Smaller Weight Gain Research Articles

The host effects of Gambusia affinis with an antibiotic-disrupted microbiome

While serving as critical tools against bacterial infections, antimicrobial therapies can also result in serious side effects, such as antibiotic-associated entercolitis. Recent studies utilizing next generation sequencing to generate community 16S gene profiles have shown that antibiotics can strongly alter community composition and deplete diversity. However, how these community changes in the microbiota are related to the host side effects is still unclear. We have used the freshwater Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) as a tractable vertebrate model system to study host effects following exposure to a broad spectrum antibiotic, rifampicin. After 3days of exposure, the bacterial communities of the mucosal skin and gut microbiomes lost diversity and shifted composition. Compared to unexposed controls, treated fish were more susceptible to a specific pathogen, Edwardsiella ictaluri, yet displayed no survival differences when subjected to a polymicrobial water challenge of soil or feces. Treated fish were more susceptible to osmotic stress from NaCl, but not to the toxin nitrate. Treated fish failed to gain weight as well as controls over one month when fed a matched diet. Because of small sample sizes, pathogen susceptibility and weight gain differences were not statistically significant. This study provides supporting evidence in an experimental laboratory system that an antibiotic can have significant and persistent negative host effects, and provides for future study into the mechanisms of these effects.

The placenta is the center of the chronic disease universe

Over the past quarter century it has become clear that adult onset chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes have their roots in early development. The report by David Barker and colleagues showing an inverse relationship between birthweight and mortality from ischemic heart disease was the first clear-cut demonstration of fetal programming. Because fetal growth depends upon the placental capacity to transport nutrients from maternal blood, it has been a suspected causative agent since the original Barker reports. Epidemiological studies have shown that placental size and shape have powerful associations with offspring disease. More recent studies have shown that maternal phenotypic characteristics, such as body mass index and height, interact with placental size and shape to predict disease with much more precision than does birthweight alone. For example, among people in the Helsinki Birth Cohort, who were born during 1924–1944, the risk for acquiring colorectal cancer increased as the placental surface became longer and more oval. Among people in whom the difference between the length and breadth of the surface exceeded 6 cm, the hazard ratio for the cancer was 2.3 (95% CI 1.2–4.7, p=0.003) compared with those in whom there was no difference. Among Finnish men, the hazard ratio for coronary heart disease was 1.07 (1.02–1.13, P =0.01) per 1% increase in the placental weight/birthweight ratio. Thus, it appears that the ratio of birthweight to placental weight, known as placental efficiency, predicts cardiovascular risk as well. Babies born with placentas at the extremes of efficiency are more vulnerable for adult onset chronic diseases. Recent evidence suggests that placental growth patterns are sex specific. Boys’ placentas are, in general, more efficient than those made by girls. Another recent discovery is that the size, shape and efficiencies of the placenta can change over years of time with very narrow confidence limits. This suggests that the growth of the placenta within a population of women is strongly affected by their nutritional environment. Even though it is known that an individual placenta can expand to improve its nutrient acquisition capacity in the first 2/3rd of gestation, the mechanisms by which placentas grow in response to a specific nutritional environment are not known. Discovering those mechanisms is the task of the current generation of scientists. While it may seem obvious that good nutrition is highly important for women who are pregnant because it supports optimal placentation and fetal development, more research is needed to determine the mechanisms by which maternal nutrition, placenta growth and fetal health are related.

Estimating the Effects of Obesity and Weight Change on Mortality Using a Dynamic Causal Model.

