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Background: The dietary inflammatory index (DII) serves as a tool to assess the inflammatory impact of an individual's diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and some cardio-metabolic risk indices among patients with T2DM. Methods: Data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, encompassing 2045 adults with T2DM, were analyzed. DII scores were calculated based on food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were performed to assess cardio-metabolic risk factors. Results: Higher DII scores were positively associated with elevated triglyceride levels, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), hip, waist circumferences (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (all Ptrend < 0.05). Notably, no significant association was observed between DII and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (Ptrend > 0.05). Additionally, dietary intake analysis revealed a negative correlation between DII scores and intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, seafood, dairy products, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E (all Ptrend < 0.05). Conversely, higher DII scores were associated with increased consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined cereals, potatoes, and soft drinks (all Ptrend < 0.05). Conclusion: This study underscores the critical link between dietary inflammation, assessed by the DII score, and a multitude of cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with T2DM. Notably, while the study did not find a significant association between DII and fasting blood sugar levels, it identified robust associations with novel anthropometric and biochemical indices indicative of cardio-metabolic risk. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions as a cornerstone strategy for managing T2DM and mitigating its associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To develop and psychometrically test a food frequency questionnaire for adults at risk of coronary heart disease (Cardio‐FFQ). Background: Comprehensive dietary assessment is critical for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, but appropriate instruments to perform this work are lacking. Design: A sequential mixed‐methods study followed the COREQ and STROBE guidelines. Methods: This study was conducted between April 2016 and November 2017. It started with dietary history interviews (Phase 1) to identify candidate food items of the Cardio‐FFQ, which validity and reliability were assessed (Phase 2) through expert consultation and four seasonal measurements, including test and retest with a 2‐week gap every season. Physical activity and blood glucose and lipids were assessed seasonally, while another FFQ was administered during the fourth measurement. Content analysis was used to analyse verbatim interview transcripts, while descriptive and inferential analyses were used to simplify the Cardio‐FFQ and examine its psychometric properties. Results: Phase I involved 34 participants during their first onset of acute coronary syndrome and generated 176 candidate food items (consumed by at least three participants) under 12 food categories. These food items were simplified to form the 133‐item Cardio‐FFQ after discarding items with trivial contributions to food commonalities or between‐person variance. Further analysis showed that the simplified questionnaire had satisfactory content validity, concurrent validity, convergent validity, predictive validity, known‐group validity and test–retest reliability. Conclusion: The 133‐item Cardio‐FFQ is a valid and reliable tool for a comprehensive dietary assessment appropriate for adults at risk of coronary heart disease. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses may use the Cardio‐FFQ to conduct a dietary assessment to better support people to commit to healthy diets, aiming to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of dietary choices are marketed to enhance glycogen recovery after physical activity. Past research informs recommendations regarding the timing, dose, and nutrient compositions to facilitate glycogen recovery. This study examined the effects of isoenergetic sport supplements (SS) vs. fast food (FF) on glycogen recovery and exercise performance. Eleven males completed two experimental trials in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Each trial included a 90-min glycogen depletion ride followed by a 4-hr recovery period. Absolute amounts of macronutrients (1.54 ± 0.27 g⋅kg-1 carbohydrate, 0.24 ± 0.04 g⋅kg fat-1, and 0.18 ± 0.03gkg protein-1) as either SS or FF were provided at 0 and 2 hr. Muscle biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis at 0 and 4 hr post exercise. Blood samples were analyzed at 0, 30, 60,120,150,180, and 240 min post exercise for insulin and glucose, with blood lipids analyzed at 0 and 240 min. A 20k time-trial (TT) was completed following the final muscle biopsy. There were no differences in the blood glucose and insulin responses. Similarly, rates of glycogen recovery were not different across the diets (6.9 ±1.7 and 7.9 ± 2.4 mmol⋅kg wet weight-1⋅hr-1 for SS and FF, respectively). There was also no difference across the diets for TT performance (34.1 ±1.8 and 34.3 ±1.7 min for SS and FF, respectively. These data indicate that short-term food options to initiate glycogen resynthesis can include dietary options not typically marketed as sports nutrition products such as fast food menu items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) such as the 30-s Wingate test attenuates postprandial triacylglycerol (TG), however, the ability of shorter versions of HIIE to reduce postprandial TG is undetermined. Thus, the effect of 8-s sprinting bouts of HIIE on blood TG levels of 12 females after consumption of a high-fat meal (HFM) was examined. Twelve young, sedentary women (BMI 25.1 ± 2.3 kg/m2; age 21.3 ± 2.1 years) completed a maximal oxygen uptake test and then on different days underwent either an exercise or a no-exercise postprandial TG condition. Both conditions involved consuming a HFM after a 12-hr fast. The HFM, in milkshake form provided 4170 kJ (993 Kcal) of energy and 98 g fat. Order was counter-balanced. In the exercise condition participants completed 20-min of HIIE cycling consisting of repeated bouts of 8 s sprint cycling (100-115 rpm) and 12 s of active rest (easy pedaling) 14 hr before consuming the HFM. Blood samples were collected hourly after the HFM for 4 hr. Total postprandial TG was 13% lower, p = .004, in the exercise (5.84 ± 1.08 mmol L-1 4 h-1) compared with the no-exercise condition (6.71 ± 1.63 mmol L-1 4 h-1). In conclusion, HIIE significantly attenuated postprandial TG in sedentary young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a significant risk factor for various diseases. It is a clinical condition caused by the excessive accumulation of fat, which has a negative impact on human health. Galactin-12 is an adipocyte-expressed protein and possesses adipocyte-inducing activity. We investigated the expression level of candidate proteins involved in galactin-12-mediated adipocyte differentiation pathway. We performed a high-throughput screening assay to monitor galectin-12 promoter activity using 105 traditional Chinese herbs. Corn silk extract and β -sitosterol reduced the expression of galactin-12 promoter in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, corn silk extract and β -sitosterol decreased the level of lipid droplets and downregulated the gene and protein expression level of C/EBP β , C/EBP α , PPAR γ , Ap2, and adipsin in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes via AKT and ERK1/2 inhibition. In vivo study with the oral administration of corn silk extract and β -sitosterol in a mouse model showed a significant weight reduction and decrease in adipocytes in several organs such as the liver and adipose tissue. Taken together, corn silk extract and β -sitosterol may effectively reduce pre-adipocyte differentiation by inhibiting galectin-12 activity and exerting anti-obesity effects. These findings highlight the potential use of corn silk extract and β -sitosterol as potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to determine the effects of an 8 wk Hatha yoga training on blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, endothelial microparticles (EMPs), and inflammatory status in healthy, lean, and female Chinese subjects. A total of 30 healthy, female Chinese subjects were recruited and randomized into control or yoga practice group. The yoga practice included 8 wks of yoga practice (2 times/wk) for a total of 16 times. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after yoga training. Plasma was isolated for the measurement of lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, EMPs, and inflammatory cytokines. Whole blood was cultured ex vivo and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Pam3Cys-SK4. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for the measurement of TLR2 and TLR4 protein expression. Yoga practice significantly reduced plasma cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin levels, and CD31+/CD42b− EMPs. Cultured whole blood from the yoga group has reduced proinflammatory cytokines secretion both at unstimulated condition and when stimulated with Pam3Cys-SK4; this might be associated with reduced TLR2 protein expression in PBMCs after yoga training. Hatha yoga practice in healthy Chinese female subjects could improve hallmarks related to MetS; thus it can be considered as an ancillary intervention in the primary MetS prevention for the healthy population. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-IOR-14005747. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interval aerobic training combined with strength exercise in the same training session on body composition, and glycaemic and lipid profile in obese rats. Sixteen lean Zucker rats and sixteen obese Zucker rats were randomly divided into exercise and sedentary subgroups (4 groups, n = 8). Exercise consisted of interval aerobic training combined with strength exercise in the same training session. The animals trained 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Body composition, lipid and glycaemic profiles and inflammatory markers were assessed. Results showed that fat mass was reduced in both lean and obese rats following the exercise training (effect size (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 1.8 (0.5-3.0)). Plasma low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol and fasting glucose were lower in the exercise compared to the sedentary groups (d = 2.0 (0.7-3.2) and 1.8 (0.5-3.0), respectively). Plasma insulin was reduced in exercise compared to sedentary groups (d = 2.1 (0.8-3.4)). Some exercise × phenotype interactions showed that the highest decreases in insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, fasting and postprandial glucose were observed in the obese + exercise group (all, P < 0.01). The findings of this study suggest that interval aerobic training combined with strength exercise would improve body composition, and lipid and glycaemic profiles, especially in obese rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Exposure to arsenic (As) concentrations in drinking water > 150 μg/L has been associated with risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the effects of lower exposures. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether moderate As exposure, or indicators of individual As metabolism at these levels of exposure, are associated with cardiometabolic risk. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional associations between arsenic exposure and multiple markers of cardiometabolic risk using drinking-water As measurements and urinary As species data obtained from 1,160 adults in Chihuahua, Mexico, who were recruited in 2008-2013. Fasting blood glucose and lipid levels, the results of an oral glucose tolerance test, and blood pressure were used to characterize cardiometabolic risk. Multivariable logistic, multinomial, and linear regression were used to assess associations between cardiometabolic outcomes and water As or the sum of inorganic and methylated As species in urine. RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment, concentrations in the second quartile of water As (25.5 to < 47.9 μg/L) and concentrations of total speciated urinary As (< 55.8 μg/L) below the median were significantly associated with elevated triglycerides, high total cholesterol, and diabetes. However, moderate water and urinary As levels were also positively associated with HDL cholesterol. Associations between arsenic exposure and both dysglycemia and triglyceridemia were higher among individuals with higher proportions of dimethylarsenic in urine. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate exposure to As may increase cardiometabolic risk, particularly in individuals with high proportions of urinary dimethylarsenic. In this cohort, As exposure was associated with several markers of increased cardiometabolic risk (diabetes, triglyceridemia, and cholesterolemia), but exposure was also associated with higher rather than lower HDL cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 11 weeks of low-volume resistance training (LVRT) and high-volume resistance training (HVRT) on muscle strength, muscle thickness (MT), and postprandial lipaemia (PPL) in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six healthy and untrained postmenopausal women (age, 58.9 ± 5.8 years; 68.6 ± 10.3 kg; and BMI, 26.9 ± 4.8 kg · m−2) participated in resistance training 3× per week for 11 weeks (HVRT = 12; LVRT = 13; and control group = 11). Biochemical variables, both pretraining and post-training, were evaluated 16 h after the administration of an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) and metabolic variable during [energy expenditure (EE)] and after training session [excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)]. Muscle strength (1 RM) and MT were also calculated, and no significant differences were observed between the groups for PPL (mmol · L−1per 5 h) as measured by glucose, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. EE total (EE + EPOC; 6.12 ± 1.21 MJ vs. 2.26 ± 0.85 MJ), resting fat oxidation (5.52 ± 1.69 g · h−1vs. 4.11 ± 1.12 g · h−1); MT (vastus medialis, 21.4 ± 1.8 mm vs. 18.4 ± 1.2 mm and vastus lateralis 22.3 ± 1.2 mm vs. 20.8 ± 1.3 mm); triacylglycerol (TAG) 0, 1, 2, 4; and 5 h after OFTT, TAG area under the curve (AUC) (5.79 ± 0.42 vs. 7.78 ± 0.68), and incremental AUC (−46.21 ± 14.42% vs. 7.78 ± 4.68%) were all significantly different post-training for HVRT versus LVRT, respectively (P < 0.05). The results of this investigation suggest that HVRT reduces PPL in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of alpine skiing for 12 weeks on skeletal muscle characteristics and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular risk factors. Twenty-three patients with a total knee arthroplasty ( TKA) were studied 2.9 ± 0.9 years (mean ± SD) after the operation. Fourteen patients participated in the intervention group ( IG) and nine in the control group ( CG). Blood samples and muscle biopsies were obtained before ( PRE) and 7.3 ± 0.8 days after ( POST) the intervention, and blood samples again after a retention ( RET) phase of 8 weeks. With skiing, glucose homeostasis improved in IG (decrease in fasting insulin, increase in muscle glycogen) but not in CG. Fiber type distribution and size, as well as capillary density and number of capillaries around the fibers ( CAF), were not different between the operated and the non-operated leg in either group. The relative number of type I fibers increased with skiing in IG with no change in CG. Inflammatory biomarkers, plasma lipids, and mitochondrial proteins and activity did not change. Alpine skiing is metabolically beneficial and can be used as a training modality by elderly people with TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent obesity is increasingly more common in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Obesity has been associated with metabolic derangement in adolescents in developed countries. This study compared the metabolic parameters in obese and non-obese adolescents in a developing country. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 1 000 adolescents selected by multi-stage sampling from eight secondary schools in Osun State, south-western Nigeria. Socio-demographic information was collected with the aid of a questionnaire. Using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) body mass index (BMI) cut-off points, 29 obese adolescents were identified, and 29 suitably matched controls selected. The means for the anthropometric indices [height, weight and waist circumference (WC)], as well as blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose and the blood lipid levels of the obese and non-obese participants were compared using an independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Data were analysed using SPSS® 16.0 version. A p-value < 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 13.7 years (standard deviation 2.04). Eight of 100 (7.7%) respondents were overweight and 2.9% obese. More female than male adolescents were overweight or obese. The means for the anthropometric indices and BP increased in general across the spectrum of weight categories, from normal weight to obese. Weight, BMI, WC, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the obese adolescents than in the non-obese controls. The controls had a significantly higher mean high-density lipoprotein value (1.46 mmol/l) than the obese adolescents (1.21 mmol/l). Conclusion: Obese adolescents are at higher risk of metabolic diseases than non-obese adolescents. Obese adolescents in low- to middle-income countries should be targeted to adopt lifestyle changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most common endocrine disorder associated with altered cellular metabolism is Diabetes mellitus (DM). Lamium album, also called white dead nettle, is shown to have antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging properties as well as improving fat metabolism. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of lamium album on serum level of glucose and lipid profile in sterptozotocin induced diabetic rats with known anti diabetic effects of utricadioica. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty two male wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups; normal control, diabetic control, diabetic receiving Urtica (100 mg/kg daily, diabetic receiving dlamium (100 mg/kg/daily) for 28 days. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and LDL/HDL ratio were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS-16 and one way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison test. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Hydroalchoholic extracts of Urticadioica and Lamium album caused significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum level of glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Compared to diabetic control group, both plant extracts significantly decreased serum cholesterol, LDL and LDL/HDL ratio and on the opposite direction remarkably increased serum HDL (p < 0.05). However, serum TG in the diabetic rats treated with Urticadioica was lower than diabetic rats exposed to Lamium album extract (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Administration of Urticadioica and Lamium album extracts to diabetic rats by their antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic properties might be effective in the prevention or management of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prior studies have provided evidence that lifestyle change prevents or delays the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The challenge is to translate research evidence for type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention into health care settings. Objective We investigated the effect of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) compared with usual care on fasting plasma glucose values, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum lipid levels, and Diabetes Risk Score, from baseline to the end of a 12-week intervention in overweight or obese adults with prediabetes. Design Prospective, randomized, parallel group study of 76 adults with impaired fasting plasma glucose or an HbA1c of 5.7% to 6.4%, recruited between April 2010 and May 2011 who completed a 12-week intervention period. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was fasting plasma glucose. Secondary outcome measures were HbA1c, serum lipid levels, and Diabetes Risk Score. Statistical analyses A factorial repeated measures analysis of variance was used to make comparisons between the two groups (the MNT and usual care groups) and two measures of time (baseline and 12 weeks postintervention). Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (release 19.0, 2010, SPSS Inc). Results There was a significant interaction for group assignment and HbA1c ( P =0.01), with the MNT group experiencing significantly lower HbA1c levels than the usual care group (5.79% vs 6.01%) after the 12-week intervention. There was a significant interaction for group assignment and Diabetes Risk Score ( P =0.001). Diabetes Risk Score for the MNT group decreased from 17.54±3.69 to 15.31±3.79 compared with the usual care group score, which went from 17.23±4.69 to 16.83±4.73. Regardless of group assignment, both groups experienced a reduction in total cholesterol ( P =0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P =0.04) level. Conclusions The results demonstrate that individualized MNT is effective in decreasing HbA1c level in patients diagnosed with prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet therapies including calorie restriction, ketogenic diets, and fish-oil supplementation have been used to improve health and to treat a variety of neurological and non-neurological diseases. Methods: We investigated the effects of three diets on circulating plasma metabolites (glucose and ß- hydroxybutyrate), hormones (insulin and adiponectin), and lipids over a 32-day period in C57BL/6J mice. The diets evaluated included a standard rodent diet (SD), a ketogenic diet (KD), and a standard rodent diet supplemented with fish-oil (FO). Each diet was administered in either unrestricted (UR) or restricted (R) amounts to reduce body weight by 20%. Results: The KD-UR increased body weight and glucose levels and promoted a hyperlipidemic profile, whereas the FO-UR decreased body weight and glucose levels and promoted a normolipidemic profile, compared to the SD-UR. When administered in restricted amounts, all three diets produced a similar plasma metabolite profile, which included decreased glucose levels and a normolipidemic profile. Linear regression analysis showed that circulating glucose most strongly predicted body weight and triglyceride levels, whereas calorie intake moderately predicted glucose levels and strongly predicted ketone body levels. Conclusions: These results suggest that biomarkers of health can be improved when diets are consumed in restricted amounts, regardless of macronutrient composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Gongronema latifolium Benth Hook, (Asclepiadaceae) is a tropical rainforest plant primarily used in traditional folk medicine in the treatment of malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and as laxative. Objective: To study the antidiabetic properties of Gongronema latifolium-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs). Materials and methods: The methanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves were obtained and formulated into SLMs using lipid matrix comprising of fat from Capra hircus and Phospholipon® 90H. The SLMs were characterized in vitro by determining the particle size and morphology, pH stability studies, and encapsulation efficiency EE%. Also, the antidiabetic properties of the Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs were studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Results and discussion: The results show that the particle size of G. latifolium-loaded SLMs was within an acceptable range for SLMs. Highest EE% of 68% was obtained for SLMs containing 5% G. latifolium (batch F3). The formulations remained stable with insignificant pH reduction over time ( p < 0.05). Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had mean percentage reduction in blood glucose of 76% at 2 h, 42.3% at 8 h, and 24.4% at 12 h, while the group that received the reference-glibenclamide had 82.6, 61.7, and 46.7% at 2, 8, and 12 h, respectively, after oral administration of all samples. Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had blood glucose reduction significantly higher than the pure extract and the glibenclamide ( p < 0.05) at the concentrations used. Conclusions: Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs exhibited a good hypoglycemic effect and could be used for the treatment of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is an additive flame retardant used in the textile industry and in polystyrene foam manufacturing. Because of its lipophilicity and persistency, HBCD accumulates in adipose tissue and thus has the potential of causing metabolic disorders through disruption of lipid and glucose homeostasis. However, the association between HBCD and obesity remains unclear. Objectives: We investigated whether exposure to HBCD contributes to initiation and progression of obesity and related metabolic dysfunction in mice fed a normal diet (ND) or a high fat diet (HFD). Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD (62.2 kcal% fat) or a ND and treated orally with HBCD (0, 1.75, 35, or 700 μg/kg body weight) weekly from 6 to 20 weeks of age. We examined body weight, liver weight, blood biochemistry, histopathological changes, and gene expression profiles in the liver and adipose tissue. Results: In HFD-fed mice, body and liver weight were markedly increased in mice treated with the high (700 μg/kg) and medium (35 μg/kg) doses of HBCD compared with vehicle. This effect was more prominent in the high-dose group. These increases were paralleled by increases in random blood glucose and insulin levels and enhancement of microvesicular steatosis and macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue. HBCD-treated HFD-fed mice also had increased mRNA levels of Pparg (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ) in the liver and decreased mRNA levels of Glut4 (glucose transporter 4) in adipose tissue compared with vehicle-treated HFD-fed mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that HBCD may contribute to enhancement of diet-induced body weight gain and metabolic dysfunction through disruption of lipid and glucose homeostasis, resulting in accelerated progression of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We showed that early weaned rats developed obesity, hyperleptinemia, leptin and insulin resistance at adulthood. Here, we studied the potential beneficial effects of Ilex paraguariensis aqueous solution upon body composition, glycemia, lipid and hormonal profiles, leptin signaling and NPY content. Methods: To induce early weaning, lactating rats' teats were blocked with a bandage to interrupt lactation during the last 3 days (EW group), while control offspring had free access to milk throughout lactation (C group). In postnatal day (PN) 150, EW offspring were subdivided into: EW and EW+ mate groups treated, respectively, with water or yerba mate aqueous solution (1 g/kg BW/day, gavage) during 30 days. C offspring received water for gavage. In PN180, offspring were killed. Results: EW+ mate group presented lower body weight (−10 %), adipose mass (retroperitoneal:−40 % and epididymal:−44 %), total body fat (−43 %), subcutaneous fat (−46 %), visceral adipocyte area (−21 %), triglyceridemia (−31 %) and hypothalamic NPY content (−37 %) compared to EW group. However, hyperglycemia and lower HDL-c levels observed in EW group were not reverted with mate treatment. Although the hyperleptinemia, lower hypothalamic JAK2 and pSTAT3 content of EW group were not corrected by mate treatment, the hyperphagia and higher hypothalamic SOCS-3 content were normalized in EW+ mate group, indicating that the central leptin resistance could be restored. Conclusion: Thus, the therapy with yerba mate solution was capable to reverse abdominal obesity, leptin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia, suggesting an important role of this bioactive component in the management of obesity in this programming model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Low-dose stavudine therapy may have a lower toxicity profile compared with standard dose. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two doses of stavudine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) was performed to assess the effects on anthropometry, markers of inflammation, and lipid and glucose metabolism in Black South African patients. Methods Sixty patients were randomized 1:1:1 to either standard-dose (30-40 mg) or low-dose (20-30 mg) stavudine or tenofovir DF (300 mg), each combined with lamivudine and efavirenz, for 48 weeks. Anthropometry, markers of inflammation, and lipid and glucose metabolism were assessed using standard techniques. Results In all three treatment arms, there was a significant increase in lipid levels over the study period. At 48 weeks, fasting glucose level ( P < 0.005) and homeostasis model assessment ( HOMA) score ( P < 0.05) increased significantly in the standard-dose stavudine arm, as did insulin and C-peptide levels in both the standard- and low-dose stavudine arms. At week 48, a significant decrease ( P < 0.05) in adiponectin was noted in the standard-dose stavudine arm, but there was an increase ( P < 0.005) in the tenofovir DF arm. In both the stavudine arms, significant increases in anthropometric measures occurred at 24 weeks but these decreased by week 48. Mitochondrial toxicities occurred in both the stavudine arms. Immunological and virological outcomes were similar for all three arms. Conclusions This study highlights the occurrence of metabolic abnormalities with both stavudine and tenofovir DF treatment. Awareness of the potential increased cardiovascular risk should be of concern with the use of both these therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dichloromethane and methanol extracts of seven different food and medicinal plants were tested in a screening platform for identification of extracts with potential bioactivity related to insulin-dependent glucose uptake and fat accumulation.Thescreening platform included a series of in vitro bioassays, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ-mediated transactivation, adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cell cultures, and glucose uptake in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary porcine myotubes, as well as one in vivo bioassay, fat accumulation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that dichloromethane extracts of aerial parts of golden root (Rhodiola rosea) and common elder (Sambucus nigra) as well as the dichloromethane extracts of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and carrot (Daucus carota) were able to stimulate insulin-dependent glucose uptake in both adipocytes and myotubes while weekly activating PPARγ without promoting adipocyte