Surgical Weight Loss Research Articles

Bariatric Surgery in Adolescent Age Group

Obesity in children is a problematic condition which interfere with physical and mental health. It is a complicated disorder with interwoven environmental, genetic, biological components, developmental, and behavioral. A combination of medical treatment and behavioral and lifestyle modifications was typically what causes poor short-term weight loss and long-term failure. For this reason, adolescents who suffer from moderate to severe obesity and have attempted lifestyle interventions in the past but had no success should think about having bariatric surgery. Specifically, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is thought to be the most often carried out bariatric procedure globally. The technique is safe and doable. It has been demonstrated that this surgical weight loss procedure is effective in young patients. However, there are obstacles that need to be removed at the levels of patients, providers, and the healthcare system. Above all, for ensuring successful long-term treatment and permit healthy growth, more should be done to stop the nutritional status decline that frequently follows bariatric surgery, as well as to prevent insufficient weight loss and weight regain. With a focus on LSG, nutritional management, and the resolution of metabolic comorbidities, we examined the clinical indications, surgical treatment options, and outcomes in adolescents with severe obesity in this narrative review.

In-hospital economic impact and mortality of bariatric surgery on congestive heart failure in the USA: a nationwide analysis

Abstract Background Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) remains a significant economic burden in the inpatient setting. There is a complex correlation between obesity and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Bariatric surgery has emerged as a critical intervention for patients with morbid obesity. However, there is limited data on how this intervention impacts hospital economic metrics and patient outcomes in the context of CHF post-bariatric surgery. Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the in-hospital economic impact and mortality among patients with congestive heart failure who have undergone bariatric surgery. Methods We queried the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2020; this retrospective observational cohort study identified CHF patients who had undergone bariatric surgery through ICD-10 codes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine Total Charges (TOTCH) and Length of Stay (LOS), adjusting for confounders including the Elixhauser comorbidity index, hospital region, quarterly income, and hospital location to identify the economic impact on CHF (Table 1). Results Out of 25,900,000 patients with congestive heart failure, 5,983,684 (23%) were obese, and 208,220 (0.8%) had undergone bariatric surgery. The demographic profile showed a mean age of 63 predominance of females (65%) and the White population (69.5%) (Table 1). The mean TOTCH for patients undergoing bariatric surgery was $66,235, compared to $76,046 for those who did not undergo the surgery, with a significant mean decrease in TOTCH of -$11,454 (p<0.001, 95% CI: -$12,472 to -$10,435). The mean LOS was 5 days for patients with bariatric surgery versus 6 days for those without, showing a mean decrease in LOS of 0.93 days (95% CI: -0.99 to -0.87). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in overall mortality risk among patients who had bariatric surgery (2.1%) compared to those who did not (5%), with an (OR 0.4 p<0.001, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.43). Conclusion Our research demonstrates that bariatric surgery in obese individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF) markedly decreases in-hospital mortality, reduces hospital charges, and shortens the length of hospital stays. These findings underscore the potential of bariatric surgery as a cost-effective intervention for improving outcomes in patients with CHF and obesity, highlighting the importance of considering surgical weight loss options in the management of CHF.Table 1

Innovative Single-Port Approach for Simultaneous Ventral Hernia Repair and Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Case Series Study (March 2020 - July 2023)

Background: This retrospective case series study explores the outcomes of single-port bariatric surgery (BS) with ventral hernia repair (VHR) in a simultaneous setting. Through a novel single-port laparoscopic approach, this research emphasizes on operative details, patient selection criteria, and the innovative nature of the technique when repairing ventral hernia in bariatric surgeries. Methods: The research was conducted from February 2021-February 2023 at Al-Noor Specialists Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Six patients (5 females and 1 male) underwent simultaneous repair of ventral hernia alongside bariatric surgery through a single-port laparoscopic approach. Results: The study evaluates demographic data, pre-operative parameters, surgical approach, post-operative complications, and post-operative follow-up durations to provide comprehensive insights. Results show the average age of the respondents: 40.5 ± 9.44 years, with a mean BMI of 47 ± 8.25 kg/m2. At post-operative stage, the hospital stay was 48 hours for 50% patients with a mean follow-up duration; 13 ± 3.29 months. At post-surgery, the observed mean weight loss; 33.67 ± 6.66 kg, and the mean excess weight loss was 29.60 ± 5.30%. None of the post-operative complications were reported at the follow-up stage, except minimal seroma. Conclusion: The simultaneous single-port BS and VHR approach provides surgical benefits with lowered complication rates, surgical weight loss, and lesser recurrence of ventral hernia. Single-port bariatric laparoscopy is efficient in treating obese patients. However, further research must advocate for and establish long-term outcomes and broader application of this procedure.

