bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is a key regulator of oval cell activation and inflammation-associated liver carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Pusterla Tobias , Nèmeth Julia , Stein Ilan , Wiechert Lars , Knigin David , Marhenke Silke , Longerich Thomas , Kumar Varun , Arnold Bernd , Vogel Arndt , Bierhaus Angelika , Pikarsky Eli , Hess Jochen , Angel Peter
Published: March 2013

The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is a multiligand receptor and member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. RAGE is mainly involved in tissue damage and chronic inflammatory disorders, sustaining the inflammatory response upon engagement with damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) such as S100 proteins and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Enhanced expression of RAGE and its ligands has been demonstrated in distinct tumors and several studies support its crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis by still unknown mechanisms. Here we show that RAGE supports hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formation in the Mdr2−/−
mouse model, a prototype model of inflammation-driven HCC formation, which mimics the human pathology. Mdr2−/− Rage−/−
(dKO) mice developed smaller and fewer HCCs than Mdr2−/−
mice. Interestingly, although in preneoplastic Mdr2−/− livers RAGE ablation did not affect the onset of inflammation, premalignant dKO livers showed reduced liver damage and fibrosis, in association with decreased oval cell activation. Oval cells expressed high RAGE levels and displayed reduced proliferation upon RAGE silencing. Moreover, stimulation of oval cells with HMGB1 promoted an ERK1/2-Cyclin D1-dependent oval cell proliferation in vitro. Finally, genetic and pharmacologic blockade of RAGE signaling impaired oval cell activation in an independent mouse model of oval cell activation, the choline deficient ethionine-supplemented dietary regime. Conclusion: Our data identified a novel function of RAGE in regulating oval cell activation and tumor development in inflammation-associated liver carcinogenesis. (Hepatology 2013)
PROX1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis By Way of Up-Regulating Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Expression and Protein Stability
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Zhang Ju-Bo , Qin Yi , Wang Wei , Wei Lili , Teng Yigang , Guo Lei , Zhang Bo , Lin Zhenhai , Liu Jing , Ren Zheng-Gang , Ye Qing-Hai , Xie Youhua
Published: March 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and the third leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. HCC has a very poor prognosis because of tumor invasiveness, frequent intrahepatic spread, and extrahepatic metastasis. The molecular mechanism of HCC invasiveness and metastasis is poorly understood. The homeobox protein PROX1 is required for hepatocyte migration during mouse embryonic liver development. In this study, we show that high PROX1 protein expression in primary HCC tissues is associated with significantly worse survival and early tumor recurrence in postoperative HCC patients. Knockdown of

PROX1

expression in HCC cells inhibited cell migration and invasiveness

in vitro

and HCC metastasis in nude mice while overexpression of

PROX1

in HCC cells promoted these processes. PROX1's

pro

-metastasis activity is most likely attributed to its up-regulation of

hypoxia-inducible factor 1α

(

HIF-1α

) transcription and stabilization of HIF-1α protein by recruiting histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) to prevent the acetylation of HIF-1α, which subsequently induces an epithelial-mesenchymal transition response in HCC cells. We further demonstrated the prognostic value of using the combination of PROX1 and HDAC1 levels to predict postoperative survival and early recurrence of HCC.

Conclusion

: PROX1 is a critical factor that promotes HCC metastasis. (Hepatology 2013;58:692-705)
Prevalence and Predictors of Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection in a United States Cohort of Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Tyson Gia L. , Kramer Jennifer R. , Duan Zhigang , Davila Jessica A. , Richardson Peter A. , El-Serag Hashem B.
Published: March 2013

There are sparse epidemiologic data on coinfection of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) in the United States. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of HBV coinfection in a large U.S. population of HCV patients. We used the National Veterans Affairs HCV Clinical Case Registry to identify patients tested for HCV during 1997-2005. Patients were categorized based on HCV exposure (any two +HCV tests or one test with a diagnostic code), HCV infection (+RNA or genotype), HBV exposure (any +HBV test, excluding +HBsAb only), and HBV infection (+HBsAg, HBV DNA, or HBeAg). The prevalence of HBV exposure among patients with HCV exposure and that of HBV infection among patients with HCV infection were determined. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated potential demographic and clinical predictors of HBV coinfection. Among 168,239 patients with HCV exposure, 58,415 patients had HBV exposure for a prevalence of 34.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.5-35.0). Among 102,971 patients with HCV infection, 1,431 patients had HBV coinfection for a prevalence of 1.4% (95% CI 1.3-1.5). Independent associations with HBV coinfection compared with HCV monoinfection were age ≤50 years, male sex, positive HIV status, history of hemophilia, sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, history of blood transfusion, cocaine and other drug use; there was decreased risk in patients of Hispanic ethnicity.

