bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black and White Females' Perceptions of Ideal Body Size and Social Norms
Authors: Kernper Karen A. , Sargent Roger G. , Drane J. Wanzer , Valois Robert E , Hussey James R.
Published: September 2012

Different cultural norms and standards for appropriate female body size might contribute to the disparity in obesity rates between black and white adult females (46.0% and 24.6% respectively). The purpose of this study was to measure adolescents' perceptions of ideal size and social norms regarding female body size as well as adolescents' perceptions of significant others' evaluation and expectations of the adolescents' body size.

Subjects included 437 adolescent girls (247 white and 190 black) aged 13 to 19 (x=44.9, SD=.979) from six randomly selected public schools. The subjects, heights and weights were measured. Responses to a body image questionnaire and a series of nine female body drawings (arranged ordinally, 1 to 9, from thinnest to heaviest) were analyzed using the General Linear Model and Logistic Regression.

The female body size considered ideal by black females was significantly larger than the size selected as ideal by white females (x= 3.47 and x= 3.13 respectively, p< 0.001). Black females were two times more likely than white females to describe themselves as thinner than other girls their age (O.R. = 2.01, 95% C.I.1.34, 3.01) and seven times as likely to say that they were not overweight (O.R. = 7.08, 95% C.I. 3.72, 13.45). White females wanted to be a smaller size than they currently were and felt encouraged by significant others to lose weight or reduce their size. Black females did not indicate as great a desire as whites to be smaller and they tended to feel that their size was considered satisfactory by significant others. Only subjects from the low SES group perceived that significant others wanted them to gain weight.

The differences between black and white subjects' beliefs and perceptions about body size norms may explain, in part, why heavier body weights persist in some cultural groups.
Body Compartment and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Distribution ‐ Risk Factor Patterns in Obese Subjects
Authors: Sjöström C. David , Håkangård A. Camilla , Lissner Lauren , Sjöström Lars
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether upper body obesity and/or visceral obesity are related to cardiovascular risk factors among severely obese subjects, phenomena that have previously been reported in more heterogeneous body weight distri ‐buttons.

2450 severely obese men and women aged 37 to 59 years, with a body mass index of 39 ± 4.5 kg/m2 (mean ± SD) were examined cross‐sectionally. Eight cardiovascular risk factors were studied in relation. to the following body composition indicators: four trunk and three limb circumferences, along with weight, height and sagittal trunk diameter. From the latter three measurements lean body mass (LBM, i.e., the non‐adipose tissue mass) and the masses of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue were estimated by using sex‐specific prediction equations previously calibrated by computed tomography.

Two risk factor patterns could be distinguished: 1. One body compartment‐ risk factor pattern in which the subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) mass and, in particular, the visceral AT mass were positively related to most risk factors while the lean body mass was negatively related to some risk factors. 2. One subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution‐ risk factor pattern in which the neck circumference was positively and the thigh circumference negatively related to several risk factors.

It is concluded that lean body mass (LBM), visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue masses as well as neck and thigh circumferences, used as indices of subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution, are independently related to cardiovascular risk factors in severely obese men and women.
History of Intentional and Unintentional Weight Loss in a Population‐Based Sample of Women Aged 55 to 69 Years
Authors: French Simone A. , Jejfery Robert W. , Folsom Aaron R. , Williamson David F. , Byers Tim
Published: September 2012

FRENCH, SIMONE A, ROBERT W JEFFERY, AARON R FOLSOM, DAVID F WILLIAMSON AND TIM BYERS. History of intentional and unintentional weight loss in a population‐based sample of women aged 55 to 69 years.Obes Res. 1995;3:163–170.

Although both overweight and body weight fluctuation are related to chronic disease risk, little is known about the history of and reasons for body weight change in the general population. This paper reports the incidence of intentional and unintentional weight loss episodes during adulthood in a population‐based sample of 26, 261 women aged 55 to 69 years. Intentional weight loss episodes of each of four amounts (5–9, 10–19, 20–49, 50+ lbs.) and unintentional weight loss episodes of 20 or more lbs. were recalled for each of three age periods (18–39, 40–54, 55+ years). At least one intentional weight loss episode of 5 or more lbs. was reported by 69% of women, 46% reported at least one intentional weight loss episode of 10 or more lbs, and 25% reported at least one intentional weight loss episode 20 or more lbs. At least one unintentional weight loss episode of 20 or more lbs. was reported by 29% of the women. Reasons for weight losses of 20 or more lbs. were also recalled. Women who had intentionally lost 20 or more lbs. were more likely to report weight losses due to low‐calorie diets, exercise and weight loss groups, while women who had unintentionally lost 20 or more lbs. were more likely to report weight losses due to depression or stress. These findings question the common assumption that weight losses in adult women are primarily intentional and emphasize the need to distinguish the reasons for weight loss in studies examining the relationship between body weight changes and health outcomes.
Identification of Biochemical Defects in Pancreatic Islets of fa/fa Rats: A Developmental Study
Authors: Kibenge Molly T. , Chan Catherine B.
Published: September 2012

KIBENGE, MOLLY T AND CATHERINE B CHAN. Identification of biochemical defects in pancreatic islets of fa/fa rats: a developmental study. Obes Res. 1995;3:171–178.

