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Obesity is a chronic disease that may require multiple interventions and escalation of therapy throughout the years. Until recently, no universal definition existed for recurrent weight gain and insufficient weight loss. Standardization of reporting is key so outcomes can be compared and data can be pooled. The recent IFSO consensus provided standard terminology and definitions that will likely resolve this in the future, and publishers will need to enforce for authors to use these definitions. This current IFSO position statement provides guidance for the management of recurrent weight gain after bariatric surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Preclinical research implicates hypothalamic inflammation (HI) in obesity and type 2 diabetes pathophysiology. However, their pathophysiological relevance and potential reversibility need to be better defined. We sought to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery (BS) on radiological biomarkers of HI and the association between the severity of such radiological alterations and post-BS weight loss (WL) trajectories. The utility of cerebrospinal fluid large extracellular vesicles (CSF-lEVs) enriched for microglial and astrocyte markers in studying HI was also explored., Research Design and Methods: We included 72 individuals with obesity (20 with and 52 without type 2 diabetes) and 24 control individuals. Participants underwent lumbar puncture and 3-T MRI at baseline and 1-year post-BS. We assessed hypothalamic mean diffusivity (MD) (higher values indicate lesser microstructural integrity) and the volume of the whole and main hypothalamic subregions. CSF-lEVs enriched for glial and astrocyte markers were determined by flow cytometry., Results: Compared with control group, the obesity and type 2 diabetes groups showed a larger volume and higher MD in the hypothalamic tubular inferior region, the area encompassing the arcuate nucleus. These radiological alterations were positively associated with baseline anthropometric and metabolic measures and improved post-BS. A larger baseline tubular inferior hypothalamic volume was independently related to lesser WL 1 and 2 years after BS. CSF-lEVs did not differ among groups and were unrelated to WL trajectories., Conclusions: These findings suggest HI improvement after BS and may support a role for HI in modulating the WL response to these interventions., (© 2024 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Introduction: A reduction in anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels at short-term after bariatric surgery (BS) has been previously described. However, an assessment of ovarian reserve at longer-follow up, and a comprehensive evaluation of the potentially implicated factors has not been reported., Design: Prospective cohort study., Materials and Methods: Twenty women aged 18-40 years with BMI 43.95 kg/m2 undergoing BS were studied at baseline (BS0), and at 1 month (BS1), 4 months (BS2), 12 months (BS3), and 24-36 months (BS4) after the surgery. Anthropometrics, reproductive hormones (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, androstenedione), metabolic parameters (adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, insulin), and nutritional blood parameters (markers of nutritional status, vitamins, and minerals) were obtained at each study time point. Antral follicular count (AFC) was assessed by ultrasonography at BS0, BS3, and BS4. Mixed models were used for analysis of longitudinal data., Results: The mean AMH level was 3.88 ng/mL at BS0, decreased at BS3 (mean= 2.59 ng/mL; p=0.009), and remained stable between BS3 and BS4 (mean= 2.96 ng/mL; p=0.409). We also observed a non-significant decrease in AFC at BS3 (mean=26.14 at BS0, mean 16.81 at BS3; p=0.088) that remained stable at BS4 (mean= 17.86; p=0.731). Mixed models analysis showed: (a) a decrease in 10 kg of body weight was associated with an average decrease of 0.357 ng/mL in AMH (p=0.014); (b) a decrease in 1 BMI point was associated with an average decrease of 0.109 ng/mL in AMH (p=0.005); (c) an increase in 1 µg/mL of adiponectin was associated with an average decrease of 0.091 ng/ml in AMH (p=0.041) Significant positive correlations were found between the AMH levels after BS and plasma concentrations of testosterone, free androgen index, insulin and HOMA index. No significant correlations were detected between AMH levels and nutritional parameters., Conclusions: Our results were in line with previous observations, showing that AMH levels decreased significantly at 12 months after bariatric surgery, in parallel with a non-significant reduction in AFC. Both ovarian reserve markers showed a later stabilization up to the end of the study. Of note, postoperative AMH levels were positively correlated with key androgen and insulin resistance-related parameters., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Andreu, Flores, Méndez, Ibarzabal, Casals, Mercadé, Borrás, Barral, Agustí, Manau, Vidal and Casals.)

Context: Large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) enriched for endothelial and blood cell markers are increased in metabolic conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2D), actively contribute to the atherosclerotic process, and have been identified as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although bariatric surgery (BS) in individuals with obesity is related to decreased cardiovascular (CV) risk and increased life expectancy, after BS these subjects are still at higher CV risk than the general population., Objective: We aimed to compare the lEV profiles between individuals with obesity, with or without T2D, before and 1 year after BS, and normal-weight controls., Methods: Prospective longitudinal study with individuals eligible for BS, with or without T2D (T2D and OB groups, respectively) and healthy controls (HC group) matched by age and sex. The concentration and phenotype of lEVs were assessed by flow cytometry., Results: The study cohort included 108 individuals (age 48.0 ± 10.5 years; 84.3% females). Before BS, the OB group presented higher concentrations of lEV enriched for endothelial and blood cell biomarkers than the HC group, but lower concentrations than those observed in the T2D group (P < .05). BS resulted in a significant reduction in most of the lEVs enriched for cell-specific markers in both subgroups. lEV differences between OB and T2D groups were no longer observed after BS (P > .05). However, compared with HC group, OB and T2D groups still showed increased concentrations of lEVs enriched for platelet and endothelial cell markers (P < .05)., Conclusion: At 1 year after BS, lEV concentrations remain above the physiological range. These abnormalities might contribute to explaining the increased CV risk after BS and underscore the importance of long-term CV risk factor control in post-BS individuals., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Context: The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) at baseline on limited weight loss (WL) after bariatric surgery (BS) remains controversial, and the potential underlying mechanisms incompletely understood., Objective: We aimed at gaining further insight on this relationship and identifying novel associations between adipose tissue (AT) parameters and short-term WL outcomes in subjects with or without T2D undergoing BS., Methods: Mid-term WL trajectories after BS have been evaluated in a cohort of 1659 subjects (cohort 1) with (n = 543) and without T2D (n = 1116). Paired subcutaneous and visceral AT samples were obtained from a cohort of 48 pairs of subjects with and without T2D matched for age, sex, BMI, and type of BS (cohort 2). Differences in AT parameters between groups were evaluated and potential associations with WL response explored., Results: T2D was independently associated with a 5% lesser mid-term WL in cohort 1, while HbA1c, insulin treatment, and number of T2D medications prior to BS were only related to short-term WL outcomes. In cohort 2, a number of differentially expressed genes in AT were identified between groups, while fat cell size and fibrosis were comparable. Subcutaneous ATG7 expression was found as an independent predictor of limited WL 1 year after surgery (β: -12.21 ± 4.41, P = .008) and its addition to a clinical model significantly improved the amount of WL variability explained (R2 = 0.131 vs R2 = 0.248, F change P = .009)., Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of T2D as determinant of limited WL following BS and suggest that dysregulated macroautophagy in subcutaneous AT may contribute to this association., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: We evaluated the association between white adipose tissue parameters before bariatric surgery (BS) and post-surgical weight loss, with an especial focus on extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression., Methods: Paired samples from subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were obtained from 144 subjects undergoing BS. The association between total body weight loss (%TBWL) at 12 months after BS and the histological characteristics and gene expression of selected genes in SAT and VAT was analyzed., Results: Fat cell area, size-frequency distribution, and fibrosis in SAT or VAT prior to surgery were not associated with %TBWL. On the contrary, the SAT expression of COL5A1 and COL6A3 was associated with %TBWL after BS (both p < 0.001), even after adjusting for age, gender, baseline BMI, and type 2 diabetes status (T2D). Furthermore, in logistic regression analyses, the expression of these genes was significantly associated with insufficient WL (IWL = TBWL < 20%) after BS (respectively, p = 0.030 and p = 0.031). Indeed, in ROC analysis, the prediction of IWL based on sex, age, BMI, T2D, and the type of surgery (AUC = 0.71) was significantly improved with the addition of SAT- COL5A1 gene expression (AUC = 0.88, Z = 2.13, p = 0.032)., Conclusions: Our data suggest that the expression of SAT ECM-related genes may help explain the variability in TBWL following BS.