Conclusion

: This is the largest cohort study in the U.S. on the prevalence of HBV coinfection in HCV patients. Among veterans with HCV, exposure to HBV is common (˜35%), but HBV coinfection is relatively low (1.4%). Several possible risk factors were identified. (Hepatology 2013;58:538–545)
Synthesis of Mercaptobenzothiazole and Mercaptobenzimidazole Condensed with Inositol Derivatives
Authors: de Assis João Vitor , Couri Mara Rubia C. , Porto Ricardo Silva , de Almeida Wagner B. , dos Santos Leonardo H. R. , Diniz Renata , de Almeida Mauro V.
Published: March 2013

This work describes the synthesis of inositol derivatives condensed with 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole or 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole, potential antimicrobial agents. These compounds were prepared by ring opening of epoxide intermediate (2S,3R‐epoxy‐1‐O‐methyl‐ l‐chiro‐inositol and 2R,3S‐epoxy‐1‐O‐methyl‐ l‐chiro‐inositol), which were obtained from l‐quebrachitol (1‐O‐methyl‐chiro‐inositol). Microwave irradiation was used to promote the condensation reaction.
Analysis of the effect of breast magnetic resonance imaging on the outcome in women undergoing breast conservation surgery with radiation therapy
Authors: Ko Eun Sook , Han Boo‐Kyung , Kim Rock Bum , Ko Eun Young , Shin Jung Hee , Nam Sang Yu , Nam Meeyoung , Nam Seok Jin , Lee Jeong Eon , Kil Won Ho , Lee Se‐Kyung
Published: March 2013

Background

It remains uncertain whether MRI identification of additional foci of disease leads to improved outcome. We undertook a study to evaluate the influence of breast MRI on early and long‐term outcome.

Methods

Among 1,271 patients undergone breast cancer surgery between January 2005 and December 2006, 785 patients were attempted for BCS. Operative approach and radiologic findings were compared according to MRI use. We reselected 615 patients with unilateral early‐stage breast cancer treated with BCS including RT. We compared the histopathologic characteristics and outcomes according to MRI use.

Results

In patients attempted for BCS (n = 785), re‐excision rates were not significantly different according to MRI use (P = 1.000). Conversion to mastectomy or bilateral cancer surgery were higher in MRI group (P = 0.002). The IBTR rate was higher in the non‐MRI group (P = 0.020). Difference in contralateral cancer rate and total recurrence rates failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.168, 0.383, respectively). Multivariate study after adjustment showed no difference in recurrence rates and IBTR rates between the two groups (hazard ratios 1.34, 6.37Ps = 0.385, 0.076).

Conclusion

Use of MRI in patients with early‐stage breast cancer did not result in improvement of a patient's outcome. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:815–821. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increasing incidence and survival of a rare skin cancer in the Netherlands. A population‐based study of 2,220 cases of skin adnexal carcinoma
Authors: Stam Hanneke , Lohuis Peter J.F.M. , Zupan‐Kajcovski Biljana , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , van der Hage Jos A. , Visser Otto
Published: March 2013

Backgrounds and Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and treatment of skin adnexal carcinoma (SAC) in the Netherlands and to identify prognostic factors for survival in patients with SAC.

Methods

We used population‐based nationwide data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry with cases diagnosed during 1989–2010 and followed up to February 1st, 2012.

Results

A total of 2,220 SACs were diagnosed during 1989–2010 (age‐standardized incidence rate 5.3 per million). Incidence increased by 2.7% and 1.7% annually in males and females, respectively. Fifteen different morphological types were registered. The 5‐year relative survival rate increased from 80% in 1989–1994 to 91% in 2006–2010. The majority of all patients (91%) received surgery. Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or lymph node dissection was performed in only a minority of cases. The risk of death was significantly higher in patients who did not receive surgery.

Conclusions

The rising incidence of SAC together with the predilection for the head and neck region suggests a role for UV radiation in the carcinogenesis of SAC. Furthermore, we found an improved survival of SAC in the Netherlands between 1989 and 2010. In view of the low proportion of patients receiving adjuvant therapy there may be further room for improving survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:822–827. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immediate complications related to anesthesia in patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Talei Benjamin , Cossu Anne L. , Slepian Ralph , Kacker Ashutosh
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze and assess the perioperative risks and complications in patients receiving general anesthesia undergoing surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review of patients with documented OSA who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with or without septoplasty for OSA between January 2009 and January 2010 at a specific institution. Anesthesia, operative, clinical, and postoperative/recovery nursing records were collected and reviewed for predetermined complications and risk factors.