BackgroundA well-known challenge in estimating the mortality risks of obesity is reverse causality attributable to illness-associated and smoking-associated weight loss. Given that the likelihood of chronic and acute illnesses rises with age, reverse causality is most threatening to estimates derived from elderly populations.MethodsI analyzed data from 12,523 respondents over 50 years old from a nationally representative longitudinal dataset, the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The effects of both baseline body weight and time-varying weight change on mortality are estimated, adjusting for demographic and socio-economic variables, as well as time-varying confounders including illness and smoking. Body weight is measured by body mass index (BMI). In survival models for mortality, illness and smoking were lagged to minimize bias from reverse causality in estimates of the effect of weight change. Furthermore, because illness both causes and is caused by changes in BMI, I used a marginal structural model (MSM) rather than standard adjustment to control confounding by this and other time-dependent factors.ResultsOverall, relative to normal weight, underweight and Class II/III at baseline are associated with hazard ratios that are 2.07 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28–3.37) and 1.82 (1.54–2.16) respectively, whereas overweight and Class I obesity do not significantly lower or raise the mortality risks. Furthermore, relative to stable weight change, all types of weight change lead to significantly increased risk of mortality. Specifically, large weight loss results in a mortality risk that is nearly 3.86 (3.26–4.58) times of staying in the stable weight range and small weight loss is about 1.81 (1.55–2.11 ) times riskier. In contrast, large weight gain and small weight gain are associated with hazard ratios that are 1.98 (1.67–2.35) and 1.20 (1.02–1.41) respectively.ConclusionsBeing underweight or severe obese at baseline is associated with excess mortality risk, and weight change tend to raise mortality risk. Both the confounding by illness and by smoking lead to overestimates of the effects of being underweight at baseline and of weight loss, but underestimates the effect of being obese at baseline.

Laryngeal cleft type I in neonate: case report

Laryngeal cleft (LC) is a congenital malformation that leads to the unusual communication between the esophagus and the laryngotracheal complex. It is a rare disease, mostly prevalent among male individuals. The goal of this study was to describe the evaluation and intervention by the speech language pathologist of a female newborn diagnosed with LC type I, admitted on the University Hospital of Universidade de São Paulo, in her second hospitalization due to small weight gain and pneumonia. She was submitted to a bedside clinical evaluation of the swallowing and the most important occurrence was frequent gagging. The videofluoroscopy swallowing study showed laryngotracheal aspiration level 8 for thin liquid and level 1 for thickened liquid, according to the Penetration-Aspiration Scale. The newborn was submitted to a microlaryngoscopy, in which the presence of LC type I was found. After the diagnosis, the speech language pathologist offered thickened liquid at 6% and, in 8 days, the newborn was discharged with exclusive oral diet without gagging. Eight outpatient consultations were carried out for 11 months, with emphasis on reintroduction of thin liquids. The treatment was discontinued and the patient was put on general diet for the age without modifications. Throughout follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and showed no respiratory complications.

Improvement of insulin sensitivity by isoenergy high carbohydrate traditional Asian diet: a randomized controlled pilot feasibility study.

The prevalence of diabetes is rising dramatically among Asians, with increased consumption of the typical Western diet as one possible cause. We explored the metabolic responses in East Asian Americans (AA) and Caucasian Americans (CA) when transitioning from a traditional Asian diet (TAD) to a typical Western diet (TWD), which has not been reported before. This 16-week randomized control pilot feasibility study, included 28AA and 22CA who were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eight weeks of TAD were provided to all participants, followed by 8 weeks of isoenergy TWD (intervention) or TAD (control). Anthropometric measures, lipid profile, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers were assessed. While on TAD, both AA and CA improved in insulin AUC (−960.2 µU/mL×h, P = 0.001) and reduced in weight (−1.6 kg; P<0.001), body fat (−1.7%, P<0.001) and trunk fat (−2.2%, P<0.001). Comparing changes from TAD to TWD, AA had a smaller weight gain (−1.8 to 0.3 kg, P<0.001) than CA (−1.4 to 0.9 kg, P = 0.001), but a greater increase in insulin AUC (AA: −1402.4 to 606.2 µU/mL×h, P = 0.015 vs CA: −466.0 to 223.5 µU/mL×h, P = 0.034) and homeostatic static model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (AA: −0.3 to 0.2, P = 0.042 vs CA: −0.1 to 0.0, P = 0.221). Despite efforts to maintain isoenergy state and consumption of similar energy, TAD induced weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in both groups, while TWD worsened the metabolic profile. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00379548

Response to deep brain stimulation in the lateral hypothalamic area in a rat model of obesity: in vivo assessment of brain glucose metabolism.

