bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Voluntary Exercise on Genetically Obese Cpefat/fat Mice: Quantitative Proteomics of Serum
Authors: Yuan Quan , Fontenele‐Neto Jose D. , Fricker Lloyd D.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To compare the effect of voluntary exercise on body weight, food consumption, and levels of serum proteins between wild‐type and carboxypeptidase E‐deficient (Cpefat/fat) mice.

Research Methods and Procedures: Study 1 consisted of three groups of female mice: Cpefat/fat mice with continuous access to exercise wheels for 3 weeks (n = 4); wild‐type C57BKS mice with access to exercise wheels for 3 weeks (n = 4); and sedentary Cpefat/fat mice (n = 3). Activity, body weight, and food consumption were monitored for this period and a subsequent 9‐week period without exercise wheels. Study 2 consisted of four groups of male mice (n = 6 to 7 each): Cpefat/fat mice with exercise wheels, wild‐type mice with exercise wheels, and Cpefat/fat and wild‐type mice without exercise wheels. Body weight and food consumption were measured over 4 weeks. Sera were collected, and the protein profile was determined by 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Results: Cpefat/fat mice were moderately hyperphagic but lost weight during the initial exercise period because of greater energy expenditure. The effect of exercise was temporary, and the mice gained weight after the second week. Several serum proteins were found to be altered by exercise: haptoglobin was decreased by exercise in Cpefat/fat mice, and several kallikreins were increased by exercise in wild‐type mice.

Discussion: The access to exercise wheels provided an initial weight loss in Cpefat/fat mice, but this effect was offset by elevated food consumption. The serum proteomics results indicated that Cpefat/fat and wild‐type mice differed in their response to exercise.
Adipogenic and Antiapoptotic Protein Levels in Human Adipose Stromal Cells after Weight Loss
Authors: Aubin Denise , Gagnon AnneMarie , Grunder Laura , Dent Robert , Allen Murray , Sorisky Alexander
Published: April 2008

Objective: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, current strategies to achieve sustained weight loss are often unsuccessful. Fat reaccumulation might be favored by enhanced adipose cell differentiation or survival in the postreduced state.

Research Methods and Procedures: We measured adipogenic and apoptotic protein expression in subcutaneous abdominal adipose stromal‐vascular cells from 10 obese patients (7 women and 3 men) that were obtained before and after a 16% weight loss in a medically supervised weight loss program.

Results: After weight loss, protein expression was 2.4‐fold higher (p < 0.005) for p42 C/CAAT enhancer binding protein α, but there was no change for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ1; both of these are adipogenic regulators. For neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein, a protein associated with adipose cell apoptotic resistance, there was a rise of 1.7‐fold (p < 0.02).

Discussion: Alterations in C/CAAT enhancer binding protein α and neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein expression occurred in human adipose stromal‐vascular cells after weight loss in a pilot study of 10 patients. It will be important for future studies to directly examine whether the adipogenic and antiapoptotic capacity of these cells is changed after weight loss.
Altered Kidney CYP2C and Cyclooxygenase‐2 Levels Are Associated with Obesity‐Related Albuminuria
Authors: Dey Aparajita , Williams Roger S. , Pollock David M. , Stepp David W. , Newman John W. , Hammock Bruce D. , Imig John D.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and cyclooxygenase (COX) expression and metabolite regulation and renal damage in the early stages of obesity‐related hypertension and diabetes.

Research Methods and Procedures: Obese and lean Zucker rats at 10 to 12 weeks of age were studied. Blood pressure was measured in the conscious state using radiotelemetry. Blood glucose levels and body weight were measured periodically. Protein expression of CYP450 and COX enzymes in the kidney cortex, renal microvessels, and glomeruli was studied. The levels of CYP450 and COX metabolites in urine were measured, and urinary albumin excretion, an indicator of kidney damage, was measured.

Results: Body weight and blood glucose averaged 432 ± 20 grams and 105 ± 5 mg/dl, respectively, in obese Zucker rats as compared with 320 ± 8 grams and 91 ± 5 mg/dl, respectively, in age‐matched 10‐ to 12‐week‐old lean Zucker rats. Renal microvascular CYP4A and COX‐2 protein levels were increased 2.3‐ and 17.0‐fold, respectively, in obese Zucker rats. The protein expression of CYP2C11 and CYP2C23 was decreased 2.0‐fold in renal microvessels isolated from obese Zucker rats when compared with lean Zucker rats. The urinary excretion rate of thromboxane B2 was increased significantly in obese Zucker as compared with lean Zucker rats (22.0 ± 1.8 vs. 13.4 ± 1.0 ng/d). Urinary albumin excretion, an index of kidney damage, was increased in the obese Zucker rat at this early age.

Discussion: These results suggest that increased CYP4A and COX‐2 protein levels and decreased CYP2C11 and CYP2C23 protein levels occur in association with microalbuminuria during the onset of obesity‐related hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Association between Low‐Molecular Weight Apolipoprotein(a) Isoforms and Obesity in Italian Women
Authors: Derosa Giuseppe , Fogari Roberto , Piccinni Mario Nello , Peros Emmanouil , Bertone Gianandrea , Ciccarelli Leonardina , Tinelli Carmine , Geroldi Diego , Pannacciulli Nicola , De Pergola Giovanni
Published: April 2008

Objective: Low‐molecular weight (MW) apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] isoforms are closely associated with an increased incidence of atherothrombotic disease, prevalence of which is higher in obese individuals, particularly in women. The hypothesis of this study was to assess whether there are differences in the distribution of apo(a) phenotypes between obese patients and healthy controls.

Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred three obese Italian women (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) were enrolled in the study, and apo(a) phenotyping was performed in all subjects. The prevalence of low‐MW apo(a) isoforms, detected in plasma samples of our obese women, was compared with that found in a control group of 84 normal‐weight, never‐obese (BMI < 25.0 kg/m2), age‐matched women.

Results: The distribution of apo(a) isoforms in the population of obese women was significantly different from that found in normal‐weight female subjects. In particular, the percentage of subjects in the obese group with at least one apo(a) isoform of low MW was significantly higher than that in the control group (51.4% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.0079).

Discussion: Our results seem to suggest the possibility that small‐sized apo(a) isoforms may be used together with other traditional risk factors to better assess the overall predisposition to atherothrombotic disease in obese women.
Characteristics of Men with Persistent Thinness
Authors: Mazzeo Suzanne E. , Slof Rita M. , Tozzi Federica , Kendler Kenneth S. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Although Western society is increasingly obesogenic, some individuals maintain low weights. Thin women manifest fewer eating disorders and higher self‐esteem. However, little is known about persistently thin men.

Research Methods and Procedures: Participants completed measures of demographics, psychiatric history, body size, eating behavior, and personality.

Results: Thinness was associated with less eating pathology. Thin men were more likely to meet criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (odds ratio = 2.46).

Discussion: Persistent thinness may protect men from eating disorders.
Alcohol Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome: Does the Type of Beverage Matter?
Authors: Djoussé Luc , Arnett Donna K. , Eckfeldt John H. , Province Michael A. , Singer Martha R. , Ellison R. Curtis
Published: April 2008

Objective: To examine the association between total and beverage‐specific alcohol consumption and the prevalence odds of metabolic syndrome (MS).

Research Methods and Procedures: Using a cross‐sectional design, we studied 4510 white participants of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study. We used generalized estimating equations adjusting for age, education, risk group, smoking, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, energy intake, energy from fat, fruits, and vegetables, dietary cholesterol, dietary fiber, and use of multivitamins to estimate the prevalence odds of MS by alcohol intake.

Results: Compared with never‐drinkers, multivariate odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for MS were 1.12 (0.85 to 1.49), 0.68 (0.36 to 1.28), 0.72 (0.50 to 1.03), 0.66 (0.44 to 0.99), and 0.80 (0.55 to 1.16) among men who were former drinkers and who were current drinkers of 0.1 to 2.5, 2.6 to 12.0, 12.1 to 24.0, and >24.0 g/d of alcohol, respectively (p for linear trend 0.018). Corresponding values for women were 0.86 (0.69 to 1.09), 0.80 (0.43 to 1.34), 0.47 (0.33 to 0.66), 0.47 (0.30 to 0.74), and 0.39 (0.21 to 0.74), respectively (p for trend < 0.0001). The reduced prevalence odds of MS was observed across all beverage types: compared with never‐drinkers, multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of MS were 0.32 (0.14 to 0.73), 0.42 (0.23 to 0.77), 0.57 (0.30 to 1.09), and 0.56 (0.36 to 0.88) for subjects who consumed >7 drinks/wk of wine only, beer only, spirits only, and more than one type of beverage, respectively.

Discussion: Our data indicate that alcohol consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of MS irrespective of the type of beverage consumed. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to assess the influence of drinking patterns on the alcohol‐MS association.
The Relationship between Body Weight and Health Care among German Women
Authors: Meisinger Christa , Heier Margit , Loewel Hannelore
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body weight and the use of health care services among women from southern Germany.

Research Methods and Procedures: Data were drawn from the 1994 to 1995 Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease Augsburg survey, covering a population‐representative sample of women 25 to 74 years old (n = 2301). Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the use of medical services by women with overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2) or obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) in comparison with normal‐weight women (BMI < 25.0 kg/m2).

Results: In multivariable analysis, obese women 50 to 74 years old were more likely than normal‐weight women to delay cancer screening procedures, such as manual breast examination and Papanicolaou smear (OR 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.37 to 0.74) in the previous 12 months. However, the relationship between obesity and cancer screening was not found to be significant in 25‐ to 49‐year‐old women (OR 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 1.36). Neither in the 25‐ to 49‐year‐old age group nor in the 50‐ to 74‐year‐old age group were independent relationships between higher body weight and total physician visits, hospitalizations, or medication use observed.

