Thigh Fat Research Articles

Cystatin C- and Creatinine-Based Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation Differences and Muscle Quantity and Functional Status in Older Adults: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study

Rationale & ObjectiveThe difference in the estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C and that based on creatinine (eGFRDiff) is known to be associated with frailty and mortality. Creatinine is influenced by muscle mass, more so than cystatin C; we aimed to determine whether eGFRDiff is associated with muscle quantity and to what extent muscle quantity explains the relationship between eGFRDiff and poor functional status.Study DesignA cohort analysis of the health, aging, and body composition study (HABC).Setting & ParticipantsOverall, 2,970 HABC participants had their baseline serum creatinine level, cystatin C level, and body composition measured using imaging.ExposureEstimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were calculated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations (estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C [eGFRCys] and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on creatinine [eGFRCr]), and eGFRDiff was calculated as eGFRCys − eGFRCr.OutcomesThe total thigh muscle area was evaluated using computed tomography. The health, aging, and body composition study physical performance battery was scored on a continuous scale (standing and walking tasks); poor functional status was characterized by the lowest quartile.Analytical ApproachWe used linear regression to model the cross-sectional association of eGFRDiff and muscle measures. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of eGFRDiff with poor functional status.ResultsThe mean age was 74 ± 3 years; the eGFRCys, eGFRCr, and eGFRDiff was 72 ± 18, 68 ± 15, and 4 ± 14 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Compared with participants in the reference group (−10 < eGFRDiff ≤ 10 mL/min/1.73 m2), those in the negative eGFRDiff group (≤−10 mL/min/1.73 m2) were more likely to have comorbidities, a slower gait, and worse functional status. They had an approximately 14-cm2 smaller thigh muscle area in a fully adjusted model. Compared with the reference group, those in the negative group had 1.89-fold higher odds of poor functional status (unadjusted). This relationship was minimally attenuated after adjustment for thigh muscle, thigh fat area, appendicular lean mass, and limb fat mass, both individually and in combination.LimitationsThe functional status outcome was specific to HABC. The muscle measures did not capture dynamic turnover.ConclusionsThe difference of eGFRCys − eGFRCr provides information on older adults’ functional status, which is only partially explained by muscle quantity and quality.

Effects of plaster therapy on thigh fat

Background: Thigh fat is associated with high cardiometabolic risks, attenuate risk for dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance. Aerobic exercise has been linked to fat metabolization due to the increase of free fatty acid oxidation and the preservation of muscle glycogen. Plaster therapy, a beauty treatment that allows the quick elimination or reduction of cellulite, flaccid skin, and localized fat, eliminating liquid from the body, producing improvements that are not only aesthetic but also health-wise, may be used to maximize fat loss in the thigh area and complement exercise. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of plaster therapy in combination with aerobic exercise on thigh fat. Methods: Six female volunteers were randomly divided into an intervention group (TG; n = 3) performing an aerobic exercise with plaster therapy and a control group (CG; n = 3) performing only aerobic exercise. Subcutaneous fat was estimated by the analysis of skinfolds and thigh perimeters. Results: The treatment group demonstrated a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in subcutaneous fat at the left and right perimeters and thigh skinfold measurements at the end of the 10-session protocol. Conclusion: Comparing skinfold measurements, both groups revealed a statistically significant decrease in the perimeter of both left and right thighs. Furthermore, skinfold measurements showed, for the treatment groups, significant statistical results in the thigh area. Exercise is indeed one of the most critical components for the metabolism of fat. Plaster therapy in combination with aerobic exercise seems to be effective for thigh fat reduction.

Assessment of the significance of new phenotype parameters of Russian meat merino sheep by principal component analysis

Phenotype assessment is an important process in breeding practice and for studying the influence of genes that shape the productive qualities of sheep. As a result of many years of selection and breeding work, the existing indicators fixed in the breed have lost their supposed potential, which dictates the need to search for new indicators that more accurately characterize the meat productivity of sheep. The aim of the work is to assess the informativeness of phenotype parameters in Russian meat merino sheep by the method of principal component analysis, for further use in genomic selection programs, as well as applicable for in vivo assessment of meat productivity. For the first time, new methods of assessing the exterior and interior for the study of meat productivity have been proposed and their efficiency has been determined for russian meat merino (RMM) sheep. The possibility of determining the size of individual muscle groups using such parameters as the girth of the shoulder, forearm and thigh by instrumental methods, as well as measuring the thigh muscle thickness and fat thickness (TMT and FT) in the lumbar region using ultrasound was studied. The object of the study was the one-year -old rams (n = 50) of the Russian Meat Merino (RMM) breed. To assess the significance of the proposed measurements, in comparison with those used in existing practice, the principal component method and correlation analysis were used. In the course of the work carried out, it was found that measurements: thigh volume, forearm girth had the most significant correlations with all parameters describing the exterior of the PMM breed. Based on the analysis of the main components, it was determined that the first six components in our study explained more than 80% of phenotypic variability. Thus, the proposed parameters determined by ultrasound: TMT and FT are advisable to use for the phenotypic assessment of the conformation of sheep of the RMM breed, especially when searching for genomic associations with productive qualities.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution and serum lipid/lipoprotein in unmedicated postmenopausal women: A B-mode ultrasound study

