Blood Triglyceride Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of Obesity on Endothelial Function and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Children

We aimed to measure flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and to evaluate the effects of waist circumference (WC), and body mass index Z (BMI-Z) score on these parameters in obese children. This case-control cross-sectional study included 70 obese and 40 non-obese children aged 7-14 years who presented with various complaints and had no concomitant diseases. FMD and cIMT were measured in all subjects and correlated with anthropometric and biochemical factors. WC, BMI-Z score, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), triglyceride (TG) and insulin concentrations, and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index were significantly higher, whereas high density lipoprotein (HDL) -cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in the obese than in the non-obese group. FMD values were significantly lower, whereas cIMT values were significantly higher in obese than in non-obese subjects. FMD negatively correlated with WC, BMI-Z score, serum insulin level, HOMA, systolic BP, triglyceride but positively with HDL-cholesterol. cIMT positively correlated with WC, BMI-Z score, serum insulin level, HOMA, systolic BP, triglyceride but negatively with HDL-cholesterol. Increased WC, BMI-Z score, serum insulin level, HOMA, systolic BP, triglyceride and decreased HDL-cholesterol in obese children contribute to endothelial dysfunction and early subclinical atherosclerosis compared to their normal weight peers.

Effect of GLP-1 based therapies on diabetic dyslipidemia.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is a hormone secreted by small intestine. Consumption of food or glucose stimulates synthesis and secretion of GLP-1 in the bloodstream, which in turn stimulates insulin secretion from pancreas and delays gastric emptying. Owing to the favorable spectrum of effects on reduction of hyperglycemia and body weight, GLP-1 mimetics are intensely pursued as therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Even after intensive control of hyperglycemia, the propensity for cardiovascular disease cannot be totally negated in diabetic patients. A major reason for the cardiovascular disease risk in diabetic patients is underlying dyslipidemia, also termed as diabetic dyslipidemia. It is characterized by high concentrations of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and lowered HDL cholesterol in plasma, which are associated with hyperglycemia. Increased insulin resistance gives rise to increased free fatty acids in bloodstream, which is the main reason for the lipid changes appearing in diabetic dyslipidemia. The secondary complications like atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases may be predicted with the blood concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol, due to the correlation proven in clinic. Hence, new drugs that target diabetic dyslipidemia will always be useful in therapy. Apart from its actions on body weight and glucose, GLP-1 can also regulate cholesterol and triglycerides by numerous ways. Acute and long term treatment with either GLP-1 or its stable analogs reduced fasting as well as postprandial lipids in healthy as well as T2DM patients. GLP-1R signaling reduces VLDL-TG production rate from liver, reduces hepatic TG content by modulating key enzymes of lipid metabolism in liver, and impairs hepatocyte de novo lipogenesis and β-oxidation. GLP-1 can also modulate reverse cholesterol transport. Apart from these direct effects on lipid metabolism, GLP-1 also reduces atherosclerotic events by inhibiting expression of atherogenic inflammatory mediators, suppressing smooth muscle cell proliferation and stimulating NO production. This review mainly deliberates the association of GLP-1 in lipid regulation via lipid absorption, hepatic cholesterol metabolism, reverse cholesterol transport and progression of atherosclerosis.

Characteristics of diabetic patients and diabetes care in cardiac rehabilitation

Although diabetes is associated with a high cardiovascular risk, very little information is available about diabetic patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). To analyse the characteristics of diabetic patients and diabetes care in CR. From the database of 700 patients enrolled in CR during a 29-month period, we analysed data from all patients with glucose metabolism disorders (n=105) and 210 matched normoglycaemic patients. A total of 105 patients with glucose metabolism disorders (type 1 diabetes, n=5; type 2 diabetes, n=84; impaired fasting glucose, n=16) were enrolled in a CR programme (15% of whole population). Fifteen per cent of patients with type 2 diabetes and all patients with impaired fasting glucose were diagnosed during CR. These 105 patients were older and had a higher body mass index, a larger waist circumference, higher fasting blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations than non-diabetic patients; they also had higher rates of hypertension (P=0.001) and dyslipidaemia (P=0.02). They were more frequently referred to CR for peripheral artery disease (P=0.001), coronary heart disease+peripheral artery disease (P=0.007) and primary prevention (P=0.009). The intervention of a diabetologist was needed for 42.6% of patients because of uncontrolled or newly diagnosed diabetes. In the present study, we showed that (1) the proportion of patients with diabetes in CR is lower than expected, (2) many glucose metabolism disorders are diagnosed during CR, (3) patients with glucose metabolism disorders show a more severe cardiovascular risk profile than normoglycemic patients, and (4) the intervention of a diabetologist is needed during CR for many patients with diabetes.

