Significant Increase In Insulin Research Articles

Short-term high-calorie high-fat feeding induces hyperinsulinemia and blunts skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow in healthy humans.

Skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF) plays an important role in glucose disposal in muscle. Impairments in muscle MBF contribute to insulin resistance and prediabetes. Animal studies show that short-term (3 day) high-fat feeding blunts skeletal muscle MBF before impairing insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. It is not known whether this occurs in humans. We investigated the temporal impact of a 7-day high-calorie high-fat (HCHF) diet intervention (+52% kJ; 41% fat) on fasting and postprandial cardiometabolic outcomes in 14 healthy adults (18-37 yr). Metabolic health and vascular responses to a mixed-meal challenge (MMC) were measured at pre (day 0)-, mid (day 4)- and post (day 8)-intervention. There were no significant differences in body weight, body fat %, fasting blood glucose, and fasting plasma insulin concentrations at pre-, mid- and postintervention. Compared with preintervention there was a significant increase in insulin (but not glucose) total area under the curve in response to the MMC at midintervention (P = 0.041) and at postintervention (P = 0.028). Unlike at pre- and midintervention, at postintervention muscle MBF decreased at 60 min (P = 0.024) and 120 min (P = 0.023) after the MMC. However, macrovascular blood flow was significantly increased from 0 to 60 min (P < 0.001) and 120 min (P < 0.001) after the MMC at pre-, mid- and postintervention. Therefore, short-term HCHF feeding in healthy individuals leads to elevated postprandial insulin but not glucose levels and a blunting of meal-induced skeletal muscle MBF responses but not macrovascular blood flow responses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to investigate skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF) responses in humans after short-term high-calorie high-fat (HCHF) diet. The main findings were that HCHF diet causes elevated postprandial insulin in healthy individuals within 3 days and blunts meal-induced muscle MBF within 7 days, despite no impairments in postprandial glucose or macrovascular blood flow.

Assessment of ghrelin and resistin levels in a group of obese men with metabolic syndrome

Background: Obesity is a chronic disease associated with numerous complications, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, producing hormones that play a crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis, such as ghrelin and resistin. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the levels of resistin and ghrelin in obese men with metabolic syndrome and age-matched men without metabolic syndrome. Methods: Anthropometric measurements and biochemical assays were conducted to assess glycemia, resistin levels, insulin levels, and ghrelin levels. Results: The study comprised 58 obese men with metabolic syndrome and 53 age-matched control group men. In obese individuals, there was a significant increase in insulin and resistin levels, while ghrelin levels were notably decreased compared to the control group. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between resistin levels and parameters such as BMI, waist circumference, and insulin levels. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that both resistin and ghrelin may serve as potential biomarkers for identifying metabolic syndrome in obese men.

Unveiling the potential of marine-derived diterpenes from the order Alcyonacea as promising anti-obesity agents

Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a global health challenge characterized by various metabolic disorders, including HOMA-IR (insulin resistance), obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. In our pursuit of identifying natural alternatives for the development of effective and safe anti-obesity medications, we examined the potential of the methanolic extract of the Red Sea derived soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum, where serum levels of glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, fetuin A and B, PTP1Β (Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B), adropin and omentin were determined. Furthermore, the expression of the UCP1 (Uncoupling protein 1) and PPARGC1A (Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-g coactivator-1a) genes have been assessed, to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of S. glaucum organic extract. Our findings demonstrated a significant decrease in glucose, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, fetuin A and B, and PTP1Β levels, accompanied by a significant increase in insulin, HDL-C, adropin, omentin, UCP1, and PPARGC1A expression after treatment with the soft coral extract. These promising outcomes can be attributed to the remarkable ingredients present in the extract, which were further supported by histopathological findings. In addition, a virtual screening protocol including molecular docking (MDock) and Structure-Activity Relationships (SARs) of 27 marine diterpenes was also explored to identify potential PTP1Β inhibitors targeting simultaneously the catalytic site and allosteric site, as well as fetuin A modulators. Moreover, the six most promising predicted marine diterpenes (4, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14) were investigated for their pharmacokinetic properties, druglike nature and medicinal chemistry friendliness using the SwissADME platform. Of these, four marine diterpenes (4, 8, 9, and 10) were predicted to exhibit the appropriate drug-like properties.

