Related Metabolic Parameters Research Articles

Effect of different Energy and Protein levels in Hubbard broiler diet on growth performance and some related blood metabolic parameters

Effect of different Energy and Protein levels in Hubbard broiler diet on growth performance and some related blood metabolic parameters

Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Blood Glucose Levels and Gut Microbiota: Differential Effects under Normal or High-Fat Diet Conditions.

Microplastics are emerging pollutants that have garnered significant attention, with evidence suggesting their association with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In order to assess the impact of polystyrene microplastic exposure on alterations in the gut microbiota and the subsequent implications for glucose dysregulation under different dietary conditions in mice, we investigated the effects and disparities in the blood glucose levels induced by polystyrene microplastic exposure in mice fed a high-fat diet versus those fed a normal diet. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, we explored the dynamic changes and discrepancies in the gut microbiota stability induced by polystyrene microplastic exposure under varied dietary conditions, and we screened for gut genera associated with the potential of polystyrene microplastics to disrupt glucose homeostasis. Our findings indicate that a high-fat diet resulted in abnormal mouse body weight, energy intake, blood glucose levels and related metabolic parameters. Additionally, polystyrene microplastic exposure exacerbated the glucose metabolism disorders induced by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, the composition and diversity of the mouse gut microbiota were significantly altered following microplastic exposure, with 11 gut genera exhibiting a differential presence between mice fed a high-fat diet combined with microplastic exposure compared to those fed a normal diet with microplastic exposure. Moreover, Ucg-009 played an intermediary role in the association between a high-fat diet and the fasting blood glucose. Hence, our study demonstrates that polystyrene microplastic exposure exacerbates high-fat diet-induced glucose metabolism disorders, whereas its impact on the blood glucose under normal dietary conditions is not significant, highlighting the differential influence attributable to distinct alterations in characteristic gut genera.

The Ex-Timing trial: evaluating morning, afternoon, and evening exercise on the circadian clock in individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity—a randomized crossover study protocol

BackgroundExercise is known to provide multiple metabolic benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and those at risk. Beyond the traditional exercise dose, exercise timing is perceived as a contemporary hot topic, especially in the field of T2DM; however, the number of intervention studies assessing exercise timing and glucose metabolism is scarce. Our aim is to test the effect of exercise timing (i.e., morning, afternoon, or evening) on the inter-individual response variability in glycemic control and related metabolic health parameters in individuals with T2DM and those at risk during a 12-week intervention.MethodsA randomized crossover exercise intervention will be conducted involving two groups: group 1, individuals with T2DM; group 2, age-matched older adults with overweight/obesity. The intervention will consist of three 2-week blocks of supervised post-prandial exercise using high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Between each training block, a 2-week washout period, where participants avoid structured exercise, will take place. Assessments will be conducted in both groups before and after each exercise block. The primary outcomes include the 24-h area under the curve continuous glucose monitoring-based glucose. The secondary outcomes include body composition, resting energy expenditure, insulin response to a meal tolerance test, maximal aerobic capacity, peak power output, physical activity, sleep quality, and insulin and glucose levels. All primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at each assessment point.DiscussionOutcomes from this trial will provide us additional insight into the role of exercise timing on the inter-individual response variability in glycemic control and other related metabolic parameters in two distinct populations, thus contributing to the development of more effective exercise prescription guidelines for individuals with T2DM and those at risk.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06136013. Registered on November 18, 2023.

Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Punica granatum Leaves on High Fructose Induced Insulin Resistance in Experimental Animals.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition characterized by reduced sensitivity of body tissues to insulin, leading to impaired regulation of downstream metabolic pathways and elevated blood glucose levels. Diets rich in fructose have been proven to cause insulin resistance in test rats, resulting in decreased insulin sensitivity, particularly in the liver, and compromised disposal of glucose from the body. In the search for effective treatments, Plant-derived formulations have gained popularity because to their ability for treating a variety of ailments. One such plant is Punica granatum Linn. from the Punicaceae family, which has long been used in the treatment of diabetes and its consequences. This study investigates the insulin-resistant activity of an extract from Punica granatum leaves. The study goal is to assess the possible protective role of Punica granatum against insulin resistance through various analyses, including serum glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile assessment, measurement of liver enzymes (ALP, SGOT, SGPT), and histopathological examination of liver sections. The study involves several key methods to evaluate the insulin-resistant activity of Punica granatum extract in high fructose diet induced insulin resistance animal model. The extract was administered orally to the experimental animals. These methods include the measurement of serum glucose and serum insulin levels, analysis of the lipid profile, quantification of liver enzymes such as ALP, SGOT, and SGPT, and a detailed histopathological examination of liver tissue sections. These analyses collectively provide insights into the impact of Punica granatum extract on insulin resistance and related metabolic parameters. Findings of this study provide insight on the possible benefits of Punica granatum extract on insulin resistance. Through the assessment of serum glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile analysis, and measurement of liver enzymes, the study elucidates the impact of the extract on key metabolic indicators. Additionally, the histopathological examination of liver sections provides visual insights into the structural changes that may occur as a result of the treatment. In conclusion, this study highlights the ability of Punica granatum extract as a candidate for addressing insulin resistance. The findings suggest that the extract may have a protective role against insulin resistance, as evidenced by improvements in serum glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological characteristics. Further research and investigations are warranted to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these observed effects and to validate the potential of Punica granatum extract as a therapeutic option for managing insulin resistance and its associated complications.

Effect of long-acting versus short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on improving body weight and related metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes: A head-to-head meta-analysis.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) showed great value in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to compare the effectiveness of long-acting and short-acting GLP-1RAs on improving body weight and related metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as a reference for the treatment of NAFLD with T2DM. We searched eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and web of science database until August 2023. The risk of bias of included RCTs were assessed by the Risk Assessment of Cochrane Review items. We mainly drew forest plots to compare the effects of long and short acting GLP-1 RAs using RevMan 5.4. Twelve RCTs involving 2751 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with short-acting GLP-1 RAs, the long-acting group was better in body weight (P < .00001, MD = -0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.90, -0.40], I2 = 20%), and the same results in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (P < .00001, MD = -0.43, 95% CI [-0.54, -0.33], I2 = 55%) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (P < .00001, MD = -0.77, 95% CI [-1.01, -0.52], I2 =70%). For the lipid parameters, long-acting drugs lowered cholesterol (TC) (P = .02, SMD = -0.19, 95% CI [-0.35, -0.03], I2 =57%) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = .02, SMD = -0.17, 95% CI [-0.33, -0.02], I2 =51%) more significantly compared with short-acting drugs. But treatment differences were not significant in triglycerides (TG) (P = .40, SMD = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.06], I2 = 0%), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = .85, SMD = -0.01, 95% CI [-0.11, -0.09], I2 = 0%). Long-acting GLP-1RAs may be more promise than short-acting GLP-1RAs in improving weight and related metabolic parameters.

Cardiovascular risk factors in coeliac disease (ARCTIC): a protocol of multicentre series of studies

IntroductionThere is only limited and controversial information available on the cardiovascular (CV) risk in coeliac disease (CD). In this study, we plan to investigate the body composition and CV risk-related...

Effect of a Novel Sugar Blend on Weight and Cardiometabolic Health among Healthy Indian Adults: A Randomized, Open-Label Study.

Obesity is one of the major factors contributing to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which is associated with a high intake of a sugar-rich diet. Sugar blend (a novel combination of sugar and stevia) has half the calories of sugar with the same sweetness at recommended use and offers better compliance. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this sugar blend in normal to mildly overweight subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 23-26 kg/m. Sixty subjects were categorized into Group A: Sugar group (n = 30), and Group B: Sugar blend group (n = 30). The primary outcomes evaluated were weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, BMI, and the secondary outcomes evaluated were lipid profile, random blood sugar, and HbA1c. All these parameters were assessed at baseline, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days. Group B showed a significantly higher weight loss (p = 0.013) at 90 days compared with Group A. A significant reduction in waist circumference (p &lt; 0.0001) by 4.4 cm was noted at 90 days, in addition to reduction in total cholesterol (p &lt; 0.0001), triglyceride (p = 0.006), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.0490), and VLDL cholesterol (p = 0.006) in Group B compared with the baseline. The study revealed that the sugar blend is an effective formulation in reducing weight, anthropometric factors, and other related metabolic parameters. It has been proven to be well tolerated and promotes weight loss when used in conjunction with a daily balanced diet and exercise plan.