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Potential conflict of interest: Nothing to report. This work was supported by a contract from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (HHSN276201200161U). We thank Zhao et al. for their interest in our article.1 They make two points. The first is that patients with hepatic decompensation or cirrhosis are at increased risk of diabetes. This relationship is well known and bears no relevance to our findings and conclusions in the general healthy U.S. population. The second point is that factors that we did not consider might have affected the outcomes of our analyses. They offer no hypotheses in this regard, but do point to a published report that found an association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and diabetes that was revealed in multivariate analysis only when controlling for blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.2 No biological reason was suggested for this finding. Nevertheless, we have now considered serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in the main analysis of our article that demonstrated strong relationships of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities with diabetes that were independent of HCV infection (Fig. 2 of the article). Table 1 shows the multivariate odds ratios (ORs) for ALT and anti‐HCV with diabetes when controlling for fasting serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations as well as the other cofactors originally considered (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, elevated C‐reactive protein, smoking, alcohol use, and blood transfusion before 1992). As in the published article, an association of elevated ALT was found with diabetes regardless of anti‐HCV status. For study participants with normal ALT activity, there was no association of anti‐HCV and diabetes. Results were similar for ALT with prediabetes, GGT with diabetes and prediabetes, and when HCV RNA status was considered. Table 1 - Multivariate‐Adjusted ORs for Diabetes by HCV and ALT Status Normal ALT Elevated ALT OR 95% CI P Value OR 95% CI P Value HCV negative 1.0 — — 1.84 1.41‐2.40 <0.001 Anti‐HCV positive 0.70 0.30‐1.63 0.41 2.62 1.15‐5.97 <0.001 Abbreviation: CI, confidence interval.

Impairment of exercise hyperaemia in familial hypercholesterolaemia: complex interplay of vasodilators vs. vasoconstrictors.

Impairment of exercise hyperaemia in familial hypercholesterolaemia: complex interplay of vasodilators vs. vasoconstrictors.

The association between polymorphism of the GH1 gene and changes in protein structure and carcass traits in Mehraban sheep (Ovis aries)

The present study indicates an association between carcass traits and genetic polymorphism and changes in the protein structure of the growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene in Mehraban sheep. Polymorphism of the GH1 gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction–single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR–SSCP) and DNA sequencing methods in 463 individuals. Two different structures in the GH1 protein and six single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified. The association of these SSCP patterns and protein structures with carcass traits was analysed. The SSCP patterns were shown to be associated with carcass traits. Individuals with AB SSCP pattern and Type B protein structure had significantly higher fat-tail weight and volume (P &lt; 0.05) than did those individuals with CC SSCP pattern and Type A protein structure. Moreover, CC SSCP pattern and Type A protein structure contributed to low concentration of blood triglycerides (P = 0.004). The results confirmed the importance of GH1 as a candidate gene for marker-assisted selection for carcass-trait variations in sheep.

Coffee consumption attenuates short-term fructose-induced liver insulin resistance in healthy men

Epidemiologic and experimental data have suggested that chlorogenic acid, which is a polyphenol contained in green coffee beans, prevents diet-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. We assessed whether the consumption of chlorogenic acid-rich coffee attenuates the effects of short-term fructose overfeeding, dietary conditions known to increase intrahepatocellular lipids (IHCLs), and blood triglyceride concentrations and to decrease hepatic insulin sensitivity in healthy humans. Effects of 3 different coffees were assessed in 10 healthy volunteers in a randomized, controlled, crossover trial. IHCLs, hepatic glucose production (HGP) (by 6,6-d2 glucose dilution), and fasting lipid oxidation were measured after 14 d of consumption of caffeinated coffee high in chlorogenic acid (C-HCA), decaffeinated coffee high in chlorogenic acid, or decaffeinated coffee with regular amounts of chlorogenic acid (D-RCA); during the last 6 d of the study, the weight-maintenance diet of subjects was supplemented with 4 g fructose · kg(-1) · d(-1) (total energy intake ± SD: 143 ± 1% of weight-maintenance requirements). All participants were also studied without coffee supplementation, either with 4 g fructose · kg(-1) · d(-1) (high fructose only) or without high fructose (control). Compared with the control diet, the high-fructose diet significantly increased IHCLs by 102 ± 36% and HGP by 16 ± 3% and decreased fasting lipid oxidation by 100 ± 29% (all P < 0.05). All 3 coffees significantly decreased HGP. Fasting lipid oxidation increased with C-HCA and D-RCA (P < 0.05). None of the 3 coffees significantly altered IHCLs. Coffee consumption attenuates hepatic insulin resistance but not the increase of IHCLs induced by fructose overfeeding. This effect does not appear to be mediated by differences in the caffeine or chlorogenic acid content. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00827450.

