Weight Loss Supplements Research Articles

The Perceptions of Overweight and Obese Individuals Regarding Weight-Loss Dietary Supplement Advertisements: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: The negative health consequences of overweight and obesity underscore the importance of weight loss in mitigating these issues. Weight-loss dietary supplements (DS) are highly sought-after by overweight or obese individuals, with widespread advertisements promoting their use. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of overweight and obese individuals regarding weight-loss DS advertisements. Methods: Over a six-week period from 5th April to 17th May 2023, an online pilot cross-sectional study was conducted targeting overweight and obese individuals in Malaysia. The study utilized a convenience sampling method to recruit participants. Results: Of the 146 participants, most were female (82.9%), 53.4% were overweight, and 46.6% were obese. Most respondents believed that weight-loss DS advertisements often contained exaggerated, unverified, and misleading information. Nearly 90% acknowledged that exaggerated advertisement claims might influence consumers, and about 85% believed that people are influenced to buy frequently advertised weight-loss DS. Despite these perceptions, about 40% reported purchasing a weight-loss DS after seeing such a product in an advertisement, while less than 50% of those who purchased weight-loss DS sought information from healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The study found that almost 40% of the respondents had purchased a weight-loss DS after seeing such products being advertised. Individuals with higher income, married people, and older respondents appeared more likely to purchase a weight-loss DS. These findings underscore the necessity for stricter regulatory frameworks and comprehensive consumer education initiatives to protect consumers from misleading information and unethical marketing tactics within the weight-loss DS industry. Implementing targeted public health interventions could further safeguard consumers from the risks associated with exaggerated product claims.

A Comprehensive Review on the Anti-Obesity Potential of Limonia acidissima L., and its Bioactive Compounds: Mechanisms and Applications in Weight Management

Introduction: Obesity is a global health challenge associated with numerous metabolic disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. With growing interest in natural remedies for weight management, Limonia acidissima L., has garnered attention due to its rich bioactive composition. Objectives: This systematic review evaluates the anti-obesity potential of Limonia acidissima L., and its key bioactive compounds, including fibres, phytosterols, saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2023 that investigated the metabolic effects of these compounds on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, fat absorption, and glucose regulation. Results: The results demonstrated that Limonia acidissima L., significantly reduced body weight and fat mass, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced insulin sensitivity in both animal and human studies.Phytosterols and saponins played key roles in modulating lipid metabolism, while fibres and polyphenols were found to regulate carbohydrate metabolism and improve glycemic control. Additionally, the synergistic effects of multiple bioactive compounds amplified their collective anti-obesity potential, with few reported adverse effects, suggesting a favourable safety profile. The discussion highlights the multifaceted mechanisms through which Limonia acidissima L., combats obesity, emphasizing its ability to target multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously.While the findings are promising, the need for further large-scale clinical trials to validate these effects in diverse populations is underscored. Conclusions: In conclusion, Limonia acidissima L., emerges as a potent natural remedy for obesity management, with strong potential for inclusion in weight loss supplements and functional foods.Its bioactive compounds offer a comprehensive and safe approach to addressing the global obesity epidemic, although further research is needed to establish its long-term efficacy and optimal use.

A Possible Case of Supraventricular Tachycardia Associated With a Ketone-Based Weight-Loss Supplement

A Possible Case of Supraventricular Tachycardia Associated With a Ketone-Based Weight-Loss Supplement