differentiation. In addition, these extracts were able to decrease fat accumulation in C. elegans. Methanol extracts of summer savory (Satureja hortensis), common elder, and broccoli (Brassica oleracea) enhanced glucose uptake in myotubes but were not able to activate PPARγ, indicating a PPARγ-independent effect on glucose uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) help regulate postprandial triacylglycerol (TAG) and insulin concentrations, but the effects of acute aerobic exercise on GLP-1 or GIP responses are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether reductions in postprandial TAG and insulin with exercise are associated with GLP-1 and GIP responses. METHODS: Thirteen normal-weight (NW) and 13 obese (Ob) individuals participated in two, 4-d trials in random order including an exercise (EX) and a no exercise (NoEX) trial. Diet was controlled during both trials. The EX trial consisted of 1 h of treadmill walking (55%-60% of ̇VO2peak) during the evening of day 3 of the trial, 12 h before a 4-h mixed meal test on day 4, during which frequent blood samples were collected to assess postprandial lipemia, glycemia, insulin, C-peptide, GIP, and GLP-1 responses. Insulin secretion was estimated using the insulinogenic index, and insulin clearance was estimated using the ratio of insulin to C-peptide. RESULTS: Postprandial TAG were 29% lower after EX in Ob individuals (P < 0.05) but were not significantly altered in NW individuals (P > 0.05). The drop in postprandial HDL cholesterol was attenuated with EX in Ob individuals (P < 0.05). Insulin responses were 14% lower after EX in Ob individuals (P < 0.05), and this was associated with reduced insulin secretion (P < 0.05), with no change in insulin clearance (P > 0.05). Glucose, C-peptide, GIP, and GLP-1 were not different between trials. CONCLUSION: A 1-h bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise the night before a mixed meal attenuates TAG and insulin responses in Ob but not NW individuals, an effect not associated with altered GLP-1 or GIP responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Rice bran enzymatic extract (RBEE) has advantages compared to the original rice bran or its oils including water solubility, lack of rancidity and increased content in high nutritional proteins and nutraceutical compounds, particularly phytosterols, γ-oryzanol and tocols. Our aim was to determine the beneficial effects of RBEE in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome in obese Zucker rats. Methods: Obese Zucker rats and their lean littermates were fed a 1 and 5 % RBEE-supplemented diet (O1, O5, L1 and L5). Simultaneously, obese and lean Zucker rats, fed a standard diet, were used as controls (OC and LC, respectively). Body weight, food and water intake, and systolic blood pressure were weekly evaluated. After treatment, biochemical assays of serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), adiponectin and nitrates (NO) were determined. Results: RBEE treatment reduced circulating levels of TG and TC, whereas increased HDL-cholesterol without altering NEFA values in obese rats. The extract also induced a significant dose-dependent reduction of hypertension linked to obesity. RBEE of 5 % improved insulin resistance and subsequently reduced HOMA-IR index without altering serum glucose levels. Obese animals treated with RBEE showed partial restoration of adiponectin levels and a significant attenuation of pro-inflammatory values of NO. Conclusion: These findings evidence the nutraceutical properties of RBEE against the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome by attenuating dyslipidemia, hypertension and insulin resistance as well as by restoring hypoadiponectinemia associated to obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and metabolic disorder associated with obesity and insulin resistance that often precedes the development of type-2 diabetes. Rats continuously exposed to dihydrotestosterone from prepuberty display typical reproductive and metabolic PCOS characteristics including anovulation, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, and obesity. Our aim was to investigate if resveratrol improves reproductive and metabolic functions in PCOS rats. The effect was compared to exercise. Control and PCOS rats were treated with vehicle or resveratrol (400 mg • kg-1 • day-1 ) for 5-6 weeks. Another group of PCOS rats received vehicle treatment and exercised for 5-6 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was determined by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. The glucose infusion rate was lower in the PCOS-vehicle group compared to control-vehicle rats (P < 0.05). Exercise increased insulin sensitivity compared with PCOS-vehicle rats (P < 0.05), but resveratrol did not. Resveratrol treatment and exercise resulted in smaller adipocytes, upregulated estrogen-related receptor α gene expression in subcutaneous fat, and improved estrus cyclicity in the previously acyclic PCOS rats. Although resveratrol had positive effects on adiposity and cyclicity in a similar manner to exercise, resveratrol does not seem to be a good candidate for treating insulin resistance associated with PCOS because no improvement in insulin sensitivity was observed in PCOS rats on normal chow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted from the gastrointestinal tract that facilitates the glucose-dependent insulin response. Additionally, GLP-1 is thought to be involved in energy homeostasis. Currently little is known about GLP-1's responsiveness to an energy surplus, a fundamental cause of obesity and diabetes. Our objective was to examine the response of serum GLP-1 to short-term (7 day) overfeeding in young men. Methods: Seventy-two young men from the Canadian province of Newfoundland were recruited for the study. For 7-days, the subjects consumed 70% more calories than required at baseline. Various measurements including: anthropometrics, body composition, markers of glucose/lipid metabolism and serum total GLP-1, were taken at a fasted state before (day 1) and after (day 8) the challenge. Paired t-test analyses were used to assess the change in variables after the overfeeding period. Additionally, the relationship between serum GLP-1 and the measured variables at baseline and change due to overfeeding were analyzed. Results: Serum GLP-1 was significantly increased in all groups in response to the 7-day energy surplus, indicating the increase was independent of adiposity status. There was no significant difference in fasting GLP-1 at baseline between the normal weight and overweight/obese groups. At baseline, GLP-1 concentration negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol and positively correlated with triacylglycerols and markers of insulin resistance in the overweight/obese group. Also GLP-1 was negatively correlated with change in percent gynoid fat in the overweight/obese subjects. Percent change in GLP-1 was negatively associated with percent change in gynoid fat in the normal weight group and positively associated with percent change in cholesterol in the overweight/obese group. Percentage change of circulating triacylglycerols was positively associated with percent change in GLP-1 in both adiposity groups. Conclusion: Our findings showed that GLP-1 serum concentration is not a significant factor in determining obesity status. The increase of GLP-1 in all subjects regardless of obesity status, suggest GLP-1 serves as a protective role, counteracting energy surplus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is an important and preventable risk factor for renal disease. The administration of an antioxidant with a lipid-lowering effect is an important therapeutic approach for kidney disease in obese patients. The present study was conducted to examine whether methanolic extract of Dendrobium moniliforme (DM), one of the most famous traditional medicines used in many parts of the world, has an antioxidant effect in vitro and an ameliorative effect on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced alterations such as renal dysfunction and lipid accumulation in vivo. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of DM extract (IC50 = 29.6 μg/mL) was increased in a dose-dependent manner. The LLC-PK1 kidney cell damage induced by oxidative stress was significantly inhibited by the treatments with DM extract. In the animal study, DM extract (200 mg/kg) was orally administered every day for nine weeks to HFD-fed mice, and its effect was compared with that of metformin. The administration of DM extract decreased the elevated serum glucose, total cholesterol concentration and renal lipid accumulation in HFD-fed mice. It also ameliorated renal dysfunction biomarkers including serum creatinine and renal collagen IV deposition. Taken together, these results provide important evidence that DM extract exhibits a pleiotropic effect on obesity induced parameters and exerted a renoprotective effect in HFD-fed mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Retrospective and prospective studies show that stress at work is linked to an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. However, the nature of the contributory job stressors and biological mechanisms need further elucidation. Objectives: The study is aimed to determine the associations between aspects of the occupational stress index (OSI) and arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2, and lipid disorders in working middle-aged men and women. Methods: The cross-sectional study involved 989 middle-aged men and women in different occupations. The OSI was calculated by using standardized questionnaires. The total participation rate was 93%. Occupational stressors were divided into seven groups: High Demands, Strictness, Underload, Extrinsic Time Pressure, Noxious Exposure, Avoidance, and Conflict/Uncertainty. Serum lipid levels, glucoregulation, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk factors were measured. Results: For both women and men, the total OSI score associated significantly with DM (women: odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.67–3.45; men: 1.21, 1.15–1.45), any type of dyslipidemia (women: 1.54, 1.17–2.03; men: 1.31, 1.24–1.39), and arterial hypertension (women: 1.15, 1.10–1.21; men: 1.58, 1.49–1.68). The group as a whole showed associations between total OSI and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high total cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels. Of the OSI aspects, Underload associated significantly in both men and women with arterial hypertension (women: 3.48, 1.91–6.31; men: 2.71, 1.96–3.75) and dyslipidemia (women: 3.26, 2.13–4.99; men: 2.11, 1.76–2.52). Underload was also associated with several lipid abnormalities in the group as a whole. It associated with DM in women only (4.7, 2.84–7.81). All remaining OSI aspects also associated significantly and positively with DM in women only. Conversely, in male workers, but not female workers, High Demand, Conflict/Uncertainty, and Extrinsic Time Pressure associated significantly with arterial hypertension. Strictness and Conflict/Uncertainty associated positively with dyslipidemia in women only. Noxious Exposures associated positively with DM and arterial hypertension in women only. Conclusions: The study provides evidence for the association of work stress with metabolic disorders and hypertension. Total OSI associated significantly with DM type 2, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia in both genders. Different OSI aspects associated with these health issues in gender- and occupational-specific patterns. Underload, which represents lack of social communication, simple task preparation, and underestimation of working results, associated most strongly of all OSI aspects with disease in both the sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Background: Behavioral research to improve lifestyle in broadly defined populations of patients with type 2 diabetes is limited. Objective: We evaluated a behavioral intervention featuring technology-based self-monitoring on biophysiologic outcomes of glycemic control and markers of cardiovascular risk. Design: In this single-site, randomized clinical trial, participants were stratified by good and poor glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin <8% or ≥8%) and absence or presence of kidney disease, (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 or <60 mL/min) and randomized within strata. Measurements were obtained at 0, 3, and 6 months. Participants/setting: Self-referred, community-dwelling adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Intervention: The intervention group received Social Cognitive Theory-based counseling paired with technology-based self-monitoring, and results were compared with an attention control group. Main outcome measures: Glycated hemoglobin, fasting serum glucose, lipid levels, blood pressure, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were evaluated. Statistical analyses performed: Mean differences within and between randomization groups were compared over time. Intervention effects over time were estimated using random intercept models. Results: Two hundred ninety-six subjects were randomized, 256 (86.5%) completed 3-month and 246 (83.1%) completed 6-month assessments. Glycated hemoglobin was reduced in the intervention group by 0.5% at 3 months and 0.6% at 6 months (P<0.001 for each), and the control group by 0.3% (P<0.001) at 3 months and 0.2% (P<0.05) at 6 months; but between-group differences were not significant. In those with baseline glycated hemoglobin ≥8% and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min, glycated hemoglobin was reduced in the intervention group by 1.5% at 3 months and 1.8% at 6 months (P<0.001 for each), and the control group by 0.9% (P<0.001) at 3 months and 0.8% (P<0.05) at 6 months; but between-group differences were not significant. In random intercept models, the estimated reduction in glycated hemoglobin of 0.29% was not significant. Conclusions: Two behavioral approaches to improving general lifestyle management in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were effective in improving glycemic control, but no significant between-group differences were observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study on role of insulin in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Topics discussed include role of regular human insulin (RHI) and short acting insulin analogues such as aspart and lispro in reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases, prominence of insulin resistance in elevating risks of the diseases, inclination of patients receiving RHI or insulin to baseline demographics and changes in physiological measurements such as blood pressure and lipid profile of the patients.