Body Height, Estimated Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure and Open-Angle Glaucoma. The Beijing Eye Study 2011

PurposeTo examine potential associations between body height, cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP), trans-lamina cribrosa pressure difference (TLCPD) and prevalence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in a population-based setting.MethodsThe population-based Beijing Eye Study 2011 included 3468 individuals with a mean age of 64.6±9.8 years (range:50–93 years). A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed. Based on a previous study with lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) measurements, CSFP was calculated as CSFP[mmHg] = 0.44×Body Mass Index[kg/m2]+0.16×Diastolic Blood Pressure[mmHg]-0.18×Age[Years]-1.91ResultsData of IOP and CSFP were available for 3353 (96.7%) subjects. Taller body height was associated with higher CSFP (P<0.001; standardized correlation coefficient beta:0.13; regression coefficient B:0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.25,0.33) after adjusting for male gender, urban region of habitation, higher educational level, and pulse rate. If TLCPD instead of CSFP was added, taller body height was associated with lower TLCPD (P<0.001;beta:−0.10;B:−0.20;95%CI:−0.25,−0.15). Correspondingly, higher CSFP was associated with taller body height (P = 0.003;beta:0.02;B:0.01;95%CI:0.00,0.02), after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, pulse, systolic blood pressure, and blood concentration of cholesterol. If IOP was added to the model, higher CSFP was associated with higher IOP (P<0.001;beta:0.02;B:0.02;95%CI:0.01,0.03). TLCPD was associated with lower body height (P = 0.003;beta:−0.04;B −0.02,95%CI:−0.04,−0.01) after adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, pulse, blood concentrations of triglycerides, axial length, central corneal thickness, corneal curvature radius, and anterior chamber depth. Adding the prevalence of OAG to the multivariate analysis revealed, that taller body height was associated with a lower OAG prevalence (P = 0.03;beta:−0.03;B:−1.20;95%CI:−2.28,−0.12) after adjusting for educational level and gender.ConclusionsTaller body height was associated with higher CSFP and lower TLCPD (and vice versa), after adjusting for systemic and ocular parameters. Parallel to the associations between a higher prevalence of glaucoma with a lower CSFP or higher TLCPD, taller body height was associated with a lower prevalence of OAG.

Phytosterols protect against diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia in Syrian golden hamsters

BackgroundIn addition to lowering LDL-C, emerging data suggests that phytosterols (PS) may reduce blood triglycerides (TG), however, the underlying mechanisms are not known.MethodsWe examined the TG-lowering mechanisms of dietary PS in Syrian golden hamsters randomly assigned to a high fat (HF) diet or the HF diet supplemented with PS (2%) for 6 weeks (n = 12/group). An additional subset of animals (n = 12) was provided the HF diet supplemented with ezetimibe (EZ, 0.002%) as a positive control as it is a cholesterol-lowering agent with known TG-lowering properties.ResultsIn confirmation of diet formulation and compound delivery, both the PS and EZ treatments lowered (p < 0.05) intestinal cholesterol absorption (24 and 31%, respectively), blood non-HDL cholesterol (61 and 66%, respectively), and hepatic cholesterol (45 and 55%, respectively) compared with the HF-fed animals. Blood TG concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in the PS (49%) and EZ (68%)-treated animals compared with the HF group. The TG-lowering response in the PS-supplemented group was associated with reduced (p < 0.05) intestinal SREBP1c mRNA (0.45 fold of HF), hepatic PPARα mRNA (0.73 fold of HF), hepatic FAS protein abundance (0.68 fold of HD), and de novo lipogenesis (44%) compared with the HF group. Similarly, lipogenesis was lower in the EZ-treated animals, albeit through a reduction in the hepatic protein abundance of ACC (0.47 fold of HF).ConclusionsStudy results suggest that dietary PS are protective against diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia, likely through multiple mechanisms that involve modulation of intestinal fatty acid metabolism and a reduction in hepatic lipogenesis.

