bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Interaction of High Fat and Marginal Copper Deficiency on Cardiac Contractile Function
Authors: Relling David P. , Esberg Lucy B. , Johnson W. Thomas , Murphy Eric J. , Carlson Edward C. , Lukaski Henry C. , Saari Jack T. , Ren Jun
Published: July 2008

Objective: High‐fat and marginally copper‐deficient diets impair heart function, leading to cardiac hypertrophy, increased lipid droplet volume, and compromised contractile function, resembling lipotoxic cardiac dysfunction. However, the combined effect of the two on cardiac function is unknown. This study was designed to examine the interaction between high‐fat and marginally copper‐deficient diets on cardiomyocyte contractile function.

Research Methods and Procedures: Weanling male rats were fed diets incorporating a low‐ or high‐fat diet (10% or 45% of kcal from fat, respectively) with adequate (6 mg/kg) or marginally deficient (1.5 mg/kg) copper content for 12 weeks. Contractile function was determined with an IonOptix system including peak shortening (PS), time‐to‐PS, time‐to‐90% relengthening, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening, and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]I) rise and decay.

Results: Neither dietary treatment affected blood pressure or glucose levels, although the high‐fat diet elicited obesity and glucose intolerance. Both diets depressed PS, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening, and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]I) rise and prolonged time‐to‐90% relengthening and Ca2+ decay without an additive effect between the two. Ca2+ sensitivity, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, nitrosative damage, tissue ceramide, and triglyceride levels were unaffected by either diet or in combination. Phospholamban (PLB) but not sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase was increased by both diets. Endothelial NO synthase was depressed with concurrent treatments. The electron transport chain was unaffected, although mitochondrial aconitase activity was inhibited by the high‐fat diet.

Discussion: These data suggest that high‐fat and marginally copper deficient diets impaired cardiomyocyte contractile function and [Ca2+]i homeostasis, possibly through a similar mechanism, without obvious lipotoxicity, nitrosative damage, and apoptosis.
Successful Long‐term Weight Maintenance: A 2‐year Follow‐up
Authors: Vogels Neeltje , Westerterp‐Plantenga Margriet S.
Published: July 2008

Objective: To find factors associated with successful weight maintenance (WM) in overweight and obese subjects after a very low‐calorie diet (VLCD).

Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects (133) followed a VLCD (2.1 MJ/d) for 6 weeks in a free‐living situation. Of these, 103 subjects (age, 49.6 ± 9.7 years; BMI, 30.9 ± 3.8 kg/m2) completed the following 2‐year WM period. Body weight (BW), body composition, leptin concentration, attitude toward eating, and physical activity were determined right before (t0) and after (t1) the VLCD, after 3 months (t2), after 1 year (t3), after 1.5 years (t4), and after 2 years (t5).

Results: BW loss during VLCD was 7.2 ± 3.1 kg. After 2 years, follow‐up BW regain was 69.0 ± 98.4%. After 2 years of WM, 13 subjects were successful (<10% BW regain), and 90 were unsuccessful (>10% BW regain). At baseline, these groups were significantly different in BMI (33.7 ± 4.7 vs. 30.5 ± 3.5 kg/m2, respectively; p < 0.05) and fat mass (38.3 ± 9.8 vs. 32.1 ± 8.3 kg, p < 0.05). Successful subjects increased their dietary restraint significantly more during the whole study period (dietary restraint score, −4.9 ± 4.4 vs. −2.1 ± 3.8). Furthermore, %BW regain was associated with the amount of percentage body fat lost during VLCD, which indicates that the more fat lost, the better the WM, suggesting a fat free mass‐sparing effect.

Discussion: Characteristics such as the ability to increase dietary restraint and maintain this high level of restraint, fat free mass sparing, and a relatively high baseline BMI and fat mass were associated with successful long‐term WM (<10% regain after 2 years).
Weight Gain Prevention among Women
Authors: Levine Michele D. , Klem Mary Lou , Kalarchian Melissa A. , Wing Rena R. , Weissfeld Lisa , Qin Li , Marcus Marsha D.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Women 25 to 45 years old are at risk for weight gain and future obesity. This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of two interventions relative to a control group in preventing weight gain among normal or overweight women and to identify demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors related to weight gain prevention.

Research Methods and Procedures: Healthy women (N = 284), ages 25 to 44, with BMI < 30 were randomized to one of three intervention conditions: a clinic‐based group, a correspondence course, or an information‐only control. Intervention was provided over 2 years, with a follow‐up at Year 3. BMI and factors related to eating and weight were assessed yearly.

Results: Over the 3‐year study period, 40% (n = 114) of the women remained at or below baseline body weight (±2 lbs), and 60% gained weight (>2 lbs). Intervention had no effect on weight over time. Independently of intervention, women who were older, not actively dieting to lose weight, and who reported less perceived hunger at baseline were more likely to be successful at weight maintenance. Weight maintenance also was associated with increasing dietary restraint (conscious thoughts and purposeful behaviors to control calorie intake) and decreasing dietary disinhibition (the tendency to lose control over eating) over time.