Abstract Background It has been observed that gluteal-femoral adipose tissue has a protective effect against risk factors for cardiovascular disease but has not yet been concluded how different evaluation methods of fat distribution affect the results. Methods To test the hypothesis that B-mode ultrasound-measured subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, 326 Japanese unmedicated postmenopausal women aged 50–70 years were analyzed. Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at 6 sites (anterior and posterior aspects of trunk, upper-arm, and thigh) and serum total (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) was measured, and a ratio of HDLC to TC (HDLC/TC) was calculated. We used Bayesian linear regression with 4 separate models with each model predicting HDLC/TC. Results Our first model provided evidence for an inverse correlation (r = –0.23) between ultrasound measured body fat (6 site measurement) and HDLC/TC. The second model noted evidence for an inverse correlation between trunk fat and HDLC/TC and found evidence for the null with respect to the correlation between thigh fat and HDLC/TC. Therefore, we added thigh fat to the null model to produce Distribution Model 2. Within this model, we noted an inverse correlation (r = –0.353) between trunk fat and HDLC/TC. Our last model determined that within the trunk fatness, the abdominal area (anterior trunk) was a larger predictor than the subscapular site (posterior trunk). Conclusion These results support the evidence that ultrasound-measured abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness is a non-invasive predictor for monitoring the risk for dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women.

Safety and Efficacy of Deoxycholic Acid for Reduction of Upper Inner Thigh Fat

Background: Deoxycholic acid is an FDA-approved injectable for treatment of excess submental fat. Objective: Study purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of deoxycholic acid for reduction of upper inner thigh fat. Methods and Materials: Fifteen subjects received 2–4 treatment sessions of deoxycholic acid 10 mg/mL injected into upper inner thigh fat. Subjects were followed to 12 weeks after last treatment. Adverse events were monitored. Efficacy measures were changes in thigh circumference, upper inner thigh skin fold thickness, and “thigh gap;” and percent accuracy by two independent blinded physicians in identifying post-treatment photographs. Patient satisfaction was assessed with questionnaires. Results: There were no serious adverse events. All patients experienced expected side effects. At 12-week follow-up, decreases in thigh circumference (average change -2.2 cm) and upper inner thigh skin fold thickness (average change -8.8 mm) were observed. Average increase in “thigh gap” was 1.6 cm. Two blinded investigators correctly identified the post-treatment photograph for 83% of patients. On Subject Self-Rating Scale (6-point scale), there was average +3.0 improvement; 86% of patients were satisfied with treatment. Conclusion: Deoxycholic acid injection was safe and effective for reduction of upper inner thigh fat in this Phase I study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(1):66-70. doi:10.36849/JDD.5919Deoxycholic Acid

Omega-3 supplementation during unilateral resistance exercise training in older women: A within subject and double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