EFFICACY OF ATORVASTATIN PLUS AMLODIPINE COMBINATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE AND COMORBID METABOLIC SYNDROME

The aim of the study was to examine efficacy of atorvastatin plus amlodipine combination in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) as a comorbidity. The study involved 32 patients with COPD and MS and 20 patients without MS. We measured blood concentrations of lipids, C – reactive protein (CRP), leptin and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a). In 6 months, patients with COPD and MS decreased body mass index, fat mass percentage, blood pressure, and blood concentrations of triglycerides, low density and very low density cholesterol, CRP, TNF-a, and leptin. Therefore, atorvastatin plus amlodipine combination improved lipid metabolism and the patients' physical tolerance and reduced inflammation.

Combined effect of vitamins C and E on zinc status, carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant values in diabetic rats fed zinc-deficient diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on carbohydrate metabolism, zinc status and antioxidant enzymes activities in diabetic rats fed low zinc diet. Female diabetic albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups. The first group received a diet containing a 54 mg zinc/kg diet (adequate zinc, AZ), the second group received a diet containing 1 mg zinc/kg diet (zinc deficient group, ZD), and the three other groups received ZD diet and treated orally with vitamin E (500 mg/kg body wt) (ZD+VitE), vitamin C (500 mg/kg body wt) (ZD+VitC), and combined vitamins C and E (250 + 250 mg/kg body wt) (ZD+VitC+VitE) respectively. Body weight and food intake were recorded regularly. After four weeks of dietary manipulation. Serum and tissues zinc concentration, alkaline phosphatase activity of low-zinc diabetic animals were significantly lower than those of the control diabetic animals. Dietary zinc deficiency also increased significantly blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase activities, and malondialdehyde level of low zinc diabetic rats. In contrast, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and liver glutathione level were reduced. Vit C or vit E may have partial ameliorative effects on these disturbances, whereas vit C and vit E together assured a more efficient protection. In conclusion vitamin E and C act as beneficial and potent antioxidants protect against lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage due to zinc deficiency associated with diabetes mellitus.

셀레늄 강화 청보리 사일리지 급여가 비육기 거세한우의 생산성, 혈액성상 및 도체특성과 조직 내 셀레늄 축적에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 다양한 수준의 셀레늄 강화 청보리 사일리지와 무기셀레늄을 급여 시 비육기 거세한우의 생산성, 혈액 성상, 도체특성 및 조직 내 셀레늄 축적에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 시험은 거세비육우 20두를 공시하였고, 처리구는 셀레늄 수준에 따라 0.1 ppm Se(대조구), 0.3 ppm Se (T1), 0.9 ppm Se (T2) 및 무기셀레늄 0.9 ppm Se (T3) 급여구로 4처리를 나누어 처리구 구당 5두씩 완전임의 배치하여 90일간 사양시험을 실시하였다. 각 시험사료는 셀레늄 강화 및 셀레늄 무처리 관행 청보리 사일리지를 조합하여 건물기준 30% 함유하도록 배합하였다. 실험사료 내에 셀레늄 강화수준은 사료섭취량과 증체에 영향을 미치지 않았고, 혈중 총 지질과 중성지방농도는 대조구보다 T2구가 유의하게 낮았다(p<0.05). 혈중 면역글로불린은 셀레늄함유량이 많을수록 높게 나타나 T2와 T3구가 대조구보다 유의하게 높았다(p<0.05). 혈중 셀레늄농도는 유기태 셀레늄을 0.9 ppm 급여한 T2구가 가장 높았다(p<0.05). 도체율, 배최장근, 등지방두께, 근내지방도, 육색 및 지방색은 셀레늄급여로 인한 효과가 나타나지 않았다. 또한, 사료 내 셀레늄 수준 및 형태는 육질 및 육량등급 간에 관련성이 형성되지 않았다. 신장, 간장 및 후지 내 셀레늄 함량은 사료 내 셀레늄 강화수준이 증가함에 따라 유의하게 직선적으로 증가하였고(p<0.05), 무기셀레늄급여는 대조구와 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않아, 조직 내 셀레늄함량 증가에 도움이 되지 않았다(p>0.05). 이상의 결과에서 셀레늄 강화 청보리 사일리지 내 존재하는 셀레늄은 조직 내 셀레늄함량을 증가시키기에 유효한 셀레늄급원인 것으로 나타났고, 셀레늄 강화 청보리 최고수준(0.9 ppm Se)으로 급여하여 생산된 한우 후지육 100 g에 함유되어 있는 셀레늄은 성인기준 1일 최소 셀레늄 권장량(<TEX>$40{\mu}g$</TEX>)의 약 69%를 충족시키는 것으로 조사되었다. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding seleniferous whole crop barley silage (WCBS) on the growth performance, blood and carcass characteristics, and tissue selenium deposition infinishing Hanwoo steers. A total of 20 growing Hanwoo steers were selected and assigned to one of the following feed groups: control (0.1 ppm Se), T1 (0.3 ppm Se), T2 (0.9 ppm Se), and T3 (0.9 ppm of inorganic Se). Five steers were allocated to each treatment group, and the trial lasted for 90 days. All experimental diets combined seleniferous and/or non-seleniferous WCBS up to a ratio of 30%. For the T3 diet, 0.9 ppm Se in the form of sodium selenite was added to the control diet. Dietary level and type of selenium did not affect feed intake and body weight gain. Blood total lipid and triglyceride concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the T2 group than in control. Blood immunoglobulin G concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of dietary selenium; concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 and T3 than in control. Blood selenium concentration was the highest (p<0.05) in T2. No significant difference was observed in dressing rate, ribeye area, marbling score, meat color and fat color. Further, no association was found between levels and chemical form of dietary selenium and quality and quantity of meat. To the contrary, tissue selenium content in kidney, liver, and hind leg increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of selenium; however, feeding inorganic selenium did not introduce a significant increase in tissue selenium content of finishing Hanwoo steers. The results indicated that the selenium present in seleniferous WCBS was an effectively absorbable selenium source, suitable for increasing tissue selenium content in beef. Approximately 100 g of hind leg muscle from steers fed on the T2 diet met approximately 69% of the recommended daily selenium requirements.

