bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity in Insulin Receptor Substrate‐2–Deficient Mice: Disrupted Control of Arcuate Nucleus Neuropeptides
Authors: Masaki Takayuki , Chiba Seiichi , Noguchi Hitoshi , Yasuda Tohru , Tobe Kazuyuki , Suzuki Ryo , Kadowaki Takashi , Yoshimatsu Hironobu
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Disturbances in insulin signaling have been shown to induce obesity and/or hyperphagia in brain insulin receptor or insulin receptor substrate‐2 (IRS‐2) knockout (KO) mice. This study aimed to examine the central and peripheral mechanisms underlying the phenotype in IRS‐2 KO mice.

Research Methods and Procedures: We measured the histological characterization of adipose tissues, mRNA levels of pro‐opiomelanocortin, agouti‐related protein, and neuropeptide Y in the hypothalamus and uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in peripheral tissues of IRS‐2 KO mice.

Results: Female IRS‐2 KO mice showed increased daily food intake. Body weight and adiposity were increased in both sexes, although these differences were more pronounced in female than in male IRS‐2 KO mice. Both male and female IRS‐2 KO mice showed decreased UCP1 mRNA expression in brown adipose tissue with defective thermoregulation, and UCP2 mRNA expression was increased in the white adipose tissue of female knockout mice. Furthermore, arcuate nucleus mRNA expression of pro‐opiomelanocortin, was decreased in both male and female IRS‐2 KO mice, whereas expression of agouti‐related protein and neuropeptide Y were increased in female IRS‐2 KO mice.

Discussion: In IRS‐2 KO mice, disrupted control of hypothalamic neuropeptide levels and UCP mRNA expression may contribute to the development of obesity.
Control of Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor γ2 Stability and Activity by SUMOylation
Authors: Floyd Z. Elizabeth , Stephens Jacqueline M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine whether small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO)ylation of lysine 107 plays a role in regulating the activity of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ).

Research Methods and Procedures: Transient expression of wild‐type and K107R‐PPARγ2 in the NIH 3T3 fibroblast cell line was carried out in conjunction with half‐life studies, luciferase activity assays, and indirect immunofluorescence localization studies. Additional in vitro analysis was carried out using recombinant SUMOylation pathway proteins along with in vitro transcribed and translated wild‐type or K107R‐PPARγ2 to examine the SUMO‐1 modification state of wild‐type and SUMO‐deficient K107R‐PPARγ2.

Results: While examining PPARγ2 for potential ubiquitylation sites, we identified a strong consensus site for SUMO modification that contains lysine 107. In vitro, SUMOylation studies showed that lysine 107 of PPARγ2 is a major SUMOylation site and that at least one other SUMOylation site is present in PPARγ. In addition, our results demonstrated that SUMO‐1 affects PPARγ stability and transcriptional activity but not the nuclear localization of PPARγ.

Discussion: These results indicated that SUMOylation plays a role in regulating PPARγ, both indirectly and directly by modification of lysine 107. Because PPARγ is regulated in numerous animal models of obesity, understanding the covalent modifications of PPARγ may enhance our understanding of the metabolic syndrome.
Leukocyte Migration in Adipose Tissue of Mice Null for ICAM‐1 and Mac‐1 Adhesion Receptors
Authors: Robker Rebecca L. , Collins Robert G. , Beaudet Arthur L. , Mersmann Harry J. , Smith C. Wayne
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine whether the leukocyte adhesion receptors ICAM‐1 and Mac‐1, regulators of immune cell migration, have an intrinsic role within adipose tissue by 1) analyzing the expression of ICAM‐1 in adipose tissue, 2) identifying leukocyte populations within adipose tissue, and 3) determining whether ICAM‐1 and Mac‐1 mutant mice exhibit abnormal numbers of adipose tissue leukocytes.

Research Methods and Procedures: Wild‐type, ICAM‐1−/−, and Mac‐1−/− mice were fed a long‐term high‐fat diet. ICAM‐1 expression was analyzed by Northern blot and immunohistochemistry. Leukocytes within adipose tissue were identified by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results: ICAM‐1 was expressed in adipose tissue and localized to the vascular endothelium. Macrophages and lymphocytes were prevalent within the stromal‐vascular cell fraction of adipose tissue, and gender‐specific differences were observed, with adipose tissue from female mice containing significantly more macrophages than tissue from male mice. Numbers of leukocytes in ICAM‐1−/− and Mac‐1−/− mice were not different from wild‐types, however, indicating that these adhesion receptors are not required for leukocyte migration into adipose tissue.

Discussion: Our results documented leukocyte populations within adipose tissue, which may be involved in the development of heightened inflammation that is characteristic of obesity.
High Prepregnancy BMI Increases the Risk of Postpartum Anemia
Authors: Bodnar Lisa M. , Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Cogswell Mary E.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To assess the independent effect of prepregnancy BMI on the risk of postpartum anemia.

Research Methods and Procedures: Pregnant women from North Carolina who enrolled in the Iron Supplementation Study at their first prenatal visit at <20 weeks gestation and who delivered a live infant were followed to the postpartum visit (n = 439). BMI had a curvilinear relation in the logit of postpartum anemia; therefore, a restricted quadratic spline with three knots at the inflection points was used to specify BMI. Multiple log binomial regression was used to quantify the relation between prepregnancy BMI and postpartum anemia after adjusting for maternal ethnicity/race, education, smoking, initial hemoglobin concentration, and prenatal iron supplementation.