Impact of surgical and non-surgical weight loss on echocardiographic and strain parameters in Asian patients

Surgical weight loss (SWL) improves myocardial mechanics as measured by speckle-tracking imaging. However non-surgical versus SWL and the subsequent impact on myocardial function in overweight Asian subjects has not been evaluated. 66 patients underwent a 16-week lifestyle intervention (LSI) programme consisting of dietary interventions and exercise prescription. Echocardiography with speckle tracking was performed at baseline and post-intervention. This group was compared against a group of 12 subjects who had undergone bariatric surgery and a control group of 10 lean Asian subjects. A generalised structural equation model (gSEM) was constructed to ascertain the effect of modality of weight loss on strain parameters, adjusting for BMI. Participants attained significant weight loss after LSI (28.2 ± 2.66 kg/m2 vs. 25.8 ± 2.84 kg/m2, p = 0.001). This was associated with a non-significant trend towards improvement in strain parameters. SWL participants had significant improvement in the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (− 20.52 ± 3.34 vs. − 16.68 ± 4.15, p < 0.01) and left atrium reservoir strain (44.32 ± 14.23 vs. 34.3 ± 19.31, p = 0.02). Lean subjects had significantly higher strain parameters than overweight subjects. The gSEM model demonstrated surgical modality of weight loss as an independent predictor of improvement in strain parameters. Significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters were documented in patients who underwent bariatric surgery.

WP2.10 - The Future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Surgery

Abstract Aims Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised many industries, especially in the field of medicine. However, its application in medical surgery has been limited. Our study aims to review current literature surrounding AI’s use in surgery and identify potential future application of this new technology. We look at the preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative phases of a patient’s surgical journey and see how AI can improve each component. Methods A selective literature review was conducted by gathering 19 relevant research papers of interest related to AI in surgery. These studies were collected from PubMed and papers only published from the past 5 years were included. Of the 19 papers 11 were included in the final review. Results This review reveals numerous applications of AI in surgery, primarily showcasing its accuracy in preoperative patient data analysis with high sensitivities of 89%. Secondly intra-operatively AI can provide guidance through supervised machine learning and computer vision with accuracies as high as 95%. Finally, postoperatively AI has been shown to have a high accuracy at preoperative prediction of surgical site readmission rates, diabetes remission and personalised weight loss trajectories. Conclusions The findings of this review demonstrate the transformative ability of AI on various stages of the surgical journey. While demonstrating significant promise, challenges such as ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed to ensure responsible and safe integration. The new advancements shown in AI provide the foundation for future research into the technology.

Medical and Surgical Weight Loss as a Pathway to Renal Transplant Listing.

Severe obesity is a barrier to listing for kidney transplantation due to concern for poor outcomes. This study aims to compare bariatric surgery with medical weight loss as a means of achieving weight loss and subsequent listing for renal transplant. We hypothesize that bariatric surgery will induce greater frequency of listing for transplant within 18 months of study initiation. We performed a randomized study of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) vs medical weight loss (MM) in patients on dialysis with a body mass index (BMI) of 40-55kg/m2. The primary outcome was suitability for renal transplant within 18 months of initiating treatment. Secondary outcomes included weight loss, mortality, and complications. Twenty patients enrolled, only 9 (5 MBS, 4MM) received treatment. Treated groups did not differ in age, gender, or race (P ≥ .44). There was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint: 2 MBS (40%) and 1MM (25%) listed for transplant ≤18 months (P = 1.00). With additional time, 100% MBS and 25% MM patients achieved listing status (P = .048); 100% of MBS and 0MM received kidney transplants to date (P = .008). Weight, weight loss, and BMI trajectories differed between the groups (P ≤ .002). One death from COVID-19 occurred in the MM group, and 1 MBS patient had a myocardial infarction 3.75 years after baseline evaluation. These results suggest MBS is superior to MM in achieving weight loss prior to listing for kidney transplantation. Larger studies are needed to ensure the safety profile is acceptable in patients with ESRD undergoing bariatric surgery.