Effect of indigenous herbs on growth, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics in the late fattening period of hanwoo steers.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of indigenous herbal supplements on growth, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics in the late fattening period of Hanwoo steers. In a 6 month feeding trial, thirty Hanwoo steers (647±32 kg) were allotted to one of 5 treatment groups, control (basal diet contained lasalocid), licorice, clove, turmeric and silymarin, with six steers per pen. All groups received ad libitum concentrate and 1 kg rice straw/animal/d throughout the feeding trial. Blood samples were collected at the beginning, middle, and the end of the experiment and the steers were slaughtered at the end. Blood glucose, triglyceride, total protein, and albumin concentrations were higher in the turmeric treatment compared with other treatments. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were highest (p<0.003 and p = 0.071, respectively) in steers treated with silymarin. Alanine aminotransferase activity was lower (p<0.06) for licorice and silymarin compared with the control group. There were no alterations in serum aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase activities as a consequence of herb treatments (p = 0.203 and 0.135, respectively). Final body weight, body weight gain, average dairy gain and dry matter intake were not significantly different among treatments. Yield grade, marbling score and quality grade were higher for silymarin group than those of the control group (p<0.05). Therefore, the results suggest that silymarin can be used an effective dietary supplement as an alternative to antibiotic feed additive and a productivity enhancer, providing safe and more consumer acceptable alternative to synthetic compounds during the late fattening period of steers.

Effect of Obesity on Endothelial Function and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Children

We aimed to measure flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and to evaluate the effects of waist circumference (WC), and body mass index Z (BMI-Z) score on these parameters in obese children. This case-control cross-sectional study included 70 obese and 40 non-obese children aged 7-14 years who presented with various complaints and had no concomitant diseases. FMD and cIMT were measured in all subjects and correlated with anthropometric and biochemical factors. WC, BMI-Z score, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), triglyceride (TG) and insulin concentrations, and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index were significantly higher, whereas high density lipoprotein (HDL) -cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in the obese than in the non-obese group. FMD values were significantly lower, whereas cIMT values were significantly higher in obese than in non-obese subjects. FMD negatively correlated with WC, BMI-Z score, serum insulin level, HOMA, systolic BP, triglyceride but positively with HDL-cholesterol. cIMT positively correlated with WC, BMI-Z score, serum insulin level, HOMA, systolic BP, triglyceride but negatively with HDL-cholesterol. Increased WC, BMI-Z score, serum insulin level, HOMA, systolic BP, triglyceride and decreased HDL-cholesterol in obese children contribute to endothelial dysfunction and early subclinical atherosclerosis compared to their normal weight peers.

