bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different “Weight” of Cardiac and General Adiposity in Predicting Left Ventricle Morphology
Authors: Iacobellis Gianluca , Pond Caroline M. , Sharma Arya M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractExcess adiposity has been widely related to cardiac morphological changes. Nevertheless, the mechanistic link between increased adiposity and left ventricular (LV) morphology is controversial and not completely understood. In this context, several authors have recently debated the different “weight” of BMI as an index of general adiposity vs. the importance of the epicardial fat depot as a marker of local visceral adiposity in obesity‐related LV changes. Studies in uncomplicated obesity suggest that the role of BMI in predicting LV abnormalities remains rather doubtful. In contrast, several lines of evidence suggest that cardiac adiposity could play an important part in the development of cardiac modifications. Epicardial fat as an index of cardiac adiposity could have a functional and mechanical role in obesity‐related LV abnormalities. Epicardial fat is clinically correlated with LV mass, atrial dimensions, and diastolic function, but a causal effect of epicardial adipose tissue on cardiac chamber modifications remains to be demonstrated. Nevertheless, the close anatomical and functional relationship of epicardial adipose tissue to the adjacent myocardium should readily allow local, paracrine interactions between these tissues.
Cellular and Biochemical Features of Skeletal Muscle in Obese Yucatan Minipigs
Authors: Guillerm‐Regost Christelle , Louveau Isabelle , Sébert Sylvain P. , Damon Marie , Champ Martine M. , Gondret Florence 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To examine cellular and biochemical features of skeletal muscle in response to dietary‐induced obesity in a novel Yucatan minipig model of childhood obesity.Research Methods and Procedures: From 4 to 16 months of age, minipigs were fed either a recommended human‐type diet (NF; n = 4) or were overfed a western‐type diet with saturated fat and high‐glycemic index carbohydrates (OF, n = 4). Muscle samples (biceps femoris) were histochemically stained for the identification of intramuscular adipocytes, intramyocellular lipid aggregates (oil red O), and myofiber types (myosin ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase). Gene expressions and/or activities of factors involved in lipogenesis, lipolysis, or energetic metabolism were quantified in muscle.Results: Cross‐sectional areas of myofibers paralleled pig body weight (r = 0.86, p < 0.01). The size of intramuscular adipocytes, the relative proportion of oil red O‐stained fibers, and total muscle lipid content tended (p ≤ 0.10) to increase in response to OF diet. Hormone‐sensitive lipase, carnitine palmityl transferase‐I, and uncoupling protein 2 mRNA levels were lower (p < 0.05) in OF pigs than in NF pigs. Activities of β‐hydroxyacyl‐coenzyme A dehydrogenase and citrate synthase assessing post‐carnitine palmityl transferase I events and the proportion of oxidative myofibers were not altered by OF diet. Activity and gene expression of fatty acid synthase were lower (p < 0.02) in OF pigs than in NF pigs.Discussion: Overfeeding in Yucatan minipigs reduced the expression levels of three catabolic steps in skeletal muscle that are involved also in the etiology of human obesity.
Impact of Obesity in Intima Media Thickness of Carotid Arteries
Authors: Kotsis Vasilios T. , Stabouli Stella V. , Papamichael Christos M. , Zakopoulos Nikos A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To explore differences in intima media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries induced by differences in BMI.Research Methods and Procedures: Data from 3173 consecutive subjects, who were referred to our Hypertension Center from 1998 to 2004, were reviewed. Criteria for patients to be considered for further analysis included no past or concurrent antihypertensive medication, no concurrent medication with the potential to raise blood pressure (BP) (e.g., prednisone), and no clinical signs or laboratory evidence of secondary causes of hypertension. Our population was divided into four groups according to NIH criteria for obesity: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. BMI, mean IMT of internal carotid arteries, and 24‐hour BP values were available for all subjects. Five hundred thirty six subjects of the four groups, matched for age, gender, and mean 24‐hour BP values, were included in the analysis.Results: Mean IMT of internal carotid arteries was increased with increasing BMI. Mean IMT was significantly higher in obese subjects compared with normal‐weight (p < 0.01) and underweight (p < 0.001) subjects. Mean IMT was significantly higher in overweight subjects compared with normal‐weight ones (p < 0.05). Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis in obese subjects revealed that fasting serum glucose was independently associated with IMT.Discussion: Obesity may be an important factor for carotid atherosclerosis, and at least some of the effects of obesity are independent of the BP levels. Fasting serum glucose levels in obese subjects may play an important role in carotid atherosclerosis.