Background: Although fast food consumption has drastically increased in Iran in recent years; there is a paucity of data in relation to the association between fast food consumption, dietary intake, and cardiovascular risk factors. This study aims to determine fast food consumption status among young and middle-aged Iranian adults, and to assess its impact on dietary intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted on 1944 young and middle-aged adults (840 men and 1104 women), who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006-2008). We collected dietary data by using a validated 168 item, semi- quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Total fast food consumption was calculated by summing up weekly consumption of the most commonly consumed fast foods in Iran. Results: Mean consumption of fast food was 161g/week (95% CI: 147-175) for young adults and 108 g/week (95% CI: 101-115) for middle-aged adults. Mean dietary intakes of energy, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, meat, and soft drinks increased significantly (P< 0.05), while carbohydrate and refined grain consumption decreased (P < 0.01) across tertiles of fast food in both age groups. In young adults, dietary energy density and protein intake increased significantly (P< 0.01 ) where as intake of non-starchy vegetables and carotenoids decreased (P< 0.05). In middle-aged adults dietary intakes of fiber, folate, calcium, and fruits significantly decreased across fast food tertiles (P< 0.05). After adjustment for confounders, there was an association between fast food consumption and body mass index (BMI; ß = 0.104; P< 0.01) and waist circumference (WC; ß= 0.083; P< 0.01) in young adults, and serum triglycérides (ß = 0.072; P< 0.05), high density lipo- protein cholesterol (HDL-C; ß = -0.051 ; P< 0.05), and atherogenic index of plasma (ß = 0.056; P < 0.05) in middle-aged adults. Conclusion: The results show that increased consumption of fast foods is associated with poor dietary intake and some of the CVD risk factors in Iranian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased availability of fatty acids released from insulin-resistant adipose tissue may lead to excess fatty acid uptake in nonadipose organs, including the heart. Accumulation of toxic fatty acid intermediates may affect cardiac function. Our aim was to identify to which extent high-fat diet feeding leads to alterations in cardiac function and whether this depends on gender and (or) duration of high-fat diet feeding. Male and female C57Bl/6J mice ( n = 8 per group) of 12 to 16 weeks old were fed a low-fat (10% energy) or high-fat (45% energy) lard diet for 6 or 12 weeks. Plasma lipid levels, echocardiography, and left ventricular pressure-volume relationships were obtained at 2, 1, and 0 weeks before termination, respectively. In both male and female mice, the high-fat diet increased body weight and plasma lipid content. At 10 weeks, significant increases were observed for plasma total cholesterol (males: +44%; females: +86%), phospholipids (+16% and +34%), and triglycerides (+27% and +53%) (all p < 0.001). In male mice, but not in female mice, the high-fat diet significantly affected cardiac function at 12 weeks with increased end-systolic volume (25.4 ± 6.2 vs. 17.0 ± 6.7 µL, p < 0.05), increased end-systolic pressure (72.1 ± 6.9 vs. 63.6 ± 6.9 mm Hg, p < 0.01), and decreased ejection fraction (61.2% ± 4.5% vs. 68.1% ± 3.7%, p < 0.01), indicating reduced systolic function. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated a significant diet-gender interaction for end-systolic volume and ejection fraction. In conclusion, high-fat diet feeding increased body weight and plasma lipid levels in male and in female mice, but resulted in impairment of cardiac function only in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of obesity among Mexican women is high and it could be related to micronutrient status. We evaluated in a cross-sectional study the associations of zinc and vitamins A, C and E concentrations with BMI, central adiposity, body fat and leptin concentration. Methods: Women aged 37 ± 7.5 years (n = 580) from 6 rural communities in Mexico were evaluated. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist and hip circumference. A fasting blood sample was taken for the analysis of glucose, lipid profile, leptin, zinc, and vitamins A, C and E. Body composition was determined by DEXA (Hologic Mod Explorer). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 36% (BMI>25 Kg/m2) and 44% (BMI>30 Kg/m2), respectively. Prevalence of zinc and vitamins C and E deficiencies were similar in obese, overweight and normal weight women. No vitamin A deficiency was found. Vitamin C was negatively associated with BMI, waist-to-height ratio, and leptin concentrations (p<0.05). Vitamin A was positively associated with leptin (p<0.05). When stratifying by BMI, % body fat and waist circumference, high leptin concentrations were associated with lower zinc and lower vitamin C concentrations in women with obesity (p<0.05) and higher vitamin A concentrations in women without obesity (p<0.01). Vitamin E status was not associated with any markers of obesity. Conclusion: Zinc and vitamins A and C are associated with obesity, adiposity and leptin concentration in women from rural Mexico, and may play an important role in fat deposition. The causality of these associations needs to be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to verify that the concomitant presence of grapefruit flavonoid extract with inulin in a Western-type diet may provide synergistic effects to the hindgut metabolism, as well as blood lipid and mineral profiles. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups and fed for 28 days with diets rich in fat, cholesterol and protein. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied to assess the effects of inulin (v. sucrose, 5% of the diet), the addition of dietary grapefruit flavonoid extract (diets without or with 0.3% of an extract from hard parts of grapefruit) and the interaction between these two dietary factors. Results: When compared to the control sucrose-containing diet, the diet enriched with inulin led to typical changes within the caecum, the main part of hindgut fermentation in rats, such as acidification of the digesta, support of bifidobacteria growth and increase of propionate and butyrate production. The dietary grapefruit flavonoid extract without inulin increased the bulk and pH value of caecal digesta, whereas short-chain fatty acid concentration and the bifidobacteria population were lowered compared to the extract-free diets. Simultaneous dietary addition of both tested components decreased slightly the pH value and increased somewhat the bifidobacteria number and the propionate concentration, however to the level observed with the control sucrosecontaining diet. With regard to blood lipids, dietary grapefruit flavonoid extract decreased the triglyceride concentration regardless of the dietary carbohydrate type. Conclusion: Inulin does not provide any additional benefit to the blood lipid profile caused by the dietary application of grapefruit flavonoid extract and it does not counteract clearly detrimental effects of the extract in the hindgut. Adding grapefruit extract to the diet must be performed with caution due to possible adverse hindgut responses with overdoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rats fed a high-fat and high-sucrose (HF) diet develop hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia. There are several reports that a change in nutritional status affects hepatic levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Synthetic inulin is a dietary component that completely evades glucide digestion. Supplementing a HF diet with inulin ameliorates hypertriglycemia and hepatic steatosis, but not hypercholesterolemia. This study aimed at distinguishing the effects of synthetic inulin and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin), which inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. Methods: We examined effects of co-treatment with synthetic inulin (5%) and fluvastatin (0, 4, and 8 mg/kg, per os) on body weight, epidydimal white adipose tissue weight, serum and hepatic lipid profiles, and hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) mRNA and protein profiles in rats fed a standard diet or a HF diet for 3 weeks. Results: Treatment with the synthetic inulin (5%) or fluvastatin at 4 mg/kg (lethal dose in rats fed the HF diet, 8 mg/kg) ameliorated the elevation in hepatic triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels in rats fed the HF diet. Whereas co-treatment with the inulin (5%) and fluvastatin (4 mg/kg) had a tendency to more strongly suppress the elevation in serum levels of very low density lipoprotein triacylglycerol than either treatment alone, no