Lean Young Women Research Articles

Validity of self-reported energy intake in lean and obese young women, using two nutrient databases, compared with total energy expenditure assessed by doubly labeled water

Validity of self-reported energy intake in lean and obese young women, using two nutrient databases, compared with total energy expenditure assessed by doubly labeled water

Hidden MODY in Young Lean Women with Mild Glucose Intolerance Detected During Health Check-ups: Potential for Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Through Preconception Care.

Mild glucose intolerance (positive urine glucose or mild hyperglycemia) during health checkups in young, lean women may require specialist consultation. We herein report a 31-year-old Japanese woman with mild hyperglycemia detected during a checkup who was diagnosed with overt diabetes in pregnancy and HNF4A-MODY postpartum, without prior follow-up. This case highlights the following: MODY may be present in young, lean women with mild glucose intolerance, and preconception care may improve pregnancy outcomes. Fetal outcomes vary with MODY subtype. Preconception care is important.

Sympathetic Responses to Chemoreflex Stress in Lean Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive‐aged women, affecting ~10% of premenopausal women. Women with PCOS present with myriad cardiovascular risk factors including greater muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), however this has yet to be assessed during periods of reactivity. Interestingly, there is limited evidence to suggest that testosterone (i.e. free testosterone), which is elevated in ~75% of women with PCOS, may play a role in mediating greater MSNA in PCOS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that (a) women with PCOS would exhibit greater MSNA reactivity in response to acute stress relative to control (CTRL) women, and (b) MSNA reactivity to stress would be positively correlated with elevated testosterone levels. We tested 4 lean women with PCOS and 4 CTRL women (age: 20±1 vs. 23±3 yrs, P=0.12; BMI: 25±3 vs.24±2 kg/m2, P=0.41). Heart rate (3‐lead ECG), beat‐by‐beat blood pressure (Finapres) and MSNA (microneurography at the peroneal nerve) were measured during 3‐min of quiet rest and during a maximal voluntary end‐expiratory breath hold. Analyses were performed comparing baseline to the latter half of the apnea, in which sympathetic reactivity was the greatest. Baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) was similar between PCOS and CTRL (87±7 vs.86±5 mmHg, P=0.97), as were MSNA burst frequency (BF) and MSNA burst incidence (BI) (BF: 7±5 vs. 10±7 bursts/min, P=0.51; BI: 10±8 vs. 16±10 bursts/100hb, P=0.50). Apnea induced increases in MAP and MSNA in both groups (main effects of condition: MAP, P<0.05; BF, P<0.01; BI, P<0.01). However, MSNA during apnea was higher in women with PCOS compared to CTRL women (BF: 55±7 vs.35±12 bursts/min, P<0.05; BI: 81±18 vs.50±13 bursts/100hb, P<0.05). When all participants were pooled together, a trend towards a positive modest correlation between serum free testosterone concentrations and MSNA BI during apnea was observed (R2=0.33; P=0.18). These preliminary data provide some evidence that elevated testosterone levels observed in women with PCOS may contribute to greater sympathetic reactivity, although this requires further study. Importantly, despite greater MSNA responses to apnea, women with PCOS demonstrated similar BP responses to the CTRL group. These findings suggest that these young lean women with PCOS may benefit from an offsetting of high MSNA, which may be mediated by blunted neurovascular transduction.

Identifying weight management clusters and examining differences in eating behaviour and psychological traits: An exploratory study