To investigate changes in glucose brain metabolism after deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) in a rat model of obesity. Ten obese male Zucker rats were divided into two groups: LHA-control and LHA-DBS. Concentric bipolar platinum-iridium electrodes were implanted bilaterally. After 7 days, DBS was applied for 15 days. Weight and food and water intake were monitored. 2-Deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose ([(18)F]FDG) PET-CT imaging studies were performed the day after the end of DBS. Differences in glucose uptake between the groups were assessed with statistical parametric mapping. A difference in weight gain of 3.19 percentage points was found between groups. Average food consumption during the first 15 days was lower in DBS-treated animals than in non-stimulated animals. DBS increased metabolism in the mammillary body, subiculum-hippocampal area, and amygdala, while a decrease in metabolism was recorded in the thalamus, caudate, temporal cortex, and cerebellum. DBS produced significant changes in brain regions associated with the control of food intake and the brain reward system. DBS seems to normalize the impaired hippocampal functioning that has been described in obese rats. The smaller weight gain in the DBS group suggests that this technique could be considered an option for the treatment of obesity.

Imaging of Bariatric Surgery: Normal Anatomy and Postoperative Complications

Obesity is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and around the world. During the past 2 decades, bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular form of treatment for morbid obesity. The most common bariatric procedures performed include laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal examinations and abdominal computed tomography (CT) are the major imaging tests used to evaluate patients after these various forms of bariatric surgery. The purpose of this article is to present the surgical anatomy and normal imaging findings and postoperative complications for these bariatric procedures at fluoroscopic examinations and CT. Complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include anastomotic leaks and strictures, marginal ulcers, jejunal ischemia, small bowel obstruction, internal hernias, intussusception, and recurrent weight gain. Complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding include stomal stenosis, malpositioned bands, pouch dilation, band slippage, perforation, gastric volvulus, intraluminal band erosion, and port- and band-related problems. Finally, complications after sleeve gastrectomy include postoperative leaks and strictures, gastric dilation, and gastroesophageal reflux. The imaging features of these various complications of bariatric surgery are discussed and illustrated.

A randomized pilot study with daily walking during adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with breast and colorectal cancer

Background. Physical activity during chemotherapy has been shown in several studies to reduce fatigue, improve symptoms and impact positively on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Challenges associated with intervention studies on physical activity during cancer treatment relate to consistent adherence. The primary objective was to study feasibility and adherence of physical activity intervention among patients with cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. The secondary objective was to investigate the effects of physical activity on health aspects, including HRQoL, symptoms and surrogate markers for cardiovascular disease.Material and methods. This randomized controlled trial included patients with breast cancer (BRCA) and colorectal cancer (CRC) during adjuvant chemotherapy. The intervention continued for 10 weeks and included daily walks of 10 000 steps and a weekly supervised group walk. Adherence was assessed by a pedometer and the number of participants who reported step counts every week and percentage of participants who achieved the target steps every week.Results. Adherence average reached 91% during the intervention period; in total 74% completed the exercise intervention. The majority of the participants achieved an average of 83% of the target of 10 000 steps per day for 10 weeks. There was a significant increase in daily physical activity (p = 0.016) in the intervention group. Significant differences were also found for some breast cancer-specific symptoms [swelling, mobility and pain (p = 0.045)]. The study showed a relatively small weight gain an average of 0.9 kg in the intervention group and 1.3 kg in the control group.Conclusion. Physical activity in the form of walking is feasible during adjuvant chemotherapy treatment despite increasing symptoms. The physical activity increased in the intervention group during the study time and had a positive impact on breast symptoms and the weight gain was lower in comparison to previous studies.

Whole grain and body weight changes in apparently healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Whole grains have received increased attention for their potential role in weight regulation. A high intake has been associated with smaller weight gain in prospective cohort studies, whereas the evidence from randomized controlled studies has been less consistent. We assessed the effects of whole-grain compared with non-whole-grain foods on changes in body weight, percentage of body fat, and waist circumference by using a meta-analytic approach. We conducted a systematic literature search in selected databases. Studies were included in the review if they were randomized controlled studies of whole-grain compared with a non-whole-grain control in adults. A total of 2516 articles were screened for eligibility, and relevant data were extracted from 26 studies. Weighted mean differences were calculated, and a metaregression analysis was performed by using the whole-grain dose (g/d). Data from 2060 participants were included. Whole-grain intake did not show any effect on body weight (weighted difference: 0.06 kg; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.20 kg; P = 0.45), but a small effect on the percentage of body fat was seen (weighted difference: -0.48%; 95% CI: -0.95%, -0.01%; P = 0.04) compared with that for a control. An examination of the impact of daily whole-grain intake could predict differences between groups, but there was no significant association (β = -0.0013 kg × g/d; 95% CI: -0.011, 0.009 kg × g/d). Whole-grain consumption does not decrease body weight compared with control consumption, but a small beneficial effect on body fat may be present. The relatively short duration of intervention studies (≤16 wk) may explain the lack of difference in body weight and fat. Discrepancies between studies may be caused by differences in study design.

