Visceral Fat Mass Research Articles

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ARTERIAL STIFFNESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & SEDENTARY TIME IN A YOUNG MIDDLE-EASTERN POPULATION

Objective: Arterial stiffness (AS) and physical activity are independent cardiovascular(CV) risk factors and predict outcome. We and others have shown that PA is associated with AS; however, the data is largely derived from older, Caucasian populations assessing PA with questionaires. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between AS and PA using actigraphy in a young Middle-Eastern population, hitherto not studied. Design and method: Four-hundred and two apparently healthy subjects (mean age 20.7 ± 3 years, 52% females) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements performed included weight, height, waist and hip, total body fat, visceral fat and muscle mass. Participants received an accelerometer (ActiGraph™) to wear on the wrist for 7 consecutive days. The average minutes/day spent at different PA intensities (min/day) was determined according to established cut-points as well as metabolic equivalents (METS). Arterial stiffness was measured using the SphygmoCor™ and Mibilograph® as pulse wave velocity (PWV), central BP and augmentation index(AIx), after fifteen minutes of supine rest. The data was analysed using JMP Pro version 13 (SAS for Windows, NC, USA). Results: 30% of the population met the AHA Guidelines for PA with no gender difference. None of the subjects achieved moderate-vigorous or very vigorous activity with almost 50% of the time spent in being sedentary. There was a significant association between daily step count and body fat and body muscle content (p < 0.001). PWV was associated with age (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), brachial systolic BP(r = 0.57, p < 0.0001), aortic systolic BP(r = 0.65, p < 0.0001), cardiac output(r = 0.39, p < 0.0001), METS achieved(r = -0.42, p < 0.0001), light activity (r = -0.25, p < 0.001), moderate-to-vigorous (r = -0.29, p < 0.001), sedentary time (r = 0.45, P < 0.0001), waist(r = 0.47, p < 0.0001), visceral fat(r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and muscle mass(r = -0.31, p < 0.01). In a stepwise regression model with PWV as the dependent variable, age, MAP, gender, METS achieved and sedentary time emerged as independent determinants of PWV (R2 = 0.39, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Unhealthy life-style is a strong risk factor for CVD, partly through the development of premature arterial stiffening. Our results highlight the deleterious effects of sedentary time on vascular function, independent of physical activity and energy consumption in a young, healthy population.

Vitamin D3supplementation does not enhance the effects of resistance training in older adults

BackgroundLifestyle therapy with resistance training is a potent measure to counteract age‐related loss in muscle strength and mass. Unfortunately, many individuals fail to respond in the expected manner. This phenomenon is particularly common among older adults and those with chronic diseases (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD) and may involve endocrine variables such as vitamin D. At present, the effects of vitamin D supplementation on responses to resistance training remain largely unexplored.MethodsNinety‐five male and female participants (healthy, n = 71; COPD, n = 24; age 68 ± 5 years) were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D3 or placebo supplementation for 28 weeks in a double‐blinded manner (latitude 61°N, September–May). Seventy‐eight participants completed the RCT, which was initiated by 12 weeks of supplementation‐only (two weeks with 10 000 IU/day, followed by 2000 IU/day), followed by 13 weeks of combined supplementation (2000 IU/day) and supervised whole‐body resistance training (twice weekly), interspersed with testing and measurements. Outcome measures included multiple assessments of muscle strength (nvariables = 7), endurance performance (n = 6), and muscle mass (n = 3, legs, primary), as well as muscle quality (legs), muscle biology (m. vastus lateralis; muscle fibre characteristics, transcriptome), and health‐related variables (e.g. visceral fat mass and blood lipid profile). For main outcome domains such as muscle strength and muscle mass, weighted combined factors were calculated from the range of singular assessments.ResultsOverall, 13 weeks of resistance training increased muscle strength (13% ± 8%), muscle mass (9% ± 8%), and endurance performance (one‐legged, 23% ± 15%; whole‐body, 8% ± 7%), assessed as weighted combined factors, and were associated with changes in health variables (e.g. visceral fat, −6% ± 21%; [LDL]serum, −4% ± 14%) and muscle tissue characteristics such as fibre type proportions (e.g. IIX, −3% points), myonuclei per fibre (30% ± 65%), total RNA/rRNA abundances (15%/6–19%), and transcriptome profiles (e.g. 312 differentially expressed genes). Vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect training‐associated changes for any of the main outcome domains, despite robust increases in [25(OH)D]serum (∆49% vs. placebo). No conditional effects were observed for COPD vs. healthy or pre‐RCT [25(OH)D]serum. In secondary analyses, vitamin D3 affected expression of gene sets involved in vascular functions in muscle tissue and strength gains in participants with high fat mass, which advocates further study.ConclusionsVitamin D3 supplementation did not affect muscular responses to resistance training in older adults with or without COPD.