SummaryBackground & aimsThe skeletal muscle anabolic effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) appear favoured towards women; a property that could be exploited in older women who typically exhibit poor muscle growth responses to resistance exercise training (RET). Here we sought to generate novel insights into the efficacy and mechanisms of n-3 PUFA alongside short-term RET in older women.MethodsWe recruited 16 healthy older women (Placebo n = 8 (PLA): 67±1y, n-3 PUFA n = 8: 64±1y) to a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial (n-3 PUFA; 3680 mg/day versus PLA) of 6 weeks fully-supervised progressive unilateral RET (i.e. 6 × 8 reps, 75% 1-RM, 3/wk−1). Strength was assessed by knee extensor 1-RM and isokinetic dynamometry ∼ every 10 d. Thigh fat free mass (TFFM) was measured by DXA at 0/3/6 weeks. Bilateral vastus lateralis (VL) biopsies at 0/2/4/6 weeks with deuterium oxide (D2O) dosing were used to determine MPS responses for 0–2 and 4–6 weeks. Further, fibre cross sectional area (CSA), myonuclei number and satellite cell (SC) number were assessed, alongside muscle anabolic/catabolic signalling via immunoblotting.ResultsRET increased 1-RM equally in the trained leg of both groups (+23 ± 5% n-3 PUFA vs. +25 ± 5% PLA (both P < 0.01)) with no significant increase in maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (+10 ± 6% n-3 PUFA vs. +13 ± 5% PLA). Only the n-3 PUFA group increased TFFM (3774 ± 158 g to 3961 ± 151 g n-3 PUFA (P < 0.05) vs. 3406 ± 201 g to 3561 ± 170 PLA) and type II fibre CSA (3097 ± 339 μm2 to 4329 ± 264 μm2 n-3 PUFA (P < 0.05) vs. 2520 ± 316 μm2 to 3467 ± 303 μm2 in PL) with RET. Myonuclei number increased equally in n-3 PUFA and PLA in both type I and type II fibres, with no change in SC number. N-3 PUFA had no added benefit on muscle protein synthesis (MPS), however, during weeks 4–6 of RET, absolute synthesis rates (ASR) displayed a trend to increase with n-3 PUFA only (5.6 ± 0.3 g d−1 to 7.1 ± 0.5 g d−1 n-3 PUFA (P = 0.09) vs. 5.5 ± 0.5 g d−1 to 6.5 ± 0.5 g d−1 PLA). Further, the n-3 PUFA group displayed greater 4EBP1 activation after acute RE at 6 weeks.Conclusionn3-PUFA enhanced RET gains in muscle mass through type II fibre hypertrophy, with data suggesting a role for MPS rather than via SC recruitment. As such, the present study adds to a literature base illustrating the apparent enhancement of muscle hypertrophy with RET in older women fed adjuvant n3-PUFA.

Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity, Immune Status, Meat Quality, Liver Fat Content, and Liver Histomorphology of Broiler Chickens Fed Rice Bran Oil.

Simple SummaryThere are numerous approaches for enrichment of broiler’s meat with valuable nutrients, for instance the enrichment with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The addition of vegetable oils in the diets of broilers is an appropriate strategy to enrich the chicken meat with beneficial FA, however, this enrichment is accompanied by a lipid peroxidation with a resultant decrease in the nutritional value, quality, and shelf-life of the meat, and for that reason, the dietary supplementation with antioxidants becomes necessary. What places rice bran oil (RBO) on top of other vegetable oils is its antioxidant components and unique fatty acid profile and it is reported to induce substantial lipid-reducing effects and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the influence of RBO inclusion in the diets of broiler chickens on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, meat quality, antioxidant activity, liver lipid content, and liver histological structure. RBO inclusion had a positive effect on the growing performance, dressing percentage, and immune status. Furthermore, RBO supplementation decreased the abdominal fat yield and EE content in the meat, while it increased the content of PUFA in the meat, which may be beneficial for consumers. RBO improved the antioxidant capacity of the meat and the liver, whereas it reduced the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, meat and liver. RBO could be used as an efficient ingredient in broiler chickens’ diets to improve performance, immune status, antioxidant activity, blood lipid profile, and the nutritive value of meat.This trial was performed to determine the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) inclusion in diets of broiler chickens on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, meat quality, antioxidant activity, liver lipid content, and liver histological structure. The 35-day feeding trial was conducted on 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens, allocated to four treatment groups with six replicates each. RBO was examined at different inclusion levels, 0% (control), 1% (RBO1%), 1.5% (RBO1.5%), and 2% (RBO2%) in a completely randomized design. The results showed that at the end of the trial (35 days) the RBO supplementation had positive effects (p < 0.001) on the productivity parameters, but the feed intake was linearly decreased due to RBO inclusion. In addition, RBO supplementation linearly improved (p < 0.05) the dressing percentage, breast yield, immune organs relative weights, and meat glutathione concentration, while it decreased (p < 0.01) the abdominal fat yield and meat crude fat, triglycerides, cholesterol, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in broiler’s meat. Moreover, serum total protein, globulin, and high-density lipoprotein contents improved noticeably (p < 0.01) due to offering an RBO-supplemented diet, but serum total lipids, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations linearly reduced (p < 0.01). The RBO supplementation augmented (p < 0.05) the phagocytic index, phagocytic activity, and antibody titer compared to control. On the other hand, RBO inclusion had no effect on the breast, thigh, or abdominal fat color parameters. Moreover, RBO supplementation reduced (p < 0.01) the content of total saturated FA (SFA), but increased (p < 0.01) the content of total monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and polyunsaturated FA in both breast and thigh meat. Chemical analysis of the liver tissue samples revealed that the inclusion of RBO linearly reduced (p < 0.05) hepatic cholesterol, triglyceride, and MDA contents. Histologically, the lipid percentage and number of lipid droplets (p < 0.01) were markedly lessened in the RBO-supplemented groups. The histological structure of the liver asses by light and electron microscope were normal in all groups without any pathological lesions. It is concluded that RBO could be used as a valuable ingredient in broiler chickens’ diets to stimulate the growing performance and immune status, enhance the antioxidant activity and blood lipid profile, augment liver function, and improve the nutritive value of the meat.

