Significant Weight Gain Research Articles

The Potential Link between Obesity, Synbiotics Intake and Inflammasomes in an Animal Model

Abstract Background Obesity is one of the major public health problems worldwide, being considered a global epidemic. A growing body of evidence highlights the relevance of inflammasomes as a consequence of metabolic disorders and obesity. NLRP3 is the most studied component of the inflammasomes. Gut microbes contribute to the subclinical systemic inflammation that ultimately leads to the development of pathologies such as obesity, insulin resistance. Therefore, the use of intestinal microbiota modulators (e.g probitoics, prebiotics, or both as synbiotics) may improve several metabolic and immune functions. Recently, the link between these modulators and NLRP3 in obesity is less investigated. Aim of the Work to study the potential involvement of inflammasomes as an indicator for the efficacy of synbiotics in alleviating diet-induced obesity. Materials and Methods Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (7 rats /group): normal control group (receiving normal diet), HFD (high fat diet) group, normal group receiving synbiotics, and HFD rats receiving synbiotics. After eight weeks, all rats were sacrificed then WAT (visceral, subcutaneous), brown adipose tissue, and liver were obtained. The body weight of each rat was measured weekly. The expression of NLRP3 was performed by real-time PCR. Results HFD induced a significant weight gain compared to normal diet (p < 0.05). However, synbiotics administration could not affect such weight gain in rats receiving HFD with synbiotics (p > 0.05). The expression of NLRP3, pre-inflammatory marker, is elevated in adipose and liver tissues in HFD group compared to normal diet group (p < 0.05). However, synbiotics successfully reduced the expression of NLRP3 in all previous tissues (p < 0.05). Conclusion the intake of synbiotics could disrupt the inflammatory consequences of obesity through targeting the expression of NLRP3. Thereby, synbiotics might be a promising potential therapeutic agent in treatment of obesity.

N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfation on intestinal mucins prevents obesity and intestinal inflammation by regulating gut microbiota.

Intestinal mucins play an essential role in the defense against bacterial invasion and the maintenance of gut microbiota, which is instrumental in the regulation of host immune systems; hence, its dysregulation is a hallmark of metabolic disease and intestinal inflammation. However, the mechanism by which intestinal mucins control the gut microbiota as well as disease phenotypes remains nebulous. Herein, we report that N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-6-O-sulfation of O-glycans on intestinal mucins performs a protective role against obesity and intestinal inflammation. Chst4-/- mice, lacking GlcNAc-6-O-sulfation of the mucin O-glycans, showed significant weight gain and increased susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis as well as colitis-associated cancer accompanied by significantly reduced immunoglobulin A (IgA) production caused by impaired T follicular helper cell-mediated IgA response. Interestingly, the protective effects of GlcNAc-6-O-sulfation against obesity and intestinal inflammation depend on the gut microbiota, evidenced by the modulation of the gut microbiota by co-housing or microbiota transplantation reversing disease phenotypes and IgA production. Collectively, our findings provide novel insight into the significance of host glycosylation, more specifically GlcNAc-6-O-sulfation on intestinal mucins, in protecting against obesity and intestinal inflammation via regulation of the gut microbiota.

Evaluation of the healing potential of Nile tilapia skin collagen in traumatic oral ulcers in male rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the healing potential of Nile tilapia skin collagen using a rat model with experimentally induced traumatic oral ulcers. DesignMale Wistar rats were segregated into three experimental groups (n = 8/group/euthanasia day). Ulcers were induced using a dermatological punch on the left buccal mucosa. The rats were then euthanized on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 (ntotal=120 rats). Each group received topical treatment, 2x/day, with 1 % Nile tilapia skin collagen orabase (experimental group), only orabase (negative control), or Oncilom-A® orabase (positive control). Ulcer area, closure percentage, and body mass variation were measured. Slides were prepared for histological analysis, which included Picrosirius red staining (collagen analysis), and immunohistochemistry (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-beta). ResultsOn day 15, the experimental and positive control groups displayed smaller ulcer areas, a higher percentage of closure, complete re-epithelialization, superior histological repair scores, and a reduced count of polymorphonuclear cells in comparison to the negative control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the experimental group exhibited an increased number of blood vessels, total collagen (types I and III) and expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-beta relative to the negative and positive control groups (p < 0.05). By day 20, the experimental group showed a more significant weight gain compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001). ConclusionsNile tilapia skin collagen orabase optimizes the healing of traumatic ulcers by stimulating re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagenesis. Transforming growth factor-beta plays a significant role in this process.

