Reduced Body Fat Mass Research Articles

The effects of 20-kDa human placental GH in male and female GH-deficient mice: an improved human GH?

A rare 20K isoform of GH-V (here abbreviated as GHv) was discovered in 1998. To date, only 1 research article has characterized this isoform in vivo, observing that GHv treatment in male high-fat fed rats had several GH-like activities, but unlike GH lacked diabetogenic and lactogenic activities and failed to increase IGF-1 or body length. Therefore, the current study was conducted to further characterize the in vivo activities of GHv in a separate species and in a GH-deficient model (GH-/- mice) and with both sexes represented. GHv-treated GH-/- mice had significant increases to serum IGF-1, femur length, body length, body weight, and lean body mass and reduced body fat mass similar to mice receiving GH treatment. GH treatment increased circulating insulin levels and impaired insulin sensitivity; in contrast, both measures were unchanged in GHv-treated mice. Since GHv lacks prolactin receptor (PRLR) binding activity, we tested the ability of GH and GHv to stimulate the proliferation of human cancer cell lines and found that GHv has a decreased proliferative response in cancers with high PRLR. Our findings demonstrate that GHv can stimulate insulin-like growth factor-1 and subsequent longitudinal body growth in GH-deficient mice similar to GH, but unlike GH, GHv promoted growth without inhibiting insulin action and without promoting the growth of PRLR-positive cancers in vitro. Thus, GHv may represent improvements to current GH therapies especially for individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome or PRLR-positive cancers.

A world of inflammation: the need for ecological solutions that co-benefit people, place and planet.

The ecology of the early environment - including microbial diversity, nutrition, nature, social interactions and the totality of exposures in the wider "exposome" - have life-long implications for all aspects of health and resilience. In particular, the emergence of "microbiome science" provides new evidence for vital relationships between biodiversity and health at every level. New perspectives of ecological interdependence connect personal and planetary health; the human health crisis cannot be separated from the social, political and economic "ecosystems" otherwise driving dysbiosis (from its etymological root, "life in distress") at every level. Adverse changes in macroscale ecology - of food systems, lifestyle behaviours, socioeconomic disadvantage and environmental degradation - all impact the microbial systems sitting at the foundations of all ecosystems. In particular, changes in the function and composition of the human-associated microbiome have been implicated in the mounting global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), exacerbating inflammation and metabolic dysregulation through multiple pathways across the lifespan. This "dysbiotic drift" (adverse shifts in ecology at all scales) underscores the need for ecological approaches aimed at restoring symbiosis, balance and mutualism. While there is promise with supplement-based strategies (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics), it is essential to focus on upstream factors implicated in dysbiosis, including the health of wider environments, lifestyle, nature relatedness, and the social policies and practices which can facilitate or inhibit dysbiotic drift. This also calls for ambitious integrative approaches which not only define these interconnections, but also capitalize on them to create novel, collaborative and mutualistic solutions to our vast interdependent global challenges.