Changes in Widespread Pain After Surgical Weight Loss in Racialized Adults: A Secondary Analysis From a 2-Year Longitudinal Study

Widespread pain (WP) is associated with reduced function and disability. Importantly, three-fourths of the approximately 42% of U.S. adults with obesity have WP. Moreover, rates of adult obesity are higher, and WP outcomes are worse in racialized non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino/a/X groups, potentially exacerbating existing pain disparities. Bariatric surgery significantly reduces weight and improves pain. However, recurrent or unresolved pain after bariatric surgery can hinder weight loss or facilitate weight regain. The current study conducted a secondary analysis of a longitudinal study of predictors and mechanisms of weight loss after bariatric surgery to examine the point prevalence of WP and pain trajectories 24 months post surgery. Our secondary aim was to examine the association between weight loss and pain characteristics. Our exploratory aim was to longitudinally examine racial differences in pain trajectories after bariatric surgery. Our results showed that point prevalence decreased after bariatric surgery. Additionally, significant improvements in pain trajectories occurred within the first 3 months post surgery with a pattern of pain reemergence beginning at 12 months post surgery. Hispanic/Latino/a/X participants reported a higher number of painful anatomical sites before bariatric surgery, and the rate of change in this domain for this group was faster compared with the racialized non-Hispanic Black participants. These findings suggest that pain improvements are most evident during the early stages of surgical weight loss in racialized populations of adults with WP. Thus, clinicians should routinely monitor patients’ weight changes after bariatric surgery as they are likely to correspond to changes in their pain experiences. PerspectiveThis article presents the prevalence and pain trajectories of racialized adults with WP after surgical weight loss. Clinicians should evaluate changes in the magnitude and spatial distribution of pain after significant weight change in these populations so that pain interventions can be prescribed with greater precision.

Characterization of the plasma metabolome and lipidome in response to sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgeries reveals molecular patterns of surgical weight loss

ObjectivesBariatric surgery improves metabolic health, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We analyzed the effects of two types of bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), on the plasma metabolome and lipidome. MethodsWe characterized the plasma metabolome (1268 metabolites) and lipidome (953 lipids) pre-operatively and at 3 and 12 months post-operatively in 104 obese adults who were previously recruited to a prospective cohort of bariatric surgery. The metabolomic and lipidomic responses to bariatric surgery over time were analyzed using multivariable linear mixed-effects models. ResultsThere were significant changes in multiple metabolites and lipids, including rapid early changes in amino acid and peptide metabolites, including decreases in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), aromatic AAs, alanine and aspartate, and increases in glycine, serine, arginine and citrulline. There were also significant decreases in many triglyceride species, with increases in phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines. There were significant changes in metabolites related to energy metabolism that were apparent only after 12 months. We observed differences by bariatric surgery type in the changes in a small number of primary and secondary bile acids, including glycohyocholate and glyco-beta-muricholate. ConclusionsOur findings highlight the comprehensive changes in metabolites and lipids that occur over the 12 months following bariatric surgery. While both SG and RYGB caused profound changes in the metabolome and lipidome, RYGB was characterized by greater increases in bile acids following surgery.

Obesity-related neuropathy: the new epidemic.