A Missense Mutation in the MYBPH Gene Is Associated With Abdominal Fat Traits in Meat-Type Chickens.

Chicken is an important source of protein for human nutrition and a model system for growth and developmental biology. Although the genetic architecture of quantitative traits in meat-type chickens has been the subject of ongoing investigation, the identification of mutations associated with carcass traits of economic interest remains challenging. Therefore, our aim was to identify predicted deleterious mutation, which potentially affects protein function, and test if they were associated with carcass traits in chickens. For that, we performed a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) for breast, thigh and drumstick traits in meat-type chickens and detected 19 unique quantitative trait loci (QTL). We then used: (1) the identified windows; (2) QTL for abdominal fat detected in a previous study with the same population and (3) previously obtained whole genome sequence data, to identify 18 predicted deleterious single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in those QTL for further association with breast, thigh, drumstick and abdominal fat traits. Using the additive model, a predicted deleterious SNP c.482C > T (SIFT score of 0.4) was associated (p-value < 0.05) with abdominal fat weight and percentage. This SNP is in the second exon of the MYBPH gene, and its allele frequency deviates from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that the c.482C > T SNP in the MYBPH gene is a putative causal mutation for fat deposition in meat-type chickens.

Acute effects of myofascial release with portable electric massager at different frequencies: A randomized pilot study

IntroductionThe present study aimed to analyze the acute effects of a myofascial release session (MFR) with a portable electric massager (PEM) at different frequencies (25 Hz and 52 Hz) on the superficial and deep fascial motion. MethodsThe limbs of fourteen participants (12 men and 2 women, age = 34 ± 10 years; height = 1.74 ± 0.09 m; weight = 72.77 ± 13.1 kg; right thigh fat thickness = 4.18 ± 3.49 mm; left thigh fat thickness = 4.13 ± 3.35 mm) were randomized to one of the two PEM frequencies (25 Hz vs. 52 Hz). All evaluations were carried out at the same time of day and by the same evaluator (blind). The protocol consisted of 9 min of MFR on the vastus lateralis, alternating between three sites of 5 cm. Before and after the MFR session, the fascial motion was measured in the vastus lateralis (superficial and deep layer) using B-mode ultrasound at two knee positions (0° and 45°). ResultsThe superficial and deep layers presented significant increases in fascia length after myofascial release with the knee extended 0° (p < 0.001) and flexed 45° (p < 0.001). In addition, the fascial motion was not influenced by the frequency applied during the experimental protocol and was independent of layer and knee position. However, the deep layer showed an increase at knee flexed at 45° compared to the superficial layer. On the other hand, there was no difference between layers when the knee was extended (0°). The findings of this study indicate that PEM appears to be effective in changing the fascial motion of the vastus lateralis.

Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Rhinorrhea with Multilayer Grafts

Introduction: Endoscopic repair of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea has been the most popular and the most accepted among the Otorhinolaryngologists. The advancement in the endoscopes enable surgeons to manage cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea adequately with good result.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic CSF rhinorrhea repair with multilayer grafts. Outcome was identified in terms of postoperative complications like infection (mainly meningitis), nasal bleeding, graft failure and CSF leak, revision surgery.&#x0D; Methodology: A retrospective prospective study was conducted in 21 patients who had undergone endoscopic CSF rhinorrhea repair with use of multilayer grafts in a period of January 2016 to December 2018 in Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery in MAA ENT HOSPITAL, HYDERABAD, INDIA. All the patients were diagnosed according to history, clinical examination, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, CSF fluid analysis and radiological investigation. The materials used for the repair of CSF rhinorrhea were surgicel, temporalis fascia, conchal chondroperichrondrium, middle turbinate free mucoperiosteum graft, thigh fat and fascia lata. The follow up period of patients range from 14-44 months. The outcome of endoscopic CSF repair with use of multilayer grafts was evaluated by electronic records regarding recurrence of CSF rhinorrhea post-surgery, hospital admission, revision surgery and digital record of rigid endoscopic findings for the status of graft uptake and CSF leak.&#x0D; Results: In all patients, CSF leak was successfully repaired with use of multilayer grafts in first attempt without any complication. There was female predominance with male to female ratio of 1:6.The mean age of presentation was 43.09years. All 21 patients were presented with spontaneous CSF leak with unknown cause. In 21 patients only one patient presented with bilateral cerebrospinal fluid leak. Cribri form plate was the commonest site of defect in which defect medial to middle turbinate was the commonest followed by ethmoid roof and lateral wall of sphenoid. None of the patients developed meningitis after surgery. None of the patients required lumbar drain. None of the patients presented with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea postoperatively.&#x0D; Conclusions: Endoscopic repair of Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea with the use of multilayer grafts is the safer and effective method with good outcome.