Dronabinol in severe, enduring anorexia nervosa: A randomized controlled trial

The evidence for pharmacological treatment of severe, longstanding anorexia nervosa (AN) is sparse and the few controlled pharmacologic studies have focused on a narrow range of drugs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of treatment with a synthetic cannabinoid agonist on body weight and eating disorder-related psychopathological personality traits in women with severe, enduring AN. This add-on, prospective, randomized, double blind, controlled crossover study was conducted between 2008 and 2011 at a specialized care center for eating disorders. Twenty-five women over 18 years with AN of at least 5 years duration were randomized to treatment with either dronabinol-placebo or placebo-dronabinol. In addition to the standardized baseline therapeutic regime, the participants received dronabinol, 2.5 mg twice daily for 4 weeks and matching placebo for 4 weeks, separated by a 4-week wash-out period. Primary outcome was the mean change in body weight. Secondary outcome was score changes on the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). Data were analyzed for the 24 patients who completed the trial. During dronabinol treatment, participants gained 0.73 kg (t = 2.86, df = 22, p < 0.01) above placebo without significant psychotropic adverse events. Dronabinol significantly predicted weight gain in a multiple linear regression including EDI-2 body dissatisfaction score and leptin. EDI-2 subscale scores showed no significant changes over time. Dronabinol therapy was well tolerated. During four weeks of exposure it induced a small but significant weight gain in the absence of severe adverse events.

AlCuFe(Cr) and AlCoFeCr coatings for improvement of elevated temperature oxidation resistance of a near-α titanium alloy

In this work, an AlCuFe, AlCuFeCr and AlCoFeCr multicomponent coatings were deposited on a near-α titanium alloy, TIMETAL 834, by a non-reactive magnetron sputtering. A microstructure, phase composition, coatings adhesion to the substrate, micro-mechanical properties and oxidation resistance were investigated. The AlCuFe coating was quasicrystalline and consisted of icosahedral ψ-Al65Cu20Fe15 phase grains. The AlCuFeCr coating consisted mainly of decagonal d-AlCuFeCr phase and some Al6.1Cu1.2Ti2.7 phase grains. The AlCoFeCr coating microstructure was composed of AlCrFe2 nanocrystals embedded in an Al13Co4 matrix.It was established that all multicomponent coatings exhibit higher hardness and elastic moduli than the titanium alloy substrate. Among all investigated coatings, the AlCoFeCr one exhibits the best adhesion to the substrate. It was found that a very brittle, non-protective scale formed on the uncoated alloy during isothermal oxidation consisted of TiO2 (rutile) grains. The oxidation resistance of the TIMETAL 834 alloy at elevated temperature (750°C) was significantly improved by the coatings deposition. The smallest weight gain during oxidation test, 82% lower than in the case of uncoated sample, was found for the AlCoFeCr coated alloy. The microstructure investigation of the specimen after oxidation test was performed by SEM and TEM. It was found that the improvement of oxidation resistance of TIMETAL 834 by the coatings deposited in the present work is mainly due to an occurrence of the protective α-Al2O3 scale.

REGIME ALIMENTAR DE GIRINOS DE RÃ TOURO

We used 525 bullfrog tadpoles, distributed into 15 boxes with one tadpole per liter. The water was daily renewal (200%). The feeding regimes were constituted of five arrangements using seven commercial rations with levels of 22, 28, 32, 36, 40, 45 and 55% of crude protein (CP), supplied every 15 days. We used a random blocks design, subdivided plots with three replications. The subplots were constituted of five biometries: at the beginning of the experiment, at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. The tadpoles submitted to feeding regime FR1, with 22, 32, 36, and 40% of CP, presented the highest consumption and the same performance as the others. Tadpoles that received FR5, with 40, 45, 45 and 50% of CP, presented greater weight, however, they showed smaller weight gain, greater consumption, conversion and mortality, indicating that this regime is expensive and not adequate for management. Feeding regimes FR2, with 28, 32, 36 and 40% of CP, and FR3, with 32, 36, 40 and 45% of CP, were more adjusted to this kind of management. Animals in all treatments showed higher performance that animals fed traditionally. KEYWORDS: bullfrog nutrition; nutritional requirement; protein.