Bioelectrical Impedance Underestimates Total and Truncal Fatness in Abdominally Obese Women
Authors: Neovius Martin , Hemmingsson Erik , Freyschuss Bo , Uddén Joanna 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To compare estimates of total and truncal fatness from eight‐electrode bioelectrical impedance analysis equipment (BIA8) with those from DXA in centrally obese women. The secondary aim was to examine BMI and waist circumference (WC) as proxy measures for percentage total body fat (%TBF) and truncal body fat percentage (tr%BF).Research Methods and Procedures: This was a cross‐sectional study of 136 women (age, 48.1 ± 7.7 years; BMI, 30.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2; %TBFDXA, 46.0 ± 3.7%; WC, 104 ± 8 cm). Fatness was measured by DXA and Tanita BC‐418 equipment (Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Agreement among methods was assessed by Bland‐Altman plots, and regression analysis was used to evaluate anthropometric measures as proxies for total and abdominal fatness.Results: The percentage of overweight subjects was 41.9%, whereas 55.9% of the subjects were obese, as defined by BMI, and all subjects had a WC exceeding the World Health Organization cut‐off point for abdominal obesity. Compared with DXA, the BIA8 equipment significantly underestimated total %BF (−5.0; −3.6 to −8.5 [mean; 95% confidence interval]), fat mass (−3.6; −3.9 to −3.2), and tr%BF (−8.5; −9.1 to −7.9). The discrepancies between the methods increased with increasing adiposity for both %TBF and tr%BF (both p < 0.001). Variation in BMI explained 28% of the variation in %TBFDXA and 51% of %TBFBIA8. Using WC as a proxy for truncal adiposity, it explained only 18% of tr%BFDXA variance and 27% of tr%BFBIA8 variance. The corresponding figures for truncal fat mass were 49% and 35%, respectively. No significant age effects were observed in any of the regressions.Discussion: BIA8 underestimated both total and truncal fatness, compared with DXA, with higher dispersion for tr%BF than %TBF. The discrepancies increased with degree of adiposity, suggesting that the accuracy of BIA is negatively affected by obesity.
Postprandial Variations of Plasma Inflammatory Markers in Abdominally Obese Men
Authors: Blackburn Patricia , Després Jean‐Pierre , Lamarche Benoît , Tremblay Angelo , Bergeron Jean , Lemieux Isabelle , Couillard Charles 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Abdominal obesity is associated with a fasting proinflammatory condition. However, not much is known of the potential variations in circulating inflammatory markers after food intake. The purpose of the present study was to examine postprandial changes in plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in men and their potential associations with fat distribution and metabolic profile variables.Research Methods and Procedures: Thirty‐eight men were given a high‐fat meal in the morning after an overnight fast, and TNF‐α, IL‐6, and CRP levels were measured in plasma at 0, 4, and 8 hours after the meal. Physical and metabolic profiles were also assessed for each participant.Results: We observed a substantial increase in circulating IL‐6 levels (p < 0.0001) after the meal. Although postprandial variations in circulating TNF‐α levels across time failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.02), we noted a significant decrease in plasma TNF‐α concentrations 4 hours (−10%, p < 0.001 vs. 0 hours) after food intake. Plasma CRP levels were not affected by the fat load. We also noted that insulin‐sensitive individuals displayed a less pronounced inflammatory response after food intake than insulin‐resistant subjects.Discussion: Results of the present study show that consumption of a high‐fat meal leads to an increase in plasma IL‐6 concentrations and transient decrease in circulating TNF‐α levels in overweight men. Our results suggest a possible role of insulin resistance in the modulation of the postprandial inflammatory response, which could, in turn, contribute to worsen the state of insulin resistance.