To examine the evidence evaluating the association between obesity and neuropathy as well as potential interventions. Although diabetes has long been associated with neuropathy, additional metabolic syndrome components, including obesity, are increasingly linked to neuropathy development, regardless of glycemic status. Preclinical rodent models as well as clinical studies are shedding light on the mechanisms of obesity-related neuropathy as well as challenges associated with slowing progression. Dietary and surgical weight loss and exercise interventions are promising, but more data is needed. High-fat-diet rodent models have shown that obesity-related neuropathy is a product of excess glucose and lipid accumulation leading to inflammation and cell death. Clinical studies consistently demonstrate obesity is independently associated with neuropathy; therefore, likely a causal risk factor. Dietary weight loss improves neuropathy symptoms but not examination scores. Bariatric surgery and exercise are promising interventions, but larger, more rigorous studies are needed. Further research is also needed to determine the utility of weight loss medications and ideal timing for obesity interventions to prevent neuropathy.

Updates in Medical and Surgical Weight Loss.

The number of individuals with obesity is at an all-time high, and the rate of obesity continues to climb each year. Obesity is a chronic disease with widespread effects throughout the body. Midwives and perinatal care providers need an understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology, and interventions for obesity. A review of evidence-based diet and lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical procedures is presented.

Abstract 2189: Tirzepatide mitigates obesity-associated metabolic dysregulation and tumor progression in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract Obesity is an established risk factor for breast cancer. Dietary and surgical weight loss interventions reduce breast cancer risk but have significant limitations to their widespread use as anticancer strategies. Incretin-based pharmaceuticals safely and effectively promote weight loss, but whether these drugs exert similar protective effects against cancer is unknown. Here we test whether weight loss induced by the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist tirzepatide limits tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer. Ten-week-old female C57BL/6NCrl mice were randomized to either a 10 kcal% low-fat diet (control; n=14) or 60 kcal% high-fat diet to promote diet-induced obesity (DIO; n=43). After 18 weeks on diet, DIO mice were randomized by body weight to either i) remain on the high-fat diet (DIO; n=15); ii) lose weight with tirzepatide (TZP; n=13); or iii) lose weight with 30% daily calorie restriction relative to control mice (CR; n=15). All mice were subcutaneously injected with either TZP or vehicle every other day for 13 weeks with the following escalating dosing schedule: 3 nmol/kg TZP in week 1; 10 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 2-3; 20 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 4-7; 30 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 8-11; and 40 nmol/kg TZP in weeks 12-13. Fasting blood glucose and body composition was assessed after 9 weeks of weight loss, and 35,000 E0771 cells were orthotopically transplanted into the 4th mammary fat pad. Tumors growth was monitored for 4 weeks. TZP-treated mice lost on average &amp;gt;20% weight loss by week 4 and remained at or below 20% weight loss for the remainder of the study. Directly prior to E0771 tumor cell injections, TZP-treated mice had lost 23.6±8.9% body weight, versus 39.7±3.6% in CR mice. Relative to DIO mice, blood glucose control was restored in both weight loss groups (DIO: 149.5±18.5 mg/dl; TZP: 124.5±15.5 mg/dl; CR: 107.6±18.8 mg/dl) and &amp;gt;87.5% of the lost weight was attributed to fat mass, rather than lean mass, for TZP-treated and CR mice. Notably, tirzepatide suppressed tumor growth relative to DIO, but the CR group had a greater anticancer effect than TZP. Reduced tumor mass in both weight loss groups was accompanied by a significant reduction in circulating IGF-1, insulin, and leptin relative to DIO mice. These findings are timely and important because i) obesity is a highly prevalent metabolic disease that increases risk and progression of breast cancer and &amp;gt;13 other cancers; ii) incretin therapies, which show promise as highly effective weight loss drugs, are increasingly being prescribed; and iii) the tumor suppressive effects of tirzepatide described herein newly suggest incretin agonism as another propitious option for breaking the obesity-cancer link. Citation Format: Elaine M. Glenny, Alyssa N. Ho, Violet A. Kiesel, Fangxin Chen, Claire E. Gates, Evan M. Paules, Ruihan Xu, C. Alex Holt, Michael F. Coleman, Stephen D. Hursting. Tirzepatide mitigates obesity-associated metabolic dysregulation and tumor progression in a mouse model of triple-negative breast 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 2189.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Reduces the Need for Liver Transplantation in Patients with Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: a Predictive Model.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the leading indications for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. As with the current obesity epidemic, the incidence of NASH continues to rise. However, the impact of broad utilization of bariatric surgery (BS) for patients with NASH is unknown, particularly in regard to mitigating the need for LT. Markov decision analysis was performed to simulate the lives of 20,000 patients with obesity and concomitant NASH who were deemed ineligible to be waitlisted for LT unless they achieved a body mass index (BMI) < 35kg/m2. Life expectancy following medical weight management (MWM) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were estimated. Base case patients were defined as having NASH without fibrosis and a pre-intervention BMI of 45kg/m2. Sensitivity analysis of initial BMI was performed. Simulated base case analysis patients who underwent SG gained 14.3years of life compared to patients who underwent MWM. One year after weight loss intervention, 9% of simulated MWM patients required LT compared to only 5% of SG patients. Survival benefit for SG was observed above a BMI of 32.2kg/m2. In this predictive model of 20,000 patients with obesity and concomitant NASH, surgical weight loss is associated with a reduction in the progression of NASH, thereby reducing the need for LT. A reduced BMI threshold of 32kg/m2 for BS may offer survival benefit for patients with obesity and NASH.

