Weight Gain Research Articles

Psychotropic drugs, eating behaviour and weight gain.

Psychotropic drug related weight gain is a common side-effect of significant concern to both clinicians and patients. Recent studies and treatment guidelines strongly support taking preventive and early treatment approaches to psychotropic drug-related weight gain (PDWG). Arguably the main pathway that PDWG occurs is via changes in eating behaviour leading to increased caloric intake. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have provided good data on the nature and prevalence of alterations in eating behaviour with psychotropic treatment including increased hunger, night eating and binge eating. These changes are unsurprisingly more prominent with agents like olanzapine and clozapine that have high propensity to cause weight gain. Altered eating behaviour can serve as an earlier measure of the risk of weight gain and can be examined easily in clinical practice. Detecting these changes can enable earlier action in terms of switching treatments and starting pharmacological and nonpharmacological preventive strategies.

Weight gain and eating disorder symptoms among individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between weight gain and eating disorder (ED) symptoms among adults receiving treatment for atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN), to determine whether those who had a higher percent of expected body weight (%EBW) at discharge exhibited lower ED symptoms than those who gained less weight, and to compare this group to a matched sample of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Participants were 96 adults receiving treatment at an ED treatment facility between December 2020 and May 2023. The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was completed at admission and discharge, and %EBW was obtained at admission and discharge. All EDE-Q subscale scores improved from admission to discharge for patients with AAN and patients with AN. Neither %EBW at discharge nor weight gain were associated with EDE-Q subscale scores for those with AAN. For patients with AN, %EBW at discharge and weight gain were associated with EDE-Q Restraint at discharge. Weight restoring to a higher level and gaining more weight were not associated with EDE-Q scores at discharge for AAN. Further research is needed to determine how weight restoration using intensive treatment settings affects remission and recovery in patients with AAN.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and weight loss in schizophrenia - past, present, and future.

People with schizophrenia experience three to five times higher prevalence of diabetes and obesity than the general population, contributing to a 20-year reduced lifespan. The impacts of weight gain extend beyond physical health, affecting people's self-esteem, quality of life, and triggering treatment nonadherence, leading to relapse and deteriorations in health. Clinical guidelines recommend patients with antipsychotic-induced weight gain are treated with cognitive behaviour therapy and lifestyle changes; however, effective treatments for obesity in schizophrenia are critically lacking. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-RAs) have shown large effects in weight loss in the general population; however, effects are less clear in people with schizophrenia. This review aims to assess the clinical trials that have been completed, are in progress, and directions for future trials. To date, six clinical trials have been completed, four of which have published their findings. Three further trials are currently in progress. Results from completed trials suggest that GLP-1RAs decrease weight in people with schizophrenia, however effect sizes are mostly smaller than studies based on the general population. Future trials could focus on dual or triple agonist agents, and/or explore the effects of GLP-1 s at antipsychotic medication commencement, to potentially prevent antipsychotic weight gain.

Preclinical Safety Assessment of Lepidium sativum L. Seed Extract and its Nanoparticles via Acute and Subacute Oral Administration

Background: Lepidium sativum (LS) seed extract has various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. However, the translation of L. sativum seed extract to the clinical phase is still tedious due to its bioavailability and stability issues. This problem can be solved by encapsulating it in a nanodelivery system to improve its therapeutic potency. Methods: In this study, we have determined and compared the in vivo toxicity of ethanolic extracts of L. sativum seeds (EELS) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). To conduct toxicity (acute and subacute toxicity) assessments, EELS and SLNs were orally administered to Swiss albino mice. Animal survival, body weight, the weight of vital organs in relation to body weight, haematological profile, biochemistry profile, and histopathological alterations were examined. Results: Animals administered with 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg in an acute toxicity study exhibited no toxicological symptoms regarding behaviour, gross pathology, and body weight. As per a study on acute toxicity, the LD50 (lethal dose) for SLNs and EELS was over 400 mg/kg and over 5000 mg/kg, respectively. When animals were given SLNs (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) and EELS (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days, subacute toxicity study did not exhibit any clinical changes. There were no differences in weight gain, haematological parameters, or biochemical parameters compared to the control groups (p > 0.05). The organs of the treated animals showed no abnormalities in the histological analysis (liver, heart, kidney, and spleen). Conclusion: The result confirms ethanolic extracts of L. sativum seeds and their SLNs to not have harmful effects following acute and subacute administration to mice. For further studies, patents available on Lepidium may be referred for its preclinical and clinical applications.

