mechanisms of obesity, discovering new therapeutic targets, and developing and validating new pharmacological therapies against obesity. Preclinical animal models of obesity comprise a variety of species: invertebrates, fishes, and mammals. However, small rodents are the most widely used due to their cost-effectiveness, physiology, and easy genetic manipulation. The induction of obesity in rats or mice can be achieved by the occurrence of spontaneous single-gene mutations or polygenic mutations, by genetic modifications, by surgical or chemical induction, and by ingestion of hypercaloric diets. In this review, we describe some of the most commonly used murine models in obesity research.

Objective Home-Monitoring of Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Parameters, and Sleep in Pediatric Obesity

Introduction: Clinical research and treatment of childhood obesity is challenging, and objective biomarkers obtained in a home-setting are needed. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of novel digital endpoints gathered by a home-monitoring platform in pediatric obesity. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 28 children with obesity aged 6–16 years were included and monitored for 28 days. Patients wore a smartwatch, which measured physical activity (PA), heart rate (HR), and sleep. Furthermore, daily blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed. Data from 128 healthy children were utilized for comparison. Differences between patients and controls were assessed via linear mixed effect models. Results: Data from 28 patients (average age 11.6 years, 46% male, average body mass index 30.9) and 128 controls (average age 11.1 years, 46% male, average body mass index 18.0) were analyzed. Patients were recruited between November 2018 and February 2020. For patients, the median compliance for the measurements ranged from 55% to 100% and the highest median compliance was observed for the smartwatch-related measurements (81–100%). Patients had a lower daily PA level (4,597 steps vs. 6,081 steps, 95% confidence interval [CI] 862–2,108) and peak PA level (1,115 steps vs. 1,392 steps, 95% CI 136–417), a higher nighttime HR (81 bpm vs. 71 bpm, 95% CI 6.3–12.3) and daytime HR (98 bpm vs. 88 bpm, 95% CI 7.6–12.6), a higher systolic BP (115 mm Hg vs. 104 mm Hg, 95% CI 8.1–14.5) and diastolic BP (76 mm Hg vs. 65 mm Hg, 95% CI 8.7–12.7), and a shorter sleep duration (difference 0.5 h, 95% CI 0.2–0.7) compared to controls. Conclusion: Remote monitoring via wearables in pediatric obesity has the potential to objectively measure the disease burden in the home-setting. The novel endpoints demonstrate significant differences in PA level, HR, BP, and sleep duration between patients and controls. Future studies are needed to determine the capacity of the novel digital endpoints to detect effect of interventions.

Metabolic transformation of fat in obesity determines the inflammation resolving capacity of splenocardiac and cardiorenal networks in heart failure.

All fats are not created equal, and despite the extensive literature, the effect of fat intake is the most debated question in obesity, cardiovascular, and cardiorenal research. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac dysfunction and consequent heart failure in the setting of obesity are not well understood. Our understanding of how fats are metabolically transformed after nonreperfused myocardial infarction (MI), in particular, is incomplete. Here, using male C57BL/6J mice (2 mo old), we determined the role of omega-6 fatty acids, provided as safflower oil (SO) for 12 wk, followed by supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; n-3 fatty acids) for 8 wk before MI. With SO feeding, inflammation resolution was impaired. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) increased in DHA-fed mice to reverse the effects of SO, whereas prostaglandins and thromboxane B2 were reduced in the spleen and amplified multiple resolving mechanisms in heart and kidney post-MI. DHA amplified the number of resolving macrophages and cardiac reparative pathways of the splenocardiac and cardiorenal networks in acute heart failure, with higher Treg cells in chronic heart failure and marked expression of Foxp3+ in the myocardium. Our findings indicate that surplus ingestion of SO intensified systemic, baseline, nonresolving inflammation, and DHA intake dominates splenocardiac resolving phase with the biosynthesis of SPMs and controlled cardiorenal inflammation in heart failure survivor mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Chronic and surplus dietary intake of safflower oil (SO) increased plasma creatinine dysregulated post-MI splenocardiac inflammation coincides with the dysfunctional cardiorenal network. In contrast, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases post-MI survival in chronic heart failure. DHA transforms into specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) and limited proinflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxanes following myocardial infarction (MI). DHA promotes Ly6Clow resolving macrophages and T regulatory cells (Foxp3+) in a splenocardiac manner post-MI.