Discussion: Obese women tended to use medical services with greater frequency due to obesity‐related diseases. However, postmenopausal women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were more likely to delay routine cancer screening, putting them at a greater risk for death from breast, cervical, and endometrial cancer. Thus, obese postmenopausal women should be targeted for increased screening.
Molecular Screening of the 11β‐HSD1 Gene in Men Characterized by the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Robitaille Julie , Brouillette Charles , Houde Alain , Després Jean‐Pierre , Tchernof André , Vohl Marie‐Claude
Published: April 2008

Adipose tissue type 1 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD1), which generates hormonally active cortisol from inactive cortisone, has been shown to play a central role in adipocyte differentiation and abdominal obesity‐related metabolic complications. The objective was to investigate whether genetic variations in the human 11β‐HSD1 gene are associated with the metabolic syndrome among French‐Canadian men. We sequenced all exons, the exon‐intron splicing boundaries, and 5′ and 3′ regions of the human 11β‐HSD1 gene in 36 men with the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program‐Adult Treatment Panel III, and two controls. Three intronic sequence variants were identified: two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in intron 3 (g.4478T>G) and intron 4 (g.10733G>C) and one insertion in intron 3 (g.4437‐4438insA). The relative allele frequency was 19.6%, 22.1%, and 19.6% for the g.4478G, g.10733C, and g.4438insA alleles, respectively. One single‐nucleotide polymorphism was identified in exon 6 (c.744G>C or G248G). The frequency of the c.744C allele was only 0.46% in a sample of 217 men. Variants were not associated with components of the metabolic syndrome except for plasma apolipoprotein B levels. In conclusion, molecular screening of the 11β‐HSD1 gene did not reveal any sequence variations that can significantly contribute to the etiology of the metabolic syndrome among French‐Canadians.
Psychological Adjustment of Obese Youth Presenting for Weight Management Treatment
Authors: Zeller Meg H. , Saelens Brian E. , Roehrig Helmut , Kirk Shelley , Daniels Stephen R.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychological maladjustment in clinic‐based treatment‐seeking obese children and adolescents (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and the degree to which maternal, demographic, and youth factors correlate to the youths’ psychological adjustment.

Research Methods and Procedures: Anthropometrics, demographics (race, sex, insurance status), measures of youth psychological adjustment (self‐ and mother‐report; Behavior Assessment System for Children), and maternal self‐report of psychological distress (Symptom Checklist 90‐Revised) were collected from 121 obese children and adolescents (55% white, 45% black) and their mothers.

Results: Approximately one‐third of youths self‐reported some psychological maladjustment, but two‐thirds of youth were described by their mothers as experiencing some degree of psychological maladjustment. Adjustment difficulties were specific to social functioning, low self‐esteem, and internalizing symptoms. Forty‐one percent of mothers of child participants and 56% of mothers of adolescent participants reported clinically significant psychological distress. Youth self‐report and mother‐report of youths’ psychological difficulties were often most strongly associated with mothers’ level of psychological distress and/or family socioeconomic status rather than to youth characteristics (e.g., percent overweight, race).

Discussion: Psychological maladjustment levels among obese youth and their mothers were higher in this clinic‐based sample than in treatment research‐based samples. Present correlate findings extended to obese adolescents and reaffirm a potent association between youth self‐report of their own psychological adjustment and their mother's level of psychological distress. Demographic characteristics and youth weight status were not consistent correlates of youths’ psychological functioning. Findings have implications for the translation of empirically supported pediatric obesity interventions to clinic‐based treatment samples.
Lack of Association between Human G‐Protein β3 Subunit Variant and Overweight in Japanese Workers*
Authors: Suwazono Yasushi , Okubo Yasushi , Kobayashi Etsuko , Miura Katsuyuki , Morikawa Yuko , Ishizaki Masao , Kido Teruhiko , Nakagawa Hideaki , Nogawa Koji
Published: April 2008

We examined the association of the G‐protein β3 subunit gene (GNB3) C825T polymorphism with overweight in Japanese workers. This cross‐sectional study used multivariate analysis to investigate whether a polymorphism in the C825T polymorphism was associated independently with overweight when factors such as age and lifestyle were taken into account. The study in 1453 men and 1172 women involved identifying subjects with the C825T genotype using the polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment‐length polymorphism analysis. Overweight was defined as a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Genotype distributions for C825T in overweight men (CC = 80, CT = 162, TT = 80) and women (CC = 52, CT = 91, TT = 40) were not significantly different from normal‐weight men (CC = 278, CT = 588, TT = 265) and women (CC = 242, CT = 549, TT = 198). The allele distributions were also not significantly different between either sex. The power of the study was estimated as 98% in men and 81% in women based on the allelic frequencies reported in a previous positive study in Chinese subjects. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the genotype was not significantly associated with overweight. In conclusion, this study indicated that the GNB3 C825T polymorphism is not a significant factor for overweight in Japanese people.
Adapted Changes in Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Severe Uncomplicated Obesity
Authors: Iacobellis Gianluca , Ribaudo Maria Cristina , Zappaterreno Alessandra , Iannucci Concetta Valeria , Di Mario Umberto , Leonetti Frida
Published: April 2008

Objective: A massive amount of fat tissue, as that observed in obese subjects with BMI over 50 kg/m2, could affect cardiac morphology and performance, but few data on this issue are available. We sought to evaluate cardiac structure and function in uncomplicated severely obese subjects.

Research Methods and Procedures: We studied 55 uncomplicated severely obese patients, 40 women, 15 men, mean age 35.5 ± 10.2 years, BMI 51.2 ± 8.8 kg/m2, range 43 to 81 kg/m2, with a history of fat excess of at least 10 years, and 55 age‐matched normal‐weight subjects (40 women, 15 men, mean BMI 23.8 ± 1.2 kg/m2) as a control group. Each subject underwent an echocardiogram to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mass and geometry and systolic and diastolic function.