Pre-surgical factors related to latent trajectories of 5-year weight loss for a diverse bariatric surgery population

BackgroundAnalyzing trajectories of weight loss may address how particular groups of patients respond to metabolic and bariatric surgery. ObjectivesThe Bariatric Experience Long Term (BELONG) study was designed to use a theoretical model to examine determinants of weight loss and recurrence. SettingLarge integrated health system in Southern California with 11 surgical practices and 23 surgeons. MethodsA total of n = 1338 patients who had metabolic and bariatric surgery were surveyed before surgery to measure factors related to median percent total weight loss (%TWL) over 5 years. Longitudinal weight data were available for n = 1024 (76.5% of the sample). Data were analyzed using latent growth mixture models (GMM) to estimate trajectories of weight change separately for gastric sleeve and bypass operations. These trajectories were then described using relevant variables from the baseline survey. ResultsFor both gastric sleeve (n = 733) and bypass (n = 291) operations, 3 latent trajectories of median %TWL were found corresponding to most, moderate, and least %TWL. Sleeve trajectories were distinguished by body mass index at surgery and geocoded environmental factors. Bypass trajectories varied by self-reported and geocoded environmental factors, comorbidity burden, race, experiential avoidance, and weight control strategies. ConclusionsFuture research should examine the role of the built and perceived environment in surgical weight loss. Bariatric practices should focus less on the presurgical period for predictors of long-term weight loss and begin efforts to monitor real-time patient-reported outcomes to help tailor intervention strategies for patients who either do not lose an expected amount of weight or who begin to experience weight recurrence.

Effect of surgical, medical, and behavioral weight loss on hormonal and sexual function in men: a contemporary narrative review.

This review explores the mechanisms and ramifications of weight loss achieved through lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, and bariatric surgery on testosterone levels and sexual health. Obesity significantly affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in men, leading to diminished libido and erectile dysfunction. Here, we delve into the physiological disruptions caused by this imbalance and the intricate interplay of hormonal factors contributing to the dysregulation associated with obesity to comprehensively grasp the consequences of weight loss via diverse mechanisms. Lifestyle modifications involving dietary adjustments and regular exercise represent a widely employed and efficacious means of weight loss. While adherence demands discipline, our review scrutinizes various studies specifically investigating the impact of weight loss, attained through lifestyle modifications, on serum hormone levels and sexual function. Notably, several randomized controlled trials within the existing body of literature corroborate the enhancement of testosterone levels and sexual function consequent to weight loss through lifestyle modifications. The realm of medical management in addressing obesity is growing, notably propelled by the popularity of pharmacotherapy. Despite its prevalence, the current literature exploring the effects of weight loss medications on men remains insufficient. Nonetheless, we examine available studies on the medical management of obesity and its implications for sexual health, emphasizing pivotal avenues requiring further investigation. Bariatric surgery stands as an effective approach for individuals seeking substantial weight loss. Our review assesses existing literature that evaluates the impact of various surgical techniques on serum hormone levels, sexual function, and semen parameters. Despite certain limitations, the available body of evidence suggests enhancements in hormone levels and sexual function post-surgery, with semen parameters generally exhibiting minimal changes. This review critically evaluates the landscape of weight loss and its correlation with sexual function, while highlighting crucial areas necessitating future research endeavors.