Discussion: This study raises concern about the feasibility and efficacy of weight gain prevention interventions because most women were interested in weight loss, rather than weight gain prevention, and the interventions had no effect on weight stability. Novel approaches to the prevention of weight gain are needed.
Does Excess Pregnancy Weight Gain Constitute a Major Risk for Increasing Long‐term BMI?
Authors: Amorim Amanda R. , Rössner Stephan , Neovius Martin , Lourenço Paulo M. , Linné Yvonne
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to assess the relevance of the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), regarding gestational weight gain (GWG) for long‐term BMI development.

Research Methods and Procedures: The Stockholm Pregnancy and Women's Nutrition is a follow‐up study of 483 women who delivered children in 1984 to 1985. ANOVA was used to examine the change in body weight before pregnancy, at 6 months, and 1 year postpartum and 15 years after childbirth. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the predictors of BMI at 15‐year follow‐up.

Results: The weight increase from baseline to 15‐year follow‐up was 6.2 kg for IOM‐insufficient, 6.7 kg for IOM‐recommended, and 10.0 kg for IOM‐excessive weight gain (p < 0.01). ANOVA showed a main effect of time, group and group by time interaction. The weight of the women who had excessive GWG was significantly greater at each time‐point of follow‐up than the weight of those who gained within or below recommendations. GWG was related to BMI at 15‐year follow‐up even after accounting for several confounders. Women who gained excessive weight during pregnancy had an increase of 0.72 kg/m2 in long‐term BMI compared with women who gained within recommendations.

Discussion: The findings support the adequateness of IOM guidelines, not only for the pregnancy‐related health matters, but also for preventing long‐term weight retention after delivery. Healthcare providers should give women appropriate advice for controlling GWG and motivate them to lose pregnancy‐related weight during postpartum to prevent future overweight.
Binge Eating Disorder and Night Eating Syndrome in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Allison Kelly C. , Crow Scott J. , Reeves Rebecca R. , West Delia Smith , Foreyt John P. , DiLillo Vicki G. , Wadden Thomas A. , Jeffery Robert W. , Van Dorsten Brent , Stunkard Albert J. ,   The Eating Disorders Subgroup of the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: July 2008

Objective: To determine the prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) and night eating syndrome (NES) among applicants to the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study.

Research Methods and Procedures: The Eating Disorders Examination–Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) and the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) were used to screen patients. Phone interviews were conducted using the EDE for those who reported at least eight episodes of objective binge eating in the past month and using the Night Eating Syndrome History and Interview for those who scored ≥25 on the NEQ. Recruitment at four sites (Birmingham, n = 200; Houston, n = 259; Minneapolis, n = 182; and Philadelphia, n = 204) yielded 845 participants (58% women; mean age = 60.1 ± 6.7 years; mean BMI = 36.2 ± 6.3 kg/m2).

Results: Screening scores were met by 47 (5.6%) applicants on the EDE‐Q and 71 (8.4%) on the NEQ. Of the 85% (40/47) who completed the EDE interview, 12 were diagnosed with BED, representing 1.4% of the total sample. Of the 72% (51/71) who completed the Night Eating Syndrome History and Interview, 32 were diagnosed with NES, equal to 3.8% of the total sample. Three participants had both BED and NES. Participants with eating disorders were younger, heavier, and reported more eating pathology than those without eating disorders.

Discussion: Among obese adults with type 2 diabetes, NES was reported more frequently than BED, which, in turn, was less common than expected.
Which Obesity Index Best Explains Prevalence Differences in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Lorenzo Carlos , Serrano‐Ríos Manuel , Martínez‐Larrad María T. , Gonzalez‐Villalpando Clicerio , Williams Ken , Gabriel Rafael , Stern Michael P. , Haffner Steven M.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Obesity drives the diabetes epidemic. However, it is not known which obesity index best explains variations in type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence across populations.

Research Methods and Procedures: We analyzed three cross‐sectional studies from San Antonio, TX, (Mexican‐Americans and non‐Hispanic whites, n = 2839), Mexico City (n = 2233), and Spain (n = 2161) (age range, 35 to 64 years). We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess performance for identifying diabetic subjects and logistic regression analysis to examine differences in diabetes prevalence.

Results: AUCs for waist circumference and BMI were similar in white subjects, but the AUC for waist circumference was greater in Mexican‐origin subjects (Mexican men, 0.594 vs. 0.549, p = 0.008; and women, 0.605 vs. 0.557, p = 0.002; Mexican‐American men, 0.648 vs. 0.600, p < 0.001; and women, 0.744 vs. 0.693, p < 0.001). The AUC for waist‐to‐height ratio tended to be greater than that for waist circumference, but statistical significance was demonstrated only in Mexican women (0.628 vs. 0.613, p = 0.044), Mexican‐American women (0.774 vs. 0.758, p < 0.001), and Spanish women (0.734 vs. 0.715, p = 0.039). No obesity index was consistently superior to the others for explaining differences in diabetes prevalence among populations.

Conclusions: In white and Mexican‐origin men, waist circumference may be the preferred marker for identifying diabetic subjects on account of its simplicity; in women, waist‐to‐height ratio may be better. Differences in diabetes prevalence among these populations cannot be attributed to a single measure of obesity.
Calcium and Body Fat in Peripubertal Girls: Cross‐sectional and Longitudinal Observations
Authors: Barr Susan I.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to investigate whether calcium intake is independently associated with body fat in peripubertal girls.

Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 45 healthy premenarcheal girls (initially 10.5 ± 0.6 years of age) completed a 2‐year prospective observational study. Percent body fat and trunk fat (by DXA), height, weight, maturational stage, and eating attitudes (children's Eating Attitudes Test [EAT]) were measured at baseline and at 1 and 2 years. Physical activity (by questionnaire) and calcium intake (by calcium‐specific food frequency questionnaire and 3‐day food records) were assessed at 6‐month intervals.

Results: Girls with 2‐year mean calcium intake below and above the median had similar age, height, lean mass, and maturational stage at baseline, but girls below the median had significantly higher baseline percentage body fat (29.3 ± 10.3% vs. 22.0 ± 6.8%, p < 0.01) and trunk fat (24.2 ± 10.6% vs. 15.8 ± 6.8%, p < 0.01). However, differences were no longer significant when covariates (most notably children's EAT dieting score) were considered. Regression analysis revealed that dieting score was a consistent positive predictor of percentage body and trunk fat at all cross‐sectional time‐points, accounting for >20% of the variance, but did not predict 2‐year change in percentage fat. Calcium intake did not enter longitudinal regression equations for 2‐year change in percentage fat.

Discussion: In this group of girls, an inverse cross‐sectional association between calcium intake and body fat appeared to result from avoidance of foods high in calcium by girls who were concerned about their body weight or shape. Calcium intake was not associated with change in fat over time.
A Community Intervention Reduces BMI z‐score in Children: Shape Up Somerville First Year Results
Authors: Economos Christina D. , Hyatt Raymond R. , Goldberg Jeanne P. , Must Aviva , Naumova Elena N. , Collins Jessica J. , Nelson Miriam E.
Published: July 2008

Objective: The objective was to test the hypothesis that a community‐based environmental change intervention could prevent weight gain in young children (7.6 ± 1.0 years).

Research Methods and Procedures: A non‐randomized controlled trial was conducted in three culturally diverse urban cities in Massachusetts. Somerville was the intervention community; two socio‐demographically‐matched cities were control communities. Children (n = 1178) in grades 1 to 3 attending public elementary schools participated in an intervention designed to bring the energy equation into balance by increasing physical activity options and availability of healthful foods within the before‐, during‐, after‐school, home, and community environments. Many groups and individuals within the community (including children, parents, teachers, school food service providers, city departments, policy makers, healthcare providers, before‐ and after‐school programs, restaurants, and the media) were engaged in the intervention. The main outcome measure was change in BMI z‐score.

Results: At baseline, 44% (n = 385), 36% (n = 561), and 43% (n = 232) of children were above the 85th percentile for BMI z‐score in the intervention and the two control communities, respectively. In the intervention community, BMI z‐score decreased by −0.1005 (p = 0.001, 95% confidence interval, −0.1151 to −0.0859) compared with children in the control communities after controlling for baseline covariates.

Discussion: A community‐based environmental change intervention decreased BMI z‐score in children at high risk for obesity. These results are significant given the obesigenic environmental backdrop against which the intervention occurred. This model demonstrates promise for communities throughout the country confronted with escalating childhood obesity rates.
Down‐regulation of Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase‐1 in Adipose Tissue by High‐fat Feeding
Authors: Hétu Pierre‐Olivier , Riendeau Denis
Published: July 2008

Objective: Prostaglandin (PG)E2 is a lipid mediator implicated in inflammatory diseases and in the regulation of lipolysis and adipocyte differentiation. This work was, thus, undertaken to study the regulation of the various PGE2 synthases (PGESs) in obesity.

Research Methods and Procedures: C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to a high‐fat or regular diet for 12 weeks. The levels of PGE2 in white adipose tissue (WAT) of lean and obese mice were quantified by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and the change in expression of the three major PGES caused by diet‐induced obesity was characterized by Western blotting. Human preadipocytes and 3T3‐L1 cells were used to assess the expression of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) during adipogenesis.

Results: mPGES‐1, mPGES‐2, and cytosolic PGES proteins were all detected in WAT of lean animals. mPGES‐1 was expressed at higher levels in WAT than in any other tissues examined and was more abundant (3‐ to 4‐fold) in epididymal (visceral) compared with inguinal (subcutaneous) WAT. Expression of mPGES‐1 was also detected in undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells and in human primary subcutaneous preadipocytes at all stages of adipogenesis. The mPGES‐1 protein was substantially down‐regulated in epididymal and inguinal WAT of obese mice, whereas mPGES‐2 and cytosolic PGES remained relatively stable. Concordantly, the PGE2 levels in obese inguinal WAT were significantly lower than those of lean animals.