Results: Prevalence of postpartum anemia was 19.1%. After adjusting for confounders, we found that risk of postpartum anemia was similar for women with BMI values from 17 to 24 compared with women with a BMI of 20. Adjusted relative risk increased as BMI increased from 24 to 38. Women with a BMI of 28 had ∼1.8 times the postpartum anemia risk of a woman with a BMI of 20 (95% confidence interval 1.3, 2.5), and obese women with a BMI of 36 had ∼2.8 times the risk (95% confidence interval 1.7, 4.7).

Discussion: These data suggest that high prepregnancy BMI substantially increases the risk of postpartum anemia. Postpartum anemia screening and iron supplementation of overweight and obese women may be warranted.
Gender, Race, and Obesity‐Related Quality of Life at Extreme Levels of Obesity
Authors: White Marney A. , O'Neil Patrick M. , Kolotkin Ronette L. , Byrne T. Karl
Published: April 2008

Objective: Research investigating obesity‐related quality of life (QOL) has shown that at increasing levels of overweight, individuals report more impaired QOL. Further, some research has indicated that white women suffer more impairment than men and African Americans. The current study sought to expand the existing literature by investigating an extreme subsample of the obese population. It was expected that participants in the current study would report more impaired obesity‐related QOL than in previous research conducted with less obese individuals. It was also hypothesized that race and gender groups would differ in obesity‐related QOL and that the relationship between degree of overweight and QOL would not be consistent across race and gender groups.

Research Methods and Procedures: Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Lite Version data were collected from 512 individuals seeking gastric bypass surgery (mean BMI = 53.3)

Results: Results confirmed the study hypotheses. In general, white women reported the most QOL impairment, despite having significantly lower BMI than other race/gender groups. Compared with previous studies, the observed relationships between BMI and QOL were somewhat attenuated.

Discussion: Various domains of QOL may be differentially affected by degree of obesity; these relationships are not homogeneous throughout the obese population.
Resistin, Adiponectin, Ghrelin, Leptin, and Proinflammatory Cytokines: Relationships in Obesity
Authors: Vendrell Joan , Broch Montserrat , Vilarrasa Nuria , Molina Ana , Gómez Jose Manuel , Gutiérrez Cristina , Simón Immaculada , Soler Joan , Richart Cristóbal
Published: April 2008

Objective: To evaluate interactions among leptin, adiponectin, resistin, ghrelin, and proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)] in nonmorbid and morbid obesity.

Research Methods and Procedures: We measured these hormones by immunoenzyme or radiometric assays in 117 nonmorbid and 57 morbidly obese patients, and in a subgroup of 34 morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after gastric bypass surgery. Insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment, lipid profile, and anthropometrical measurements were also performed in all patients.

Results: Average plasma lipids in morbidly obese patients were elevated. IL‐6, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were increased and ghrelin was decreased in morbidly obese compared with nonmorbidly obese subjects. After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI in nonmorbidly obese, adiponectin was positively associated with HDLc and gender and negatively with weight (β = −0.38, p < 0.001). Leptin and resistin correlated positively with soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) 1 (β = 0.24, p = 0.01 and β = 0.28, p = 0.007). In the morbidly obese patients, resistin and ghrelin were positively associated with sTNFR2 (β = 0.39, p = 0.008 and β = 0.39, p = 0.01). In the surgically treated morbidly obese group, body weight decreased significantly and was best predicted by resistin concentrations before surgery (β = 0.45, p = 0.024). Plasma lipids, insulin resistance, leptin, sTNFR1, and IL‐6 decreased and adiponectin and ghrelin increased significantly. Insulin resistance improved after weight loss and correlated with high adiponectin levels.

Discussion: TNFα receptors were involved in the regulatory endocrine system of body adiposity independently of leptin and resistin axis in nonmorbidly obese patients. Our results suggest coordinated roles of adiponectin, resistin, and ghrelin in the modulation of the obesity proinflammatory environment and that resistin levels before surgery treatment are predictive of the extent of weight loss after bypass surgery.
The Effect of CYP19 and COMT Polymorphisms on Exercise‐Induced Fat Loss in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Tworoger Shelley S. , Chubak Jessica , Aiello Erin J. , Yasui Yutaka , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Farin Federico M. , Stapleton Patricia L. , Irwin Melinda L. , Potter John D. , Schwartz Robert S. , McTiernan Anne
Published: April 2008

Objective:To examine whether genetic polymorphisms in CYP19 [intron 4 (TTTA)n; n = 7 to 13 and a 3‐base pair deletion, which is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the seven repeat] and COMT (Val108/158Met) modified the change in BMI, total and percentage body fat, or subcutaneous and intra‐abdominal fat during a year‐long exercise intervention trial. These genes metabolize estrogens and androgens, which are important in body fat regulation.

Research Methods and Procedures: A randomized intervention trial was used, with an intervention goal of 225 min/wk of moderate‐intensity exercise for one year. Participants (n = 173) were postmenopausal, 50 to 75 years old, sedentary, overweight or obese, and not taking hormone therapy at baseline.