Results: Severely obese subjects showed greater LV mass and indexed LV mass than normal‐weight subjects (p < 0.01 for all parameters). Nevertheless, LV mass was appropriate for sex, height2.7, and stroke work in most (77%) uncomplicated severely obese subjects. In addition, no significant difference in LV mass indices and LV mass appropriateness between obese subjects with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 and those with BMI ≤ 50 kg/m2 was found. Obese subjects also showed higher ejection fraction and midwall shortening than normal‐weight subjects (p = 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), suggesting a hyperdynamic systolic function. No significant difference in systolic performance between obese subjects with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 and those with BMI ≤ 50 kg/m2 was seen.

Discussion: Our data show that uncomplicated severe obesity, despite the massive fat tissue amount, is associated largely with adapted and appropriate changes in cardiac structure and function.
Development of a Culturally Relevant Body Image Instrument among Urban African Americans
Authors: Pulvers Kim M. , Lee Rebecca E. , Kaur Harsohena , Mayo Matthew S. , Fitzgibbon Marian L. , Jeffries Shawn K. , Butler James , Hou Qingjiang , Ahluwalia Jasjit S.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To validate a culturally relevant body image instrument among urban African Americans through three distinct studies.

Research Methods and Procedures: In Study 1, 38 medical practitioners performed content validity tests on the instrument. In Study 2, three research staff rated the body image of 283 African‐American public housing residents (75% women, mean age = 44 years), with the residents completing body image, BMI, and percentage body fat measures. In Study 3, 35 African Americans (57% men, mean age = 42) completed body image measures and evaluated their cultural relevance.

Results: In Study 1, 97% to 100% of practitioners sorted the jumbled figures into the correct ascending order. The correlation between the body image figures and the practitioners’ weight classifications of the figures was high (r = 0.91). In Study 2, observers arrived at similar ratings of body size with excellent consistency (α = 0.95). Ratings of body image were strongly correlated with participant BMI (r = 0.89 to 0.93 across observers and 0.81 for all participants) and percentage of body fat (r = 0.77 to 0.89 across observers and 0.76 for all participants). In Study 3, body image ratings with the new scale were positively correlated with other validated figural scales. The majority of participants reported that figures in the new body image scale looked most like themselves and other African Americans and were easiest to identify themselves with.

Discussion: The instrument displayed strong psychometric performance and cultural relevance, suggesting that the scale is a promising tool for examining body image and obesity among African Americans.
Quantitative Genetic Analysis of Glucose Transporter 4 mRNA Levels in Baboon Adipose**
Authors: Tejero M. Elizabeth , Proffitt J. Michael , Cole Shelley A. , Freeland‐Graves Jeanne H. , Cai Guowen , Peebles Kyle W. , Cox Laura A. , Mahaney Michael C. , Rogers Jeffrey , VandeBerg John L. , Blangero John , Comuzzie Anthony G.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) is an insulin‐responsive glucose transporter expressed in adipose tissue. A decrease of the mRNA abundance of GLUT4 in adipose tissue has been observed in conditions of insulin resistance. The objective was to conduct quantitative genetic analyses using GLUT4 mRNA levels in omental adipose tissue of baboons as a novel phenotype.

Research Methods and Procedures: A blood sample and a biopsy of omental adipose tissue were collected from 418 adult, pedigreed baboons. Total RNA was isolated from adipose tissue biopsies, and GLUT4 mRNA abundance was assayed by quantitative, real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Insulin and glucose were determined in fasting plasma by standard methods. Quantitative genetic analyses were conducted using GLUT4 mRNA, insulin, and glucose as quantitative traits.

Results: GLUT4 mRNA expression in omental adipose tissue was heritable (h2 = 0.23, p = 0.001). Bivariate genetic analyses revealed a significant genetic correlation (ρG) between GLUT4 mRNA abundance and both body weight (ρG = 0.63, p = 0.007), BMI (ρG = 0.59, p = 0.02) and insulin (ρG = 0.72, p = 0.04). A genome scan was conducted, and a quantitative trait locus was detected on chromosome 10p12 with a logarithm of the odds ratio score of 1.1.

Discussion: GLUT4 mRNA abundance in omental adipose tissue has a significant genetic component. These findings suggest that expression of GLUT4 mRNA, plasma insulin levels, and body weight may be regulated by common genes.
Mothers' Perceptions of Their Adolescents' Weight Status: Are They Accurate?
Authors: Boutelle Kerri , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne , Story Mary
Published: April 2008

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of mothers’ perceptions of adolescents’ weight status.

Research Methods and Procedures: Parent interviews and adolescent surveys (755) were conducted in an ethnically diverse sample from Project EAT (Eating among Teens).

Results: Adolescent weight status was accurately assessed by 60% of mothers, underestimated by 35% of mothers, and overestimated by 5% of mothers. In multivariate analyses, mothers of female adolescents were about half as likely to underestimate their adolescent's weight status as mothers of male adolescents. Nonoverweight mothers were about half as likely as overweight mothers to underestimate their adolescent's weight status.