The effects of exercise training induced calories expenditure on type 2 diabetes related cardio metabolic physiological parameters and adipocytokines

BackgroundRecently, many studies have examined the effects of various training on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adipocytes. The results of these studies are contradictory. Some have reported positive effects and others have reported negative effects. However, there is no research to study the effect of exercise on similar energy expenditures on adipocytes. Hence the purpose of this study was the effects exercise training induced calories expenditure on type 2 diabetes related cardio metabolic physiological parameters and adipocytokines.MethodsSixty-eight men patients with type 2 diabetes [12 weeks] were randomized to 4 groups according to training regimens. the groups are [1] HIIT [n = 17], [2] RT[n = 17], [3] AT[n = 18], and [4] AT + RT n = 16]. For 12 weeks [4 days/week, 20–30 min/season], participants performed training sessions with 300 kcal energy expenditure. Before and after 12 weeks interventions, Anthropometric and physiological variables and Glucose, insulin, FFA, LDL, HDL, TG, TC collected and analyses. Leptin, SFRP5, LGR4 and Irisin levels in Serum were assessment by ELISA.ResultsSerum irisin concentrations were significantly higher in AT [%20.4] compared to other groups. Leptin, SFRP5 and LGR4 were significantly higher in HIIT [%-21.7, %48.1 and %30.9 respectively] compared to other groups. Serum SFRP5 concentrations were significantly increased in 4 groups[P > 0.05]. However, leptin and LGR4 were significantly decreased and increased in 3 groups expect in RT group[P > 0.05]. And irisin concentrations were significantly increased in AT group only[P > 0.05]. And many variables indicated positive and negative relationship between together [P > 0.05].ConclusionsThe findings of the present study showed that if exercised with energy expenditure equal to HIIT training, it has the greatest effect on improving inflammatory and anti-inflammatory indicators in type 2 diabetic patients, as well as glycemic and lipid-chemical variables.

Metformin keeps CD8+ T cells active and moving in NASH-HCC immunotherapy

Metformin keeps CD8+ T cells active and moving in NASH-HCC immunotherapy

Randomized controlled trial for time-restricted eating in healthy volunteers without obesity

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) improves metabolic health. Both early TRF (eTRF, food intake restricted to the early part of the day) and mid-day TRF (mTRF, food intake restricted to the middle of the day) have been shown to have metabolic benefits. However, the two regimens have yet to be thoroughly compared. We conducted a five-week randomized trial to compare the effects of the two TRF regimens in healthy individuals without obesity (ChiCTR2000029797). The trial has completed. Ninety participants were randomized to eTRF (n=30), mTRF (n=30), or control groups (n=30) using a computer-based random-number generator. Eighty-two participants completed the entire five-week trial and were analyzed (28 in eTRF, 26 in mTRF, 28 in control groups). The primary outcome was the change in insulin resistance. Researchers who assessed the outcomes were blinded to group assignment, but participants and care givers were not. Here we show that eTRF was more effective than mTRF at improving insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, eTRF, but not mTRF, improved fasting glucose, reduced total body mass and adiposity, ameliorated inflammation, and increased gut microbial diversity. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial. In conclusion, eTRF showed greater benefits for insulin resistance and related metabolic parameters compared with mTRF. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=49406.

Taurine ameliorates oxidative stress by regulating PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 pathway in HepG2 cells and diabetic rats

The study evaluated the capacity of taurine on insulin resistance amelioration in HepG2 cells induced by BSA and palmitic acid (PA) and diabetes-related metabolic changes in type 2 diabetic rats. In vitro, taurine alleviated insulin resistance in HepG2 cells, increased glucose consumption and improved oxidative stress. Further, taurine could up-regulate the expression of PI3K, Akt and GLUT4, which could improve insulin resistance. In vivo, taurine supplementation markedly regulated blood glucose and improved the oxidative stress in T2DM rats. The improvement of related metabolic parameters and oxidative stress was in part associated with the impact of taurine on activating PI3K, Akt and GLUT4 in liver. In summary, the finding suggested that taurine have potential benefits on improving dysfunction in diabetes rats and mitigating insulin resistance in HepG2 cells via activation of PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 pathways.

Biological Mechanism(s) Underpinning the Association between Antipsychotic Drugs and Weight Gain.