Results Reporting and Early Termination of Childhood Obesity Trials Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

ObjectiveChildhood obesity is one of the most severe challenges of public health in the twenty-first century and may increase the risk of various physical and psychological diseases in adulthood. The prevalence and predictors of unreported results and premature termination in pediatric obesity research are not clear. We aimed to characterize childhood obesity trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and identify features associated with early termination and lack of results reporting.MethodsRecords were downloaded and screened for all childhood obesity trials from the inception of ClinicalTrials.gov to July 29, 2021. We performed descriptive analyses of characteristics, Cox regression for early termination, and logistic regression for lack of results reporting.ResultsWe identified 1,312 trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Among clinicalTrials.gov registered childhood obesity-related intervention trials, trial unreported results were 88.5 and 4.3% of trials were prematurely terminated. Additionally, the factors that reduced the risk of unreported outcomes were US-registered clinical studies and drug intervention trials. Factors associated with a reduced risk of early termination are National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other federal agency funding and large trials.ConclusionThe problem of unreported results in clinical trials of childhood obesity is serious. Therefore, timely bulletin of the results and reasons for termination remain urgent aims for childhood obesity trials.

Using Social Media to Understand Web-Based Social Factors Concerning Obesity: Systematic Review.

BackgroundEvidence in the literature surrounding obesity suggests that social factors play a substantial role in the spread of obesity. Although social ties with a friend who is obese increase the probability of becoming obese, the role of social media in this dynamic remains underexplored in obesity research. Given the rapid proliferation of social media in recent years, individuals socialize through social media and share their health-related daily routines, including dieting and exercising. Thus, it is timely and imperative to review previous studies focused on social factors in social media and obesity.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine web-based social factors in relation to obesity research.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review. We searched PubMed, Association for Computing Machinery, and ScienceDirect for articles published by July 5, 2019. Web-based social factors that are related to obesity behaviors were studied and analyzed.ResultsIn total, 1608 studies were identified from the selected databases. Of these 1608 studies, 50 (3.11%) studies met the eligibility criteria. In total, 10 types of web-based social factors were identified, and a socioecological model was adopted to explain their potential impact on an individual from varying levels of web-based social structure to social media users’ connection to the real world.ConclusionsWe found 4 levels of interaction in social media. Gender was the only factor found at the individual level, and it affects user’s web-based obesity-related behaviors. Social support was the predominant factor identified, which benefits users in their weight loss journey at the interpersonal level. Some factors, such as stigma were also found to be associated with a healthy web-based social environment. Understanding the effectiveness of these factors is essential to help users create and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Abstract P5-02-05: Optimizing the differentiation of the 3T3-L1 MBX mouse cell line to mature and obese adipocytes for in vitro breast cancer studies