Discussion: Most mothers are able to accurately assess their adolescent's weight status; however, adolescent gender and mothers’ weight status are related to accuracy. Mothers were more likely to underestimate their sons’ weights than their daughters’ weights, and overweight mothers were more likely to be inaccurate in their assessments than nonoverweight mothers. Findings suggest that the majority of parents do not need to be told that their children are overweight; instead, messages to parents of overweight teens should focus on how to provide support for healthy weight management.
Acyl Coenzyme A Synthetase Regulation: Putative Role in Long‐Chain Acyl Coenzyme A Partitioning
Authors: Wang Yan‐Lin , Guo Wen , Zang Yan , Yaney Gordon C. , Vallega Gino , Getty‐Kaushik Lisa , Pilch Paul , Kandror Konstantin , Corkey Barbara E.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Long‐chain acyl coenzyme A synthetase (ACSL) converts free fatty acids (FFAs) into their metabolizable long‐chain acyl coenzyme A (LC‐CoA) derivatives that are essential for FFA conversion to CO2, triglycerides, or complex lipids. ACSL‐1 is highly expressed in adipose tissue with broad substrate specificity. We tested the hypothesis that ACSL localization, and resulting local generation of LC‐CoA, regulates FFA partitioning.

Research Methods and Procedures: These studies used cell fractionation of rat adipocytes to measure ACSL activity and mass and compared cells from young, mature, fed, fasted, and diabetic rats. Functional studies included measurement of FFA oxidation, complex lipid synthesis, and LC‐CoA levels.

Results: High ACSL specific activity was expressed in the mitochondria/nuclei (M/N), high‐density microsomes (HDM), low‐density microsomes (LDM), and plasma membrane (PM) fractions. We show here that, during fasting, total FFA oxidation increased, and, although total ACSL activity decreased, a greater percentage of activity (43 ± 1.5%) was associated with the M/N fraction than in the fed state (23 ± 0.3%). In the fed state, more ACSL activity (34 ± 0.5%) was associated with the HDM than in the fasted state (25 ± 0.9%), concurrent with increased triglyceride formation from FFA. Insulin increased LC‐CoA and ACSL activity associated with the PM. The changes in ACSL activity in response to insulin were associated with only minor changes in mass as determined by Western blotting.

Discussion: It is hypothesized that ACSL plays an important role in targeting FFA to specific metabolic pathways or acylation sites in the cell, thus acting as an important control mechanism in fuel partitioning. Localization of ACSL at the PM may serve to decrease FFA efflux and trap FFA within the cell as LC‐CoA.
Personality as a Predictor of Weight Loss Maintenance after Surgery for Morbid Obesity
Authors: Larsen Junilla K. , Geenen Rinie , Maas Cora , de Wit Pieter , van Antwerpen Tiny , Brand Nico , van Ramshorst Bert
Published: April 2008

Objective: Personality characteristics are assumed to underlie health behaviors and, thus, a variety of health outcomes. Our aim was to examine prospectively whether personality traits predict short‐ and long‐term weight loss after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Research Methods and Procedures: Of patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, 168 (143 women, 25 men, 18 to 58 years old, mean 37 years, preoperative BMI 45.9 ± 5.6 kg/m2) completed the Dutch Personality Questionnaire on average 1.5 years before the operation. The relationship between preoperative personality and short‐ and long‐term postoperative weight loss was determined using multilevel regression analysis.

Results: The average weight loss of patients progressively increased to 10 BMI points until 18 months after surgery and stabilized thereafter. A lower baseline BMI, being a man, and a higher educational level were associated with a lower weight loss. None of the personality variables was associated with weight outcome at short‐term follow‐up. Six of seven personality variables did not predict long‐term weight outcome. Egoism was associated with less weight loss in the long‐term postoperative period. The effect sizes of the significant predictions were small.

Discussion: None of the personality variables predicted short‐term weight outcome, and only one variable showed a small and unexpected association with long‐term weight outcome that needs confirmation. This suggests that personality assessment as intake psychological screening is of little use for the prediction of a poor or successful weight outcome after bariatric surgery.
Combined Dietary and Pharmacological Weight Management in Obese Hypopituitary Patients
Authors: Mersebach Henriette , Klose Marianne , Svendsen Ole L. , Astrup Arne , Feldt‐Rasmussen Ulla
Published: April 2008

Objective: The high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in hypopituitarism affirms the need for effective weight loss intervention. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of sibutramine, diet, and exercise in obese hypopituitary patients (HPs).

Research Methods and Procedures: In an open‐label prospective intervention trial, 14 obese well‐substituted nondiabetic HPs and 14 matched simple obese controls were allocated to 11‐month treatment with sibutramine (10 to 15 mg), diet (600 kcal/d deficit), and exercise. Anthropometric indices and body composition (obtained from DXA scan) were assessed monthly for the first 5 months and thereafter every second month for the next 6 months.

Results: Mean (±SD) weight loss at 11 months was 11.3 ± 4.8 kg in patients vs. 10.7 ± 4.7 kg in controls. The HPs exhibited the same improvements in body composition, waist circumference, blood lipids, and fasting glucose as the simple obese. In a multivariate model, baseline weight, duration of growth hormone replacement therapy, and duration of pituitary disease explained 79% (p = 0.001) of the variation in weight loss at 4 months in the HPs. Only baseline weight and waist circumference could predict weight loss at 11 months.