Background and Aims: Evidence on the occurrence of low skeletal muscle mass (low-SMM) following bariatric surgery (BS) as well as on the impact of low-SMM antedating BS on post-surgical body composition (BC) are scant. In this context, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the prevalence of low-SMM prior to and up to 5 years after BS, and to evaluate pre-surgical low-SMM as an independent risk factor for the presence of low-SMM after BS., Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected database. BC was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A BIA-based formula was used to calculate skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Class I and class II low-SMM were defined respectively as a SMM index (SMMI = SMM/height 2 ) value between -1 and -2, or > -2 standard deviations from the gender-specific regression line of the BMI versus the SMMI relationship in our reference group., Results: A total 952 subjects were included, with BC being available for 877 (92%) subjects at 12 months and for 576 subjects (60%) at 60 months after BS. Prior to surgery, and at 12-, or at 60-months after surgery, class I and class II low-SMM was ascertained respectively in 15.6% and 4.6%, 5.3% and 1.4%, and 16.6% and 6.3% of the study participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of low-SMM at 12- and 60-months follow-up, was independently predicted not only by age at the time of surgery [respectively, HR: 1.052 (95% CI 1.020-1.084), p = 0.001; and 1.042 (95% CI 1.019-1.066); p < 0.001] but also by the presence of low-SMM prior to surgery [respectively, HR: 10.717 (95% CI 5.771-19.904), p < 0.001; and 5.718 (95% CI 3.572-9.153); p < 0.001]., Conclusions: Our data suggest that a low-SMM phenotype occurs not only in obesity surgery candidates but also after BS, and that low-SMM prior to surgery is an important risk factor for low-SMM throughout post-surgical follow-up., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors report no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest related to this work., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background/objectives: Whether the extent of weight loss (WL) modulates bariatric surgery (BS) cardiovascular benefits has scarcely been assessed. Several WL thresholds have been commonly used to classify BS patients as good or poor responders without a proven clinical relevance. We examined the relationship between the magnitude of WL after BS and post-surgery major adverse cardiovascular-event (MACE) incidence. We also compared the performance of three different insufficient weight-loss (IWL) criteria for their association with MACE., Subjects and Methods: All individuals who underwent a primary Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in our institution at least six years before data analysis (12/2020) were included in the study. Data on MACE were available in 1638 of 1700 participants (96.4%). Proportional-hazard Cox analyses were performed to ascertain the association between MACE, WL, and the three IWL criteria. IWL was defined as: <50% excess weight loss (<50% EWL), <20% total body-weight loss (<20% TBWL), and -1 standard deviation of alterable weight-loss percentage (<1 SD% AWL)., Results: During a mean follow-up of 10.2 ± 2.8 years, 86 participants experienced a first post-surgery MACE. Higher WL at one year (HR: 0.77 (95% CI: 0.61-0.98)) and 5 years (HR: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.42-0.92)) was related to a lower incidence of MACE. All short-term criteria for defining IWL were similarly associated with MACE, yet <1 SD% AWL identified more at-risk subjects. Five-year TBWL < 20% and 5-year <1 SD-AWL% were significantly associated with a higher risk for CV events. TBWL < 20% identified more subjects at risk., Conclusions: The extent of WL is closely related to long-term MACE incidence. Patients who lost -1SD% AWL at one year or <20% TBWL at five years may be considered poor responders., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Objectives: To determine how the COVID-19 lockdown influenced the lifestyle, eating behavior, use of substances, mental health, and weight in patients who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) and explore the self-perception of one's own health and fears related to COVID-19., Methods: We performed a cross-sectional exploratory study in obesity patients who had undergone BS surgery > 1 year previously in a university hospital. Assessment was performed 40 days after initiating lockdown and included 2 periods: from April 24 until May 8 and during the initial de-escalation period: from May 9 until 22, 2020. A structured telephone interview and an online survey were administered., Results: One hundred eighty-eight patients were interviewed; 156 also responded to the online survey (77% females, mean age 53.46 ± 10.48 years, mean follow-up 5.71 ± 4.30 years). Dietary habits were affected in 72% of the participants, with 15% reporting better diet planning; 83.5% reported having more sedentary behaviors; 27% and 36% showed depression and anxiety, respectively; and 45% of participants reported bad sleep quality. In relation to changes in the use of any substance, the use increased in the majority of patients who were previously users. Self-perception of one's own health and fears related to COVID-19 were only moderate. Finally, emotional eating and time since BS were statistically significant risk factors for predicting weight gain., Conclusions: Lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced the lifestyle, mental health, substance use, and weight in BS patients. These alterations were somewhat similar to those observed in the general population but more severe and with important clinical implications., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: There is limited evidence on the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) on reproductive outcomes in the general population and specifically in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or the effect of different BS techniques., Purpose: The study aims to investigate the impact of BS on fertility, pregnancy, and newborn outcomes in reproductive age women who have undergone BS and the outcomes according to surgical procedure and PCOS diagnosis., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study performed in women from 18-39 years undergoing BS in our centre from January 2005 to December 2010. We performed a telephone interview including a structured reproductive health survey on fertility, pregnancy, and offspring outcomes before and after BS., Results: Of the women, 872 underwent BS during the study period, 298 were 18-39 years old, and reproductive data was obtained from 217. Women with regular menstrual cycles increased from 52.9% before BS to 72.9% 1 year after surgery. The percentage of patients with a time-to-pregnancy longer than 12 months was higher after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) (17.8%) compared to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (7.1%; p = 0.02). Menstrual regularity was less frequent in PCOS (n = 43) (26.0%) compared to non-PCOS women before BS (60.1%; p = 0.01), with no differences after surgery. Several perinatal results showed an improvement after BS, with a reduction in macrosomia rate and birth weight., Conclusion: BS was associated with an improvement in several reproductive outcomes. Menstrual regularity was especially improved in PCOS women. Further research may clarify the impact of LSG on fertility.