Effects of Fucoxanthin on the Inhibition of Dexamethasone-Induced Skeletal Muscle Loss in Mice.

Fucoxanthin (Fx) has preventive effect against muscle atrophy and myotube loss in vitro, but it has not yet been examined in vivo. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of Fx on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced muscle atrophy and fat mass in mice. ICR mice were fed with Fx diets from 2 weeks before Dex treatment to the end of the study. Muscle atrophy was induced in the mice by oral administration of Dex. Body weight was significantly lower by Dex treatment. Visceral fat mass in the Fx-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The Dex-induced decrease in tibialis anterior muscle mass was ameliorated by Fx treatment. Fx treatment significantly attenuated muscle lipid peroxidation compared with the control and Dex-treated groups. The phosphorylation of AMPK was significantly higher in the Dex-treated group than in the control group. The expression of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) IV was significantly higher in the Fx-treated group than in the control group. These results suggest that Fx may be a beneficial material to prevent muscle atrophy in vivo, in addition to the effect of fat loss.

Maternal First-Trimester Cow-Milk Intake Is Positively Associated with Childhood General and Abdominal Visceral Fat Mass and Lean Mass but Not with Other Cardiometabolic Risk Factors at the Age of 10 Years.

ABSTRACTBackgroundHigher maternal cow-milk intake during pregnancy is associated with higher fetal growth measures and higher birth weight.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the associations of maternal milk intake during pregnancy with body fat measures and cardiometabolic risk factors at the age of 10 y.MethodsIn a population-based cohort of Dutch mothers and their children (n = 2466) followed from early pregnancy onwards, we assessed maternal first-trimester milk intake (milk and milk drinks) by food-frequency questionnaire. Maternal milk intake was categorized into 0–0.9, 1–1.9, 2–2.9, 3–3.9, 4–4.9, and ≥5 glasses/d, with 1 glass equivalent to 150 mL milk. For children at the age of 10 y, we calculated BMI and obtained detailed measures of body and organ fat by DXA and MRI. We also measured blood pressure and lipid, insulin, and glucose concentrations. Data were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models.ResultsCompared with children whose mothers consumed 0–0.9 glass of milk/d during their pregnancy, those whose mothers consumed ≥5 glasses of milk/d had a 0.29 SD (95% CI: 0.10, 0.48) higher BMI, 0.27 SD (95% CI: 0.08, 0.47) higher fat mass, 0.26 SD (95% CI: 0.07, 0.46) higher lean mass, 0.30 SD (95% CI: 0.09, 0.50) higher android-to-gynoid fat mass ratio and 0.38 SD (95% CI: 0.09, 0.67) higher abdominal visceral fat mass. After correction for multiple comparisons, groups of maternal milk intake were not associated with pericardial fat mass index, liver fat fraction, blood pressure, or lipid, insulin, or glucose concentrations (P values >0.0125).ConclusionsOur results suggest that maternal first-trimester milk intake is positively associated with childhood general and abdominal visceral fat mass and lean mass, but not with other cardiometabolic risk factors.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation increases the efficacy of exercise- and diet-induced obesity treatment and induces immunometabolic changes in female mice and women.

