Reduced Weight Gain Research Articles

Rebaudioside D decreases adiposity and hepatic lipid accumulation in a mouse model of obesity

Overconsumption of added sugars has been pointed out as a major culprit in the increasing rates of obesity worldwide, contributing to the rising popularity of non-caloric sweeteners. In order to satisfy the growing demand, industrial efforts have been made to purify the sweet-tasting molecules found in the natural sweetener stevia, which are characterized by a sweet taste free of unpleasant aftertaste. Although the use of artificial sweeteners has raised many concerns regarding metabolic health, the impact of purified stevia components on the latter remains poorly studied. The objective of this project was to evaluate the impact of two purified sweet-tasting components of stevia, rebaudioside A and D (RebA and RebD), on the development of obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic health, bile acid profile, and gut microbiota in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed an obesogenic high-fat/high-sucrose (HFHS) diet and orally treated with 50 mg/kg of RebA, RebD or vehicle (water) for 12 weeks. An additional group of chow-fed mice treated with the vehicle was included as a healthy reference. At weeks 10 and 12, insulin and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Liver lipids content was analyzed. Whole-genome shotgun sequencing was performed to profile the gut microbiota. Bile acids were measured in the feces, plasma, and liver. Liver lipid content and gene expression were analyzed. As compared to the HFHS-vehicle treatment group, mice administered RebD showed a reduced weight gain, as evidenced by decreased visceral adipose tissue weight. Liver triglycerides and cholesterol from RebD-treated mice were lower and lipid peroxidation was decreased. Interestingly, administration of RebD was associated with a significant enrichment of Faecalibaculum rodentium in the gut microbiota and an increased secondary bile acid metabolism. Moreover, RebD decreased the level of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Neither RebA nor RebD treatments were found to impact glucose homeostasis. The daily consumption of two stevia components has no detrimental effects on metabolic health. In contrast, RebD treatment was found to reduce adiposity, alleviate hepatic steatosis and lipid peroxidation, and decrease LBP, a marker of metabolic endotoxemia in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.

Anti-obesity effect of butyrate links to modulation of gut microbiome and epigenetic regulation of muscular circadian clock

The role of the muscle circadian clock in regulating oxidative metabolism exerts a significant influence on whole-body energy metabolism; however, research on the connection between the muscle circadian clock and obesity is limited. Moreover, there is a lack of studies demonstrating the regulatory effects of dietary butyrate on muscle circadian clock and the resulting antiobesity effects. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary butyrate on metabolic and microbiome alterations and muscle circadian clock in a diet-induced obesity model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet with or without butyrate. Gut microbiota and serum metabolome were analyzed, and molecular changes were examined using tissues and a cell line. Further correlation analysis was performed on butyrate-induced results. Butyrate supplementation reduced weight gain, even with increased food intake. Gut microbiome analysis revealed an increased abundance of Firmicutes in butyrate group. Serum metabolite profile in butyrate group exhibited reduced amino acid and increased fatty acid content. Muscle circadian clock genes were upregulated, resulting in increased transcription of fatty acid oxidation-related genes. In myoblast cells, butyrate also enhanced pan-histone acetylation via histone deacetylase inhibition, particularly modulating acetylation at the promoter of circadian clock genes. Correlation analysis revealed potential links between Firmicutes phylum, including certain genera within it, and butyrate-induced molecular changes in muscle as well as phenotypic alterations. The butyrate-driven effects on diet-induced obesity were associated with alterations in gut microbiota and a muscle-specific increase in histone acetylation, leading to the transcriptional activation of circadian clock genes and their controlled genes.