Apple cider vinegar: The “mother” of cures?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most popular natural health products available. Commonly used in salad dressings, sauces, and food preservation, ACV has recently gained acceptance as a dietary supplement. It has been touted as an appetite suppressant, digestive health aid, and immune system boost and studied in treatment of obesity, diabetes, and problems related to hair and skin, among many other conditions. But are these health claims backed by science? ACV is made from the fermented juice of crushed apples and its cloudy appearance is from “the mother” of vinegar, which is the combination of yeast and bacteria. ACV contains probiotics, various minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, and calcium), vitamins (e.g., B vitamins and vitamin C), and dietary fiber. Fruit vinegars in general can increase antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities because the fermentation process produces organic and acetic acids. ACV is high in acetic acids which, in concert with phenolic compounds, may be responsible for lowering blood glucose levels, regulating lipid abnormalities, and changing how foods are absorbed from the gut. There are multiple studies suggesting that ACV might positively affect blood glucose levels and insulin response among people with diabetes and improve cholesterol levels and weight loss among obese individuals. Studies involving people with and without diabetes suggest that adding two teaspoons of vinegar to water or a meal may improve blood glucose control, decreasing fasting glucose concentrations after a meal containing starches. A 2019 randomized controlled clinical trial in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN assessed the efficacy of ACV on fasting blood glucose, insulin, and blood pressure. Patients with type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group to assess the effect of 20 mL ACV per day over the course of the 8-week study. Researchers found significant improvement in fasting blood glucose but no significant effect on blood pressure was observed. ACV may promote weight loss due to acetic acid's impact on appetite, insulin function, and metabolism. Acetic acids in vinegar are thought to inhibit lipogenesis and stimulate fatty acid oxidation. A highly cited parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2009 trial published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry evaluated the effects of vinegar intake on the reduction of body fat mass in 175 obese patients, ranging in age from 25 to 60. During the 12-week treatment period, patients ingested 500 mL daily of a beverage containing either 15 mL of vinegar, 30 mL of vinegar, or 0 mL of vinegar (placebo). The researchers confirmed that body weight, BMI, visceral fat area, waist circumference, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly lower in both vinegar intake groups compared to placebo and reductions in body weight and BMI were found to be dose dependent. No adverse effects were reported. This finding was confirmed in a 2020 systematic review published in European Journal of Nutrition that assessed the effect of ACV on metabolic parameters and body weight. Investigators identified 487 studies and confirmed there may be beneficial health effects from the consumption of ACV while the risk of adverse effects in recommended quantities was unremarkable. ACV is available in your local grocery store. ACV dietary supplements are usually sold as capsules, tablets, gummies, or powders, often paired with ginger and cayenne. In general, 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) of ACV daily, with a meal or diluted in liquid, significantly reduces blood glucose levels after eating and aids in weight loss. Overall, fruit vinegars are natural sources of dietary antioxidant polyphenols and organic acids and ACV is generally considered safe. Large amounts over the long term might lead to low levels of potassium and ACV may interact with certain supplements or drugs, including diuretics and insulin. Take care to monitor blood glucose closely if combining ACV with diabetes medications. Caution patients not to consume ACV straight as it can irritate or even burn the esophagus. ACV may be unsafe when applied to skin and has been associated with skin irritation and chemical burns. Advise patients to compare labels as the range of contents and acidity levels may vary per product.

Adult-born proopiomelanocortin neurons derived from Rax-expressing precursors mitigate the metabolic effects of congenital hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin deficiency

ObjectiveProopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are essential regulators of energy balance. Selective loss of POMC production in these cells results in extreme obesity and metabolic comorbidities. Neurogenesis occurs in the adult hypothalamus, but it remains uncertain whether functional POMC neurons emerge in physiologically significant numbers during adulthood. Here, we tested whether Rax-expressing precursors generate POMC neurons in adult mice and rescue the metabolic phenotype caused by congenital hypothalamic POMC deficiency. MethodsInitially, we identified hypothalamic Rax-expressing cell types using wild-type and Rax-CreERT2:Ai34D mice. Then we generated compound Rax-CreERT2:ArcPomcloxTB/loxTB mice in which endogenous hypothalamic Pomc expression is silenced, but can be restored by tamoxifen administration selectively in neurons derived from Rax+ progenitors. The number of POMC neurons generated by Rax+ progenitors in adult mice and their axonal projections was determined. The metabolic effects of these neurons were assessed by measuring food intake, bodyweight, and body composition, along with glucose and insulin levels. ResultsWe found that Rax is expressed by tanycytes and a previously unrecognized cell type in the hypothalamic parenchyma of adult mice. Rax+ progenitors generated ~10% of the normal adult hypothalamic POMC neuron population within two weeks of tamoxifen treatment. The same rate and steady state of POMC neurogenesis persisted from young adult to aged mice. These new POMC neurons established terminal projections to brain regions that were involved in energy homeostasis. Mice with Rax+ progenitor-derived POMC neurons had reduced body fat mass, improved glucose tolerance, increased insulin sensitivity, and decreased bodyweight in proportion to the number of new POMC neurons. ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that Rax+ progenitors generate POMC neurons in sufficient numbers during adulthood to mitigate the metabolic abnormalities of hypothalamic POMC-deficient mice. The findings suggest that adult hypothalamic neurogenesis is a robust phenomenon in mice that can significantly impact energy homeostasis.

