Weight Suppression Research Articles

Severity levels of anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa in a Korean cohort.

Despite its potential for informing tailored treatments, the severity of eating disorders (EDs) lacks clear conceptualisation. The present retrospective cohort study examined the clinical validity and utility of severity specifiers for anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN in a Korean population. Data from 696 Korean outpatients with AN or atypical AN were analysed. Severity criteria for AN from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and the Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders (MEED) guidance were used. Severity criteria applied for atypical AN were the frequency of intermittent fasting (ED Diagnostic Scale item 17), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire global scores, and the degree of weight suppression. Prevalence of extreme cases of AN in our cohort was higher than in Western populations in previous studies. MEED guidance further subclassified extreme AN, revealing distinct psychopathological profiles across severity levels. The proposed severity classification for atypical AN based on the weight loss behaviour of intermittent fasting showed merit. These findings suggest a potential need for a more nuanced AN severity classification that better represents severe medical aspects and encompasses cultural and ethnic diversities. In atypical AN, there is a need to examine severity indices measuring pathological behaviours.

Unraveling the Role and Impact of Alumina on the Nucleation and Reversibility of β‐LiAl in Aluminum Anode Based Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractAluminum, due to its high abundance, very attractive theoretical capacity, low cost, low (de−) lithiation potential, light weight, and effective suppression of dendrite growth, is considered as a promising anode candidate for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, its practical application is hindered due to multiple detrimental challenges, including the formation of an amorphous surface oxide layer, pulverization, and insufficient lithium diffusion kinetics in the α‐phase. These outstanding intrinsic challenges need to be addressed to facilitate the commercial production of Al‐based batteries. The native passivation layer, Al2O3, plays a critical role in the nucleation and reversibility of lithiating aluminum and is thoroughly investigated in this study using high precision electrochemical micro calorimetry. The enthalpy of crystallization of β‐LiAl is found to be 40.5 kJ mol−1, which is in a strong agreement with the value obtained by calculation using Nernst equation (40.04 kJ mol−1). Surface treatment of the active material by the addition of 25 nm of alumina increases the nucleation energy barrier by 83 % over the native oxide layer. After the initial nucleation, the added alumina does not negatively impact the reversibility at 0.1 C rate, suggesting the removal of alumina is not necessary for improving the cyclability of aluminum anode based lithium‐ion batteries. Moreover, the coulombic efficiencies are also found to be slightly higher in the alumina treated samples compared to the untreated ones.

Weight History Correlates of Resting Energy Expenditure in Women With Bulimia Nervosa.

Among those with bulimia nervosa, weight suppression has been associated with illness severity and treatment prognosis. Although significant weight loss is known to reduce metabolic rate, the relation between weight suppression and resting energy expenditure (REE) in bulimia nervosa has not been examined. This study tested the hypothesis of an inverse relation between weight suppression and REE in a sample of women with bulimia nervosa (N = 84). In primary analyses, linear regressions were conducted between weight suppression and REE, corrected for fat-free mass. In follow-up, exploratory analyses, stepwise linear regressions were conducted to explore the main and interaction effects of weight history and weight suppression on REE. Neither traditional (TWS) nor developmental weight suppression (DWS) correlated with REE. Results from exploratory analyses, however, revealed a medium-to-large inverse relation between several weight history variables and REE (highest past weight, sr2 = 0.05; lowest postmorbid weight, sr2 = 0.07; current weight, sr2 = 0.05). Additionally, DWS interacted with current (sr2 = 0.08) and highest premorbid (sr2 = 0.05) z-BMI to influence REE with a medium-to-large effect. For individuals low in current and premorbid z-BMIs, higher DWS associated with lower REE levels. However, for individuals at higher premorbid z-BMIs, higher DWS unexpectedly associated with greater REE levels. In this sample of women with bulimia nervosa, reduced REE associated with higher weights across all timepoints. If the interaction effect between DWS and z-BMI history persists in future studies, this may indicate unique challenges faced by individuals low in z-BMI and high in DWS related to weight gain and normalization of eating.