Methods

Chart review was performed via electronic medical records, reviewing the perioperative course of 32 patients undergoing UPPP as identified by Current Procedural Terminology coding. Perioperative, clinical, and anesthetic records were reviewed for any complications and risks, defined as any adverse event delaying surgical progress or recovery along with any additional risk to patient safety. Criteria included interventions beyond those involved in undergoing routine general anesthesia. This included difficult intubation, reintubation, postoperative pulmonary edema, postoperative desaturations, and/or need for continuous positive airway pressure. The data obtained were stratified into results for intubation and special equipment needed along with airway visibility and intubation technique, reintubation, induction and supplemental drugs, neuromuscular blockade, neuromuscular blockade reversal, pain medications, body mass index, and overall anesthesia risk.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were reviewed with no severe adverse events such as reintubation, prolonged intubation, or postoperative pulmonary edema. Patients who were difficult to intubate or required nasal/oral airways failed to show any adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing surgery for OSA are considered to be at increased risk of complications. Review of 32 patients failed to show any life‐threatening risks or complications.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 123:2892–2895, 2013
Facial nerve prognostication in vestibular schwannoma surgery: The concept of percent maximum and its predictability
Authors: Arnoldner Christoph , Mick Paul , Pirouzmand Farhad , Houlden David , Lin Vincent Y. M. , Nedzelski Julian M. , Chen Joseph M.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate percent maximum as an intraoperative facial nerve measurement for the long‐term prognostication of vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Evoked amplitude responses to varying levels of stimulus intensity at the nerve root were compared to their supramaximal responses (Mmax) as a percentage, that is, percent maximum. Response charts were constructed for each of the levels of stimulus intensity between 0.05 to 0.3 mA, vis‐à‐vis facial nerve outcome at 1 year, to establish sensitivities, specificities, and positive predictive values. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the impact of sex, age, tumor size, and historically defined response parameter on outcomes.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgeries between 2005 and 2010 were studied. The positive predictive value (PPV) of a good facial nerve outcome, defined as House‐Brackmann (HB) I‐II, increases with percent maximum responses. A 90% PPV could be established when the response amplitude was 50% or greater compared to Mmax. Long‐term prognostication appeared best at a higher stimulus level of 0.3 mA. Age and sex did not have an impact on outcome, but tumor size did; with each centimeter increase in tumor size, patients were 105% more likely to have a poor outcome (HB III‐VI). If the response parameter “≥240 μV at 0.05 mA” was not present, there was a trend toward poor outcome.

Conclusions

Percent maximum is a valid intraoperative monitoring measure to prognosticate long‐term facial nerve outcome. It should be considered a complementary method of monitoring when evoked responses do not conform to conventional predictors.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2533–2538, 2013
Quercetin and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide are equally effective in ameliorating endothelial insulin resistance through inhibition of reactive oxygen species‐associated inflammation
Authors: Guo Xu‐Dan , Zhang Dong‐Yan , Gao Xue‐Jiao , Parry John , Liu Kang , Liu Bao‐Lin , Wang Min
Published: March 2013

Scope

Quercetin represents antioxidative/antiinflammatory flavonoids widely distributed in the human diet. Quercetin is efficiently metabolized during absorption to quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide. This study aims to parallelly investigate whether quercetin and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide exert protection against palmitate (PA)‐induced inflammation and insulin resistance in the endothelium.

Methods and results

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were pretreated with quercetin and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide for 30 min, and then incubated with 100 μM PA for 30 min or 12 h with or without insulin. PA stimulation led to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Quercetin and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide inhibited ROS overproduction and effectively restored Δψm, demonstrating their chemorpotection of mitochondrial function through antioxidative actions. Also, quercetin and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide inhibited ROS‐associated inflammation by inhibition of interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α production with suppression of IKKβ/NF‐κB phosphorylation. Inflammation impaired insulin PI3K signaling and reduced insulin‐mediated nitric oxide (NO) production. Quercetin and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide facilitated PI3K signaling by positive regulation of serine/tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) and restoration of downstream Akt/eNOS activation, leading to an increased insulin‐mediated NO level.

Conclusion

The above‐mentioned evidence indicates that quercetin and quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide are equally effective in inhibiting ROS‐associated inflammation and ameliorating insulin resistant endothelial dysfunction by beneficial regulation of IRS‐1 function.
Highly accelerated dynamic contrast enhanced imaging
Authors: Lebel Robert Marc , Jones Jesse , Ferre Jean‐Christophe , Law Meng , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging provides unique physiological information, notably the endothelial permeability (Ktrans), and may improve the diagnosis and management of multiple pathologies. Current acquisition methods provide limited spatial‐temporal resolution and field‐of‐view, often preventing characterization of the entire pathology and precluding measurement of the arterial input function. We present a method for highly accelerated dynamic imaging and demonstrate its utility for dynamic contrast‐enhanced modeling.

Methods

We propose a novel Poisson ellipsoid sampling scheme and enforce multiple spatial and temporal l1‐norm constraints during image reconstruction. Retrospective and prospective analyses were performed to validate the approach.

Results

Retrospectively, no mean bias or diverging trend was observed as the acceleration rate was increased from 3× to 18×; less than 10% error was measured in Ktrans at any individual rates in this range. Prospectively accelerated images at a rate of 36× enabled full brain coverage with 0.94 × 0.94 × 1.9 mm3 spatial and 4.1 s temporal resolutions. Images showed no visible degradation and provided accurate Ktrans values when compared to a clinical population.

Conclusion

Highly accelerated dynamic MRI using compressed sensing and parallel imaging provides accurate permeability modeling and enables full brain, high resolution acquisitions. Magn Reson Med 71:635–644, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The burden of obesity on blood pressure is reduced in older persons: The sardinia study
Authors: Pikilidou M. I. , Scuteri A. , Morrell C. , Lakatta E. G.
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of elevated blood pressure. However differences of their effects on blood pressure in different age groups are not clear.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences of the effects of adiposity on the odds of having hypertension in different age groups.