The effectiveness oxytocin massage combination moringa leaves and soy milk on breastmilk production postpartum mothers

Breastfeeding is very influential on infants’ and child’s growth. Survey result in 2018 mentioning the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding is 68.74% in Indonesia and 64.19% in Central Java. Some factors caused breastfeeding obstructions are breast milk didn’t ooze and small quantity of the ooze. Breast milk obstruction caused due lack of oxytocin and prolactin hormone stimulation. This can be cured by giving moringa leaves and oxytocin massage. The study's goal is to examine breast milk production after a combination oxytocin massage with moringa leaves and soy milk. The research design is quasi-experimental with a post-test only control group, and the data analysis design is an independent T-test. Population of this study is postpartum mothers in Central Java. With 83 total samples in Salatiga, Semarang, Grobogan, Rembang, Blora, Kendal and Demak. The group combined with moringa leaves, has 1,183.24 grams difference weight before and after treatment, estimated 185.21 ml volume of breast milk. The group combined with soy milk, has 1,088.04 grams difference weight before and after treatment, with 170.31 ml estimated of breast milk volume. The difference baby's weight from two combination groups was 95.2 grams with a p-value of 0.108. Conclusion of the study is the difference is not significant. The weight gain of infants in the oxytocin massage combination with moringa leaves group was higher than soy milk combination. Recommendation of moringa leaves can be offer for postpartum mother to increase the ooze of breast milk production.

Phytogenic effects of Marrubium vulgare on the growth performance of weaned piglets: biochemical parameters and liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric profile of plant and animal serum.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria in humans have prompted the search for alternative solutions derived from herbal medicines that can substitute antibiotics in livestock production. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the phytogenic properties of Marrubium vulgare infusion (MVI) on weaned pigs. Thirty animals were randomly divided into five groups of six animals, each receiving a physiological solution, clenbuterol and the infusion extract at doses of 0.01 (MVI 1%), 0.1 (MVI 10%) and 0.2 (MVI 20%) mg kg-1 for 28 days. Biochemical parameters and the liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS) chemical profiles of the infusion extract and animal serum were studied. The doses MVI 1 and 10% led to weight gain higher than the controls. No significant changes were noted in the biochemical parameters including erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and others. Evaluation of enzymatic levels in blood revealed no significant changes. LC-ESI-MS data of MVI showed the presence of 34 secondary metabolites, and successive chromatographic purification of MVI yielded marrubiin and apigenin as major components. LC-ESI-MS data of animal serum showed the presence of a diterpene, a flavonoid and diverse cholic acid derivatives. Results indicated the doses MVI 1 and 10% promote weight gain with no significant alterations in blood biochemicals, and liver and kidney function. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on growth performance, blood hematology, immunity, carcass, and meat quality of Mae Hong Son chicken

Moringa oleifera is a nutrient-rich plant with a wide range of beneficial effects on chicken and chicken products. Mae Hong Son chickens, a variety of Thai native poultry, are renowned for their exceptional meat quality, distinct flavor, and remarkable tenderness. Therefore, this present study aimed to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) on growth performance, blood hematology and immunity, carcass, and meat quality of Mae Hong Son chickens, respectively. Briefly, 200 birds of Mae Hong Son chickens were subsequently divided into 4 groups, each containing 50 birds. They were fed for 16 weeks with different supplementary as follows: 1. Control group 2. Placebo (maltodextrin + microcrystalline cellulose PH101) 3. 2% of MOLE extract supplementation and 4. 4% of MOLE extract supplementation. The results showed that T4 achieved the best outcomes in terms of body weight and average daily gain, while also having the lowest total white blood cell (WBC) count and the highest ND HI titer at 12 weeks old (p < 0.05). On the other hand, T1 had the highest fat percentage and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in both the thigh and breast (p < 0.05). Additionally, the shear force of T1 was the lowest, both in the thigh and breast (p < 0.05). In summary, the potential of MOLE could improve growth performance, hematological parameters, immune response, and meat quality in Thai native chicken production.