Adult obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats hypersecrete insulin in response to glucose and other secretagogues. Functional changes in islet ot2‐adrenoceptors (8) and glycolytic regulation (9) have been reported. In this study, the development of these biochemical lesions in islets isolated from suckling (3 week old) and weanling (5 week old) lean and fa/fa rats was investigated and compared to results in adult animals. Glucose (15 mM)‐induced insulin secretion was inhibited by mannoheptulose (MH) in lean (n=8) but not fa/fa (n=10) adult rats, indicating loss of sensitivity of glucokinase to competitive inhibition. Sensitivity to MH was somewhat reduced in the islets of 3‐ and 5‐week‐old fa/fa (n=7 and 12) compared to lean (n=15 and 9) rats, requiring 30–100 fold higher concentrations to achieve significant inhibition. At 3 weeks of age fa/fa rats did not differ from lean controls in either islet insulin content or body weight, but both parameters were increased in fa/fa rats by 5 weeks. The presence of altered α2‐adrenoceptor function in fa/fa rats could not be confirmed in this study. Unlike the previous report, prazosin did not antagonize α2‐agonist mediated inhibition of insulin secretion. The presence of defective regulation of the glycolytic pathway by mannoheptulose in suckling and weanling rats may contribute to development of hyperinsulinemia in fa/fa rats.
Comparison of Obese NIDDM and Nondiabetic Women: Short‐ and Long‐Term Weight Loss
Authors: Guare John C. , Wing Rena R. , Grant Aedamar
Published: September 2012

Previous research suggests that overweight patients with diabetes lose less weight than non diabetics. We compared the response of obese women with NIDDM to non diabetic controls, matched for age and weight, to a behavior weight loss program. Forty‐three overweight women (20 NIDDM, 23 non diabetic) participated in the study. NIDDM and non diabetic subjects were treated together and received the same 16‐week behavioral weight loss program. Dependent measures included weight, 3‐day food records, physical activity, fasting plasma glucose, and questionnaires assessing eating behavior and depressive symptomatology. Weight loss of NIDDM and non diabetic subjects at posttreatment was comparable (‐7.4 ± 5.3 kg vs. −6.4 ± 3.8 kg, respectively). Changes in caloric intake, eating behavior, exercise and depressive symptomatology were also similar between the two groups. However, during the 1‐year follow‐up period, NIDDM subjects regained 5.4 ± 6.1 kg compared to 1.0 ± 6.7 kg for nondiabetics (p=.058). These data indicate that NIDDM subjects can lose as much weight as their nondiabetic peers during active treatment Once treatment terminated, however, NIDDM subjects demonstrated poor weight loss maintenance. Thus the added motivation that comes from having diabetes and seeing improvements in glycemic control with weight loss were not sufficient to improve long term weight loss in diabetic subjects. A continuous care model of weight control may be particularly necessary for overweight patients with type II diabetes.
Do Children Lose and Maintain Weight Easier Than Adults: A Comparison of Child and Parent Weight Changes From Six Months to Ten Years
Authors: Epstein Leonard H. , Valoski Alice M. , Kalarchian Melissa A. , McCurley James
Published: September 2012

Recent research has shown weight maintenance for obese preadolescent children over 60 and 120 month intervals, while studies on adults consistently show they fail to maintain weight loss. This paper is designed to examine differences in percent overweight changes at 6, 60 and 120 months in obese parents and children from 113 families who participated in randomized controlled outcome studies evaluating family‐based behavioral treatment. Analyses showed children had significantly greater changes in percent overweight than their parents at each time point. Chi‐Square and Logistic Regression analyses showed children were more likely than their parents at each time point to have percent overweight decreases greater than 20%, with over 20% of the children and less than 1% of the parents showing changes this large. The implications of these results for weight control are discussed. These results suggest there may be differences in the efficacy of treating obesity in children versus adults.
Relation of the White Blood Cell Count to Obesity and Insulin Resistance: Effect of Race and Gender
Authors: Pratley Richard E. , Wilson Charlton , Bogardus Clifton
Published: September 2012

PRATLEY, RICHARD E, CHARLTON WILSON AND CLIFTON BOGARDUS. Relation of the white blood cell count to obesity and insulin resistance: effect of race and gender. Obes Res.

Recent reports suggest that the white blood cell (WBC) count is related to plasma insulin concentrations and insulin resistance in healthy individuals. The present study examines whether these relations are independent of obesity and the pattern of body fat distribution and tests whether race and gender affect these relations. WBC counts, insulin responses to a 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glucose disposal during a two‐step hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp were measured in 300 men and women (149 Pima Indians, 100 whites, and 51 blacks) with a wide range of obesity. WBC counts were lower in blacks than Pima Indians or whites and tended to be higher in women than men. The subgroups were comparable in age and body weight, but percent body fat and plasma insulin concentrations were higher and glucose disposal during the glucose clamp was lower in Pima Indians than in blacks or whites. In the group as a whole, the WBC count correlated with obesity (body mass index and percent body fat), the waist to thigh ratio (an index of the pattern of body fat distribution), and plasma insulin concentrations and was negatively related to age and glucose disposal during the clamp. In multiple regression analyses, only age, race and obesity were significantly associated with the WBC count. When the analyses were restricted to Pima men, in whom correlations between the WBC count and the metabolic variables appeared the strongest, the WBC count remained significantly associated with plasma insulin concentrations, but not glucose disposal, after controlling for age and obesity. The results of this study indicate that age, race, and obesity are significantly associated with the WBC count in healthy individuals. Plasma insulin concentrations, but not insulin resistance per se, may also be weakly associated with the WBC count, but this may be population specific.
Molecular Biology of Serotonin Receptors
Authors: Baez Melvyn , Kursar Jonathan D. , Helton Lisa A. , Wainscott David B. , Nelson David L.G.
Published: September 2012