Design and Methods:

Three thousand fifty‐six subjects (1,532 women and 1,524 men) consist of the drug naïve subjects from the SardiNIA study. Logistic regression models with backward elimination were used to determine and compare the association between categories of obesity on hypertension within young (≤39), middle aged (40–59), and older (60+) subjects. Additional terms controlled for in the model were smoking and alcohol intake status.

Results:

The relationship of body mass index (BMI) on hypertension differed by age, as indicated by the significant interaction term of age with BMI (P <0.01). Older subjects had higher odds of having hypertension than younger subjects but these odds were lower for obese than for lean subjects (OR 10.45, 95% CIs 4.58–23.85 in obese versus OR 33.89, 95% CIs 17.94–64.02 in lean subjects). A similar trend was also observed in middle aged subjects.

Conclusions:

This study shows that among men and women, older age was associated with a lesser effect of BMI on the odds of having hypertension.
Trends of overweight and obesity among white and american indian school children in south dakota, 1998–2010
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Biskeborn Kristin , Christensen Mathew , Cushing Carrie
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among white and American Indian children in a predominantly rural state.

Design and Methods:

Using a repeated, cross‐sectional design of school children's height and weight, the study sample included 361,352 measures of children who were 5.0–19.9 years, attending school across 13 academic calendar years. Trained staff measured height, weight, and recorded gender, age, and race. Data were voluntarily reported to the State Department of Health.

Results:

American Indian children consistently had higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to white children. Across the years, 16.3% of white students were overweight, whereas 19.3% of American Indian students were overweight. In addition, 14.5% of white children were obese and 25.9% of American Indian children were obese. Examining by rural versus urban schools, prevalence of overweight had been increasing among white male and female students and American Indian female students living in rural areas. Obesity is also increasing among rural white females and male and female American Indian children.

Conclusions:

The findings here suggest that although American Indian children are at higher risk, in general, compared to white children, rural populations in general are experiencing increases in childhood overweight and obesity. Targeted rural interventions beginning at an early age are necessary to improve the health of rural children, especially in American Indian communities.
VAT=TAAT‐SAAT: Innovative anthropometric model to predict visceral adipose tissue without resort to CT‐Scan or DXA
Authors: Samouda Hanen , Dutour Anne , Chaumoitre Kathia , Panuel Michel , Dutour Olivier , Dadoun Frédéric
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To investigate whether a combination of a selected but limited number of anthropometric measurements predicts visceral adipose tissue (VAT) better than other anthropometric measurements, without resort to medical imaging.

Hypothesis:

Abdominal anthropometric measurements are total abdominal adipose tissue indicators and global measures of VAT and SAAT (subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue). Therefore, subtracting the anthropometric measurement the more correlated possible with SAAT while being the least correlated possible with VAT, from the most correlated abdominal anthropometric measurement with VAT while being highly correlated with TAAT, may better predict VAT.

Design and Methods:

BMI participants' range was from 16.3 to 52.9 kg m−2. Anthropometric and abdominal adipose tissues data by computed tomography (CT‐Scan) were available in 253 patients (18‐78 years) (CHU Nord, Marseille) and used to develop the anthropometric VAT prediction models.

Results:

Subtraction of proximal thigh circumference from waist circumference, adjusted to age and/or BMI, predicts better VAT (Women: VAT = 2.15 × Waist C − 3.63 × Proximal Thigh C + 1.46 × Age + 6.22 × BMI − 92.713; R2 = 0.836. Men: VAT = 6 × Waist C − 4.41 × proximal thigh C + 1.19 × Age − 213.65; R2 = 0.803) than the best single anthropometric measurement or the association of two anthropometric measurements highly correlated with VAT. Both multivariate models showed no collinearity problem. Selected models demonstrate high sensitivity (97.7% in women, 100% in men). Similar predictive abilities were observed in the validation sample (Women: R2 = 76%; Men: R2 = 70%). Bland and Altman method showed no systematic estimation error of VAT.

Conclusion:

Validated in a large range of age and BMI, our results suggest the usefulness of the anthropometric selected models to predict VAT in Europides (South of France).
Compulsive buying: Relationship with body mass index
Authors: Sansone Randy A. , Chang Joy , Jewell Bryan , Marion Brandee E.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Compulsive buying has historically been associated with various self‐regulatory disturbances, including eating pathology (e.g., binge eating). Therefore, a relationship between scores on a measure of compulsive buying, the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS), and body mass index (BMI) in adulthood was hypothesized.

Design and Methods:

Using a self‐report survey methodology in a cross‐sectional consecutive sample of convenience of 373 obstetrics/gynecology patients, correlations between CBS scores and BMI, both generally and with regard to race were examined.

Results:

A modest general correlation between CBS scores and BMI (r = 0.17, P < 0.01) was found. However, when these data were examined by race, CBS scores and BMI were significantly related among Caucasian women (r = 0.25, P < 0.01), but not in African American women (r = 0.04, P = n.s.).