Confronting and Coping with Weight Stigma: An Investigation of Overweight and Obese Adults
Authors: Puhl Rebecca M. , Brownell Kelly D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: This study examined experiences of weight stigmatization, sources of stigma, coping strategies, psychological functioning, and eating behaviors in a sample of 2671 overweight and obese adults.Research Methods and Procedures: The total sample was partitioned into two subsamples for investigation. Sample I was comprised of 2449 adult women, and Sample II was a matched sample of adult men and women (N = 222) that was disaggregated to investigate gender differences. Both samples completed an online battery of self‐report questionnaires measuring frequency of weight stigmatization and coping responses to deal with bias, the most common sources of the bias, symptoms of depression, self‐esteem, attitudes about weight and obesity, and binge eating behaviors.Results: Experiences of weight stigmatization, in many forms and across multiple occasions, was common in both samples. A variety of coping strategies were used in response. More frequent exposure to stigma was related to more attempts to cope and higher BMI. Physicians and family members were the most frequent sources of weight bias reported. No gender differences were observed in types or frequency of stigmatization. Frequency of stigmatization was not related to current psychological functioning, although coping responses were associated with emotional well‐being.Discussion: These findings raise questions about the relationship between stigma and psychological functioning and have important implications for obesity treatment and stigma reduction intervention efforts, both of which are discussed.
Self‐Reported Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Intake among College Students
Authors: West Delia Smith , Bursac Zoran , Quimby Donna , Prewitt T. Elaine , Spatz Thea , Nash Creshelle , Mays Glen , Eddings Kenya 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To characterize sugar‐sweetened beverage intake of college students.Research Methods and Procedures: Undergraduates in an urban southern community campus were surveyed anonymously about sugared beverage consumption (soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweet ice tea) in the past month.Results: Two hundred sixty‐five undergraduates responded (66% women, 46% minority, 100% of volunteers solicited). Most students (95%) reported sugared beverage intake in the past month, and 65% reported daily intake. Men were more likely than women to report daily intake (74% vs. 61%, p = 0.035). Soda was the most common sugar‐sweetened beverage. Black undergraduates reported higher sugared beverage intake than whites (p = 0.02), with 91% of blacks reporting sugar‐sweetened fruit drink intake in the past month and 50% reporting daily consumption. Mean estimated caloric intake from combined types of sugar‐sweetened beverages was significantly higher among black students than whites, 796 ± 941 vs. 397 ± 396 kcal/d (p = 0.0003); the primary source of sugar‐sweetened beverage calories among blacks was sugared fruit drinks (556 ± 918 kcal/d). Younger undergraduates reported significantly higher intake than older students (p = 0.025).Discussion: Self‐reported sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption among undergraduates is substantial and likely contributes considerable non‐nutritive calories, which may contribute to weight gain. Black undergraduates may be particularly vulnerable due to higher sugared beverage intake. Obesity prevention interventions targeting reductions in sugar‐sweetened beverages in this population merit consideration.
Interleukin‐6 Gene Polymorphism −174G/C Influences Plasma Lipid Levels in Women
Authors: Henningsson Susanne , Håkansson Anna , Westberg Lars , Baghaei Fariba , Rosmond Roland , Holm Göran , Ekman Agneta , Nissbrandt Hans , Eriksson Elias 
Published: April 2008

AbstractElevated levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of this study was to investigate potential associations between the promoter polymorphism IL‐6 −174G/C and the following indices of metabolism: BMI, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and plasma levels of IL‐6, cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein, leptin, and C‐reactive protein in 252 42‐year‐old women and 245 51‐year‐old men. Subgroups were also studied 5 years later. The CC genotype of the IL‐6 polymorphism was associated with lower levels of cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (p < 0.001) in women. This finding was replicated in the follow‐up, when a significant association between the CC genotype and low triglycerides was also observed. The association between the C allele and lipid pattern found in women was not found in men, where on the contrary, C carriers tended to display elevated triglycerides. IL‐6 genotype was not associated with IL‐6 plasma levels in either sample. The results suggest different effects of the IL‐6 polymorphism on metabolic indices in women and men. None of the associations between IL‐6 genotype and lipid pattern seemed to result from an effect of the polymorphism on IL‐6 plasma levels.