Over the last several years the use of molecular cloning technology has revealed a vast diversity among serotonin (5‐HT)receptors, where by what was previously thought to be a family of three pharmacologically defined classes of 5‐HT receptors is actually composed of seven distinct subfamilies designated 5‐HT1–7. The 5‐HT1, 5‐HT2, and 5‐HT5 subfamilies currently consist of five, three and two subtypes respectively while the 5‐HT3,5‐HT4, 5‐HT6, and 5‐HT7 “subfamilies” have at present one subtype each. Fourteen separate genes encode 13 receptors which fall in the superfamily of G protein‐coupled receptors and one ligand‐gated ion channel receptor. Our lab has contributed to the elucidation of this subtype diversity by cloning the cDNAs from both rat and human encoding the 5‐HT2B receptor. This receptor subtype is equally homologous (approximately 70%) to the 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C receptors when amino acids comprising the transmembrane domains are compared and is clearly the third member of the 5‐HT2 subfamily. The 5‐HT2B receptor has been shown to couple to phosphoinositide hydrolysis as do the other two members of this subfamily when expressed in AV12‐664 cells. Limited pharmacological analyses indicated that both rat and human 5‐HT2B receptors are similar but distinguishable. With one tantalizing exception, the mRNAs for these receptors appear to be similarly distributed within rat and human. The 5‐HT2B receptor mRNA is not found in rat brain, whereas in human brain it has been identified in multiple regions. This later finding suggests that the 5‐HT2B receptor may be serving a unique CNS function in man that is absent in rat.
Biological Actions of Drugs Affecting Serotonin and Eating
Authors: Garattini Silvio
Published: September 2012

The present status of knowledge on drugs affecting food intake and presumably acting via a serotoninergic mechanism is reviewed.

The mechanism of action of these drugs is analyzed at the neurochemical level. All the drugs, to various extents, inhibit the uptake of serotonin (5HT), increase the release of 5HT and decrease brain levels of 5HT and 5HIAA. However, the underlying mechanisms are not identical as exemplified by comparisons made with d‐fenfluramine, d‐norfenfluramine, fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine.

An analysis of the role of 5HT in the inhibition of food intake reveals that only d‐fenfluramine is inhibited by antiserotonin agents. The role of the different 5HT receptor‐subtypes in this antagonism is discussed. More selective 5HT antagonists are needed to establish which 5HT receptor(s) controls food intake.
Adrenergic Receptors and Fat Cells: Differential Recruitment by Physiological Amines and Homologous Regulation
Authors: Lafontan Max , Bousquet‐Melou Alain , Galitzky Jean , Barbe Pierre , Carpéné Christian , Langin Dominique , Berlan Michel , Valet Philippe , Castan Isabelle , Bouloumié Anne , Saulnier‐Blache Jean‐Sébastien
Published: September 2012

The control of fat cell lipolysis by the catecholamines involves at least four different adrenoceptor subtypes; three β (β1‐, β2‐, and β3‐ARs) and one α2‐adrenoceptor(α2‐AR). The physiological importance of the β‐ and α2A‐ARs varies according to the species, the sex, the age, the anatomical location of fat deposits and the degree of obesity in humans and animals. The physiological amines operate through differential recruitment of these sites on the basis of their relative affinities. This point has been assessed by in vitro studies and has partly been confirmed in in vivo experiments using selected a/β‐AR antagonists and in situ microdialysis. The affinity of the β3‐AR for catecholamines is less than that of the classical β1‐ and β2‐ARs in the various species investigated. Conversely, it is the α2‐AR which exhibit the highest affinity for the physiological amines in all fat cells. The relative order of affinity of the various fat cell ARs for the physiological amines defined in binding studies and in vitro ass ays is α2 > β1 > β2 > β3 for norepinephrine and α2 >β2 > β1> β3 for epinephrine. When considering differential β‐AR recruitment by catecholamines, it is the β1‐AR which is always activated at the lowest norepinephrine levels, whatever the species, while the activation of the β3‐AR requires higher norepinephrine levels. In addition to the differential recruitment, differential regulation by hormones could also occur for each fat cell AR subtype. The α2‐and β3‐ARs are less prone to desensitization and down‐regulation by comparison with the β1‐ and β2‐AR.
Dehydroepiandrosterone and Body Fat
Authors: Clore John N.
Published: September 2012

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S) is the most abundant circulating adrenal steroid in man, yet its physiologic role and that of its parent compound DHEA are unknown. Age‐related decreases in DHEA in association with increases in obesity, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis are well known. Recent investigations in lower mammals (which do not secrete DHEA) have suggested that DHEA (or its metabolites) may function as an antiobesity agent in these models of obesity independent of food intake. Proposed mechanisms for the decrease in fat mass and lower weight gain when DHEA is given orally include increases in futile cycling and peroxisomal β‐oxidation and decreases in de novo lipogenesis. Alterations in the availability of reducing equivalents for lipid synthesis do not appear to explain this decrease. Changes in pancreatic insulin secretion or insulin sensitivity may also be responsible for some of these effects.

