Abdominal Fat Reduction Research Articles

English

The occurrence of chronic and degenerative diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer is increasing sharply. In the last years, there has been an increase in interest in the consumption of foods with functional properties that are related to weight loss and disease prevention. For these reasons, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of flour prepared with grains and fruits on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Female rats were randomly divided into four groups: G1: control group; G2: Animals that received condensed milk and sugar; G3: Animals that received food supplemented with a mixture of powdered grains and fruits; G4: Animals that received condensed milk, sugar and rat food supplemented with a mixture of powdered grains and fruits. The authors results showed that the use of the flour of grains and fruits promoted a significant reduction in abdominal circumference, visceral fat, and triglycerides levels in the animals from G3 compared with G1. However, the use of the flour of grains and fruits can be beneficial in association with a balanced diet. When the association is carried out at the same time that there is the consumption of foods rich in sugars, the beneficial effects was not observed. Key words: Obesity, grains, fruits, cardiovascular disease.  

Effects of Replacing Yellow Corn with Olive Cake Meal on Growth Performance, Plasma Lipid Profile, and Muscle Fatty Acid Content in Broilers.

Simple SummaryYellow corn is a grain frequently utilized in broiler diets. Moreover, the new era of the corn-ethanol industry for biofuel production has increased the divergence of energy applications of corn. These uses have considerably increased corn prices over the past few years. Using byproducts may be one of solutions to this problem. Olive cake meal (OCM) is a byproduct obtained from olive oil factories after olive oil is extracted. It has a high nutritional value, especially in regard to metabolizable energy. OCM has been used successfully in livestock and poultry feeding as an alternative to energy sources such as corn, without any adverse effects on performance. Hence, the current study investigated the effects of replacing yellow corn with OCM on the growth, nutrient utilization, selected blood parameters, and muscle fatty acid profile of broilers. Four hundred and eighty one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were divided into four experimental groups (a control group, and groups with 5%, 10%, and 20% of corn replaced with OCM). The results revealed that replacing 10% of corn with OCM in the diet improved growth performance and reduced abdominal fat and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL).The current study focused exclusively on evaluating the effects of replacing corn with olive cake meal (OCM) in the diet of broilers on their growth performance, abdominal fat, selected plasma parameters, and muscle fatty acid (FA) content. A total of 480 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were divided into four treatment groups with 12 replicates/treatment. The control group was fed the base diet, whereas the second to fourth groups were fed diets of corn with 5%, 10%, and 20% contents of OCM, respectively. Broilers fed with the 5% and 10% OCM diets showed better body weight (p = 0.04) and feed conversion ratio than the 20% OCM group (p < 0.048). Both nitrogen retention and ether extract digestibility were not improved by replaced corn with OCM. Replacing corn with OCM led to a decreased abdominal fat percentage (p = 0.023) compared with the control group. Birds in the OCM groups showed the lowest total cholesterol values (p = 0.038). The breast muscle (musculus pectoralis superficialis) content of oleic and linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids was significantly high in birds fed with OCM diets. However, their palmitic acid level was significantly decreased. Vitamin E was increased by increasing the OCM level. Thus, we concluded that replacing corn with OCM, especially at a 10% level, is more effective than other replacement levels in improving growth performance, plasma lipid profile, and muscle FA content, as well as in causing a reduction in abdominal fat in broilers.

Effect of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor apremilast on cardiometabolic outcomes in psoriatic disease-results of the Immune Metabolic Associations in Psoriatic Arthritis study.