Pathogenetic characteristics of the hormonal profile in rats subjected to restraint stress of different duration

The aim of the work is to ascertain the character of changes in the hormonal profile (concentrations of corticosterone, insulin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone) in conjunction with metabolic alterations and elevated blood pressure, which are induced in rats by restraint stress at 6th, 15th and 21st weeks of environmental space restriction.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A total of 55 normotensive male Wistar rats, aged 6–10 months, were assigned into 4 experimental groups (1 – intact control (10 rats); 2, 3 and 4 (15 rats each exposed to restricted space allowance)). All the animals were subjected to blood pressure (BP), blood glucose level and body weight measurements twice: at the stage of forming groups and at the 6th, 15th and 21st weeks. Plasma hormone concentrations (insulin, corticosterone, and ACTH) were examined by the immunoenzymatic method using commercial kits (Monobind, USA).&#x0D; Results. The body weight of the animals was significantly reduced by 20.72 % after 6 weeks of space allowance restriction, it was restored to baselines by the 15th week and exceeded control values by 26.1 % at the 21st week. BP levels showed an increasing trend, a dynamic increase in systolic pressure by 7 %, 17 % and 26 % was detected, respectively, as well as diastolic from the 15th week to the 21st week by 21.4 % and 37.0 %, respectively. Glucose concentration was within the euglycemic range. Changes in the hormonal profile showed an increase in the concentration of ACTH by more than 50 % and a decrease in insulin – by 34 % at the 6th week with a subsequent twofold decrease in the insulin concentration (at week 15) and a further more than twofold increase in ACTH at the 21st week. As for changes in the concentration of corticosterone, a peak increase of 3.77 times was noticed at the 15th week, followed by a decrease and restoration to the normative values by the 21st week.&#x0D; Conclusions. Even minor and unremarkable continuously acting stressors, which cannot be coped, become important triggers for hormonal profile and carbohydrate metabolism alterations as well as for a persistent increase in blood pressure, which manifest first by hypoinsulinemia, an increase in the level of ACTH, and a constant concentration of corticosterone. Long-term stress exposure contributes to a transient “peak” increase in the corticosterone level, a significant increase in insulin and a sustained increase in ACTH. Multidirectional changes in the levels of the studied hormones occur amidst a gradual increase in blood pressure and a stable increase in the level of glycemia.

Hyperinsulinemia is a probable trigger for weight gain and hyperphagia in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most frequently diagnosed genetic cause of early childhood obesity. Individuals with PWS typically progress through 7 different nutritional phases during their lifetime. The main objective of this study was to assess potential factors, particularly insulin, that may be responsible for the weight gains in sub-phase 2a and their role in the subsequent increase in fat mass and obesity in sub-phase 2b and insatiable appetite in phase 3. Fasting plasma insulin levels were measured in children with PWS between the ages of 0-12years and in age-matched non-PWS participants with early-onset major (clinically severe) obesity (EMO) and in healthy-weight sibling controls (SC). Participants with PWS in nutritional phases 1a and 1b had plasma insulin levels comparable to SC. However, the transition from phase 1b up to phase 3 in the PWS group was accompanied by significant increases in insulin, coinciding in weight gains, obesity, and hyperphagia. Only individuals with PWS in phase 3 had comparable insulin levels to the EMO group who were higher than the SC group at any age. Elevated insulin signaling is a probable trigger for weight gain and onset of hyperphagia in children with Prader-Willi syndrome. Regulating insulin levels early in childhood before the onset of the early weight gain may be key in modulating the onset and severity of obesity and hyperphagia in individuals with PWS, as well as in other young children with non-PWS early-onset obesity. Preventing or reversing elevated insulin levels in PWS with pharmacological agents and/or through diet restrictions such as a combined low carbohydrate, low glycemic-load diet may be a viable therapeutic strategy in combating obesity in children with PWS and others with early childhood obesity.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS AND THYMUS NUMIDICUS ON KEY ENZYMES OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO-EA) and Thymus numidicus (TN-EA) plant extracts on carbohydrate metabolism enzymes during diabetes mellitus. To achieve this objective, two experiments were carried out. The first of which was evaluating the hypoglycemic and the anti-hyperglycemic effects on normal rats overloaded with glucose (4 mg/kg b.w), with the use of two doses (150 and 300 mg/kg b.w), for each plant in the presence of negative control (vehicle 0.5 ml/100 g b.w), and positive control (5 mg of glibenclamide /kg b.w). The second experiment aims at studying the dose-dependent effect of the two plants’ extracts on carbohydrate metabolism in Wistar rats rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan at (120 mg/kg b.w); 54 male rats of the Wistar strain were divided into 09 groups with 06 rats per group. 03 of the groups have normal rats receiving vehicle (0.5 ml/100 g bw), TN-EA (300 mg/kg b.w), RO-EA (300 mg/kg b.w), respectively. The 06 remaining groups were composed of diabetic rats receiving vehicle (0.5 ml/b.w), TN-EA (150 and 300 mg/kg b.w), RO-EA (150 and 300 mg/kg b.w) Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.w), respectively. The process lasted for 21 days. Then we proceeded to the assays. The analysis of the results showed a dose-dependent reduction in glycemia for the anti-hyperglycemic and hypoglycaemic tests of the RO-EA with the dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w, the latter demonstrated a significant increase in insulin and hemoglobin hexokinase enzyme activity, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and a concomitant effect modulating plasma glucose levels. In addition to decreased plasma HbA1c levels, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase enzymatic activity in diabetic rats. The administration of this fraction prevented the loss of body weight and led to an improvement in the activity of glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase. In conclusion, the RO-EA fraction at a dose of 300 mg/kg b w has an anti-hyperglycemic power in diabetic rats, these results were confirmed by histological examination of the liver.