Weight gain and consequent metabolic alterations are common side-effects of many antipsychotic drugs. Interestingly, several studies have suggested that improvement in symptoms and adverse metabolic effects are correlated. We used next generation sequencing data from NT-2 (human neuronal) cells treated with aripiprazole, amisulpride, risperidone, quetiapine, clozapine, or vehicle control, and compared with the Pillinger P-score (ranked from 0 to 1, indicating greater increase in weight gain and related metabolic parameters) to identify the genes most associated with the drugs’ propensity to cause weight gain. The top 500 genes ranked for their correlation with the drugs’ propensity to cause weight gain were subjected to pathway analysis using DAVID (NIH). We further investigated transcription factors (TFs) that are more likely to regulate the genes involved in these processes using the prediction tool of key TFs from TRRUST. The results suggest an enrichment for genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and metabolism, which are of interest for mechanisms underpinning weight-gain. The list of genes involved in the lipid pathways that correlated with weight gain was enriched for genes transcriptionally regulated by SREBF1 and SREBF2. Furthermore, quetiapine significantly increased the expression of SREBF1 and SREBF2 in NT-2 cells. Our results suggest that the effects of these antipsychotic drugs on lipid metabolism may be mediated, at least in part, via regulation of SREBF1/SREBF2 expression, with evidence of a direct effect of quetiapine on the expression of SREBF1/2. The effects of antipsychotic drugs on lipid metabolism may influence white matter structure (therapeutic effect) and the risk of weight gain, lipid disturbances, and, consequently, metabolic syndrome (adverse effects). Understanding the different molecular effects of these drugs could inform a personalized medicine approach in treating patients with schizophrenia.

The Effect of FGF21 and Its Genetic Variants on Food and Drug Cravings, Adipokines and Metabolic Traits.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a regulator of addictive behavior. Increasing evidence suggests an impact of FGF21 on eating behavior, food and drug cravings and on other adipokines like insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) or adiponectin. We investigated the association of serum FGF21 and genetic variants with aspects of food and drug craving and obesity related metabolic parameters including serum adipokine levels. Standardized questionnaires, blood samples and anthropometric data of the Sorbs cohort (n = 1046) were analyzed using SPSS. For genetic analyses, the FGF21-locus ±10 kb was genotyped and analyzed using PLINK. Validation was conducted in a second independent cohort (n = 704). FGF21 was significantly associated with alcohol and coffee consumption, smoking and eating behavior (disinhibition). We confirmed correlations of FGF21 serum levels with IGF-1, adiponectin, pro-enkephalin, adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein, chemerin and progranulin. FGF21 genetic variants were associated with anthropometric and metabolic parameters, adipokines, food and drug craving while strongest evidence was seen with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). We highlight the potential role of FGF21 in food and drug cravings and provide new insights regarding the link of FGF21 with other adipokines as well as with metabolic traits, in particular those related to lipid metabolism (LDL-C).

Diet-Dependent Changes of the DNA Methylome Using a Göttingen Minipig Model for Obesity.

Objective: Environmental factors can influence obesity by epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate obesity-related epigenetic changes and the potential for reversal of these changes in the liver of Göttingen minipigs subjected to diet interventions.Methods: High-throughput liquid hybridization capture-based bisulfite sequencing (LHC-BS) was used to quantify the methylation status of gene promotor regions in liver tissue in three groups of male castrated Göttingen minipigs: a standard chow group (SD, N = 7); a group fed high fat/fructose/cholesterol diet (FFC, N = 10) and a group fed high fat/fructose/cholesterol diet during 7 months and reversed to standard diet for 6 months (FFC/SD, N = 12). Expression profiling by qPCR of selected metabolically relevant genes was performed in liver tissue from all pigs.Results: The pigs in the FFC diet group became morbidly obese. The FFC/SD diet did not result in a complete reversal of the body weight to the same weight as in the SD group, but it resulted in reversal of all lipid related metabolic parameters. Here we identified widespread differences in the patterning of cytosine methylation of promoters between the different feeding groups. By combining detection of differentially methylated genes with a rank-based hypergeometric overlap algorithm, we identified 160 genes showing differential methylation in corresponding promoter regions in the FFC diet group when comparing with both the SD and FFC/SD groups. As expected, this differential methylation under FFC diet intervention induced de-regulation of several metabolically-related genes involved in lipid/cholesterol metabolism, inflammatory response and fibrosis generation. Moreover, five genes, of which one is a fibrosis-related gene (MMP9), were still perturbed after diet reversion.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential of exploring diet-epigenome interactions for treatment of obesity.