Platelet Derived Growth Factor-AA Correlates With Muscle Function Tests and Quantitative Muscle Magnetic Resonance in Dystrophinopathies

Introduction: Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophy are X-linked muscular disorders produced by mutations in the DMD gene which encodes the protein dystrophin. Both diseases are characterized by progressive involvement of skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory muscles. As new treatment strategies become available, reliable biomarkers and outcome measures that can monitor disease progression are needed for clinical trials.Methods: We collected clinical and functional data and blood samples from 19 DMD patients, 13 BMD patients, and 66 healthy controls (8 pediatric and 58 adult controls), and blood samples from 15 patients with dysferlinopathy (DYSF) and studied the serum concentration of 4 growth factors involved in the process of muscle fibrosis. We correlated the serum concentration of these growth factors with several muscle function tests, spirometry results and fat fraction identified by quantitative Dixon muscle MRI.Results: We found significant differences in the serum concentration of Platelet Derived Growth Factor-AA (PDGF-AA) between DMD patients and pediatric controls, in Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) between BMD patients and adult controls, and in and Transforming Growth Factor- β1 (TGF-β1) between BMD and DYSF patients. PDGF-AA showed a good correlation with several muscle function tests for both DMD and BMD patients and with thigh fat fraction in BMD patients. Moreover, PDGF-AA levels were increased in muscle biopsies of patients with DMD and BMD as was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and Real-Time PCR studies.Conclusion: Our study suggests that PDGF-AA should be further investigated in a larger cohort of DMD and BMD patients because it might be a good biomarker candidate to monitor the progression of these diseases.

Screening for sarcopenia and obesity by measuring thigh muscle and fat thickness by ultrasound in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectivesSarcopenia is relatively common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Thicknesses of the quadriceps muscle and fat are easily measured by ultrasound (US) and are known to be related to skeletal muscle mass and fat mass, respectively. MethodsEighty-four patients enrolled in the prospective correlation research of sarcopenia, skeletal muscle, and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis study (UMIN000023744) underwent US examinations of anterior thigh muscle thickness (MT) and fat thickness (FT). Muscle and body fat (BF) mass were also examined by a body composition analyzer. Whether MT and FT were related to sarcopenia and obesity was examined. ResultsMT was significantly lower in RA patients with sarcopenia than in those without (23.8 vs 28.2 mm, P = 0.001). MT was related to sarcopenia (men: r = 0.56, P = 0.02, women: r = 0.32, P = 0.01). The cut-off value of MT for sarcopenia was 24.7 mm in men and 19.7 mm in women on receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. FT was correlated with BF percentage (%BF; men: r = 0.66, P < 0.01, women: r = 0.62, P < 0.001), which was estimated by 2.04xFT+8.53 in men and 1.2xFT+17.42 in women by a simple linear regression model. This means that FT ≥ 8.1 mm in men and FT ≥ 14.6 mm in women indicated obesity. ConclusionsUS examination of the anterior thigh was useful to detect sarcopenia and obesity in RA patients.

Diabetes and Insulin Resistance Show Association With Femoral Instead of Abdominal Adipocyte Size in Asian Indians

Objectives: Energy intake exceeding expenditure results in adipogenesis, which consists of adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Adipocyte hypertrophy is the pathological hallmark of ‘sick fat’ responsible for the development of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. In Asian Indians, who show a thin, fat phenotype, the association of adipocyte hypertrophy in various fat depots with insulin resistance and diabetes is not precisely known. The objective of this study is to find an association between adipocyte size of abdominal and thigh fat depot and certain parameters of diabetes mellitus. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 172 patients were recruited. Abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat samples were available of 100 patients (Non-diabetics: 56; Diabetics: 44), whereas thigh fat was analyzed in 72 patients (Non-diabetics: 40; Diabetics: 32). All participants had a BMI of less than 30 kg/m2 to negate the effect of obesity on adipocyte size. Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile including triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured in all participants, and HOMA-IR was calculated. Adipocyte size in biopsied tissue after fixation was measured with the help of Motic Panthera Moticam 5 trinocular microscope (BA210LED) and Adobe Photoshop CC image analysis tool. Results: Mean adipocyte size in abdominal visceral compartment in diabetics and non-diabetics were 16610.3 ± 889.5 um2 and 16129.8 ± 878.5 um2 respectively. Whereas, mean adipocyte size in abdominal subcutaneous fat in diabetics and non-diabetics were 15071.0 ± 1261.1 um2 and 14356.8 ± 1004.7 um2 respectively. Adipocyte size difference of both the abdominal compartments between diabetic and non-diabetic group was statistically non-significant (p= 0.70 & 0.65 in omental and abdominal subcutaneous compartments respectively). Mean adipocyte size of thigh in diabetics and non-diabetics were 13070.2 ± 1416.2 um2 and 9020.1 ± 811.1 um2 respectively and difference between adipocyte size between both groups was statistically significant (p = 0.01). Thigh Adipocyte size in diabetic subgroup was positively correlated with HOMA -IR (r = 0.4, p = 0.02), triglycerides (r= 0.4, p = 0.03), waist circumference (r = 0.32, p = 0.03). On multivariate linear regression analysis HOMA-IR (β= 0.45, p=0.00), triglycerides (β=0.38, p=0.01) and waist circumference (β=0.35, p=0.02) are predictor of increased adipocyte size. Conclusion: We found that thigh adipocyte size was significantly larger in diabetics in comparison to non-diabetics, whereas no such difference was found in the abdominal fat compartment. In diabetic patients’ thigh, adipocyte size was positively correlated with HOMA-IR, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels, underlining the role of peripheral fat depots in the pathogenesis of diabetes type 2.