Immobilization and docking studies of Carlsberg subtilisin for application in poultry industry.

Carlsberg subtilisin from Bacillus licheniformis PB1 was investigated as a potential feed supplement, through immobilizing on bentonite for improving the growth rate of broilers. Initially, the pre-optimized and partially-purified protease was extracted and characterized using SDS-PAGE with MW 27.0 KDa. The MALDI-TOF-MS/MS spectrum confirmed a tryptic peptide peak with m/z 1108.496 referring to the Carlsberg subtilisin as a protein-digesting enzyme with alkaline nature. The highest free enzyme activity (30 U/mg) was observed at 50°C, 1 M potassium phosphate, and pH 8.0. the enhanced stability was observed when the enzyme was adsorbed to an inert solid support with 86.39 ± 4.36% activity retention under 20 optimized conditions. Additionally, the dried immobilized enzyme exhibited only a 5% activity loss after two-week storage at room temperature. Structural modeling (Docking) revealed that hydrophobic interactions between bentonite and amino acids surrounding the catalytic triad keep the enzyme structure intact upon drying at RT. The prominent hygroscopic nature of bentonite facilitated protein structure retention upon drying. During a 46-days study, supplementation of boilers' feed with the subtilisin-bentonite complex promoted significant weight gain i.e. 15.03% in contrast to positive control (p = 0.001).

CITRA TUBUH DAN FAKTOR PEMBENTUK CITRA TUBUH PEREMPUAN EMERGING ADULT YANG MENGALAMI KENAIKAN BERAT BADAN SIGNIFIKAN KETIKA REMAJA

Women often receive comments about their bodies as they gain weight, which increases the risk of developing a negative body image and damage the identity formation process during adolescence. These obstacles will impact the emerging adulthood developmental stages. This study aims to describe body image and body image formation factors in emerging adult women who experienced significant weight gain from being underweight during adolescence. Qualitative research was conducted, involving three adult female participants aged 18-25 years, who were classified as underweight during adolescence, experienced significant weight gain, had either underweight or normal Body Mass Index (BMI), and had a negative body image based on the Multidimensional Body-Self Relational Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS). The three participants were selected through purposive criterion sampling. Data was collected through semi structured interviews, which were then analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that all three participants were dissatisfied with specific body parts due to the desire to achieve their ideal body weight. This dissatisfaction affected theparticipants’ efforts to present themselves and control their weight. These views were formed from individual experiences during adolescence, which persisted into emerging adulthood and were greatly influenced by interpersonal factors and cultural socialization factors.

Real-Life Experience on Dolutegravir and Lamivudine as Initial or Switch Therapy in a Silver Population Living with HIV.

Clinical trials and real-life studies have granted the efficacy and safety of dolutegravir and lamivudine (DTG/3TC) in naïve and experienced people living with HIV (PLWH), but there are no long-term data in elderly people. We herein describe our real-life cohort of PLWH who were ≥65 years of age (PLWH ≥ 65) who started or were switched to DTG/3TC, single-tablet regimen, or DTG plus 3TC. We considered laboratory/clinical parameter changes from the baseline to the last follow-up time point available for each person by the paired Wilcoxon test and analyzed factors associated with virological failure (VF) and discontinuation. We included 112 PLWH with a median age of 66 (IQR: 65-70) years, 77.6% males; 84.8% of people had multimorbidity, 34.8% were on polypharmacy, and only 5.4% were naïve to treatment. Reasons to be switched to DTG/3TC were: abacavir removal (38.7%), treatment simplification (33.1%), and PI discontinuation (28.2%). The median treatment durability was 6 (IQR: 5.4-7) years. No significant changes were detected in metabolic, renal, immunological, or cardiovascular biomarkers during follow-up. HIV RNA undetectability was maintained in 104 (92.8%) individuals for whom follow-up evaluation was available. We observed eight discontinuations (two deaths, two VFs, two early intolerances, one significant weight gain, and one switch to long-acting therapy). No factors were significantly associated with VF or discontinuation. This is the first study on DTG/3TC in PLWH ≥ 65 with a follow-up longer than 5 years. DTG/3TC was found to be safe and effective, neutral on metabolic parameters, and with a low discontinuation rate for toxicity or VF.