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is wreaking havoc on society, especially health-care systems, including disrupting bariatric and metabolic surgery. The current limitations on accessibility to non-urgent care undermine postoperative monitoring of patients who have undergone such operations. Furthermore, like most elective surgery, new bariatric and metabolic procedures are being postponed worldwide during the pandemic. When the outbreak abates, a backlog of people seeking these operations will exist. Hence, surgical candidates face prolonged delays of beneficial treatment. Because of the progressive nature of obesity and diabetes, delaying surgery increases risks for morbidity and mortality, thus requiring strategies to mitigate harm. The risk of harm, however, varies among patients, depending on the type and severity of their comorbidities. A triaging strategy is therefore needed. The traditional weight-centric patient-selection criteria do not favour cases based on actual clinical needs. In this Personal View, experts from the Diabetes Surgery Summit consensus conference series provide guidance for the management of patients while surgery is delayed and for postoperative surveillance. We also offer a strategy to prioritise bariatric and metabolic surgery candidates on the basis of the diseases that are most likely to be ameliorated postoperatively. Although our system will be particularly germane in the immediate future, it also provides a framework for long-term clinically meaningful prioritisation., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Sarcopenia pre-dating bariatric surgery (BS) has been suggested as concern for the use of BS in older-adults with morbid obesity., Objective: To evaluate the impact of age on the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SO) in BS-candidates., Methods: Cross-sectional study including 1370 consecutive BS-candidates aged ≥18, and grouped according to age: 18-39 (reference group), 40-49, 50-59 and ≥ 60 years. From body composition analysis data obtained using bioelectrical impedance, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), SMM index (SMMI=SMM/height 2 ), and percentage of SMM (%SMM = SMM/BW*100) were calculated. Class I or class II SO was adjudicated, respectively, when a value between > - 1 and - 2, or > -2 standard deviations from the regression line from the gender-specific distribution of the relationship between BMI and SMMI or the %SMM in the reference group was encountered., Results: According to the SMMI distribution, prevalence of class I and class II SO in the whole cohort was respectively 16.4% and 4.6%. SO was more prevalent in females (p < 0.005). Proportion of subjects with SO positively correlated with older age category in females (Tau-c = 0.149, p < 0.001) but not in males. In females aged ≥60, class I SO was present in 29.1%, and class II in 12.8%. Similar results were obtained when %SMM was used (Cohen's k-coefficient = 0.886, p < 0.001). Age and female gender were identified as independent preditors of SO, whereas CRP or the presence of obesity-associated comorbidities were not., Conclusion: Age is a risk factor for SO in BS-candidates. SO is fairly common in female subjects aged >60 years that are candidates to BS.

Objective: To characterize the status of cardiometabolic risk factors after late relapse of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to identify factors predicting relapse after initial diabetes remission following bariatric surgery to construct prediction models for clinical practice., Research Design and Methods: Outcomes of 736 patients with T2DM who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) at an academic center (2004-2012) and had ≥5 years' glycemic follow-up were assessed. Of 736 patients, 425 (58%) experienced diabetes remission (HbA 1c <6.5% [48 mmol/mol] with patients off medications) in the 1st year after surgery. These 425 patients were followed for a median of 8 years (range 5-14) to characterize late relapse of diabetes., Results: In 136 (32%) patients who experienced late relapse, a statistically significant improvement in glycemic control, number of diabetes medications including insulin use, blood pressure, and lipid profile was still observed at long-term. Independent baseline predictors of late relapse were preoperative number of diabetes medications, duration of T2DM before surgery, and SG versus RYGB. Furthermore, patients who relapsed lost less weight during the 1st year after surgery and regained more weight afterward. Prediction models were constructed and externally validated., Conclusions: While late relapse of T2DM is a real phenomenon (one-third of our cohort), it should not be considered a failure, as the trajectory of the disease and its related cardiometabolic risk factors is changed favorably after bariatric surgery. Earlier surgical intervention, RYGB (compared with SG) and more weight loss (less late weight regain) are associated with less diabetes relapse in the long-term., (© 2020 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Bariatric surgery (BS) is a highly effective therapy for morbid obesity, yet with a wide inter-individual variability on weight-loss responses. To determine genetic influence on weight loss after BS we compared the within-pairs difference in maximum percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and the within-pairs %EWL differences over a mean follow-up of 53.6 ± 36.4 months between 47 pairs of first-degree relatives and 47 genetically unrelated control pairs. Within-pairs maximum %EWL difference was similar between first-degree related pairs and control pairs (p = 0.100). Within-pairs %EWL difference increased through follow-up (p < 0.001). However, effect of time was different depending on genetic background (p time*group  = 0.001). Increased variability in mid-term weight response was present in unrelated pairs but not in first-degree pairs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.535, respectively). To assess shared environment influence, 16 married couples were identified and 16 unrelated and non-cohabiting matched pairs were also analyzed. In these analysis within-pairs difference in %EWL also increase over time (p = 0.025) but no group by time effect was observed (p time×group  = 0.177). In conclusion first-degree related participants showed closer weight trajectories after BS time than genetically unrelated subjects. Genetic background might partially explain the variability in mid-term weight-loss after BS.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) leads to weight loss in obese individuals and reduces comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes. MBS is superior to medical therapy in reducing hyperglycemia in persons with type 2 diabetes, and has been associated with reduced mortality and incidences of cardiovascular events and cancer in obese individuals. New guidelines have been proposed for the use of MBS in persons with type 2 diabetes. We review the use of MBS as a treatment for obesity and obesity-related conditions and, based on recent evidence, propose that health care systems make the appropriate changes to increase accessibility for eligible patients., (Copyright © 2017 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Specific data is needed to safely expand bariatric surgery and to preserve good surgical outcomes in response to the non-stop increase in obesity prevalence worldwide., Objective: The aims of this study are to provide an overview of the baseline characteristics, type of surgery, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Spanish public hospitals, and evaluate changes throughout the 2000-2014 period., Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study using data from the RICIBA, a computerized multicenter and multidisciplinary registry created by the Obesity Group of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Spanish Society. Three periods according to the date of surgery were created: January 2000 to December 2004 (G1), January 2005 to December 2009 (G2), and January 2010 to December 2014 (G3)., Results: Data from 3843 patients were available (44.8 ± 10.5 years, a 3:1 female-to-male ratio, 46.9 ± 8.2 kg/m(2)). Throughout the 15-year period assessed, candidate patients for bariatric surgery were progressively older and less obese, with an increase in associated comorbidities and in the prevalence of men. The global trend also showed a progressive decrease in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most performed bariatric procedure (75.1 % in G1, 69.3 % in G2, and 42.6 % in G3; p < 0.001), associated with a parallel increase in sleeve gastrectomy (0.8 % in G1, 18.1 % in G2, and 39.6 % in G3; p < 0.001). An overall mortality rate of 0.3 % was reported., Conclusions: Data from Spain is similar to data observed worldwide. Information recorded in the National Registries like RICIBA is necessary in order to safely expand bariatric surgery in response to increasing demand.