Discussion: These data suggest that mPGES‐1 is the major form of PGESs contributing to the synthesis of PGE2 in WAT and that its down‐regulation might be involved in the alterations of lipolysis and adipogenesis associated with obesity.
Short Allele of Serotonin Transporter Gene Promoter Is a Risk Factor for Obesity in Adolescents
Authors: Sookoian Silvia , Gemma Carolina , García Silvia I. , Gianotti Tomas Fernández , Dieuzeide Guillermo , Roussos Adriana , Tonietti Miriam , Trifone Liliana , Kanevsky Diego , González Claudio D. , Pirola Carlos J.
Published: July 2008

Obesity and hypertension are increasing medical problems in adolescents. Serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) is involved in mood and eating disturbances. Encoded by the gene SLC6A4, the promoter shows functional insertion/deletion alleles: long (L) and short (S). Because individuals who are carriers for the short version are known to be at risk for higher levels of anxiety, we hypothesized that this variant may be associated with overweight. Data and blood samples were collected from 172 adolescents out of a cross‐sectional, population‐based study of 934 high school students. To replicate the findings, we also included 119 outpatients from the Nutrition and Diabetes Section of the Children's County Hospital. We found that the S allele was associated with overweight (BMI > 85th percentile), being a risk factor for overweight independently of sex, age, and hypertension [odds ratio (OR): 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13, 3.05; p < 0.02]. Additionally, in the outpatient study, compared with the homozygous LL subjects, S allele carriers showed a higher BMI z‐score (1.47 ± 1.09 vs. 0.51 ± 1.4; p < 0.002) and were more frequent in overweight children. In conclusion, the S allele of the SLC6A4 promoter variant is associated with overweight being an independent genetic risk factor for obesity.
Weight Loss on the Web: A Pilot Study Comparing a Structured Behavioral Intervention to a Commercial Program
Authors: Gold Beth Casey , Burke Susan , Pintauro Stephen , Buzzell Paul , Harvey‐Berino Jean
Published: July 2008

Objective: Internet weight loss programs have become widely available as alternatives to standard treatment, but few data are available on their efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a structured behavioral weight loss website (VTrim) vs. a commercial weight loss website (eDiets.com).

Research Methods and Procedures: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted from February 2003 to March 2005, in 124 overweight and obese subjects ages 18 years and older with a BMI of 25 to 39.9 kg/m2 (mean age, 47 ± 9 years; BMI, 32 ± 3 kg/m2; 20% men). Analyses were performed for the 88 subjects who had complete follow‐up data. Participants were randomly assigned to 12‐month VTrim (n = 62) or eDiets.com (n = 62) intervention. VTrim participants had access to a therapist‐led structured behavioral weight loss program delivered on‐line. eDiets.com subjects had access to a self‐help commercial on‐line weight loss program. Body weight, social support, and use of website components were measured at 0, 6, and 12 months.

Results: Repeated‐measures analyses showed that the VTrim group lost significantly more weight than the eDiets.com group at 6 months (8.3 ± 7.9 kg vs. 4.1 ± 6.2 kg; p = 0.004) and maintained a greater loss at 12 months (7.8 ± 7.5 kg vs. 3.4 ± 5.8 kg; p = 0.002). More participants in the VTrim group maintained a 5% weight loss goal (65% vs. 37.5%; p = 0.01) at 12 months.

Discussion: An on‐line, therapist‐led structured behavioral weight loss website produced greater weight loss than a self‐help commercial website. Because commercial sites have great potential public health impact, future research should investigate the feasibility of incorporating a more structured behavioral program into a commercial application.
Waist Circumference as a Predictor of Disability among Older Adults
Authors: Guallar‐Castillón Pilar , Sagardui‐Villamor Jon , Banegas José R. , Graciani Auxiliadora , Fornés Nélida Schmid , García Esther López , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando
Published: July 2008

Objective: Few studies have addressed the association between abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference (WC), and disability in the elderly. Moreover, those studies were cross‐sectional and yielded inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to examine longitudinally the association between WC and self‐reported disability among older adults.

Research Methods and Procedures: A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2001 to 2003 in 3235 persons (1411 men and 1824 women) representative of the non‐institutionalized Spanish population ages 60 years and older. Baseline information was collected by home‐based personal interviews and measurement of WC, weight, and height. Two years later, information on disability was obtained by telephone interview. The association of interest was summarized with odds ratios obtained by logistic regression.

Results: Among persons reporting no disability at baseline, WC predicted disability 2 years later. After adjustment for age, education, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, men in the highest WC quintile had 2.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 4.09) times more risk of mobility disability and 4.77 (95% confidence interval, 2.50 to 9.13) times more risk of agility disability than those in the lowest quintile. Additional adjustment for BMI, chronic diseases, and cognitive function led to only a slight reduction in this association. Results were similar for women. No statistically significant association was observed between WC and restriction of daily activities, limitation in instrumental activities of daily living, and limitation in bathing or dressing, in either men or women.

Discussion: WC predicts mobility and agility disability in old age. Avoidance of the highest values of WC might decrease the risk of disability in older adults.
Impact of Vitamin A on High‐Density Lipoprotein‐Cholesterol and Scavenger Receptor Class BI in the Obese Rat
Authors: Jeyakumar Shanmugam M. , Vajreswari Ayyalasomayajula , Giridharan Nappan V.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Scavenger receptor class BI (SR‐BI), authentic high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) receptors expressed in liver, are known to play an important role in HDL‐cholesterol (C) metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport. Interestingly, obese rats of WNIN/Ob strain have abnormally elevated levels of serum HDL‐C compared with their lean counterparts. Based on the well‐established role of SR‐B1 in HDL‐C metabolism, it was hypothesized that these obese rats may have an underexpression of hepatic SR‐B1 receptors. In view of the significant role of vitamin A in energy expenditure and obesity, we also tested whether vitamin A supplementation can correct abnormal HDL‐C metabolism.