The decrease in the regulatory T cells (Tregs) population is highly involved in adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity. Tregs depend on fatty acids via β-oxidation for immunosuppressive function adapting their antioxidant systems to allow survival to oxidative stress. In this study, we have hypothesized that a dietary supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a powerful antioxidant, would improve immunometabolism when added to the classical strategy of obesity treatment. First, we showed by in vitro experiments that ALA favors the polarization of mice CD4+T cells toward Tregs. Next, we have carried out a translational study where female obese mice and women were supplemented with ALA or vehicle/placebo (mice: 2.5 gALA /kgfood ; 6weeks; women: 600 mgALA /day, 8weeks) while following a protocol including regular exercise and a change in diet. Fatty acid oxidation potential and activity of nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) of mouse secondary lymphoid tissues were improved by ALA supplementation. ALA reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass and preserved Tregs in VAT in mice. In women, ALA supplementation induced significant metabolic changes of circulating CD4+T cells including increased oxidative capacity and fatty acid oxidation, ameliorated their redox status, and improved the reduction of visceral fat mass. While appropriate biological markers are still required to be used in clinics to judge the effectiveness of long-term obesity treatment, further studies in female mice and women are needed to determine whether these immunometabolic changes would reduce VAT mass-associated risk for secondary health issues arising from obesity.

Testosterone and exercise: effects on fitness, body composition, and strength in middle-to-older aged men with low-normal serum testosterone levels

As men age, serum testosterone (T) concentrations decrease, as do fitness, strength and lean mass. Whether testosterone treatment confers additive benefit to reverse these changes when combined with exercise training in middle-to-older aged men remains unclear. We assessed the effects of T treatment and exercise, alone and in combination, on aerobic capacity (VO2peak), body composition and muscular strength in men 50-70yrs, waist circumference ≥95cm and low-normal serum T (6-14nmol·L-1). Participants (n=80) were randomised to AndroForte5® (Testosterone 5.0%w/v, 100mg/2mL) cream (T), or matching placebo (P), applied transdermally daily, and supervised centre-based exercise (Ex) or no additional exercise (NEx), for 12-weeks. Exercise increased VO2peak and strength vs non-exercise (VO2peak: T+Ex:+2.5, P+Ex:+3.2mL·kg-1·min-1, P<0.001; leg press: T+Ex:+31, P+Ex:+24kg, P=0.006). T treatment did not affect VO2peak or strength. Exercise decreased total (T+Ex:-1.7, P+Ex-2.3kg, P<0.001) and visceral fat (T+Ex:-0.1, P+Ex:-0.3kg, P=0.003), and increased total (T+Ex:+1.4, P+Ex:+0.7kg, P=0.008) and arm lean mass (T+Ex:+0.5, P+Ex:+0.3kg, P=0.024). T treatment did not affect total or visceral fat, but increased total (T+Ex:+1.4, T+NEx:+0.7kg, P=0.015), leg (T+Ex:+0.3, T+NEx:+0.2kg, P=0.024) and arm lean mass (T+Ex:+0.5, T+NEx:+0.2kg, P=0.046). T+Ex increased arm lean mass (T+Ex:+0.5kg vs P+NEx:-0.0kg, P=0.001) and leg strength (T+Ex:+31 vs P+NEx:+12kg, P=0.032) compared to P+NEx, with no other additive effects. Exercise training was more effective than T treatment in increasing aerobic capacity and decreasing total and visceral fat mass. T treatment at therapeutic doses increased lean mass but conferred limited additional benefit when combined with exercise. Exercise should be evaluated as an anti-ageing intervention in preference to testosterone treatment in men.