Studies in humans have failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of DHEA on body composition or energy expenditure at either pharmacologic or physiologic replacement doses for 1–3 months. Administration of DHEA to men or women has also not been shown to alter insulin sensitivity as measured by the minimal model or the euglycemic clamp technique. The effect of DHEA on peroxisomal β‐oxidation and de novo lipogenesis is not known. We conclude that a significant role for DHEA in the pharmacologic treatment of human obesity is unlikely.
Prevalence and Secular Trends in Obesity in Pacific and Indian Ocean Island Populations
Authors: Hodge Allison M. , Dowse Gary K. , Zimmet Paul Z. , Collins Veronica R.
Published: September 2012

Surveys conducted in 10 Pacific island populations and in the multiethnic populations of Mauritius and Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean have provided data on the prevalence of obesity, potential etiological factors and medical hazards associated with obesity. The results indicate that the prevalence of obesity (by body mass index (BMI)) in some of these populations is among the highest in the world. Obesity related to degree of modernization is more common in urban than in rural locations and tends to be found more often in women. In two populations where longitudinal data were available, there were dramatic increases in prevalence over relatively short time periods. Obesity contributed to the risk of non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and was associated with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in all populations, but no relationship could be found with total mortality in three ethnic groups for whom data were available. A genetic susceptibility to obesity combined with social pressures that favor high energy intakes and reduced physical activity are believed to be important in these populations. The challenge for the future lies in developing culturally appropriate programs for preventing obesity and thus reducing associated morbidity, while continuing to research its behavioral and genetic determinants.
Obesity and Malnutrition in a Shantytown Population in the City of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Sawaya Ana L. , Dallal Gerald , Solymos Gisela , de Sousa Maria H. , Ventura Maria L. , Roberts Susan B. , Sigulem Dirce M.
Published: September 2012

To investigate the prevalence of obesity and malnutrition in the poor Brazilian population we conducted a survey on the socioeconomic and nutritional status of 535 families (comprising 2 411 individuals) living in shanty towns in the city of São Paulo. There was a 30% prevalence of malnutrition in the children, with chronic malnutrition as the most predominant problem. The prevalence of obesity was 6.4% in boys and 8.7% in girls. Overweight and obesity associated with stunting was found in 5.8% of boys and 6.8% girls. Adolescents showed a higher prevalence of malnutrition when weight‐for‐age distribution was used (boys 46.4%, girls 40.2%), but a right deviation in the distribution was observed with an increase in obesity and a decrease of malnutrition was observed (obesity was 21% in girls and 8.8% in boys; malnutrition was 15.5% in boys and 12.6% in girls) when the weight‐for‐height adjustment was made. Stunting was the most predominant type of malnutrition in both sexes. Obesity associated with stunting was more common than obesity without stunting, both in younger children and adolescents. Adults had a higher prevalence of obesity than malnutrition according to both the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables (1.7% of undernutrition, 16.7% of overweight, and 14.1% of obesity) and Body Mass Index (8.5% of undernutrition, 21.9% of overweight, and 14.6% of obesity). There was an increase in the percentage of obese children when at least one adult in the family was obese and an increased percentage of malnourished children when undernourished adults were present in the family. Obesity among the adults of the family decreased the occurrence of malnutrition among the children. In 9% of families there was a coexistence of obesity in the adults and malnutrition in the children. These results demonstrate a coexistence of malnutrition and obesity in poor urban Brazilian communities.
Susceptibility to Development of Central Adiposity Among Populations
Authors: Fujimoto Wilfred Y. , Bergstrom Richard W. , Boyko Edward J. , Leonetti Donna L. , Newell‐Morris Laura L. , Wahl Patricia W.
Published: September 2012

There is good evidence that central (visceral) adiposity is important in the development of the insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome (obesity, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and coronary heart disease). It is proposed that some non‐Caucasian populations are especially susceptible to development of this syndrome, and that lifestyle changes may play important etiologic roles. We postulate that this is due to the presence in these populations of a genetic predisposition to weight gain, perhaps related to a “thrifty” genotype, leading to the concentration of weight gain in visceral fat depots, when there is exposure to conditions associated with westernization.
Pregnancy as a Risk Factor for Obesity: Lessons from the Stockholm Pregnancy and Weight Development Study
Authors: Rössner Stephan , Öhlin Agneta
Published: September 2012