A novel weight suppression score associates with distinct eating disorder and ultra-processed food addiction symptoms compared to the traditional weight suppression measure among adults seeking outpatient nutrition counseling

BackgroundWeight suppression has been defined as diet-induced weight loss, traditionally operationalized as the difference between one’s highest and current weight. This concept has been studied in the context of eating disorders, but its value in predicting treatment outcomes has been inconsistent, which may be partially attributed to its calculation.MethodThe current study operationalizes a novel weight suppression score, reflecting the midpoint between the lowest and highest adult weights among adults (N = 287, ages 21–75, 73.9% women) seeking outpatient treatment for disordered eating. This report compared the traditional weight suppression calculation to the novel weight suppression score in a simulated dataset to model their differential distributions. Next, we analyzed shared and distinct clinical correlates of traditional weight suppression versus the novel weight suppression score using clinical intake data.ResultsThe novel weight suppression score was significantly associated with meeting criteria for both eating disorders and ultra-processed food addiction and was more sensitive to detecting clinically relevant eating disorder symptomatology. However, the novel weight suppression score (vs. traditional weight suppression) was associated with fewer ultra-processed food addiction symptoms.ConclusionThe novel weight suppression score may be particularly relevant for those with eating disorders and ultra-processed food addiction, with more relevance to individual eating disorder compared to ultra-processed food addiction symptoms. Consideration of the novel weight suppression score in future research on eating behaviors should extend beyond just those with diagnosed eating disorders.

Sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among hospitalized adolescents and young adults with eating disorders

BackgroundRefeeding syndrome is the gravest possible medical complication in malnourished patients undergoing refeeding in the hospital. We previously reported that males with malnutrition secondary to eating disorders required more calories and had longer hospital stays than females; however, sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among male and female adolescents and young adults with eating disorders hospitalized for medical instability.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 558 patients aged 9–25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical instability between May 2012 and August 2020. Serum was drawn per standard of care between 5 and 7 am each morning and electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were defined as: hypophosphatemia (< 3.0 mg/dL), hypokalemia (< 3.5 mEq/L), and hypomagnesemia (< 1.8 mg/dL). Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk.ResultsParticipants included 86 (15.4%) males and 472 (84.6%) females, mean (SD) age 15.5 (2.8) years. Rates of refeeding hypophosphatemia (3.5%), hypokalemia (8.1%), and hypomagnesemia (11.6%) in males hospitalized with eating disorders were low, with no statistically significant differences from females. Older age was associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. Lower percent median body mass index and greater weight suppression at admission were associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia.ConclusionsRates of electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were low in males hospitalized for eating disorders and rates did not significantly differ from females. Together with our finding that males have higher caloric requirements and longer hospital length of stay, the finding that electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were not greater in males than females supports future research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of higher calorie and/or faster advancing refeeding protocols for males.

Abstract B024: Development of HM-001 as a therapeutic drug for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Abstract HM-001 is a drug containing sodium chlorite as the active ingredient that is being developed as a drug for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), and is currently undergoing physician-led clinical trials. It has been discovered that sodium chlorite generates radicals in an acidic environment, and phosphatidylserine on the surface of tumor cells acts as a Lewis acid to generate radicals. HM-001, like other anticancer drugs and BCG, is intended to be injected into the bladder, retained, and then excreted. GLP studies using the same administration method has been completed, and no toxic changes have been observed in human trial doses. The efficacy of HM-001 against NMIBC was evaluated using an orthotopic transplantation model of UM-UC-3, a bladder cancer cell line. In the model, cells were transplanted into the bladder of SCID mouse after epithelial removal with trypsin, 600, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 ppm of HM-001 were administered once a week, and the weight of the excised bladder was calculated. After 4 weeks, the tumor weight was calculated and the tumor weight suppression rate in the control group was evaluated. As a result, the medicinal efficacy was confirmed at concentrations of 800ppm or higher. On the other hand, the UM-UC-3 model is a commonly used model, but it mimics CIS (carcinoma in situ) and can only partially mimic NMIBC. That is, other models are needed to evaluate efficacy for low- and high-grade NMIBC other than CIS. Therefore, we established high-grade and low-grade PDX and evaluated the effectiveness of HM-001 against low- and high-grade PDX through ex vivo testing. First, patient-derived tissue was transplanted into SCID mice, allowed to grow, and then removed. After extraction, they were cut into 2 mm3 pieces, exposed to HM-001 at 800, 1600, and 3200 ppm for 2 hours, and then transplanted into SCID mice. As a result of comparing the tumor size after transplantation with the control group, a dose-dependent tumor regression effect was confirmed in high-grade and low-grade PDX. NMIBC is divided into low-, medium-, and high-risk categories, with different treatment methods and drugs used for each. In particular, low-grade forms are restricted to low- and intermediate-risk groups. The results of this study show that HM-001 is effective not only for high-risk (including CIS) NMIBC but also for low- and intermediate-risk (low-grade) NMIBC. Citation Format: Shinji Mima, Monta Sakaki, Noriaki Kiya, Atsunari Kawashima, Norio Nonomura, Chihaya Kakinuma. Development of HM-001 as a therapeutic drug for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Bladder Cancer: Transforming the Field; 2024 May 17-20; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(10_Suppl):Abstract nr B024.