Results: Exercisers with two vs. no CYP19 11‐repeat alleles had a larger decrease in total fat (−3.1 kg vs. −0.5 kg, respectively, p = 0.01) and percentage body fat (−2.4% vs. −0.6%, respectively, p = 0.001). Exercisers with the COMT Met/Met vs. Val/Val genotype had a smaller decrease in percentage fat (−0.7% vs. −1.9%, respectively, p = 0.05). Among exercisers, women with the COMT Val/Val genotype and at least one copy of the CYP19 11‐repeat allele vs. those with neither genotype/allele had a significantly larger decrease in BMI (−1.0 vs. +0.1 kg/m2, respectively, p = 0.009), total fat (−2.9 vs. −0.5 kg, respectively, p = 0.004), and percentage body fat (−2.6% vs. −0.4%, respectively, p < 0.001).

Discussion: Genetic polymorphisms in CYP19 and COMT may be important for body fat regulation and possibly modify the effect of exercise on fat loss in postmenopausal women.
Efficiency of Walking and Stepping: Relationship to Body Fatness
Authors: Chen Kong Y. , Acra Sari A. , Donahue Candice L. , Sun Ming , Buchowski Maciej S.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine energetic efficiency of walking and stepping in a heterogeneous normal adult population and its association with body fatness and to assess within‐ and between‐individual variations.

Research Methods and Procedures: Using a combination of a whole‐room indirect calorimeter and a large precision force platform, we simultaneously measured minute‐by‐minute energy expenditure (EE) and mechanical work during walking and stepping in healthy adult men (n = 60) and women (n = 85). Efficiency was calculated as a ratio (percentage) of mechanical work and EE of activity. Efficiency of walking and stepping performed at various intensities was compared for reproducibility within the same day (morning and afternoon) and correlated with a subject's characteristics.

Results: The efficiency of walking was negatively correlated with body fatness in both men and women at 0.9 to 1.2 m/s but positively correlated with body fatness in men and not correlated in women at the slowest speed tested (0.6 m/s). Efficiency of walking and stepping of various intensities was reproducible during the same day. Compared at similar EE levels, walking was more efficient than stepping (26% to 27% vs. 18% to 22%, p < 0.01). Women were significantly (p < 0.01) more efficient than men during stepping. Age, sex, body mass, fat‐free mass, fitness (maximal oxygen uptake), height, and speed variations contributed to the between‐subject differences in efficiency.

Discussion: Obese individuals were less efficient than lean individuals during normal‐speed walking. Significant interindividual variations in efficiency of walking and stepping may be attributed to habituation and physical characteristics such as age, sex, and fitness level.
Computerized Determination of Adipocyte Size
Authors: Björnheden Tom , Jakubowicz Bozena , Levin Max , Odén Birgitta , Edén Staffan , Sjöström Lars , Lönn Malin
Published: April 2008

Objective: Fat cell size is a fundamental parameter in the study of adipose tissue metabolism, because it markedly influences the cellular rates of metabolism. Previous techniques for the sizing of adipocytes are often complicated or time‐consuming. The aim of this study was to develop a new, computerized method for rapid and accurate determination of adipocyte size in a cell suspension obtained by incubating human or rat adipose tissue biopsies with collagenase.

Research Methods and Procedures: The cell suspension was placed between a siliconized glass slide and a cover slip. Using the reference method [designated as (R)], the cell diameters were determined manually using a microscope with a calibrated ocular. The new method presented here [designated as (C)] was based on computerized image analysis.

Results: After two well‐defined corrective adjustments, measurements with (R) and (C) agreed very well. The small remaining differences seemed, in fact, to depend on inconsistencies in (R).

Discussion: We propose that (C) constitutes a valuable tool to study fat cell size, because this method is fast and allows the assessment of a sufficient number of cells to get reliable data on size distribution. Furthermore, images of cell preparations may be stored for future reference.
The IL‐6 Gene G‐174C Polymorphism Related to Health Indices in Greek Primary School Children
Authors: Dedoussis George V.Z. , Manios Yannis , Choumerianou Despoina M. , Yiannakouris Nikos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Skenderi Katerina , Zampelas Antonis
Published: April 2008

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed in many tissues. A polymorphism in the IL‐6 gene, associated with differences in IL‐6 transcription rate, has been recently described. Subjects with the −174GG genotype are prone to lipid abnormalities. We investigated the effect of the G‐174C IL‐6 polymorphism on health indices and lipid values of 184 Greek primary school children. The genotype distribution of the polymorphism was 37.5% for GG and 52.2% and 10.3% for GC and CC, respectively. No differences were observed between genotype distribution and gender (p = 0.37). Boys homozygous for the G allele showed higher triglyceride levels than boys carrying the C allele (86 ± 28 vs. 74 ± 20 mg/dL, p = 0.02) and lower mid‐upper arm muscle circumference (17.46 ± 1.86 vs. 18.91 ± 2.53 cm, p = 0.013). In addition, girls homozygous for the G allele had higher values for suprailiac skinfolds compared with those bearing the C allele (21.28 ± 12.56 vs. 17.09 ± 13.36 mm, p = 0.06). These findings were confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis, after controlling for age, sex, BMI, energy and total fat intake, and weekly physical activity. From the results of the present study, we concluded that individuals homozygous for G allele on the IL‐6 gene have higher values in some parameters associated with obesity.
Body Fat and Fat‐Free Mass and All‐Cause Mortality
Authors: Bigaard Janne , Frederiksen Kirsten , Tjønneland Anne , Thomsen Birthe Lykke , Overvad Kim , Heitmann Berit Lillienthal , Sørensen Thorkild I.A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate whether the association between BMI and all‐cause mortality could be disentangled into opposite effects of body fat and fat‐free mass (FFM).