Potensi Bacillus Coagulans dari Serasah Hutan sebagai Probiotik Ayam Broiler

Probiotics are living microorganisms which controls the balance of pathogenic microbes in the digestive tract of cattle through competitive exclusion mechanism which lately has been widely used as a feed aditive both ruminants and poultry . One type of microbes used in probiotics in poultry livestock is a bacterium of the genus Bacillus . Bacillus coagulans (Lactobacillus sporogenes) had the same function as Lactobacillus sp known as probiotics were able to live in the digestive tract and produced some enzymes and antibiotics required by livestock. The method used in this study is an experimental method with a completely randomized design with 6 treatments administered dose level Basillus coagulans were repeated 5 times. Bacillus coagulans administration dose levels are : Do = Control (Provision of physiological saline without bacteria), DI = 0,6.106 CFU/ml, DII = 42.106 CFU/ml, DIII = 45.107 CFU/ml, DIV = 73.108 CFU/ml, DV = 90.1010 CFU/ml. To determine the effect of treatment used analysis of variance completely randomized design pattern and made a real difference obtained Duncan Range Test. The parameters measured were the number of colonies of Bacillus coagulans in the small intestine, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion, and Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC) of broiler chickens. The results showed the higher dose of Bacillus coagulans were given the better growth of broiler chickens, which at doses 90.1010 CFU /ml chicken rations consume 2679 grams/head with the weight of 1810 g/fish or feed conversion of 1.48 and IOFC 170 g/kg harvest weight or Rp 508 ,-/kg harvest weight. Bacillus coagulans can be used as probiotics to aid digestion and optimal growth of broiler chicken.

Efeito do extrato aquoso de camomila (Chamomilla recutita L.) na prenhez de ratas e no desenvolvimento dos filhotes

As plantas medicinais possuem substâncias ativas e, muitas vezes, o efeito tóxico sobre o organismo é desconhecido ou ignorado pelos usuários. A camomila é muito utilizada pela população, porém, contra-indicada para gestantes por possuir indícios de atividade emenagoga e relaxante da musculatura lisa. Por esses motivos, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do extrato aquoso de camomila na gestação e nos filhotes gerados. Foram utilizadas 9 ratas da linhagem Wistar, divididas em 3 grupos, D1 e D2 que receberam infusão de camomila a 5% e 10% respectivamente, e o grupo controle que recebeu soro fisiológico. Os tratamentos foram administrados por via oral, desde o 1º ao 7º dia após o cruzamento. Os parâmetros estudados foram: prevalência de abortos, ganho de peso materno durante a prenhez, morte fetal e materna, malformações fetais grosseiras, número de recém-nascidos, peso dos filhotes, e análise de reflexos neurológicos dos filhotes (postural, preensão e orientação) no 1º, 3º, 5º e 10º dias de vida. Houve gestação em 70% do grupo controle, 40% do D1 e 80% do D2. Não houve diferença no ganho de peso materno no 7º e 21º dia, porém, os grupos tratados obtiveram ganho de peso menor em relação ao controle no 14º dia de gestação (p=0,04). As diferenças entre o número de recém-nascidos não foram significantes. Quanto ao peso dos recém-nascidos, os animais tratados apresentaram menor ganho de peso aos dias 1, 3, 5, e 10 após o nascimento (p=0,005; p=0,001; p&lt;0,001; p&lt;0,001; respectivamente). Ocorreram diferenças no reflexo postural no 1º dia, ocorrendo aceleração (p=0,005); já no reflexo de preensão (p=0,006), e no reflexo de orientação (p=0,01) houve retardo no desaparecimento, sem alteração nos demais dias sobre os outros parâmetros avaliados. A camomila pode influenciar, tanto no ganho de peso materno durante a gestação, como no dos filhotes após o nascimento, e pode provocar alterações nos reflexos neurológicos. Não se observou alteração nos demais parâmetros estudados.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hot pressed Mo–Cr–Si–Ti in-situ composite, and oxidation behavior with silicide coatings