Association Between Hormone Therapy and Weight Gain in the Menopause Transition and After Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to assess whether hormone therapy (HT) increases weight in women in the menopausal transition and after menopause. Method: this article proposes an update to the systematic review published in 2005 by the Cochrane Library (Kongnyuy EJ et al 2005) with reference to studies assessing weight changes in women receiving HT from 1986 to 2005. Following PRISMA recommendations, we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ) from May 2005 onwards from Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Two authors independently assessed the risk of biases in the selected studies. Results: ten RCTs were included, totaling 2,588 HT users and 764 non-users. Different regimens, dosages, and routes of administration in HT users were analyzed and compared to non-users. The results did not show statistically significant differences for most of the HT regimens evaluated. There was significant weight gain only in patients using EEC alone at dosages of 0.45 mg/day and 0.3 mg/day when compared to placebo (p 0.01); as well as in patients receiving esto-progestative combinations of 0.5 mg/day 17-beta-estradiol (E2) + 100 mg/day progesterone, with a 0.7 kg weight increase (p 0.032). On the other hand, the combinations of 1 mg/day estradiol valerate + 3 mg/day drospirenone showed a -1.0 kg reduction (p = 0.04), whereas a -0.2 kg reduction (p = 0.001) was identified in patients using 1 mg /day estradiol (E) + 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate (NETA). Tibolone therapy showed no statistically significant changes in weight. After performing a meta-analysis, the comparative results between users and non-users showed that there was a slight weight increase (+0.279 kg ; CI -1.71 to 2.27) in patients using 0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) + 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). As for the patients receiving 2.5 mg/day Tibolone, weight gain (+0.670 kg; CI from -1.14 to 2.48) was also observed in them. However, these increases were not significant when compared to non-HT users. Conclusions: most regimens studied showed that patients using HT in the menopausal transition and after menopause did not show significant weight gain. The only combination that showed weight gain was 0.5 mg/day 17-beta-estradiol (E2) + 100 mg/day progesterone observed, while there was weight reduction in patients using 1 mg/day estradiol valerate + 3 mg/day drospirenone and 1 mg/day estradiol (E) + norethisterone acetate.

Impact of Moringa oleifera Leaf Flour supplement on Weight Gain in Moderately Acutely Malnourished Children in Benin

In developing countries, malnutrition represents a public health problem, which affects many children under five, during their complementary feeding period. One way to overcome this problem is through the supplementation of complementary flours with locally available food resources, such as Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL). An experimental study was conducted from June through November 2019 in the southern-Benin, with moderately acutely malnourished (MAM) children, using a porridge made of a mixture of corn, malted sorghum, soybean, peanut, milk, and moringa leaf powder. A total of 150 MAM children aged 12-59 months were recruited and divided into two groups, an intervention group (48) and a control group (75). The intervention group received the test food, a porridge made of maize flour supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf flour (MOL-flour), at least 5 times/week for 6 months. The control group, whose mothers received nutritional education sessions on food diversification as well as the different ways of preparing MOL meals. Sensory evaluation, anthropometric and dietary diversity data were collected. Z-scores Weight/Height, Weight/Age et Height/Age were determined before and right after the intervention. Results showed that 70% of the children and more than 75% of the mothers assessed the porridge as palatable. A significant average weight gain of 1.720 g (p &lt; 0.005) was observed in the intervention group at the end of the experimentation, with a reduction of the prevalence of underweight by 1,33% (p &gt; 0.05), and the number of acute Malnutrition children by 10,42% (p &lt; 0.005).