The Effects of Resistance Training on some Inflammatory Markers, Appetite-Regulating Peptides and Insulin Resistance Index in Obese Women.

Obesity is associated with a chronic inflammatory condition, which plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance and disorder in appetite regulation. Resistance training (RT) can improve low-grade systemic inflammation caused by obesity by improving body composition. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether RT with improvement in inflammatory status leads to improvement of metabolic markers and appetite-regulating peptides in obese women. Sixteen obese and healthy women were randomly divided into RT and control groups. The RT group participated in 8 weeks of RT. Blood samples and anthropometric characteristics were taken before the start of the exercise protocol and 3 days after the last training session. Serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also measured. After 8 weeks of training, body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) in the control group increased significantly (P < 0.01), but in the training group, anthropometric characteristics remained unchanged. Serum levels of ghrelin and leptin, adiponectin and tumour necrosis factor remained unchanged after 8 weeks of RT. A significant increase in insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance levels was observed in the control group (P < 0.05). It seems that 8 weeks of RT is not enough to induce an anti-inflammatory response and improve body composition and subsequently improve appetite and metabolic markers.

Achillea arabica Kotschy. Liyolifilize Etanolik Ekstresinin Streptozotosin ile Diyabet Oluşturulan Ratların Adacık  Hücreleri Üzerindeki Koruyucu Etkileri

In this study, an evaluation of the protective effect of lyophilized ethanolic Achillea arabica Kotschy. extract was investigated on the islets of Langerhans in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The rats were divided randomly into 5 groups: Group I: control; Group II: rats treated with STZ (50 mg kg-1 body weight (bw)); Group III: rats treated with A. arabica (Aa) extract (400 mg kg-1 bw); Group IV: rats with DM treated with Aa extract; and Group V: rats with DM treated with glibenclamide (2 mg kg-1 bw) which is a standard drug used in the treatment of DM. STZ treatment caused histopathological changes in the islet and significantly lowered the islet diameter/area, -cell index values, and blood insulin and C-peptide levels. Administration of the extract of Aa improved the islet histology, diameter/area, and -cell index values, and caused significant increases in insulin and C-peptide levels similar to the rats treated with glibenclamide when compared to the diabetic rats. Our findings suggested that the Aa extract possessed protective potential on the pancreatic islets due to its repairing or regeneration impact on -cells.

A rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with proinsulin-secreting activity

This paper presents a clinical case describing hypoglycemic condition with atypical symptoms in a young patient in the early postpartum period. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a large formation in the hook region of the pancreas, which was subsequently confirmed according to endoscopic ultrasound, CT and MRI. The idea of insulinoma was formed according to the presence of pancreatic formation, documented Whipple’s triad, and data on hyperinsulinism at the outpatient stage. However, the 72-hour fasting test showed no significant increase in insulin and C-peptide levels. After excluding other causes of hypoglycemia, the patient was suspected of having proinsulinoma, which was confirmed by increased blood proinsulin level. Gastropancreatoduodenal resection was performed. We detected a highly differentiated neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor with the expression of CD56, NSE, synaptophysin and chromogranin A, with a Ki-67 index of about 1%. After surgical treatment, hypoglycemic conditions were not observed.