Pregnancy and maternal body weight development are intertwined in complicated patterns. In most studies, an increase in maternal body weight with age and parity has been reported. For women who develop obesity, pregnancies can, in retrospect, be identified as important triggering life events. In a retrospective analysis of 128 women at our Obesity Unit, 73% of these severely obese patients had retained more than 10 kg in connection with a pregnancy. For the general population, the effect of a pregnancy on future weight development is surprisingly difficult to predict. In The Stockholm Pregnancy and Weight Development Study, the effects of pregnancy on weight retention one year after delivery were studied in 1423 women. Data were collected retrospectively from routine pregnancy records and then extended prospectively 6 and 12 months after delivery. The mean weight retention associated with a pregnancy one year after delivery was estimated to about 0.5 kg, with a range of‐12 to 26 kg. Fourteen percent of the women gained more than 5 kg. Weight increase during pregnancy was the strongest predict or for sustained weight retention 1 year later. Pre‐pregnancy weight did not predict the weight development outcome. The lactation pattern had only a minor influence on weight development Smoking cessation was an important predictor for sustained weight increase. More weight retention was observed in those women who reported a change in lifestyle as regarded eating habits, meal patterns, and physical activity, suggesting that eventual body weight after pregnancy is more determined by the changes in association with that particular pregnancy than with the lifestyle before.
Community Programs for Obesity Prevention: The Minnesota Heart Health Program
Authors: Jeffery Robert W.
Published: September 2012

Community intervention strategies for obesity that were developed and evaluated in the Minnesota Heart Health Pro‐gram (MHHP) are described. The MHHP was a 13‐year research and demonstration project involving 6 communities that was designed to evaluate whether a sustained multicomponent education campaign could reduce population‐wide risk factors for cardiovascular disease. MHHP weight control activities included adult education classes for weight control, exercise, and cholesterol reduction, a worksite weight control program, a home correspondence course for weight loss and a weight gain prevention program. In separate component evaluation studies each of the programs was shown to facilitate favorable changes in weight among individuals choosing to participate in them. Compared to more intensive interventions, weight changes produced by these methods were modest in magnitude, but the number of individuals participating in some of them was quite large. The overall effects of the MHHP program on population levels of obesity were disappointing. Over 7 years of intervention there was a strong upward trend in weight in all communities, independent of age, demographics, smoking habits, or other potential confounding variables. This trend was not different in communities receiving education than in comparison communities. Possible reasons for these results are discussed.
Toward Comprehensive Obesity Prevention Programs in Native American Communities
Authors: Broussard Brenda A. , Sugarman Jonathan R. , Bachman‐Carter Karen , Booth Karmen , Stephenson Larry , Strauss Karen , Gohdes Dorothy
Published: September 2012

Obesity is a particularly important challenge to the health status of Native Americans. This challenge is manifest in the increasing rates of non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus among Native Americans. Most studies of Native American infants, preschool children, schoolchildren, and adults have confirmed a high prevalence of over weight Historical studies suggest that for many Native American communities the high rates of obesity are a relatively recent phenomenon. The specific reasons for the increase in obesity among Native Americans have not been determined, although it has been hypothesized that Native Americans have a genetic predisposition to over weight in a “westernized” environment of abundant food and decreased energy expenditure. Few detailed studies of diet or of physical activity levels of contemporary Native Americans have been published. Community‐based interventions to modify diet and activity levels to prevent obesity in Native American communities are needed. Preliminary evidence from two formative school‐based programs in the Southwest suggest that Native American communities are receptive to school‐based interventions, and that such programs may be able to slow the rate of excess weight gain and to improve fitness in schoolchildren. Because of the cultural diversity among Native Americans, future studies should focus on collecting community‐ and region‐specific data, and should emphasize the need for obesity prevention through culturally appropriate community‐and school‐based behavioral interventions.
Effects of Auricular Acupuncture Stimulation on Nonobese, Healthy Volunteer Subjects
Authors: Shiraishi Kemasa , Onoe Mariko , Kageyama Teruo , Sameshima Yasuo , Kojima Takaaki , Konishi Sadanori , Yoshimatsu Hironobu , Sakata Toshiie
Published: September 2012

Effects of auricular acupuncture stimulation on nonobese healthy volunteers were investigated. Subjects (n=35) averaged 34.5 years old, and BMI was 25.3 kg/m<2. Small (0.15 × 2.0 mm) auricular needles were applied intracutaneously into the bilateral cavum conchae that was identified by having less than 100 kΩ resistance. Body weight was measured four times a day and charted by the subjects themselves. Results showed that, in the period I1‐2, in which only body weight was measured, without auricular acupuncture stimulations, 57.1% of the subjects reduced their body weight. This indicates that charting body weight themselves might be useful to maintain their weight. In the auricular acupuncture treated period, 19 (70.4%) out of 27 decreased (p<0.01), 5 (18.5%) was increased, and 3 (11.1%) had no change in body weight. In conclusion, the results suggest that success in maintaining weight reduction can be attributed to graphic illustration of one's weight pattern. Bilateral auricular acupuncture stimulation can also reduce body weight of healthy non‐obese subjects. This is consistent with the suggestion that it might be effective in the treatment of obese patients.
Recognition and Neural Plasticity Responding to Deficient Nutrient Intake Scanned by a Functional MRI in the Brain of Rats with L‐Lysine Deficiency
Authors: Yokawa Takashi , Tabuchi Eiichi , Takezawa Misako , Ono Taketoshi , Torii Kunio
Published: September 2012