Previous research has suggested differences in psychological traits and eating behaviours between groups of individuals with varying weight management profiles, for example, differences between individuals who have maintained weight loss compared to those who have not. However, no study has looked at differences in traits across a sample with a broad range of characteristics including variations in bodyweight and its management. Across two studies, we identified and validated weight management profiles using a clustering approach and examined trait differences across groups. Data were collected using online questionnaires (Study 1: secondary data analysis; Study 2: primary data analysis allowing for cluster validation). Cluster analysis was implemented with BMI, diet history, weight suppression (difference between highest and current weight) as primary grouping variables, and age and gender as covariates. Differences in psychological and eating behaviour traits (e.g., restraint) were explored across clusters. In study 1, 423 participants (27.21 ± 9.90 years) were grouped into 5 clusters: ‘lean men’, ‘lean young women’, ‘lean middle-aged women’, ‘successful’ and ‘unsuccessful dieters’. The cluster structure was broadly replicated with two additional groups identified (‘lean women without dieting’ and ‘very successful dieters’) in study 2 with 368 participants (34.41 ± 13.63 years). In both studies, unsuccessful dieters had higher restrained and emotional eating scores than lean individuals, and in study 1, they also had higher food addiction scores than successful dieters. Individuals could be grouped in terms of their weight management profiles and differences in psychological and eating behaviour traits were evident across these groups. Considering the differences in traits between the clusters may further improve the effectiveness and adherence of weight management advice.

The association between lactate and muscle aerobic substrate oxidation: Is lactate an early marker for metabolic disease in healthy subjects?

Fasting plasma lactate concentrations are elevated in individuals with metabolic disease. The aim of this study was to determine if the variance in fasting lactate concentrations were associated with factors linked with cardiometabolic health even in a young, lean cohort. Young (age 22 ± 0.5; N = 30) lean (BMI (22.4 ± 0.4 kg/m2) women were assessed for waist‐to‐hip ratio, aerobic capacity (VO2peak), skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (near infrared spectroscopy; fat oxidation from muscle biopsies), and fasting glucose and insulin (HOMA‐IR). Subjects had a mean fasting lactate of 0.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L. The rate of deoxygenation of hemoglobin/myoglobin (R 2 = .23, p = .03) in resting muscle and skeletal muscle homogenate fatty acid oxidation (R 2 = .72, p = .004) were inversely associated with fasting lactate. Likewise, cardiorespiratory fitness (time to exhaustion during the VO2peak test) was inversely associated with lactate (R 2 = .20, p = .05). Lactate concentration was inversely correlated with HDL:LDL (R 2 = .57, p = .02) and positively correlated with the waist to hip ratio (R 2 = .52, p = .02). Plasma lactate was associated with various indices of cardiometabolic health. Thus, early determination of fasting lactate concentration could become a common biomarker used for identifying individuals at early risk for metabolic diseases.

229-LB: Plasma Lactate and Muscle Aerobic Substrate Oxidation: Does Elevated Lactate Precede Obesity?

Background: The incidence of metabolic diseases is rising and there is a dire need for early detection of risk in order to implement prevention. Fasting plasma lactate concentrations have been shown to be elevated in individuals with obesity and predictive of the development of T2D. An elevated lactate concentration is the product of a shift to glycolysis and a possible reduction in oxidative capacity. However, it is unknown if there are associations between lactate and oxidative capacity in healthy individuals that may predispose them to metabolic disease. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if fasting lactate concentrations were linked with a reduction in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in a young healthy population. Methods: Young (age 22 ± 0.5; N=30) lean (BMI (22.4 ± 0.4 kg/m2) women were screened for fasting plasma lactate. Subjects underwent assessments of body composition, aerobic capacity (VO2 peak), skeletal muscle oxidative capacity via near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and fasting glucose and insulin were measured for calculating HOMA-IR. Fatty acid oxidation rate was also determined in a subset of samples from skeletal muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis). Results: The women were insulin sensitive (HOMA-IR 1.1 ± 0.1) and had a mean fasting lactate of 0.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L. Time till exhaustion on the VO2 peak test was inversely associated with lactate (R2 = 0.20, p=0.05). Likewise, the rate of deoxygenated hemoglobin (NIRS) (R2 = 0.23, p=0.03) and skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation (R2 = 0.72, p=0.004) were also inversely associated with fasting lactate. Lactate was inversely correlated with HDL:LDL (R2 = 0.57, p=0.02) and positively correlated with waist:hip (R2 = 0.52, p=0.02). Conclusion: Plasma lactate was inversely related to skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and with metabolic parameters that are risk factors for obesity and T2D. Fasting plasma lactate may thus be a biomarker for identifying healthy individuals at risk for metabolic diseases. Disclosure N.T. Broskey: None. T.E. Jones: None. Z. Yang: None. N. Khang: None. D. Zheng: None. C.J. Tanner: None. R.N. Cortright: None. J.A. Houmard: None. L. Dohm: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (DK56112, DK120296)