Bariatric surgery (BS) is an increasingly used therapeutic option for severe obesity which allows patients to achieve sustained weight loss over time and resolution or improvement in most associated pathological conditions. Major mid- and long-term complications of BS include iron deficiency and iron-deficient anemia, which may occur in up to 50% of cases and significantly impair patient quality of life. These changes may be present before surgery. The aim of this review was to prepare schemes for diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and iron-deficient anemia before and after bariatric surgery., (Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Iron homeostasis is disturbed by the systemic inflammation commonly encountered in morbid obesity. However, inflammatory markers have seldom been considered in studies investigating the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) in bariatric surgery (BS) candidates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of ID and anemia with ID in BS candidates, accounting for inflammatory status as measured using high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and to further characterize indices of iron status in BS candidates with systemic inflammation., Patients and Methods: On the basis of ferritin, hemoglobin, and hs-CRP levels, iron status was categorized in 803 (85%) of 947 consecutive BS candidates. Ferritin<12 ng/mL in females and<15 ng/mL in males irrespective of hs-CRP level was classified as absolute-ID, whereas ferritin between those thresholds and 100 ng/mL was categorized as functional-ID (FID) if hs-CRP>3 mg/L. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin<12 or<13 g/dL in females and males, respectively. Additional iron and hematological indices were assessed in patients with FID., Results: Prevalence of absolute- and functional-ID was 8.7 and 52.5%, respectively. Anemia was found in 11.2% of the cohort, 80% of which were associated with ID. Among patients with FID, transferrin saturation (T-Sat)<20% was common (70.0%) and associated with larger impairment of hematological indices., Conclusion: The data show that when hs-CRP as inflammatory marker and ferritin as iron index are considered, impaired iron status could be identified in approximately two thirds of BS candidates. Furthermore, T-Sat<20%, especially along with ferritin<30 ng/mL, appear to be practical cut-offs to identify patients with FID with larger iron status impairment., (Copyright © 2015 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The degree of bariatric surgery (BS) induced vitamin D (VD) malabsorption is not well established., Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of achieving 25-hydroxy VD (25(OH)D) levels ≥75 nmol/L with two regimens of VD supplementation after BS., Methods: We performed two open-label, prospective studies in patients undergoing BS from 2009 to 2011. Postoperatively, all patients received Ca citrate 1,000 mg and 800 IU of VD3/day. In the first study, additional VD3 was prescribed according to preoperative 25(OH)D levels- < 25 nmol/L:2,800 IU/day; 26-50 nmol/L:2,000-1,200 IU/day, 51-62 nmol/L:1,000 IU; >63 nmol/L:0 IU/day-and we evaluated the patients at baseline and at 4 months. In the second study, an additional fixed high dose of 2,000 IU/day of VD3 was administered, and we evaluated patients at baseline and at 4 and 12 months after BS., Results: The first study included 176 patients [mean age 44 (11)]; 140 were females. Before BS, 171 subjects (98 %) presented 25(OH)D levels <75 nmol/L. Postoperatively, the mean 25(OH)D levels increased from 40 (17) to 77 nmol/L (29) (p < 0.001) with no differences in parathormone (PTH) or 25(OH)D levels between dose groups. In the second study, we enrolled 52 patients [mean age 45 (10)]; 32 were females. Postoperatively, the mean 25(OH)D levels increased from 32 (12) to 80 (22) and to 75 nmol/L (15) (p < 0.001) at 4 and 12 months, respectively. In both studies, a high percentage of patients achieved 25(OH)D ≥75 nmol/L levels and no subject reported any serious adverse event., Conclusions: Both schedules of daily VD3 supplementation were effective and safe under conditions of clinical practice.

Background: The combination of obesity and hypertension (HT) places patients at a higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and raises the need to establish the pathogenic mechanisms of this relationship. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of important weight loss on longitudinal changes in blood pressure (BP) and investigate the pathogenic factors associated with these changes., Methods: We performed a prospective, open-label study including 37 obese hypertensive patients (28 females, mean age 52±8 yr) undergoing BS. Before BS, and at 4 and 12 months postoperatively, the body mass index (BMI), 24-h ambulatory BP, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS: plasma rennin activity, aldosterone, angiotensin II, and angiotensin converting enzyme), sympathetic nervous system (SNS: metanephrines, normetanephrines, and norepinephrine) components, leptin, insulin, and abdominal fat were measured., Results: Before BS, HT-duration was 6±6 years, the BMI 45±5 kg/m2 and excess weight (EBW) was 53±12 kg. At 12 months, the excess BMI loss was 14 kg/m2 and the EBW loss was 70 %; HT remission was observed in 70%; 24-h (systolic 19±13/diastolic 7±9 mm Hg), day and night BP levels and aldosterone, norepinephrine, leptin, insulin, subcutaneous and visceral abdominal fat (VAT) significantly decreased (P<.05). Mixed models for repeated measures revealed that HT-duration, baseline BP, BMI, and VAT area were the main variables associated with longitudinal changes in BP., Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the hypotensive response after weight loss in severely hypertensive obese patients is mainly regulated by HT-duration, baseline BP, BMI and VAT area, independently of suppression of hyperinsulinemia or changes in RAAS and SNS components., (Copyright © 2015 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Obesity is associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. The "inflammome" is a network layout of the inflammatory pattern. The systemic inflammome of obesity has not been described as yet. We hypothesized that it can be significantly worsened by smoking and other comorbidities frequently associated with obesity, and ameliorated by bariatric surgery (BS). Besides, whether or not these changes are mirrored in the lungs is unknown, but obesity is often associated with pulmonary inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness., Objectives: We sought to: (1) describe the systemic inflammome of morbid obesity; (2) investigate the effects of sex, smoking, sleep apnea syndrome, metabolic syndrome and BS upon this systemic inflammome; and, (3) determine their interplay with pulmonary inflammation., Methods: We studied 129 morbidly obese patients (96 females; age 46 ± 12 years; body mass index [BMI], 46 ± 6 kg/m2) before and one year after BS, and 20 healthy, never-smokers, (43 ± 7 years), with normal BMI and spirometry., Results: Before BS, compared with controls, all obese subjects displayed a strong and coordinated (inflammome) systemic inflammatory response (adiponectin, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, leptin, soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptor 1(sTNF-R1), and 8-isoprostane). This inflammome was not modified by sex, smoking, or coexistence of obstructive sleep apnea and/or metabolic syndrome. By contrast, it was significantly ameliorated, albeit not completely abolished, after BS. Finally, obese subjects had evidence of pulmonary inflammation (exhaled condensate) that also decreased after BS., Conclusions: The systemic inflammome of morbid obesity is independent of sex, smoking status and/or comorbidities, it is significantly reduced by BS and mirrored in the lungs.