ObjectivesStudies have suggested phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition may be associated with weight loss and other cardiometabolic benefits. We evaluated the effect of the PDE4 inhibitor apremilast on body weight and composition, glucose homeostasis, lipid profiles and vascular function in psoriatic disease and whether weight change correlated with therapeutic response.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, open-label study (Immune Metabolic Associations in Psoriatic Arthritis) of adults receiving apremilast 30 mg as part of routine care for PsA and/or psoriasis. Cardiometabolic, anthropometric and disease activity assessments were performed at baseline (pre-apremilast) and at months 1, 3 and 6 of apremilast treatment in 60 patients. A subgroup underwent further assessment of endothelial function, body composition and adipocyte morphology.ResultsIn patients (median age 54.5 years, 63% women, median BMI 33.2 kg/m2), apremilast was associated with a mean weight loss of 2.2 kg (95% CI 1.4, 3.0; P < 0.001) and a mean BMI decrease of 0.8 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.5, 1.2; P < 0.001) after 6 months of treatment. Body composition analysis demonstrated a reduction in total abdominal fat [mean decrease 0.52 L (95% CI 0.08, 0.96), P = 0.022], principally subcutaneous adipose tissue [mean decrease 0.37 L (95% CI 0.05, 0.68), P = 0.022]. There was no change in adipocyte diameter, haemoglobin A1c, lipid, glucagon-like peptide-1 or vascular function. Psoriatic disease activity improved with apremilast, although this was not correlated with weight change.ConclusionFollowing apremilast treatment, we observed weight loss, principally abdominal subcutaneous fat, and improvement in psoriatic disease activity. The latter was independent of weight change, suggesting apremilast likely acts through direct immunological mechanisms.

Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Application of HIFEM and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Abdominal Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning: A Multicenter Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation Study.

Radiofrequency and high-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) field procedure are well-known, stand-alone, body-shaping modalities, yet their simultaneous application has not been investigated. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel device simultaneously delivering HIFEM and radiofrequency for subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle toning. Forty-one subjects with an average age of 39.7 ± 11.5 years were recruited. The subjects received 3 abdominal treatments (one per week). Magnetic resonance imaging images of the treated area were evaluated at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month visits for changes in subcutaneous fat, muscle thickness, and abdominal separation (AS). Anthropometric data and digital photographs were collected. Subject satisfaction and therapy comfort were evaluated. The muscle mass increase peaked at 3 months, showing 26.1% thickening. The fat thickness reduction was most prominent at 3 months, showing a 30.8% reduction. The AS decreased by 18.8% at 3 months after treatment. The waist circumference reduced by 5.87 ± 3.64 cm at a 3-month follow-up. Six-month data showed maintenance of these outcomes. The treatment was considered as comfortable with high patient satisfaction. The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging images and waist measurements showed that the therapy combining HIFEM and radiofrequency is highly effective in reducing subcutaneous fat and muscle thickening.