Comparing Lifestyle and Behavior of Post-Bariatric Surgery and Participants with Obesity: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

There is a paucity of research dedicated to exploring behavioral change in patients following bariatric surgery. However, there is a need for comparison analysis of individuals with obesity who have received surgical treatment and those who have not opted for any surgical procedures for weight loss. This study is designed to scrutinize the lifestyle choices, behavioral patterns, psychological elements, and eating habits of individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery, in contrast to those with obesity who have not undergone such a procedure. This study is a secondary analysis from Sharik Diet and Health National Survey (SDHNS) dataset, which is a cross-sectional investigation covering the period from 2020 to 2022. The study focused on demographic factors like age, gender, educational attainment, and monthly earnings. Furthermore, other variables such as physical activity, leisure and workplace sitting habits, smoking patterns, strategies for managing weight, and eating and consumption behaviors were also examined. Out of the initial 15,980 participants reached, 4,069 satisfied the study's inclusion criteria. Bariatric surgery was reported by 806 participants (19.8%). Upon comparing three obesity status groups - The participants who underwent bariatric surgery with or without obesity, those with obesity who did not opt for any surgical weight loss measure, the analysis found that the three obesity status groups were significantly different in 21 variables from a total of 26. Moreover, a logistic regression analysis revealed that 11 variables influenced persistent obesity in the post-surgery phase, as opposed to those who successfully lost weight. These variables included advanced age, limited education, being female, lower income, waterpipe smoking habits, and the consumption of carbonated drinks. This study showed that inability to lose weight after bariatric surgery are linked to poor lifestyle choices and behavior compared to those who were able to lose weight after the surgery.

AGER-1 Long Non-Coding RNA Levels Correlate with the Expression of the Advanced Glycosylation End-Product Receptor, a Regulator of the Inflammatory Response in Visceral Adipose Tissue of Women with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The advanced glycosylation end-product receptor (AGER) is involved in the development of metabolic inflammation and related complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Tissue expression of the AGER gene (AGER) is regulated by epigenetic mediators, including a long non-coding RNA AGER-1 (lncAGER-1). This study aimed to investigate whether human obesity and T2DM are associated with an altered expression of AGER and lncAGER-1 in adipose tissue and, if so, whether these changes affect the local inflammatory milieu. The expression of genes encoding AGER, selected adipokines, and lncAGER-1 was assessed using real-time PCR in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue. VAT and SAT samples were obtained from 62 obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2; N = 24 diabetic) and 20 normal weight (BMI = 20-24.9 kg/m2) women, while a further 15 SAT samples were obtained from patients who were 18 to 24 months post-bariatric surgery. Tissue concentrations of adipokines were measured at the protein level using an ELISA-based method. Obesity was associated with increased AGER mRNA levels in SAT compared to normal weight status (p = 0.04) and surgical weight loss led to their significant decrease compared to pre-surgery levels (p = 0.01). Stratification by diabetic status revealed that AGER mRNA levels in VAT were higher in diabetic compared to non-diabetic women (p = 0.018). Elevated AGER mRNA levels in VAT of obese diabetic patients correlated with lncAGER-1 (p = 0.04, rs = 0.487) and with interleukin 1β (p = 0.008, rs = 0.525) and resistin (p = 0.004, rs = 0.6) mRNA concentrations. In conclusion, obesity in women is associated with increased expression of AGER in SAT, while T2DM is associated with increased AGER mRNA levels and pro-inflammatory adipokines in VAT.