Background: There is scarce information about predictive factors of hypertension (HT) remission after bariatric surgery (BS). The aims of this study were to determine the clinical characteristics differentiating obese patients with and without HT and to evaluate the predictive factors associated with the risk of persistence of HT after BS., Patients and Methods: From January 2007 to December 2009, a review of patients who had undergone BS was performed. Patients were classified as hypertensive if having permanent use of antiHT drugs or clinical BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg. Weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were determined with standardized procedures., Results: Five hundred twenty-6 patients met the inclusion criteria; 264 (50%) were hypertensive, 74 (34%) of whom had type 2 diabetes. Before BS, older age, male gender, and greater WC differentiated hypertensive from normotensive patients. The prevalence of HT significantly fell to 35% (P<.0001) at 12 months after BS. The use of multivariate logistic regression showed that age ≥ 40, male gender and WC ≥ 130 cm were significant predictors of having HT before surgery. Regarding persistence of HT at the 12-month follow-up, the only independent predictors observed were time since diagnosis of HT ≥ 10 years and the number of antiHT drugs used. Presurgical BMI, WC, excess weight (EW), EW loss, surgical procedure, type 2 diabetes, and vitamin D status were not significant predictors., Conclusions: Bariatric surgery is associated with a high rate of HT remission. Older age, male gender, and higher WC differentiated hypertensive-obese from normotensive patients. After BS, longer duration and severity of HT were independently associated with no remission of HT., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The parallel occurrence of improved glucose tolerance and increased glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) response to meal intake following metabolic surgery (MS) demonstrated in several studies has led to the notion that GLP-1 is the culprit for the impressive rates of remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following MS. In this article, we critically review current evidence supporting this view. Recent studies specifically designed to elucidate a causative role of GLP-1 in the antidiabetic effects of MS call into question GLP-1 as a key player for T2DM outcome following MS procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese subjects. Whether GLP-1 plays a more prominent role in the remission of T2DM following MS in subjects with moderate obesity warrants further studies. Appraisal of the mechanisms involved in the amelioration of hyperglycemia following MS is a priority, as it could help in the battle against the current combined epidemics of obesity and T2DM.

Background: The relative contribution of anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic changes after bariatric surgery (BS) on sexual function (SF) in severely obese subjects is not well established., Methods: Prospective observational case series study of 39 men undergoing BS. SF was assessed by means of the international index of erectile function (IIEF) before and at 1 year after surgery. At the same time points, anthropometric (body mass index, waist circumference), hormonal (testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, estradiol, gonadotropins, inhibin B, prolactin, leptin), and metabolic parameters (insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein, lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c, presence of hypertension or sleep apnea) were assessed., Results: BS was associated with marked weight loss (77.18% excess weight loss), improved IIEF score (baseline: 54.85 ± 16.59, 1 year: 61.21 ± 14.10; p < 0.01), gonadal function (testosterone: baseline 256.36 ± 120.98, 1 year: 508.01 ± 161.90; p < 0.001), and improved metabolic profile. However, on multivariate regression analysis whereas changes in body mass index (beta: -0.677, p = 0.001), and baseline IIEF score (beta: -0.397, p = 0.023), were independent predictors of the changes in the IIEF score at 1 year after surgery, changes in hormonal and metabolic factors were not. Variables in the model accounted for 66% of the postsurgical variation in the IIEF score. Similar results were found when the different IIEF-sexual domains were evaluated, except for intercourse satisfaction for which no independent predictor was identified., Conclusions: Weight loss's beneficial effects on SF occurring after BS are beyond the parallel improvement in gonadal and metabolic profiles.

Background: Despite obesity being closely associated with two common risk factors for albuminuria, namely type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, information on the impact of weight loss on albumin excretion rate in morbidly obese (MO) subjects is scarce., Objective: To evaluate the independent contribution of weight loss following bariatric surgery (BS) to the improvement of the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in MO subjects with T2DM., Subjects and Methods: Observational prospective study, including consecutive (n = 255) patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) of whom 37.6 % (n = 96) presented with T2DM. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to assess the contribution of T2DM-related, hypertension-related, and weight loss-related variables, and type of surgery to normalization of ACR (<30 mg/g) at 12 and 24 months follow-up., Results: In T2DM subjects, baseline ACR was 85.7 ± 171 mg/g with ACR ≥ 30 mg/g being present in 45.7 % of the cohort. At 12 months, the ACR significantly decreased in T2DM subjects (42.2 ± 142.8 mg/g; p < 0.005) with no further reduction at 24 months after surgery (44.4 ± 227.7; p = 0.862). Among T2DM subjects with ACR ≥ 30 mg/g at baseline, the ACR became <30 mg/g in 58.5 % and 76.9 % at 12 and 24 months, respectively (p < 0.001 relative to baseline). Body mass index (BMI) change from baseline was the only independent predictor of ACR normalization at 12 months [Exp(B) 1.373, 95 % confidence interval 1.075-1.703; p < 0.05]. None of the evaluated variables appeared as an independent predictor of ACR normalization at 24 months., Conclusions: Our data suggest that, in MO subjects with T2DM, interventions aiming at slowing the progression of nephropathy should not only focus on optimization of glucose and blood pressure control but also include effective weight loss strategies.

Background: The effects of bariatric surgery (BS) in metabolically healthy morbidly obese (MO) subjects are not well established. Against this background, we characterized the metabolic and inflammatory profiles of MO subjects with insulin sensitivity (IS) in the normal range, and evaluated the changes on these parameters following BS in this population., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in MO women undergoing BS between 2006 and 2010. Anthropometric, metabolic comorbidities, and inflammatory markers were compared at baseline and 12 months after BS, between 52 women (10.4%) presenting with a HOMA-IR < 2.94 (80th percentile reference population) (IS-MO group) and an age- and BMI-matched group of women (n = 52) with HOMA-IR > 2.94., Results: The IS-MO women presented a more favorable metabolic and inflammatory profile as compared to the IR-MO group. However, an enlarged waist circumference (WC), a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) > 3 mg/dL, and metabolic syndrome (MS) were present in 100%, 90%, and 51.9% of the IS-MO group at baseline. At 12 months after surgery, all the MS components and hs-CRP improved in IS-MO subjects (p < 0.01). The prevalence of the MS in the IS-MO group significantly decreased (11%, p < 0.05) despite WC and hs-CRP being abnormal respectively in 53.3% and 20.0% of women in this group., Conclusions: In MO women, an IS in the normal range is associated with a limited protection from metabolic co-morbidities. Nonetheless, BS results in the amelioration of the altered metabolic and inflammatory profiles also in this group of subjects.