Conclusions:

Findings indicate that compulsive buying is associated with increasing BMI in adulthood, particularly among Caucasian women.
Behavioral risk factors for obesity during health transition in Vanuatu, South Pacific
Authors: Dancause Kelsey Needham , Vilar Miguel , Wilson Michelle , Soloway Laura E. , DeHuff Christa , Chan Chim , Tarivonda Len , Regenvanu Ralph , Kaneko Akira , Lum J. Koji , Garruto Ralph M.
Published: March 2013

The South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, like many developing countries, is currently experiencing a shift in disease burdens from infectious to chronic diseases with economic development. A rapid increase in obesity prevalence represents one component of this “health transition.”

Objective: To identify behaviors associated with measures of obesity in Vanuatu.

Design and Methods: Five hundred and thirty four adults from three islands varying in level of economic development were surveyed. Height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences; triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds; and percent body fat (%BF) by bioelectrical impedance were measured. Diet through 24‐h dietary recall and physical activity patterns using a survey were assessed. We analyzed prevalence of obesity and central obesity based on multiple indicators (body mass index, %BF, waist circumference, and waist‐to‐height ratio), and analyzed differences among islands and associations with behavioral patterns.

Results: Obesity prevalence was lowest among rural and highest among suburban participants. Prevalence of central obesity was particularly high among women (up to 73.9%), even in rural areas (ranging from 14.7 to 41.2% depending on the measure used). Heavier reliance on animal protein and incorporation of Western foods in the diet—specifically, tinned fish and instant noodles—was significantly associated with increased obesity risk.

Conclusions: Even in rural areas where diets and lifestyles remain largely traditional, modest incorporation of Western foods in the diet can contribute to increased risk of obesity. Early prevention efforts are thus particularly important during health transition. Where public health resources are limited, education about dietary change could be the best target for prevention.
Cortisol, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome: A cross‐sectional study of obese subjects and review of the literature
Authors: Abraham S.B. , Rubino D. , Sinaii N. , Ramsey S. , Nieman L.K.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Circulating cortisol and psychosocial stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). To evaluate these relationships, a cross‐sectional study of 369 overweight and obese subjects and 60 healthy volunteers was performed and reviewed the previous literature.

Design and Methods:

Overweight and obese subjects had at least two other features of Cushing's syndrome. They underwent measurements representing cortisol dynamics (24 h urine cortisol excretion (UFC), bedtime salivary cortisol, 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test) and metabolic parameters (BMI, blood pressure (BP); fasting serum triglycerides, HDL, insulin, and glucose). Subjects also completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). UFC, salivary cortisol, and weight from 60 healthy volunteers were analyzed.

Results:

No subject had Cushing's syndrome. UFC and dexamethasone responses were not associated with BMI or weight. However, salivary cortisol showed a trend to increase as BMI increased (P < 0.0001), and correlated with waist circumference (WC) in men (rs = 0.28, P = 0.02) and systolic BP in women (rs = 0.24, P = 0.0008). Post‐dexamethasone cortisol levels were weak to moderately correlated with fasting insulin (rs = −0.31, P = 0.01) and HOMA‐IR (rs = −0.31, P = 0.01) in men and systolic (rs = 0.18, P = 0.02) and diastolic BP (rs = 0.20, P = 0.009) in women. PSS results were higher in obese subjects than controls, but were not associated with cortisol or metabolic parameters. As expected, WC correlated with fasting insulin, HOMA‐IR, and systolic BP (adjusted for BMI and gender; P < 0.01). Literature showed inconsistent relationships between cortisol and metabolic parameters.

Conclusion:

Taken together, these data do not support a strong relationship between systemic cortisol or stress and obesity or MS.
Measurement of waist circumference predicts coronary atherosclerosis beyond plasma adipokines
Authors: Bose Subhasish , Krishnamoorthy Parasuram , Varanasi Ajay , Nair Jayamohan , Schutta Mark , Braunstein Seth , Iqbal Nayyar , Schwartz Stanley , Clair Caitlin St. , Master Stephen R. , Rader Daniel J. , Reilly Muredach P. , Mehta Nehal N.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

The association of plasma adipokines beyond waist circumference (WC) with coronary artery calcification (CAC), a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, is unknown.

Design and Methods:

Asymptomatic Caucasian individuals from two community‐based cross‐sectional studies (n = 1,285) were examined and multivariate analysis of traditional risk factors was performed, then WC and adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) were added. Incremental value of each was tested with likelihood ratio testing.

Results:

Beyond traditional risk factors, WC (Tobit regression ratio 1.69, P < 0.001) and plasma leptin (1.57, P < 0.001) but not plasma adiponectin (P = 0.75) were independently associated with CAC. In nested models, neither adiponectin (χ2 = 0.76, P = 0.38) nor leptin (χ2 = 1.32, P = 0.25) added value to WC beyond traditional risk factors, whereas WC added incremental value to adiponectin (χ2 = 28.02, P < 0.0001) and leptin (χ2 = 13.58, P = 0.0002).