The Effect of Surgical Weight Loss on Cognition in Individuals with Class II/III Obesity

To BackgroundObesity is a global epidemic and is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. It remains unknown whether weight loss interventions, such as bariatric surgery, can mitigate cognitive impairment. ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the effect of surgical weight loss on cognition in individuals with class II/III obesity. DesignWe performed a prospective cohort study of participants who underwent bariatric surgery. At baseline and two years following surgery, participants completed metabolic risk factor and neuropsychological assessments. SettingParticipants were enrolled from an academic suburban bariatric surgery clinic. ParticipantsThere were 113 participants who completed baseline assessments and 87 completed two-year follow-up assessments (66 in-person and 21 virtual) after bariatric surgery. The mean (SD) age was 46.8 (12.5) years and 64 (73.6%) were female. InterventionBariatric surgery. There were 77 (88.5%) participants that underwent sleeve gastrectomy and 10 (11.5%) that underwent gastric bypass surgery. MeasurementsCognition was assessed using the NIH toolbox cognitive battery (NIHTB-CB) and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). The primary outcome was the change in NIHTB-CB fluid composite score before and after surgery. ResultsThe primary outcome, NIHTB-CB composite score, was stable following bariatric surgery (−0.4 (13.9), p=0.81,n=66). Among secondary outcomes, the NIHTB-CB dimensional card sorting test (executive function assessment), improved (+6.5 (19.9), p=0.01, n=66) while the Rey AVLT delayed recall test (memory assessment) declined (−0.24 (0.83), p=0.01, n=87) following surgery. Improvements to metabolic risk factors and diabetes complications were not associated with improvements to NIHTB-CB composite score. The other 4 NIHTB-CB subtests and Rey AVLT assessments of auditory learning and recognition were stable at follow-up. ConclusionsFollowing bariatric surgery, the age-adjusted composite cognitive outcome did not change, but an executive subtest score improved. These results suggest that bariatric surgery may mitigate the natural history of cognitive decline in individuals with obesity, which is expected to be faster than normal aging, but confirmatory randomized controlled trials are needed. The decline in delayed recall also warrants further studies to determine potential differential effects on cognitive subtests.

O057 The Impact of Surgical Weight Loss on the Physiological Endotypes causing Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract Background Weight loss improves upper airway collapsibility in people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, it’s unclear how weight loss affects the other endotypes responsible for OSA (loop gain, arousal threshold and muscle compensation). We investigated the effect surgical weight loss has on the OSA endotypes and whether the baseline endotypes predict response to surgery. Methods Endotypes were measured using non-invasive methods in 43 OSA patients who had a clinical polysomnogram before and after (~6-18 months) receiving weight loss surgery. Linear regression was used to assess whether the baseline endotypes predicted improvement in OSA severity defined by the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). Results Weight loss surgery was associated with significant improvements in AHI (43.4[28.6-64.8]events/hr vs. 16.9[11.6-33.3]events/hr, p&amp;lt;0.001), body mass index (42.1 ±5.5kg/m2 vs. 32.8 ±4.5kg/m2, p&amp;lt;0.001), upper airway collapsibility (73.8[65.2-78.5]%eupnea vs. 77.1[71.7-81.3]%eupnea, p=0.034) and loop gain (0.62[0.53-0.71] vs. 0.54[0.44-0.72], p=0.012). Weight loss surgery was also associated with a reduced arousal threshold (144.5[130.1-160.5] vs.136.9[121.9-156.4], p=0.007). A greater reduction in OSA severity was associated with greater improvements in upper airway collapsibility (p=0.001, r2 =0.23) and reductions in the arousal threshold (p&amp;lt;0.001, r2=0.27). Poor upper airway collapsibility at baseline was weakly predictive of a greater improvement in OSA severity (p=0.018, r2 =0.13). No other endotype was predictive of OSA improvement. Discussion Weight loss surgery is associated with improvements in weight, OSA severity, upper airway collapsibility and loop gain. There was a paradoxical worsening of arousal threshold. Furthermore, weight loss surgery may be particularly effective in improving OSA in those with poor upper airway collapsibility.

Transcriptional and epigenetic changes after dietary and surgical weight loss interventions in an animal model of obesity.