Impact of Pregnancy on Papilledema and Vision Loss in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Patients: A Chart Review and Case Series of 13 Patients.

Studies suggest that weight gain is a prominent risk factor for recurrence of papilledema in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Given this information, the significant weight gain that occurs during pregnancy, and the fact that pharmacologic therapy is many times discontinued, raises concerns for worsening edema and vision loss. To examine the impact of pregnancy weight gain on IIH, a retrospective chart review of patients with IIH and pregnancy was performed. Compared with previous studies, we 1) quantified findings with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Humphrey visual field (HVF) data, 2) Included baseline data before pregnancy, 3) determined excess pregnancy weight gain using body mass index-adjusted weight gain goals, and 4) correlated worsening in IIH symptoms with changes in papilledema. Charts were reviewed for patients with diagnoses of IIH who had at least 2 visits with neuro-ophthalmology during pregnancy. Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria. Data were compared from baseline visits before pregnancy, pregnancy visits, and postpregnancy visits. Comparisons of HVF mean deviation (MD), OCT retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and Max OCT RNFL during pregnancy were not significant compared with baseline ( P = 0.51, 0.41, and 0.25). Three patients were found to have increased papilledema during pregnancy (Max Avg OCT RNFL of 152.5, 129, and 123.5 μm) of which 2 developed new reproducible mild visual field defects (HVF ∆MD -1.78 and -4.49). All patients showed more than the 6% weight gain, typically observed in recurrent IIH. Eleven patients gained more than their weight from initial diagnosis. Eight patients had excess pregnancy weight gain. Six patients discontinued pharmacologic therapy for IIH. Weight gain seems to carry a lower risk in IIH patients when associated with pregnancy. This is suggested by the high rate of stable or even decreased disc edema in patients despite medication discontinuation and excess pregnancy weight gain. We postulate these findings may be related to changes in weight distribution or endocrine changes during pregnancy.

Follow up trends among adolescent patients in a weight management program

PurposeAccording to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975. Childhood and adolescent obesity puts individuals at risk for many comorbidities, and interventions should begin in youth to start managing weight. Our purpose was to analyze if age of patients and engagement [measured by bringing a completed food and exercise log (FEL) to visits] in a multidisciplinary weight management program led patients to be more successful with treatment. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of adolescents with obesity in a referral-based outpatient obesity management program at an academic tertiary children's hospital. All patients presenting for new weight management visits in 2015 and 2016 had their data collected from their initial visit as well as each subsequent follow-up visit. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with obesity by having a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile or above. 296 subjects were included. 191 subjects had at least one follow-up visit so analysis related to weight change outcomes were limited to those 191 subjects. Results37.5% were elementary school-aged (6 to 11 years), 31.8% middle school-aged (12 to 14 years), and 30.7% high school to college-aged (15 to 20 years). 4.2% of elementary school-aged subjects had significant (>3%) weight loss, 55.6% had no significant weight change, and 40.3% had significant (>3%) weight gain. 12.3% of middle school-aged subjects had significant weight loss, 57.9% had no significant weight change, and 29.8% had significant weight gain. 21.0% of high school and college-aged subjects had significant weight loss, 69.4% had no significant weight change, and 9.7% had significant weight gain. Of those from all ages that had significant weight loss or no significant weight change, FEL were brought to 50% and 70.8% of visits respectively. Of those with significant weight gain, FEL were brought to only 32.1% of visits. The odds ratio of having brought a completed FEL during follow-up visits for those with significant weight gain versus those with no significant weight change was 0.485 (95% CI 0.336-0.700) and for those with significant weight loss versus those with no significant weight change was 0.624 (95% CI 0.402-0.967). ConclusionsOf those with weight gain, the majority were elementary school-aged subjects, and of those with weight loss, the majority were high school to college-aged subjects. This corresponds with recommendations as younger patients are continuing to grow taller and begin puberty while older adolescents should be ending their growth and development and thus encouraged to work on weight loss. Those that brought FEL to more visits were also more likely not to gain weight (no significant change) as compared to those that brought FEL to fewer visits and had significant weight gain. FEL were also brought to fewer visits by those that had weight loss as compared to no change, but the odds of bringing a food log was higher than in those with weight gain. By engaging more with the program, this may indicate that participants remained actively involved with program goals between visits and focused on working towards improved health.