Research Methods and Procedures: To test this hypothesis, 7‐month‐old male lean and obese rats of WNIN/Ob strain were divided into two groups; each group was subdivided into two subgroups consisting of six lean and six obese rats and received diets containing either 2.6 or 129 mg vitamin A/kg diet for 2 months.

Results: At the end, obese rats receiving normal levels of vitamin A diet showed high serum HDL‐C and lower hepatic SR‐BI expression levels compared with lean counterparts. Furthermore, chronic dietary vitamin A supplementation resulted in overexpression of hepatic SR‐BI receptors (protein and gene) with concomitant reduction in serum HDL‐C levels in obese rats.

Discussion: Thus, our observations highlight the role of vitamin A in reverse cholesterol transport through up‐regulation of hepatic SR‐BI receptors and, thereby, HDL‐C homeostasis in obese rats of WNIN/Ob strain.
Treatment Outcome in People with Subthreshold Compared with Full‐Syndrome Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Friederich Hans‐Christoph , Schild Sandra , Wild Beate , De Zwaan Martina , Quenter Andrea , Herzog Wolfgang , Zipfel Stephan
Published: July 2008

Objective: There is a controversial discussion in the literature as to whether individuals with subthreshold binge eating disorder (subBED) differ clinically significantly from individuals with full‐syndrome binge eating disorder (BED). This study was designed to compare eating‐related and general psychopathology at baseline and in response to a multimodal treatment program in obese people with subBED compared with BED.

Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 96 obese participants (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were assessed for eating‐related and general psychopathology at baseline. Thirty‐nine participants meeting criteria for BED and 19 participants meeting criteria for subBED attended a 15‐session outpatient group therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy extended by interpersonal therapy, nutritional counseling, and a supervised walking exercise. Participants with eating disorders were reassessed at the end of treatment and at 3‐month follow‐up. The obese control group without an eating disorder (n = 38) was assessed once. This was not a randomized controlled trial.

Results: Intent‐to‐treat analyses revealed no differences between subBED and full‐syndrome BED participants with regard to eating‐related and general psychopathology at baseline and with regard to treatment outcome. All participants experienced substantial improvements, and the results remained stable during follow‐up (except for dietary restraint). At follow‐up, participants with subBED and BED remained different from non‐eating disorder controls in eating‐related but not general psychopathology.

Discussion: The findings indicate that our multimodal treatment program is equally effective in obese subBED and BED participants, suggesting that a differentiation currently seems not to be of clinical significance.
Correlates of Adherence to a Physical Activity Program in Young African‐American Girls
Authors: Lemmon Christian R. , Ludwig David A. , Howe Cheryl A. , Ferguson‐Smith Ayanay , Barbeau Paule
Published: July 2008

Objective: The goal was to identify correlates of adherence to a structured physical activity (PA) program.

Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects were 136 8‐ to 12‐year‐old African‐American girls. Potential correlates at baseline were: 1) fitness index (FI: % body fat from DXA and cardiovascular fitness from treadmill test), and 2) self‐esteem, anxiety, attitude to school and teachers, relationship with parents, and interpersonal relations (Behavioral Assessment System for Children). The 10‐month PA program included 80 minutes of PA offered 5 days/wk. Regression tree classification was used to model attendance.

Results: Six splits occurred (34% total variance explained). Less anxious subjects attended more often than highly anxious subjects (3 days/wk vs. 1.5 days/wk) did. Subjects with a healthier FI attended more often than those with a less healthy FI (3 days/wk vs. 0.5 days/wk) did. Younger subjects attended more often than older ones (3 days/wk vs. 2.5 days/wk) did. The next two splits were again with anxiety (3.5 days/wk vs. 3 days/wk) and FI (3 days/wk vs. 2.5 days/wk). Finally, subjects with higher levels of self‐esteem attended more often than those with lower levels (3.5 days/wk vs. 2 days/wk) did.

Discussion: Subjects who were self‐confident, younger, fitter, and less anxious were more likely to participate regularly. This suggests that children who may be more likely to benefit from a PA program are less likely to participate. To enhance participation in PA programs, especially in older African‐American girls: 1) psychological concerns should be identified and addressed before enrollment, and 2) programs should be designed to be appealing to children of all fitness levels.
Impact of Surgically Induced Weight Loss on Cardiovascular Autonomic Function: One‐year Follow‐up
Authors: Maser Raelene E. , Lenhard M. James , Irgau Isaias , Wynn Gail M.
Published: July 2008

Objective: To determine the impact of surgically induced weight loss on cardiovascular autonomic function in subjects with severe obesity and examine whether the effect was comparable for persons with and without diabetes.

Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty‐six severely obese individuals (BMI = 48 ± 7 kg/m2) underwent bariatric surgery (laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, n = 21; laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, n = 5). Cardiovascular autonomic function (heart rate variation during deep breathing and the Valsalva maneuver) was assessed before and 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results: Twelve months after bariatric surgery, there was a 28% decrease in BMI. There was an increase in all parasympathetic indices of autonomic function (all assessment modalities, p < 0.05) with weight loss. The amount of improvement from baseline for all measures of autonomic function did not differ for those with or without diabetes.