Cheese containing probiotic Lactobacillus brevis NJ42 isolated from stingless bee honey reduces weight gain, fat accumulation, and glucose intolerance in mice

BackgroundThe high occurrence of metabolic syndrome has driven a growing demand for natural resource-based therapeutic strategies, highlighting their potential efficacy in addressing the complexities of this condition. Probiotics are established to be useful in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, limited exploration exists regarding the application of the isolated Lactobacillus strain from stingless bee honey as a probiotic within dairy products, such as cheese. This study investigated the effect of a high-fat diet supplemented with cheese containing probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis strain NJ42) isolated from Heterotrigona itama honey (PCHFD) on the symptoms of metabolic disorder in C57BL/6 mice. Methods and resultsBody weight, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and fat accumulation were measured during 12 weeks of feeding and compared to mice fed with a normal chow (NC) and high-fat diet (HFD). Over a 12-week feeding period, PCHFD-fed mice exhibited substantial reductions in several metabolic syndrome-associated features. They had a lower rate of weight gain (p = 0.03) than the HFD-fed mice. Additionally, they displayed a notable 39.2% decrease in gonadal fat mass compared to HFD-fed mice (p = 0.003). HFD-fed mice showed impaired glucose tolerance when compared to NC-fed mice (p = 0.00). Conversely, PCHFD-fed mice showed a reduction in glucose intolerance to a level close to that of the NC-fed mice group (p = 0.01). These positive effects extended to reductions in hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy. ConclusionThese results indicated that L. brevis strain NJ42, isolated from H. itama honey, is a prospective probiotic to lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome features induced by a high-fat diet. These positive findings suggest the prospect of enriching commonly consumed dietary components such as cheese with probiotic attributes, potentially offering an accessible means to alleviating the symptoms of metabolic diseases.

Maternal Vitamin C Intake during Pregnancy Influences Long-Term Offspring Growth with Timing- and Sex-Specific Effects in Guinea Pigs.

Our previous work in guinea pigs revealed that low vitamin C intake during preconception and pregnancy adversely affects fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal and neonatal growth in a sex-dependent manner. To investigate the long-term impact on offspring, we monitored their growth from birth to adolescence (four months), recorded organ weights at childhood equivalence (28 days) and adolescence, and assessed physiological parameters like oral glucose tolerance and basal cortisol concentrations. We also investigated the effects of the timing of maternal vitamin C restriction (early vs. late gestation) on pregnancy outcomes and the health consequences for offspring. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were fed an optimal (900 mg/kg feed) or low (100 mg/kg feed) vitamin C diet ad libitum during preconception. Pregnant dams were then randomised into four feeding regimens: consistently optimal, consistently low, low during early pregnancy, or low during late pregnancy. We found that low maternal vitamin C intake during early pregnancy accelerated foetal and neonatal growth in female offspring and altered glucose homeostasis in the offspring of both sexes at an age equivalent to early childhood. Conversely, low maternal vitamin C intake during late pregnancy resulted in foetal growth restriction and reduced weight gain in male offspring throughout their lifespan. We conclude that altered vitamin C during development has long-lasting, sex-specific consequences for offspring and that the timing of vitamin C depletion is also critical, with low levels during early development being associated with the development of a metabolic syndrome-related phenotype, while later deprivation appears to be linked to a growth-faltering phenotype.