Conclusion:

In the face of important biomarkers such as plasma adiponectin and leptin, WC remained a significant predictor of CAC beyond traditional risk factors underscoring the importance of WC measurement during cardiovascular risk assessment.
Prediction of measured weight from self‐reported weight was not improved after stratification by body mass index
Authors: May Anne M. , Barnes Daniel R. , Forouhi Nita G. , Luben Robert , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Peeters Petra H.M. , Sharp Stephen J.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Self‐reported weight may underestimate measured weight. Researchers have tried to reduce the error using statistical models to predict weight from self‐reported weight. We investigate whether deriving equations within separate BMI categories improves the prediction of weight compared with an equation derived regardless of an individual's BMI.

Design and Methods:

The analysis included self‐reported and measured data from 20,536 individuals participating in the EPIC‐Norfolk study. In a derivation set (n = 15,381) two approaches were used to predict weight from self‐reported weight: (1) using a linear regression model with measured weight as outcome and self‐reported weight and age as predictors, and (2) using the same model fit separately within 3 strata defined by BMI (< 25, 25‐30, ≥30 kg m−2). The performance of these approaches was assessed in a validation set (n = 5,155). Measured weight was compared to self‐reported weight and predicted weight.

Results:

Self‐reported weight underestimated measured weight (P < 0.0001): mean difference −1.2 ± 3.1 kg (men), −1.3 ± 2.5 kg (women). Underestimation was greater in obese participants (P < 0.0001). Predicted weight using approach 1 was not significantly different from measured weight (P < 0.05). However, in individuals with BMI < 25 kg m−2, weight was overestimated in men (0.90 ± 3.87 kg) and women (0.57 ± 2.06 kg), but underestimated in overweight (−0.29 ± 3.58, −0.20 ± 2.62 kg) and obese (−1.46 ± 5.05 kg, −0.73 ± 3.54 kg) men and women.

Conclusions:

Using separate prediction equations in strata of BMI did not further improve prediction of weight. In conclusion, predicted weight was closer to measured weight compared with self‐reported weight, but using equations derived in strata of BMI did not further improve the prediction and are not recommended for prediction of weight.
Retinol binding protein‐4 circulating levels were higher in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease vs. histologically normal liver from morbidly obese women
Authors: Terra Ximena , Auguet Teresa , Broch Montserrat , Sabench Fàtima , Hernández Mercè , Pastor Rosa M. , Quesada Isabel M. , Luna Anna , Aguilar Carmen , del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristóbal
Published: March 2013

Objective:

We aimed to analyze the retinol binding protein‐4 (RBP4) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles in adipose tissues and liver of morbidly obese (MO) women with or without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to study the relationships with other pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory adipokines in vivo and in vitro.

Design and Methods:

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver samples from four lean and 45 MO women with or without NAFLD by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR. We also studied RBP4 expression in HepG2 hepatocytes under various inflammatory stimuli.

Results:

Circulating RBP4 levels were higher in MO women, and specifically, in MO subjects with NAFLD compared with normal liver controls (lean and MO). RBP4 liver expression was higher in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)‐moderate/severe than in NASHmild. Overall RBP4 gene expression was higher in liver than in adipose tissues. Among them, the higher expression corresponded to SAT. VAT expression was lower in the MO cohort. In HepG2, RBP4 mRNA expression was reduced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and increased by adiponectin treatment.

Conclusions:

The results obtained in MO women with NAFLD, brings up the use of RBP4 and other adipokines as a panel of noninvasive molecular biomarkers when NAFLD is suspected. Further studies are needed with other obesity groups.
Effect of varying accelerometry criteria on physical activity: The look ahead study
Authors: Miller Gary D. , Jakicic John M. , Rejeski W. Jack , Whit‐Glover Melicia C. , Lang Wei , Walkup Michael P. , Hodges Mimi L.
Published: March 2013

The importance of physical activity in weight management is widely documented. Although accelerometers offer an objective measure of activity that provide a valuable tool for intervention research, considerations for processing these data need further development.

Objective:

This study tests the effects of using different criteria for accelerometry data reduction.

Design and Methods:

Data were obtained from 2,240 overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the Look AHEAD study, with 2,177 baseline accelerometer files used for analysis. Number, duration, and intensity of moderate (≥3 metabolic equivalents (METS)) and vigorous (≥6 METS) activity bouts were compared using various data reduction criteria. Daily wear time was identified as 1,440 min/day minus non‐wear time. Comparisons of physical activity patterns for non‐wear time (using either 20, 30, or 60 min of continuous zeros), minimal daily wear time (8, 10, and 12 h), number of days with available data (4, 5, and 6 days), weekdays vs. weekends, and 1‐ or 2‐min time interruptions in an activity bout were performed.

Results:

In this mostly obese population with T2DM (BMI = 36.4 kg/m2; mean age = 59.0 years), there were minimal differences in physical activity patterns using the different methods of data reduction. Altering criteria led to differences in the number of available data (sample size) meeting specific criteria.