Each L‐amino acid (AA) in plasma and brain remains unchanged while normal diet is available. Once L‐lysine (Lys) deficient diet was offered to rats, Lys in plasma and brain declined, and anorexia occurred. When solutions of AAs were offered, they selected the Lys solution, and their food intake and growth normalized. The single neuron activity in the lateral hypothalamic area of these rats suggested that neural plasticity occurred, specifically responding to Lys, both by iontophoretic application and during ingestion of AA. The recognition site for deficient nutrient intake in the brain of rats with Lys deficiency was identified by non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI 4.7 tesla, 40 cm bore in diameter) developed to monitor changes in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation in rat brain. Wistar strain young male rats fed with Lys deficient diet for 4 days, were adapted to be settled in the center of the bore. When they received a Lys injection intraperitoneally (0.2 M, 10 mL/kg), a signal intensity decrease in the medial and lateral hypothalamus appeared 30 minutes later in T2* weighted images, reflecting increased oxygenation which lasted for 30 minutes, and then gradually recovered. These changes never occurred in any other areas of the brain of rats with Lys deficiency, i.e., the thalamus, the cortex, the hippocampus, etc. There were no changes in the signal intensity with control injection of saline. In addition, oxygen comsumption in the brain of rats without Lys deficiency was not altered by intraperitoneal Lys injection. The present results suggest that in essential AA deficiency, the medial and lateral hypothalamus may play important roles in recognition responses to particular deficient nutrients in order to maintain homeostasis.
An Electrophysiological Study on Amino Acid Sensors in the Hepato‐Portal System in the Rat
Authors: Niijima Akira , Meguid Michael M.
Published: September 2012

The existence of amino acid sensors sensitive to arginine, alanine, leucine and glycine in the hepato‐portal region was previously reported based on recording of the afferent signals from the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of fifteen different amino acids on the activity of the vagal hepatic afferents. Intraportal administration (10 mM, 0.1 mL) of alanine, arginine, histidine, leucine, lysine, serine, tryptophane and valine increased vagal afferent discharge rate, and that of cysteine, glycine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline and threonine suppressed it.

The results indicate the existence of two groups of amino acids sensors which exhibit excitatory or inhibitory effect on the afferent activity of the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve. The change in afferent activity to the hypothalamus may affect reflex regulation of the visceral functions and thereby influence appetite.
Effects of Selective Vagotomy on Circadian Rhythms of Plasma Glucose, Insulin and Food Intake in Control and Ventromedial Hypothalamic (VMH) Lesioned Rats
Authors: Inoue Shuji , Satoh Shinobu , Saito Mari , Naitoh Makoto , Suzuki Hiroyo , Egawa Makoto
Published: September 2012

Effects of hepatic and celiac vagotomy on circadian rhythms of plasma glucose, insulin, and food intake were examined in sham‐operated (control) and vetromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesioned rats. Rats were acclimated to the condition with a 12‐hour light‐dark cycle for 1 week before surgery. One week after VMH lesions, control and VMH lesioned rats were divided into three groups: sham vagotomy, hepatic vagotomy, and celiac vagotomy. Three days after vagotomy, food intake was measured at 6‐hour intervals. Seven days after vagotomy, plasma glucose and insulin were measured at the midpoint of each feeding period. In control rats, hepatic vagotomy destroyed circadian rhythms of plasma glucose and insulin probably due to removal of afferent function. In VMH lesioned rats, celiac vagotomy destroyed circadian rhythm of food intake due to the reduction of plasma insulin by removal of efferent function without affecting the loss of circadian rhythms of plasma glucose and insulin.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Glucose Transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3) in the Rat Hypothalamus
Authors: Yu Shun , Tooyama Ikuo , Ding Wei‐Guang , Kitasato Hiroshi , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: September 2012

Immunohistochemical localization of the glucose transporters was studied in the rat hypothalamus by using a specific rabbit antiserum raised against either the isoform 1 (GLUT1) or the isoform 3 (GLUT3). Immunoreactive staining for GLUT1 was found in glia cells and capillaries, whereas positive staining for GLUT3 occurred mainly in neurons and partly in ependymal cells. Double immunostaining indicated that a small population of GLUT1‐positive cells were reactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker for astrocytes. Another doubly stained section showed that GLUT1‐positive glia cells were never stained with an OX42 antibody, a marker for microglia cells. Neurons staining positively for GLUT3, often large in cell size, were confined mainly in the lateral hypothalamic area and partly in the dorsomedial and periventricular hypothalamic nuclei. Possible significance of these two glucose transporters in the hypothalamus is briefly discussed.
New Infrared Spectroscopic Technique as a Tool to Reveal Roles of Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Diseases and Synaptic Functions
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi
Published: September 2012

Newly developed Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopic analysis (FTIR) techniques were applied to diagnosis of adulthood disease and to reveal the role of unsaturated fatty acids in neuronal function. A new FTIR technique was developed to monitor the change of lipid content in the human oral mucosa noninvasibly. By this technique the infrared spectrum of oral mucosa was found to change in good relation to that of triglyceride level in blood of adult volunteers. This indicates that the new infrared technique may be useful for future diagnoses of hyperlipidemia or triglyceridemia noninvasively. It was found that the deficiency of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain membranes decreased the brightness‐discrimination learning performance in rats, and a change of membrane surface structures was detected nondestructively by FTIR after the learning task in comparison with the structure of membrane surfaces before the learning. The evidence obtained from this technique suggested that a change of sialic acid binding form in the brain membranes occurred after the learning task in rats fed n‐3 rich diet but not in rats fed n‐3 deficient diet. This was further confirmed by a chemical analysis of sialidase‐sensitive sialic acid contents in the membrane. These evidences show that the newly developed infrared spectroscopic techniques are useful not only for the non invasive diagnoses for human adulthood diseases but also for the nondestructive analysis of biomembrane.
Hepatic Gluconeogenesis and the Activity of PDH in Individual Tissues of GTG‐Obese Mice Following Adrenalectomy
Authors: Blair Stephen C. , Greenaway Timothy M. , Bryson Janet M. , Phuyal Jenny L. , Wensley Victoria R. , Caterson Ian D. , Cooney Gregory J.
Published: September 2012