Combined sulforaphane and β-sitosterol mitigate olanzapine-induced metabolic disorders in rats: Insights on FOXO, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT3, and MAPK signaling pathways

One of the best antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorders is olanzapine (OLA). However, its use is restricted owing to unfavorable adverse effects as liver damage, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. The primary objective of the present investigation was to examine the signaling mechanisms that underlie the metabolic disruption generated by OLA. Besides, the potential protective effect of sulforaphane (SFN) and β-sitosterol (βSS) against obesity and metabolic toxicity induced by OLA were inspected as well. A total of five groups of male Wistar rats were established, including the control, OLA, SFN+OLA, βSS+OLA, and the combination + OLA groups. Hepatic histopathology, biochemical analyses, ultimate body weights, liver function, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. In addition to the relative expression of FOXO, the signaling pathways for PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT3, and MAPK were assessed as well. All biochemical and hepatic histopathological abnormalities caused by OLA were alleviated by SFN and/or βSS. A substantial decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP), proinflammatory cytokines, serum lipid profile parameters, hepatic MDA, TBIL, AST, and ALT were reduced through SFN or/and βSS. To sum up, the detrimental effects of OLA are mediated by alterations in the Akt/FOXO3a/ATG12, Ras/SOS2/Raf-1/MEK/ERK1/2, and Smad3,4/TGF-β signaling pathways. The administration of SFN and/or βSS has the potential to mitigate the metabolic deficit, biochemical imbalances, hepatic histological abnormalities, and the overall unfavorable consequences induced by OLA by modulating the abovementioned signaling pathways.

Growth response of post weaned F1 Friesian × Borena (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) crossbred growing heifers fed on wheat straw-based densified complete feed block.

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of feeding wheat-straw based densified complete feed block (DCFB) on daily weight gain, feed intake, digestibility and feed conversion rate in growing heifer calves. Eight weaned F1 Frisian*Borena (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) crossbred calves (92.5 ± 27.5kg body weight) and 5 months of age were randomly distributed into four groups, each with two animals evaluated under 4 × 4 double Latin Square Design for 240 days. The control treatment was natural pasture hay (NPH) and concentrate mix (CM) fed conventionally in a way that covers 50:50% requirements on dry matter (DM) bases and DCFB prepared by mixing wheat straw (WS) to concentrates mixture in the ratio of 50:50 (T2), 40:60 (T3) and 30:70 (T4), respectively. Each heifer group was fed on each diet for 60 days. At the end of each period the last 7 days were used to collect feed and feacal samples. However, the heifers were weighed each 15 days to estimate daily growth performances. It was found that significant (P < 0.05) differences among groups in average daily gain, feed conversion rate, feed intake and digestibility. The densification of WS and feeding in the form of feed block generally improved feed DM and nutrient intake and digestibility. The increase in the proportion of CM in the DCFBs also increased the DM and nutrient intake and digestibility. Heifer growth rate was higher (P < 0.05) in T1, T3 and T4 diets than T2 groups. Feed conversion ratio was higher (P < 0.05) both in T3 and T4 compared to T1 and T2. The total cost of production per each gram body weight gained was recorded higher (P < 0.05) for calves in the T2 group compared to calves in T1, T3 and T4. In conclusion, maintaining post weaned F1 heifer calves on DCFB composed of wheat straw and a commercial calf's concentrate based diet in the ratio of 40 to 60 would both biologically and economically feasible.