Comparison of Aripiprazole and Risperidone effectiveness in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients with bipolar disorder: Double-blind, randomizedclinical trial.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness with a chronic coarse and waxing and waning of symptoms. Treatment of OCD in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) remains challenging. The present study aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of Risperidone and Aripiprazole as adjunctive therapy with valproate sodium, in treating mania, depression, and OCD in patients with comorbidity of OCD-BD. This research is 3 phase, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, with a total number of 64 patients.The diagnostic psychiatrist clinical interview was based on diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5thedition(DSM-5) criteria.For assessing severity of OCD, mania, and depression, Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS), young mania rating scale (YMRS), and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) scores were used. Patients were randomly assigned to the two parallel groups. All patients in both group were received valproate sodium, onegroup was treated with Aripiprazole and the other group was treated with Risperidon as adjective therapy with valproate sodium.The SPSS software (version 22), χ 2test, t-test, and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used to analyze the data. The dosage and time of both drugs were statistically significant in reducing the mean score of all three mentioned scales, but the effect of group was not statistically significant in HAM-D and YMRS scores, only in terms of OCD, the mean of the Y-BOCS score was significantly lower in the Aripiprazole group (p < 0.001). In relation to side effects, Risperidone induced statistically significant weight gain (p < 0.001)and Aripiprazole induced statistically significant sleep disturbance(p < 0.05). Both Aripiprazole and Risperidone can be used effectively as adjunctive therapy with valproate sodium in treating OCD in patients with BDwithout any serious and life threatening adverse effect. Aripiprazole is more effective than Risperidone in treating OCD in BD.

Evaluating the efficacy of the Thai Health Improvement Profile intervention for preventing weight gain in people with early stage psychosis: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy of the Thai Health Improvement Profile intervention for preventing clinically significant weight gain in people with early stage psychosis. MethodsWe undertook a randomised controlled trial from 10/2018 to 05/2021. Participants with early stage psychosis (<5 year duration) were recruited using convenience sampling from the caseloads of community psychiatric nurses in Thailand and randomly allocated to either the Thai Health Improvement Profile intervention or treatment as usual group following baseline assessment. Outcome assessors were blind to group allocation, whereas participants were not. Participants in the intervention group received three monthly (five in total) systematic health checks using the Thai Health Improvement Profile tool, which was used to develop a personal health plan in collaboration with a family member/carer. Nurses supported participants to implement the health plan using behaviour change techniques derived from motivational interviewing. The treatment as usual group consisted of medication and psychosocial support, and no additional intervention was provided. The primary outcome was weight gain (defined as a greater or equal to 7 % increase in weight against baseline) within 1 year. ResultsFifty-three participants were allocated to the intervention and an equal number to the treatment as usual group. Primary outcome data were available for 30 participants in each group at the 12 month follow-up. We undertook an intention to treat analysis with multiple imputation (to handle the missing data) for the primary outcome. The treatment as usual group was found to have higher odds than the Thai Health Improvement Profile intervention group of gaining ≥7 % of baseline body weight (OR = 6.52; 95 % CI: 1.88–22.65, p = 0.004). ConclusionsThe Thai Health Improvement Profile intervention was effective at preventing weight gain in people with early stage psychosis at one year, though attrition was relatively high. The results highlight the need for community mental health nurses to adopt a holistic approach, the potential benefits of conducting regular comprehensive health checks and the importance of involving family members when aiming to improve the physical health of people diagnosed with early stage psychosis. A large definitive multi-site randomised controlled trial of the Thai Health Improvement Profile with a longer follow-up is now justified. Trial registrationProspectively registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (reference: TCTR20180305002).