Fetal and Maternal Peroxisome Proliferator‐activated Receptor γ2 Pro12Ala Does Not Influence Birth Weight
Authors: Pfab Thiemo , Poralla Christine , Richter Claus‐Michael , Godes Michael , Slowinski Torsten , Priem Friedrich , Halle Horst , Hocher Berthold 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe association between the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and insulin resistance is reported to depend on low birth weight. Low birth weight itself has been linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. We assessed whether the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism determines body size at birth and whether metabolic differences between the genotypes are already detectable in the newborn. This study was conducted at the obstetrics department of the Charité, Berlin, Germany. One thousand nine hundred thirty white woman/child pairs were consecutively included and genotyped. The newborn's weight, length, and head circumference were measured. Total glycated hemoglobin in blood served as a surrogate of fetal insulin resistance and glucose use. We found that neither the fetal nor the maternal Pro12Ala genotype determined body size or total glycated hemoglobin at birth. The results suggest that the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism is not relevant for intrauterine growth. Previously reported effects of PPARγ2 Pro12Ala on insulin resistance seem to arise later in life.
Increase in Visfatin after Weight Loss Induced by Gastroplastic Surgery
Authors: Krzyzanowska Katarzyna , Mittermayer Friedrich , Krugluger Walter , Kopp Hans Peter , Schernthaner Guntram 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The recently described adipokine visfatin is produced in visceral fat and has been suggested to influence insulin resistance. To investigate whether visfatin concentrations are related to changes in body weight, this adipokine was measured in insulin‐resistant severely obese patients before and after gastroplastic surgery.Research Methods and Procedures: Visfatin, interleukin‐6, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and other clinical parameters were assessed in 36 severely obese subjects (28 female; mean age, 43 years) with a median BMI of 44.3 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval, 43.3 to 48.1 kg/m2).Results: After surgery, BMI decreased to a median of 31.9 kg/m2 (30.1 to 35.1 kg/m2) (p < 0.0001). Median visfatin concentrations increased significantly after weight loss [70.9 ng/mL (61.4 to 75.6 ng/mL) vs. 86.4 ng/mL (79.4 to 89.8 ng/mL); p < 0.0005]. This increase correlated with the decrease of insulin and HOMA‐IR and was associated with a reduction in plasma interleukin‐6 and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein concentrations.Discussion: Massive weight loss after gastroplastic surgery is accompanied by an increase in circulating concentrations of the novel adipokine visfatin. This increase correlates with the decrease in plasma insulin concentrations and HOMA‐IR.
Differential Regulation of Adiponectin Receptor Gene Expression by Adiponectin and Leptin in Myotubes Derived from Obese and Diabetic Individuals
Authors: McAinch Andrew J. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Mollica Janelle , O'Brien Paul E. , Dixon John B. , Macaulay S. Lance , Kemp Bruce E. , Cameron‐Smith David 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: This study aimed to investigate the regulation of adiponectin receptors 1 (AdipoR1) and 2 (AdipoR2) gene expression in primary skeletal muscle myotubes, derived from human donors, after exposure to globular adiponectin (gAd) and leptin.Research Methods and Procedures: Four distinct primary cell culture groups were established [Lean, Obese, Diabetic, Weight Loss (Wt Loss); n = 7 in each] from rectus abdominus muscle biopsies obtained from surgical patients. Differentiated myotube cultures were exposed to gAd (0.1 μg/mL) or leptin (2.5 μg/mL) for 6 hours. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 gene expression was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results: AdipoR1 mRNA expression in skeletal muscle myotubes derived from Lean subjects (p < 0.05) was stimulated 1.8‐fold and 2.5‐fold with gAd and leptin, respectively. No increase in AdipoR1 gene expression was measured in myotubes derived from Obese, Diabetic, or Wt Loss subjects. AdipoR2 mRNA expression was unaltered after gAd and leptin exposure in all myotube groups.Discussion: Adiponectin and leptin are rapid and potent stimulators of AdipoR1 in myotubes derived from lean healthy individuals. This effect was abolished in myotubes derived from obese, obese diabetic subjects, and obese‐prone individuals who had lost significant weight after bariatric surgery. The incapacity of skeletal muscle of obese and diabetic individuals to respond to exogenous adiponectin and leptin may be further suppressed as a result of impaired regulation of the AdipoR1 gene.