Impact of dietary arginine supplementation on immune responses and growth performance in Newcastle disease virus-infected broiler chicks.

Newcastle disease (ND) poses significant challenges within the poultry industry, leading to increased mortality rates, compromised growth, weakened immunity and elevated levels of inflammation. This study explores the potential of dietary arginine supplementation to ameliorate these adverse effects of ND, leveraging arginine's well-documented benefits in enhancing growth and immune responses. A total of 480 one-day-old male broiler chicks were meticulously categorised into eight groups, encompassing both infected and noninfected cohorts. These chicks received diets with arginine levels at 85%, 100%, 125% and 150% of recommended standards. The study entailed a comprehensive examination of clinical manifestations, growth performance metrics, haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test results, and serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol (CORT). The infection significantly curtailed feed consumption (p = 0.0001) and weight gain (p = 0.0001) while concurrently depressing HI titres. Additionally, infected chicks experienced an exacerbated feed conversion ratio (p = 0.0001), escalated mortality rates (p = 0.0001), and elevated serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (p = 0.0001), ACTH (p = 0.0001), and CORT (p = 0.0001). Remarkably, dietary arginine supplementation effectively mitigated the adverse impacts of ND infection on growth, immune responses and proinflammatory cytokine levels. In the context of ND infection, mortality rates and inflammation surge, while growth and immunity are significantly compromised. The strategic inclusion of arginine in the diet emerges as a potent strategy to counteract the deleterious effects of ND. Supplementation with arginine at levels exceeding the conventional dietary recommendations is recommended to alleviate the detrimental consequences of ND effectively.

Effects of ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol on the small intestine altered by high fructose diet: A Histopathological study.

The consumption of fructose is increasing day by day. Understanding the impact of increasing fructose consumption on the small intestine is crucial since the small intestine processes fructose into glucose. ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a key cannabinoid, interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially mitigating inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the high-fructose diet (HFD) on the jejunum of rats and the role of THC consumption in reversing these effects. Experiments were conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats, with the experimental groups as follows: control (C), HFD, THC, and HFD + THC. The HFD group received a 10% fructose solution in drinking water for 12weeks. THC groups were administered 1.5mg/kg/day of THC intraperitoneally for the last four weeks. Following sacrification, the jejunum was evaluated for mucus secretion capacity. IL-6, JNK, CB2 and PCNA expressions were assessed through immunohistochemical analysis and the ultrastructural alterations via transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that fructose consumption did not cause weight gain but triggered inflammation in the jejunum, disrupted the cell proliferation balance, and increased mucus secretion in rats. Conversely, THC treatment displayed suppressed inflammation and improved cell proliferation balance caused by HFD. Ultrastructural examinations showed that the zonula occludens structures deteriorated in the HFD group, along with desmosome shrinkage. Mitochondria were found to be increased due to THC application following HFD. In conclusion, the findings of this research reveal the therapeutic potential of THC in reversing HFD-related alterations and provide valuable insights for clinical application.

Effects of Supplementation with NAD+ Precursors on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Intracellular levels of NAD+ regulate metabolism, among other ways, through enzymes that use NAD+ as a substrate, capable of inducing catabolic processes, such as lipid oxidation, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial activity. In several model organisms, administering precursor compounds for NAD+ synthesis increases its levels, improves lipid and glucose homeostasis, and reduces weight gain. However, evidence of the effects of these precursors on human patients needs to be better evaluated. Therefore, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials that assessed the effects of NAD+ precursors on Metabolic Syndrome parameters in humans. We based our methods on PRISMA 2020. Our search retrieved 429 articles, and 19 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. We assessed the risk of bias with the Rob 2 algorithm and summarized the quality of evidence with the GRADE algorithm. Supplementation with NAD precursors reduced plasma levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in volunteers, but the intervention did not significantly affect the other outcomes analyzed. Three of the included articles presented a high risk of bias. The quality of evidence varied between very low and low due to the risk of bias, imprecision, and indirectness. The number of participants in outcomes other than lipidemia is still generally tiny; therefore, more clinical trials evaluating these parameters will increase the quality of the evidence. On the other hand, quality randomized studies are essential to assess better the effects of NAD+ precursors on lipidemia.