Amelioration of diabetic nephropathy with extracts of Pterocarpus santalinus heart wood and Brassica nigra seeds via regulation of insulin resistance and modulation of genes in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The current study was designed to investigate the possible effects of aqueous extract of Pterocarpus santalinus heart wood and Brassica nigra seeds on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Adult male albino rats of 24 numbers were used in this study and were divided into four groups, each group contain 6 animals. For induction of diabetes rats were received STZ (65 mg/kg body weight). After STZ induction the remaining three groups were split as follow: group 2 served as diabetic untreated group, group 3 served as diabetic group treated with aqueous Pterocarpus santalinus extract and group 4 served as diabetic group treated with aqueous Brassica nigra extract. STZ administration produced significant increase in serum glucose, HbA1c, Homeostatic Model Assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipids, creatinine and urea levels; also, significant decrease in insulin level, Homeostatic Model Assessment insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS), Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and Glomerular filtration rate (GFR). At molecular level, STZ administration produced significant up-regulation in the mRNA of Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), The Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) and inflammasome and Apoptosis-enhancing nuclease (AEN). The effects of aqueous extracts of P. santalinus wood and B. nigra seeds were evidenced by significant decreased in serum levels of glucose, HbA1c, lipids, creatinine and urea as well as significant increase in insulin, HDL and GFR level. Further treatment with aqueous extracts of Pterocarpus santalinus and Brassica nigra down-regulated the mRNA of TXNIP, NLRP3 and AEN. The results of this study concluded that aqueous extracts of P. santalinus and B. nigra reduced the effects of STZ- induced diabetes and they can be used for the treatment of diabetes and its complication.

Acute Protease Supplementation Does Not Alter The Endocrine Response To Resistance Exercise In Trained Males

Proteases are enzymes which aid in the hydrolysis of proteins. Previous work has demonstrated protease supplementation may enhance recovery after high-intensity exercise by decreasing muscle damage and inflammation. While the mechanisms involved are not fully understood, it has been suggested that protease supplementation may alter the endocrine response to exercise, promoting a more favorable recovery state. PURPOSE: To determine if protease supplementation immediately after an exercise session influences circulating testosterone, cortisol, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and growth hormone (GH) concentrations. METHODS: Ten resistance trained males (24.1±4.1yr, 69.6±6.8 kg 179±8.6 cm) completed 3 acute lower-body resistance exercise sessions consisting of 4 sets of leg press and leg extension in a randomized, crossover fashion. Each exercise was performed at 75% of participant’s previously determined one repetition maximum, for 8-10 repetitions, with 90 seconds of rest between sets. Following the exercise session, participants consumed one of 3 treatments (W: 26g whey; PW: 26g whey + 250mg of a protease enzyme blend; PL: non-caloric control). Blood draws were obtained at baseline (BL), immediately-post (IP), 1-hour (1H) and 3-hours post-exercise (3H) and analyzed for testosterone, cortisol, insulin, IGF-1, and GH. Data for each hormone were analyzed with a 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), while area under the curve (AUC) values were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant main effects for time (p<0.05) were observed for all hormones. There was a significant decrease in testosterone at IP (p=0.007), 1H (p<0.001), and 3H (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in cortisol at all time points (p<0.001) compared to BL. There were significant increases in insulin, IGF-1, and growth hormone at all time points (p<0.001) following exercise. Additionally, no interaction for any hormone concentrations or AUC values were seen between treatments in this study. CONCLUSION: There were no differential effects of W or PW on the post-exercise endocrine response compared to PL. Therefore, neither protease nor protein supplementation appear to alter endocrine response to resistance exercise in trained males. Supported by Deerland Enzymes, Kennesaw, GA

Influence of pre-operative oral carbohydrate loading vs. standard fasting on tumor proliferation and clinical outcome in breast cancer patients \u2500 a randomized trial