Discussion: HPs are not resistant to weight loss therapy. Almost all will achieve at least 5% weight loss, and 60% can lose >10% weight within 11 months. However, the long‐term effect on risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as on mortality needs to be established.
Calcium and Magnesium ATPase Activities in Women with Varying BMIs
Authors: Nasser Jennifer A. , Hashim Sami A. , Lachance Paul A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Intracellular calcium (Ca) is increased in obese humans, and magnesium (Mg)‐ATPase activity is increased in monosodium glutamate‐induced obese rats. The aims of this study were to test the hypotheses that Ca‐ATPase activity is negatively correlated with BMI, and that Mg‐ATPase activity is positively correlated with BMI and Ca‐ATPase activity in obese women.

Research Methods and Procedures: Thirty healthy adult women, with BMIs of 20 to 40, donated a single sample of whole blood and were interviewed as to medical history and family history of obesity. Erythrocyte membranes were isolated and assayed for Ca‐ATPase and Mg‐ATPase. Weight and height were self‐reported. Regression analysis was used to determine relationship between BMI and enzyme activity. Family history of obesity served as a covariant.

Results: Ca‐ATPase was negatively correlated with increasing BMI (r = − 0.38, p = 0.02). The relationship between BMI and Ca‐ATPase remained valid after controlling for family history of obesity (r = −0.36, p = 0.03). There was a positive correlation between Mg‐ATPase activity and Ca‐ATPase (r = 0.42, p = 0.024), and this relationship remained valid after controlling for BMI and family history of obesity (r = 0.41, p = 0.03).

Discussion: Ca‐ATPase activity decreases as BMI increases. Decreased ATPase activity may contribute to increased intracellular calcium, previously reported in obese persons. Further studies are needed to determine whether a drop in Ca‐ATPase activity can serve as a marker for the development of obesity.
Does Perinatal ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Deficiency Increase Appetite Signaling?
Authors: Mathai Michael L. , Soueid Mona , Chen Nora , Jayasooriya Anura P. , Sinclair Andrew J. , Wlodek Mary E. , Weisinger Harrison S. , Weisinger Richard S.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the effect of maternal dietary ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficiency and repletion on food appetite signaling.

Research Methods and Procedures: Sprague‐Dawley rat dams were maintained on diets either supplemented with (CON) or deficient in (DEF) ω‐3 PUFA. All offspring were raised on the maternal diet until weaning. After weaning, two groups remained on the respective maternal diet (CON and DEF groups), whereas a third group, born of dams fed the DEF diet, were switched to the CON diet (REC). Experiments on food intake began when the male rats reached 16 weeks of age. Food intake was stimulated either by a period of food restriction, by blocking glucose utilization (by 2‐deoxyglucose injection), or by blocking β‐oxidation of fatty acids (by β‐mercaptoacetate injection).

Results: DEF animals consumed more than CON animals in response to all stimuli, with the greatest difference (1.9‐fold) demonstrated following administration of 2‐deoxyglucose. REC animals also consumed more than CON animals in response to food restriction and 2‐deoxyglucose but not to β‐mercaptoacetate.

Discussion: These findings indicate that supply of ω‐3 PUFA, particularly during the perinatal period, plays a role in the normal development of mechanisms controlling food intake, especially glucoprivic (i.e. reduced glucose availability) appetite signaling. Dietary repletion of ω‐3 PUFA from 3 weeks of age restored intake responses to fatty acid metabolite signaling but did not reverse those in response to food restriction or glucoprivic stimuli.
Gene Expression and Adiposity Are Modified by Soy Protein in Male Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Banz William J. , Davis Jeremy , Peterson Richard , Iqbal Muhammad J.
Published: April 2008

It has earlier been demonstrated that soy protein diets ameliorate the diabetic phenotype in obese Zucker rats. In this study, we further investigated physiological changes related to adiposity in male Zucker diabetic fatty rats consuming soy‐based diets and compared these diets with the insulin‐sensitizing drug, rosiglitazone. Transcript abundance of known genes was assessed in the livers to identify potential molecular connections between soy diets and adiposity. Male Zucker diabetic fatty rats were assigned to casein (C) protein, low‐isoflavone soy (LIS) protein, high‐isoflavone soy (HIS) protein, or C + rosiglitazone (CR) diets. Compared with the C diet, the LIS diet decreased plasma lipids and increased body weight, but did not change liver weight or carcass adiposity. HIS decreased plasma lipids, liver weight, and body weight. CR decreased plasma lipids and increased carcass adiposity and body weight with no effect on liver weight. In LIS livers, 15 genes involved in signaling and lipid metabolism were up‐regulated 2‐fold or higher. In HIS livers, seven genes had a 2‐fold or higher change in abundance. However, in CR livers, none of the genes was significantly changed compared with the C diet. There appears to be a distinct change in gene expression associated with soy diets as compared with C‐based diets and rosiglitazone treatment.
A Novel Pathway to the Manifestations of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Sonnenberg Gabriele E. , Krakower Glenn R. , Kissebah Ahmed H.
Published: April 2008