Is a vegan diet detrimental to endurance and muscle strength?

In the general population, there is a popular belief that a vegan diet may be associated with a lower exercise performance due to the lack of certain nutrients in vegan individuals. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine endurance and muscle strength differences between vegan and omnivore participants. We studied 56 healthy young lean physically active women (age: 25.6 ± 4.1 years; body mass index: 22 ± 1.9 kg/m2). Participants were classified as vegan (n = 28) or omnivore (n = 28) based on their eating habits. All volunteers followed either a vegan or an omnivore diet for at least 2 years. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), a submaximal endurance test (70% of VO2 max), muscle strength (leg and chest press), and dietary factors were measured. Both groups were comparable for physical activity levels, body mass index, percent body fat, lean body mass, and muscle strength. However, vegans had a significantly higher estimated VO2 max (44.5 ± 5.2 vs. 41.6 ± 4.6 ml/kg/min; p = 0.03, respectively) and submaximal endurance time to exhaustion (12.2 ± 5.7 vs. 8.8 ± 3.0 min; p = 0.007, respectively) compared with omnivores. The results suggest that a vegan diet does not seem to be detrimental to endurance and muscle strength in healthy young lean women. In fact, our study showed that submaximal endurance might be better in vegans compared with omnivores. Therefore, these findings contradict the popular belief of the general population.

Quantification of aminobutyric acids and their clinical applications as biomarkers for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent chronic aging-related disease that frequently is only detected after fracture. We hypothesized that aminobutyric acids could serve as biomarkers for osteoporosis. We developed a quick, accurate, and sensitive screening method for aminobutyric acid isomers and enantiomers yielding correlations with bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic fracture. In serum, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and (R)-3-aminoisobutyric acid (D-BAIBA) have positive associations with physical activity in young lean women. D-BAIBA positively associated with hip BMD in older individuals without osteoporosis/osteopenia. Lower levels of GABA were observed in 60–80 year old women with osteoporotic fractures. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in seven genes related to these metabolites associated with BMD and osteoporosis. In peripheral blood monocytes, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, an enzyme essential to D-BAIBA generation, exhibited positive association with physical activity and hip BMD. Along with their signaling roles, BAIBA and GABA might serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatments of osteoporosis.

Young lean women with evidence of both premature adrenarche and pubarche display a metabolic, hormonal and psychologic profile that is similar to that of their peers with polycystic ovary syndrome

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Eating in the absence of hunger is related to loss-of-control eating, hedonic hunger, and short-term weight gain in normal-weight women

Eating beyond physiological need contributes to obesity onset. Measuring this behavior could help identify those at risk for weight gain. This study measured eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) and its relationship with weight change and self-report measures related to appetite and eating behavior. EAH was assessed in 46 lean young women (69% pre-selected for weight gain proneness) after lunch and defined as the number of calories subsequently consumed from snacks. Participants also completed questionnaires, and their body weights were measured regularly over the next year. Participants consumed a mean 188 calories (±140) during the EAH test. Caloric intake during the EAH test was associated with hedonic hunger (p < .01, R2 = 0.18), loss of control eating (p < .001, R2 = 0.29), and weight gain over two months (p < .01, R2 = 0.19), controlling for baseline body mass index. All were large effect sizes. In contrast, EAH was unrelated to emotional eating, disinhibition, and longer-term weight change. Amount of the test meal eaten in a hungry state was unrelated to these variables. While EAH has mainly been examined in children, these results expand its utility to adults. EAH seems to reflect naturalistic eating behavior, as shown by its relationship with short-term weight gain, drive to overconsume foods, and loss of control over eating. EAH may be a useful test to identify young adults at risk for weight gain and/or disordered eating, and may be a target for intervention.