Effects of an essential oil blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on rumen biohydrogenation and fatty acid profile in the longissimus lumborum of growing lambs.

Essential oils extracted from cinnamon bark and oregano are rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol and show potential for promoting animal performance. However, their impact on rumen biohydrogenation and the fatty acid composition of meat has not been reported. The hypothesis of this study was that a blend of essential oils rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol would inhibit rumen biohydrogenation and promote the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in lamb meat. The present study evaluated the effect of a blend essential oil (EO) rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on the nutrient digestibility, rumen biohydrogenation, growth performance, and fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum of lambs. Sixty male lambs with an average age of 84 ± 0.98 days and initial body mass of 25.4 ± 0.29 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were assigned randomly to four diets, and supplemented with 0 (EO0), 30 (EO30), 60 (EO60), and 120 (EO120) mg kg-1 dry matter of EO for 60 days. Although dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility all showed a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.02) with increasing quantities of EO, final body mass and average daily gain increased linearly (P = 0.04), and average daily weight gain (ADG)/dry matter intake (DMI) tended to increase linearly (P = 0.07). Increasing EO supplementation resulted in a linear decrease in total volatile fatty acid concentration, acetate molar percentage, and acetate-to-propionate ratio (P ≤ 0.03), with the EO120 treatment being lower than the other EO treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Seven lambs from the EO120 treatment and seven lambs from the EO0 treatment were randomly slaughtered. It was observed that the proportions of C18:2n6c and PUFA in longissimus lumborum were higher in the EO120 treatment than the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen was decreased by the EO120 treatment in comparison with the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the predicted relative abundances of genes encoding for conjugated linoleic acid reductase tended to decrease with the EO120 treatment (P = 0.06). We demonstrated that supplementation of the EO blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol can enhance lamb growth performance and promote the deposition of desirable PUFAs in meat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide effects on body weight evolution, adiponectin, insulin and leptin levels in the combination of obesity, type 2 diabetes and menopause in mice.

Tirzepatide (Tzp), a novel dual agonist glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide-1, is approved for treating insulin resistance and obesity, and menopausal women consuming a high-calorie diet are a target to study the Tzp effect. Therefore, we aimed to allometrically scale body weight (BW) in Tzp-treated obese diabetic menopausal mice. Three-month-old C57BL/6 female mice had bilateral ovariectomy (Ovx) or a sham procedure and for 12 weeks were fed a control diet or a high-fat and high sucrose diet (n = 120/each group [control (C), obese diabetic (Od), Ovx (O), sham (S), Tzp (T)]). Tzp was subcutaneously administered (10 nmol/kg) or vehicle once a day for an additional 4 weeks. The analysis considered log-transformed data and the allometric equation log y = log a + b log x. Od and OdO showed more upward slopes than C and CO. In C, BW was non-allometric by T administration. Od and OdO showed slightly positive slopes (more prominent in OdO than Od). OdT and OdOT showed negative slopes, significant intercepts, and more robust Pearson coefficients than untreated ones. A potent drug effect was seen with BW allometric decline. Interactions between diet versus Ovx and diet versus Tzp affected weight gain. Diet versus Ovx versus Tzp affected food intake. A model was developed to show three usual factors observed in mature women. Notably, Tzp improved the metabolism and weight loss of OdO mice. Tzp-treated mice showed negative allometric BW across treatment time, which is a quantitative assessment that allows better comparison between results.