SARCOPENIA AT INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF PEDIATRIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can impact patients’ nutritional status. Poor oral intake, poor nutrient absorption, stool protein loss, and increased energy requirement all contribute. Poor nutritional status can manifest as inadequate growth, reduced weight gain, and sarcopenia, defined as decreased muscle mass and strength. Studies demonstrate decreased muscle mass in pediatric IBD patients leads to higher rates of therapy escalation, surgery, and post-operative complications. We sought to obtain the muscle mass at IBD diagnosis via cross-sectional imaging, compare to pediatric age- and sex-specific psoas muscle reference values for pediatric norms, and analyze muscle mass comparison between IBD subtypes and correlations with anthropometrics at diagnosis. METHODS Patients with new diagnosis of IBD [Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and indeterminate colitis (IC)] aged 6-16 at diagnosis during 1/01/2016 through 12/31/2019 at our tertiary care facility were included in this retrospective study. Those with chronic medical conditions and lack of cross-sectional imaging within 3 months of diagnosis were excluded. Demographic and anthropometric data at diagnosis of IBD were obtained. The psoas muscle area in mm2 was measured on cross-sectional imaging at lumbar level 3-4 (L3-4) and 4-5 (L4-5) bilaterally to obtain total psoas muscle area (TPMA) at each level and compared to pediatric reference values. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and Spearman correlations, performed using SAS v9.4. RESULTS Cross-sectional imaging from 162 patients with newly diagnosed IBD were reviewed. Average age was 12.1 years, with male predominance of 93 patients (57.4%). Most patients were diagnosed with CD (n=119, 73.5%), followed by UC (n=39, 24.1%), and IC (n=4, 2.5%) (Table 1). Measures of sarcopenia at both lumbar levels for TPMA and both lumbar levels z-score showed significant difference across IBD subtypes (Table 2). CONCLUSIONS Negative mean TPMA z-score < -1 was noted in all patients at both L3-4 and L4-5 levels, with a statistically significant difference between IBD types and mean TPMA at L3-4, TPMA at L4-5, mean z-score at L3-4, and mean z-score at L4-5. In a subgroup analysis, UC patients were significantly different from CD patients on all four measures, suggesting a higher rate of sarcopenia in CD patients at diagnosis. We plan to expand analysis to compare sarcopenia with disease location, medical therapy, hospitalization rate, need for surgical intervention, and anthropometrics over time. We hope to underscore importance of sarcopenia as measure of nutritional status at diagnosis, particularly when patients present with normal anthropometrics. Table 1 Table 2 SUBGROUP COMPARISONS Ulcerative Colitis patients were significantly different from Crohn’s Disease patients on all 4 measures. Indeterminate Colitis patients were significantly different from Ulcerative Colitis patient on the 2 Total Psoas Muscle Area Measures.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Combining White Kidney Bean Extract, Propolis Ethanolic Extract and CrPi3 on Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Obesity has been associated with the occurrence and prevalence of various chronic metabolic diseases. The management of obesity has evolved to focus not only on reducing weight, but also on preventing obesity-related complications. Studies have shown that bioactive components in natural products like white kidney bean extract (WKBE), propolis ethanolic extract (PEE), and chromium picolinate (CrPi3) showed anti-obesity properties. However, no studies have examined the outcomes of combining any of these nutraceutical supplements. We compared the effects of HFD supplemented with WKBE, WKBE+PEE, or WKBE+PEE+CrPi3 against control and obese groups using Sprague-Dawley rats fed a 45% high-fat diet as an in vivo model. Nutritional parameters, biochemical parameters, and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, liver function, kidney function, and gut health were among the comparable effects. Our findings showed that combining the three nutraceutical supplements had a synergetic effect on reducing weight gain, food utilization rate, abdominal fat, serum lipids, arterial and hepatic lipids, risk of cardiovascular disease, and blood glucose level, in addition to improving renal function and gut microbiota. We attributed these effects to the α-amylase inhibitor action of WKBE, flavonoids, and polyphenol content of PEE, which were potentiated with CrPi3 resulting in a further reduction or normalization of certain parameters.

Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne fruit polyphenols alleviate high-fat diet–induced obesity and liver steatosis by improving lipid metabolism in mice

Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne fruit is a rich source of medicinally and nutritionally important natural phytochemicals that benefit human health. Based on the information provided, we hypothesized that Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne fruit polyphenols (CSFP) possessed in vivo protective effect of on high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity and hepatic steatosis. Specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3 groups and fed with a low-fat diet, HFD, or HFD supplemented with CSFP by intragastric administration for 14 weeks. Obesity-related biochemical indexes and hepatic gene expression profile were determined. The findings of this study demonstrated notable reductions in body weight gain, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and steatosis grade in the group supplemented with CSFP compared with the HFD group. Gene expression analysis provided insights into the molecular mechanisms, demonstrating that CSFP downregulated the expression of key genes involved in lipogenesis (e.g., Fas, Fads2, Scd1) and upregulated the genes associated with fatty acid oxidation (e.g., Pparα, Cpt1a, Acox1), while also suppressing genes implicated in cholesterol homeostasis (e.g., HMGCoR, Insig1, AdipoR2). These molecular changes suggest that CSFP exerts protective effects by modulating hepatic lipid metabolism pathways, thereby mitigating the metabolic derangements associated with HFD-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis.

Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on broiler performance

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of graded levels of β-mannanase supplementation in broiler diets on growth performance, energy digestibility, and lesion scores in d-old birds fed mash, corn-soybean meal-based diets and raised to 42 d. Five dietary treatments were investigated: 1) positive control diet (PC) containing standard energy; 2) negative control (NC) with 100 kcal/kg diet reduction in AME compared to PC; 3) NC supplemented with 30 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 30 U); 4) NC supplemented with 60 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 60 U); and 5) NC supplemented with 90 U/g β-mannanase (NC + 90 U). Each treatment had 6 replicate pens with 52 chicks per replicate. Data was analyzed using 1-way ANOVA, and means were separated by LSMEANS. Reduction of 100 kcal/kg feed (NC) resulted in an overall body weight gain reduction of 51 g (P < 0.05) and feed conversion loss of approximately 4 points (P < 0.05) compared to PC at 42 d of age. At the same time, supplementing β-mannanase at 60 and 90 U/g improved growth performance parameters compared to NC, while 30 U/g did not result in significant improvements beyond NC; body weight gain was improved (P < 0.05) by 87, and 106 g when β-mannanase was supplemented at 60 and 90 U/g, respectively, compared to NC. This corresponded to an improvement by 6 and 7 points in feed conversion for 60 and 90 U/g supplementation, respectively, compared to NC. Furthermore, AMEn was improved (P < 0.05) by 15, 97, and 116 kcal/kg at 42 d when β-mannanase was added to NC at 30, 60, and 90 U/g, respectively. Digesta viscosity measured at 42 d was decreased (P < 0.05) by β-mannanase supplementation of 60 and 90 U/g, compared to NC, while 42 d lesion scores were improved (P < 0.05) by β-mannanase supplementation compared to NC. Data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-mannanase improved growth performance, energy digestibility, and reduced viscosity and lesion scores when supplemented with diets with a reduced energy content of 100 kcal/kg compared to a standard energy diet.

Effects of phosphorus and fenofibrate on lipid deposition, mitochondrial function and protein synthesis in obscure puffer (Takifugu obscurus)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of phosphorus (P) restriction and fenofibrate (F) on lipid deposition, mitochondrial function and protein synthesis in obscure puffer using in vivo and in vitro studies. In vivo, healthy fish with an initial body weight of 18.21 ± 0.04 g were fed three diets supplemented with different P and fenofibrate contents for 10 weeks: Control (5.3 g/kg P), P0 (0 g/kg P) and P0 + F (0 g/kg P and 3.5 g/kg F). The results indicated that P0 treatment significantly reduced weight gain rate and protein deposition, but increased body lipid accumulation, hepatic lipid droplets and serum triglyceride and cholesterol content (P < 0.05). However, P0 + F treatment reversed these. Furthermore, P0 treatment was found to inhibit the mRNA levels of pparα, lpl and cyp7a1, whereas P0 + F treatment significantly increased the expression levels of these genes. In vitro, primary hepatocytes were cultured for 48 h in three different culture media: Control (normal DMEM medium), P0 (DMEM without P), and P0 + F (DMEM without P + 200 mM F). The results showed that P0 significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of Pparα (P < 0.05), and P0 + F up-regulated mRNA expression levels of pparα compared with P0 group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, P0 inhibited the expression levels of genes associated with fatty acid β-oxidation (cpt1 and acox1) and transport (cd36), but elevated the expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis (fas, me, g6pd and dgat1) and cholesterol synthesis (hmgcr) (P < 0.05). However, P0 + F reversed these effects. P0 decreased mitochondrial abundance, membrane potential and ATP content, increased the mRNA expression level of ampk and 4epb1 and inhibited the mRNA expression of pgc1-α and the protein expression of mTOR and S6k (P < 0.05), whereas P0 + F increased mitochondrial abundance and membrane potential, increased mtor mRNA expression and inhibited 4ebp1 mRNA expression. Overall, this study suggests that P deficiency leads to lipid and cholesterol accumulation and impaired growth in fish, and fenofibrate can alleviate these effects by improving lipid and cholesterol metabolism, mitochondrial function, and protein synthesis.