Association between polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of subclinical vascular disease in normal‑weight women with type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is higher than in the general population. Both diseases are associated with higher risk of premature atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the cardiovascular risks conferred by T1DM and PCOS are additive. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study group included 78 women divided into 4 groups: 19 women with PCOS and T1DM (T1DM+PCOS), 16 women with T1DM only (T1DM/no‑PCOS), 27 women with PCOS only(PCOS), and 16 healthy women (control group). We evaluated the serum concentrations of cardiovascular disease biomarkers: soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM‑1) and soluble endothelial‑leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (sE‑selectin). We also assessed brachial artery flow‑mediated dilation (FMD) and estimated the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (CIMT) by ultrasonography. RESULTS The serum concentrations of sICAM‑1and sE‑selectin were higher in the T1DM+PCOS group compared with women with PCOS only (P = 0.041 and P = 0.002, respectively) and were comparable to those in the T1DM/no‑PCOS group. FMD and CIMT did not differ between the groups. In women with T1DM, sICAM‑1 positively correlated with body mass index (r = 0.34, P = 0.047), CIMT with daily insulin dose (r = 0.37, P = 0.039), and FMD negatively correlated with diabetes duration (r = -0.42, P = 0.02). In a multivariable logistic regression model, the presence of T1DM, with adjustment for sICAM‑1, was the only predictor of sE‑selectin concentrations in the whole study group (odds ratio, 8.03; 95% confidence interval, 2.56-13.49; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS The presence of PCOS does not increase the risk of subclinical vascular disease in young lean women with T1DM.

Distinct response of fat and gastrointestinal tissue to glucose in gestational diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are distinct pathologies with impaired insulin sensitivity as a common feature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of fat tissue adipokines and gastrointestinal incretins to glucose load in patients diagnosed with one of the two disorders and to compare it with healthy controls. Oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) was performed in 77 lean young women: 22 had positive history of GDM, 19 were PCOS patients, and 36 were healthy controls. Hormones were evaluated in fasting and in 60 min intervals during the 3 h oGTT using Bio-Plex ProHuman Diabetes 10-Plex Assay for C-peptide, ghrelin, GIP, GLP1, glucagon, insulin, leptin, total PAI1, resistin, visfatin and Bio-Plex ProHuman Diabetes Adipsin and Adiponectin Assays (Bio-Rad). Despite lean body composition, both PCOS and GDM women were more insulin resistant than controls. Significant postchallenge differences between the GDM and PCOS groups were observed in secretion of adipsin, leptin, glucagon, visfatin, ghrelin, GIP, and also GLP1 with higher levels in GDM. Conversely, PCOS was associated with the highest resistin, C-peptide, and PAI1 levels. Our data suggest that decreased insulin sensitivity observed in lean women with GDM and PCOS is associated with distinct hormonal response of fat and gastrointestinal tissue to glucose load.