Conserved immunomodulatory transcriptional networks underlie antipsychotic-induced weight gain

Although antipsychotics, such as olanzapine, are effective in the management of psychiatric conditions, some patients experience excessive antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG). To illuminate pathways underlying AIWG, we compared baseline blood gene expression profiles in two cohorts of mice that were either prone (AIWG-P) or resistant (AIWG-R) to weight gain in response to olanzapine treatment for two weeks. We found that transcripts elevated in AIWG-P mice relative to AIWG-R are enriched for high-confidence transcriptional targets of numerous inflammatory and immunomodulatory signaling nodes. Moreover, these nodes are themselves enriched for genes whose disruption in mice is associated with reduced body fat mass and slow postnatal weight gain. In addition, we identified gene expression profiles in common between our mouse AIWG-P gene set and an existing human AIWG-P gene set whose regulation by immunomodulatory transcription factors is highly conserved between species. Finally, we identified striking convergence between mouse AIWG-P transcriptional regulatory networks and those associated with body weight and body mass index in humans. We propose that immunomodulatory transcriptional networks drive AIWG, and that these networks have broader conserved roles in whole body-metabolism.

The relationship between changes in serum myostatin and adiponectin levels in patients with obesity undergoing a weight loss program

BackgroundAn effective strategy for weight loss in patients who are overweight or obese is to reduce body fat mass while maintaining skeletal muscle mass. Adiponectin and myostatin are affected through changes in body composition due to weight loss, and examining their dynamics may contribute to strategies for maintaining skeletal muscle mass through weight loss. We aimed to examine the relationships among myostatin, adiponectin, and body composition, depending on the extent of weight loss, in patients with obesity undergoing a weight loss program.MethodsWe examined 66 patients with obesity (age: 46.8 ± 14.0 years, body mass index: 34.3 [31.0–38.4] kg/m2) attending a hospital weight loss program. We categorized the patients into two groups, namely an L group (those with a weight reduction of < 5% from baseline) and an M group (those with a weight reduction of > 5% from baseline). All patients underwent blood tests and were assessed for body composition, insulin resistance, adipocytokine and myokine levels, exercise tolerance, and muscle strength at baseline and post-intervention.ResultsSerum myostatin and adiponectin levels increased post-intervention in both groups. Body weight and %fat decreased, and the rate of lean body mass (%LBM) increased in both groups. Exercise capacity and muscle strength improved in the M group only. Change in (⊿) myostatin correlated with ⊿%fat, ⊿%LBM, and ⊿adiponectin. ⊿adiponectin (β = − 0.262, p = 0.035) was an independent predictor of ⊿myostatin.ConclusionsMyostatin and adiponectin might cross-talk and regulate changes in skeletal muscle and fat mass with or without successful weight loss. These findings indicate that evaluating serum myostatin and adiponectin levels in clinical practice could be used to predict the effects of weight loss and help prevent skeletal muscle mass loss.

Implementation of Christian Orthodox fasting improves plasma adiponectin concentrations compared with time-restricted eating in overweight premenopausal women

The exact mechanisms mediating the metabolic effects of Orthodox fasting remain unclear. Plasma adiponectin, biochemical and anthropometrical data were evaluated in 55 Orthodox fasters (OF) and 42 time-restricted eating controls (all women, mean age 47.8 years) at three time points: baseline, end of the dietary intervention (7 weeks) and 5 weeks after participants returned to their typical dietary habits (12 weeks from baseline). In the OF group, there was an increase in adiponectin values at 12 weeks compared with baseline (9815.99 vs 8983.52 mg/ml, p = 0.02) and a reduction in body fat mass between baseline and 12 weeks (35.44 vs 32.17%, p = 0.004) and between 7 and 12 weeks (35.33 vs 32.17%, p = 0.003). In the same group, an inverse correlation between adiponectin and waist circumference values was observed over the entire study period. Our results provide novel evidence that Orthodox fasting has favourable metabolic effects related to improved adiponectin concentrations.

Body Mass and Body Composition Changes over 7 Years in a Male Professional Rugby Union Team

The purpose of this study was to investigate longitudinal body mass and body composition changes in one professional rugby union team (n=123), (i) according to position [forwards (n=58) versus backs (n=65)], analysis of players with 6 consecutive seasons of DXA scans (n=21) and, (iii) to examine differences by playing status [academy and international], over 7 years. Players [mean age: 26.8 y, body mass index: 28.9+kg.m2] received DXA scans at fourtime points within each year. A modest (but non-significant) increase in mean total mass (0.8 kg) for professional players was reflected by increased lean mass and reduced body fat mass. At all-time points, forwards had a significantly greater total mass, lean mass and body fat percentage compared to backs (p<0.05). Academy players demonstrated increased total and lean mass and decreased body fat percentage over the first 3 years of senior rugby, although this was not significant. Senior and academy international players had greater lean mass and lower body fat percentage (p<0.05) than non-international counterparts. Despite modest increases in total mass; reflected by increased lean mass and reduced fat mass, no significant changes in body mass or body composition, irrespective of playing position were apparent over 7 years.