Abstract White adipocytes are considered an endocrine organ. Present in breast tissue, they crosstalk in a paracrine manner with breast cells, secreting signals into the tumor microenvironment to drive cancer development as well as metastasis. 3T3-L1, a mouse fibroblast cell line, is widely used as an in vitro experimental model of white adipocytes for fat cell and cancer cell interaction studies. 3T3-L1 can be differentiated from the fibroblast cell line to adipocytes using a pharmacological cocktail of dexamethasone, methyl-3-isobutyl xanthine (IBMX) and insulin. Recently, ATCC has derived a clone from 3T3-L1 (ATCC CL-173), 3T3-L1 MBX, which has been claimed to have close to 100% differentiation. This 3T3-L1 MBX cell line has been recommended as a more suitable model for obesity research. However, there are few reported results describing their optimized differentiation conditions and/or any fat-cancer cell interactions. The current study has explored and optimized the concentrations of the differentiation cocktail for 3T3-L1 cells (ATCC CL-173) to differentiate its cloned derivative 3T3-L1 MBX. In the pharmacological cocktail, rosiglitazone was added as the 4th component as a prodifferentiative agent. Furthermore, the study has documented the differentiation of 3T3-L-MBX in the presence of the above-mentioned pharmacological cocktail with fatty acid combinations (palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid), to determine its applicability as an in vitro experimental model of obese adipocytes. The optimized concentrations of fatty acids that yielded the highest cell viability of 3T3-L1 MBX was determined using MTT assay. Additionally, the optimized combination of fatty acids was confirmed using oil-red-o adipogenesis staining. The adipocytokine levels of all the above mentioned in-vitro adipogenesis phases was evaluated using a mouse adipokine array kit as well as comparing the level of adipocytokines with those of fat tissue harvested from 6 month and 12 months old obese C3Hhej mice. Lastly, the study evaluated viability of three types of breast cells (non-tumorigenic, low metastatic, and highly metastatic) in the presence of conditioned medium collected from in-vitro 3T3-L1 MBX differentiated mature and obese adipocytes using an Annexin V-FITC assay kit. The study has found 3 days differentiation cycle of 3T3-L1 MBX with the addition of specific concentration of IBMX (0.5 mM), dexamethasone (1 µM), insulin (10 µg/ml) and rosiglitazone (2 µM) to be promising for its maximum differentiation. Further, 3T3-L1 MBX differentiated in presence of fatty acid were characterized to have higher lipid accumulation and adipokine secretion than the normally differentiated adipocytes. Citation Format: Noshin Mubtasim, Dr. Lauren Gollahon. Optimizing the differentiation of the 3T3-L1 MBX mouse cell line to mature and obese adipocytes for in vitro breast cancer studies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-02-05.

Early-stage studies to larger-scale trials: investigators\u2019 perspectives on scaling-up childhood obesity interventions

BackgroundPilot/feasibility studies play an important role in the development and refinement of behavioral interventions by providing information about feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy. Despite their importance and wide-spread use, the approaches taken by behavioral scientists to scale-up early-stage studies to larger-scale trials has received little attention. The aim of our study was to understand the role that pilot studies play in the development and execution of larger-scale trials.MethodsWe conducted interviews with childhood obesity researchers who had published pilot behavioral interventions and larger-scale trials of the same or similar interventions. Questions were asked about the role of pilot studies in developing larger-scale trials and the challenges encountered when scaling-up an intervention based upon pilot findings. Data were coded and analyzed using an inductive analytic approach to identify themes.ResultsTwenty-four interventionists (54% women, 37–70 years old, mean 20 years since terminal degree) completed a total of 148 pilot studies across their careers (mean 6.4, range 1–20), of which 59% were scaled-up. Scaling was described as resource intensive and pilot work was considered essential to successfully competing for funding by 63% of the sample (n = 15). When asked to define a high-quality pilot study, interventionists described studies that allowed them to evaluate two independent factors: components of their intervention (e.g., acceptability, feasibility) and study parameters (e.g., sample size, measures). Interventionists expressed that more process implementation measures, different study designs, and additional iterations could improve decisions to scale-up. Most agreed that pilot studies were likely to produce inflated estimates of potential efficacy though only nine interventionists provided potential solutions for decreasing inflated measures of efficacy. Suggested major causes of inflated effects included high levels of oversight in pilot studies (e.g., researcher support), reliance on subjective measures, and utilizing convenience or highly motivated samples. Potential solutions included designing pilots for real-world implementation, only conducting randomized controlled pilot studies, and pre-registering pilot studies.ConclusionsPilot studies purposes are multifaceted and deemed essential to obtaining funding for larger-scale trials. Clarifying the form and function of preliminary, early-stage research may enhance the productive utilization of early-stage studies and reduced drops in efficacy when transitioning to larger scale studies.