Research Methods and Procedures: All‐cause mortality was studied in the Danish follow‐up study “Diet, Cancer and Health” with 27, 178 men and 29, 875 women 50 to 64 years old recruited from 1993 to 1997. By the end of year 2001, the median follow‐up was 5.8 years, and 1851 had died. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Cox regression models were used to estimate the relationships among body fat mass index (body fat mass divided by height squared), FFM index (FFM divided by height squared), and mortality. All analyses were adjusted for smoking habits.

Results: Men and women showed similar associations. J‐shaped associations were found between body fat mass index and mortality adjusted for FFM and smoking. The mortality rate ratios in the upper part of body fat mass were 1.12 per kg/m2 (95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.18) in men and 1.06 per kg/m2 (95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.10) in women. Reversed J‐shaped associations were found between FFM index and mortality with a tendency to level off for high values of FFM.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that BMI represents joint but opposite associations of body fat and FFM with mortality. Both high body fat and low FFM are independent predictors of all‐cause mortality.
Lean and Weight Stable: Behavioral Predictors and Psychological Correlates
Authors: Davison Kirsten Krahnstoever , Birch Leann Lipps
Published: April 2008

Objective: To examine behavioral characteristics associated with being lean and weight stable during adulthood.

Research Methods and Procedures: Participants included 165 white married couples who were part of a larger longitudinal study. Participants’ height and weight were measured on three occasions at 2‐year intervals. Men and women were classified as being lean and weight stable (the target group) if they had a BMI < 25 at baseline and maintained their weight within 5% of baseline at 2nd and 4th year follow‐up. Individuals not fulfilling these criteria were included in the comparison group. Group differences in background characteristics including childhood weight status, BMI at each occasion, dieting history, and mental and physical health history were examined. In addition, multiple measures of dietary intake and physical activity were obtained and used to predict the likelihood of being in the target group.

Results: Men (N = 22) and women (N = 36) in the target group had lower mean BMI scores at each occasion, were less overweight during childhood, were less likely to have dieted in the past year, and rated themselves as being more healthy than men and women in the comparison group. No differences were identified in mental health. Relative to the comparison group, women in the target group reported higher levels of physical activity and higher levels of physical activity among their spouses, and men in the target group reported healthier dietary patterns.

Discussion: Results from this study suggest that being lean and weight stable in adulthood is linked to childhood weight status in combination with dietary and activity patterns during adulthood.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Morbidly Obese Women: Pilot Study
Authors: Kapoor Dharmesh S. , Davila G. Willy , Rosenthal Raul J. , Ghoniem Gamal M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity on pelvic floor function in women.

Research Methods and Procedures: This was a prospective controlled study of 20 morbidly obese female patients planning to undergo gastric bypass surgery and 20 age‐matched female controls. Subjects completed symptom and impact questionnaires, including the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), the Kobashi Prolapse Symptom Inventory and Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (PSI‐QOL), and Index of Female Sexual Function. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon or ratio χ2 tests.

Results: Mean weight was 295.7 ± 87.9 lbs in the study group and 144.79 ± 33.07 lbs in the control group. Mean BMI was 52.65 ±14.49 kg/m2 in the study group and 25.11 ± 5.27 kg/m2 in the control group. According to the IIQ‐7, urinary incontinence significantly affected lifestyle in the study group. The total IIQ‐7 score was also significantly affected in the study group (p = 0.03). The UDI indicated more urinary leakage with activity (p = 0.04) and more incidents of small amounts of leakage (p = 0.02) in the study group. According to the PSI‐QOL, women in the study group experienced constipation more often because of difficulty in emptying the rectum (p = 0.04). The PSI‐QOL score was higher in the study group (6.75 ± 6.84) than in the control group (2.65 ± 3.03; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between groups regarding sexual function.

Discussion: Morbid obesity is associated with a significant negative impact on urogenital health. Sexual function did not seem to be affected in women who are morbidly obese.
The Role of Overweight and Obesity in Calcium Oxalate Stone Formation
Authors: Siener Roswitha , Glatz Sara , Nicolay Claudia , Hesse Albrecht
Published: April 2008

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of overweight and obesity on the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.

Research Methods and Procedures: BMI, 24‐hour urine, and serum parameters were evaluated in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers (363 men and 164 women) without medical or dietetic pretreatment.

Results: Overweight and obesity were present in 59.2% of the men and in 43.9% of the women in the study population. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between BMI and urinary uric acid, sodium, ammonium, and phosphate excretion and an inverse correlation between BMI and urinary pH in both men and women, whereas BMI was associated with urinary oxalate excretion only among women and with urinary calcium excretion only among men. Serum uric acid and creatinine concentrations were correlated with BMI in both genders. Because no association was established between BMI and urinary volume, magnesium, and citrate excretion, inhibitors of calcium oxalate stone formation, the risk of stone formation increased significantly with increasing BMI among both men and women with urolithiasis (p = 0.015). The risk of calcium oxalate stone formation, median number of stone episodes, and frequency of diet‐related diseases were highest in overweight and obese men.