Background: Obesity impairs quality of life, but the perception of the impairment could be different from one country to another. The purpose was to compare weight-related quality of life (QOL) between cohorts from Spain and North America., Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was performed between two populations. Four hundred Spanish and 400 North American obese subjects suitable for bariatric surgery closely matched for race, gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) were included. Two non-obese control groups matched for gender, age, and BMI from each population were also evaluated (n = 400 in each group). The participants completed the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite) questionnaire, a measure of weight-related QOL., Results: Spanish morbidly obese patients showed poorer QOL than their North American counterparts in physical function, sexual life, work, and total score. By contrast, Spanish non-obese control subjects reported better QOL in all domains than their North American counterparts. Women, both in Spain and North America, reported reduced QOL compared to men on the domain of self-esteem. In addition, North American women reported reduced QOL on the sexual life domain compared to men. BMI correlated negatively with all domains of QOL except for self-esteem in both national groups., Conclusions: Spanish obese subjects suitable for bariatric surgery report poorer weight-related quality of life than their North American counterparts, and obese women, regardless of nationality, perceive a reduced quality of life compared to men.

Background: Daily protein intake recommendations have recently been proposed for the bariatric patient. We aimed to evaluate the accomplishment of these recommendations, and the influence of protein intake (PI) on fat free mass (FFM) and protein status changes following bariatric surgery., Methods: We examined 101 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-in-Y gastric gypass (LGBP) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Based on 3-day food records, PI from food and supplements were quantified at 4, 8, and 12 months after surgery. The association between PI and body composition (bioelectrical impedance), plasma albumin and pre-albumin was evaluated at all study time points., Results: A PI <60 g/day was present respectively in 45%, 35%, and 37% of the cohort at 4, 8, and 12 months after surgery (p < 0.001 relative to baseline). Despite our universal recommendation of protein supplementation, supplements were taken only by 63.4, 50.5, and 33.7% of the participants at 4, 8, and 12 months. However, protein supplementation was effective in helping patients to achieve the daily protein intake goal. In linear regression analysis, male gender and weight loss, but not PI, were significantly associated with loss of FFM (p < 0.001). No significant correlation between PI and plasma albumin or pre-albumin was found., Conclusions: Our study underscores the value of protein supplementation for the achievement of the recommended daily protein intake in the bariatric patient. However, our data does not help to define a PI goal as critical in determining the FFM and protein status changes following LGBP or LSG.

Introduction: Worldwide, morbid obesity incidence has increased dramatically in the last decade and surgery is at this moment recognized as the only effective treatment with long-term sustained weight loss and resolution or significant improvement in comorbidities. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was successfully carried out by several groups as a bridge to future laparoscopic bariatric procedures with acceptable weight loss and reduction in comorbidities. LSG is considered a safe procedure with sporadically reported complications, such as bleeding or leakage from the staple line, strictures, delayed gastric emptying, gastric dilatation and vomiting. The aim of this publication is to describe complications of this procedure analyze different treatments of these events especially the surgical ones, reporting the technical management based on our experience and on the literature., Material and Methods: From March 2003 to December 2009, 294 patients underwent LSG in our Department. Complications are reported prospectively., Results: In our series 294 patients were operated and stapler line leak was observed in 11 patients (3.7%). The mean time from the first surgery up to the first reintervention was 15.6±22 days (2 to 78). Only 2 patients (0.68%) had to be operated owing to severe reflux related with the sleeve gastrectomy and the symptomatology was solved with the gastric bypass. Intraabdominal bleeding was observed in 7 patients (2.38%), being reoperated 3 (1.02%) of them. All patients were reoperated by laparoscopic approach and the bleeding vessel was identified in all of them. We identified 3 of 294 patients with strictures (1.02%). One of them was located in the gastroesophageal junction and the other 2 had a central location. The patient with high stenosis required endoscopic dilatation and the other 2 were resolved by a gastric bypass cutting the stomach proximal to the stricture. The global mortality was 0%. All of the patients were reoperated by laparoscopy., Conclusion: LSG is a feasible bariatric procedure carried out increasingly in the last few years with low postoperative complications. Regardless, the knowledge of the potential complications associated to LSG and their management is crucial for patient's safety.

Context Large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) enriched for endothelial and blood cell markers are increased in metabolic conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2D), actively contribute to the atherosclerotic process, and have been identified as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although bariatric surgery (BS) in individuals with obesity is related to decreased cardiovascular (CV) risk and increased life expectancy, after BS these subjects are still at higher CV risk than the general population. Objective We aimed to compare the lEV profiles between individuals with obesity, with or without T2D, before and 1 year after BS, and normal-weight controls. Methods Prospective longitudinal study with individuals eligible for BS, with or without T2D (T2D and OB groups, respectively) and healthy controls (HC group) matched by age and sex. The concentration and phenotype of lEVs were assessed by flow cytometry. Results The study cohort included 108 individuals (age 48.0 ± 10.5 years; 84.3% females). Before BS, the OB group presented higher concentrations of lEV enriched for endothelial and blood cell biomarkers than the HC group, but lower concentrations than those observed in the T2D group (P <.05). BS resulted in a significant reduction in most of the lEVs enriched for cell-specific markers in both subgroups. lEV differences between OB and T2D groups were no longer observed after BS (P >.05). However, compared with HC group, OB and T2D groups still showed increased concentrations of lEVs enriched for platelet and endothelial cell markers (P <.05). Conclusion At 1 year after BS, lEV concentrations remain above the physiological range. These abnormalities might contribute to explaining the increased CV risk after BS and underscore the importance of long-term CV risk factor control in post-BS individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a major negative impact on global health. Bariatric surgery (BS) has demonstrated a substantial improvement of obesity-related comorbidities and thus, it has emerged as a potential therapeutic tool in order to prevent end-stage renal disease. A limited number of publications to date have examined the beneficial effects and risks of BS in patients with non-advanced stages of CKD. We aimed to investigate the safety of BS in patients with CKD stages 3–4 (directly related or not to obesity) and both the metabolic/renal outcomes post-BS. A total of 57 individuals were included (n = 19 for CKD-group; n = 38 for patients with obesity, but normal eGFR [control-group]). Weight loss and obesity comorbidities resolution after BS were similar in both groups. Renal function (eGFR [CKD-EPI]) improved significantly at the 1-year follow-up: Δ10.2 (5.2–14.9) (p < 0.001) for CKD-group and Δ4.0 (−3.9–9.0) mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.043) for controls. Although this improvement tended to decrease in the 5-year follow-up, eGFR remained above its basal value for the CKD-group. Noteworthy, eGFR also improved in those patients who presented CKD not directly attributed to obesity. For patients with CKD, BS appears to be safe and effective regarding weight loss and obesity comorbidities resolution, irrespective of the main cause of CKD (related or not to obesity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and kidney transplantation (KTx) are closely related. Obesity