Discussion: Surgically induced weight loss 12 months after surgery has a favorable effect on cardiovascular autonomic function in severely obese individuals with and without diabetes.
Regulation of Adiponutrin Expression by Feeding Conditions in Rats Is Altered in the Obese State
Authors: Caimari Antoni , Oliver Paula , Palou Andreu
Published: July 2008

Objective: To characterize the effect of feeding conditions on the expression behavior of adiponutrin, a non‐secreted adipose‐specific protein proposed to be involved in energy homeostasis maintenance, and its relation with leptin expression in different rat adipose tissue depots under normal and obese conditions.

Research Methods and Procedures: Two rat models were used, Wistar (lean and overweight) and Zucker (lean and obese), submitted to fasting/refeeding. Adiponutrin and leptin expression was determined in different white adipose tissue depots (epididymal, inguinal, mesenteric, and retroperitoneal) and in interscapular brown adipose tissue by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results: We have found site‐specific differences in adiponutrin expression in different adipose depots, being the expression pattern close to that of leptin in white adipose tissue. The depot‐specific adiponutrin expression is similar in lean and obese animals, except in the inguinal depot, where adiponutrin is overexpressed in obese Zucker. Independently of the degree of expression in the tissue, adiponutrin is an acute sensor of feeding conditions compared with other diet‐regulated adipokines, as is leptin. In lean rats, 14‐hour fasting greatly decreases adiponutrin mRNA levels in all of the depots studied, whereas 3‐hour refeeding allows the recovery of the levels found in control animals. In both overweight Wistar and obese Zucker rats, the decreased mRNA expression observed after fasting in lean rats is not as evident; moreover, in the obese Zucker, there is no recovery after refeeding.

Discussion: Adiponutrin expression is highly regulated by feeding conditions in the different adipose tissue depots, but this regulation is impaired in obese rats.
High Visceral Fat Mass and High Liver Fat Are Associated with Resistance to Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Thamer Claus , Machann Juergen , Stefan Norbert , Haap Michael , Schäfer Silke , Brenner Sonja , Kantartzis Konstantin , Claussen Claus , Schick Fritz , Haring Hans , Fritsche Andreas
Published: July 2008

Objective: High visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and high liver fat (LF) are associated with the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. We studied changes in these two fat depots during weight loss and analyzed whether VAT and LF at baseline predict the response to lifestyle intervention.

Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred twelve subjects (48 men and 64 women; age, 46 ± 11 years; BMI, 29.2 ± 4.4 kg/m2) were studied after a follow up‐time of 264 ± 60 (SD) days. Insulin sensitivity was estimated from the oral glucose tolerance test. Body fat depots were quantified using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.

Results: Cross‐sectionally high VAT (r = −0.22, p = 0.02) and high LF (r = −0.36, p < 0.0001) were independently associated with low insulin sensitivity. With intervention, BMI (−3.0%), VAT (−12.0%), and LF (−33.0%) were reduced (all p < 0.001). Insulin sensitivity was improved (+17%, p < 0.01). The changes in BMI (r = −0.41), VAT (r = −0.28), and LF (r = −0.39) were associated with the increase in insulin sensitivity (all p < 0.01). High VAT (r = −0.28, p = 0.01) and high LF (r = −0.38, p < 0.01) at baseline were associated with a lesser increase in insulin sensitivity.

Discussion: Baseline values and changes in BMI, VAT, and LF are related to changes in insulin sensitivity during lifestyle intervention. Subjects with high VAT and LF have a lower chance of profiting from lifestyle intervention and may require intensified lifestyle prevention strategies or even pharmacological approaches to improve insulin sensitivity.
BMI and Retinal Vascular Caliber in Children
Authors: Cheung Ning , Saw Seang Mei , Islam F.M. Amirul , Rogers Sophie L. , Shankar Anoop , De Haseth Kristin , Mitchell Paul , Wong Tien Yin
Published: July 2008

Objective: In adult populations, changes in retinal vascular caliber have been linked with obesity and metabolic syndrome. We examined the association of BMI and weight with retinal vascular caliber in children.

Research Methods and Procedures: This was a school‐based, cross‐sectional study of 768 children, 7 to 9 years old, randomly sampled from the Singapore Cohort Study of the Risk Factors for Myopia. Participants had digital retinal photographs. Retinal vascular caliber was measured using a computer‐based program and combined to provide average calibers of arterioles and venules in that eye. Weight and height were measured using standardized protocol. These data were used to calculate BMI.

Results: In this population, the mean retinal arteriolar and venular calibers were 156.40 μm [95% confidence interval (CI), 155.44 to 157.36] and 225.43 μm (95% CI, 224.10 to 226.74) respectively. After controlling for age, gender, race, parental monthly income, axial length, birth weight, and birth length, each 3.1 kg/m2 (standard deviation) increase in BMI was associated with a 2.55‐μm (95% CI, 1.21 to 3.89; p < 0.001) larger retinal venular caliber. In multivariable analysis, greater weight was also significantly associated with larger retinal venular caliber. BMI and weight were not associated with retinal arteriolar caliber. Height was not significantly associated with retinal arteriolar or venular caliber.