Discussion: Overweight and obesity are strongly associated with an elevated risk of stone formation in both genders due to an increased urinary excretion of promoters but not inhibitors of calcium oxalate stone formation. Overweight and obese men are more prone to stone formation than overweight women.
Effects of Dinner Composition on Postprandial Macronutrient Oxidation in Prepubertal Girls
Authors: Maffeis Claudio , Schutz Yves , Chini Lorenza , Grezzani Alessandra , Piccoli Rita , Tatò Luciano
Published: April 2008

Objective: To see whether a fat‐rich (50%) evening meal promoted fat oxidation and a different spontaneous food intake on the following day at breakfast than a meal with a lower fat content (20%) in 10 prepubertal obese girls.

Research Methods and Procedures: The postabsorptive and postprandial (10.5 hours) energy expenditure after a low‐fat (LF) (20% fat, 68% carbohydrate, 12% protein) and an isocaloric (2.1 MJ) and isoproteic high‐fat (HF; 50% fat, 38% carbohydrate, 12% protein) meal were measured by in direct calorimetry.

Results: Fat oxidation was not significantly different after the two meals [LF, 31 ± 9 vs. HF, 35 ± 9 g/10.5 hours, p = not significant (NS)]. The girls oxidized 1.8 ± 0.9 times more fat than that ingested (11.1 grams) with the LF meal vs. 0.3 ± 0.3 times more fat than that ingested (27.1 grams) with the HF meal (p < 0.001). Carbohydrate oxidation was significantly higher after an LF than an HF meal (39 ± 12 vs. 29 ± 9 g/10.5 hours, p < 0, 05). At breakfast, the girls spontaneously ingested a similar amount of energy (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6 MJ, p = NS) and macronutrient proportions (fat, 23% vs. 26%, p = NS; protein, 9% vs. 10%; carbohydrate, 68% vs. 64%,) independently of their having eaten an HF or an LF dinner.

Discussion: An HF dinner did not stimulate fat oxidation, and no compensatory effect in spontaneous food intake was observed during breakfast the following morning. Cumulated total fat oxidation after dinner was higher than total fat ingested at dinner, but a much larger negative fat balance was observed after the LF meal. Spontaneous energy and nutrient intakes at breakfast were similar after LF and HF isocaloric, isoproteic dinners. This study points out the lack of sensitivity of short‐term fat balance to subsequently readjust fat intake and emphasizes the importance of an LF meal to avoid transient positive fat imbalance.
Race Differences in Accuracy of Self‐Reported Childhood Body Size Among White and Black Women
Authors: Field Alison E. , Franko Debra L. , Striegel‐Moore Ruth H. , Schreiber George B. , Crawford Patricia B. , Daniels Stephen R.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To assess the relation of self‐reported current and recalled preadolescent body size to measured BMI (kilograms per meter squared) and interviewer's assessment of body size.

Research Methods and Procedures: This was a prospective cohort study of 1890 white and black women who were 9 to 10 years old at time of enrollment and were followed up 10 to 13 years later. At baseline, subjects had their weight and height measured and were asked to indicate their current body size from a series of nine pictograms. A sample of the subjects also had their body size evaluated by interviewers. At the young‐adult follow‐up visit, subjects were asked to recall their body size at 9 and 10 years old and to indicate their current weight, height, body size, and level of concern with weight.

Results: Among the women with interviewer assessments, 84% of the white women and 67% of black women recalled a body size that was within one body size of the interviewer's assessment. Independent of weight status in childhood or at follow‐up, black women were 3 times more likely than white women to recall a body figure that was more than one figure leaner than the shape they reported at baseline (odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval 2.8 to 4.5) or than the interviewer's rating at baseline (odds ratio = 3.4, 95% confidence interval 2.4 to 4.9).

Discussion: The results suggest that the use of body figures to recall childhood size are best suited for ranking subjects in terms of BMI. The higher rate of underestimation of size by black women suggests that body figure ratings work best for white women.
Effect of a Dietary Herbal Supplement Containing Caffeine and Ephedra on Weight, Metabolic Rate, and Body Composition*
Authors: Greenway Frank L. , de Jonge Lilian , Blanchard Damian , Frisard Madlyn , Smith Steven R.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement containing herbal caffeine (70 mg/dose) and ephedra (24 mg/dose; C&E) on metabolic rate, weight loss, body composition, and safety parameters.

Research Methods and Procedures: In phase I, 12 healthy subjects with a BMI of 25 to 35 kg/m2 had resting metabolic rate (RMR) measured for 2 hours after ingesting C&E or a placebo on two occasions 1 week apart, followed by a 1‐week washout before phase II. In phase II, these 12 and 28 additional subjects were randomized to a 12‐week, double‐blind trial comparing C&E (3 times/day) to placebo. In phase III, the C&E group was given open‐label C&E for 3 months, and the placebo group was given C&E for 6 months.