7769 Natural plant extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity through enhancing PLIN5 expression

Abstract Disclosure: S. Shin: None. H. Jang: None. E. Kwon: None. Obesity is one of the metabolic diseases caused by excessive differentiation and excessive accumulation of adipose tissue due to an imbalance between energy intake and consumption. Various drugs have been developed to effectively treat obesity, but the side effects often outweigh the benefits. Therefore, alternative weight loss supplements that can minimize side effects are needed. In this study, the effects of natural plant extract (NPE) on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice were confirmed to discover new anti-obesity material.After acclimating C57BL/6J mice for 1 week, they were divided into two groups: a normal diet (ND) group and an HFD group. After inducing obesity over 4 weeks, the HFD group was divided into HFD and HFD+NPE and reared together with the ND group for an additional 10 weeks. After a 12-hour fasting period, observations were made on weight, adipose tissue mass, morphological changes in adipocytes, and the expression differences in genes and proteins related to fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in the epididymal white adipose tissue, particularly focusing on the PLIN5 protein.The increase in body weight and epididymal fat mass induced by the HFD was reduced by the administration of NPE. Morphological analysis of the epididymal fat revealed a significant increase in adipocyte size in the HFD group, whereas the NPE group showed a reduction in adipocyte size. The expression of FAO-related genes (PPARa, PGC1a, CPT1, and CPT2) and TCA cycle-related genes (PDHb, ACO, DIST, SUCLG, SDHC, and MDH2) decreased in the epididymal fat due to the HFD, but significantly increased with the administration of NPE. The NPE induced the breakdown of intracellular stored triglycerides by upregulating ATGL, LIPE, and MGL mRNA expression. The resulting liberated fatty acids were translocated to the mitochondria and oxidized through the TCA cycle, ultimately leading to a reduction in body fat. Furthermore, PLIN5 expression exhibited a significantly higher level in the NPE group compared to the other two groups. In other words, elevation in PLIN5 expression, induced by the NPE, appears to enhance lipid breakdown, activate FAO pathways, and stimulate the TCA cycle. Consequently, lipid combustion is increased, improving the weight gain and fat accumulation induced by the HFD.If additional experimental results on human application align with the above findings, NPE holds the potential as a low-side-effect ingredient for weight loss supplements. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Moringa Reduces Glucose Levels and Alters Wolbachia Abundance in Drosophila melanogaster

Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) is a plant native to India, used as a nutritional and medicinal supplement in many cultures around the world. Moringa has been linked to maintaining metabolic homeostasis and is often marketed as a weight loss supplement and a potential remedy for diseases such as diabetes. Here, we investigate how moringa, a ‘superfood’ with predicted protective effects against chronic diseases such as diabetes, influences the nutritional physiology and microbiome composition of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We administered moringa as a dietary supplement to Drosophila, and quantified key nutritional indices: glucose, triacylglyceride, and protein levels, and fly weight. We showed that dietary moringa supplementation significantly reduced fly glucose levels by up to ~30% and resulted in substantial restructuring of Drosophila microbiota composition, altering both gut and intracellular bacterial populations. The effect of moringa on fly glucose levels is specific because other nutritional indices, namely, triacylglyceride and protein levels and fly weight, were not significantly affected by dietary moringa supplementation. This study highlights the importance of moringa as a modulator of host glucose metabolism.

DEVELOPMENT OF A PAPER-BASED DEVICE USING INDOXYL ACETATE AS A CHROMOGENIC SUBSTRATE FOR RAPID QUALITATIVE DETERMINATION OF LIPASE INHIBITOR

An improved paper-based device using indoxyl acetate as a chromogenic substrate was developed for rapid qualitative determination of lipase inhibitory activity. Colorless indoxyl acetate can be catalytically hydrolyzed by lipase to produce the blue-colored indigo dimer on the paper device. In the presence of a lipase inhibitor, enzyme activity diminishes, resulting in reduced hydrolysis of indoxyl acetate. Consequently, this leads to a decrease in the intensity of the blue coloration, which can be visually observed across a range of blue shades and analyzed using image analysis. Orlistat was used as the representative lipase inhibitor in the assay. The LODs obtained from visual detection and the image analysis were comparable. The paper-based device using indoxyl acetate for lipase inhibition assay was simple and convenient. It could be useful as a simple screening method for the detection of orlistat adulteration in weight loss supplements.