Physiological, body composition, and body mass measures show that a developmental measure of weight suppression is more valid than the traditional measure.

The traditional measure of weight suppression (TWS; the difference between an individual's highest past weight at adult height and current weight), has been associated with many psychological, behavioral and biological variables in those with eating disorders. A new measure of weight suppression, called developmental weight suppression (DWS), corrects two major problems in the original measure. Initial research indicates that DWS represents a superior operationalization of the construct weight suppression was originally designed to measure (Lowe [1993, Psychol Bull, 114: 100]). This study is the first to examine the relation between both WS measures and weight history, body composition and a variety of metabolic hormones. Data were collected in 91 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) or BN-spectrum disorders. Both weight suppression indices were related to multiple hormones. However, multiple regression analyses showed that the independent effects of DWS differed from the independent effects of TWS in that only DWS was negatively related to: (1) current z-BMI, (2) body fat percentage, and (3) insulin, leptin, T3 free, and TSH. This differential pattern also occurred when results were corrected for multiple comparisons. Findings provide stronger biological support for the construct validity of DWS than TWS and suggest that: (1) from the perspective of individuals with BN, high DWS embodies success at food restriction and weight loss, (2) elevated DWS may trap individuals with BN in a powerful biobehavioral bind, and (3) DWS is the preferred measure of weight suppression in future research on eating disorders. Most individuals with bulimia nervosa lose substantial weight in the process of developing their disorder. Such weight suppression is related to many characteristics of those with the eating disorder bulimia nervosa. This study shows why a new measure of weight suppression, based on an individual's growth during development, is more biologically valid than the traditional measure of weight suppression.

Abstract 3329: Development of HM-001 as a therapeutic drug for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Abstract HM-001 is a drug containing sodium chlorite as the active ingredient that is being developed as a drug for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), and is currently undergoing physician-led clinical trials. It has been discovered that sodium chlorite generates radicals in an acidic environment, and phosphatidylserine on the surface of tumor cells acts as a Lewis acid to generate radicals. HM-001, like other anticancer drugs and BCG, is intended to be injected into the bladder, retained, and then excreted. GLP studies using the same administration method has been completed, and no toxic changes have been observed in human trial doses. The efficacy of HM-001 against NMIBC was evaluated using an orthotopic transplantation model of UM-UC-3, a bladder cancer cell line. In the model, cells were transplanted into the bladder of SCID mouse after epithelial removal with trypsin, 600, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 ppm of HM-001 were administered once a week, and the weight of the excised bladder was calculated. After 4 weeks, the tumor weight was calculated and the tumor weight suppression rate in the control group was evaluated. As a result, the medicinal efficacy was confirmed at concentrations of 800ppm or higher. On the other hand, the UM-UC-3 model is a commonly used model, but it mimics CIS (carcinoma in situ) and can only partially mimic NMIBC. That is, other models are needed to evaluate efficacy for low- and high-grade NMIBC other than CIS. Therefore, we established high-grade and low-grade PDX and evaluated the effectiveness of HM-001 against low- and high-grade PDX through ex vivo testing. First, patient-derived tissue was transplanted into SCID mice, allowed to grow, and then removed. After extraction, they were cut into 2 mm3 pieces, exposed to HM-001 at 800, 1600, and 3200 ppm for 2 hours, and then transplanted into SCID mice. As a result of comparing the tumor size after transplantation with the control group, a dose-dependent tumor regression effect was confirmed in high-grade and low-grade PDX. NMIBC is divided into low-, medium-, and high-risk categories, with different treatment methods and drugs used for each. In particular, low-grade forms are restricted to low- and intermediate-risk groups. The results of this study show that HM-001 is effective not only for high-risk (including CIS) NMIBC but also for low- and intermediate-risk (low-grade) NMIBC. Citation Format: Shinji Mima, Monta Sakaki, Noriaki Kiya, Atsunari Kawashima, Norio Nonomura, Chihaya Kakinuma. Development of HM-001 as a therapeutic drug for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3329.