Phenotypic Discovery of SB1501, an Anti-obesity Agent, through Modulating Mitochondrial Activity.

Obesity has become a pandemic that threatens the quality of life and discovering novel therapeutic agents that can reverse obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders are necessary. Here, we aimed to identify new anti-obesity agents using a phenotype-based approach. We performed image-based high-content screening with a fluorogenic bioprobe (SF44), which visualizes cellular lipid droplets (LDs), to identify initial hit compounds. A structure-activity relationship study led us to yield a bioactive compound SB1501, which reduces cellular LDs in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without cytotoxicity. SB1501 induced the expression of gene products that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Daily treatment with SB1501 improved the metabolic states of db/db mice by reducing body fat mass, adipose tissue mass, food intake, and increasing glucose tolerance. The anti-obesity effect of SB1501 may result from perturbation of the PGC-1α-UCP1 regulatory axis in inguinal white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. These data suggest the therapeutic potential of SB1501 as an anti-obesity agent via modulating mitochondrial activities.

Effects of Caloric Restriction Diet on Arterial Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction.

The most common manifestation of cardiovascular (CV) diseases is the presence of arterial hypertension (AH), which impacts on endothelial dysfunction. CV risk is associated with high values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and depends on the presence of risk factors, both modifiable and not modifiable, such as overweight, obesity, physical exercise, smoking, age, family history, and gender. The main target organs affected by AH are the heart, brain, vessels, kidneys, and eye retina. AH onset can be counteracted or delayed by adopting a proper diet, characterized by a low saturated fat and sodium intake, a high fruit and vegetable intake, a moderate alcohol consumption, and achieving and maintaining over time the ideal body weight. In this review, we analyzed how a new nutritional approach, named caloric restriction diet (CRD), can provide a significant reduction in blood pressure values and an improvement of the endothelial dysfunction. In fact, CRD is able to counteract aging and delay the onset of CV and neurodegenerative diseases through the reduction of body fat mass, systolic and diastolic values, free radicals production, and oxidative stress. Currently, there are few studies on CRD effects in the long term, and it would be advisable to perform observational studies with longer follow-up.

Protective Effect of Jiang Tang Xiao Ke Granules against Skeletal Muscle IR via Activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway.

The Jiang Tang Xiao Ke (JTXK) granule is a classic Chinese herbal formula that has been put into clinical use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus for decades. However, whether its ability to ameliorate skeletal muscle insulin resistance (IR) is through modulation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of JTXK granules on IR in skeletal muscle of high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice and C2C12 cells and analyze the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we showed that JTXK granules attenuated body weight gain, reduced body fat mass, improved body lean mass, and enhanced muscle performance of diabetic mice. JTXK granules also improved glucose metabolism and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and partially reversed abnormal serum lipid levels, which might be related to the regulation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway, both in skeletal muscle tissue of diabetic mice and in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, drug-containing serum of JTXK granules was capable of enhancing glucose uptake and mitochondrial respiration in C2C12 cells, and AMPKα was proven to be closely involved in this process. Taken together, these results suggest that the JTXK granule ameliorates skeletal muscle IR through activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, which offers a novel perspective of this formula to combat IR-related metabolic diseases.

Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation Combined with Calorie-Restricted Diet on Reducing Body Weight and Fat Mass in Obese Women: Result of a Randomized Control Trial.