additive or synergistic effect was found in decrease in hepatic lipid levels. Hepatic levels of CYP1A1/2 and CYP2E1 mRNA and protein and methoxyresorufin O-demethylase and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities were reduced in rats fed the HF diet. The synthetic inulin alleviated the reduction in hepatic levels of CYP1A1/2 and CYP2E1 mRNA and protein more strongly than fluvastatin, and no synergistic effects were observed on cotreatment. Furthermore, hepatic levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor mRNA were decreased in rats fed the HF diet and recovered to near normal values with the intake of dietary inulin, which correlated with change in CYP1A1/2. Conclusions: Dietary inulin alone was effective to prevent the development of hepatic steatosis, ameliorate nutritional effects, and alleviate the hepatic change in the expression of CYP1A1/2 and CYP2E1, while co-treatment with statin did not have additive or synergistic effects and statin may cause adverse effects in rats fed the HF diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study, which aimed to determine the associations among physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Latino and African American youth. Both subjective and objective measures of activity levels, were used in the study. It was shown by accelerometry data that more time engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was related to lower odds of the MetS. As per the conclusions, the promotion of physical activity and the reduction of sedentary behavior should be targeted by future interventions, which aim to improve metabolic health in youth.

This study assessed the effect of bezafibrate on monocyte secretory function and systemic inflammation in patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), comparing this effect with that produced by bezafibrate in mixed dyslipidemic subjects. The study included 28 patients with IFG, 29 individuals with mixed dyslipidemia, and 24 age-, sex- and weight-matched control subjects without lipid and glucose metabolism abnormalities. Compared with the control group, in both IFG and mixed dyslipidemic subjects, monocyte release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β was increased, which was accompanied by higher plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Despite affecting plasma lipids in both treatment groups, bezafibrate administration (200 mg twice daily for 90 days) reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, the homeostasis model assessment index, and glycated hemoglobin only in IFG subjects. Bezafibrate treatment normalized monocyte release of MCP-1, interleukin-6, TNF-α, and interleukin-1β and also normalized plasma hsCRP levels in mixed dyslipidemic subjects, whereas in IFG individuals the drug reduced only MCP-1 and interleukin-6 release. This study shows that IFG is associated with the presence of systemic inflammation and abnormal monocyte secretory function. Compared with patients with mixed dyslipidemia, IFG patients who are administered bezafibrate experience a stronger effect on glucose metabolism and weaker anti-inflammatory and monocyte-suppressing actions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic disorders. There is a close relationship between elevated androgen plasma levels and the ultrasound findings of stromal hypertrophy. In randomized trials, the administration of metformin has been shown to be followed by an improvement in insulin sensitivity and decrease in androgen levels in most women. In the present study, we investigate the association between reduced ovarian volume in PCOS patients after administration of metformin with improvement in CV risk factors. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial study. A total of 28 women diagnosed with PCOS who referred to the infertility clinic were selected. Anthropometric characteristics of the patients, mean ovarian volume and plasma levels of fasting blood sugar(FBS), lipid profile, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, 17-?-OH progesterone (17OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) were evaluated before and after treatment with 500 mg metformin, three times daily for three months. Statistics were calculated with the aid of SPSS 16.0 with student's paired t- and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: There were significant reductions in mean ovarian volume and body mass index (BMI), in addition to CRP, Hcy, testosterone, FBS, HDL and LDL levels. There was a positive correlation between mean ovarian volume and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).After treatment, there correlation noted with reduction in mean ovarian volume and decreased BMI, in addition to reductions in CRP, LDL, Hcy and testosterone levels. Conclusion: A positive correlation may exist between reduced mean ovarian volume and improvement in CV risk factors after administration of metformin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute hyperinsulinemia reduces total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin levels in humans. Whether an increase in insulin sensitivity (IS) is accompanied by a greater suppressive effect of hyperinsulinemia on adiponectin levels is unknown, however. To clarify the inhibitory role of insulin on adiponectin, total and HMW adiponectin levels were measured during acute hyperinsulinemia before and after an improvement in insulin sensitivity in response to weight loss. Forty-six overweight and obese postmenopausal women were randomized to either 6-month caloric restriction (CR) alone ( n = 22), or CR with resistance training (CR+RT, n = 24). IS (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp) was assessed before and after weight loss. Total and HMW adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA at baseline, 90, 160, and 180 min of each clamp. Relative mean body weight loss was -8.0% ± 4.4% for both groups (CR: -7.7% ± 3.8%; CR+RT: -8.2% ± 5.0%). IS increased significantly, by 18.4% ± 25.3% (CR: 19.3% ± 29.7%; CR+RT: 17.7% ± 21.0%). Before each intervention, total and HMW adiponectin levels in both groups significantly decreased in response to hyperinsulinemia (total: -8.4% ± 19.4%; HMW: -3.2% ± 13.2%). Despite the improvement in IS seen after each intervention, a similar pattern of reduction to that before weight loss was observed in total and HMW adiponectin levels during hyperinsulinemia. These results establish that total and HMW adiponectin levels decline during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Also, the insulin-sensitizing effect of weight loss via caloric restriction alone or with resistance training does not amplify the reduction in adiponectin levels observed during hyperinsulinemia in healthy postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this population of women also are at increased risk for early subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: Twenty women with previous history of GDM and 20 unaffected women were recruited in the study. Two groups were matched based on their age, BMI and parity. The maximum duration from affected pregnancy was set at 5 years. The carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT), multiple cardiovascular risk factors along with fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured in two groups. Results: The mean fasting blood glucose (p=0.03) and insulin (p=0.03) levels were significantly higher in women with pGDM compared to the control group. Women with pGDM were presented with significantly higher levels of CIMT than control group (0.510 mm vs. 0.478 mm, p=0.037). CIMT positively correlated with fasting insulin (r=0.376, p=0.02). Conclusion: Women with pGDM are at increased risk for premature atherosclerosis. This might be due to the persistence of disturbance in glucose homeostasis after delivery in this group of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]