increases the risk of chronic kidney disease and can be a relative contraindication for KTx. Besides, KTx recipients are predisposed to obesity and its comorbidities. Consequently, bariatric surgery (BS) emerges as a powerful therapeutic tool either before or after KTx. Since evidence regarding the best approach is still scarce, we aimed to describe renal and metabolic outcomes in a single centre with more than 15-year experience in both surgeries. Methods: A retrospective study including patients who had received a KTx either before or after BS. Usual metabolic and renal outcomes, but also new variables (as renal graft dysfunction) were collected for a minimum follow-up of 1-year post-BS. Results: A total of 11 patients were included: n = 6 (BS-post-KTx) and n = 5 (BS-pre-KTx). One patient was assessed in both groups. No differences in the main outcomes were identified, but BS-post-KTx group tended to gain more weight during the follow-up. The incidence of renal graft dysfunction was comparable (4/6 for BS-post-KTx, 3/5 for BS-pre-KTx) between groups. Conclusions: BS in patients with KTx appears to be safe and effective attending to metabolic and renal outcomes. These results seem irrespective of the time course, except for weight regain, which appears to be a common pattern in the BS-post-KTx group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and asthma are associated with systemic inflammation maintained by mediators released by adipose tissue and lung. This study investigated the inflammatory serum mediator profile in obese subjects (O) (n = 35), non-obese asthma (NOA) patients (n = 14), obese asthmatics (OA) (n = 21) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 33). The effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery (BS) was examined in 10 OA and 31 O subjects. We analyzed serum markers including leptin, adiponectin, TGF-β1, TNFR2, MCP-1, ezrin, YKL-40, ST2, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-18. Compared with HC subjects, the O group showed increased levels of leptin, TGF-β1, TNFR2, MCP-1, ezrin, YKL-40, and ST2; the OA group presented increased levels of MCP-1, ezrin, YKL-40, and IL-18, and the NOA group had increased levels of ezrin, YKL-40, IL-5, and IL-18. The higher adiponectin/leptin ratio in NOA with respect to OA subjects was the only significant difference between the two groups. IL-9 was the only cytokine with significantly higher levels in OA with respect to O subjects. TNFR2, ezrin, MCP-1, and IL-18 concentrations significantly decreased in O subjects after BS. O, OA, and NOA showed distinct patterns of systemic inflammation. Leptin and adiponectin are regulated in asthma by obesity-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Combination of asthma and obesity does not result in significant additive effects on circulating cytokine levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To construct and validate a scoring system for evidence-based selection of bariatric and metabolic surgery procedures according to severity of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) account for >95% of bariatric procedures in United States in patients with T2DM. To date, there is no validated model to guide procedure selection based on long-term glucose control in patients with T2DM. Methods: A total of 659 patients with T2DM who underwent RYGB and SG at an academic center in the United States and had a minimum 5-year followup (2005-2011) were analyzed to generate the model. The validation dataset consisted of 241 patients from an academic center in Spain where similar criteria were applied. Results: At median postoperative follow-up of 7 years (range 5-12), diabetes remission (HbA1C <6.5% off medications) was observed in 49% after RYGB and 28% after SG (P < 0.001). Four independent predictors of long-term remission including preoperative duration of T2DM (P < 0.0001), preoperative number of diabetes medications (P < 0.0001), insulin use (P = 0.002), and glycemic control (HbA1C < 7%) (P = 0.002) were used to develop the Individualized Metabolic Surgery (IMS) score using a nomogram. Patients were then categorized into 3 stages of diabetes severity. In mild T2DM (IMS score ≤25), both procedures significantly improved T2DM. In severe T2DM (IMS score >95), when clinical features suggest limited functional b-cell reserve, both procedures had similarly low efficacy for diabetes remission. There was an intermediate group, however, in which RYGB was significantly more effective than SG, likely related to its more pronounced neurohormonal effects. Findings were externally validated and procedure recommendations for each severity stage were provided. Conclusions: This is the largest reported cohort (n = 900) with long-term postoperative glycemic follow-up, which, for the first time, categorizes T2DM into 3 validated severity stages for evidence-based procedure selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nocturnal hypertension (night systolic [S]/diastolic [D] blood pressure [BP]≥120/70 mm Hg), nondipper status (nocturnal BP fall<10% of daytime values), and pulse pressure ([PP]; difference between 24-h SBP and DBP readings) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the 1-year effect of significant surgical weight loss (WL) on abnormal BP patterns in patients with and without hypertension and identified the factors involved. Setting University hospital, Spain. Methods This prospective study included 42 patients (28 normotensive [NT] and 14 hypertensive [HT]), 71% women with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 48 (11) years undergoing bariatric surgery (BS): 22 laparoscopy Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and 20 sleeve gastrectomy (SG). SG: 20. Before and 12 months post-BS, anthropometric data, BP (24-h ambulatory BP measurement), and metabolic parameters were determined. At 12 months post-BS ultrasonographic carotid assessment was performed in a subgroup of patients (22). Results Both groups experienced significant WL (percent of excess body weight loss [%EBWL] 68%), a fall in 24-h SBP of−13 (11)/DBP−3 (7) mm Hg, and improvement in all the metabolic parameters evaluated and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). However, nondipper status remained high in NT (54%) and HT (64%) as well as 60% of the patients with carotid plaque. Additionally, in HT patients nocturnal hypertension and PP remained significantly higher, and basal fasting insulin values and the HOMA-IR score were significantly higher in those not normalizing dipper status. Conclusion Surgery-induced WL was associated with a sizeable decline in BP and metabolic parameters improvement. However, independent of the presence of hypertension, the prevalence of abnormal 24-h BP patterns remained high, and thus, cardiovascular risk continued to be high in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and obesity, a low-grade systemic inflammatory condition, remains largely unknown. It is established that AHR to indirect stimuli is associated with active airway inflammation. The objectives were to investigate the rate of AHR to mannitol in obese subjects and its changes 1 year after bariatric surgery (BS). Methods: We enrolled 58 candidates to BS severely obese (33 nonsmokers and 25 smokers) without history of asthma and 20 healthy, nonobese participants and related AHR to functional findings and serum and exhaled biomarkers. Results: Before surgery, AHR was observed in 16 (28 %) obese with the provocation doses of mannitol to induce a 15 % fall in FEV (PD) of (geometric mean [95 % CI]) 83 (24-145) mg. Compared to control participants, obese participants had lower spirometric values and higher serum and exhaled biomarkers ( p < 0.05 each). After surgery, AHR was abolished ( p < 0.01) in all but four obese subjects. Conclusions: Weight loss induced by BS was the key independent factor associated to AHR improvement. AHR to mannitol is highly prevalent in obesity, and it is largely abolished by BS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mechanisms underlying variable weight loss (WL) response after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to compare gastrointestinal hormonal responses to meal intake, and fasting plasma concentrations of surrogate markers of enterocyte mass and bile acid effect between patients with failed (F-WL) or successful WL (S-WL) after RYGB. Methods Cross-sectional study including 30 nondiabetic patients, evaluated at≥24 months after RYGB. Cases (F-WL; n = 10) and controls (S-WL; n = 20) were selected based on percent of excess WL (%EWL)<50% or≥50% from 12 months onwards after surgery. Groups were matched for gender, age, presurgical BMI, and length of follow up. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), GLP-2, and ghrelin responses to a meal challenge, and fasting plasma concentrations of citrulline and serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19) were compared. Results F-WL patients presented lesser suppression of ghrelin (incremental area under the curve [iAUC]: F-WL −12490±6530 versus S-WL −31196±4536 pg×mL -1 ×min; P <.01), and lesser increase in the GLP-1 (iAUC: F-WL 3354±737 versus S-WL 5629±542 pmol×L -1 ×min; P = .02) but not in the PYY and GLP-2, response to meal intake. Citrulline concentrations were significantly correlated with time after surgery (rho = .537; P <.01). However, citrulline was higher in S-WL compared to F-WL patients ( P <.05). Serum FGF-19 concentration was similar between groups. Conclusion Although limited by the cross-sectional design, our data suggest a role of some gastrointestinal hormones as mediators of successful weight loss but argues against larger enterocyte mass after BS as determinant of failed weight loss after RYGB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) are associated with similar type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) resolution rates for morbidly obese subjects. However, the mechanisms underlying the resolution of T2DM after SG have not been clarified to date. This study aimed to compare the early changes in gastrointestinal hormones involved in insulin and glucagon secretion in morbidly obese T2DM subjects undergoing SG or RYGBP. Methods: This prospective study investigated 12 subjects with T2DM who had undergone SG ( n = 6) or RYGBP ( n = 6). Five body mass index (BMI)-matched obese non-diabetic subjects and five BMI-matched obese diabetic subjects served as control subjects. Glucose, insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and GLP-2 were determined after a standardized mixed liquid meal before surgery and 6 weeks afterward. Results: After 6 weeks, five of the six subjects in each surgical group presented with T2DM remission, although the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose was greater than that of the non-diabetic control subjects ( P < 0.01). Postsurgically, the indices of insulin and glucagon secretion were comparable between the two surgical groups. The AUC of GLP-1 ( P < 0.05) and GLP-2 ( P < 0.05) was significantly and comparably enlarged after SG and RYGB. The postsurgical GIP response was significantly associated with the glucagon response throughout the meal test (ρ = 0.747; P < 0.01). Conclusions: The data show that in a cohort of morbidly obese T2DM subjects, SG and RYGBP are associated with an early improvement in glucose tolerance, similar changes in insulin and glucagon secretion, and a similar GLP-1, GIP, and GLP-2 response to a standardized mixed liquid meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bariatric surgery (BS) procedures are actually the most effective intervention to help subjects with severe obesity achieve significant and sustained weight loss. White adipose tissue (WAT) is increasingly recognized as the largest endocrine organ. Unhealthy WAT expansion through adipocyte hypertrophy has pleiotropic effects on adipocyte function and promotes obesity-associated metabolic complications. WAT dysfunction in obesity encompasses an altered adipokine secretome, unresolved inflammation, dysregulated autophagy, inappropriate extracellular matrix remodeling and insufficient angiogenic potential. In the last 10 years, accumulating evidence suggests that BS can improve the WAT function beyond reducing the fat depot sizes. The causal relationships between improved WAT function and the health benefits of BS merits further investigation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the short-, medium- and long-term outcomes of BS on the WAT composition and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Bariatric surgery (BS) in older obese subjects (>60 years of age) has risen in the past decade and will continue to rise in the coming years due to ageing of the population. Aim. To evaluate the short- (12 months) and long-term (60 months) results of laparoscopic sleeve gastroscopy (LSG) in patients older than age 60. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of patients prospectively included in a database from January 2007 to December 2013. All patients >60 [older group (OG)] who had undergone LSG were included. The control group (CG) included patients aged 50 to 59 years who had undergone LSG during the same period. Results. 116 (8.4 % of total surgery) and 145 patients were included in the OG and CG, respectively. BS in patients >60 years increased from 2.4% in 2003 to 14% in the last 2 years of the study. After inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis, all absolute standardized differences were <0.15. A 60-month follow-up was attained in 90% of patients in the OG and 74% in the CG. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups. At 12 and 60 months after LSG, both groups achieved a similar body mass index. There was no statistical difference in the percentage of resolution of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and SAHS between the two groups. In both groups, all the nutritional parameters evaluated remained within the normal range throughout the study. Conclusions. LSG provides acceptable outcomes and is safe in older adults indicating that age should not be a limitation to perform BS in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting the nocturnal decline in blood pressure (BP) in severe obesity. Methods: Clinical, biochemical, polysomnographic data, glucose tolerance status, and body fat composition were obtained in 82 candidates for bariatric surgery (mean age: 40 (11) years; BMI: 46 (4)kg/m2). To determine the nocturnal BP fall we used 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring to measure the magnitude (Δ) of nocturnal decline, the % day–night systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), dipper status and nocturnal hypertension (HT). Results: Twenty-three percent of patients had nocturnal HT. Sixty percent had non dipper status, of which 95% had nocturnal HT. No specific factors were associated with the average 24-h SBP and DBP. Having glucose abnormalities was of primary importance for all variables evaluating nocturnal BP decline independent of daytime BP levels and severity of obesity. In comparing patients with or without glucose tolerance abnormalities, the night-time SBP and DBP were significantly higher and the Δ nocturnal decline and % day–night in both SBP and DBP were significantly lower in those with glucose tolerance abnormalities. In an adjusted multivariate model, having both glucose abnormalities and nocturnal HT remained associated with non dipper status with an OR of 3.13 (95% CI 1.11–8.87, p =0.03) and 14.93 (95% CI 1.77–125.62, p =0.001), respectively. Conclusion: In normotensive severely obese patients, non dipper status and nocturnal HT are common, and the presence of glucose abnormalities was the primary variable associated with impaired nocturnal fall in BP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Data on long-term dietary changes and nutritional deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in grade 3 obese patients are scarce. Objective: To prospectively compare dietary changes and nutritional deficiencies in grade 3 obese patients 5 years after SG and Roux-en-y gastric bypass (GBP). Participants/setting: Three hundred and fifty-five patients who had SG (n=61) or GBP (n=294) (May 2001-December 2006) at a Spanish university hospital. Design: Longitudinal, prospective, observational study. Primary outcomes/statistical analyses: Changes in energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake, and weight loss were analyzed using mixed models for repeated measurements. Results: At the 5-year follow-up visit, the percentage of excess weight loss (P=0.420) and daily energy intake (P=0.826), as well as the proportion of energy from carbohydrates (P=0.303), protein (P=0.600), and fat (P=0.541) did not differ between surgical groups. Energy intake (P=0.004), baseline weight (P<0.001), and time period (P<0.001), but not the proportion of different macronutrients or the type of surgery, independently predicted the percentage excess weight loss over time. After SG or GBP, the mean daily dietary intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron was less than the current recommendations. Despite universal supplementation, the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies was comparable after SG or GBP, with 25-hydroxyvitamin D being the most commonly observed deficiency (SG, 93.3% to 100%; GBP, 90.9% to 85.7%, P=not significant). In an adjusted multivariate regression model, energy intake and lipid intake independently predicted plasma 25(OH)-vitamin D levels. Conclusions: Data show that SG and GBP are associated with similar long-term weight loss with no differences in terms of dietary intake. Furthermore, data demonstrate that both types of surgeries carry comparable nutritional consequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]