Electron Glass Phase with Resilient Zhang-Rice Singlets in LiCu_{3}O_{3}.

LiCu_{3}O_{3} is an antiferromagnetic mixed valence cuprate where trilayers of edge-sharing Cu(II)O (3d^{9}) are sandwiched in between planes of Cu(I) (3d^{10}) ions, with Li stochastically substituting Cu(II). Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and density functional theory reveal two insulating electronic subsystems that are segregated in spite of sharing common oxygen atoms: a Cu d_{z^{2}}/O p_{z} derived valence band (VB) dispersing on the Cu(I) plane, and a Cu 3d_{x^{2}-y^{2}}/O 2p_{x,y} derived Zhang-Rice singlet (ZRS) band dispersing on the Cu(II)O planes. First-principle analysis shows the Li substitution to stabilize the insulating ground state, but only if antiferromagnetic correlations are present. Li further induces substitutional disorder and a 2D electron glass behavior in charge transport, reflected in a large 530meV Coulomb gap and a linear suppression of VB spectral weight at E_{F} that is observed by ARPES. Surprisingly, the disorder leaves the Cu(II)-derived ZRS largely unaffected. This indicates a local segregation of Li and Cu atoms onto the two separate corner-sharing Cu(II)O_{2} sub-lattices of the edge-sharing Cu(II)O planes, and highlights the ubiquitous resilience of the entangled two hole ZRS entity against impurity scattering.

The combination of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides and cisplatin enhances the anti liver cancer effect and improves intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders

Polysaccharides are commonly used as low-toxicity anticancer active substances to enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin and reduce toxicity. Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides have been shown to have hepatoprotective effects; however, their anticancer effects in combination with cisplatin and their mechanisms have not been reported. An acidic polysaccharide from Brassica rapa L. (BRCPe) using hydroalcohol precipitation-assisted sonication was Characterized. The effects of BRCPe combined with cisplatin treatment on tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model were investigated. The impact of the combined treatment on the composition of intestinal flora, levels of short-chain fatty acids and endogenous metabolites in tumor mice were analyzed based on macrogenomic and metabolomic data Our results showed that the BRCPe combined with low-dose Cisplatin group showed better inhibitory activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth in terms of tumor volume, tumor weight, and tumor suppression rate compared with the BRCPe and Cisplation alone group, and reduced the side effects of cisplatin-induced body weight loss, immune deficiency, and liver injury. Furthermore, BRCPe combined with cisplatin was found to induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell through the activation of the caspase cascade reaction. In addition, the intervention of BRCPe were observed to modulate the composition, structure and functional structure of intestinal flora affected by cisplatin. Notably, Lachnospiraceae bacteria, Lactobacillus murinus, Muribaculaceae, and Clostridiales bacteria were identified as significant contributors to microbial species involved in metabolic pathways. Moreover, BRCPe effectively regulate the metabolic disorders in cisplatin-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mice. In conclusion, BRCPe could potentially function as an adjuvant or dietary supplement to augment the effectiveness of cisplatin chemotherapy through the preservation of a more efficient intestinal microenvironmental homeostasis.