A new obesity treatment method that does not require restriction in food intake and organ resection

Background/Aim: There are numerous treatment methods available for obesity, with bariatric surgery being the most effective. However, these techniques come with the risk of serious complications. This study presents a novel obesity treatment device that can shorten the length of the small intestine without the need for surgical intervention. Methods: Our new device comprises three main components: a 25 cm long rope, with one end attached to a 1 cm diameter plastic ring and the other end attached to a 2 mm diameter, 5 g sphere. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats (6 months old, mean weight 400 g, outbred) were divided into three equal groups. Laparotomy and gastrotomy were performed on the subjects in Group 1, and all three parts of the device were placed into the gastrointestinal tract. In Group 2, only the plastic ring was placed in the stomach, and in Group 3, only a gastrotomy was performed. All subjects were followed for 3 months, during which their body weight, serum ghrelin, leptin, and nesfatin-1 levels were recorded, and the amount of food they consumed was measured. After sacrificing the animals, the stomach, proximal, and distal intestines were resected for histopathological evaluation. Results: The subjects in Group 1 experienced weight loss, whereas those in Groups 2 and 3 showed statistically significant weight gain (P&lt;0.001 and P=0.022, respectively). Serum ghrelin levels were significantly increased in Groups 1 and 3 (P=0.015 and 0.031, respectively), while serum leptin levels were significantly decreased in Group 1 (P=0.015). Plasma nesfatin-1 levels were significantly higher in Group 1 compared to the other groups (P=0.014). There was no statistically significant difference in feed consumption between the groups. Histopathological examination revealed significantly higher fibrosis and inflammation scores in the proximal small intestine of Group 1 compared to the other groups (P=0.008 and P=0.005, respectively). Conclusions: This new device facilitates rapid and effective weight loss without the need for restricting oral food intake or organ resection. Changes in serum ghrelin, leptin, and nesfatin-1 levels did not affect these results. We hypothesize that the effective weight loss is linked to the shortening of the small intestine length. Our future plans involve modifying the device for endoscopic application in humans.

Effects of Oral Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Protein Metabolism and Inflammation in Iraqi Hemodialysis Patients: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

The effect of correcting metabolic acidosis on protein metabolism in hemodialysis patients is controversial. To study the effects of oral sodium bicarbonate on protein metabolism and markers of inflammation in acidotic hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods. An open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single center. Sixty-six clinically stable adult hemodialysis patients were recruited with an average predialysis serum bicarbonate level of <22 mmol/l and a dialysate bicarbonate concentration of 35 mmol/l. Forty-nine participants have completed the study. Oral sodium bicarbonate tablets of 500 mg were given daily in the intervention group (n = 25) for 12 weeks versus the standard of care in the control group (n = 24). Outcomes compared intervention versus nonintervention in both groups at equivalent time points (0 and 3 months). The clinical data, anthropometry, dialysis adequacy, albumin, normalized protein catabolism rate, blood gas analysis, and bicarbonate were recorded at 0 and 3 months. In addition, muscle mass and handgrip strength were measured. Finally, IL-6 as a marker of inflammation was measured at randomization and three months. Serum bicarbonate and pH increased significantly from 17.57 ± 3.34 mmol/L to 20.69 ± 2.54 mmol/L and from 7.26 ± 0.06 to 7.34 ± 0.04, respectively (p < 0.0001). Serum albumin was significantly higher in the intervention group at three months than in the control group, 4.11 ± 0.45 vs. 3.79 ± 0.47 (p value 0.011). Serum potassium significantly decreased in the intervention group at three months compared to the control group, 5.00 ± 0.43 mEq/l vs. 5.33 ± 0.63 mEq/l (p value 0.03). Muscle strength expressed as handgrip has improved significantly in the intervention group at three months compared to the control group, 45.01 ± 19.19 vs. 33.93 ± 15.06 (p value 0.03). The IL-6 values were less in the intervention group at 3 months with a p value of 0.01. The interdialytic weight of the intervention group at three months was 2.42 ± 0.64 compared to the 2.20 ± 1.14 control group, but this did not reach statistical significance (p value of 0.4). The composite of (albumin + nPCR) at three months was achieved in 59.18% of the intervention group compared to 14.28% with a p value of 0.01. Correcting metabolic acidosis in hemodialysis patients improved serum albumin and nPCR without hypokalemia or significant interdialytic weight gain. This was particularly evident in patients with minimal inflammation with low IL-6 values.