The present study deals with the synthesis of Mo–16Cr–4Si–0.5Ti (wt.%) alloy by means of the reactive hot pressing method. The microstructure of the synthesized alloy consisted of (Mo, Cr, Ti)3Si, and the discontinuous α-(Mo, Cr, Ti)SS phases. The isothermal oxidation behavior of the alloy was investigated in air at 1273K for 50h. The alloy exhibited superior oxidation behavior in comparison with single phase molybdenum alloys, because of the formation of SiO2 and Cr2O3 over the alloy surface. The flexural strength determined from three-point bend testing of single edge notch bend specimens was 615±15MPa. The dominant mechanism of fracture was identified as transgranular mode of crack propagation. To extend the life of the alloy under oxidizing atmosphere, silicide based oxidation resistant coatings were developed, using halide activated pack cementation process. The kinetic behavior of growth of the coating was established and the activation energy of the coating process was determined to be 52.5kJ/mol. Isothermal oxidation tests of the coated alloy at 1273K for 50h, revealed a small weight gain at the initial stages of oxidation followed by no change of weight, indicating the protective nature of the coating.

Nano-crystalline coating to improve cyclic oxidation resistance of 304 stainless steel

Cyclic oxidation of nano-crystalline 304SS coating was compared with that of conventional, micro-crystalline 304SS in both dry and wet (10% H2O) air at 900°C. The nanocrystalline alloys were prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering coating. Weight change kinetics were measured by continuous thermogravimetry. For micro-crystalline alloy in dry air, a small initial weight gain was followed by gradually increasing spallation. Addition of water vapour to air produced immediate spallation, and led to significant breakaway oxidation. Microstructural analyses revealed the formation of iron-rich oxides on the surface. The addition of water vapour also accelerated the development of internal oxidation in the form of fine spinel precipitates dispersed in the chromium depleted matrix. In contrast, nano-crystalline 304SS, underwent relatively rapid oxidation in the very early cycles of reaction, but then the reaction slowed down. No spallation was apparent in either gas. The weight gain was higher in wet air than in dry air. In both gases a dense and continuous chromium oxide layer was formed at the surface, together with other oxides distributed inside the coating layer. The effects of cyclic reaction, grain size and water vapour on the resistance of 304SS to breakaway oxidation are discussed.

Frying — Effect of coating on crust microstructure, color, and texture of lean meat portions

Skinless, deboned chicken breast fillets were deep fat fried (190°C) with and without a batter and breading coating system for up to 6min (internal temp 70°C). Non-coated samples show surface muscle fiber splitting as soon as placed in oil. As time progressed, the depth of damage increased. Shear force and work to shear increased significantly as a dense hard crust layer was forming. By the end, fillets lost about 1/3 of their weight and had a dark, dry, brittle crust. Frying with coating protected the meat inside and no major damages to muscle fibers were observed. Shear force also increased but the values were about half of what was observed in non-coated products, meaning that the meat inside was protected. Coated products became progressively golden brown (increased a* and b*, decreased L*) while the crust adhered well to the product. After frying, the products showed a small gain in weight which was the result of no structural shrinkage and absorption of a small amount of oil.

Olanzapine and risperidone effects on appetite and ghrelin in chronic schizophrenic patients

Olanzapine and other second generation antipsychotics have been associated with weight gain, which may be related to changes in appetite and food intake. However, it is unclear whether changes in appetite in response to treatment with second generation antipsychotics are persistent in patients treated chronically with these medications and the extent to which changes in appetite are related to any continuing weight gain associated with long-term treatment with these drugs. In a randomized 5-month study of the effects of olanzapine and risperidone on metabolic changes in chronic schizophrenic patients, we assessed appetite changes using two scales and correlated appetite changes with weight gain and metabolic changes. There is evidence that the hormone ghrelin is related to appetite stimulation and falls during satiation after meals, and therefore, may be a physiological concomitant indicating appetite changes. We therefore, also measured ghrelin before and after a fatty meal at baseline and after 2 months of drug treatment. Neither olanzapine nor risperidone increased appetite during the 5 months of study drug treatment, and there was a trend for a decrease in appetite over time. Weight only increased slightly during treatment and changes in appetite scores were not correlated with changes in weight or changes in glucose or lipids. Fasting ghrelin did not increase in olanzapine- or risperidone-treated patients, and there were no significant changes in ghrelin responses to a fatty meal between baseline and 2 months of drug treatment, and no differences in response in olanzapine- vs. risperidone-treated patients. Our findings suggest that in chronic schizophrenic patients treated with multiple antipsychotics in the past, olanzapine or risperidone do not induce increases in appetite and appetite changes are not related to any further small drug-induced weight gain in these chronically treated patients. However, it is possible that different relationships may exist between appetite and weight changes induced by the medications in drug naive patients newly started on olanzapine or risperidone.