BackgroundConflicting results have been reported on the influence of carbohydrates in breast cancer.ObjectiveTo determine the influence of pre-operative per-oral carbohydrate load on proliferation in breast tumors.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingUniversity hospital with primary and secondary care functions in South-West Norway.PatientsSixty-one patients with operable breast cancer from a population-based cohort.InterventionPer-oral carbohydrate load (preOp™) 18 and 2–4 h before surgery (n = 26) or standard pre-operative fasting with free consumption of tap water (n = 35).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was post-operative tumor proliferation measured by the mitotic activity index (MAI). The secondary outcomes were changes in the levels of serum insulin, insulin-c-peptide, glucose, IGF-1, and IGFBP3; patients’ well-being, and clinical outcome over a median follow-up of 88 months (range 33–97 months).ResultsIn the estrogen receptor (ER) positive subgroup (n = 50), high proliferation (MAI ≥ 10) occurred more often in the carbohydrate group (CH) than in the fasting group (p = 0.038). The CH group was more frequently progesterone receptor (PR) negative (p = 0.014). The CH group had a significant increase in insulin (+ 24.31 mIE/L, 95% CI 15.34 mIE/L to 33.27 mIE/L) and insulin c-peptide (+ 1.39 nM, 95% CI 1.03 nM to 1.77 nM), but reduced IGFBP3 levels (− 0.26 nM; 95% CI − 0.46 nM to − 0.051 nM) compared to the fasting group. CH-intervention ER-positive patients had poorer relapse-free survival (73%) than the fasting group (100%; p = 0.012; HR = 9.3, 95% CI, 1.1 to 77.7). In the ER-positive patients, only tumor size (p = 0.021; HR = 6.07, 95% CI 1.31 to 28.03) and the CH/fasting subgrouping (p = 0.040; HR = 9.30, 95% CI 1.11 to 77.82) had independent prognostic value. The adverse clinical outcome of carbohydrate loading occurred only in T2 patients with relapse-free survival of 100% in the fasting group vs. 33% in the CH group (p = 0.015; HR = inf). The CH group reported less pain on days 5 and 6 than the control group (p < 0.001) but otherwise exhibited no factors related to well-being.LimitationOnly applicable to T2 tumors in patients with ER-positive breast cancer.ConclusionsPre-operative carbohydrate load increases proliferation and PR-negativity in ER-positive patients and worsens clinical outcome in ER-positive T2 patients.Trial registrationCliniTrials.gov; NCT03886389. Retrospectively registered March 22, 2019.

Clinical-functional features of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease combined with metabolic syndrome depending on type of insulinemia and class of obesity

The aim was to evaluate the activity of liver enzymes, insulin resistance (IR) and micro-inflammation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and with metabolic syndrome (MS), depending on the type of insulinemia and the degree of obesity.Material and methods. The study involved 150 patients with NAFLD and MS. Depending on the level of endogenous insulin (EI) in the blood and the degree of obesity patients were divided into two groups: I group — 48 patients with normal level of EI in blood and normal body weight (BMI = 18–24,9 kg/m2); II group — 57 patients with spontaneous hyperinsulinemia (SH) and class I – III obesity (BMI&gt; 30,0 kg/m2). Control group — 20 practically healthy persons. The activity of alanine (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, glucose, index of insulin sensitivity, ЕІ and ß2‑receptor of insulin, proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, leptin cytokines and adiponectin levels were determined.Results. The HOMA-IR was significantly increased in both groups (p&lt;0,05). All patients showed a significant increase in insulin β2‑receptors. In patients with normal EI and with SH blood glucose levels, β2‑receptor levels in 3 and 5,5 times (p&lt;0,05), respectively, were significantly increased compared with control. In patients with spontaneous hyperinsulinemia it was 1,8 times higher than in patients with normal EI in blood and body weight (p&lt;0,05). Analyzing the levels of ALT and AST, it was found that in patients of Group I, the data varied within the control (p&gt;0,05), whereas in patients of Group II, ALT levels in 3 times exceeded control (p &lt;0,05) and in 2,8 times — the level in patients of Group I (p&lt;0,05) respectively; and the level of AST was greater in 1,5 times than in control (p&lt;0,05) and in in 2 times compared with Group I (p&lt;0,05). The level of leptin in patients with normal levels of EI in the blood and normal body mass exceeded this index in the control in 2,3 times (p&lt;0,05). In patients with SH and class I — III obesity — in 2,3 times compared with control group (p&lt;0,05), and in 2 times compared with patients of group І (p&lt;0,05). The level of TNF-α was significantly increased in all patients. In patients of Group I, this indicator exceeded the control level by 16,0% (p&lt;0,05). In patients of Group II, the TNF-α was greater compared with control group on 57,5%(p&lt;0,05) and on 57,5% compared with patients of Group І (p&lt;0,05). We have established hypoadiponectinemia in all patients with NAFLD in the background of MS, which was most pronounced in patients with spontaneous HI and class I — III obesity. In particular, in patients with normal levels of EI and normal body weight, the level of adiponectin was twice lower than in healthy persons (p&lt;0,05). In patients with spontaneous hyperinsulinemia and obesity, the adiponectin was in 2,8 times lower than in control (p&lt;0,05) and in 1,4 times compared with patients in Group I (p&lt;0,05). A direct correlations between spontaneous hyperinsulinemia, class I-III obesity and the level of leptin (r = 0,5381; p = 0,0001) were found.Conclusions. The features of NAFLD and MS are the severity of the course and the formation of IR with spontaneous hyperinsulinemia and class I – III obesity. It is characterized by an increase in the level of leptin, ß2‑receptors of insulin, activity of ALT, AST and hypoadiponectinemia.