Associations of High BMI and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain With Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The increased risk of pregnancy complications in type 1 diabetes is mainly attributed to maternal hyperglycemia. However, it is unclear whether other potentially modifiable factors also contribute to risk in this population. We sought to assess whether high BMI and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with perinatal complications in type 1 diabetes. We searched Medline, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to January 2024. Studies examining associations between periconception BMI or GWG and perinatal complications in type 1 diabetes were included. We used a predesigned data extraction template to extract study data including year, country, sample size, participants' characteristics, exposure, and outcomes. We included 29 studies (18,965 pregnancies; 1978-2019) in the meta-analysis. A 1 kg/m2/1 kg increase in preconception BMI or GWG was associated with a 3% and 11% increase, respectively, in perinatal complications (BMI odds ratio [OR] 1.03 [95% CI 1.01-1.06]; GWG OR 1.11 [95% CI 1.04-1.18]). Preconception BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or excessive GWG was associated with a 22% and 50% increase, respectively, in perinatal complications (BMI OR 1.22 [95% CI 1.11-1.34]; GWG OR 1.50 [95% CI 1.31-1.73]). BMI was associated with congenital malformation, preeclampsia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Excessive GWG was associated with preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, large for gestational age, and macrosomia. Addressing maternal BMI prepregnancy and preventing excessive GWG should be key clinical priorities to improve outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

Effect of different LED light colors on welfare, performance, some behavioral patterns, and blood parameters of Muscovy ducks

BackgroundThe current study was conducted to assess the impact of different LED light colors on welfare indicators in Muscovy ducks. These welfare parameters encompassed growth performance, specific behaviors, tonic immobility (TI), feather score, haematological, and serum biochemical parameters. Eighty-four healthy unsexed Muscovy ducklings aged two weeks were randomly assigned to four groups (3replicates/group; each replicate contains 7 birds) based on different LED light colors. The first group was raised under white light, the second under red light, the third under blue light, and the fourth under yellow light. To assess the impact of various LED light colors on welfare, growth performance indicators (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) were measured. Behavioral patterns including feeding, drinking, standing, walking, sitting, feather pecking, and other activities were recorded. Tonic immobility test (TI) and feather condition scoring were conducted at 3, 6, and 10 weeks of age. At the end of the study blood samples were collected for hematological and serum biochemical analyses.ResultsThe results revealed that using blue, yellow, and red colors had no adverse effect on the final body weight of the ducks (P > 0.05). Unlike to red light, blue light significantly reduced feather pecking, TI time and cortisol concentrations and improved the feather condition score (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsThe current findings suggest that the application of blue light effectively improves welfare indices and has no detrimental impact on the growth performance of Muscovy ducks thereby positively contributing to their welfare.

Association Between Antidepressants and Antianxiety Medications and Weight Gain in Korean Adults Aged 19-39 Years.

The number of young Koreans using antidepressants and antianxiety medications is increasing. Studies evaluating the association between these medications and weight gain are limited. We investigated this association among Korean young adults. We included 792,022 participants aged 19-39 years who underwent Korean National Health Insurance Service health examinations more than twice between 2009 and 2019. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between antidepressants and antianxiety medications and weight gain. The participants' average age and body mass index were 29.4±4.7 years and 23.0±3.6 kg/m2, respectively. The proportions of weight gain ≥10 kg/year were 1.7%; 2.4%; 2.9%; and 4.1% in individuals using neither antidepressants nor antianxiety medications; only antianxiety medications; only antidepressants; and both antidepressants and antianxiety medications, respectively. Compared with individuals using neither antidepressants nor antianxiety medications, the rate ratios (95% confidence intervals) for weight gain ≥10 kg/year were higher in those using only antianxiety medications; only antidepressants; and both antidepressants and antianxiety medications; at 1.77 (1.69-1.85); 2.15 (2.05-2.0); and 3.04 (2.91-3.18), respectively. Using antidepressants and antianxiety medications may contribute to an increased risk of weight gain among Korean young adults. The potential risk for weight gain should be considered when those medications are used and the prevention of weight gain is needed.

Assessment of dry matter yield, nutritional value, and calf weight gain in Mombaza-Kudzu pasture associations.