Plasma Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Body Composition From Mid-Childhood to Early Adolescence.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may alter body composition by lowering anabolic hormones and increasing inflammation, but data are limited, particularly in adolescence when body composition is rapidly changing. To evaluate associations of PFAS plasma concentrations in childhood with change in body composition through early adolescence. A total of 537 children in the Boston-area Project Viva cohort participated in this study. We used multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to examine associations of plasma concentrations of 6 PFAS, quantified by mass spectrometry, in mid-childhood (mean age, 7.9 years; 2007-2010) with change in body composition measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry from mid-childhood to early adolescence (mean age, 13.1 years). In single-PFAS linear regression models, children with higher concentrations of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) had less accrual of lean mass (eg, -0.33 [95% CI: -0.52, -0.13] kg/m2 per doubling of PFOA). Children with higher PFOS and PFHxS had less accrual of total and truncal fat mass (eg, -0.32 [95% CI: -0.54, -0.11] kg/m2 total fat mass per doubling of PFOS), particularly subcutaneous fat mass (eg, -17.26 [95% CI -32.25, -2.27] g/m2 per doubling of PFOS). Children with higher PFDA and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) had greater accrual of visceral fat mass (eg, 0.44 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.75] g/m2 per doubling of PFDA). Results from BKMR mixture models were consistent with linear regression analyses. Early life exposure to some but not all PFAS may be associated with adverse changes in body composition.

Effects of Exercise on Resting Metabolic Rate in Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity.

Background: We examined the effects of exercise training on resting metabolic rate (RMR), and whether changes in body composition are associated with changes in RMR in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods: One hundred forty adolescents (12-18 years, BMI ≥85th percentile) participated in randomized exercise trials (3-6 months) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (18 control, 51 aerobic, 50 resistance, and 21 combined aerobic and resistance exercise). All participants had RMR assessments by indirect calorimetry after a 10-12 hour overnight fast, and body composition by magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: There were no significant changes in RMR (kcal/day) between exercise groups vs. controls (p > 0.05). All exercise groups decreased visceral fat (-0.2 ± 0.02 kg; p < 0.05) compared to control. Increases in fat-free mass (FFM) were only seen in the combined group (2.3 ± 0.4 kg; p < 0.05), whereas increases in skeletal muscle mass were observed in both resistance (1.2 ± 0.2 kg; p < 0.05) and combined (1.5 ± 0.3 kg; p < 0.05) groups vs. control. Change in FFM, but not fat mass (FM), visceral fat, or skeletal muscle mass (p > 0.05), was a significant determinant of changes in RMR, independent of exercise modality (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Although exercise modality was not associated with changes in RMR, change in FFM, but not skeletal muscle or FM, was a significant correlate of changes in RMR in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Clinicaltrials.gov registration numbers: NCT00739180, NCT01323088, NCT01938950.

Unexpected Pleiotropic Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors: Pearls and Pitfalls of This Novel Antidiabetic Class.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors facilitate urine glucose excretion by reducing glucose reabsorption, leading to ameliorate glycemic control. While the main characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus are insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance, SGLT2 inhibitors have some favorable effects on pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity. SGLT2 inhibitors ameliorate fatty liver and reduce visceral fat mass. Furthermore, it has been noted that SGLT2 inhibitors have cardio-protective and renal protective effects in addition to their glucose-lowering effect. In addition, several kinds of SGLT2 inhibitors are used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus as an adjuvant therapy to insulin. Taken together, SGLT2 inhibitors have amazing multifaceted effects that are far beyond prediction like some emerging magical medicine. Thereby, SGLT2 inhibitors are very promising as relatively new anti-diabetic drugs and are being paid attention in various aspects. It is noted, however, that SGLT2 inhibitors have several side effects such as urinary tract infection or genital infection. In addition, we should bear in mind the possibility of diabetic ketoacidosis, especially when we use SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with poor insulin secretory capacity.

Associations of maternal early-pregnancy dietary glycemic index with childhood general, abdominal and ectopic fat accumulation