Conclusions:

Although our results are likely directly applicable only to obese individuals with T2DM, an understudied population with regards to physical activity, the systematic analysis for data reduction employed can be more generalizable and provide guidance in this area in the absence of standard procedures.
Gestational and early life influences on infant body composition at 1 year
Authors: Chandler‐Laney Paula C. , Gower Barbara A. , Fields David A.
Published: March 2013

Excess weight gain during both pre‐ and postnatal life increases risk for obesity in later life. Although a number of gestational and early life contributors to this effect have been identified, there is a dearth of research to examine whether gestational factors and weight gain velocity in infancy exert independent effects on subsequent body composition and fat distribution.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that birth weight, as a proxy of prenatal weight gain, and rate of weight gain before 6 months would be associated with total and truncal adiposity at 12 months of age.

Design and Methods:

Healthy, term infants (N = 47) were enrolled in the study and rate of weight gain (g/day) was assessed at 0‐3 months, 3‐6 months, and 6‐12 months.

Results:

Total and regional body composition were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 12 months. Stepwise linear regression modeling indicated that lean mass at 12 months, after adjusting for child length, was predicted by rate of weight gain during each discrete period of infancy (P < 0.05), and by maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI (P < 0.05). Total fat mass at 12 months was predicted by rate of weight gain during each discrete period (P < 0.01), and by older maternal age at delivery (P < 0.05). Trunk fat mass at 12 months, after adjusting for leg fat mass, was predicted by rate of weight gain from 0‐3 months and 3‐6 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Results suggest that growth during early infancy may be a critical predictor of subsequent body composition and truncal fat distribution.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of a commercial diet and exercise weight loss program in minority breast cancer survivors
Authors: Greenlee Heather A. , Crew Katherine D. , Mata Jennie M. , McKinley Paula S. , Rundle Andrew G. , Zhang Wenfei , Liao Yuyan , Tsai Wei Y. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Obesity is associated with poorer breast cancer outcomes and losing weight postdiagnosis may improve survival. As Hispanic and black women have poorer breast cancer prognosis than non‐Hispanic whites diagnosed at similar age and stage, and have higher rates of obesity, effective weight loss strategies are needed. We piloted a randomized, waitlist‐controlled, crossover study to examine the effects and feasibility of the commercial Curves weight loss program among Hispanic, African American and Afro‐Caribbean breast cancer survivors.

Design and Methods:

Women with stage 0–IIIa breast cancer ≥6 months posttreatment, sedentary, and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized to the immediate arm (IA): 6 months of the Curves program followed by 6 months of observation; or the waitlist control arm (WCA): 6 months of observation followed by 6 months of the Curves program. The Curves program uses a 30‐min exercise circuit and a high‐vegetable/low‐fat/calorie‐restricted diet.

Results:

A total of 42 women enrolled (79% Hispanic, 21% black), mean age 51 (range 32–69) and mean BMI 33.2(±5.9) kg/m2; 91% were retained at month 12. At month 6, women in the IA lost an average 3.3% (±3.5%) of body weight (range: 1.7% gain to 10.6% loss), as compared with 1.8% (±2.9%) weight loss in the WCA (P = 0.04). At month 12, on average women in the IA regained some but not all of the weight lost during the first 6 months (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Minority breast cancer survivors were recruited and retained in a weight loss study. Six months of the Curves program resulted in moderate weight loss, but weight loss was not maintained postintervention. Future interventions should identify methods to increase uptake and maintenance of weight loss behaviors.
Topical application of capsaicin reduces visceral adipose fat by affecting adipokine levels in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Lee Gong‐Rak , Shin Mi Kyung , Yoon Dong‐Joon , Kim Ah‐Ram , Yu Rina , Park Neung‐Hwa , Han In‐Seob
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Visceral obesity contributes to the development of obesity‐related disorders such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and fatty liver disease, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we determined whether topical application of capsaicin can reduce fat accumulation in visceral adipose tissues.

Methods and Results:

We first observed that topical application of 0.075% capsaicin to male mice fed a high‐fat diet significantly reduced weight gain and visceral fat. Fat cells were markedly smaller in the mesenteric and epididymal adipose tissues of mice treated with capsaicin cream. The capsaicin treatment also lowered serum levels of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Immunoblot analysis and RT‐PCR revealed increased expression of adiponectin and other adipokines including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α, PPARγ, visfatin, and adipsin, but reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that topical application of capsaicin to obese mice limits fat accumulation in adipose tissues and may reduce inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity.
Metabolic syndrome in healthy obese, overweight, and normal weight individuals: The atherosclerosis risk in communities study
Authors: Bradshaw Patrick T. , Monda Keri L. , Stevens June
Published: March 2013

Objective:

There is recent interest in characterizing the subset of obese (OB) individuals who have healthy metabolic profiles yet only two studies have examined this group prospectively but not in racially diverse populations.