Benefits of Liraglutide Treatment in Overweight and Obese Older Individuals With Prediabetes

OBJECTIVEThe aim was to evaluate the ability of liraglutide to augment weight loss and improve insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and inflammation in a high-risk population for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and CVD.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe randomized 68 older individuals (mean age, 58 ± 8 years) with overweight/obesity and prediabetes to this double-blind study of liraglutide 1.8 mg versus placebo for 14 weeks. All subjects were advised to decrease calorie intake by 500 kcal/day. Peripheral insulin resistance was quantified by measuring the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test. Traditional CVD risk factors and inflammatory markers also were assessed.RESULTSEleven out of 35 individuals (31%) assigned to liraglutide discontinued the study compared with 6 out of 33 (18%) assigned to placebo (P = 0.26). Subjects who continued to use liraglutide (n = 24) lost twice as much weight as those using placebo (n = 27; 6.8 vs. 3.3 kg; P < 0.001). Liraglutide-treated subjects also had a significant improvement in SSPG concentration (−3.2 vs. 0.2 mmol/L; P < 0.001) and significantly (P ≤ 0.04) greater lowering of systolic blood pressure (−8.1 vs. −2.6 mmHg), fasting glucose (−0.5 vs. 0 mmol/L), and triglyceride (−0.4 vs. −0.1 mmol/L) concentration. Inflammatory markers did not differ between the two groups, but pulse increased after liraglutide treatment (6.4 vs. −0.9 bpm; P = 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThe addition of liraglutide to calorie restriction significantly augmented weight loss and improved insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, glucose, and triglyceride concentration in this population at high risk for development of T2DM and CVD.

Resveratrol blunts the positive effects of exercise training on cardiovascular health in aged men

Ageing is thought to be associated with decreased vascular function partly due to oxidative stress. Resveratrol is a polyphenol, which in animal studies has been shown to decrease atherosclerosis, and improve cardiovascular health and physical capacity, in part through its effects on Sirtuin 1 signalling and through an improved antioxidant capacity. We tested the hypothesis that resveratrol supplementation enhances training-induced improvements in cardiovascular health parameters in aged men. Twenty-seven healthy physically inactive aged men (age: 65 ± 1 years; body mass index: 25.4 ± 0.7 kg m(-2); mean arterial pressure (MAP): 95.8 ± 2.2 mmHg; maximal oxygen uptake: 2488 ± 72 ml O2 min(-1)) were randomized into 8 weeks of either daily intake of either 250 mg trans-resveratrol (n = 14) or of placebo (n = 13) concomitant with high-intensity exercise training. Exercise training led to a 45% greater (P < 0.05) increase in maximal oxygen uptake in the placebo group than in the resveratrol group and to a decrease in MAP in the placebo group only (-4.8 ± 1.7 mmHg; P < 0.05). The interstitial level of vasodilator prostacyclin was lower in the resveratrol than in the placebo group after training (980 ± 90 vs. 1174 ± 121 pg ml(-1); P < 0.02) and muscle thromboxane synthase was higher in the resveratrol group after training (P < 0.05). Resveratrol administration also abolished the positive effects of exercise on low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio and triglyceride concentrations in blood (P < 0.05). Resveratrol did not alter the effect of exercise training on the atherosclerosis marker vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Sirtuin 1 protein levels were not affected by resveratrol supplementation. These findings indicate that, whereas exercise training effectively improves several cardiovascular health parameters in aged men, concomitant resveratrol supplementation can blunt these effects.

Biological Effects of Allium monanthum Extracts on Lipid Metabolism, Anti-oxidation and the Production of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

This study is a basic study on the development of functional substances involved in obesity prevention, lipid metabolism, and immune regulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. Allium monanthum extracts (AME) were administered orally to obesity-induced rats, and their lipid-lowering, antioxidative and various types of biological effects related to the immune system were examined. Blood free fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations decreased as the dose of AME increased. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations in the blood decreased as the dose of AME increased. The total cholesterol concentrations in the liver of the AME-treated groups were lower than the control group. The thiobarbituric acid reactive concentrations were lower in the plasma and liver of all AME-treated groups than the control group. Plasma AST and ALT activities did not show any significant differences among the treatment groups. IL-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX> and IL-6 concentrations in the liver tended to decrease as the dose of AME increased. TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX> and IL-10 concentrations did now show any significant differences compared to the control group. Lower expression levels of TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, Apo-B and Apo-E genes were found in the AME-treated groups. Taken together, these results indicate that AME may show positive effects in lipid lowering, antioxidation and anti-inflammation.