SummaryBackground & aimsMaternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy is an important risk factor for childhood adiposity. Maternal dietary glycemic index during pregnancy directly influences maternal and fetal glucose concentrations. We examined the associations of maternal early-pregnancy dietary glycemic index with offspring general, abdominal and ectopic fat accumulation among normal weight and overweight or obese pregnant women and their offspring.MethodsIn a population-based cohort study among 2488 Dutch pregnant women and their children, we assessed maternal dietary glycemic index by food frequency questionnaire at median 13.4 (95% range 10.7; 21.1) weeks gestation. Dietary glycemic index was used continuously and categorized into low (≤55), normal (56–69) and high (≥70) glycemic index diet. We measured offspring BMI, total fat mass and android/gynoid fat mass ratio by DXA, and visceral fat mass and liver fat fraction by MRI at 10 years.ResultsNo associations of maternal early-pregnancy dietary glycemic index with offspring adiposity were present among normal weight women and their children. Among overweight and obese women and their children, 1-Standard Deviation Score (SDS) increase in maternal early-pregnancy dietary glycemic index was associated with higher childhood BMI (0.10 SDS, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.01; 0.19), total fat mass index (0.13 SDS, 95% CI 0.05; 0.22), visceral fat mass index (0.19 SDS, 95% CI 0.07; 0.32) and tended to be associated with a higher android/gynoid fat mass ratio (0.09 SDS, 95% CI −0.01; 0.19) and higher risk of childhood overweight (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.20, 95% CI 0.97; 1.48). Overweight and obese women consuming an early-pregnancy low-glycemic index diet, as compared to an early-pregnancy normal-glycemic index diet, had children with lower BMI, total fat mass index, visceral fat mass index and android/gynoid fat mass ratio at 10 years (p-values<0.05). No women consumed a high-glycemic index diet. No associations were explained by maternal socio-economic, lifestyle and dietary characteristics, birth or childhood characteristics. No associations with liver fat fraction were present.ConclusionsIn overweight or obese women and their children, a higher maternal early-pregnancy dietary glycemic index is associated with childhood general, abdominal and visceral fat accumulation, but not with liver fat. Intervention studies among overweight and obese pregnant women may need to target the dietary glycemic index to prevent childhood adiposity.

The Effects of 8-week Acetic Acid Feeding on Endurance Performance and Fat Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle of Mice

PURPOSE:The combined effect of acetic acid supplementation and endurance exercise training on fatty acid metabolism and skeletal muscle functions are not well known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week acetic acid administration with or without endurance exercise training on fatty acid metabolism and skeletal muscle functions using mice.METHODS: Fourty-eight male wild-type ICR mice (10-week old) were randomly divided into 4 groups: sedentary control (Sed+Con), sedentary sodium acetate (Sed+NaAc), exercise control (Exe+Con) and exercise sodium acetate (Exe+NaAc) groups. For acetic acid diet, sodium acetate was incorporated into the chow diet at 5% (w/w). For the exercise training, mice performed 4 days/week of 20 min treadmill running exercise training for 8 weeks. Following 8 weeks of combined treatments of acetic acid and endurance running exercise training, visceral fat mass and skeletal muscle mass, blood parameters, and the markers for fatty acid metabolism were analyzed. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA (p&lt;.05) using the SPSS 21 program.RESULTS: Eight weeks of Exe+NaAc treatment significantly increased maximal running time compared with Sed+Con and Exe+Con groups (p&lt;.05). Eight weeks of Exe+NaAc treatment significantly decreased fatty acid synthesis-related FAS (fatty acid synthase) protein levels compared with the Sed+Con group, and increased fatty acid oxidation-related CPT1B (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B) protein levels compared with Sed+Con and Sed+NaAc groups (p&lt;.05). This combined treatment of acetic acid and endurance exercise training also increased AMPK activation compared with the Sed+Con and the Sed+NaAc groups (p&lt;.05).CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that there were synergistic effects of the treatment of 8-week acetic acid supplementation and endurance exercise training on the reductions of body weight and visceral fat mass and an increase in endurance performance.