Associations of central obesity with earlier onset of osteoarthritis symptoms

Purpose: Obesity is a know risk factor for pain and osteoarthritis (OA), and in most studies, Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used to classify obesity (BMI>=30) in subjects at risk of OA and pain. However, BMI does not take into account the distribution of the fat mass. Waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) strongly correlates with abdominal obesity and are commonly used to measure the fat distribution and to determine central obesity. Central obesity is one of the most important components of metabolic syndrome and it has been demonstrated to be a stronger factor associated with knee pain, low back pain, and inflammation more than and, independent of BMI. In our population with knee and/or hip OA, we would like to determine whether central obesity is associated with an earlier presentation of joint pain and which joints are more affected by pain in subjects with OA and central obesity compared with subjects with OA without central obesity. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we examined medical records and interviewed 770 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of OA, who attended the orthopedics outpatient clinic-referred from other services with advanced hip and/or knee joint wear and persistent joint pain. We asked the patients the age of onset of OA-pain in years and which joint was the first affected and which joints were currently affected by pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Waist and hip circumferences were measured and central obesity was defined as unhealthy when the Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) was equal or higher than 0.90 in men or equal or higher than 0.85 in women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Potential confounders in the relation central obesity and pain, like depression, anxiety, physical activity, education, alcohol intake, and smoking were analyzed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), linear and logistic Regression Analyses was performed. Betas (β) and Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) are presented. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index. Results: In our population 25% of subjects were affected by hip-OA, 49% with knee-OA, and 26% with both joints affected. Knee was the first joint that reported pain in 56% of the subjects followed by hip (38%), low back (4%), and other joints (2%). From all 770 subjects included in the analysis, 46% were obese (BMI≥30). Most of our population (65%) had central obesity. BMI was slightly associated with earlier onset of OA-pain (B=-0.11, P= 0.07) and central obesity was significantly associated with earlier onset of OA-pain in years (B =-2.77, P = 0.002) and B = -2.53 P = 0.006, after adjustment for age, gender and BMI. Subjects with central obesity started with OA-symptoms 2.5 years earlier than subjects without central obesity (Fig. 1, P=0.006). The odds of starting with OA-pain before the age of 50 years in individuals with central obesity was 1.7 times higher compared with individuals without central obesity (OR: 1.72, CI: 1.07-2.78, P=0.025). In addition, our population with hip or knee OA reported low back pain (35.5%), hand (10%), shoulder (9.2%), foot or ankle pain (9.1%), or elbow pain (3.2%). Central obesity was associated with a higher number of joints affected by pain (Fig. 2). subjects with unhealthy central obesity had approximately 10.4% more joints affected by pain (Fig. 2, P= 0.04). Subjects with central obesity in addition to hip or knee OA-pain had higher odds of foot or ankle pain (OR=2.11, CI: 1.0-4.46) and low back pain (1.51, CI: 1.0-2.28). Conclusions: BMI is a well-established risk factor for pain and OA and regarding joint pain central obesity is perhaps the most important obesity related-trait. Central obesity not only exerts influence on the number of joints with pain but might determine the age of onset of OA-symptoms. Subjects with central obesity and OA, are at higher odds of reporting low back and/or foot or ankle pain. Several potential mechanisms of the relationship between obesity and pain have been proposed. However, today we recognize that mechanical-structural explanations for the association of obesity with OA and pain are not the only ones. Metabolic-inflammatory factors associated with an excess of adipose tissue should be recognized as a more important factor for pain and pain initiation than BMI. According to our Results, central obesity might exert an important role in the development of OA-pain and might influence pain at other joints in subjects already affected with OA. Considering that waist circumference increases in the elderly and that in the last 20 years major increases in WC and WHR have been observed in adults from developed countries, the reduction of abdominal fat should be targeted in programs of joint pain management. Further analysis will try to determine the exact contribution of abdominal fat tissue to joint pain.

Improvement of glucose metabolism following rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery and its impact on reduction of visceral abdominal fat versus free fat muscle.

Body fat distribution is highly associated with metabolic disturbances. Skeletal muscle plays an important role in glucose metabolism, as it serves as an important organ for glucose storage in the form of glycogen. In fact, low muscle mass has been associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2D), systemic inflammation, and decreased survival. To compare the relationship between visceral abdominal fat (VAF) and fat free mass (FFM) with the improved glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery. University hospital, United States. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2011 and 2017 at a university hospital in the United States. In severely obese patients with T2D, we measured the VAF via abdominal computed tomography scan and we calculated the FFM preoperatively and at a 12-month follow-up. Data collected included baseline demographic characteristics and perioperative parameters, such as treatment for hypertension (HTN) and T2D, body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), glucose, and lipid profile. A total of 25 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 52.5 ± 11.6 years. The initial BMI was 41.41 ± 5.7 kg/m2 and the postoperative BMI was 31.7 ± 6.9 kg/m2 (P < .0001). Thepreoperative VAF volume was 184.6 ± 90.2 cm3 and the postoperative VAF volume was 93.8± 46.8 cm3 at the 12-month follow-up (P < .0001). The preoperative FFM was 55.2 ± 11.4 kg and the postoperative FFM was 49.1 ± 12 kg (P < .072). The preoperative HbA1C was 5.8%±.9%, which decreased postoperatively to 5.3% ± .4% at the 12-month follow-up (P < .013). Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment modality for severe obesity and T2D. Our results suggest that at 12 months, there is a reduction in VAF and HbA1C without a significant loss of FFM. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand these findings.

A clinical evaluation of noninvasive and contactless radiofrequency technique in the treatment of abdominal fat.