Adrenalectomy (ADX) lowers circulating glucose levels in animal models of non‐insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) and obesity. To investigate the role of hepatic glucose production (HGP) and tissue glucose oxidation in the improvement in glucose tolerance, hepatocyte gluconeogenesis and the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) were examined in different tissues of gold thioglucose (GTG) obese mice 2 weeks after ADX or sham ADX. GTG‐obese mice which had undergone ADX weighed significantly less than their adrenal intact counterparts (GTG ADX: 37.5 ± 0.7g; GTG: 44.1 ± 0.4g; p<0.05), and demonstrated lower serum glucose (GTG ADX: 22.5 ± 1.6 mmol/L; GTG: 29.4 ± 1.9 mmol/L; p<0.05) and serum insulin levels (GTG ADX: 76 ± 10μ.U/mL; GTG: 470 ± 63μU/mL; p<0.05). Lactate conversion to glucose by hepatocytes isolated from ADX GTG mice was significantly reduced compared with that of hepatocytes from GTG mice (GTG ADX: 125 ± 10 nmol glucose/106 cells; GTG: 403 ± 65 nmol glucose/106 cells; p<0.05). ADX also significantly reduced both the glycogen (GTG ADX: 165 ± 27 μmol/liver; GTG: 614 ± 60 pmol/Iiver; p<0.05) and fatty acid content (GTG ADX: 101 ± 9 mg fatty acid/g liver; GTG: 404 ± 40 mg fatty acid/g liver; p<0.05) of the liver of GTG‐obese mice. ADX of GTG‐obese mice reduced PDH activity by varying degrees in all tissues, except quadriceps muscle. These observations are consistent with an ADX induced decrease in hepatic lipid stores removing fatty acid‐induced increases in gluconeogenesis and increased peripheral availability of fatty acids inhibiting PDH activity via the glucose/fatty acid cycle. It is also evident that the improvement in glucose tolerance which accompanies ADX of GTG‐obese mice is not due to increased PDH activity resulting in enhanced peripheral glucose oxidation. Instead, it is more likely that reduced blood glucose levels after ADX of GTG‐obese mice are the result of decreased gluconeogenesis in the liver.
Feasibility of a Clinic‐Based Hypocaloric Dietary Intervention Implemented in a School Setting for Obese Children
Authors: Figueroa‐Colon Reinaldo , Franklin Frank A. , Lee Jeannette Y. , Von Almen T. Kristian , Suskind Robert M.
Published: September 2012

At 6 months the 12 superobese children on protein‐sparing modified fast diet had a significant weight loss from baseline (‐5.6 ± 7.1 kg, ANOVA p < 0.02); a significant decrease in percentage IBW (‐24.3 ± 20%, ANOVA p < 0.002); and had positive growth velocity Z‐score (1.3 ± 1.6, ANOVA p < 0.05). Six children were not superobese at 6 months. At 6 months eight of 12 children were active participants and 11 of 12 children were followed. Decrease in blood pressure, as well as, downward trends in serum lipids were observed at 6 months. No clinical complications were observed. At 6 months, the 7 control superobese children, when compared with baseline had gained weight (2.8 ± 3.1 kg, ANOVA p < 0.008); but had no significant change in percentage IBW (‐0.3 ± 5.9%, ANOVA p = 0.61); and had no changes in growth velocity Z‐score (0.1 ± 1.3, ANOVA p = 0.83). These children did not have any change in blood pressure and an upward trend in serum lipids were observed at 6 months.

Protein‐sparing modified fast diet and a hypocaloric balanced diet appear to be effective in a group of superobese‐school‐age children in a medically supervised clinic‐based program implemented in a school setting over a 6‐month period. The efforts of committed clinic staffs, school officials, peers, and family involvement were crucial to the success of this intervention program in promoting and maintaining weight loss over a 6‐month period. Further research with a specific comparison of the hypocaloric diets with longer follow‐up periods in the school setting is necessary. In the meantime, these diets should be used only with close medical supervision.
Influence of Androgenicity on Adipocytes and Precursor Cells in Female Rats
Authors: James Roland G. , Krakower Glenn R. , Kissebah Ahmed H.
Published: September 2012