Safety evaluation of MJ33 as a potential in vivo inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (NOX2) activation

Inhibition of NOX2 has been proposed for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) by preventing the generation of reactive O2 species (ROS). MJ33, a fluorinated phospholipid analogue, functions as a potential ALI therapeutic agent by inhibiting the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity that is required for NOX2 activation (J. Biol. Chem., 286:11696, 2011). Long‐term toxicity studies were performed to evaluate the feasibility for this use of MJ33. MJ33 incorporated into mixed unilamellar liposomes was injected either intra‐tracheally (IT) or intravenously (IV) in single or multiple doses, up to 25μmol for a 20g mouse. Mice treated with MJ33 up to 10μmol did not show any obvious changes in clinical score, general appearance, activity level, hair quality, body temperature or feces. At 5μmol by IT or IV route, weight loss was &lt;10% and mice recovered with a subsequent small weight gain. Hematocrit and lung wet to dry weight ratio were not altered by MJ33. Weight loss was greater with 10μmol (in multiple doses: 4× 2.5μmol) but was not progressive. Thus, the maximal tolerated dose (defined as causing &gt;15% reduction in body weight) was 0.42μmol/g body wt (~2000 times higher than the dose shown to inhibit PLA2 activity). LD50 was 1.3μmol/g body wt. These results indicate a high margin of safety for administration of MJ33 in the intact mouse.Supported by NHLBI R01 HL075587

Abstract P142: Smokers Can Lose Weight When They Quit Smoking

Background: Smoking is one of the major risk factors of CVD. It is well-known that smokers increase weight when they quit smoking, and concomitant weight increase after smoking cessation may blunt beneficial effects of smoking cessation on e.g. glucose metabolism. However, not all smokers gain weight. To our knowledge, predictors of weight-loss after smoking cessation have not previously been investigated. Methods: in a large population-based study, the Inter99 study, 2,408 daily smokers were included at baseline. Out of these, 262 attended the five year follow-up and reported that they had not smoked for at least 12 months. Participants completed self-report questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. In multivariable logistic regression analyses we investigated predictors of weight-loss. Results: A total of 17.6% of the quitters had lost weight from baseline to 5 years follow-up. Neither sex, age, number of daily meals, energy intake, dietary quality, physical activity, alcohol consumption, nor change in physical activity or alcohol consumption from baseline to five year follow-up was associated with weight-loss at five year follow-up. Quitters with high education had significantly higher probability of weight-loss compared to quitters with low education (OR=3.88(1.04–14.50), p=0.044). Increasing BMI at baseline increased (OR=1.20(1.06–1.36), p=0.004) and increasing tobacco consumption decreased (OR=0.93(0.87–0.99), p=0.038) the probability of weight-loss. Furthermore, quitters who reported a healthier diet at five-year follow-up than at baseline had increased probability of weight-loss (OR=3.23(1.07–9.82), p=0.038). The mean weight-gain in quitters with normal baseline BMI was 5.66kg (±4.8), quitters who were overweight at baseline gained 5.32kg (±7.0) and quitters who were obese gained 1.98kg (±8.3), p=0.038. Conclusion: Weight-loss after quitting smoking is feasible and was achieved by about two out of ten quitters. High BMI, high education and low tobacco consumption at baseline and change to a healthier diet predicted weight loss in daily smokers who had quit for at least 12 months. Discussion: Obese smokers who had quit had the lowest weight-gain. A reason could be that normal-weight smokers are used to eat whatever they want, whereas obese smokers are used to focus on what and how much they eat. Obese smokers should definitely not be advised against quitting smoking in fear of further weight-gain. The large positive cardiovascular health effects of quitting overshadow the negative health effects of a small weight gain, and this study shows that weight-loss after smoking cessation is feasible, especially in obese smokers.