Results: In phase I, C&E gave an average 8 ± 0.1% (SE) rise in RMR over 2 hours compared with placebo (p < 0.01). In phase II, weight loss at 12 weeks was 3.5 ± 0.6 kg with C&E compared with 0.8 ± 0.5 kg with placebo (p < 0.02). The percentage fat lost, shown by DXA, was 7.9 ± 2.9% with C&E and 1.9 ± 1.1% with placebo (p < 0.05). Pulse decreased more in the placebo group that in the C&E group (p < 0.03). There were no differences in lipid levels or blood pressure. In phase III, there was a 6‐month loss of 7.3% and 7.8% of initial body weight for the groups on placebo and C&E during phase II, respectively. There were no serious adverse events.

Discussion: C&E increased RMR significantly by 8% compared with placebo, promoted more weight and fat loss than placebo, and was well tolerated.
Postexercise Muscle Triacylglycerol and Glycogen Metabolism in Obese Insulin‐Resistant Zucker Rats
Authors: Bruce Clinton R. , Lee Jong Sam , Kiens Bente , Hawley John A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine the impact of insulin resistance and obesity on muscle triacylglycerol (IMTG) and glycogen metabolism during and after prolonged exercise.

Research Methods and Procedures: Female lean (fa/?; N = 40, ZL) and obese insulin‐resistant (fa/fa; N = 40, ZO) Zucker rats performed an acute bout of swimming exercise (8 times for 30 minutes) followed by 6 hours of carbohydrate supplementation (CHO) or fasting (FAST). IMTG and glycogen were measured in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and red vastus lateralis (RVL) muscles.

Results: Despite resting IMTG content being 4‐fold higher in ZO compared with ZL rats, IMTG levels were unchanged in either EDL or RVL muscles immediately after exercise. Resting glycogen concentration in EDL and RVL muscles was similar between genotypes, with exercise resulting in glycogen use in both muscles from ZL rats (∼85%, p < 0.05). However, in ZO rats, there was a much smaller decrease in postexercise glycogen content in both EDL and RVL muscles (∼30%). During postexercise recovery, there was a decrease in EDL muscle levels of IMTG in ZL rats supplemented with CHO after 30 and 360 minutes (p < 0.05). In contrast, IMTG content was increased above resting levels in RVL muscles of ZO rats fasted for 360 minutes. Six hours of CHO refeeding restored glycogen content to resting levels in both muscles in ZL rats. However, after 6 hours of FAST in ZO animals, RVL muscle glycogen content was still lower than resting levels (p < 0.05). At this time, IMTG levels were elevated above basal (p < 0.05).

Discussion: In both healthy and insulin‐resistant skeletal muscle, there was negligible net IMTG degradation after a single bout of prolonged exercise. However, during postexercise recovery, there was differential metabolism of IMTG between phenotypes.
Addressing the Unmet Medical Need for Safe and Effective Weight Loss Therapies
Authors: Arbeeny Cynthia M.
Published: April 2008

Obesity is a significant healthcare problem worldwide and increases the risk of developing debilitating diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Although the health benefits of weight reduction are well‐recognized, weight loss by diet and exercise fail in most patients, and the current marketed drugs have had limited success. It is clear that there is a significant unmet medical need for safe and effective weight‐reducing agents. In this review, the current status of potential weight loss approaches that are in development by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry are discussed. This should lead to novel treatments that can be used long‐term to effectively treat this serious metabolic disorder.
Association of Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor and β3‐Adrenergic Receptor Polymorphisms with Midlife Weight Gain
Authors: Koda Michiko , Ando Fujiko , Niino Naoakira , Shimokata Hiroshi , Miyasaka Kyoko , Funakoshi Akihiro
Published: April 2008

We investigated the relationship of polymorphisms in the cholecystokinin 1 receptor [CCK1R; G to T (n‐128), A to G (n‐81)] and the β3‐adrenergic receptor (β3‐AR; Trp64Arg) with midlife weight gain. The participants were 1012 Japanese men and women (40 to 59 years of age). Their weight at 18 years old was obtained from a questionnaire. Weight change was defined as the current weight minus the weight at 18 years old. Subjects were grouped into four categories by these genotypes: W/W = noncarriers, W/H = Arg64 carriers of the β3‐AR, H/W = T (n‐128) or G (n‐81) carriers of the CCK1R, H/H = T (n‐128) or G (n‐81) and Arg64 carriers. In men, the interaction between the CCK1R and β3‐AR polymorphisms was significant (two‐way ANOVA, p < 0.05), but neither the CCK1R nor the β3‐AR was individually associated with weight gain. The H/H group showed a higher possibility of weight gain of 10 kg or more compared with the W/W group in men. The odds ratio for weight gain (≥10 kg) of H/H was 2.54 (95% confidence interval: 1.50 to 4.30) compared with W/W. In women, neither main effect nor interaction was significant. These results suggest that the combination of CCK1R and the β3‐AR polymorphisms is a contributing factor for midlife weight gain in men.
A Survey of Genes Differentially Expressed in Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue in Men*
Authors: Vohl Marie‐Claude , Sladek Rob , Robitaille Julie , Gurd Scott , Marceau Picard , Richard Denis , Hudson Thomas J. , Tchernof André
Published: April 2008