Abstract PO5-14-01: Weight loss and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention in overweight and obese peri- and postmenopausal women with increased breast cancer risk modifies the gut microbiome and is associated with circulating biomarkers

Abstract Background: Obesity-associated gut microbiome dysbiosis is thought to increase risk for postmenopausal breast cancer through alteration of estrogen metabolism and an increase in pro-inflammatory microbe abundance. Many studies have reported an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes phyla ratio as a biomarker of obesity and is associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. Marine omega-3 eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids are thought to have favorable metabolic and inflammation resolving properties resulting in reduced risk for several epithelial cancers. One possible mechanism is the effect of EPA and DHA on the gut microbiome. We assessed the effect of weight loss and/or omega-3 supplementation on the gut microbiome and circulating molecular breast cancer risk factors. Methods: 46 peri/postmenopausal overweight and obese women at increased risk for breast cancer were enrolled into a weight-loss intervention and after 2 weeks randomized to 3.25 g/day combined EPA and DHA or placebo (PMC8416797). Fecal samples were collected at 0, 2-weeks and 6-months, with matched fecal samples for all timepoints available for 26 patients. Fecal samples at 6-months were available for 34 patients. 12M read depth metagenomic sequencing was performed on DNA isolated from feces to determine shifts in the gut microbiome. Fasting and non-fasting blood was also collected for circulating biomarker analysis. Body composition by DXA scan were also performed at baseline and 6-month time points. Results: Mean baseline BMI was 32 kg/m2. There was no significant difference between arms in age, baseline BMI, % body fat, or baseline Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. We identified gut microbiota species (A. hadrus and P. faecium) that correlated with metabolic parameters (% body fat, adiponectin/leptin ratio, and fasting insulin), species (P. dorei and B. ovatus) that correlated with estradiol levels, and mucin-degrading species (D. formicigenerans and R. gnavus) whose abundance correlated with inflammation (as measured by circulating monocyte-chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)). Median 6-month weight change for all randomized subjects was -10% from baseline. Favorable change in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was associated both with the degree of weight loss and with omega-3 supplementation, although significant species modification differed between weight loss and omega-3 PUFA groups. Women with both >10% weight loss and omega-3 supplementation had a significantly reduced Firmicutes abundance and lower Firmicute/Bacteroidetes ratio than other groups. Species abundance shifts appear to differ between weight loss and omega-3 supplementation with 3 species modified by weight loss and 12 species shifted by omega-3 PUFA administration. Omega-3 PUFA supplementation significantly reduced proportional abundance of Dorea formicigenerans, which was a microbe associated with inflammation. Conclusions: Omega-3 supplementation at 3.25 g/day compared to placebo had a greater net effect on changing the gut microbiome in overweight and obese women at increased risk for breast cancer undergoing a weight loss intervention. Change in the gut microbiome may serve as a useful response biomarker in Phase II prevention trials of omega-3 fatty acid and weight loss. Citation Format: Katherine L. Cook, Erin Giles, Amy Kreutzjans, Shahid Umar, Christie Befort, Bruce Kimler, Stephen Hursting, Carol Fabian. Weight loss and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention in overweight and obese peri- and postmenopausal women with increased breast cancer risk modifies the gut microbiome and is associated with circulating biomarkers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-14-01.

Label Accuracy of Weight Loss Dietary Supplements Marketed Online With Military Discounts

Dietary supplements for weight loss, among the most popular supplement products on the market, are promoted not only for losing weight and shedding fat, but also for added benefits of energy and performance, all packed into 1 capsule with multiple combinations of ingredients. Fraudulent marketing of weight loss supplements, some with exaggerated claims, some that are potentially dangerous, and some that contain illegal ingredients, is ever present, especially through online sources, where multiple manufacturers target service members by offering military discounts. To examine whether select dietary supplements marketed online for weight loss from companies advertising military discounts are accurately labeled according to the Supplement Facts listed ingredients, whether they contain any ingredients prohibited for use in the military, and to qualitatively describe the products' label claims. In this case series, 30 dietary supplement products marketed for weight loss were selected and purchased in June 2023 from 12 online companies advertising military discounts. Data were analyzed from July to August 2023. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to verify whether products were accurately labeled according to the Supplement Facts listed ingredients and whether they contained any substances on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List. A separate analysis was conducted to describe product label claims by using the Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) Risk Assessment Scorecard. Of the 30 products tested, analysis showed that 25 had inaccurate labels. Of these, 24 had ingredients listed on the label that were not detected (misbranded); 7 had hidden components not present on the label, some of which would be considered adulterated; and 10 had substances on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List either on or hidden from the label. All products were rated as risky when applying the OPSS Scorecard. In this case series study, the majority of products had inaccurate labels. Some were misbranded, others would be considered adulterated with ingredients not allowed in dietary supplements, and some contained ingredients prohibited for use in the military.