There is an increasing demand for fat reduction and body contouring procedures. Noninvasive radiofrequency devices have been used to tighten skin and treat cellulite, but there are few studies confirming their efficacy for abdominal fat reduction. This study explored the effects of four noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) treatments on abdominal fat in Asian subjects, evaluating body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. In this study, 16 patients with abdominal obesity were treated four times with a noninvasive and contactless selective RF device (VANQUISH ME™, BTL Aesthetics). Treatments were 7days apart and lasted 45min each. The BMI and circumference of the upper, middle, and lower abdomen were measured at baseline and after each treatment. There were statistically significant reductions in BMI and abdominal circumference in all 16 patients (P<.05). Most patients only experienced a slight abdominal heat sensation and minimal body sweating during the treatment, and no adverse reactions were observed after the treatment. The noninvasive and contactless selective RF technique was effective and safe in reducing fat, BMI, and abdominal circumference.

935. Effect of Tesamorelin in People with HIV with and without Dorsocervical Fat: Post Hoc Analysis of Phase III Double Blind Placebo Control Trial

BackgroundLipohypertrophy is defined as excess fat deposition in abdominal defined as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as well as in the dorsocervical region, breasts, trunk, and along with possible fat deposition in liver, muscle, myocardium and epicardium. Multiple factors have been described as contributing to lipohypertrophy in people living with HIV (PLWH), including patient characteristics, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and also impaired growth hormone (GH) secretion. Tesamorelin, a synthetic form of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), is indicated for reduction of excess abdominal fat in PLWH with lipodystrophyMethodsPost-hoc analysis was done on phase 3 randomized, double-blind, multicenter trials. Patients were eligible if between 18 and 65 years of age, had confirmed HIV infection, had evidence of excess abdominal fat accumulation and on stable ART regimen for 8 weeks or more. Participants were randomized to receive tesamorelin 2 mg daily or placebo daily for 26 weeks. Only tesamorelin responders, defined as patients with at least 8% decrease in VAT and who were adherent to the medication, were used for this analysis. Results are reported for patients with and without dorsocervical (DC) fat deposition.ResultsDemographic characteristics of responders at week 26 are shown according to presence or absence of DC fat (Table 1). At week 26, on average, the patients with DC fat deposition had higher BMI and waist circumference (WC) than the group without DC fat. Most patients in both groups had lipoatrophy. Metabolic and anthropometric parameters were measured at week 26 in patients with and without DC fat (Table 2). There was a decrease in VAT and also an improvement in their WC at week 26 in both groups.Table 1: Baseline Characteristics of Tesamorelin Responder Subjects at Week 26, by Dorsocervical Status Table 2: Change in Abdominal Adiposity, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels, and Metabolic Parameters Between Baseline and Week 26 Among Tesamorelin Responders ConclusionThis data demonstrates that tesamorelin is effective at reducing VAT in both patients with and without DC fat. The medication was well tolerated without significant changes to metabolic based measurements. Treatment of excessive VAT with tesamorelin has seemingly positive results in fat reduction in patients with or without DC fat deposition and our study contributes to the growing literature.DisclosuresMarilyn de Chantal, PhD, Theratechnologies Inc (Employee) Pedro Mesquita, PhD, Theratechnologies, Inc. (Employee) Judith A. Aberg, MD, Theratechnology (Consultant)