Interindividual variation in cardiometabolic health outcomes following 6months of endurance training in youth at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study determined the interindividual variation in the cardiometabolic response to 6months of moderate or vigorous intensity exercise training (ET) among youth at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Youth were randomized to moderate intensity ET (45-55% heart rate reserve; n = 31), vigorous intensity ET (70-85% heart rate reserve; n = 37), or control (n = 36). Only those attending ≥70% of ET sessions were included. Cardiometabolic measures included insulin sensitivity, hepatic triglyceride content, visceral adipose area, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The contribution of ET to interindividual variation was determined using the standard deviation of individual responses (SDIR) and considered meaningful if the SDIR surpassed the smallest worthwhile difference (SWD), calculated as 0.2× the standard deviation of the control group baseline values. ET meaningfully contributed to the interindividual variation among changes in peak oxygen uptake following moderate (SDIR: 2.04) and vigorous (SDIR: 3.43) ET (SWD: 1.17 mL·kgfat free mass-1·min-1), body fat percentage and hepatic triglyceride content following moderate-intensity ET (SDIR: 1.64, SWD: 1.05%; SDIR: 10.08, SWD: 1.06%, respectively), and visceral fat mass following vigorous ET (SDIR: 11.06, SWD: 7.13 cm2). Variation in the changes in insulin sensitivity were not influenced by ET. The contribution of ET to interindividual variation appears to be influenced by the desired outcome and prescribed intensity. Trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier no.: NCT00755547). Novelty: The contribution of exercise to interindividual variation following training depends on the outcome and exercise intensity. Increasing exercise intensity does not systematically reduce non-response among youth at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Longitudinal telomere length and body composition in healthy term-born infants during the first two years of life.

ObjectiveLeukocyte telomere length (LTL) is one of the markers of biological aging as shortening occurs over time. Shorter LTL has been associated with adiposity and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. The objective was to assess LTL and LTL shortening during the first 2 years of life in healthy, term-born infants and to associate LTL shortening with potential stressors and body composition.Study designIn 145 healthy, term-born infants (85 boys), we measured LTL in blood, expressed as telomere to single-gene copy ratio (T/S ratio), at 3 months and 2 years by quantitative PCR technique. Fat mass (FM) was assessed longitudinally by PEAPOD, DXA, and abdominal FM by ultrasound.ResultsLTL decreased by 8.5% from 3 months to 2 years (T/S ratio 4.10 vs 3.75, p<0.001). LTL shortening from 3 months to 2 years associated with FM%(R = 0.254), FM index(R = 0.243) and visceral FM(R = 0.287) at 2 years. LTL shortening tended to associate with gain in FM% from 3 to 6 months (R = 0.155, p = 0.11), in the critical window for adiposity programming. There was a trend to a shorter LTL in boys at 2 years(p = 0.056). LTL shortening from 3 months to 2 years was not different between sexes.ConclusionWe present longitudinal LTL values and show that LTL shortens considerably (8.5%) during the first 2 years of life. LTL shortening during first 2 years of life was associated with FM%, FMI and visceral FM at age 2 years, suggesting that adverse adiposity programming in early life could contribute to more LTL shortening.

A prospective study of the relationships between change in body composition and cardiovascular risk factors across the menopause.

Objective:Menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which in part has been attributed to the rise in cholesterol and blood pressure (BP). This study examined the hypothesis that menopausal changes in body composition and regional fat depots relate to the change in CVD risk factors.Methods:A prospective recall study was designed to capture premenopausal women to be re-examined soon after menopause. A total of 97 women from the Oxford Biobank underwent dual x-ray absorptiometry, blood biochemistry, and BP readings pre- and postmenopause.Results:Despite minimal changes in body weight over the 5.1 ± 0.9 year follow-up period, there was an increase in total fat mass and a decline in lean mass, where the proportional change of regional fat mass was the greatest for the visceral fat depot (+22%, P < 0.01). Plasma ApoB (+12%, P < 0.01) and C-reactive protein (+45%, P < 0.01) increased as did systolic (+7%, P < 0.001) and diastolic BP (+5%, P < 0.001). Plasma nonesterified fatty acids decreased (−20%, P < 0.05) which may reflect on a change in adipose tissue function across the menopause. PCSK-9 decreased (−26%, P < 0.01) which suggests a compensation for the postmenopausal reduction in low-density lipoprotein receptor activity. Using multilinear regression analyses the changes in ApoB and diastolic BP were associated with visceral fat mass change, but this association was lost when adjusted for total fat mass change.Conclusion:The increase in CVD risk factor burden across menopause may not be driven by changes in body composition, rather by functional changes in end organs such as adipose tissue and liver.