Patients’ and staff’s experiences of Well-Track physical activity and sleep quality intervention in an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service

ABSTRACT Objective Individuals, who experience psychosis are found to have worse fitness levels, are less likely to be physically active, and experience greater sleep problems than the general population. The aim of this research was to examine the Well-Track psychical activity and sleep quality intervention which addresses these issues; it comprises using a Fitbit, motivational interviewing, goal identification and setting, exercise and sleep hygiene advice and feedback sessions with staff working in an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service. Method This qualitative study examined patients’ and staff’s experiences of Well-Track. Semi-structured interviews with thirteen patients and five staff were analysed using thematic analysis based on a structure-process-outcome framework. Results Key elements of the structure comprise supportive staff and the use of a wearable device (Fitbit). Process themes included the implementation of a multifaceted framework, setting realistic goals and a personal recovery process. Outcomes identified were knowledge (about exercise and sleep), implementation of action-orientated behaviours and improvements in well-being. Discussion Effective sleep and engagement with physical activity and exercise are important for the well-being and mental and physical health of EIP service patients and facilitating this can be achieved through Well-Track which comprises evidenced components to promote behaviour change. EIP services can implement Well-Track to meet service goals related to reducing weight gain, improving well-being, improving physical activity and enabling better self-management and healthier lifestyles.

Effects of promoting eating foods containing bitter vegetables on nutritional status in the elderly

Background: Non-communicable diseases pose a considerable risk for the elderly population. This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating bitter vegetables into the diets of elderly individuals on their nutritional status. The study involved regular consumption of northern foods, such as Malidmai (Peka), salae, neem (neem), bitter gourd, and cassia, at least once a day for three months. Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial recruited eighty individuals aged 60 years and above. One group was allowed to eat ad libitum, while the other group followed a recommended menu that emphasized bitter flavors. The study assessed dietary intake, body composition, and blood biochemical parameters. Results: The findings revealed a significant reduction in energy, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake, with the bitter group experiencing a statistically significant decrease in sugar consumption. The bitter group also demonstrated a considerable reduction in anthropometric and metabolic parameters when compared to the control group and baseline measures. These results indicate the potential benefits of bitter substances in managing or preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes in the elderly. Conclusion: Encouraging the elderly to consume at least one bitter meal per day for 12 weeks resulted in a reduction in weight gain, adipose tissue, sugar levels, and LDL-C. The study highlights the importance of incorporating bitter vegetables into the diets of elderly individuals for better nutritional status and health outcomes.

Lens-induced myopization and body weight in young guinea pigs

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between body weight and Axial length in guinea pigs.MethodsForty pigmented guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups, namely control group and negative lens-induced myopization (LIM) group. After measuring the baseline axial length and body weight (BW), guinea pigs of LIM group received bilateral negative lens-induced myopization using − 10.0 diopters lenses. One week later, the lenses were removed and biometric and ophthalmoscopic examinations were repeated.ResultsTwo groups of guinea pigs showed no statistical difference in initial body weight and eye axis length. Compared to the control group, the lens-induced group had a lower weight (P = 0.02) and a longer axial length (P < 0.01) at the end of study Neither at baseline nor at week 1 did AL correlate with BW in both groups (Control Baseline: r = 0.306, P = 0.19; Control Week1: r = 0.333, P = 0.15; LIM Baseline: r=-0.142, P = 0.55; LIM Week 1: r = 0.189, P = 0.42). Lens-induction had a significant effect on axial elongation (P < 0.01) while body weight had no impact on such aspect (P > 0.05).ConclusionIn guinea pigs of the same age, axial length was not correlated with body weight. Also, baseline body weight had no impact on natural axial length growth or lens-induced myopia. Lens-induction caused a significant reduction in body weight gain.