We examined the effects of overexposure of testosterone (T) on fat cell morphology and adipocyte precursor pools in inguinal and retroperitoneal fat depots of ovariectomized rats. In both tissues peripubertal T decreased weights without affecting adipocyte mean cell size or the size distribution profiles, but adipocyte number was decreased by 65% in the inguinal and by 38% in the retroperitoneal depots. Immunofluorescent flow cytometry utilizing a specific antibody to rat adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase was used to quantify regional precursor cell populations. T sharply reduced the percentages of differentiated and undifferentiated preadipocytes in the inguinal depot, from 43.2 ± 5.3 to 23.5 ± 2.1% and from 57.7 ± 4.0 to 43.6 ± 5.3%, respectively, with a concomitant increase in fibroblasts from 1.6 to 32.9%. On the other hand, T had no effect on retroperitoneal preadipocyte pools. Perinatal andro‐genization exacerbated the decline in the inguinal weight (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 2.2 ± 0.1g) but otherwise did not influence the actions of peripubertal T. Androgens may thus act in a tissue‐specific manner to regulate fat cell growth potential in the femoral region in the female.
Effect of Regain of Body Weight on Regional Body Fat Distribution: Comparison Between Pre‐ and Postmenopausal Obese Women
Authors: Zamboni Mauro , Armellini Fabio , Turcato Emanuela , Micciolo Rocco , Desideri Serena , Bergamo‐Andreis Ivo Andrea , Bosello Ottavio
Published: September 2012

The aim of our study was to determine if regain of body weight increases visceral fat in obese women and if regain of weight has a different effect upon pre‐ and postmenopausal women. Twenty obese women (11 pre‐ and 9 postmenopausal) underwent a very low energy diet (VLED) for 2 weeks to lose weight. They then regained body weight in spite of the recommended hypocaloric diet. No significant modifications in body fat distribution indexes were found by computed tomography between VLED and after regain of weight. No significant changes were found in metabolic variables. No interactions between menopausal status and regain of body weight were observed. In conclusion, regain of weight does not seem to cause an increase in visceral fat; both pre‐ and postmenopausal women showed the same body fat distribution before weight loss and after regain of weight.
Dietary Myoinositol Results in Lower Urine Glucose and in Lower Postprandial Plasma Glucose in Obese Insulin Resistant Rhesus Monkeys.
Authors: Ortmeyer Heidi K.
Published: September 2012

In a previous study, D‐chiroinositol added to a meal (0.5 g/kg) resulted in significantly lower postprandial plasma glucose concentrations without an increase in insulin concentrations in obese insulin‐resistant monkeys. The present report describes the effects of another isomer of inositol, myoinositol, on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and on urine glucose concentrations in 6 similarly insulin‐resistant monkeys. The three 5 day study periods included a control period (liquid diet ad libitum) and 2 experimental periods (liquid diet ad libitum with either 1.5 g/kg/day myoinositol or D‐chiroinositol added). Twenty‐four hour urine samples were collected during each 5 day period. On the sixth day of each period the monkeys were anesthetized 110 min after completing either the control meal (15 ml/kg) or the experimental meals (1.5 g/kg myoinositol or D‐chiroinositol) and plasma samples were obtained at 120, 150,180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 min. The plasma glucose concentration was lower after the meal with myoinositol compared to the control meal at 120, 150 and 180 min (p's<0.05). The plasma insulin concentration was lower after the meal with myoinositol compared to the control meal at 150 and 180 min (p's<0.05). In addition, 24 hour urine glucose concentrations were lower during the myoinositol diet compared to the control diet (p<0.001). The plasma glucose concentration was lower after the meal with D‐chiroinositol compared to the control meal at 150, 240, 270 and 300 min (p's≥0.05). In obese insulin‐resistant monkeys, myoinositol added to the diet lowers urine glucose concentrations and both myoinositol and D‐chiroinositol added to a meal lower postprandial plasma glucose concentrations without increasing postprandial insulin concentrations. Therefore, myoinositol, like D‐chiroinositol, may be a useful agent for reducing meal‐induced hyperglycemia without inducing hyperinsulinemia in insulin‐resistant subjects.
Systolic Blood Pressure is Related to Catecholamine Sensitivity in Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Cells
Authors: Hoffstedt Johan , Reynisdottir Signy , Lönnqvist Fredrik
Published: September 2012

A relationship between abdominal obesity and hypertension is well established. In search for an early‐onset defect in adipocyte function linking these two conditions, we compared catecholamine sensitivity in subcutaneous abdominal fat cells with 24‐hour systolic, mean arterial and diastolic blood pressure in 16 healthy, normotensive subjects. Clear inter‐individual variations in the adipocyte lipolytic adrenoceptor sensitivity (pD2) for noradrenaline were observed in dose‐response experiments (i.e., about 4 log units). An inverse and independent correlation was found between the 24‐hour systolic blood pressure and pD2 for noradrenaline (r = −0.67, p < 0.01). The mean arterial blood pressure was also negatively correlated to peripheral noradrenaline sensitivity (r = −0.58, p < 0.05). However, no significant relationship between the 24‐hour diastolic blood pressure and pD2 for noradrenaline was demonstrated. In conclusion we suggest that catecholamine resistance in subcutaneous fat cells may be associated with autonomic dysfunction and impaired blood pressure regulation. This finding is supported by the fact that both noradrenaline sensitivity and 24‐hour systolic blood pressure also are correlated to the individual orthostatic heart rate responses, reflecting the sympathetic nervous system tone (r=0.61, p=0.01 and r= −0.53, p=0.03, respectively). The relationship between noradrenaline sensitivity and systolic blood pressure may be of importance in the early development of hypertension in man.