Associations Between Physical Activity and Risk Factors for Type II Diabetes in Prediabetic Adults

Diabetes is a national healthcare crisis related to both macrovascular and microvascular complications. We hypothesized that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower total and visceral fat mass, lower systolic blood pressure, and increased insulin sensitivity. Participant inclusion criteria: 21-50 years old, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, hemoglobin A1C 5.7-6.4, fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL, and HOMA IR ≥ 2.5.

Complex Effects of Round-The-Clock Light and High-Calorie Carbohydrate-Lipid Diet on Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Rats

Background. Experimental and clinical studies show that hypomelatoninemia is accompanied by alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the development of systemic inflammatory response, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate complex effects of round-the-clock light and HCCLD on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in rats. Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out on 28 male adult rats of Wistar line weighting 215-255 g. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 7 animals in each: control, exposed to the round-the-clock light (with an intensity of 1500 lx), kept on HCCLD (20 % fructose solution and the diet), and the mixed group exposed to the combined effect of the round-the-clock light and HCCLD. The experiment in the groups 2 and 4 lasted 60 days. We assessed the melatonin concentration, indices of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Results. The study has demonstrated that the combination of HCCLD and the round-the-clock light course reduces the melatonin concentration in the blood serum by 55.6 % compared with the results obtained in the animals exposed to the round-the clock light only. Herewith, the animals developed the insulin resistance, which was accompanied by more marked manifestations of its characteristic metabolic symptoms as hyperinsulinemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypo-α-lipoproteinemia, hypertrialcylglycerolemia, and increased visceral fat mass in comparison with the animals kept on the HCCLD only. Conclusions. High-calorie carbohydrate-lipid diet through the period of the round-the-clock light exposure aggravates hypomelatoninemia, enhances insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism disorders.

Inflammation: zwischen Adipositas, Diabetes und Sport

Obesity represents a major challenge for our health care system because of its steadily increasing prevalence. In addition, obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular, metabolic, oncologic, musculoskeletal, neurodegenerative, pulmonary, psychological, and other diseases. Among the mechanisms by which obesity contributes to the development of these comorbid disorders is the activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. As a consequence of a chronic positive energy balance, physiologic energy stores in subcutaneous adipose tissue are overloaded and excessive fat accumulates at ectopic or visceral sites. This leads to metabolic stress in adipose tissue, which subsequently contributes to local inflammation, so-called metaflammation. Immune cell infiltration predominantly into visceral fat depots leads to altered signals from adipose tissue (e.g., cytokines, adipokines, metabolites) that can contribute to chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and may impair the function of target tissues including the liver, skeletal muscle, vasculature, brain and other organs. Regular physical activity is part of basic treatment for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes because it improves insulin sensitivity and reduces visceral fat mass. Exercise training reduces adipose tissue metabolic stress and inflammatory activation and can thus also exert anti-inflammatory effects at the whole body level. In addition, increased physical activity directly affects the humoral and cellular immune response that is frequently activated in obesity and type 2 diabetes. This review discusses pathomechanisms of metaflammation and how regular exercise may affect these processes.

Calcaneal Ultrasound and Its Relation to Dietary and Lifestyle Factors, Anthropometry, and Vitamin D Deficiency in Young Medical Students.