Beneficial effects of edible species, Allium roseum on metabolic parameters in diabetic rats, with potential regeneration of liver and kidney damages

Diabetes is a globally prevalent and rapidly increasing health concern, prompting research into traditional remedies as complementary interventions. This study investigates the potential benefits of A. roseum (both fresh and dried) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Various parameters were examined, including body weight fluctuations, daily food intake, organs weights, plasma glucose levels and various metabolic parameters, along with the morphology, anatomy, and architecture of the kidney and liver. Diabetes was induced through a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ (65 mg/kg, b.w.). One hundred and fifty albino rats were divided into seven normal groups and seven diabetic groups: control and treated (2.5%, 5%, and 10% A. roseum fresh and dried, respectively) and a group received the standard diabetes drug, Glibenclamide. After 4 weeks, it was observed that lower doses of A. roseum significantly increased daily food intake in normal groups but also led to reduced weight gain. A correlation between weight loss and increased daily food intake indicated the slimming and appetite-enhancing effects of A. roseum. Compared to control diabetic rats, A. roseum-treated rats exhibited lower serum glucose levels, reduced serum cholesterol, and decreased urinary protein levels. Furthermore, triglyceride levels in A. roseum-treated diabetic animals were over 50% lower than in diabetic controls. Notably, treated diabetic rats showed significant regeneration of liver and kidney damage compared to the control group. In conclusion, the results suggest that A. roseum holds promise as an adjunctive therapy of functional food for diabetes.

Differential effects of milk, yogurt, and cheese on energy homeostasis and brown adipose tissue phenotype in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Aim: We hypothesized that milk, yogurt, and cheese have differential impacts on energy expenditure (EE) and obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: C57BL/6 mice (n = 16 per group) were fed a HFD or a HFD supplemented with fat-free milk (MILK), fat-free plain yogurt (YOG), or reduced-fat cheddar cheese (CHE; 19 kcal% fat), each provided at 10% of the daily energy intake, for 8 weeks. EE was quantified using a metabolic chamber. Metabolic pathways related to BAT mitochondrial function and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) abundance were assessed. Serum lipidomic profiles were analyzed to identify potential mediators of the observed effects. Results: MILK supplementation lowered weight gain and fat accumulation and enhanced EE and BAT thermogenesis, perhaps via the SIRT1-AMPK-PGC1α axis in BAT. This led to elevated UCP1 abundance and enhanced the abundance of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). MILK also altered serum lipid species, indicating enhanced energy use, and promoted BAT thermogenesis and mitochondrial function pathways. YOG exhibited a similar pattern but a lower magnitude of effects than MILK on reducing weight gain and fat mass, increasing EE, and BAT thermogenic proteins, including AMPK-PGC1α-UCP1. Both MILK and YOG showed a relative increase in serum PC 15:0_15:0 and LPC 15:0. In contrast, CHE reduced weight gain and increased EE without impacting BAT thermogenesis proteins or serum lipid species. Conclusion: Our study showed that MILK, YOG, and CHE reduced weight gain in mice on a HFD by increasing EE. MILK and YOG also up-regulated BAT thermogenesis, while both additionally altered lipids involved in fat metabolism and inflammation. CHE did not affect BAT thermogenesis and lipid species compared to HFD.