Prediction of Cardiorespiratory Fitness by the Six-Minute Step Test and Its Association with Muscle Strength and Power in Sedentary Obese and Lean Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Impaired cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a hallmark characteristic in obese and lean sedentary young women. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) prediction from the six-minute step test (6MST) has not been established for sedentary females. It is recognized that lower-limb muscle strength and power play a key role during functional activities. The aim of this study was to investigate cardiorespiratory responses during the 6MST and CPX and to develop a predictive equation to estimate VO2peak in both lean and obese subjects. Additionally we aim to investigate how muscle function impacts functional performance. Lean (LN = 13) and obese (OB = 18) women, aged 20–45, underwent a CPX, two 6MSTs, and isokinetic and isometric knee extensor strength and power evaluations. Regression analysis assessed the ability to predict VO2peak from the 6MST, age and body mass index (BMI). CPX and 6MST main outcomes were compared between LN and OB and correlated with strength and power variables. CRF, functional capacity, and muscle strength and power were lower in the OB compared to LN (<0.05). During the 6MST, LN and OB reached ~90% of predicted maximal heart rate and ~80% of the VO2peak obtained during CPX. BMI, age and number of step cycles (NSC) explained 83% of the total variance in VO2peak. Moderate to strong correlations between VO2peak at CPX and VO2peak at 6MST (r = 0.86), VO2peak at CPX and NSC (r = 0.80), as well as between VO2peak, NSC and muscle strength and power variables were found (p<0.05). These findings indicate the 6MST, BMI and age accurately predict VO2peak in both lean and obese young sedentary women. Muscle strength and power were related to measures of aerobic and functional performance.

Effects of taurine intake on serum lipids in young women

Background: Taurine is an abundant amino acid in human cells, promoting ocular and biliary health, which is also used to treat congestive heart failure, hypertension, and hepatitis. Recently, taurine-enriched energy drinks have become popular with young adults, but the effects of taurine on serum lipids in young adults are unknown.Objective: We studied the influence of oral administration of taurine on serum lipid levels in healthy young women.Methods: Ten healthy young women with a mean body mass index of 20.0kg/m2, apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotype 3/3 and normal menstrual cycles participated. Each subject was instructed to orally ingest 1g of taurine powder after each meal (3g/day) in addition to their usual diets during one menstrual cycle. Before and at the end of taurine intake, physical measurements and blood collection were performed in the morning after a 12-h fast, and 3-day weighted dietary records were obtained. Concentrations of serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and fatty acids in the serum phospholipid fraction were measured.Results: The subjects showed good compliance with taurine intake and none reported adverse effects during the experimental period. After taurine intake, concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (apoB) increased (p&lt;0.05), while phospholipids tended to increase (p=0.051). Fatty acids in the serum phospholipid fraction also significantly increased (p&lt;0.05). However, triglyceride, remnant-like particle cholesterol, remnant-like particle triglyceride, apoE, the apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA- 1)/apoB ratio and the LDL-C/apoB ratio were unchanged. Furthermore, body weight was significantly increased (p&lt;0.01), but did not correlate with changes either in serum lipids or nutrient intakes.Conclusion: These results suggest that high taurine intake affects lipoprotein metabolism and increases serum lipids in slightly lean young women.Key Words: Taurine, slightly lean young women, serum lipids, remnant lipoprotein, fatty acids of the serum phospholipid fraction.

Association of anti-Mullerian hormone and small-dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with hepatosteatosis in young lean women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjectiveTo study the association of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and small-dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sd-LDL) with hepatosteatosis among young, lean, polycystic ovary patients. Study designA prospective, case control study was carried out including 79 young lean women. Fifty-eight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 21 age-and BMI-matched healthy controls were recruited. Anthropometric variables, biochemical and hormonal parameters, insulin-resistance indices, lipid profiles including sd-LDL levels and serum AMH levels were determined. Hepatic lipid content was evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography (USG). Determining the best predictor(s) which discriminate normal USG and hepatosteatosis was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. ResultsPCOS patients had an increased prevalence of hepatosteatosis by 41.4% (P=0.006) and they had significantly higher levels of sd-LDL and AMH when compared with the control group (P<0.001). AMH and sd-LDL levels were positively and significantly associated with hepatosteatosis in young lean women with and without PCOS (OR: 2.877, 95%CI: 1.453–5.699, P: 0.02 and OR: 1.336, 95%CI: 1.083–1.648, P: 0.007, respectively). AMH and sd-LDL levels were positively correlated in PCOS patients (r=0.626, P<0.001). Both sd-LDL and AMH levels were the most predictive parameters for the determination of hepatosteatosis within the PCOS group. (OR: 3.347, 95%CI: 1.348–8.313, P=0.009 and OR: 1.375, 95%CI: 1.072–1.764, P=0.012, respectively). Statistically significant higher levels of AMH were associated with hepatosteatosis both in insulin resistance (IR) positive and IR negative PCOS patients (P<0.001). ConclusionHepatosteatosis is common in young lean PCOS patients. Increased AMH and sd-LDL levels may independently predict hepatosteatosis in young lean women with and without PCOS.