THE OSTEOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF Azadirachta excelsa LEAVES EXTRACT ON BONE OF STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Insulin signalling in bone favours whole-body glucose homeostasis by activating osteocalcin, which is important for bone remodeling. However, diabetes causes deficient production of insulin which consequently affects the osteocalcin and bone turnover marker. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of A. excelsa to improve insulin and osteocalcin secretion, resulting in improved bone histomorphometric and bone turnover marker in STZ- induced diabetic rats. The experimental rats were divided into normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), Metformin-treated diabetic (DMET) (positive control) and A. excelsa-treated diabetic (DAE) rats with the treatment period of eight weeks. After the treatment, the femoral bones were removed and bone morphometrical parameters were defined using Micro-CT scan. The bones were analysed for mineral density (BMD) and trabecular parameters. The bones samples were decalcified for histological preparation and images of the was hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) stained bones were captured and analysed. The concentrations of serum insulin, osteocalcin and bone turnover marker were evaluated using specific ELISA kits. The study showed that A. excelsa caused a significant increase in insulin and osteocalcin levels. A. excelsa also represents ameliorative effects on trabecular bone of the diabetic rat. The data also demonstrated that with A. excelsa treatment, it moderately restored the balance between bone formation and bone resorption markers. These data confirmed that A. excelsa extract could attenuate the STZ-induced bone loss and reverses the deterioration of bone microarchitecture in diabetic rats. This finding indicates the osteoprotective effects presence in the A. excelsa extract.

Aerobic Exercise Improves Food Reward Systems in Obese Rats via Insulin Signaling Regulation of Dopamine Levels in the Nucleus Accumbens.

The dopaminergic pathway, comprising projections from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens, constitutes the core of the brain reward system. Insufficient food reward caused by dopamine signaling dysfunction in the nucleus accumbens is an important contributor to obesity and may be associated with insulin signaling. Aerobic exercise has a positive effect on both preventing and treating obesity. In addition, physical exercise is important in striatal dopamine homeostasis and improves insulin sensitivity in the peripheral and central nervous system. Therefore, we hypothesized that aerobic exercise may increase dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens through insulin signaling, thus improving food reward in obesity. In the present study, we used a rat model of obesity, induced by high fat diet. Obese rats exhibited lower basic dopamine concentration in the nucleus accumbens induced by eating or extracellular insulin, attenuated insulin signaling, and increased fat preference. Interestingly, an 8-week aerobic exercise regimen reversed these symptoms. In addition, we noted a significant increase in insulin Akt/GSK3-β signal transduction in the nucleus accumbens. These data demonstrate that aerobic exercise promotes dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens through insulin signal transduction, which may constitute an important neurobiological mechanism of exercise against obesity.

THE BENEFICIAL ROLE OF VITAMIN D AND COCONUT OIL IN ALLEVIATING THE BLOOD GLUCOSE AND INSULIN LEVELS AND HISTOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE THYROID GLANDS OF HYPERGLYCEMIC MICE