Design and Methods:

We analyzed factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) among individuals grouped by BMI categories in a multi‐center, community‐based cohort of 14,663 African‐American and white men and women aged 45‐64 years at recruitment in 1987‐1989, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Logistic and proportional hazards regression were utilized to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the prevalence and hazard ratios (HRs) for incidence of MetSyn with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

At visit 1, MetSyn was positively associated with age, female gender, African‐American race, and inversely related to education, associations being more pronounced among normal weight (NW) subjects. Among those without MetSyn at visit 1, OB subjects were more likely to develop MetSyn compared with NW (HR (95% CI): 4.53 (4.09‐5.01)). Several factors were associated with incident MetSyn among NW, including older age (per year: 1.05 (1.03‐1.06)), female gender (vs. male: 1.29 (1.10‐1.52)), heavy alcohol intake (vs. never: 0.75 (0.59‐0.94)), and physical activity (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: 0.71 (0.58‐0.86)) but not OB. Weight gain (>5%) was also more highly associated with MetSyn in NW (1.61 (1.28‐2.02)) compared with OB (1.01 (0.85‐1.20)).

Conclusions:

We conclude that lifestyle factors may play a stronger role in the development of MetSyn in NW individuals compared with OB and that metabolically healthy obesity may not be a stable condition.
Maternal and fetal leptin, adiponectin levels and associations with fetal insulin sensitivity
Authors: Luo Zhong‐Cheng , Nuyt Anne‐Monique , Delvin Edgard , Fraser William D. , Julien Pierre , Audibert Francois , Girard Isabelle , Shatenstein Bryna , Deal Cheri , Grenier Emilie , Garofalo Carole , Levy Emile
Published: March 2013

Objective:

It remains uncertain whether leptin and adiponectin levels are correlated in maternal vs. fetal circulations. Little is known about whether leptin and adiponectin affect insulin sensitivity during fetal life.

Design and Methods:

In a prospective singleton pregnancy cohort (n = 248), we investigated leptin and adiponectin concentrations in maternal (at 24‐28 and 32‐35 weeks of gestation) and fetal circulations, and their associations with fetal insulin sensitivity (glucose/insulin ratio, proinsulin level).

Results:

Comparing concentrations in cord vs. maternal blood, leptin levels were 50% lower, but adiponectin levels more than doubled. Adjusting for gestational age at blood sampling, consistent and similar positive correlations (correlation coefficients: 0.31‐0.34, all P < 0.0001) were observed in leptin or adiponectin levels in maternal (at 24‐28 or 32‐25 weeks of gestation) vs. fetal circulations. For each SD increase in maternal plasma concentration at 24‐28 weeks, cord plasma concentration increased by 12.7 (95% confidence interval 6.8‐18.5) ng/ml for leptin, and 2.9 (1.8‐4.0) µg/ml for adiponectin, respectively (adjusted P < 0.0001). Fetal insulin sensitivity was negatively associated with cord blood leptin (each SD increase was associated with a 5.4 (2.1‐8.7) mg/dl/µU/ml reduction in cord plasma glucose/insulin ratio, and a 5.6 (3.9, 7.4) pmol/l increase in proinsulin level, all adjusted P < 0.01) but not adiponectin (P > 0.4) levels). Similar associations were observed in nondiabetic full‐term pregnancies (n = 211).

Conclusions:

The results consistently suggest a maternal impact on fetal leptin and adiponectin levels, which may be an early life pathway in maternal‐fetal transmission of the propensity to obesity and insulin resistance.
Sleep duration and weight change in midlife women: The SWAN sleep study
Authors: Appelhans Bradley M. , Janssen Imke , Cursio John F. , Matthews Karen A. , Hall Martica , Gold Ellen B. , Burns John W. , Kravitz Howard M.
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Short sleep duration has been associated with higher current BMI and subsequent weight gain. However, most prior longitudinal studies are limited by reliance on self‐reported sleep duration, and none accounted for the potential confounding effect of sleep‐disordered breathing. The associations of sleep duration with current BMI and BMI change were examined among 310 midlife women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Sleep Study (2003‐2005).

Methods:

Sleep duration was assessed for approximately one month with concurrent wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries. The presence and severity of sleep‐disordered breathing was quantified using the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) based on in‐home polysomnography. BMI was assessed annually through core SWAN visit 10 (2006 and 2008).

Results:

Mean BMI increased from 29.6 (SD = 7.8) kg/m2 to 30.0 (SD = 8.0) kg/m2 over an average of 4.6 years (SD = 1.0) of follow‐up. In cross‐sectional analyses controlling for AHI, demographic variables, and several potential confounding variables, actigraphy (estimate = ‐1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): ‐2.03, ‐0.42) and diary (estimate = ‐0.86, 95% CI ‐1.62, ‐0.09) measures of sleep duration were inversely associated with BMI. Each hour of less sleep was associated with 1.22 kg/m2 greater BMI for actigraphy sleep duration, and a 0.86 kg/m2 greater BMI for diary sleep duration. Longitudinal associations between sleep duration and annual BMI change were nonsignificant in unadjusted and fully adjusted models.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of midlife women, cross‐sectional associations between sleep duration and current BMI were independent of sleep‐disordered breathing, but sleep duration was not prospectively associated with weight change.