Preliminary associations of body weight, weight bias, and dietary restriction with eating disorder diagnosis in women experiencing food insecurity

ABSTRACT Understanding the co-occurrence of food insecurity and eating disorders is a pressing concern. Several factors have been hypothesized to increase risk for eating disorders in women with food insecurity including dietary restriction, body weight, and weight-related bias, but few studies have tested these factors simultaneously to determine which are associated most strongly with eating disorder status. We tested cross-sectional associations of dietary restriction, current body mass index (BMI), weight suppression (i.e. the difference between current weight and highest weight), and weight bias with eating disorder diagnosis in a sample of 99 self-identified women with current food insecurity (54% White; mean [SD] age = 40.26 [14.33] years). Participants completed two virtual study visits consisting of electronic questionnaires and interviews. A binary logistic regression model was conducted to test relations between the hypothesized correlates and eating disorder diagnostic status in the past 12 months, controlling for age, food insecurity severity, and body dissatisfaction. Higher levels of weight suppression and weight bias, but not current BMI, were significantly associated with the presence of an eating disorder. Contrary to our hypothesis, greater dietary restriction was associated with lower likelihood of eating disorder diagnosis. Results suggest high levels of weight bias and weight suppression characterize women with food insecurity who meet criteria for an eating disorder. Women who experience food insecurity and have lost a relatively great deal of weight and/or hold biases about high weight should be screened for eating pathology in clinical settings.

Preconception weight suppression predicts eating disorder symptoms in pregnancy.

Disordered eating is common in pregnancy and associated with adverse health outcomes. Weight suppression (WS), the discrepancy between highest lifetime and current weight, is a robust predictor of loss of control (LOC) and binge eating and weight gain trajectories in clinical populations. This study explored the role of preconception WS as a predictor of disordered eating and weight gain in pregnancy. Pregnant individuals (n=137) reported their highest, preconception, and current weights to calculate preconception WS, actual gestational weight gain (GWG), and deviations from recommended weight gain trajectories in pregnancy. Participants also completed the Prenatal Eating Behaviours Screening (PEBS) tool, a validated measure of disordered eating specifically in pregnancy. Preconception WS was a significant predictor of PEBS total scores [F(5, 122)=2.70, p=0.02, R2=0.10] and significantly and positively correlated with individual item scores quantifying restrictive eating behaviours. Preconception WS was not predictive of deviations from recommended GWG trajectories or LOC or binge eating frequency and did not interact with pre-pregnancy body mass index or GWG to predict eating disorder symptom severity. Preconception WS was predictive of disordered eating, and specifically restrictive eating behaviours in pregnancy, and should be assessed as part of screening for eating disorder risk in pregnant individuals.

Weight suppression at lowest weight as an indicator of eating disorder clinical severity: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesWeight suppression (WS) defines the difference between the highest weight in adulthood and the current weight. WS at lowest weight is the difference between the highest and the lowest ever weight. Weight rebound is the difference between the past lowest weight and current weight. The distinction in the capacities of WS, weight rebound, and WS at the lowest weight remains unclear regarding their efficacy in forecasting clinical endpoints. This study assessed the relationship between WS, WS at lowest weight and/or weight rebound and eating disorder (ED) clinical severity. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, adult participants were selected at the Outpatient Unit for multidisciplinary assessment of ED, Montpellier, France, between February 2012 and October 2014 and May 2017 and January 2020. ED clinical severity was evaluated using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). ResultsThe sample included 303 patients: 204 with anorexia nervosa (AN) and 99 with bulimia nervosa (BN). The EDE-Q total score was positively correlated with WS at lowest weight in patients with AN (Spearman's rho = 0.181, p = 0.015) and with BN (Spearman's rho = 0.377; p < 0.001). It was also positively correlated with weight rebound (Spearman's rho = 0.319; p = 0.003) in patients with BN. In the multivariate analysis, EDE-Q total score was associated with WS at lowest weight only in patients with BN (β = 0.265; p = 0.03). ConclusionWS at lowest weight seems to be a good measure of ED clinical severity. More research is needed for better understanding WS at lowest weight in assessment and treatment of patients with ED.

Recovery Trajectories in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa

Background: This study aimed to document recovery trajectories among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) based on three markers of remission, namely changes in body weight, food restriction, and excessive exercise, and to identify predictors of these trajectories. Methods: One hundred twenty-six adolescent girls (14.7 ± 1.3 years) were recruited during initial assessment visits at specialized eating disorder (ED) programs in five University Health Centers across the province of Quebec, Canada. z-BMI and AN symptom severity (food restriction and excessive exercise) were assessed at initial assessment visits and subsequently reassessed at each quarterly follow-up over a 12-month period to identify recovery trajectories. Results: Considering the three markers of remission, three distinct trajectories emerged: Group 1, rapid responders; Group 2, gradual responders; and Group 3, unstable responders. At initial visits, a difference between groups was found regarding the type of treatment (p = 0.01) and weight suppression (p = 0.02). Group 1 had a higher number of youths hospitalized than Group 2 and Group 3, and a greater weight suppression than Group 3. Furthermore, individuals with atypical AN were more likely to belong to Group 2 than to Group 1 and Group 3 (p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of recovery trajectories in adolescent girls with AN.