Effects of intensive exercise combined with dapagliflozin on body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of intensive exercise in addition to the administration of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (DAPA) on body composition, including fat-free mass, in type 2 diabetes. We randomly assigned 146 patients to 24 weeks of treatment with intensive exercise, including resistance training, plus 5 mg (up to 10 mg) of DAPA daily (IT group) or DAPA alone (CT group). The primary endpoint was the difference in the change in fat-free mass from baseline to 24 weeks between the groups. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI); metabolic profile, including HbA1c; and regional fat mass were also determined. ANCOVA was used for the group comparison, with least squares mean (LSM) differences and 95% confidence interval (CI). There was no significant difference in the change in fat-free mass (LSM difference -0.1 kg (95% CI: -0.5 to 0.4) and SMI (LSM difference -0.1 kg (95% CI: -0.2 to 0.1) between the groups. In contrast, the reduction of trunk fat mass was significantly higher in the IT group than in the CT group ((LSM difference -0.5 kg [95% CI -0.9 to -0.1]). Higher adherence to the resistance training tended to be associated with changes in HbA1c and high-sensitivity CRP levels. Our study suggests that intensive exercise do not prevent the reduction of fat-free mass after administration of SGLT2 inhibitors but can increase the reduction in abdominal fat, presumably leading to further improvements of hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation than DAPA alone in type 2 diabetes patients.

The effect of ultrasound cavitation in combination with cryolipolysis as a non-invasive selective procedure for abdominal fat reduction

Background and aimFat reduction and body contouring have become popular procedures in the cosmetic surgery industry over the past decade. There have been studies to replace invasive methods such as liposuction, with safer non-invasive procedures. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a non-invasive combination therapy of ultrasound cavitation and cryolipolysis on abdominal adipose tissue. MethodsThis pilot interventional study comprised 90 female individuals aged 18-65-years-old who were recruited into one of three groups of 30 participants. Group 1 was treated with diet alone (the control group), group 2 with cryolipolysis and diet, and group 3 with a combination of ultrasound cavitation, cryolipolysis, and diet for 8 weeks. Anthropometric parameters were measured before, during, and after the trial included total body weight, body mass index(BMI), body fat mass, fat-free mass, and abdomen circumference. ResultsAll three groups demonstrated significant reductions in each parameter at the end of the intervention (P < 0.01). Apart from fat-free mass (P = 0.66), the combination therapy significantly reduced body fat mass, weight, BMI, and abdomen circumference compared to the control group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the combination therapy and cryolipolysis-alone groups. ConclusionTreatment using a combination of cryolipolysis and ultrasound cavitation is no more effective in improving the anthropometric indices than cryolipolysis alone.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Taiwanese tea byproducts and probiotics on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and the immune response in red feather native chickens.

ObjectiveThis study compared the catechin composition of different tea byproducts and investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with green tea byproducts on the accumulation of abdominal fat, the modulation of lipid metabolism, and the inflammatory response in red feather native chickens.MethodsBioactive compounds were detected, and in vitro anti-obesity capacity analyzed via 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In animal experiments, 320 one-day-old red feather native chickens were divided into 4 treatment groups: control, basal diet supplemented with 0.5% Jinxuan byproduct (JBP), basal diet supplemented with 1% JBP, or basal diet supplemented with 5×106 colony-forming unit (CFU)/kg Bacillus amyloliquefaciens+5×106 CFU/kg Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BA+SC). Growth performance, serum characteristics, carcass characteristics, and the mRNA expression of selected genes were measured.ResultsThis study compared several cultivars of tea, but Jinxuan showed the highest levels of the anti-obesity compound epigallocatechin gallate. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with Jinxuan extract significantly reduced lipid accumulation. There were no significant differences in growth performance, serum characteristics, or carcass characteristics among the groups. However, in the 0.5% JBP group, mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly decreased. In the 1% JBP group, FAS, ACC and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ levels were significantly decreased. Moreover, inflammation-related mRNA expression levels were decreased by the addition of JBP.ConclusionJBP contained abundant catechins and related bioactive compounds, which reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, however there was no significant reduction in abdominal fat. This may be due to a lack of active anti-obesity compounds or because the major changes in fat metabolism were not in the abdomen. Nonetheless, lipogenesis-related and inflammation-related mRNA expression were reduced in the 1% JBP group. In addition, dietary supplementation with tea byproducts could reduce the massive amount of byproducts created during tea production and modulate lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response in chickens.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Essential Oils as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoter on Performance of Commercial Broilers