Unspecific congenital toxoplasmosis in a two-month-old baby.

A two-month-old baby boy diagnosed with unspecific congenital toxoplasmosis was referred by a pediatrician to the Clinical Parasitology referral center at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. Baby was post-hospitalized in the NICU and required ventilation support for one month. Furthermore, there was history of from various medical conditions, such as intracranial bleeding, convulsion, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, and renal failure. After two month, there was no significant weight gain, anti-Toxoplasma IgM showed positive results, and anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG of the mother were also positive. Baby and mother were successfully treated with pyrimethamine, cotrimoxazole, and folinic acid for one month. At 2 years, there signs of normal motoric, eye, and hearing development with underdeveloped kidneys. Therefore, pre-pregnancy counseling and education aimed at preventing toxoplasmosis during pregnancy should be increased and conducted routinely by health workers or trained cadres to reduce the risk of fetal defects.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy with the Cardiac Function Restored by Cabergoline.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with heart failure (HF) in late-term pregnancy or peripartum. A 29-year-old pregnant woman with no history of cardiac disease noted lower extremity edema around 34 weeks' gestation with significant weight gain. She delivered twins via caesarean section, and the edema regressed postpartum. On postpartum day 4, however, she experienced difficulty breathing at night and was diagnosed with HF owing to PPCM. HF treatment along with cabergoline was initiated. With low prolactin blood levels, her symptoms and cardiac function improved over time. This case demonstrated the usefulness of anti-prolactin therapy with cabergoline in PPCM.

Fast Food Intake Frequency among Young Generation during COVID-19 Pandemic in Selected Area of Dhaka City

Introduction: Fast food is energy dense food with a high amount of refined sugar, wheat, flour, trans-fat, polyunsaturated fat, salt, numerous additives and low nutrient value in terms of protein, fiber, vitamins and mineral content. The nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 forced people to stay at home for a prolonged period associated with anxiety, and boredom caused by home confinement influenced to change in lifestyle patterns, reduction diet quality and promote overconsumption. Objective: The study aimed to observe the frequency of junk food consumption among the young generation (15-25 years old) during the COVID-19 Pandemic and compare the change of before and during COVID-19 situation. Methods &amp; materials: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in different area of north and south city corporation in Dhaka city focusing on the young generation aged 15-25 years old from September 2020 to April 2021. Total sample size was 315 and the sample was selected randomly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data was collected from the participant through Online Google Form due to of pandemic issue. Data Analysis: Collected data was coded and analyzed by using SPSS for Windows, version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The statistical significance of difference between values was assessed by chi-square test. A probability level of 0.05 or less significant. Result: The study had found out among the 3-age category from 19-22 years preferred fast food more (64.78%) than others during the pandemic period (p=0.04). Male were taking fast food more than female. Female had increased fast food consumption 12.35% than before and male had increased 15.27% than before (p&lt;0.01). That significantly stated male participants were more influenced by the Pandemic towards fast food. And a significant weight gain (57.14%) was noticed among the 19-22 years age participants, 32.4% male informed to gain weight more than 4kg and 37.4% female1-2 kg during that period. The physical activity level was significantly (p&lt;0.01) dropped during the Pandemic both in male and female participants. Conclusion: The study exposed during pandemics people were taking fast food relentlessly more (13.81%) than normal period. But in spite of attempting to cut down the unhealthy habit of taking fast food, they couldn’t make it totally because of their slothful life and being quarantine in a long period in the home. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 11 (2), July 2023; p 32-38

Hypothalamic DNA 5-hydroxymethylation levels are altered by diet-induced weight gain during the development of obesity in a sex-specific manner