Pathways leading from obesity to the manifestations of metabolic syndrome involve a number of metabolic risk factors, as well as adipokines, mediators of inflammatory response, thrombogenic and thrombolytic parameters, and vascular endothelial reactivity. Increased adipose tissue mass contributes to augmented secretion of proinflammatory adipokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), along with diminished secretion of the “protective” adiponectin. In our view, TNFα and adiponectin are antagonistic in stimulating nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. Through this activation, TNFα induces oxidative stress, which exacerbates pathological processes leading to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and atherogenesis. NF‐κB activation further stimulates the formation of additional inflammatory cytokines, along with adhesion molecules which promote endothelial dysfunction. Elevated free fatty acid, glucose, and insulin levels enhance this NF‐κB activation and further downstream modulate specific clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome.
Physical Activity as a Predictor of Body Composition in American Indian Children
Authors: Stevens June , Suchindran Chirayath , Ring Kim , Baggett Christopher D. , Jobe Jared B. , Story Mary , Thompson Janice , Going Scott B. , Caballero Benjamin
Published: April 2008

Objective: To examine physical activity in second grade American Indian children as a predictor of percentage body fat 3 years later.

Research Methods and Procedures: Physical activity was assessed as average vector magnitude (AVM) counts from an accelerometer in 454 second grade children as part of the Pathways study. BMI was assessed, and skinfolds and bioelectrical impedance were used to estimate fat mass, fat‐free body mass, and percentage body fat in validated prediction equations. Associations were examined using mixed models regression controlling for baseline body composition.

Results: In normal‐weight children, higher AVM counts were significantly associated with decreases in percentage body fat. Among overweight children, higher AVM counts were significantly associated with increases in BMI, fat mass, and fat‐free mass but not percentage body fat.

Discussion: Higher physical activity levels in second grade were associated with lower levels of percentage body fat in fifth grade in normal‐weight but not in overweight children. BMI showed no association with physical activity among normal‐weight children, and increases in BMI were associated with increasing amounts of physical activity among overweight children. These findings emphasize the importance of valid body composition measures and may indicate important differences in associations between physical activity and adiposity in normal‐weight as compared with overweight children.
The Pro12Ala Polymorphism of the PPARγ2 Gene Regulates Weight from Birth to Adulthood
Authors: Pihlajamäki Jussi , Vanhala Mauno , Vanhala Pasi , Laakso Markku
Published: April 2008

Objective: The Pro12Ala polymorphism in exon B of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ 2 (PPARγ2) gene has been related to obesity, insulin resistance, and risk of type 2 diabetes. In this study, the effect of the Pro12Ala polymorphism on long‐term changes in weight and body composition was investigated.

Research Methods and Procedures: The Pro12Ala polymorphism was genotyped in 311 subjects who participated in our previous population‐based study. In that study, weight at birth, 7 years, 20 years, and 41 years, and ponderal index at birth and BMI and waist circumference at 41 years were recorded.

Results: The Ala12 allele of the PPARγ2 gene was associated with high ponderal index at birth (2.77 ± 0.27 kg/m3 in subjects with the Ala12Ala genotype, 2.79 ± 0.29 kg/m3 in subjects with the Pro12Ala genotype, and 2.63 ± 0.25 kg/m3 in subjects with the Pro12Pro genotype, p = 0.007, adjusted for gender) and weight at 7 years (p = 0.045) and tended to be associated with high birth weight (p = 0.094). Subjects with this allele gained less weight between 7 and 20 years (p = 0.043) and more weight between 20 and 41 years (p = 0.001) and ended up having higher waist circumference (p = 0.040) in adulthood than did subjects with the Pro12Pro genotype.

Discussion: We conclude that the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ2 gene regulates weight and body composition from utero to adulthood.
Obesity in BSB Mice Is Correlated with Expression of Genes for Iron Homeostasis and Leptin
Authors: Farahani Poupak , Chiu Sally , Bowlus Christopher L. , Boffelli Dario , Lee Eric , Fisler Janis S. , Krauss Ronald M. , Warden Craig H.
Published: April 2008

Objective: We searched for genes whose alleles cause obesity and novel pathways correlated with obesity.

Research Methods and Procedures: BSB mice are a model of complex obesity due to interactions among genes from C57BL/6J (B) and Mus spretus (SPRET) in (B × SPRET) × B backcross mice. Stringent criteria identified 50 genes differentially expressed in epididymal adipose tissue from 7 pairs of lean vs. obese BSB mice. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction of adipose tissue RNA from 48 BSB mice with a range of obesity was assayed. Leptin was evaluated in inbred (SPRET/Ei) and outbred (SPRET/Pt) BSB mice.

Results: Leptin (Lep) and adipsin expressions had the greatest fold differences between obese and lean mice. Four genes involved in iron homeostasis were included in the 50 differentially expressed genes [hemochromatosis (Hfe), diaphorase 1, transferrin receptor (Trfr) 2, and protoporphyrinogen oxidase] and two additional iron‐related genes did not quite meet the stringent criteria for differential expression (Trfr and lactotransferrin). Hfe and Trfr mRNA levels and liver iron were negatively correlated with fat mass. Variation in obesity phenotypes explained 49%, 40%, and 37%, respectively, of the variance in Hfe, Lep, and Trfr mRNA levels. Leptin differed by haplotype at the Lep locus in outbred BSB. The quantitative trait locus identified in the outbred cross did not occur in inbred BSB.