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of thyme and peppermint essential oils (EO) as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on the performance of broiler chicken. Total 256 day-old Vencobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into eight experimental groups with four replicates of eight birds each. Experimental groups were fed with control diet without supplementation of AGP and essential oils (T1), BMD (Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate) antibiotic @ 500 mg/kg diet (T2), thyme essential oil @ 150 mg/kg diet (T3), 200 mg/kg diet (T4), 250 mg/kg diet (T5), peppermint essential oil @ 200 mg/kg diet (T6), 250 mg/kg diet (T7) and 300 mg/kg diet (T8). The supplementation of thyme oil @ 200 mg/kg and peppermint oil @ 300 mg/kg broiler diet significantly (p less than 0.05) improved b.wt. and b.wt gain. The peppermint oil supplementation @ 300 mg/kg was found to be more beneficial when compared among different oil-supplemented groups. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (p less than 0.05) improved with peppermint oil supplementation @ 300 mg/kg diet. A significant (p less than 0.05) reduction in the mean abdominal fat was observed in diet supplemented with higher levels of thyme oil (@ 250 mg/kg diet) and peppermint oil (@ 300 mg/kg diet). Return over feed cost was the highest in broilers assigned diet with AGP; however, it was statistically similar to the basal diet. Considering the net return over fed cost of broilers, use of thyme oil was uneconomical, but supplementation of peppermint essential oil @ 200 and 300 mg/kg diet increased the net return over feed cost and were economical, however less as compared to T1 and T2.

Effect of an Exercise Programme for Reducing Abdominal Fat on Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Young Overweight Women

The effect of exercise in relation to overweight and overactive bladder (OAB) in young women has not been sufficiently supported by studies. The objective of our study was to reduce symptoms of OAB through a 3-month exercise programme in young overweight women with OAB. The sample consisted of 70 women (mean age 26.7 ± 4.8 years), 36 being treated and 34 in the control group. We used a body composition analyser with the assessment of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (kg), body fat mass (BFM) (kg), body fat percentage (BFP) (%), visceral fat area (VFA) (cm²/level) and the waist/hip circumference index (WHR). OAB symptoms were evaluated using a voiding diary, the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) and the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS). The intervention was a programme for the reduction of abdominal fat (PRAF), with elements of aerobic training, strengthening of the abdominal muscles and stretching. In the OAB symptoms assessed through the voiding diary (number of voidings per 24 h, nocturia, mean voided volume) as well as in the OAB-q and PPIUS scales after training, significant differences were reported in favour of the treatment group [number of voidings per 24 h: treatment vs. control group, baseline 9.1 ± 0.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.3, final 6.9 ± 0.2 vs. 8.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001; mean voided volume per 24 h (ml): treatment vs. control group, baseline 154.2 ± 9.1 vs. 162.2 ± 9.3, final 201.3 ± 9.3 vs. 164.1 ± 9.6, p < 0.0001] with a large effect size (ES). In the body composition analysis after training, significant differences were also reported in favour of the treatment group in the reduction of body mass index (BMI), BFP and VFA (p < 0.0001), with a large ES. Body composition analysis confirmed a reduction of BMI, body weight, body fat percentage, visceral abdominal fat, the WHR index and waist circumference in favour of the treatment group after the 12-week PRAF exercise programme. A reduction in OAB symptoms was also objectively confirmed following the PRAF exercise programme.

The Molecular Adaptive Responses of Skeletal Muscle to High-Intensity Exercise/Training and Hypoxia.