O Objective: To evaluate the biomass production, nutritional value and animal production of an association with fabaceae species and grasses with grazing calves. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study compared Mombaza (Megathyrsus maximus) – Kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides) association pasture against a Mombaza in monoculture control. Ten calves, five in each pasture type, were grazed in rotation for seven months. Dry matter yield, proportion of Kudzu in the association, protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, and daily weight gain were evaluated every 36 days. Results: Dry matter yield did not differ between pasture types, but varied by sampling dates, being higher at the onset of the rainy season (May 20th). The proportion of Kudzu in the association was low, decreasing from 8.42% to 1.71% over the study period. Lignin content increased in the association during the driest month (April). Daily weight gain was 978 g in the monoculture pasture and 678 g/day in the association, with no significant difference. Study Limitations/Implications: The low persistence of the fabaceae in the association limits the nutritional value of the pasture, consequently, the improvement of grazing animal production. Findings/Conclusions: During the drought season, both pastures exhibited the highest protein concentration and the greatest weight gain at the beginning of this period. However, the association did not result in greater weight gains due to the low persistence of the fabaceae.

Evaluation of three forages as a source of fiber in diets of fattening rabbits in Aguascalientes, Mexico

Objective: To evaluate three forages as a source of fiber in the diets of fattening rabbits. Design/Methodology/Approach: Whole grain diets with forage oat, mesquite pod, and alfalfa were used. Thirty-six weaned male rabbits were randomly distributed into three treatments (T1, forage oat diet; T2, mesquite pod diet; T3, alfalfa diet). Feed consumption, daily weight gain, total weight gain, and feed conversion were recorded. The animals were slaughtered to evaluate carcass yield. The data were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. Results: T1 recorded greater fattening than both T2 and T3 (P&lt;0.05) and the last treatment surpassed T2 in daily weight gain, total weight gain, and feed digestibility. Regarding feed conversion, T1 and T3 had lower results than T2. In carcass yield, T1 was higher than T2 and T3 —which, on its turn, surpassed T2. Finally, no differences were observed in feed consumption between treatments (P&gt; 0.05). There were also no significant differences in growth. Study Limitations/Implications: Mexicans have a low consumption of rabbit meat. The mesquite pod could be a viable alternative due to its low cost and availability in semi-arid areas. Findings/Conclusions: Forage oat recorded the best productive parameters, followed by alfalfa and mesquite pod; however, the latter had a greater economic advantage.

13-Week repeated-dose toxicity study of optimized aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMoringa oleifera (Moringaceae family), commonly known as horseradish or tree of life, is traditionally used for various diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, neurological disorders, among others. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the toxicological profile of the oral use of an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves for 13 weeks in mice. Materials and methodsInitially, a factorial design (23) was carried out to optimize aqueous extraction using as variables; the extraction method and proportion of drug. The 13-week repeated-dose toxicity trial used female and male mice, with oral administration of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. The animals were evaluated for body weight, water and feed intake, biochemical and hematological parameters, urinalysis, ophthalmology and histopathology of the liver, spleen and kidneys. ResultsThe extraction efficiency was evidenced by the extraction by maceration at 5%, obtaining the optimized extract of Moringa oleifera (OEMo). The oral administration of OEMo did not promote significant difference (p > 0.05) in the weight gain, food and water consumption of the control animals and those treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg. However, treatment with 1000 mg/kg promoted a reduction (p < 0.05) in food intake and body weight from the 7th week onwards in male and female mice. No alterations were detected in the hematological and histological parameters in the concentrations tested for both sexes. The highest concentration treatment (1000 mg/kg) promoted an increase in transaminases in males and females. All concentrations promoted a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the serum lipid profile of mice. ConclusionThis study developed an optimized extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, which should be used with caution in preparations above 500 mg/kg for the long term because it leads to significant changes in liver enzymes. On the other hand, the extract proved to be a promising plant preparation for hyperlipidemia in mice.