Obesity among children and adolescents in Qatar: protocol for a scoping review

IntroductionApproximately half of the school-aged children are overweight or obese in Qatar. Childhood obesity is associated with health conditions in adulthood, such as hypertension, diabetes, metabolic defects, cardiovascular risks and...

Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals

IntroductionWeight stigmatization, a common phenomenon in the healthcare system, exerts numerous adverse consequences on patients' wellbeing. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of weight stigmatization in Israel, based on the reports of overweight and obese individuals.MethodsThis study was performed by distribution of a cross-sectional open anonymous survey in social media platforms, targeting respondents with body mass index over 25 kg/m2. The questionnaire consisted of Likert-scale based as well as open-ended questions, evaluating the experience during past medical appointments. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of disrespectful treatment. Subgroup analysis was performed by various demographic characteristics.ResultsOf the 1697 respondents, 59.0% reported frequent experiences of disrespectful approach, and 48.6% noted receiving suboptimal treatment related to excess weight. Insulting, insensitive and judgmental comments were noted by 58%, stemming from diverse healthcare disciplines, while 29.3% noted office equipment not suitable for overweight people. Avoidance of a needed medical appointment was reported by 40.5%, significantly associated with past adverse experiences of weight stigmatization in the healthcare system. The respondents offered numerous suggestions to improve the existing situation, including education of the medical personnel, thorough research of obesity, and establishment of specific guidelines for approach to patients with excess weight.ConclusionWeight stigmatization is prevalent in Israeli healthcare system; thus, decreasing the rates of this phenomenon should be an important national goal. Formal education about the wide prevalence and adverse effects of weight stigmatization should be practiced by academic institutions, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies. Straightforward policies with continuing supervision should be endorsed by the healthcare system to prevent weight-based discrimination. Finally, appropriate-size equipment for obese patients should become one of the requirements for accreditation of medical centers and facilities.

Prenatal phthalates, gestational weight gain, and long-term weight changes among Mexican women

BackgroundPhthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals that may influence weight status; however, few studies have considered weight gain during pregnancy and subsequent long-term weight changes in women. ObjectiveTo determine associations of prenatal phthalate exposure with maternal weight during pregnancy and through up to seven years post-delivery. MethodsWe analyzed 15 urinary phthalate biomarker concentrations during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters among 874 pregnant women enrolled in the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth Environment and Social Stress Study in Mexico City. We examined three time-specific maternal weight outcomes: gestational weight gain (between 2nd and 3rd trimesters), short-term weight (between 3rd trimester and 12 months post-delivery), and long-term weight (between 18 months and 6–7 years post-delivery). We used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to estimate associations for the total phthalate mixture, as well as multivariable linear mixed models for individual phthalate biomarkers. ResultsAs a mixture, 2nd trimester urinary phthalate biomarker concentrations were associated with somewhat lower gestational weight gain between the 2nd and 3rd trimesters (interquartile range, IQR, difference: −0.07 standard deviations, SD; 95% credible interval, CrI: −0.20, 0.06); multivariable regression and BKMR models indicated that this inverse association was primarily driven by mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl terephthalate (MECPTP). Prenatal (2nd and 3rd trimesters) urinary phthalate mixture concentrations were positively associated with maternal weight change through 12 months postpartum (IQR difference: 0.11 SD; 95% CrI: 0.00, 0.23); these associations persisted from 18 months to 6–7 years follow-up (IQR difference: 0.07 SD; 95% CrI: 0.04, 0.10). Postpartum weight changes were associated with mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate (MCPP) and MECPTP. ConclusionsPrenatal phthalate exposure was inversely associated with gestational weight gain and positively associated with long-term changes in maternal weight. Further investigation is required to understand how phthalates may influence body composition and whether they contribute to the development of obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases in women.