Discussion: Greater BMI and weight are associated with larger retinal venular caliber in healthy children.
Impact of Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Clusters on Health‐related Quality of Life in the U.S.
Authors: Sullivan Patrick W. , Ghushchyan Vahram , Wyatt Holly R. , Wu Eric Q. , Hill James O.
Published: July 2008

Objective:Research has shown that risk factors for cardiovascular disease often cluster together, most notably overweight/obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. The impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters on health‐related quality of life (HRQL) is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify the impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters on HRQL as measured by the SF (Short Form)‐12 Mental Component Scale (MCS‐12), SF‐12 Physical Component Scale (PCS‐12), EQ‐5D index (a generic quality of life index), and Visual Analogue Scale.

Research Methods and Procedures:The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey is a nationally representative survey of the U.S. population. From 2000 to 2002, detailed information on sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions were collected for 36,697 adults with complete responses. Controlling for comorbidity and sociodemographic characteristics, this study estimated the marginal impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters on MCS‐12, PCS‐12, EQ‐5D index, and Visual Analogue Scale scores. Cardiometabolic risk factor clusters were defined as the presence of BMI ≥25 kg/m2and at least two of the following: diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Using BMI ≥30 kg/m2as the cut‐off was also examined.

Results:The marginal impact of cardiometabolic risk factor clusters was highly statistically significant across all four HRQL measures and seemed to be clinically significant for all but the MCS‐12. The PCS‐12 showed a greater decrease in HRQL associated with physical function compared with mental function‐related domains of the MCS‐12.

Discussion:Common cardiometabolic risk factor clusters such as overweight/obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia have a significant and negative impact on HRQL in the United States.
Sex‐specific Difference in the Interconversion of Cortisol and Cortisone in Men and Women
Authors: Vierhapper Heinrich , Heinze Georg , Nowotny Peter
Published: July 2008

Objective: Our objective was to demonstrate that the smaller oxoreductase activity of 11β‐HSD1 in women would shift the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone toward cortisone, resulting in a larger amount of generated labeled cortisone in healthy women than in healthy men.

Research Methods and Procedures: Using mass spectrometry, the amount of cortisone generated from a continuous infusion (8 am to 6 pm) of stable‐labeled cortisol (1α,2α‐d‐cortisol) was determined in non‐obese and in obese (BMI >35 kg/m2) men and women during steady‐state conditions (from 2 pm to 6 pm). In this setting, the amount of generated labeled cortisone (expressed as % of the achieved steady‐state concentrations of labeled cortisol) reflects the sum of the bi‐directional conversion of cortisol into cortisone (and vice versa) by 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Results: The amount of generated labeled cortisone was higher in men than in women (p < 0.0001). This sex difference was higher in obese than in non‐obese patients (p = 0.0062).

Conclusions: The interconversion of cortisol and cortisone during steady‐state conditions is shifted toward cortisol in men as compared with women. This suggests a higher overall oxoreductase activity of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in men than in women. This sex‐specific difference is maintained in obesity.
Measures of Adiposity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Authors: Menke Andy , Muntner Paul , Wildman Rachel P. , Reynolds Kristi , He Jiang
Published: July 2008

Objective: To determine which of five measures of adiposity maintains the strongest association with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Research Methods and Procedures: A nationally representative sample of 12,608 adult participants of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were examined. Waist circumference, total body fat, percent body fat, BMI, and skinfold thickness were measured following a standardized protocol.

Results: In multivariable adjusted models including waist circumference and BMI as independent variables, waist circumference was a significantly better predictor. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for each standard deviation higher waist circumference and BMI for men were as follows: 1.88 (1.43, 2.48) and 0.99 (0.76, 1.29), respectively, for hypertension; 1.51 (0.87, 2.59) and 1.23 (0.76, 1.99), respectively, for diabetes; and 1.85 (1.48, 2.32) and 1.00 (0.80, 1.24), respectively, for low high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. The analogous odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for women were as follows: 2.28 (1.74, 3.00) and 0.91 (0.69, 1.19), respectively, for hypertension; 2.72 (1.85, 4.00) and 0.82 (0.55, 1.23), respectively, for diabetes; and 1.90 (1.47, 2.47) and 1.07 (0.83, 1.38), respectively, for low high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. Results were markedly similar for waist circumference in models adjusting for total body fat, percent body fat, and skinfold thickness separately. In contrast, waist circumference was not a significantly better predictor of elevated C‐reactive protein than the other measures of adiposity.

Discussion: Waist circumference maintains a stronger association with cardiovascular disease risk factors than other measures of adiposity.
Higher Insulin, Triglycerides, and Blood Pressure With Greater Trunk Fat in Tanner 1 Chinese
Authors: He Qing , Zhang Xiaojing , He Suyuan , Gong Luxia , Sun Yungao , Heshka Stanley , Deckelbaum Richard J. , Gallagher Dympna
Published: July 2008

Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate the body fat distribution pattern in prepubertal Chinese children and to investigate the relationship between central fat distribution and specific biomarkers of cardiovascular disease.