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of either vitamin D or coconut oil or both together on the histological changes of the thyroid glands of diabetic adult male mice (Mus musculus) induced by using streptozotocin (STZ). The mice were divided into 7 equal groups (10 mice/each). The duration of the experiment was 4 weeks. Group I: normal control mice, a group without any treatments. Groups II and III: non-diabetic mice groups received vitamin D orally in a daily dose of 500 IU (6.25 ml/kg body weight) or coconut oil (7.5 ml/kg body weight/day), respectively. Group IV: diabetic mice group injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of STZ dissolved in saline solution in a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight to induce diabetes. Groups V, VI and VII: diabetic mice administered orally with vitamin D or coconut oil or both together with the same previous doses. The results recorded non-significant changes in the blood glucose, insulin levels of non-diabetic mice groups received either vitamin D or coconut oil. A high significant increase in blood glucose level and a significant decrease in insulin were found in the diabetic mice group as compared to the normal control ones. Diabetic mice group received the vitamin D only recorded a slight decrease in blood glucose level and a slight increase in insulin; while the diabetic mice received coconut oil alone or co-administered with vitamin D recorded a significant decrease in blood glucose levels and a significant increase in insulin as compared to diabetic group. Histologically, the mice of normal control group or that received either vitamin D or coconut oil showed the normal structure of thyroid follicular cells. Each follicle consists of a layer of simple cuboidal epithelial cells with spherical densely-stained nuclei, and its cavity contains vacuolated acidophilic colloid. The diabetic mice demonstrated many histopathological changes in the thyroid included vacuolated thyrocytes, enlargement of numerous follicles that were filled with colloids, and others demonstrated fusion between them. The appearance of dilated and congested blood vessels in the interstitia between the follicles was also seen. The diabetic mice administered with vitamin D elucidated little improvement in the thyrocytes, while that received either coconut oil alone or co-administered with vitamin D illustrated a marked recovery in the structure of the thyrocytes with normal nuclei similar to the control form. In conclusion, diabetic mice received either coconut oil alone or co-administered with vitamin D demonstrated stronger anti-hyperglycemic effects to recovery the glucose and insulin rates to normal levels, and restored the histological architecture of the thyroid glands to approximately the normal status than those given vitamin D only.

Effect of Low-Calorie Pumpkin Jams Fortified with Soybean on Diabetic Rats: Study of Chemical and Sensory Properties

This research investigated the chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of low-calorie formulated pumpkin jams after storage for six months and the effects of the consumption of low-calorie jams on diabetic rats. Pumpkin jam with sucrose, fructose, stevia, and aspartame sweeteners and soybean was prepared and stored at 10°C for six months. Rats were divided into group 1 (negative control), group 2 (positive diabetic groups), and groups 3, 4, and 5 (diabetic groups treated with 10% sucrose, fructose, and stevia soybean jam, respectively). The results indicated that the contents of protein, fat, ash, and fibre were increased in the low-calorie formulated pumpkin jams. The highest sensory scores were recorded for sucrose and fructose soybean jams and then for stevia soybean jam, while the aspartame soybean jam showed significantly lower scores after storage for 3 and 6 months. Rat groups 4 and 5 showed significant decreases in the glucose level, and liver function enzymes activity showed significant increases in insulin and glycogen levels compared to group 2. Conclusion. Low-calorie pumpkin jams with soybean can be stored for 3 months at 10°C without any change. Stevia pumpkin jam with soybean has antidiabetic effects.

Changes in the content of progesterone, insulin and cortisol in treatment course of pregnant women with the threat of preterm labor in chronic stress conditions