Does embedding pediatric eating disorder treatment in primary care bridge the access gap?

ABSTRACT Given the numerous barriers to accessing child and adolescent eating disorder treatment, there is a need for innovation in how this care is delivered. Primary care-based eating disorder treatment has established proof-of-concept, yet it is unclear whether this model can bridge the treatment-access gap. This retrospective chart review study compared demographic and illness characteristics of 106 adolescents (M age = 15.1 years) SD = 1.8 consecutively evaluated in a primary care-based eating disorder clinic with 103 adolescent patients (M age = 15.2 years) SD = 2.2 seen consecutively in a specialty eating disorder clinic at the same medical center. Relative to adolescents in specialty care, those in the primary care group presented at a significantly higher BMI percentile, had less weight suppression, a shorter illness duration, lower rates of amenorrhea and lower scores on the EDE-Q Dietary Restraint subscale. In addition, more patients in the primary care group identified as non-white and had government/public assistance insurance compared to those in the specialty group. The results suggest that, compared to traditional specialty care clinics, embedded eating disorder treatment in primary care may reach a more racially and socioeconomically diverse group of adolescents when they are earlier in the course of their illness. Future research determining the relative effectiveness of this model as compared to interventions delivered in specialty care is needed.

Gut microbial metabolites reveal diet-dependent metabolic changes induced by nicotine administration

The gut microbiota has emerged as an important factor that potentially influences various physiological functions and pathophysiological processes such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Accumulating evidence from human and animal studies suggests that gut microbial metabolites play a critical role as integral molecules in host–microbe interactions. Notably, several dietary environment-dependent fatty acid metabolites have been recognized as potent modulators of host metabolic homeostasis. More recently, nicotine, the primary active molecule in tobacco, has been shown to potentially affect host metabolism through alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolites. However, the mechanisms underlying the interplay between host nutritional status, diet-derived microbial metabolites, and metabolic homeostasis during nicotine exposure remain unclear. Our findings revealed that nicotine administration had potential effects on weight regulation and metabolic phenotype, independent of reduced caloric intake. Moreover, nicotine-induced body weight suppression is associated with specific changes in gut microbial composition, including Lactobacillus spp., and KetoB, a nicotine-sensitive gut microbiota metabolite, which could be linked to changes in host body weight, suggesting its potential role in modulating host metabolism. Our findings highlight the remarkable impact of the interplay between nutritional control and the gut environment on host metabolism during smoking and smoking cessation.

Predictors of psychopathology response in atypical anorexia nervosa following inpatient treatment: A propensity score matching study of weight suppression and weight loss speed.

This study examines weight suppression (WS) and weight loss speed (WLS) in atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) and its implications for treatment outcomes, compared to people with AN and bulimia nervosa (BN). A mixed cross-sectional and prospective design was employed, assessing WS and WLS in people with atypical AN, AN, and BN. Participants were matched for age, gender, age of onset, and disorder duration. Clinical measurements and eating disorders questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores were employed to evaluate the response to treatment. Individuals with atypical individuals exhibited WS patterns similar to AN, distinct from BN. Rapid WLS predicted clinical responses in atypical AN and BN, underscoring its treatment relevance. Atypical AN showed higher eating psychopathology scores than AN or BN, emphasizing the need for a reframed diagnosis. Understanding atypical AN's connection to restrictive behaviors and weight loss informs screening, assessment, and treatment practices. Recognition of atypical AN's severity and adoption of tailored approaches are essential for recovery. This study highlights the significance of WS and WLS in atypical AN treatment outcomes, offering insights into clinical practice and care. The proposal to reframe atypical AN as a restrictive eating disorder emphasizes its clinical relevance. The phenomenon of weight suppression, involving the discrepancy between past highest weight and current weight, has garnered attention due to cultural pressures emphasizing fitness and appearance. This study focuses on its implications in atypical anorexia nervosa, aiming to uncover the relationship between WS, its speed, and treatment outcomes. The investigation contributes insights into tailored interventions for atypical anorexia nervosa and enriches the understanding of this complex disorder's dynamics.