Metformin May Reduce Weight Gain in Youth Taking Antipsychotics

Metformin May Reduce Weight Gain in Youth Taking Antipsychotics

Influence of coffee roasting degree on antioxidant and metabolic parameters: Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo analysis

This study aimed to assess the impact of roasting degree on antioxidant and metabolic parameters in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, we evaluated radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation, and the activity of digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase). In vivo, we first examined coffee's effect on carbohydrate and lipid absorption in healthy rats, followed by a chronic evaluation of metabolic disorders and antioxidant markers using a diet-induced obesity model. In vitro results revealed that increased roasting degree reduced the antioxidant capacity of coffee brews. All brews showed lower inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and lipase inhibition compared to the positive control (acarbose or orlistat). In vivo, all roasting degrees consistently reduced postprandial glucose levels by 20%. Notably, coffee with a high roasting degree (HRD) decreased serum triglycerides (TG) by ∼44% after a lipid load, while other roasts did not. Chronic administration of unroasted (UN) or HRD coffee significantly reduced weight gain compared to the obese control (∼15% and ∼10%, respectively). Notably, all coffee samples improved lipid metabolism parameters. UN and HRD coffee significantly decreased adipocyte volume by 58% and 48%, respectively, compared to the obese control. Additionally, all groups exhibited less than 30% hepatic lipid droplets independent of roasting degree. HRD treatment notably increased liver catalase (CAT) activity and reduced lipid peroxidation in serum (∼90%), liver (∼59%), and adipose tissue (∼37%) compared to the obese control group. These findings suggest that HRD in coffee may confer certain biological advantages.

Preventive effects of a nutraceutical mixture of berberine, citrus and apple extracts on metabolic disturbances in Zucker fatty rats.

The prevention of obesity represents a major health and socio-economic challenge. Nutraceuticals are regularly highlighted for their beneficial effects in preventing the metabolic disturbances associated with obesity. However, few studies have described the combined action of nutraceutical mixtures combining polyphenols with alkaloids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term dietary supplementation with a mixture of Berberine, Citrus and Apple extracts (BCA) in the primary prevention of obesity and its metabolic and vascular complications in the obese Zucker rat, a spontaneous model of genetic obesity and insulin resistance. Sixteen 8-week-old obese Zucker male rats were randomly divided into two groups: all rats received oral gavage daily either with water, untreated obese (U-ObZ) or BCA (BCA-ObZ) mixture for thirteen weeks. Morphological and metabolic parameters were measured along the study. Cumulative concentration-response curves to insulin, acetylcholine and phenylephrine were determined on isolated thoracic aorta. Colon permeability measurements were performed using the Ussing chamber technique. Fecal samples collected at the beginning and the end of the protocol were used as a template for amplification of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rDNA genes. BCA supplementation reduced weight gain (p<0.05) and food intake (p<0.05) in the BCA-ObZ group rats compared to the U-ObZ group rats. It also improved glucose tolerance (p<0.001) and decreased fasting insulin and Homeostasis model assessment index (p<0.05). Through ex vivo experiments, the BCA mixture enhanced significantly aortic insulin relaxation (p<0.01), reduced α1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction (p<0.01), and decreased distal colon permeability. Moreover, short-chain fatty acid producers such as Bacteroides, Blautia, and Akkermansia were found to be increased by the BCA mixture supplementation. The results showed that a 13-week-supplementation with BCA mixture prevented weight gain and improved glucose metabolism in obese Zucker rats. We also demonstrated that BCA supplementation improved vascular function, colonic barrier permeability and gut microbiota profile.

Ruminal ergovaline and volatile fatty acid dynamics: Association with poor performance and a key growth regulator in steers grazing toxic tall fescue

Fescue toxicosis (FT) is produced by an ergot alkaloid (i.e., ergovaline [EV])-producing fungus residing in toxic fescue plants. Associations between EV, decreased weight gain and ruminal volatile fatty acids are unclear. Feces, rumen fluid, and blood were collected from 12 steers that grazed non-toxic (NT) or toxic (E +) fescue for 28 days. The E + group exhibited decreased propionate (P), increased acetate (A), and increased ruminal A:P ratio, with similar trends in feces. Plasma GASP-1 (G-Protein-Coupled-Receptor-Associated-Sorting-Protein), a myostatin inhibitor, decreased (day 14) only in E + steers. Ergovaline was present only in E + ruminal fluid and peaked on day 14. The lower ruminal propionate and higher A:P ratio might contribute to FT while reduced GASP-1 might be a new mechanism linked to E + -related weight gain reduction. Day 14 ergovaline zenith likely reflects ruminal adaptations favoring EV breakdown and its presence only in rumen points to local, rather than systemic effects.

