bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal Vessel Diameters and Obesity: A Population‐Based Study in Older Persons
Authors: Wang Jie J. , Taylor Bronwen , Wong Tien Y. , Chua Brian , Rochtchina Elena , Klein Ronald , Mitchell Paul 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Obesity is linked with large vessel atherosclerosis and diabetes. Its association with microvascular changes is less clear. We investigated the associations among retinal vessel diameters, vessel wall signs, and BMI in an older population.Research Methods and Procedures: Retinal photographs were taken on 3654 persons aged 49+ years at baseline of the Blue Mountains Eye Study in Australia. Arteriolar and venular diameters were measured from digitized retinal photographs of the right eyes. BMI was calculated as weight (kilograms)/height (meters2). Incident obesity was defined in persons with BMI ≤ 30 at baseline but >30 after 5 years. A significant weight gain was defined as an increase in BMI of 2+ SDs (4 or more units) over the 5‐year period.Results: At baseline, mean BMI was 26.1 (±4.6) in this population. At 5‐year examinations, 177 (10.0% of 1773 at risk) developed incident obesity, and 136 (6.4% of 2143 at risk) had significant weight gain. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, triglyceride levels, and mean arterial blood pressure, persons with wider retinal venular diameters had a higher risk of incident obesity (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 3.1, comparing the highest with lowest venular diameter quintiles) and significant weight gain (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 3.2). These associations were attenuated with further adjustment for baseline BMI. Arteriolar diameter was unrelated with baseline or change in BMI.Discussion: Wider retinal venular diameter is associated with risk of obesity, independent of hypertension, diabetes, lipids, and cigarette smoking. These data may support a role for impaired microvascular function in the course of weight gain.
A Comparison of Weight Histories in Women with Class III vs. Class I–II Obesity
Authors: Crerand Canice E. , Wadden Thomas A. , Sarwer David B. , Fabricatore Anthony N. , Kuehnel Robert H. , Gibbons Lauren M. , Brock Johanna R. , Williams Noel N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To describe the weight histories of women with extreme or class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) in comparison with a sample of women with class I‐II obesity (BMI < 40 kg/m2) and to provide reliability data for a clinical instrument that assesses weight history.Research Methods and Procedures: Female patients (N = 149) with extreme obesity seeking bariatric surgery and 90 class I–II obese women seeking behavioral treatment completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory (WALI), a self‐report instrument that assesses age of onset of obesity, maximum weight at different ages, family weight history, and weight changes related to pregnancy. Test‐retest reliability data were obtained by administering the WALI to a subsample (n = 58) of class I–II obese participants at their initial visit and at another pretreatment visit 1 to 2 weeks later.Results: Patients with extreme obesity had a significantly younger age of onset of obesity, were significantly heavier at all age ranges, reported significantly more weight gain with their first pregnancy, and had significantly heavier parents and siblings as compared with less obese patients. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to weight gain during second pregnancies or postpartum weight retention. Robust test‐retest correlations were obtained for the weight history items on the WALI.Discussion: Patients with extreme obesity report more indicators of a genetic predisposition to obesity as compared with less obese patients. The WALI appears to be a reliable instrument for the assessment of weight history in obese patients.
Previous Weight Loss Experiences of Bariatric Surgery Candidates: How Much Have Patients Dieted prior to Surgery?
Authors: Gibbons Lauren M. , Sarwer David B. , Crerand Canice E. , Fabricatore Anthony N. , Kuehnel Robert H. , Lipschutz Patti E. , Raper Steven E. , Williams Noel N. , Wadden Thomas A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To describe the dieting histories of bariatric surgery candidates.Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred seventy‐seven individuals with extreme obesity who sought bariatric surgery completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory, a self‐report instrument that assesses several variables, including weight and dieting history. Patients’ dieting histories were further explored with an aided recall during a preoperative behavioral/psychological evaluation performed by a mental health professional.Results: Participants who completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory reported an average of 4.7 ± 2.9 successful dieting attempts, defined as those that resulted in a loss of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) or more. These individuals reported a mean total lifetime weight loss of 61.1 ± 41.3 kg. Despite these efforts, their weight increased from 89.4 ± 27.4 kg at the time of their first diet (age 21.2 ± 10.1 years) to 144.5 ± 30.8 kg at the time they underwent their behavioral/psychological evaluation (age 43.0 ± 11.0 years). Results of the aided recall revealed that participants had made numerous other efforts to lose weight that were unsuccessful. Self‐directed diets and commercial programs were used more frequently.Discussion: Individuals who sought bariatric surgery reported an extensive history of dieting, beginning in adolescence, that was not successful in halting progressive weight gain. Thus, the recommendation often made by insurance companies that patients delay surgery to attempt more conservative treatment options may be unwarranted, particularly in the presence of significant obesity‐related comorbidities. Weight loss histories should be routinely examined during a behavioral evaluation to determine whether additional attempts at non‐surgical weight loss are advisable. Future studies also are needed to explore the potential relationship between dieting history and postoperative outcome.