Effects of Late Conversion from Twice-Daily to Once-Daily Slow Release Tacrolimus on the Insulin Resistance Indexes in Kidney Transplant Patients

The use of tacrolimus (Tac) may be involved in the development of new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) in a dose-related manner. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a standard twice-daily formulation of Tac (TacBID) vs. the once-daily slow-release formulation (TacOD) on the basal insulin resistance indexes (Homa and McAuley), and related metabolic parameters, in a cohort of kidney transplant patients. We retrospectively evaluated 20 stable renal transplant recipients who were switched from TacBID to TacOD. Blood levels of Tac were analyzed at one-month intervals from 6 months before to 8 months after conversion. Moreover, Homa and McAuley indexes, C-peptide, insulin, HbA1c, uric acid, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol serum levels and their associations with Tac levels were evaluated. We observed a significant decrease in Tac exposure (8.5 ± 2 ng/mL, CV 0.23 vs. 6.1 ± 1.9 ng/mL, CV 0.31, TacBID vs. TacOD periods, p &lt; 0.001) and no significant changes in Homa (1.42 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7, p &gt; 0.05) and McAuley indexes (7.12 ± 1 vs. 7.58 ± 1.4, p &gt; 0.05). Similarly, blood levels of glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipids, and uric acid were unchanged between the two periods, while C-peptide resulted significantly lower after conversion to TacOD. These data suggest that in kidney transplant recipients, reduced Tac exposure has no significant effects on basal insulin sensitivity indexes and metabolic parameters.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation effects on performance, metabolic parameters and reproductive traits in lactating Holstein dairy cows.

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplement on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and reproductive parameters in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Twenty Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) supplementing 110 g per day of fat (control), 2) supplementing 120 g per day of rumen-protected CLA. The diets were formulated to be nutritionally isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The experimental period started 21 days pre-calving and continued until 60 days in milk (DIM). Treatments had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). The CLA treatment increased milk yield (3.04 kg per day and milk lactose concentration, but decreased milk fat concentration and, short and medium chain fatty acids concentrations. No treatment differences were observed in milk protein concentration, milk energy output and net energy balance. Serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), estradiol and progesterone were higher in CLA treated cows when compared to cows fed on the control diet. Serum beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration was reduced in cows fed on the CLA treatment. Days to first insemination and days open were not different between the two treatment groups. Cows fed on the CLA supplement had increased conception rate from the first service. The results indicated that cows fed on diets supplemented with CLA produced milk with decreased milk fat concentration whereas some related cow blood serum metabolic parameters associated with reproductive response were increased and resulted in an increased conception rate from the first service.

Effect of Temperature and Humidity on Oil Quality of Harvested Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii Nuts During the After-Ripening Stage.

Temperature and relative humidity (RH) influence post-harvest ripening, a crucial stage for quality promotion in some oil plants or fruits. Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii nuts, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), are easily affected by temperature and humidity, and they oxidize quickly during the post-harvest ripening stage, leading to the deterioration of nut quality. In this study, the main nutraceutical components, fatty acid composition, and related metabolic parameters of lipid rancidity under four treatments (20°C and 70% RH, T20-LH; 30°C and 70% RH, T30-LH; 20°C and 90% RH, T20-HH; 30°C and 90% RH, T30-HH) were measured. The post-harvest ripening process was advanced under HH treatments (T20-HH and T30-HH) compared to LH treatments (T20-LH and T30-LH) and was associated with a shorter time for the seed coat to turn dark black and a faster reduction in starch content. The amount of unsaturated fatty acids significantly increased under the T20-HH treatment, but significantly decreased under the T30-HH treatment from 12 to 16 d of ripening time. The acid value (AV) and lipase activity under the T30-HH treatment remained virtually constant from 12 to 16 d of ripening time, and this was accompanied by a dramatic increase in peroxide value (POV), lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, and relative expression of the LOX2 gene. Meanwhile, a significant positive correlation between LOX activity and POV, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and O2⋅– content was observed. The results imply that the lower amount of oxidative rancidity induced by the T20-HH treatment is related to the LOX activity induced by down-regulation of the LOX2 gene during the late after-ripening stage. Therefore, the T20-HH treatment not only promoted the post-harvest process of T. grandis ‘Merrillii’ nuts but also delayed lipid oxidation, which was ultimately associated with better oil quality at the late after-ripening stage.