Associations between low body weight, weight loss, and medical instability in adults with eating disorders.

The physical complications of atypical anorexia nervosa remain understudied, with most studies completed in adolescents. This study seeks to examine the impact of various weight measures as predictors of medical instability in a large cohort of adult eating disorder patients. In this retrospective cohort study, the impact of admission body mass index (BMI), weight suppression, and recent weight loss (the rate of weight loss within the last 12 months) toward the development of medical complications of malnutrition were examined. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association of binary clinical outcomes of interest with recent weight loss and weight suppression (adjusting for age, admission BMI, gender, and purging behaviors). Odds ratios (OR) and 99% confidence intervals were reported. Greater recent weight loss increased the odds of developing low prealbumin and reduced hand grip strength. A greater weight suppression was associated with increased likelihood of amenorrhea, reduced systolic blood pressure, nadir hemoglobin, and weekly weight gain upon nutritional rehabilitation. Lower admission BMI was predictive of all the medical outcomes examined, with the exception of bradycardia, and was generally the strongest predictor based on standardized coefficients. Recent weight loss and weight suppression are predictive of some of the physiologic changes of malnutrition, although low BMI is seemingly the greatest predictor for the development of these complications. These findings suggest that some patients with aggressive weight suppression and/or acute weight loss would benefit from medical stabilization, although this needs to be further defined. In adults, low BMI seems to be a better predictor of medical complications than weight suppression or aggressive recent weight loss. In adults, greater weight suppression is associated with increased likelihood of amenorrhea, reduced systolic blood pressure, nadir hemoglobin, and weight gain upon nutritional rehabilitation.

The moderating role of food cravings in the relationship between weight suppression and eating disorder psychopathology in college students.

Weight suppression (WS), the difference between an individual's current and highest adult weight, is predictive of eating-related pathology across diagnostic categories and poor eating disorder treatment outcomes, but findings from non-clinical samples have been mixed. Cravings are strong urges for specific foods that are subjectively difficult to resist. Food cravings are now widely conceptualized as cognitive-affective states characterized by intrusive thoughts that are perceived as distressing and can interfere with adaptive functioning. Food cravings are known antecedents of binge eating, but little is known about how they interact with WS. We examined the obsessive-compulsive aspects of food cravings as potential moderators of the association between WS and eating disorder symptoms in general, and binge eating specifically in a cross-sectional study of college students. Participants (n = 144, 60.4% female) self-reported their height and current and past highest adult weight and completed the Binge Eating Scale (BES), Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and Obsessive Compulsive Eating Scale (OCES). Main and interactive effects of WS and OCES scores on EDE-Q global and BES scores were examined in regression models. There were significant main effects of OCES scores on overall eating disorder symptom severity as well as binge frequency, with those endorsing more craving-related intrusive thoughts and compulsive urges engaging in maladaptive behaviors more frequently. WS alone did not consistently cross-sectionally predict eating disorder psychopathology. Findings suggest that food cravings are significantly associated with disordered eating symptoms and specifically binge eating frequency and should be accounted for in future research on WS in clinical and non-clinical samples.

Tea polyphenol EGC suppresses colorectal cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo via downregulation of STAT3

Epigallocatechin (EGC) is one of the main bioactive polyphenols in green tea. This study aims to determine the anti-tumor effect of EGC against colorectal cancer. Our results revealed that treatment of EGC led to significant suppression of cell proliferation and apoptosis in three colorectal cancer cells. Western blot confirmed that EGC activated Caspase-3 and PARP, down-regulated the phosphorylation of STAT3 and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Luciferase-reporter-activity assay further determined that EGC suppressed the promoter activity of STAT3 and downregulated the transcription of STAT3. Besides, in vivo study proved that EGC (100 mg/kg) resulted in significant suppression of tumor volume and tumor weight (decreased by 63.7 %) in mice bearing SW620 tumors. Tumor organoid assays demonstrated the inhibitory efficacy of EGC in colorectal organoids. In conclusion, our study present evidence that EGC inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo by down-regulation phosphorylated STAT3 and activated downstreams.