Importance of Diagnosing and Treating the Metabolic Syndrome in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Smith Steven R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractApplying the criteria for the metabolic syndrome serves as a simple and inexpensive tool for identifying patients at high risk for diabetes and coronary heart disease, particularly those who do not fall into traditional risk categories. Several independent physiological processes underlie the non‐random risk‐factor clustering that defines the metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and hypertension. Other non‐classic risk factors, such as abnormal oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, adiponectin, and C‐reactive protein levels, are highly correlated with the metabolic syndrome. Use of the metabolic syndrome criteria for assessment is comparable with other risk‐scoring systems in accurately predicting cardiovascular disease risk and is simpler to implement in the clinic. Further research is needed to define the etiology of the metabolic syndrome.
Relationships among Body Composition Measures in Community‐dwelling Older Women
Authors: Storti Kristi L. , Brach Jennifer S. , FitzGerald Shannon J. , Bunker Clareann H. , Kriska Andrea M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To examine whether simple anthropometric measures provide a good estimate of total and visceral fat in 146 community‐dwelling, older white women (mean age, 74.0 ± 4.1 years).Research Methods and Procedures: Total body fat and visceral fat were measured using electron beam computed tomography (EBT). Anthropometric parameters (height, weight, BMI, sagittal diameter, and waist circumference) were measured using standard techniques. Total percentage body fat was assessed using DXA. Spearman correlations were used to examine the association between the measures. Linear regression, controlling for age, was used to examine the associations between the anthropometric parameters and total and visceral body fat measured by EBT.Results: Correlations among body composition measures ranged from ρ = 0.46 to 0.93 (p < 0.0001). EBT total fat was strongly correlated with both DXA estimates of total percentage fat (ρ = 0.86) and BMI (ρ = 0.89). Separate linear regression models indicated that BMI, waist circumference, sagittal diameter, and DXA total percentage fat were each independently related to EBT total fat. BMI had the strongest linear relationship, explaining 80% of the model variance (p < 0.0001). Linear regression indicated that BMI, waist circumference, and sagittal diameter were each independently related to EBT visceral fat, with BMI and sagittal diameter explaining ∼53% of the model variance (p < 0.0001).Discussion: The use of simple anthropometric measures such as BMI, sagittal diameter, and waist circumference may be an appropriate alternative for more expensive techniques when assessing total fat but should be used with caution when estimating visceral body fat.
Synaptic Plasticity in Energy Balance Regulation
Authors: Horvath Tamas L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLeptin regulates energy balance, in part, by modulating the activity of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Leptin‐deficient (ob/ob) mice differ from wild‐type mice in the number of excitatory and inhibitory post‐synaptic densities and currents onto NPY and POMC neurons. When leptin was delivered to ob/ob mice, the synaptic density rapidly normalized, an effect detectable within 6 hours, several hours before leptin's effect on food intake. Synaptic currents were also shifted toward wild‐type values in leptin‐replaced ob/ob mice. These data suggest that leptin‐mediated plasticity in the ob/ob hypothalamus may underlie some of the hormone's behavioral effects. In an effort to determine whether the observed synaptic plasticity is leptin specific, we analyzed the effects of an orexigenic hormone, ghrelin, and anorexigenic hormone, estradiol. Ghrelin rearranged synapses in wild type animals to support suppressed POMC tone, whereas the estradiol triggered a robust increase in the number of excitatory, glutamate inputs of POMC neurons. The rearrangement of synapses by estradiol was leptin independent, because it was also evident in leptin‐ (ob/ob) and leptin receptor–deficient (db/db) mice and was paralleled with decreased food intake and increased energy expenditure in these mutant, obese animals. Such plasticity was also observed in other hypothalamic regions and extrahypothalamic sites. These observations raise the notion that synaptic plasticity is a major way through which peripheral metabolic hormones influence brain functions.