Testosterone treatment longer than 1 year shows more effects on functional hypogonadism and related metabolic, vascular, diabetic and obesity parameters (results of the 2-year clinical trial)

Objective We evaluated long-term effects of testosterone undecanoate on glycemic control, metabolic syndrome, vascular function and morphology in obese men with functional hypogonadism (FH) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a 2-year prospective clinical trial. Methods A total of 55 participants were enrolled in this study; group P (n = 27) received placebo during first and testosterone therapy (TTh) during second year, group T (n = 28) received TTh both years. We pooled results after 1 year of TTh to obtain more statistical power. Results for group T after 2 years of TTh are also presented. We evaluated wide assortment of biochemical (fasting plasma glucose—FPG, glycated hemoglobin—HbA1c and lipid profile), hormonal, vascular (flow-mediated dilatation—FMD and intima-media thickness—IMT), anthropometrical and derived parameters (BMI, HOMA-IR, non-HDL cholesterol, bioavailable and calculated free testosterone). Quality of life was assessed using Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire. Results FPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR and IMT decreased, FMD increased, lipid profile and AMS sexual sub-score improved, and testosterone levels fully normalized after 2 years of TTh. Conclusions Two-year of TTh resulted in normalized serum testosterone levels, improved glycemia, endothelial function, lipids and insulin sensitivity, and quelled the symptoms of hypogonadism, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk in obese men with FH and T2D.

Brief Report: Adiponectin Levels Linked to Subclinical Myocardial Fibrosis in HIV.

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk of myocardial dysfunction and metabolic disturbances represent one of several potential contributing factors. Adiponectin is an adipokine that enhances insulin sensitivity with potential cardioprotective effects. We therefore investigated the relationship between myocardial fibrosis, adiponectin, and related metabolic parameters to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms of myocardial injury in PLWH. This is a prospective, cross-sectional study of PLWH without known cardiovascular disease (n = 87) and 28 healthy matched controls. Diffuse myocardial fibrosis and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) were evaluated using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac computed tomography. Myocardial fibrosis was increased in PLWH and was correlated with adiponectin (r = 0.26, P = 0.004) and EAT (r = -0.42, P < 0.0001). Myocardial fibrosis was not associated with smoking pack years or CD4/CD8 ratio. In multivariate analysis that included body mass index, HIV status (P = 0.04), female sex (P < 0.0001), higher adiponectin (P = 0.046) and lower EAT (P = 0.01) were independently associated with myocardial fibrosis. We describe a novel association between serum adiponectin and subclinical intramyocardial fibrosis, as well as a significant inverse relationship between intramyocardial fibrosis and EAT. Adiponectin may represent a target for preventing myocardial injury in the future; however, our findings reflect the complexity of the metabolic interactions of adiponectin and epicardial adipose as factors associated with the myocardial architecture.

Using advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy to detect moist heating induced protein structure changes in cool-climate adapted barley grain.

Different techniques have been applied in feed processing to improve ruminal degradation and nutrient utilization in ruminant. There are limited studies investigating how moist heating process impacts barley protein utilization and internal molecular structures. The objectives of this study were to investigate: 1) how moist heating affects barley protein chemical profiles and Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) subfractions, in situ rumen degradation parameters, and predicted intestinal protein supply and feed milk value; 2) how moist heating affects protein molecular spectral features; and 3) the relationship between protein molecular structure spectral features and protein chemical profiles and metabolic characteristics. The barley variety CDC cowboy samples collected from the research farm during two consecutive years were used. Half of each sample was kept as raw and the other half underwent moist heating. The advanced molecular spectroscopy (attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared, ATR-FTIR) was used to detect the barley protein molecular structure spectral features. It was found that moist heating decreased the fractions of soluble protein and increased the moderately degradable protein and ingestible protein fractions. This further resulted in the changes of in situ rumen degradation parameters and intestinal protein digestion characteristics. The protein molecular structure spectral features detected by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy can be used as potential predictors for protein related chemical and metabolic parameters.