Obesity is a major health concern that is associated with altered gene transcription in the hypothalamus. However, the mechanisms controlling this gene expression dysregulation remain largely unknown. DNA 5-hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) is a potent transcriptional activator that is expressed at 10 times higher levels in the brain than the periphery. Despite this, no study has examined if DNA 5-hmC is altered in the brain following exposure to obesogenic diets or contributes to abnormal weight gain over time. Here, we used a rodent diet-induced obesity model in combination with quantitative molecular assays and CRISPR-dCas9 manipulations to test the role of hypothalamic DNA 5-hmC in abnormal weight gain in male and female rats. We found that males, but not females, have decreased levels of DNA 5-hmC in the hypothalamus following exposure to a high fat diet, which directly correlate with increased body weight. Short-term exposure to a high fat diet, which does not result in significant weight gain, resulted in decreased hypothalamic DNA 5-hmC levels, suggesting these changes occur prior to obesity development. Moreover, decreases in DNA 5-hmC persist even after the high fat diet is removed, though the extent of this is diet-dependent. Importantly, CRISPR-dCas9-mediated upregulation of DNA 5-hmC enzymes in the male, but not female, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus significantly reduced the percentage of weight gained on the high fat diet relative to controls. These results suggest that hypothalamic DNA 5-hmC is an important sex-specific regulator of abnormal weight gain following exposure to high fat diets.

Metabolic dysfunctions following chronic oral corticosterone are modified by adolescence and sex in mice

Adolescence is a period of development in which shifts in responses to glucocorticoids is well-documented. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are substantial health issues whose rates continue to rise in both adult and adolescent populations. Though many interacting factors contribute to these dysfunctions, how these shifts in glucocorticoid responses may be related remain unknown. Using a model of oral corticosterone (CORT) exposure in male and female mice, we demonstrate differential responses during adolescence (30–58 days of age) or adulthood (70–98 day of age) in endpoints relevant to metabolic function. Our data indicate that CORT resulted in significant weight gain in adult- and adolescent-exposed females and adult-exposed males, but not adolescent-exposed males. Despite this difference, all animals treated with high levels of CORT showed significant increases in white adipose tissue, indicating a dissociation between weight gain and adiposity in adolescent-treated males. Similarly, all experimental groups showed significant increases in plasma insulin, leptin, and triglyceride levels, further suggesting potential disconnects between overt weight gain, and underlying metabolic dysregulation. Finally, we found age- and dose-dependent changes in the expression of hepatic genes important in glucocorticoid receptor and lipid regulation, which showed different patterns in males and females. Thus, altered transcriptional pathways in the liver might be contributing differentially to the similar metabolic phenotype observed among these experimental groups. We also show that despite little CORT-induced changes in the hypothalamic levels of orexin-A and NPY, we found that food and fluid intake were elevated in adolescent-treated males and females. These data indicate chronic exposure to elevated glucocorticoid levels results in metabolic dysfunction in both males and females, which can be further modulated by developmental stage.

Impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown in Austria on laboratory and mental parameters in diabetic patients: a retrospective analysis highlighting the importance of regular medical consultations in a patient cohort.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first lockdown was implemented in Austria for almost 7 weeks. In contrast to many other countries, medical consultations were permitted, either by telemedicine or at doctors' offices. Nevertheless, restrictions related to this lockdown could possibly cause an increased risk of deterioration in health, especially in diabetes. This study aimed to assess the impact of Austria's first lockdown on laboratory and mental parameters in a type-2 diabetes mellitus cohort. Overall 347 mainly elderly patients with type-2 diabetes (56% male; aged 63.7±10.1 years) were included in this retrospective practitioner-based analysis. Laboratory as well as mental parameters were compared from before and after the lockdown. The lockdown showed no significant effect on HbA1c levels. On the other hand, total cholesterol (P<0.001) and LDL cholesterol (P<0.001) levels improved significantly, whereas body weight (P<0.01) and mental well-being based on the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire (P<0.01) increased significantly in terms of worsening. Lack of movement and staying at home resulted in a significant weight gain and worsening of mental well-being in type-2 diabetes during the first lockdown in Austria. Thanks to regular medical consultations, laboratory parameters remained stable or even improved. Thus, routine health check-ups in mainly elderly type 2 diabetic patients are essential to minimize the deterioration of health conditions during lockdowns.