High-intensity exercise/training, especially interval exercise/training, has gained popularity in recent years. Hypoxic training was introduced to elite athletes half a century ago and has recently been adopted by the general public. In the current review, we have summarised the molecular adaptive responses of skeletal muscle to high-intensity exercise/training, focusing on mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, and muscle fibre composition. The literature suggests that (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha) PGC-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-α) might be the main mediators of skeletal muscle adaptations to high-intensity exercises in hypoxia. Exercise is known to be anti-inflammatory, while the effects of hypoxia on inflammatory signalling are more complex. The anti-inflammatory effects of a single session of exercise might result from the release of anti-inflammatory myokines and other cytokines, as well as the downregulation of Toll-like receptor signalling, while training-induced anti-inflammatory effects may be due to reductions in abdominal and visceral fat (which are main sources of pro-inflammatory cytokines). Hypoxia can lead to inflammation, and inflammation can result in tissue hypoxia. However, the hypoxic factor HIF1-α is essential for preventing excessive inflammation. Disease-induced hypoxia is related to an upregulation of inflammatory signalling, but the effects of exercise-induced hypoxia on inflammation are less conclusive. The effects of high-intensity exercise under hypoxia on skeletal muscle molecular adaptations and inflammatory signalling have not been fully explored and are worth investigating in future studies. Understanding these effects will lead to a more comprehensive scientific basis for maximising the benefits of high-intensity exercise.

Liraglutide: New Perspectives for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex and heterogenous disorder involving multiple organ systems and different molecular pathways. It is tightly associated with obesity and especially abdominal obesity. As body weight reduction is the main modifiable risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome, therapeutic approaches in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome have been developed. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that promotes sustained weight loss, as well as abdominal fat reduction, in individuals with obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The majority of current clinical studies have demonstrated that liraglutide therapy achieved significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and abdominal circumference in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Liraglutide therapy promoted significant improvements in free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels in some studies. Important metabolic and hormonal improvements were also reported after the combination of liraglutide with metformin. Increased menstrual frequency, as well as potential positive effects in reproduction, were described. However, the small number of participants, short duration, and low daily liraglutide dose are some of the main limitations of these studies. Larger and longer, multi-centred, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of liraglutide monotherapy or combination therapy, with prolonged post-interventional monitoring, are crucially anticipated. Metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive primary outcomes should be uniformly addressed, to tailor future targeted treatment approaches, according to the patient phenotype and needs. This will improve long-term therapeutic outcomes in this population.

Changes of Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Ectopic Fat in Response to Weight-loss Diets: the POUNDS Lost Trial.

Recent evidence has related circulating branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs) to ectopic fat distribution. To investigate the associations of changes in plasma BCAAs induced by weight-loss diet interventions with hepatic fat and abdominal fat, and potential modification by different diets. The current study included 184 participants from the 2-year Preventing Overweight and Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS Lost) trial with repeated measurements on plasma BCAAs, hepatic fat, and abdominal fat over 2 years. Repeated measurements of hepatic fat, abdominal fat distribution, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and total adipose tissue (TAT). Over 2 years, a decrease in total plasma BCAAs was significantly associated with improvement in hepatic density (a marker for hepatic fat; P = 0.02) and reductions in abdominal fat, including VAT, SAT, and TAT (all P < 0.05) in the main analyses. Additionally, we observed that decreases in BCAAs were associated with decreased insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and triglycerides, independent of weight loss (all P < 0.05). Moreover, we found that dietary protein intake significantly modified the relation between changes in total plasma BCAAs and hepatic density at 6 months (Pinteraction = 0.01). Participants with a larger decrease in total BCAAs showed a greater increase in hepatic density when consuming a high-protein diet, compared with those with a smaller decrease or increase in total BCAAs. Our findings indicate that weight-loss diet-induced decrease in plasma BCAAs is associated with reductions of hepatic and abdominal fat. In addition, dietary protein intake may modify these associations.

Systemic Effects of Cryolipolysis in Central Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To investigate the adding effect of Cryolipolysis to a low-calorie diet program on lipid profile, liver enzymes, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and volume reduction of subcutaneous fat tissue in central obese women. Sixty central obese women were randomly divided into two equal groups. Women in the control group received prescribed low-calorie diet regimen only, while women in the study group received three Cryolipolysis sessions plus the same dietary regimen for 3 months. Assessment of women in each group for weight, height to obtain the body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness as well as evaluation of lipid profile and liver enzymes was done just before starting the treatment procedures and immediately after ending the study duration. There were statistically significant improvements of waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low- and high-density lipoprotein, as well as liver enzymes in favor of the study group (P < 0.001). Women who underwent Cryolipolysis and diet program had better improvement in components of lipid profile and liver enzymes than women who were maintained over diet program alone. Measures to decrease waist circumference, associated with abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction, enhanced the systemic effects of Cryolipolysis. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Japanese Nuru-Neba Diet extends Healthy Life Longevity (1): Reduction of Abdominal Fat in High Calorie-Diet Mice