Adipose tissue located within the abdominal cavity has been suggested to be functionally and metabolically distinct from that of the subcutaneous compartment. These differences could play a role in obesity‐related complications. The aim of this study was to compare gene expression profiles of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues of 10 nondiabetic, normolipidemic obese men. Affymetrix human U133A arrays (10 arrays for subcutaneous fat samples and 10 arrays for visceral fat samples) were used. Differential gene expression was confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in a subset of genes. A total of 5894 transcripts were detected in both depots in all 10 subjects, and 409 transcripts representing 347 encoded genes were differentially expressed. Of these, 131 genes were expressed at higher levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue, and 216 were expressed more abundantly in visceral fat. Differentially expressed profiles included genes of the Wnt signaling pathway, as well as CEPBA and HOX genes. In addition, genes involved in lipolytic stimuli and cytokine secretion were differentially expressed. The identification of a consistent and rather uniform pattern of differentially expressed genes between the two fat depots using multiple array replicates (10 arrays per fat compartment) generated new perspectives for future research on regional differences in adipose tissue biology.
Intestinal Electric Stimulation Decreases Fat Absorption in Rats: Therapeutic Potential for Obesity
Authors: Sun Ying , Chen Jiande
Published: April 2008

Objective: Effective treatment of obesity is based on the restriction of food intake or reduction of absorption or both. The aim of this study was to study whether intestinal electric stimulation (IES) would reduce fat absorption and, thus, would be a potential therapy for obesity.

Research Methods and Procedures: Forty rats implanted with serosal electrodes and two jejunal cannulas were divided into 4 groups of 10 each: control (no stimulation), IES with long pulses, IES with trains of short pulses, and IES with trains of short pulses plus treatment with lidocaine. Jejunal transit and fat absorption of a 20‐cm jejunal segment (between two cannulas) were investigated during a 45‐minute period with or without IES.

Results: It was found that both methods of IES accelerated intestinal transit measured by recovery of phenol red and increased the percentage of triglycerides recovered from the distal cannula in comparison with the control group. IES with trains of short pulses was more effective than IES with long pulses in accelerating jejunal transit and reducing fat absorption. Neither of the two IES methods altered the output of fatty acids from the distal cannula. The effects of IES with trains of short pulses on the transit and fat absorption were partially abolished with the treatment of lidocaine.

Discussion: It was concluded that IES accelerates intestinal transit and reduces fat absorption, suggesting a therapeutic potential for obesity. IES with trains of short pulses is more effective than IES with long pulses, and its effects are partially mediated by enteric nerves, jejunum.
Plasma Adiponectin Levels and Metabolic Factors in Nondiabetic Adolescents
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Chin , Lue Bee‐Horng , Yen Ruoh‐Fang , Shen Christopher G. , Ho Shiuh‐Rong , Tai Tong‐Yuan , Yang Wei‐Shiung
Published: April 2008

Objectives: The relationship of plasma adiponectin levels with various anthropometric and metabolic factors has been surveyed extensively in adults. However, how plasma adiponectin levels are related to various anthropometric indices and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents is not as vigorously studied. In this study, we investigated this among healthy nondiabetic adolescents.

Research Methods and Procedures: Two hundred thirty nondiabetic subjects (125 boys and 105 girls, ∼10 to 19 years old) were included. The plasma adiponectin, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipids and anthropometric indices including body height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were examined. Body fat mass (FM) and percentage were obtained from DXA scan. The homeostasis model assessment was applied to estimate the degree of insulin resistance.

Results: The plasma adiponectin levels were significantly higher in girls (30.79 ± 14.48 μg/mL) than boys (22.87 ± 11.41 μg/mL). The plasma adiponectin levels were negatively related to BMI, FM, FM percentage, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, insulin resistance, plasma insulin, triglycerides, and uric acid levels, but positively with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) with the adjustment for age and gender. Using different multivariate linear regression models, only age and HDL‐C were consistently related to the plasma adiponectin levels after adjustment for the other variables.

Discussion: The relationship between plasma adiponectin and various anthropometric indices and metabolic factors, especially HDL‐C, previously reported in adults was present in the healthy nondiabetic adolescents. Whether variation of plasma adiponectin levels in healthy nondiabetic adolescents may influence their future coronary artery disease risk warrants further investigation.
Prevalence of Overweight among Inner City Hispanic‐American Children and Adolescents
Authors: Mirza Nazrat M. , Kadow Kathleen , Palmer Matilde , Solano Heidi , Rosche Claire , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: National surveys have pointed to a particularly high risk of pediatric overweight among U.S. Hispanics. However, the data have been primarily from the Mexican‐American community. We studied the prevalence of overweight and clinical comorbidities in children and youth of predominantly El Salvadoran ancestry.

Research Methods and Procedures: A sample of 309 Hispanic youth, 6–18 years was surveyed from two inner city Washington, DC, clinics. BMI; triceps skinfold (TSF) and subscapular skinfold thickness (SSSF); bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA); and blood pressure measures were obtained, along with information regarding physical activity, sedentary behavior, dietary history, family, and personal medical history.

Results: Thirty‐eight percent were overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and 22% at risk for overweight (BMI 85–94th percentile). Thirty‐four percent had TSF ≥ 90th percentile and 29% had SSSF ≥ 90th percentile. Fifty‐one percent of males and 70% of females had body fat > 30%. Compared to their nonoverweight counterparts, overweight youth had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (111.4 ± 1.3 vs. 104.5 ± 0.9 mm Hg, p < 0.0001). Among children younger than 11 years, overweight was associated with onset of adrenarche (23% vs. 10%, p = 0.01). Participation in one or more sports teams was negatively correlated with overweight) p = 0.04).