The present trial aims to evaluate a supplementation of the olive leaf extract (OLE) in adjunct with a weight loss diet on anthropometric indices, glycemic indices, lipid profile, as well as the level of adipokines, and free fatty acid in obese women. We carried out an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, clinical trial. The participants were randomly stratified according to age and they were assigned to one of the two study groups: Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + OLE supplementation (n = 35) in intervention group or Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + placebo (n = 35) in placebo group. The study groups were homogeneous regarding the baseline age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, married status, and physical activity levels (p > 0.05). The results of analysis of covariance presented significant decreases in BMI, fat mass, and body weight in the OLE group compared to those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, the serum levels of fasting blood sugar, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, leptin, fatty free acid, and homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance significantly decreased, and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin elevated in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Based on results it seems that the addition of OLE to a hypocaloric diet for 8-week compared with a hypocaloric diet alone may be more effective in modifying obesity and metabolic risk factors.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT20190129042552N2

Serum Levels of Asprosin, a Novel Adipokine, Are Significantly Lowered in Patients with Acromegaly.

Background Asprosin is a novel identified adipokine secreted mainly by white adipose tissue, which is elevated in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Acromegaly is a syndrome caused by pituitary growth hormone (GH) cell adenoma with excessive GH secretion. Serum adipocytokines levels may be involved in abnormal glycolipid metabolism in acromegaly patients. Objectives To investigate serum asprosin levels in acromegaly patients and its correlation with high GH levels and glucolipid metabolic parameters. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted and 68 acromegaly patients and 121 controls were included in this study. Clinical information and laboratory examinations were collected and serum asprosin levels were measured by commercial ELISA kits. Results Serum asprosin levels in acromegaly patients were significantly lower than controls (P < 0.001). Serum asprosin levels in patients with the course of acromegaly ≥5 years (compared with <5 years), high area under curve of growth hormone (GH-AUC) after 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (compared with low GH-AUC patients), and high IGF-1 SDS group (compared with low IGF-1 SDS group) were significantly reduced (all P < 0.05). Serum asprosin levels in acromegaly patients were negatively correlated with the course of acromegaly, IGF-1 SDS, nadir growth hormone value (GH-Nadir), and GH-AUC after OGTT. Multiple stepwise linear regression indicated that acromegaly was an independent influencing factor of serum asprosin levels. According to serum asprosin levels tertiles, the risk of acromegaly in the lowest group was 2.67 times higher than the highest group (OR ＝ 3.665, 95% CI 1.677 ∼ 8.007, P=0.001), and the increased risk of the lowest group still existed after adjusting for gender, age, BMI, and TC (Model 2). Conclusions Serum asprosin levels in acromegaly patients are lowered, which may be related to increased blood glucose and reduced body fat mass caused by long-term high GH levels exposure.

PSX-37 Late-Breaking Abstracts: Effects of metformin on body temperature regulation and breast muscle growth in male broiler chickens

Abstract Chickens provide models for human physiology research, as their normal physiological status mimics mammalian obesity and human Type II diabetes. Metformin is a common medication used to treat Type II diabetes. Prior studies have demonstrated metformin’s ability to induce the “browning” phenomenon of white adipose tissue and promote non-shivering thermogenesis (NST). The objective of this study was to determine if dietary supplementation of metformin can promote NST to reduce body fat mass and increase metabolism in broiler chickens. Male broiler chicks (n = 72) were randomly assigned to 12 pens (6 chickens/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to control basal diet (CON), basal plus 0.5 g/kg metformin (MET05), or basal plus 1.0 g/kg metformin (MET1). Two chicks were harvested from each pen on d7, d14, and d21. Total breast weight (TBW) and liver weight (LW) were recorded. IButton temperature loggers were implanted in chickens on d19. ADFI was highest in MET05 at d7 and d21, lowest in MET1 at d7, and highest in MET1 at d14. ADFI was lowest in CON group at d14 and d21. MET1 showed a negative effect on G:F at d7 and d14. MET05 group had the highest BW, TBW, and LW at all intervals. CON group had the lowest TBW at d14, but significantly higher than MET1 at d21. MET1 group had the lowest TBW at d7 and d21, lowest LW at d7 and d14, while CON group had the lowest LW at d21. CON had the highest breast/BW ratio, while MET1 group had the lowest. MET05 and MET01 had higher liver:BW ratio than CON group at d21. Data distribution showed less variation for internal body temperature in the MET05 group compared with CON and MET1. These results suggest that low dosage metformin helps regulate body temperature and increase breast muscle growth in broilers in earlier life stage.