Japanese Nuru-Neba Diet extends Healthy Life Longevity (1): Reduction of Abdominal Fat in High Calorie-Diet Mice

Processed Canola Meal Effects on the Traits of Egg, Fertility, Cecal Microbial Population and Carcass of Broiler Breeder Hens

ABSTRACT The aim of the current research was to study the effect of canola meal processing methods on the traits of egg, fertility, cecal microbial population, and the carcass of broiler breeder hens. Canola meal was processed by fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis methods, then was fed to the hens. Four hundred and fifty broiler breeder hens of Ross strain weighing 3300±150 g (40 weeks) were used for 12 weeks. A completely randomized design was used with 6 treatments (unprocessed, processed by Lactobacillus Plantarum, Bacillus Subtilis, Aspergillus Oryzae, Neurospora Sitophila, and Alcalase enzyme) and 5 replications. Fifteen hens were included in each pen. The data collected were analyzed using the LSmeans procedure of SAS software. The treatment effect was significant on the fertility hatchability (p<0.05). The highest fertility hatchability was observed in the processing method by Neurospora Sitophila fungi (85%). Experimental treatments had significant effects on the germs and pH of the caecum (p<0.05). The use of processing methods reduced the population of salmonella and coliforms and increased the population of lactobacillus in the caecum. Most of the population of salmonella, lactobacillus, and coliforms of the caecum was observed in the treatments of unprocessed, Bacillus Subtilis bacteria, and unprocessed, respectively. The effect of the experimental treatment had significant effect on abdominal fat (p<0.05). Processing methods of canola caused the reduction of abdominal fat. The highest decrease in abdominal fat was observed in the treatment that processed Aspergillus Oryzae fungi (1.89%). Processing of canola meal improved its digestibility and reduced its anti-nutritional factors.

Effect of an exercise programme for reducing abdominal fat on overactive bladder symptoms in young overweight women.

The effect of exercise in relation to overweight and overactive bladder (OAB) in young women has not been sufficiently supported by studies. The objective of our study was to reduce symptoms of OAB through a 3-month exercise programme in young overweight women with OAB. The sample consisted of 70 women (mean age 26.7 ± 4.8years), 36 being treated and 34 in the control group. We used a body composition analyser with the assessment of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (kg), body fat mass (BFM) (kg), body fat percentage (BFP) (%), visceral fat area (VFA) (cm²/level) and the waist/hip circumference index (WHR). OAB symptoms were evaluated using a voiding diary, the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) and the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS). The intervention was a programme for the reduction of abdominal fat (PRAF), with elements of aerobic training, strengthening of the abdominal muscles and stretching. In the OAB symptoms assessed through the voiding diary (number of voidings per 24h, nocturia, mean voided volume) as well as in the OAB-q and PPIUS scales after training, significant differences were reported in favour of the treatment group [number of voidings per 24h: treatment vs. control group, baseline 9.1 ± 0.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.3, final 6.9 ± 0.2 vs. 8.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001; mean voided volume per 24h (ml): treatment vs. control group, baseline 154.2 ± 9.1 vs. 162.2 ± 9.3, final 201.3 ± 9.3 vs. 164.1 ± 9.6, p < 0.0001] with a large effect size (ES). In the body composition analysis after training, significant differences were also reported in favour of the treatment group in the reduction of body mass index (BMI), BFP and VFA (p < 0.0001), with a large ES. Body composition analysis confirmed a reduction of BMI, body weight, body fat percentage, visceral abdominal fat, the WHR index and waist circumference in favour of the treatment group after the 12-week PRAF exercise programme. A reduction in OAB symptoms was also objectively confirmed following the PRAF exercise programme.