Discussion: The prevalence of overweight and at risk for overweight in this sample was twice the national average for U.S. children and 1.7 times greater than that of Mexican‐American children in national surveys. Overweight was associated with advanced pubertal development, high body fat, elevated blood pressure, and decreased sports participation.
Dramatic Rise in Overweight and Obesity in Adult Filipino Women and Risk of Hypertension
Authors: Adair Linda S.
Published: April 2008

Objective:To assess trends in BMI of adult Filipino women over a 16‐year period of rapid socioeconomic change; to identify factors associated with those trends; and to estimate the risk of hypertension associated with overweight, obesity, and high waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR).

Research Methods and Procedures:Women from randomly selected urban and rural communities of Metro Cebu, Philippines were recruited during a 1983 to 1984 index pregnancy, then followed prospectively for 16 years. Overweight and obesity were defined using BMI cut‐off points of 25 and 30, respectively. The analysis sample included women 15 to 45 years of age when measured 4 months postpartum. Weight change in subsequent intervals from 1985 to 1999 was modeled using linear regression. The relationship of BMI and WHR to risk of hypertension in the last survey was modeled using logistic regression.

Results:The prevalence of overweight and obesity combined increased nearly 6‐fold from ∼6% in 1983 to 1984 to 35% in 1998 to 1999. Weight gain was positively associated with urban residence, improved socioeconomic status, fewer pregnancies and months of lactation, and more away‐from‐home work hours. Risk of hypertension was independently elevated by high WHR and overweight/obesity.

Discussion:The dramatic trend of increasing overweight and obesity in this sample of women represents a serious health concern, especially in light of the strong association of excess weight, particularly in the truncal region, to risk of hypertension.
β3 Adrenergic Receptor Polymorphism and Obesity‐Related Phenotypes in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hao Ke , Peng Shaojie , Xing Houxun , Yu Yunxian , Huang Aiqun , Hong Xiumei , Wang Yuanping , Chen Changzhong , Wang Binyan , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Jing , Zhu Guoying , Huo Yong , Chen Dafang , Zhao Xiaotao , Ronnenberg Alayne , Wu Di , Niu Tianhua , Xu Xiping
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Obesity is a complex trait that is affected by both environmental and genetic risk factors. The β3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) is expressed in adipose tissue and plays a role in energy metabolism. A missense mutation on codon 64 of this gene (W64R) is associated with receptor malfunction. Previous studies examining the relation between this polymorphism and obesity produced inconsistent findings. The current study assessed the association between the W64R genotype and obesity‐related phenotypes, including body weight, BMI, and serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose.

Research Methods and Procedures: We determined the ADRB3 W64R genotypes and fasting serum lipid and glucose concentrations for 695 hypertensive adults (336 men, 359 women) from a rural county in Anhui Province, China. Multivariate linear regression models were fit to detect associations between the genetic polymorphism and obesity‐related phenotypes.

Results: The ADRB3 W64R polymorphism was significantly associated with body weight and BMI in men but not in women. After controlling for potential confounding variables, men who were homozygous for the R64 allele were 11.8 kg heavier (p < 0.001) and had a BMI that was 3.7 kg/m2 greater (p = 0.001) than men who were homozygous for the W64 allele. Serum concentrations of lipids and glucose were found not associated with the genetic polymorphism.

Discussion: The ADRB3 R64 allele was associated with increased body weight and BMI in men but not in women. The genetic association was not modified by triglyceride, cholesterol, blood glucose, or blood pressure levels of the subjects.
Both Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue Correlate Highly with Insulin Resistance in African Americans
Authors: Tulloch‐Reid Marshall K. , Hanson Robert L. , Sebring Nancy G. , Reynolds James C. , Premkumar Ahalya , Genovese David J. , Sumner Anne E.
Published: April 2008

Objective: The contribution of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to insulin resistance is well‐established; however, the role of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAT) in insulin resistance remains controversial. Sex may determine which of these two components of abdominal obesity is more strongly related to insulin resistance and its consequences. The aim of this study was to determine whether both VAT and SAT contribute to insulin resistance in African Americans and to examine the effects of sex on this relationship.

Research Methods and Procedures: This was a cross‐sectional study of 78 nondiabetic African‐American volunteers (44 men, 35 women; age 33.8 ± 7.3 years; BMI 30.9 ± 7.4 kg/m2). VAT and SAT volumes were measured using serial computerized tomography slices from the dome of the diaphragm to the iliac crest. The insulin sensitivity index (SI) was determined from the minimal model using data obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test.

Results: In men, both VAT and SAT were negatively correlated with SI (r for both correlations = −0.57; p < 0.01). In women, the correlation coefficient between VAT and SI was −0.50 (p < 0.01) and between SAT and SI was −0.67 (p < 0.01). In women, the correlation coefficient for SI with SAT was significantly greater than the correlation coefficient with VAT (p = 0.02).

Discussion: Both SAT and VAT are strongly correlated with insulin resistance in African Americans. For African‐American women, SAT may have a greater effect than VAT on insulin resistance.