Discussion: Our results suggest that iron homeostasis in BSB mice is coordinately regulated in vivo in adipose depots in response to obesity. Lep alleles derived from outbred, but not inbred, SPRET are a positional candidate for the chromosome 6 quantitative trait locus in BSB mice.
Parental Cultural Perspectives in Relation to Weight‐Related Behaviors and Concerns of African‐American Girls
Authors: Beech Bettina M. , Kumanyika Shiriki K. , Baranowski Tom , Davis Marsha , Robinson Thomas N. , Sherwood Nancy E. , Taylor Wendell C. , Relyea George , Zhou Ainong , Pratt Charlotte , Owens Ayisha , Thompson Nikko S.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine whether cultural perspectives of parents may influence children's eating and physical activity behaviors and patterns of weight gain.

Research Methods and Procedures: African‐American girls (ages 8 to 10 years) and their parents (or caregivers) (n = 210) participated at one of four Girls Health Enrichment Multisite Studies Phase 1 Field Centers. At baseline, parents completed questionnaires adapted from the African‐American Acculturation Scale (AAAS), the Multiethnic Identity Scale (MEIS), and an original question on Global Cultural Identity. Girls’ baseline measures included physical activity assessment by accelerometer, 24‐hour dietary recalls, and questionnaires about body image and weight concerns.

Results: Principal components analysis indicated the expected AAAS and MEIS factor structures, with moderate to good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.61 to 0.82) and some intercorrelation among these measures (r = 0.17 to 0.57). Overall mean (SD) AAAS subscale scores of 4.1 (2.1) and 5.5 (1.8) of a possible 7 and 3.0 (0.9) of a possible 4 on the MEIS indicated, respectively, moderate to high levels of parental African‐American cultural orientation and identity with moderate variability. Parental AAAS and MEIS scores were inversely correlated with girls’ body image discrepancy and weight concern. One AAAS subscale was positively associated with total energy intake and percentage energy from fat. Overall, however, parental AAAS and MEIS scores were unrelated or inconsistently related to girls’ physical activity and diet measures.

Discussion: The AAAS and MEIS measures had acceptable psychometric properties, except for weight concern, but did not give a consistent picture of how parental perspectives related to the girls’ baseline attitudes and behaviors.
Physical Activity among African‐American Girls: The Role of Parents and the Home Environment
Authors: Adkins Sarah , Sherwood Nancy E. , Story Mary , Davis Marsha
Published: April 2008

Objectives: African‐American girls are at increased risk for becoming overweight. Increased physical activity may prevent this. This study examines measurements of girls’ physical activity and associations with: BMI, parent's reported self‐efficacy and support for helping daughters be active, girl's perceived support from parents for physical activity, parent's and girl's perceived neighborhood safety and access to facilities, and family environment.

Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐two 8‐ to 10‐year‐old African‐American girls and their primary caregiver in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area participated in the Girls Health Enrichment Multisite Studies pilot intervention to prevent weight gain by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Data collected included height, weight, physical activity level, and physical activity‐related psychosocial measures from girl and parent. Girls wore an activity monitor for 3 days to assess activity level. Correlations were computed among the average minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity between 12 pm and 6 pm and BMI and psychosocial measures.

Results: BMI was inversely correlated with moderate to vigorous activity (r = −0.35, p < 0.01), whereas parent's self‐efficacy for supporting daughter to be active was positively correlated with activity (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). There was a trend for parent's reported support of daughter's activity level to be associated with activity (r = 0.26, p < 0.06). Girl's perception of parent's support for physical activity, perceived neighborhood safety and access to facilities, and family environment were not associated with girl's activity levels.

Discussion: Interventions to increase physical activity among preadolescent African‐American girls may benefit from a parental component to encourage support and self‐efficacy for daughters’ physical activity.
The Obesity Pandemic: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Roth Jesse , Qiang Xiaoling , Marbán Sharon Lee , Redelt Henry , Lowell Barbara C.
Published: April 2008

Obesity, a new pandemic, is associated with an increased risk of death, morbidity, and accelerated aging. The multiple therapeutic modalities used to promote weight loss are outlined with caution, especially for patients who are very young or old. Except for very rare single gene defects, the inheritance of obesity is complex and still poorly understood, despite active investigations. Recent advances that have shed light on the pathophysiology of obesity are the recognition that 1) excess fat is deposited in liver, muscle, and pancreatic islets; 2) fat tissue secretes a large number of active signaling molecules including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, as well as free fatty acids; and 3) activated macrophages colonize the adipose tissue. Other candidates for key roles in the causes and consequences of obesity include 1) metabolic programming, where food acts as a developmental regulator; 2) the constellation of defects known as the “metabolic syndrome;” 3) cortisol overproduction in the adipose tissue; and especially, 4) insulin resistance. The possible etiologies of insulin resistance include cytokine excess, elevated free fatty acids, and hyperinsulinemia itself, as with transgenic overproduction of insulin in mice.