Research Methods and Procedures: The study was conducted in an urban Mainland Chinese (Jinan, Shandong) sample of children using a cross‐sectional design. Pubertal status was determined by Tanner criteria. Measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, DXA measures of total body fat and trunk fat; fasting serum measures of glucose, insulin, triglyceride, cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol; and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Multiple regression models were developed with the biomarkers of cardiovascular risk factor as the dependent variables, and adjustments were made for significant covariates, including sex, age, height, weight, waist circumference, total body fat, trunk fat, and interactions.

Results: A total of 247 healthy prepubertal subjects were studied. After co‐varying for age, weight, height, and extremity fat (the sum of arm fat and leg fat), girls had greater trunk fat than boys (p < 0.0001, R2 for model = 0.95). Insulin and triglyceride were positively related to central fat measured by DXA‐trunk fat (p < 0.05) but not related to the waist circumference. In the blood pressure model, waist circumference was a significant predictor of both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, while DXA‐trunk fat was associated with diastolic blood pressure only. Significant interactions between sex and trunk fat, and sex and total fat, were found in relation to diastolic blood pressure.

Discussion: In prepubertal Chinese children, greater trunk fat was significantly associated with higher insulin and triglyceride in boys and girls and was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure in boys only.
High‐fat Diets: Modeling the Metabolic Disorders of Human Obesity in Rodents
Authors: Buettner Roland , Schölmerich Jürgen , Bollheimer L. Cornelius
Published: July 2008

Research Methods and Procedures: High‐fat (HF) diet feeding can induce obesity and metabolic disorders in rodents that resemble the human metabolic syndrome. However, this dietary intervention is not standardized, and the HF‐induced phenotype varies distinctly among different studies. The question which HF diet type is best to model the metabolic deterioration seen in human obesity remains unclear. Therefore, in this review, metabolic data obtained with different HF diet approaches are compiled. Both whole‐body and organ‐specific diet effects are analyzed.

Results: On the basis of these results, we conclude that animal fats and ω‐6/ω‐9‐containing plant oils can be used to generate an obese and insulin‐resistant phenotype in rodents, whereas fish oil‐fed animals do not develop these disorders.

Discussion: Looking at the present data, it does not seem possible to define an ideal HF diet, and an exact definition of diet composition and a thorough metabolic characterization of the HF diet effects in a researcher's specific laboratory setting remains essential for metabolic studies with this model.
Minimal versus Umbilical Waist Circumference Measures as Indicators of Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Willis Leslie H. , Slentz Cris A. , Houmard Joseph A. , Johnson Johanna L. , Duscha Brian D. , Aiken Lori B. , Kraus William E.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Measures of central obesity are strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Although waist circumference (WC) is a commonly used measure of central obesity, there is no standard measurement location. We examined two WC locations to determine which was more highly correlated with CVD risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MS).

Research Methods and Procedures: WC measures were taken on 266 sedentary, overweight men and women 45 to 60 years old. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests, fasting plasma lipid analysis, and computed tomography scans were conducted. Correlational analyses followed by the Test for Equal Correlations determined whether one WC measure better correlated with the cardiovascular risk factors.

Results: In women, minimal waist had higher correlation coefficients than umbilical waist for all eight variables presented. High‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein particle size, and MS score were significantly correlated with minimal waist, but not umbilical waist. For high‐density lipoprotein size and insulin sensitivity, minimal waist was a better correlate, although the difference between waist measures only approached statistical significance (p < 0.06). In men, minimal waist had a higher correlation coefficient than umbilical waist for insulin sensitivity, fasting insulin, and visceral adipose tissue. Additionally, minimal waist was significantly correlated with MS in men and umbilical waist was not. For both genders, minimal waist was more highly correlated with visceral adipose tissue than umbilical waist.

Discussion: For every metabolic variable presented, minimal WC was more highly correlated with CVD risk than was umbilical WC in women. The data for women indicate that WC location is important when determining CVD risk. In men, minimal waist was better, although the data were less compelling.
Tenomodulin is Associated with Obesity and Diabetes Risk: The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study
Authors: Tolppanen Anna‐Maija , Pulkkinen Leena , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Schwab Ursula , Lindström Jaana , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Uusitupa Matti ,   For the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study Group
Published: July 2008

We recently showed that long‐term weight reduction changes the gene expression profile of adipose tissue in overweight individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). One of the responding genes was X‐chromosomal tenomodulin (TNMD), a putative angiogenesis inhibitor. Our aim was to study the associations of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes with adiposity, glucose metabolism, and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms from two different haploblocks were genotyped from 507 participants of the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS). Sex‐specific genotype effects were observed. Three markers of haploblock 1 were associated with features of adiposity in women (rs5966709, rs4828037) and men (rs11798018). Markers rs2073163 and rs1155794 from haploblock 2 were associated with 2‐hour plasma glucose levels in men during the 3‐year follow‐up. The same two markers together with rs2073162 associated with the conversion of IGT to T2D in men. The risk of developing T2D was approximately 2‐fold in individuals with genotypes associated with higher 2‐hour plasma glucose levels; the hazard ratios were 2.192 (p = 0.025) for rs2073162‐A, 2.191 (p = 0.027) for rs2073163‐C, and 1.998 (p = 0.054) for rs1155974‐T. These results suggest that TNMD polymorphisms are associated with adiposity and also with glucose metabolism and conversion from IGT to T2D in men.