Effects of oral semaglutide on energy intake, food preference, appetite, control of eating and body weight in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

AimTo evaluate the effect of oral semaglutide on energy intake and appetite in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Materials and MethodsIn this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, two‐period cross‐over trial, 15 subjects with T2D received 12 weeks of treatment with once‐daily oral semaglutide (4‐week dose escalation from 3 to 7 to 14 mg) followed by placebo, or vice versa. Energy intake was measured during an ad libitum lunch, evening meal and snack box after a standard breakfast. Appetite ratings were measured using a visual analogue scale after standard and fat‐rich breakfasts. Other assessments included eating and craving control (using the Control of Eating Questionnaire), and changes in body weight and composition.ResultsFollowing a standard breakfast, total daily ad libitum energy intake was significantly lower (38.9%) with oral semaglutide versus placebo in 13 evaluable subjects (estimated treatment difference, −5096.0 kJ; 95% CI –7000.0, −3192.1; P = .0001). After a fat‐rich breakfast, there were significant differences in favour of oral semaglutide versus placebo for measures of satiety, hunger and for overall appetite score, with no significant differences following a standard breakfast. Fewer food cravings and better eating control were seen with oral semaglutide versus placebo. Overall, mean body weight decreased by 2.7 kg with oral semaglutide and 0.1 kg with placebo, mostly attributable to body fat mass loss.ConclusionAfter 12 weeks of treatment, ad libitum energy intake was lower with oral semaglutide versus placebo, resulting in reduced body fat mass, and was associated with increased satiety and fullness after a fat‐rich breakfast, and improved eating control.Trial registration numberNCT02773381

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.

A Mix of Natural Bioactive Compounds Reduces Fat Accumulation and Modulates Gene Expression in the Adipose Tissue of Obese Rats Fed a Cafeteria Diet.

Scientists are focusing on bioactive ingredients to counteract obesity. We evaluated whether a mix containing grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), anthocyanins, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and chicken feet hydrolysate (CFH) could reduce body fat mass and also determined which mechanisms in the white adipose tissue (WAT) and the brown adipose tissue (BAT) were affected by the treatment. The mix or vehicle (VH) were administered for three weeks to obese rats fed a cafeteria (CAF) diet. Biometric measures, indirect calorimetry, and gene expression in WAT and BAT were analyzed as was the histology of the inguinal WAT (IWAT). The individual compounds were also tested in the 3T3-L1 cell line. The mix treatment resulted in a significant 15% reduction in fat (25.01 ± 0.91 g) compared to VH treatment (21.19 ± 1.59 g), and the calorimetry results indicated a significant increase in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. We observed a significant downregulation of Fasn mRNA and an upregulation of Atgl and Hsl mRNA in adipose depots in the group treated with the mix. The IWAT showed a tendency of reduction in the number of adipocytes, although no differences in the total adipocyte area were found. GSPE and anthocyanins modulated the lipid content and downregulated the gene and protein levels of Fasn compared to the untreated group in 3T3-L1 cells. In conclusion, this mix is a promising treatment against obesity, reducing the WAT of obese rats fed a CAF diet, increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and modifying the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism of the adipose tissue.