Despite the fact that many national and foreign scientific groups are working to address the issue of preterm labor, the rate of miscarriage ranges from 5.0 to 10.0 % without decreasing trend. The aim: to determine the efficacy of progesterone and thiotriazoline combination in the risk of premature birth on the basis of studying the hormonal profile dynamics and perinatal consequences. Materials and methods. Serum progesterone levels as the main hormone of pregnancy, insulin, cortisol were measured in pregnant women with the threat of preterm labor (TPL) and in the umbilical cord blood; insulin-cortisol index was calculated. Pregnant women were divided into two groups: 1 - basic (n = 22), and 2 – comparison group (n = 22). For hormonal disorders correction and pregnancy prolongation patients of basic group with TPL at 22–34 weeks of gestation received preparations of progesterone and thiatriazoline: natural micronized progesterone vaginal suppositories, 100 mg, twice-daily and0.2 g of thiatriazoline rectal suppositories 1 time per day for 10 days. Comparison group patients at the 22–34 weeks of gestation received standard treatment according to approved clinical protocols. Results: Analysis of the progesterone, cortisol and insulin blood serum baseline levels of both pregnant women study groups showed no significant difference. In the basic group the progesterone level during 10 days of treatment decreased from 162.5 ng / ml to 148.8 ng / ml (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the progesterone contents before and after treatment in both groups. In pregnant women the insulin level increased from 15.9 μMe / ml to 34.7 μMe / ml (P 0.05). In the comparison group the cortisol level before and after treatment did not change significantly – 536.6 ± 321.6 ng / ml and 546.5 ± 334.2 ng / ml, respectively. There was a significant increase in insulin / cortisol index from 0.027 U.M. to 0.066 U.M. (P < 0.05) in the pregnant women of the basic group after 10 days of treatment. The baseline level of insulin / cortisol index in pregnant women of comparison group, as in the basic group, was 0.027 U.M. After a week of standard therapy it significantly increased up to 0.033 U.M. (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the progesterone level in the umbilical cord blood of both study groups (1 – 1483 ng / ml, 2 – 1662 ng / ml). Insulin content in the umbilical cord blood in the basic group was the lowest (3.78 μMe / ml) and significantly differed from that of comparison group (4.29 μMe / ml) (P < 0.05). The levels of cortisol in the umbilical cord blood did not differ between women of the basic and comparison groups – 264.5 ng / ml versus 305.2 ng / ml. The insulin-cortisol index in all groups was not significantly different. Conclusions. In women with a risk of preterm birth the decrease in insulin and cortisol levels in the umbilical cord blood indicates the physiological adaptation to stress factors during pregnancy and the therapeutic strategy chosen effectiveness. The use of micronized progesterone in combination with antioxidants increases the stress hormonal index in the basic group by 2.5 times, indicating the proposed treatment regimen effectiveness and preventing premature birth.

Oxidative, inflammatory and cardiometabolic biomarkers of clinical relevance in patients with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obesity is characterized by excessive deposition of fat in adipose tissue and is associated with the development of pathological damage in several metabolic processes that are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Objective: To evaluate the levels of adiponectin, inflammatory markers and oxidative markers, with the objective of determining a biomarkers profile in adults that influences the metabolic risk of developing the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: The groups studied included 84 adults (48 Without MetS and 36 With MetS). General and biochemical parameters were determined. Adiponectin levels, inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP)], interleukin 6 (IL-6), adenosine deaminase (ADA), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and oxidative markers [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), sulfhydryl groups (SH), total ferric antioxidant power (FRAP) and vitamin C] were also measured. Results: The MetS group presented a significant increase in insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and uric acid, as well as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and vitamin C. Conclusion: The combination of IL-6, ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP), ADA, DPP-IV and the increase of TBARS, with the reduction of vitamin C, SH groups and adiponectin, promote inflammation and compromise insulin sensitivity, thus presenting an active role in the pathogenesis of MetS. These findings are significant because they may assist in monitoring clinical changes, in the prevention of future cardiometabolic events in individuals with MetS, and in the identification of inflammatory and oxidative markers that assist in the monitoring and prevention of MetS.

Feasibility and Relevance of Antipsychotic Safety Monitoring in Children With Tourette Syndrome: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Antipsychotics are efficacious for tics and are increasingly prescribed to children with behavioral disorders. Antipsychotics have important adverse effects, and systematic monitoring of drug safety is infrequently performed. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of antipsychotic safety monitoring in children with Tourette Syndrome using a defined protocol and to evaluate the risk of adverse effects with chronic use. A prospective longitudinal study of children prescribed antipsychotics was performed. Children were monitored for extrapyramidal, metabolic, and hormonal adverse effects using the Canadian Alliance for Monitoring Effectiveness and Safety of Antipsychotic Medications guidelines. This included the measurement of height, weight, waist circumference, the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale, and laboratory tests of lipids, glucose, insulin, and prolactin at prespecified time points. Fifty-seven children who started on risperidone or aripiprazole were monitored for a mean of 10 months 3 days. Significant increases in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference percentiles occurred with time. There was a significant time by drug interaction, with children on aripiprazole having smaller changes in BMI initially, followed by a faster rate of increase than with risperidone. There was a significant difference between Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale scores on versus before starting antipsychotics and significant increases in insulin and prolactin. Change from a healthy to overweight or obese BMI percentile occurred in 26%. Extrapyramidal symptoms occurred in 35%. Medication was discontinued because of metabolic effects in 19%, and extrapyramidal symptoms in 7%. Monitoring of antipsychotic safety in children is feasible and recommended to inform treatment decisions.