Integrated Liver and Plasma Proteomics in Obese Mice Reveals Complex Metabolic Regulation

Obesity leads to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated alterations to the plasma proteome. To elucidate the underlying changes associated with obesity, we performed liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in the liver and plasma of obese leptin-deficient ob/ob mice and integrated these data with publicly available transcriptomic and proteomic datasets of obesity and metabolic diseases in preclinical and clinical cohorts. We quantified 7173 and 555 proteins in the liver and plasma proteomes, respectively. The abundance of proteins related to fatty acid metabolism were increased, alongside peroxisomal proliferation in ob/ob liver. Putatively secreted proteins and the secretory machinery were also dysregulated in the liver, which was mirrored by a substantial alteration of the plasma proteome. Greater than 50% of the plasma proteins were differentially regulated, including NAFLD biomarkers, lipoproteins, the 20S proteasome, and the complement and coagulation cascades of the immune system. Integration of the liver and plasma proteomes identified proteins that were concomitantly regulated in the liver and plasma in obesity, suggesting that the systemic abundance of these plasma proteins is regulated by secretion from the liver. Many of these proteins are systemically regulated during type 2 diabetes and/or NAFLD in humans, indicating the clinical importance of liver–plasma cross talk and the relevance of our investigations in ob/ob mice. Together, these analyses yield a comprehensive insight into obesity and provide an extensive resource for obesity research in a prevailing model organism.

New understanding and research opportunities of metabolically healthy obesity

The paradox of obesity and metabolically healthy obesity are being challenged. More and more studies have disputed the potential mechanism and prognostic value of metabolically healthy obesity. The study of metabolically healthy obesity is helpful to clarify the potential causes of obesity paradox and the potential mechanism of different degrees of obesity harm to the population. From the perspective of evidence-based medicine, combined with the relevant literature at home and abroad, this study reviewed the new understanding of metabolically healthy obesity, lifestyle factors, the impact of fat factors on metabolically healthy obesity, and the new opportunities of metabolically healthy obesity research, in order to explore whether metabolically healthy obesity can maintain and gradually reduce weight for a long time, so as to improve cardiovascular disease In order to achieve the purpose of primary prevention of related diseases.

Sphingolipids in Adipose: Kin or Foe?

Obesity research has shifted in recent years to address not only the total amount of adipose tissue present in an individual but also to include adipose tissue functions such as endocrine function and thermogenesis. Data suggest that sphingolipids are critical regulators of metabolic homeostasis, and that disruption of their levels is associated with metabolic disease. Abundant data from mouse models has revealed both beneficial and deleterious roles for sphingolipids in adipose function, and numerous human studies have shown that obesity alters circulating sphingolipid profiles. Sphingolipids comprise a large family of interrelated metabolites, and pinpointing specific functions for specific lipids will be required to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of targeting sphingolipids to treat obesity and related disorders.

The Link between Serum Omentin Level and Insulin Resistance Biomarkers, Lipid Profile, and Atherogenic Indices in Iraqi Obese Patients.

Omentin (or intelectin) is a main visceral fat secretory adipokine. There is a growing interest to link omentin, obesity and co-morbidity factors. The aim of the present study is to evaluate serum omentin and its association to insulin resistance biomarkers, lipid profile and atherogenic indies. This cross – sectional study was conducted in Obesity Research and Therapy Unit-Alkindy College of Medicine by recruiting (115) individuals; 49 males /66 females. Subjects between (20 to 60) years of age were selected and classified into two groups according to their Body mass index (BMI). Group1 involved healthy lean volunteers (25 male/ 36 female; BMI 18.5 - 24.9). Group2 involved obese subjects; (24 male / 36 female with BMI ≥ 30). The study shows that obese group has higher omentin levels compared to the healthy lean group (15.49 ± 4.20 vs. 10.15 ± 5.04 pg/ml, P <0.001). In addition; obese group exhibited significantly higher levels waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), glucose, insulin, homeostatic module of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and lipid profile and lower levels of HDL-Chol (P <0.05). Omentin levels were significantly and positively correlated with WC, WHR, BMI, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, HOMA2-IR, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins - cholesterol, triglyceride to glucose index (TyG index) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP); (P< 0.05). Multiple regression analysis established that omentin levels was found to be associated with glucose, total Chol, TyG index and AIP in total population. These findings indicate that serum omentin levels are higher in obese individuals compared to lean subjects. Furthermore, omentin was linked to insulin resistance biomarkers and other risk factors indices such as AIP and TyG. Omentin can be used as a metabolic marker in obese.