The Effect of Bikram Yoga on Arterial Stiffness in Young and Older Adults

Bikram yoga is the most popular form of hot yoga, despite the limited information available on its cardiovascular benefits. This study sought to determine the effect of Bikram yoga on arterial stiffness and insulin resistance in young and older adults. Twenty-four young (mean age±standard deviation, 30±1 years) and 18 middle-aged and older (mean age, 53±2 years) adults completed an 8-week Bikram yoga intervention. Bikram yoga classes were performed for 90 minutes per session, three times per week, in a room heated to 40.5°C with 40%--60% relative humidity. Body mass, body fat percentage, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations did not significantly change as a result of the intervention in either the young or the older group. Trunk flexibility, as measured by the sit-and-reach test, increased in both groups (p<0.01). Total (p<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05) levels, plasma insulin concentrations (p<0.01), and scores on the homeostatic model of the assessment of insulin resistance (p<0.01) decreased in older adults, whereas total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were reduced in young adults (all p<0.05). Carotid artery compliance (p<0.05) was increased and β-stiffness index decreased in young (p<0.05) but not in older adults. Carotid pulse pressure did not significantly change in either group. A relatively short-term Bikram yoga intervention improved arterial stiffness in young but not older adults and significantly reduced insulin resistance index in older but not young adults.

Efficacy and Tolerability of an Herbal Formulation for Weight Management

The clinical effects and tolerability of a novel herbal formulation comprising the extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana were assessed in two similarly designed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials in 100 human subjects with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m². Participants were randomized into two groups receiving either 400 mg of herbal blend twice daily or two identical placebo capsules. All subjects received three meals (2000 kcal/day) throughout the study and walked 5 days a week for 30 min. The primary outcome was reduction in body weight. Secondary outcomes were reduction in BMI and in waist and hip circumference. Serum glycemic, lipid, and adiponectin levels were also measured. Ninety-five subjects completed the trials, and data from these two studies were pooled and analyzed. At study conclusion (8 weeks), statistically significant reductions in body weight (5.2 kg; P<.0001), BMI (2.2 kg/m²; P<.0001), as well as waist (11.9 cm; P<.0001) and hip circumferences (6.3 cm; P=.0001) were observed in the herbal group compared with placebo. An increase in serum adiponectin concentration was also found in the herbal group versus placebo (P=.0008) at study conclusion along with reductions in fasting blood glucose (12.2%, P=.01), cholesterol (13.8%, P=.002), and triglyceride (41.6%, P<.0001) concentrations. No changes were seen across organ function panels, multiple vital signs, and no major adverse events were reported. The minor adverse events were equally distributed between the two groups. Our findings suggest that the herbal blend appears to be a well-tolerated and effective ingredient for weight management.

Body mass, behaviours and social/health situation in diabetes patients at the level of primary medical healthcare: a Polish national study

Multiple health and economic consequences related to obesity cause it to be regarded as a problem of social significance; body mass control has become a crucial element in the process of diabetes treatment. This paper shows factors differentiating body mass values in diabetes patients. The research for this study was carried out among 1,986 patients with diabetes, originating from 61 randomly chosen units of the national primary health care system. Normal body mass was found only in 12.8% of patients. Normal body mass was found in patients characterised by a better (moderate) level of knowledge about the disease (p < 0.005) and with full knowledge of health indicators significant in diabetes treatment (p < 0.05). Patients with normal body mass function in families were characterised by a more complete capacity to care and support the patient in the home environment (p < 0.0001), a more favourable socio-living situation(p < 0.05), with less requirement for professional care (p < 0.0001). Persons with normal body mass more frequently showed blood pressure (p < 0.0001), triglyceride concentrations (p < 0.0001) and total cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.0001) close to normal. Obesity was most frequently recognised in patients who declared no physical activity or excessive physical activity(regardless of the recommendation to dose physical effort and activity) (p < 0.01). The obtained results show that the levels of health consciousness, healthy behaviours, and family and socio-living situations differentiate the body mass values defined by body mass index in diabetic patients.