The Effect of an Innovative Combination of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction and Cynara cardunculus L. Extract on Weight Gain Reduction and Fat Browning in Obese Mice.

Obesity is one of the world's most serious public health issues, with a high risk of developing a wide range of diseases. As a result, focusing on adipose tissue dysfunction may help to prevent the metabolic disturbances commonly associated with obesity. Nutraceutical supplementation may be a crucial strategy for improving WAT inflammation and obesity and accelerating the browning process. The aim of this study was to perform a preclinical "proof of concept" study on Bergacyn®, an innovative formulation originating from a combination of bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) and Cynara cardunculus (CyC), for the treatment of adipose tissue dysfunction. In particular, Bergacyn® supplementation in WD/SW-fed mice at doses of 50 mg/kg given orally for 12 weeks, was able to reduce body weight and total fat mass in the WD/SW mice, in association with an improvement in plasma biochemical parameters, including glycemia, total cholesterol, and LDL levels. In addition, a significant reduction in serum ALT levels was highlighted. The decreased WAT levels corresponded to an increased weight of BAT tissue, which was associated with a downregulation of PPARγ as compared to the vehicle group. Bergacyn® was able to restore PPARγ levels and prevent NF-kB overexpression in the WAT of mice fed a WD/SW diet, suggesting an improved oxidative metabolism and inflammatory status. These results were associated with a significant potentiation of the total antioxidant status in WD/SW mice. Finally, our data show, for the first time, that Bergacyn® supplementation may be a valuable approach to counteract adipose tissue dysfunction and obesity-associated effects on cardiometabolic risk.

Walnut peptide alleviates obesity, inflammation and dyslipidemia in mice fed a high-fat diet by modulating the intestinal flora and metabolites.

Obesity is a chronic disease in which the body stores excess energy in the form of fat, and intestinal bacterial metabolism and inflammatory host phenotypes influence the development of obesity. Walnut peptide (WP) is a small molecule biopeptide, and the mechanism of action of WP against metabolic disorders has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the potential intervention mechanism of WP on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity through bioinformatics combined with animal experiments. PPI networks of Amino acids and their metabolites in WP (AMWP) and "obesity" and "inflammation" diseases were searched and constructed by using the database, and their core targets were enriched and analyzed. Subsequently, Cytoscape software was used to construct the network diagram of the AMWP-core target-KEGG pathway and analyze the topological parameters. MOE2019.0102 was used to verify the molecular docking of core AMWP and core target. Subsequently, an obese Mice model induced by an HFD was established, and the effects of WP on obesity were verified by observing weight changes, glucose, and lipid metabolism levels, liver pathological changes, the size of adipocytes in groin adipose tissue, inflammatory infiltration of colon tissue, and intestinal microorganisms and their metabolites. The network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that glutathione oxide may be the main active component of AMWP, and its main targets may be EGFR, NOS3, MMP2, PLG, PTGS2, AR. Animal experiments showed that WP could reduce weight gain and improve glucose-lipid metabolism in HFD-induced obesity model mice, attenuate hepatic lesions reduce the size of adipocytes in inguinal adipose tissue, and reduce the inflammatory infiltration in colonic tissue. In addition, the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora were remodeled, reducing the phylum Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, while the intestinal mucosal barrier was repaired, altering the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and alleviating intestinal inflammation in HFD-fed mice. These results suggest that WP intervenes in HFD-induced obesity and dyslipidemia by repairing the intestinal microenvironment, regulating flora metabolism and anti-inflammation. Our findings suggest that WP intervenes in HFD-induced obesity and dyslipidemia by repairing the intestinal microenvironment, regulating flora metabolism, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, WP may be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating metabolic diseases, and for alleviating the intestinal flora disorders induced by these diseases. This provides valuable insights for the development of WP therapies.