Development and validation of a high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for detection of sibutramine in dietary supplements.

In the period between 1997 and 2010, sibutramine-containing drugs were widely prescribed for obesity and over-weight management. Due to safety concerns, in 2010 all medicines containing sibutramine were urgently withdrawn from the USA and European pharmaceutical market. Although sibutramine is no longer available in pharmaceutical products, there have been numerous reports of mislabeled weight-loss dietary supplements containing sibutramine.

Microscopy, HPTLC, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF validation of nut-based weight-loss dietary supplements, Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut)

Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) are marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss. These dietary supplements have been found to sometimes be adulterated with toxic nuts/seeds from Cascabela thevetia, commonly known as yellow oleander or lucky nut. This study emphasizes the key identification parameters to differentiate the genuine and adulterated nuts. Samples were obtained from authenticated sources of the nuts and from commercial sources of dietary supplements. This study examined 38 samples, including voucher and commercial samples. All eight commercial candlenut dietary supplement samples were adulterated. Additionally, two samples sold as Brazil nuts were also found to be adulterated. Other nuts were screened for the presence of Cardiac Glycosides, but none were found to be positive. The presence of yellow oleander was confirmed in all commercial dietary supplement samples marketed as candlenut as well as in commercial samples of Brazil nut. This study provides simple key identification characters using micro-morphology and histochemical localization of cardiac glycosides in the commercial nuts, HPTLC fingerprints, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF analytical parameters to detect and identify adulteration in commercial products.

The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation During Concurrent Training on the Functional Capacities and Body Composition in Obese Men

Abstract Background Despite extensive research, the effects of L-carnitine supplementation in treating obesity are still unclear and equivocal. L-carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation and is marketed as a weight loss supplement. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the efficacy of L-carnitine during concurrent training on the functional capacities and body composition in obese men. Methods Thirty nonactive, obese males (age = 37.2 ± 1.5 years; body mass index = 33.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in this research. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: experimental group 1 (EXP1)—concurrent training with L-carnitine supplementation; experimental group 2 (EXP2)—L-carnitine supplementation without training; and control group—without training or L-carnitine supplementation. Concurrent training was performed for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of the maximum heart rate reserve and one-repetition maximum. Both experimental groups were supplemented with 35 mg L-carnitine supplement per kilogram body weight. Various functional and body composition variables were collected at three time points (pre-test, mid-test, and post-test). Results A number of variables were significantly improved in EXP1 after 4 and 8 weeks (systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, weight, body mass index, and one-repetition maximum) and only after 8-weeks (diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, percentage of body fat, and fat-free mass). No significant changes were observed for EXP2 and the control group. Conclusion L-carnitine supplementation, in conjunction with concurrent training, emerges as a highly effective approach for enhancing body composition and boosting functional capacities in obese adult men. Therefore, it is recommended that overweight male individuals integrate concurrent training into their regimen while taking L-carnitine.