Comparison of measured basal metabolic rate and estimated basal metabolic rate calculated from body weight or lean body mass among lean young Japanese women (LB429)

[Introduction]In Japan, it is considered as a big problem that more than 20% of women in their 20s have a body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 and fall into “lean.” In day‐to‐day scenes of nutritional management in Japan, basal metabolic rate (BMR) is indispensable to estimate energy requirements. However, calculation of dietary reference intakes for Japanese (Japan‐DRI) utilizing body weight (BW) is considered to cause estimate errors among lean persons. Previous studies have shown that lean body mass (LBM) are the most important factors among body compositions to determine BMR of lean young Japanese women.[Objective]The objective of this study was to compare Measured BMR with estimated BMR calculated from BW or LBM among lean young Japanese women.[Methods]Measured BMR was measured using the IHC in lean young Japanese women (n=19, 20.5±1.3years, BMI17.7±0.8 kg/m2). Estimated BMR was calculated using predicted equation based on BW (A: Japan‐DIR) or LBM (B: NIHN, C: Taguchi et al.) [Results and Conclusion]Measured BMR was significantly higher than all estimates. In addition, the regression line of B approximated the gradient where measured BMR coincides with estimated BMR. (A: r = 0.621, p &lt; 0.001, y = 0.80x + 362; B: r = 0.680, p &lt; 0.05, y = 1.01x + 35; C: r = 0.678, p &lt; 0.001, y = 0.677x + 462). In conclusion, it was suggested that LBM are more useful than BW to estimate BMR of lean young Japanese women.

Reliability of Goniometry-Based Q-Angle

To establish the stability reliability, precision, and minimum value for detecting real differences for quadriceps angle (Q-angle) measurements based on standardized protocols and surface goniometry. An intratester reliability study. University research laboratory. Fifty-two healthy, young, relatively lean adults (25 men and 27 women) from the university community with no history of knee injury. Q-angle was assessed with surface goniometry on 2 separate occasions separated by 48 hours. Subjects assumed a supine position with: (1) extended hips and knees, (2) neutral hip rotational position, (3) neutral foot position, and (4) isometrically contracted quadriceps femoris muscles. The axis of a manual extendable-arm goniometer was placed over the center of the right patella with the proximal arm situated over the anterior-superior iliac spine and the distal arm over the center of the tibial tuberosity. Stability reliability was calculated with use of intraclass correlation (ICC, 2-way random model) and precision was calculated by standard error of measurement (SEM). The 95% limits of agreement also were calculated to estimate the minimum detectable difference in Q-angles. The lowest acceptable ICC was set at ≥0.70 for stability reliability. The following ICC (SEM) values were found: all subjects = 0.88 (1.0°), men = 0.77 (1.0°), and women = 0.85 (1.0°). The 95% limits of agreement were 3° for the same 3 groups. The surface goniometry protocol described herein appeared to be reliable for relatively lean young men and women. Although measures were precise to 1.0°, it appears a difference of 3° may be needed to detect a real difference in Q-angles when measured in this fashion.