Association Between Maternal Caffeine Consumption and Metabolism and Neonatal Anthropometry

Higher caffeine consumption during pregnancy has been associated with lower birth weight. However, associations of caffeine consumption, based on both plasma concentrations of caffeine and its metabolites, and self-reported caffeinated beverage intake, with multiple measures of neonatal anthropometry, have yet to be examined. To evaluate the association between maternal caffeine intake and neonatal anthropometry, testing effect modification by fast or slow caffeine metabolism genotype. A longitudinal cohort study, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons, enrolled 2055 nonsmoking women at low risk for fetal growth abnormalities with complete information on caffeine consumption from 12 US clinical sites between 2009 and 2013. Secondary analysis was completed in 2020. Caffeine was evaluated by both plasma concentrations of caffeine and paraxanthine and self-reported caffeinated beverage consumption measured/reported at 10-13 weeks gestation. Caffeine metabolism defined as fast or slow using genotype information from the single nucleotide variant rs762551 (CYP1A2*1F). Neonatal anthropometric measures, including birth weight, length, and head, abdominal, arm, and thigh circumferences, skin fold and fat mass measures. The β coefficients represent the change in neonatal anthropometric measure per SD change in exposure. A total of 2055 participants had a mean (SD) age of 28.3 (5.5) years, mean (SD) body mass index of 23.6 (3.0), and 580 (28.2%) were Hispanic, 562 (27.4%) were White, 518 (25.2%) were Black, and 395 (19.2%) were Asian/Pacific Islander. Delivery occurred at a mean (SD) of 39.2 (1.7) gestational weeks. Compared with the first quartile of plasma caffeine level (≤28 ng/mL), neonates of women in the fourth quartile (>659 ng/mL) had lower birth weight (β = -84.3 g; 95% CI, -145.9 to -22.6 g; P = .04 for trend), length (β = -0.44 cm; 95% CI, -0.78 to -0.12 cm; P = .04 for trend), and head (β = -0.28 cm; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.09 cm; P < .001 for trend), arm (β = -0.25 cm; 95% CI, -0.41 to -0.09 cm: P = .02 for trend), and thigh (β = -0.29 cm; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.04 cm; P = .07 for trend) circumference. Similar reductions were observed for paraxanthine quartiles, and for continuous measures of caffeine and paraxanthine concentrations. Compared with women who reported drinking no caffeinated beverages, women who consumed approximately 50 mg per day (~ 1/2 cup of coffee) had neonates with lower birth weight (β = -66 g; 95% CI, -121 to -10 g), smaller arm (β = -0.17 cm; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.02 cm) and thigh (β = -0.32 cm; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.09 cm) circumference, and smaller anterior flank skin fold (β = -0.24 mm; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.01 mm). Results did not differ by fast or slow caffeine metabolism genotype. In this cohort study, small reductions in neonatal anthropometric measurements with increasing caffeine consumption were observed. Findings suggest that caffeine consumption during pregnancy, even at levels much lower than the recommended 200 mg per day of caffeine, are associated with decreased fetal growth.