Heat Production and Body Temperature During Cooling and Rewarming in Overweight and Lean Men
Authors: Ooijen Anne M.J. Claessens‐van , Westerterp Klaas R. , Wouters Loek , Schoffelen Paul F.M. , van Steenhoven Anton A. , van Lichtenbelt Wouter D. Marken 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To compare overweight and lean subjects with respect to thermogenesis and physiological insulation in response to mild cold and rewarming.Research Methods and Procedures: Ten overweight men (mean BMI, 29.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2) and 10 lean men (mean BMI, 21.1 ± 2.0 kg/m2) were exposed to cold air for 1 hour, followed by 1 hour of rewarming. Body composition was determined by hydrodensitometry and deuterium dilution. Heat production and body temperatures were measured continuously by indirect calorimetry and thermistors, respectively. Muscle activity was recorded using electromyography.Results: In both groups, heat production increased significantly during cooling (lean, p = 0.004; overweight, p = 0.006). The increase was larger in the lean group compared with the overweight group (p = 0.04). During rewarming, heat production returned to baseline in the overweight group and stayed higher compared with baseline in the lean group (p = 0.003). The difference in heat production between rewarming and baseline was larger in the lean (p = 0.01) than in the overweight subjects. Weighted body temperature of both groups decreased during cold exposure (lean, p = 0.002; overweight, p < 0.001) and did not return to baseline during rewarming.Discussion: Overweight subjects showed a blunted mild cold‐induced thermogenesis. The insulative cold response was not different among the groups. The energy‐efficient response of the overweight subjects can have consequences for energy balance in the long term. The results support the concept of a dynamic heat regulation model instead of temperature regulation around a fixed set point.
The Feet of Overweight and Obese Young Children: Are They Flat or Fat?
Authors: Mickle Karen J. , Steele Julie R. , Munro Bridget J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the flat feet displayed by young obese and overweight children are attributable to the presence of a thicker midfoot plantar fat pad or a lowering of the longitudinal arch relative to that in non‐overweight children.Research Methods and Procedures: Foot anthropometry, an arch index derived from plantar footprints, and midfoot plantar fat pad thickness measured by ultrasound were obtained for 19 overweight/obese preschool children (mean age, 4.3 ± 0.9 years; mean height, 1.07 ± 0.1 m; mean BMI, 18.6 ± 1.2 kg/m2) and 19 non‐overweight children matched for age, height, and sex (mean age, 4.3 ± 0.7 years; mean height, 1.05 ± 0.1 m; mean BMI, 15.7 ± 0.7 kg/m2).Results: Independent t tests revealed no significant between‐subject group differences (p = 0.39) in the thickness of the midfoot plantar fat pad. However, the overweight/obese children had a significantly lower plantar arch height (0.9 ± 0.3 cm) than their non‐overweight counterparts (1.1 ± 0.2 cm; p = 0.04).Discussion: The lower plantar arch height found in the overweight/obese children suggests that the flatter feet characteristic of overweight/obese preschool children may be caused by structural changes in their foot anatomy. It is postulated that these structural changes, which may adversely affect the functional capacity of the medial longitudinal arch, might be exacerbated if excess weight bearing continues throughout childhood and into adulthood.