Significantly increased plasma levels of unbound‐VEGF in overweight/obese women

Angiogenesis promotes obesity. However, it is not clear whether overweight/obese women have a pro‐angiogenic phenotype in the circulation. Present study determines plasma levels of unbound‐ VEGF, endostatin, sFlt‐1 in 63 lean and overweight/obese adult women volunteers aged from 18–44. Average BMI of this group was 29.1±0.82 kg/m2, in which lean BMI was 21.95±0.47 kg/m2 (n=22) and overweight/obese BMI was 32.83±0.79 kg/m2 (n=41). ELISA assay (R&amp;D Systems) showed that that plasma levels of unbound‐VEGF in overweight/obese young adult women were 52.26±9.6 pg/ml, significantly higher than plasma levels of unbound‐VEGF in lean young adult women, 27.34±4.99 pg/ml (P&lt;0.01). Plasma levels of sFlt‐1 in lean (48.4±7.1 pg/ml) and overweight/obese women (52.1±9.5 pg/ml) were similar (P=0.557). There was no significant difference (P=0.442) in plasma levels of endostatin in lean (120±25 ng/ml) and overweight/obese women (109±27 ng/ml). The results support the hypothesis that overweight/obese women have a pro‐angiogenic phenotype in the circulation characterized by increased plasma levels of unbound‐VEGF. A potential therapeutic strategy for obesity will be targeting the VEGF pathway. (NIH/AA013821 and NIH/HL051971)

Characteristics of Under- and Over-Reporters of Energy Intake among Young Japanese Women

Evidence on factors associated with misreporting of energy intake is limited, particularly in non-Western populations. We examined the characteristics of under- and over-reporters of energy intake in young Japanese women. Subjects were 3,956 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18-20 y (mean body mass index: 20.9 kg/m(2)). Energy intake was assessed using a comprehensive self-administered diet history questionnaire. Estimated energy requirement was calculated based on self-reported information on age, body height and weight, and physical activity with the use of an equation from the US Dietary Reference Intakes. Under-, acceptable, and over-reporters of energy intake were identified based on the ratio of energy intake to estimated energy requirement, according to whether the individual's ratio was below, within, or above the 95% confidence limits of the expected ratio of 1.0 (<0.70, 0.70-1.30, and >1.30, respectively). Risk of being an under- or over-reporter of energy intake compared to an acceptable reporter was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The percentage of under-, acceptable, and over-reporters of energy intake was 18.4, 73.1, and 8.4%, respectively. Under-reporting was associated with overweight or obesity, perception that one's own weight was too heavy or light, lower dietary consciousness, active lifestyle, living without family, and living in a city (compared with a metropolitan area). Over-reporting was associated with sedentary lifestyle only. This study of lean young Japanese women showed that energy intake misreporting, particularly under-reporting, was common and differential among populations. Particularly, perceived weight status was associated with under-reporting of energy intake, independent of actual weight status.

Brain responses to food images during the early and late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in healthy young women: relation to fasting and feeding

Food intake fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle; it is greater during the early follicular and luteal phases than in the late follicular (periovulatory) phase. Ovarian steroids can influence brain areas that process food-related information, but the specific contribution of individual hormones and the importance of the prandial state remain unknown. The objective was to examine whether brain activation during food visualization is affected by changes in estradiol concentration in the fasted and fed conditions. Nine eumenorrheic, lean young women [mean (±SD) age: 26.2 ± 3.2 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 22.4 ± 1.2] completed 2 visits, one in the early (low estradiol) and one in the late (high estradiol) follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. At each visit, subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while they viewed food and nonfood images, before and after a standardized meal. Region-of-interest analysis was used to examine the effect of follicular phase and prandial state on brain activation (food > nonfood contrast) and its association with estradiol concentration. Differences were identified in the inferior frontal and fusiform gyri. In these areas, visualization of food elicited greater activation in the fed state than during fasting but only in the late follicular phase, when estradiol concentration was high. The change in estradiol concentration across the follicular phase (late minus early) was inversely correlated with the change in fusiform gyrus activation in the fasted state but not in the fed state. Our findings suggest that estradiol may reduce food intake by decreasing sensitivity to food cues in the ventral visual pathway under conditions of energy deprivation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00130117.