Effect of Smartphone-Based Lifestyle Coaching App on Community-Dwelling Population With Moderate Metabolic Abnormalities: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundMetabolic disorders are established precursors to cardiovascular diseases, yet they can be readily prevented with sustained lifestyle modifications.ObjectiveWe assessed the effectiveness of a smartphone-based weight management app on metabolic parameters in adults at high-risk, yet without physician diagnosis nor pharmacological treatment for metabolic syndrome, in a community setting.MethodsIn this 3-arm parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, we recruited participants aged 30 to 59 years with at least 2 conditions defined by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program expert panel (abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high fasting glucose level). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) by block randomization to either the nonuser group (control), the app-based diet and exercise self-logging group (app only), or the app-based self-logging and personalized coaching from professional dieticians and exercise coordinators group (app with personalized coaching). Assessments were performed at baseline, week 6, week 12, and week 24. The primary outcome was change in systolic blood pressure (between baseline and follow-up assessments). Secondary outcomes were changes in diastolic blood pressure, body weight, body fat mass, waist circumference, homeostatic model of assessment of insulin resistance, triglyceride level, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level between baseline and follow-up assessments. Analysis was performed using intention-to-treat.ResultsBetween October 28, 2017 and May 28, 2018, 160 participants participated in the baseline screening examination. Participants (129/160, 80.6%) who satisfied the eligibility criteria were assigned to control (n=41), app only (n=45), or app with personalized coaching (n=43) group. In each group, systolic blood pressure showed decreasing trends from baseline (control: mean –10.95, SD 2.09 mmHg; app only: mean –7.29, SD 1.83 mmHg; app with personalized coaching: mean –7.19, SD 1.66 mmHg), yet without significant difference among the groups (app only: P=.19; app with personalized coaching: P=.16). Instead, those in the app with personalized coaching group had greater body weight reductions (control: mean –0.12, SD 0.30 kg; app only: mean –0.35, SD 0.36 kg, P=.67; app with personalized coaching: mean –0.96, SD 0.37 kg; P=.08), specifically by body fat mass reduction (control: mean –0.13, SD 0.34 kg; app only: mean –0.64, SD 0.38 kg, P=.22; app with personalized coaching: mean –0.79, SD 0.38 kg; P=.08).ConclusionsSimultaneous diet and exercise self-logging and persistent lifestyle modification coaching were ineffective in lowering systolic blood pressure but effective in losing weight and reducing body fat mass. These results warrant future implementation studies of similar models of care on a broader scale in the context of primary prevention.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03300271; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03300271

Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Palestinian High School females’ students in Hebron city: Cross-sectional study

Objectives: Adopting an eating pattern complying with the Mediterranean diet not only reduces body fat mass and obesity risk, but also decreases the development of various health problems. However, Mediterranean countries have testified a reduced adherence during the past years and the adoption of a more westernized dietary pattern. The main aim of our study is to explore the Mediterranean diet adherence and to evaluate the relationship between KIDMED scores and selected variables school students in Hebron city, Palestine.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 360 voluntary female student, aged between 15-18 years. Socio-demographic data, nutritional habits, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from self-administered questionnaires. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents was used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet.&#x0D; Results: Results indicated that 37.5% of the students had a low adherence to Mediterranean diet, 53.1% had a moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet, and 9.40% had a high adherence to Mediterranean diet. KIDMED scores are significantly associated all dietary habits listed below, with an exception for following a diet plan. Furthermore, it was noticed that KIDMED scores are negatively associated with age, first meal, and overnight fasting. On the other hand, the scores are positively associated with last meal, and number of main meals.&#x0D; Conclusions: In conclusion, results should plead for an increased awareness in Palestinian high- schools, supporting students to be more adherent to the Mediterranean diet, in order to prevent a further increase in metabolic diseases later in adulthood.

Combined extracts of Moringa oleifera, Murraya koeingii leaves, and Curcuma longa rhizome increases energy expenditure and controls obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats

BackgroundLI85008F is a proprietary combination of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera, Murraya koeingii, and extract of Curcuma longa rhizome. This herbal extract combination is an effective weight loss supplement for overweight and obese subjects. The present study aimed to investigate the thermogenic potential of the LI85008F in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese Sprague Dawley rats.MethodsSeven rats received a regular diet (RD), and twenty-one rats received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 56 days. On day 28, the HFD-fed rats were randomized into three groups (n = 7). Starting from day 29 through day 56, one HFD-fed group received daily oral gavage of 0.5% Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (CMC) alone (HFD), and the remaining two groups received 100 and 250 mg/kg LI85008F (LI85008F-100 and LI85008F-250, respectively).Body weight, fat mass, fat cell size, liver weight, liver triglyceride were measured. The energy metabolism parameters were measured using indirect calorimetry. In serum, the metabolic and endocrine markers were analyzed. The adipogenic and thermoregulatory proteins expression in the white adipose tissue (WAT) were analyzed using an immunoblot assay.ResultsSupplementation with both doses of LI85008F significantly increased resting energy expenditure (REE) in the obese rats. The LI85008F-250 rats showed significant up-regulation of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) expression, as compared with the HFD rats. LI85008F significantly reduced body weight gain, fat mass, fat cell size, liver weight, and hepatic triglycerides. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose, leptin, and fat cell markers were significantly reduced in LI85008F-supplemented rats compared to the HFD rats.ConclusionThe present data suggest that LI85008F reduces body fat mass and controls body weight gain via increasing energy metabolism in combination with reduced lipogenesis in diet-fed obese rats.