BackgroundBone quality and peak bone mass are greatly affected by lifestyle factors. The objective of the study was to investigate the relationships between anthropometry, dietary and caloric intake, body composition measurements, physical activity, and vitamin D status with quantitative ultrasound-based bone parameters among medical students.MethodsBoth male and female medical college students were included in this study. A detailed questionnaire was administered, collecting clinical, dietary, physical activity information, physical examination details, including body mass index (BMI). Body composition (total body fat, total body water, muscle mass, mean visceral fat mass, basal metabolic rate, bone mass using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer) and calcaneal heel ultrasound parameters were measured using an Osteosys Sonost-3000, Ultrasound Bone Densitometer were measured, respectively.ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, 211 healthy students with a mean age of 20.1 ± 1.1 years, 51.7% (n = 109) were males. Majority (79.4%) of the young adults had vitamin D deficiency. The mean BMI, calcium intake, and vitamin D levels were 22.35 ± 3.43 kg/m2, 788.7 ± 364.8 mg/day, and 15.02 ± 8.63 ng/ml, respectively. Female subjects compared to males had statistically significantly lower daily energy intake, muscle mass, visceral fat mass, calcium intake, and vitamin D levels. In addition the median Z-scores in females [−1.40 (−0.57 to −1.82)] was significantly poorer than the male [−0.50 (0.20 to −1.3)] counterparts, p-value <0.001. Multiple regression analysis showed that overall body fat percent (p-value 0.016) and visceral fat percent (p-value 0.029) were the only significant negative predictors to the calcaneal bone quality index (BQI) values.ConclusionAdolescent lifestyle patterns can influence young adult bone strength. The young Pakistani females exhibited significantly lower dietary intakes and more inadequate bone parameters compared to males. Our data suggest that total body and visceral fat percent are the predominant negatively associated determinant of bone strength for this cohort. Calcaneal ultrasound can be utilized for mass screening of young adults for identification of low BMD.

Age- and sex-specific visceral fat reference cutoffs and their association with cardio-metabolic risk

Although excess visceral fat (VAT) is associated with numerous cardio-metabolic risk factors, measurement of this fat depot has historically been difficult. Recent dual X-ray absorptiometry approaches have provided an accessible estimate of VAT that has shown acceptable validity against gold standard methods. The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate DXA measured VAT as a predictor of elevated blood lipids and blood pressure and (ii) calculate thresholds associated with these cardio-metabolic risk factors. The sample comprised 1482 adults (56.4% women) aged 18-66 years. Total body scans were performed using a GE Lunar Prodigy, and VAT analyses were enabled through Corescan software (v 16.0). Blood pressure and blood lipids were measured by standard procedures. Regression models assessed how VAT mass was associated with each cardio-metabolic risk factor compared to other body composition measures. Measures of sensitivity and specificity were used to determine age- and sex-specific cut points for VAT mass associated with high cardio-metabolic risk. Similar to waist circumference, VAT mass was a strong predictor of cardio-metabolic risk especially in men over age 40. Four cut-offs for VAT mass were proposed, above which the cardio-metabolic risk increased: 700 g in women <40 yrs; 800 g in women 40+ yrs; 1000g in men <40 yrs; and 1200 g in men 40+ yrs. In general, these cut-offs discriminated well between those with high and low cardio-metabolic risk. In both sexes, DXA measured VAT was associated with traditional cardio-metabolic risk factors, particularly high blood pressure in those 40+ yrs and low HDL < 40 yrs. These reference values provide a simple, accessible method to assess cardio-metabolic risk in adults.

Effect of High Fat Diet on Weight Loss Through the Expression of Uncouple Protein 1 in Mice Visceral Fat

Obesity has become an epidemic around the world. High fat diet (HFD) have been implemented as one of intervention to battle obesity. Uncouple protein 1 (UCP1) is one of the key factor on energy expenditure. The aim of this experiment is to see the macronutrients composition on weight loss and UCP1 expression in the visceral fat. Fifty male mice, 2-3 months old, 18-30 grams, were put in five different groups. K1 were fed (20% protein, 62.0% carbohydrate, 12% fat), K2 (60% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 30% fat), K3 (45% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 45% fat), K4 (30% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 60% fat), K5 (15% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 75% fat). The experiment was done in four weeks, mice body weight was measured every week. UCP1 expression seen using immunohistochemistry staining was measured at the end of the fourth week. Significant weight loss was achieved by K4 (-9.60±3.81) gram by the end of week four (p&lt;0.05). K4 had the least amount of visceral fat. The result was that K4 achieved a significant visceral fat mass (0.02±0.06) gram compared to K1 (0.53±0.08) gram. Compared to other groups K5 expressed UCP1 more than the others (3.78±3.72) cphfp. HFD fed groups produced significant weight loss, group that had the greatest weight loss is K4. Meanwhile, each group had a variety of UCP1 expression.