Sustainable food systems and nutrition in the 21st century: a report from the 22nd annual Harvard Nutrition Obesity Symposium

ABSTRACTFood systems are at the center of a brewing storm consisting of a rapidly changing climate, rising hunger and malnutrition, and significant social inequities. At the same time, there are vast opportunities to ensure that food systems produce healthy and safe food in equitable ways that promote environmental sustainability, especially if the world can come together at the UN Food Systems Summit in late 2021 and make strong and binding commitments toward food system transformation. The NIH-funded Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard and the Harvard Medical School Division of Nutrition held their 22nd annual Harvard Nutrition Obesity Symposium entitled “Global Food Systems and Sustainable Nutrition in the 21st Century” in June 2021. This article presents a synthesis of this symposium and highlights the importance of food systems to addressing the burden of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases, climate change, and the related economic and social inequities. Transformation of food systems is possible, and the nutrition and health communities have a significant role to play in this transformative process.

A review of the application of machine learning in adult obesity studies

<abstract> <p>In obesity studies, several researchers have been applying machine learning tools to identify factors affecting human body weight. However, a proper review of strength, limitations and evaluation metrics of machine learning algorithms in obesity is lacking. This study reviews the status of application of machine learning algorithms in obesity studies and to identify strength and weaknesses of these methods. A scoping review of paper focusing on obesity was conducted. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for the application of machine learning in obesity using different keywords. Only English papers in adult obesity between 2014 and 2019 were included. Also, only papers that focused on controllable factors (e.g., nutrition intake, dietary pattern and/or physical activity) were reviewed in depth. Papers on genetic or childhood obesity were excluded. Twenty reviewed papers used machine learning algorithms to identify the relationship between the contributing factors and obesity. Regression algorithms were widely applied. Other algorithms such as neural network, random forest and deep learning were less exploited. Limitations regarding data priori assumptions, overfitting and hyperparameter optimization were discussed. Performance metrics and validation techniques were identified. Machine learning applications are positively impacting obesity research. The nature and objective of a study and available data are key factors to consider in selecting the appropriate algorithms. The future research direction is to further explore and take advantage of the modern methods, i.e., neural network and deep learning, in obesity studies.</p> </abstract>

Prenatal lead exposure, telomere length in cord blood, and DNA methylation age in the PROGRESS prenatal cohort

BackgroundLead is a ubiquitous pollutant with deleterious effects on human health and remains a major current public health concern in developing countries. This heavy metal may interfere with nucleic acids via oxidative stress or epigenetic changes that affect biological markers of aging, e.g., telomere length and DNA methylation (DNAm). Telomere shortening associates with biological age in newborns, and DNA methylation at specific CpG sites can be used to calculate “epigenetic clocks". ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the associations of prenatal lead exposures with telomere length and DNA-methylation-based predictors of age in cord blood. DesignThe study included 507 mother–child pairs from the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment and Social Stressors (PROGRESS) study, a birth cohort in Mexico City. Maternal blood (second trimester, third trimester and at delivery) and bone lead levels (one month postpartum) were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence, respectively. Cord blood leukocyte telomere length was measured using quantitative PCR and apparent age by DNA methylation biomarkers, i.e., Horvath's DNA methylation age and the Knight's predictor of gestational age. ResultsAverage maternal age was 28.5 ± 5.5 years, and 51.5% reported low socioeconomic status. Children's mean telomere length was 1.2 ± 1.3 relative units, and mean DNA methylation ages using the Horvath's and Knight's clocks were −2.6 ± 0.1 years and 37.9 ± 1.4 weeks (mean ± SD), respectively. No significant associations were found between maternal blood and bone lead concentrations with telomere length and DNAm age in newborns. ConclusionWe found no associations of prenatal lead exposure with telomere length and DNA methylation age biomarkers.