Identifying determinants that can predict response to weight loss interventions is imperative for optimizing therapeutic benefit. We aimed to identify changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression of a subset of target genes following dietary and surgical interventions in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Forty-two adult Wistar Han male rats were divided into two groups: control rats (n = 7) and obese rats (n = 28), fed a HFD for 10 weeks (t10). Obese rats were randomly subdivided into five intervention groups (seven animals per group): (i) HFD; (ii) very-low-calorie diet (VLCD); (iii) sham surgery, and (iv) sleeve gastrectomy (SG). At week sixteen (t16), animals were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected to analyze changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression of the selected genes. By type of intervention, the surgical procedures led to the greatest weight loss. Changes in methylation and/or expression of candidate genes occurred proportionally to the effectiveness of the weight loss interventions. Leptin expression, increased sixfold in the visceral fat of the obese rats, was partially normalized after all interventions. The expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) genes, which was reduced 0.5- and 0.15-fold, respectively, in the liver tissue of obese rats, were completely normalized after weight loss interventions, particularly after surgical interventions. The upregulation of FASN and MCP-1 gene expression was accompanied by a significant reduction in promoter methylation, up to 0.5-fold decrease in the case of the FASN (all intervention groups) and a 0.8-fold decrease in the case of the MCP-1 (SG group). Changes in tissue expression of specific genes involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity can be significantly attenuated following weight loss interventions, particularly surgery. Some of these genes are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms.

SAT677 Use Of An Anti-obesity Medication In A Transgender Woman Pursuing Body Mass Index Requirements For Gender-affirming Surgery

Abstract Disclosure: J.M. Taormina: None. A.H. Gilden: None. S.J. Iwamoto: None. Introduction: Obesity prevalence is higher in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults compared to the general population. TGD people experience gender minority stress and disparities in lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status and medical comorbidities that likely contribute to excess weight. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) has also been associated with increased body weight; oral estrogen with an antiandrogen is associated with increased fat mass and decreased lean mass. Many surgery centers enforce body mass index (BMI) requirements for gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) that limit access for TGD patients with obesity. The most effective and affirming weight management strategies for TGD patients have yet to be determined. Bariatric surgery has been identified as a treatment to address obesity prior to GAS; however, surgical weight loss can delay GAS for 3 years. While anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are effective, literature is needed supporting their use in TGD patients prior to GAS. Clinical Case: We report the case of a 40-year-old transgender woman with BMI 39.6 kg/m2, prediabetes, mixed hyperlipidemia, hypertension, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and congenital solitary kidney who presented for weight loss to qualify for gender-affirming bilateral breast augmentation. Her surgeon required a presurgical BMI &amp;lt;35.0 kg/m2. She had no prior GAS or bariatric procedures. She was taking intramuscular estradiol valerate, oral progesterone, spironolactone, and omeprazole without a history of prior AOM use. She was counseled on lifestyle modification, including recommendations for a reduced calorie diet, regular aerobic and resistance physical activity and sleep hygiene. Given history of prediabetes and NASH and superior mean weight loss with semaglutide compared to other FDA-approved AOMs, she was started on semaglutide 0.25 mg subcutaneously weekly with monthly dose escalation. In 3 months, she lost 17.7 kg or 13.9% total body weight with BMI 34.1 kg/m2. Complications addressed during treatment included acute kidney injury from poor water intake as a potential medication side effect; medication supply issues; limited engagement in physical activity due to lack of social safety, body dysmorphia and wish to limit upper body muscle mass for her desired body contour. Clinical Lessons: This case highlights (1) the need for increased access to affirming weight management services for TGD patients with obesity pursuing GAS and (2) the potential role of AOMs in assisting TGD patients in reaching presurgical BMI targets. Whether BMI requirements for GAS lead to improved surgical outcomes needs additional research. Perspectives on and the impacts of BMI requirements for GAS deserve exploration. Further studies are also needed to evaluate the needs of TGD patients in weight loss interventions and the effects of weight loss and AOMs on GAHT management. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023