Short-term hypoxic resistance training improves muscular performance in untrained males

We determined the effect of resistance training under the hypoxia on muscular strength, hypertrophy and performance in untrained males. Fourteen healthy male subjects were randomly assigned to either a normoxic (20.9%; oxygen, n = 7) or a hypoxic (12.7%; oxygen, n = 7) resistance training group. Subjects in both groups performed similar resistance training protocol included 4 weeks of back squat. Knee muscles isokinetic, one-repetition maximum, thigh fat percentage and cross-sectional area were measured before and after training. Extension peak torque, flexion and extension total work, extension angle and flexion peak torque, extension average power, agonist/antagonist strength ratio and thigh muscle cross-sectional were only significantly increased in hypoxic resistance training group ( P < 0.05). The increases in flexion peak torque and average power were significantly higher and thigh fat percentage was significantly lower in hypoxic resistance training group compared to the normoxic condition ( P < 0.05). Our results suggest that hypoxic resistance training reduces fat percentage and improves knee muscle performance efficiently without significant changes in strength and hypertrophy. Nous avons déterminé l’effet de l’entraînement en résistance sous hypoxie sur la force musculaire, l’hypertrophie et la performance chez des sujets de sexe masculin non entraînés. Quatorze sujets de sexe masculin en bonne santé ont été répartis au hasard dans un groupe d’entraînement en résistance normoxique (20,9 % ; oxygène, n = 7) ou hypoxique (12,7 % ; oxygène, n = 7). Les sujets dans les deux groupes ont effectué un protocole d’entraînement en résistance similaire comprenant 4 semaines de squat arrière. Les muscles isocinétiques du genou, le maximum d’une répétition, le pourcentage de graisse de la cuisse et la surface transversale ont été mesurés avant et après l’entraînement. Le couple maximal d’extension, le travail total de flexion et d’extension, l’angle d’extension et le couple maximal de flexion, la puissance moyenne d’extension, le rapport de force agoniste/antagoniste et la section transversale des muscles de la cuisse n’ont été significativement augmentés que dans le groupe d’entraînement à la résistance hypoxique ( p < 0,05). Les augmentations du couple de pointe en flexion et de la puissance moyenne étaient significativement plus élevées et le pourcentage de graisse de cuisse était significativement plus faible dans le groupe d’entraînement en résistance hypoxique par rapport à la condition normoxique ( p < 0,05). Nos résultats suggèrent que l’entraînement en résistance hypoxique réduit le pourcentage de masse grasse et améliore efficacement la performance musculaire du genou sans changements significatifs de force et d’hypertrophie.

The response of fast-, medium- and slow-growing chickens to a low protein diet

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two dietary protein levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters in fast- (Ross 308), medium- (JA757), and slow-growing (ISA Dual) chickens to assess the interaction of the two factors. Each genotype was divided into a control group fed a commercial type of feed mixture and an experimental group fed a low-protein diet (LP). The trial was terminated after a common period of fattening of each genotype, and 20 chickens per group (sex ratio 1 : 1) were selected for the carcass and meat analysis. The results indicated that the LP diet decreased growth (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and increased feed consumption (P &amp;lt; 0.001) more in the fast-growing than in the slow-growing genotypes; however, reduced mortality was detected in fast-growing chickens. The LP diet had a negative effect on the European performance efficiency factor (P &amp;lt; 0.001) in fast- (–10%) and medium-growing (–6%) but not in slow-growing chickens. The main effect of the genotype on the carcass characteristics included the highest (P &amp;lt; 0.001) dressing out and breast percentage in fast-growing chickens and the highest (P &amp;lt; 0.001) percentage of thigh and abdominal fat in the slow-growing genotype. The LP diet had only a minor effect on the carcass traits. Regarding meat quality characteristics, slow-growing chickens were characterized by higher contents of dry matter (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and crude protein (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and lower contents of ether extract (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and cholesterol (P &amp;lt; 0.001) compared to medium- and fast-growing chickens. The individual effects of the genotypes were manifested by the largest cross-sectional area of the muscle fibres of pectoralis major in fast-growing chickens (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The results of the present study indicate a significant interaction of the dietary protein levels and genotypes in growth performance and a negligible effect on the carcass composition and physical and chemical quality of meat

Measuring muscle quality: associations between echo intensity and normalized strength and power

Objective. Muscle quality has received considerable attention within the literature due to its influence on health and performance. However, it has been assessed by various measures (e.g. ultrasound imaging, normalized strength), contributing to a lack of a consensus definition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between common muscle quality measures: vastus lateralis echo intensity (EI) and peak torque (PT) and power (PP) normalized to thigh lean mass (TLM) and thigh fat mass (TFM). Approach. Participants’ (n = 39; age = 32.7 ± 8.2 years; %BF = 24.1% ±8.1%) whole body and leg composition was assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and custom thigh analyses. Subcutaneous fat-corrected muscle EI was assessed via ultrasonography. Maximal PT and PP of the dominant leg extensors were examined on a calibrated dynamometer and were normalized to both TLM and TFM, respectively. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to examine the associations between EI and PT/TLM, PT/TFM, PP/TLM, and PP/TFM. Main results. Greater muscle EI was significantly related with lower PT/TFM and PP/TFM (r = −0.74 to −0.70, P < 0.001), but unrelated to PT/TLM or PP/TLM (P ≥ 0.205). Significance. These findings suggest that ultrasound imaging (muscle EI) and normalized strength and power may not be used interchangeably to define muscle quality, and muscle EI may be more sensitive to the adiposity of the limb than TLM. Future research should consider using separate and consistent definitions when referring to imaging-derived or normalized strength and power values of muscle quality.