Nurses' use of 'wellness' supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Quantify disparities and identify correlates and predictors of 'wellness' supplement use among nurses during the first year of the pandemic. Longitudinal secondary analysis of Nurses' Health Studies 2 and 3 and Growing Up Today Study data. Sample included 36,518 total participants, 12,044 of which were nurses, who completed surveys during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 to April 2021). Analyses were conducted in March 2023. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate disparities in 'wellness' supplement use between nurses and non-healthcare workers and, among nurses only, to quantify associations with workplace-related predictors (occupational discrimination, PPE access, workplace setting) and psychosocial predictors (depression/anxiety, county-level COVID-19 mortality). Models included race/ethnicity, gender identity, age and cohort as covariates. Nurses were significantly more likely to use all types of supplements than non-healthcare workers. Lacking personal protective equipment and experiencing occupational discrimination were significantly associated with new immune supplement use. Depression increased the risk of using weight loss, energy and immune supplements. Nurses' disproportionate use of 'wellness' supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic may be related to workplace and psychosocial stressors. Given well-documented risks of harm from the use of 'wellness' supplements, the use of these products by nurses is of concern. 'Wellness' supplements promoting weight loss, increased energy, boosted immunity and cleansing of organs are omnipresent in today's health-focused culture, though their use has been associated with harm. This is of added concern among nurses given their risk of COVID-19 infection at work. Our study highlighted the risk factors associated with use of these products (lacking PPE and experiencing occupational discrimination). Findings support prior research suggesting a need for greater public health policy and education around the use of 'wellness' supplements. STROBE guidelines were followed throughout manuscript. No patient or public contribution was involved.

Toxicity of sibutramine hydrochloride-adulterated weight loss supplements in rats based on biochemical and organ weight parameters

Context: Weight-loss supplements are typically natural or herbal supplements that promote weight loss and enhance health. However, the increase in consumption results in the fraudulent adulteration of conventional pharmaceutical drugs, such as sibutramine hydrochloride (SHCl). Aims: To determine the toxicity of weight loss supplements adulterated with SHCl in rats. Methods: Five samples (J1–J5) of weight loss supplements adulterated with SHCl were collected from an online market. The toxicity of the samples was evaluated using 42 male Wistar rats for 35 days. The rats were divided into seven groups: control, J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, and SHCl. Results: The J1 supplement resulted in the most rapid weight loss in rats compared to the other supplements tested. The kidney and liver weights of rats administered weight loss supplements adulterated with SHCl were greater than those of control rats. J1 indicated the supplement with the highest level of toxicity. The group administered J1 exhibited the highest levels of toxicity across all evaluated parameters. Conclusions: This study confirmed the toxicity of weight loss supplements adulterated with SHCl in rats, contributing to the understanding and treatment of adulterated weight loss supplements. Dietary supplements for weight loss should be thoroughly screened for undeclared sibutramine hydrochloride adulteration to protect public health and strengthen legal provisions.

The determination of unapproved drugs in New Zealand dietary supplements using validated chromatographic methods

In line with the increasing popularity of dietary supplements, adulteration of these products is becoming more common globally. In this study, validated LC and GC methods were used to test 68 dietary supplements found in the New Zealand online marketplace, spanning products advertised for sexual enhancement and weight loss. Of the sexual enhancement supplements, 11% of those tested contained an unapproved substance that was not listed on the product label, with the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil and the prescription medicine yohimbine detected in these samples. For the product that contained tadalafil, a consumer taking the listed maximum serving size would consume more than double the maximum daily recommended dose for tadalafil (>40 mg). While no unapproved substances were detected in weight loss supplements, high caffeine levels were observed, with two weight loss supplements having listed maximum daily serving sizes that corresponded to greater than 400 mg caffeine. Caffeine was also detected in one sexual enhancement product that did not list caffeine or tea extract on its label. While these results represent a subset of the dietary supplements available, the observation of high-risk products indicates that stricter regulations may be warranted to protect consumers from unknowingly ingesting prescription medicine.

Identification and Functional Characterization of Oxidosqualene Cyclases from Medicinal Plant Hoodia gordonii.

Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are the key enzymes accountable for the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to varied triterpenoids and phytosterols. Hoodia gordonii (from the family Apocynaceae), a native of the Kalahari deserts of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, is being sold as a prevalent herbal supplement for weight loss. The appetite suppressant properties are attributed to P57AS3, an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. At the molecular level, the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenes and phytosterols from H. gordonii have not been previously reported. In the current study, predicted transcripts potentially encoding oxidosqualene cyclases were recognized first by searching publicly available H. gordonii RNA-seq datasets. Two OSC-like sequences were selected for functional analysis. A monofunctional OSC, designated HgOSC1 which encodes lupeol synthase, and HgOSC2, a multifunctional cycloartenol synthase forming cycloartenol and other products, were observed through recombinant enzyme studies. These studies revealed that distinct OSCs exist for triterpene formation in H. gordonii and provided opportunities for the metabolic engineering of specific precursors in producing phytosterols in this plant species.

Determination of Synephrine and Caffeine in Citrus Species Herbal Medicines and Weight-Loss Supplements from Taiwan by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Synephrine is widely found in Chinese herbs of the Rutaceae family and is commonly used as a primary substitute for ephedrine in sports supplements. However, its potential cardiotoxicity has necessitated governmental regulations regarding its use. This study determined the contents of synephrine, phenylephrine, and caffeine in 30 Chinese herbal preparations (including five single herbs) and 16 supplements promoted for weight loss. The presence of naturally occurring synephrine was detected in all Chinese herbal medicines, with immature bitter orange having the highest synephrine content (ranging from 233.1 to 505.3 mg/100 g). This was followed by three herbs with comparable amounts of up to 317.7 mg/100 g, namely bitter orange, red tangerine exocarp, and tangerine peel. Euodia fruit had the lowest synephrine content, measuring up to 4.9 mg/100 g. None of these herbal medicines were found to contain detectable phenylephrine. On the other hand, weight-loss supplements, comprising complex combinations of herbal extracts, were found to contain synephrine in concentrations up to 1159.0 mg/100 g and caffeine up to 1659.1 mg/100 g. The synephrine content of these products did not exceed the regulatory limit of six percent, nor did they surpass the respective daily consumption of 20 mg. However, one product was found to contain both synephrine and caffeine, albeit at low concentrations, which could potentially breach the regulation prohibiting the combined use of bitter orange and caffeine as food ingredients.

Pharmaceutical Polygon Fingerprinting Matrix System: A Potential Tool for Pharmaceutical Quality Control

Background: We describe a new discriminatory system for evaluating the quality of pharmaceuticals, the Pharmaceutical Polygon Fingerprint Matrix system (PharmP-FM). PharmP-FM uses both qualitative and quantitative fingerprinting techniques to assess the quality of pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms, the system expands on the Expert System for Drug Development, which was initially created to evaluate the suitability of powder for direct compression. PharmP-FM creates a graphical representation of the product’s pharmaceutical quality using a set of input parameters. The performance index (PI), normalized parameter index (NPI), and formulation index (FI) are among the system's output parameters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of PharmP-FM by examining its ability to identify variations in pharmaceutical quality across products. Methodology: We examined the application of PharmP-FM in assessing batch-to-batch variability of weight-loss supplement capsules and the quality of multisource brand products of levothyroxine tablets. Results: PharmP-FM exhibits potential promise as a pharmaceutical quality assessment tool. Its user-friendly nature and adaptability to different formulations and dosage forms make it a versatile discriminatory system. Additionally, PharmP-FM is an open-ended and scalable system that can incorporate additional parameters and accommodate products of varying complexities. Conclusion: This study supports the potential of PharmP-FM as a tool for pharmaceutical quality assessment.

Oleoylethanolamide protects mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) from oxidative stress and reduces adipogenic related genes expression in adipose-derived MSCs undergoing adipocyte differentiation.

Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) are known for their pronounced therapeutic potential; however, they are still applied in limited clinical cases for several reasons. ROS-mediated oxidative stress is among the chief causes of post-transplantation apoptosis and death of hMSCs. It has been reported that a strategy to protect hMSCs against ROS is to pretreat them with antioxidants. Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a monounsaturated fatty acid derived from oleic acid and it has many protective properties, including anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. OEA is also used as a weight loss supplement; due to its high affinity for the PPAR-α receptor, OEA increases the fat metabolism rate. This study hence assessed the effects of OEA pretreatment on the in vitro survival rate and resistance of hMSCs under oxidative stress as well as the cellular and molecular events in the biology of stem/stromal cells affected by oxidative stress and free radicals. Considering the role of MSCs in adipogenesis and obesity, the expression of the main genes involved in adipogenesis was also addressed in this study. Results revealed that OEA increases the in vitro proliferation of MSCs and inhibits cell apoptosis by reducing the induction of oxidative stress. The results also indicated that OEA exerts its antioxidant properties by both activating the Nrf2/NQO-1/HO-1 signaling pathway and directly combating free radicals. Moreover, OEA can reduce adipogenesis through reducing the expression of PPARγ, leptin and CEBPA genes in hMSCs undergoing adipocyte differentiation. Thus, OEA protects hMSCs from oxidative stress and reduces adipogenic related genes expression and can be regarded as a therapeutic agent for this purpose.

Fu Brick Tea as a Staple Food Supplement Attenuates High Fat Diet Induced Obesity in Mice.

Fu brick tea (FBT), a product of microbial fermentation from primary dark tea, also known as raw material tea (RMT), has been extensively studied for its functional properties. However, its potential as a staple food supplement for weight loss remains poorly understood. This study compared the weight loss effects of orlistat, traditional plain noodles (NN), and noodles supplemented with varying amounts of RMT (RMTN) and FBT (FBTN), with the aim to elucidate their lipid-reducing effects and underlying mechanisms. Experimental trials on high fat diet fed mice revealed significant weight loss, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic effects upon supplementation with orlistat, RMTN, and FBTN. Moreover, supplementation with orlistat, RMTN, and FBTN effectively restored serum and liver-related index levels, mitigating high-fat diet-induced dyslipidemia. Additionally, these supplements ameliorated liver and kidney damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, orlistat, RMTN, and FBTN exert their anti-obesity effects primarily by modulating genes associated with lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses and through regulation of the composition and structure of the gut microbiota. Importantly, FBTN demonstrated a significantly stronger lipid-lowering effect compared to RMTN, particularly at higher tea addition ratios. In contrast, NN supplementation exhibited minimal to no weight loss effects. Based on these findings, it could be inferred that FBT holds promise as a staple food supplement to ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity and its associated health conditions.

Economic costs associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors among Australian adolescents.

This study explored the relationship between unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) and their associated economic costs among adolescents using the 2014-2018 Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). LSAC data in Wave 6 (n = 3538 adolescents aged 14-15 years), Wave 7 n = 3089 adolescents aged 16-17 years), and Wave 8 (n = 3037 adolescents aged 18-19 years) were derived from a representative sample of Australian adolescents. UWCBs were measured using the self-reported Branched Eating Disorder Test questionnaire. UWCBs were sub-classified into having fasting behaviors, using weight loss supplements or purging behaviors. Economic costs include healthcare and productivity costs to caregivers. Healthcare costs were measured using data from the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits, which includes both medical and pharmaceutical costs. Productivity losses were measured using caregivers' lost leisure time due to UWCBs among adolescents. The mixed effect model identified statistically significant higher economic costs (mean difference = $453, 95% CIs $154, $752), higher health care costs (mean difference = $399, 95% CIs $102, $695), and higher productivity costs (mean difference = $59, 95% CIs $29, $90) for adolescents with UWCBs compared to their peers with no UWCBs. Subgroup analysis revealed that higher costs were associated with fasting and purging behaviors. UWCBs were associated with increased economic costs during adolescence. Our finding suggests there should be a policy focus on tackling UWCBs to reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system and society. The study contributes to existing knowledge by investigating the direct healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors in Australian adolescents (14-18 years old) using a dataset that follows Australian adolescents over time. We found that engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors such as fasting, using weight loss supplements, and purging was linked to higher costs among adolescents, suggesting policies should focus on addressing these behaviors.