Impact of both early-age acclimation and linseed dietary inclusion on fat deposition and fatty acids' meat traits in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

Objective:The purpose of this work was to investigate the combination of early-age acclimation and linseed dietary inclusion in enriching polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in broilers’ meat as a strategy to mitigate heat stress.Materials and Methods:A total of 400 broiler chicks were assigned to four experimental groups with four duplicates (25 animals each): C: control (basal diet), AC: early-age acclimated (basal diet), Cl: fed 5% ground linseed, and Acl: early-age acclimated and fed 5% ground linseed. The lipid and fatty acid contents of different parts (breast, thigh, liver, subcutaneous, and abdominal fat) of broilers were determined.Results:Low levels of lipids and unsaturated fatty acids have been found in the meat of acclimated broilers. Higher levels of linolenic acids were noted in Cl thigh meat compared to C (6% vs. 2.68%, respectively). The results showed that oleic and linoleic acids constitute a large part of the PUFAs of different meats. The most elevated levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were recorded in the breast meat of AcL animals. The highest content of omega-3 was recorded in the liver of AcL animals compared to that of C (14.98% vs. 7.8%, respectively). Conclusion:We suggest that the combination of treatments during hot conditions has led to the reversion of the environment-affected variables to accepted values, and yields better thermoresistance, PUFA-enriched meat, and safeguard animal health which conferred to birds’ better solutions to reduce fatigue and hypoxic activities, which induces a considerable consumption of oxygen.

Leptin and Adiponectin Concentrations Independently Predict Future Accumulation of Visceral Fat in Nondiabetic Japanese Americans.

Whether leptin and adiponectin are independently associated with regional body fat distribution was investigated in a prospective study of Japanese Americans. Nondiabetic participants 39 to 79 years of age were followed for 5 years to assess change in body composition. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations were evaluated at baseline and by single-slice computed tomography measurements of intra-abdominal fat (IAF), abdominal subcutaneous fat (SCF), and thigh SCF cross-sectional areas at baseline and at 5 years. Ninety-six men and ninety-five women without diabetes had the following baseline mean (SD) values: age 45.7 (3.5) years and 46.4 (3.9) years, IAF 78.7 (38.6) cm2 and 62.1 (39.0) cm2 , leptin concentration 4.5 (2.3) μg/L and 10.2 (5.2) μg/L, and adiponectin concentration 7.4 (3.2) μg/mL and 10.8 (4.7) μg/mL, respectively. Baseline leptin (β = 1.7722, P = 0.014) and adiponectin concentrations (β = -0.4162, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with IAF change over 5 years in multivariable models adjusting for age, sex, diabetes family history, weight change over 5 years, and baseline measurements of BMI, IAF, abdominal SCF, waist circumference, thigh fat, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. In nondiabetic Japanese Americans, a higher concentration of leptin was associated with greater accumulation of IAF and a higher concentration of adiponectin with lesser accumulation of IAF over 5 years.

Research Note: The effects of genotype, sex, and feeding regime on performance, carcasses characteristic, and microbiota in chickens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of quantitative feed restriction (FR) in fast-, medium-, and slow-growing meat-type male and female chickens on their growth, feed consumption, economic efficiency, carcass composition, and gastrointestinal microbiota. In the experiment, fast-growing Ross 308, medium-growing Hubbard JA 757 and slow-growing ISA Dual chickens of both sexes were exposed to quantitative FR between 14 and 21 d of age. During the FR, restricted chickens received 70% of the amount of feed consumed by the ad libitum (AL) group. Live weight at the end of the experiment was affected by genotype (P < 0.001), sex (P < 0.001), feeding regime (P < 0.001), and their interaction (P < 0.001). The highest final weight was in AL and FR ISA Dual males and the lowest was in AL and FR females of the same genotype. A similar tendency was observed in daily weight gain and feed intake. Carcass traits were predominantly affected by genotype. However, interactions of genotype, sex, and feeding regime were observed in thigh (P < 0.001) and abdominal fat (P < 0.001) proportions. Concerning gastrointestinal microbiota, only Escherichia coli was affected by genotype. Feed restriction in slow-growing dual-purpose chickens might improve economic potential; however, further research is needed to reveal the involvement of variable processes, which are unclear and affect production.