Gut Peptide Signaling in the Controls of Food Intake
Authors: Moran Timothy H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDuring a meal and after a meal, ingested nutrients alter the release of a variety of gut peptides that have the potential to modulate food intake. Such feedback peptide signaling can be conceptualized as having three outcomes: meal termination, inhibitory modulation of intake in subsequent meals, and orexigenic modulation. Cholecystokinin, pancreatic glucagons, and amylin are examples of peptides involved in meal termination. They are released rapidly with the onset of feeding and have short durations of action. Peptide YY(3‐36) and glucagon‐like peptide 1 are peptides for which longer‐term feeding inhibitory actions have been proposed. They are released from the distal intestine and have longer durations of actions. Ghrelin is a gastric peptide that stimulates food intake after its exogenous administration. Plasma ghrelin levels fall with feeding and rise with food deprivation. All of these gut peptides have vagal or dorsal hindbrain mediation. Their potential as targets for the development of anti‐obesity treatments is under study.
Leptin Resistance and Obesity
Authors: Enriori Pablo J. , Evans Anne E. , Sinnayah Puspha , Cowley Michael A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe prevalence of obesity, and the human and economic costs of the disease, creates a need for better therapeutics and better understanding of the physiological processes that balance energy intake and energy expenditure. Leptin is the primary signal from energy stores and exerts negative feedback effects on energy intake. In common obesity, leptin loses the ability to inhibit energy intake and increase energy expenditure; this is termed leptin resistance. This review discusses the evidence in support of leptin resistance in mouse models and humans and the possible mechanisms of leptin resistance.
Dietary Linolenic Acid and Fasting Glucose and Insulin: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study
Authors: Djoussé Luc , Hunt Steven C. , Tang Weihong , Eckfeldt John H. , Province Michael A. , Ellison R. Curtis 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To assess whether dietary linolenic acid is associated with fasting insulin and glucose.Research Methods and Procedures: In a cross‐sectional design, we studied 3993 non‐diabetic participants of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study 25 to 93 years of age. Linolenic acid was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire, and laboratory data were obtained after at least a 12‐hour fast. We used generalized linear models to calculate adjusted means of insulin and glucose across quartiles of dietary linolenic acid.Results: From the lowest to the highest sex‐specific quartile of dietary linolenic acid, means ± standard error for logarithmic transformed fasting insulin were 4.06 ± 0.02 (reference), 4.09 ± 0.02, 4.13 ± 0.02, and 4.17 ± 0.02 pM, respectively (trend, p < 0.0001), after adjustment for age, sex, energy intake, waist‐to‐hip ratio, smoking, and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. When dietary linolenic acid was used as a continuous variable, the multivariable adjusted regression coefficient was 0.42 ± 0.08. There was no association between dietary linolenic acid and fasting glucose (trend p = 0.82).Discussion: Our data suggest that higher consumption of dietary linolenic acid is associated with higher plasma insulin, but not glucose levels, in non‐diabetic subjects. Additional studies are needed to assess whether higher intake of linolenic acid results in an increased insulin secretion and improved glucose use in vivo.
Direct Effect of Ghrelin on Leptin Production by Cultured Rat White Adipocytes
Authors: Giovambattista Andrés , Piermaría Judith , Suescun María O. , Calandra Ricardo S. , Gaillard Rolf C. , Spinedi Eduardo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Because ghrelin is known to stimulate adipogenesis, we tested whether ghrelin could contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, directly affecting rat white adipocyte leptin production.Research Methods and Procedures: Isolated retroperitoneal adipocytes were cultured for 0.5 to 48 hours without (baseline) or with (0.001 to 1 nM) ghrelin alone or in combination with insulin (0.01 to 10 nM) or dexamethasone (1 to 100 nM). Adipocytes were also incubated with ghrelin and inhibitors either of RNA (actinomycin D) or protein synthesis (cycloheximide) or with several concentrations (10 to 1000 nM) of a specific ghrelin antagonist. When cultures were terminated, we evaluated adipocyte leptin secretion and ob mRNA expression.Results: Our data indicate that ghrelin directly enhanced adipocyte leptin release and ob mRNA expression, that the leptin‐releasing activity of ghrelin was additive to the action of both insulin and dexamethasone and was abrogated by protein synthesis inhibitors, and that effects of ghrelin on adipocyte ob mRNA expression and release were blocked by coincubation with the specific growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a antagonist.Discussion: Our study supports the ability of ghrelin to enhance white adipose tissue leptin production by a direct receptor‐mediated effect. This activity of ghrelin could play a potentially significant role in rapid restoration of homeostasis after food intake.
Associations among Education, Cortisol Rhythm, and BMI in Blue‐collar Women
Authors: Daniel Mark , Moore D. Spencer , Decker Seamus , Belton Leigh , DeVellis Brenda , Doolen Anne , Campbell Marci K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: This study sought to test whether a biological measure of chronic stress, Δ cortisol, was related to BMI and whether the relationship between Δ cortisol and BMI varied according to education and positive affect.Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred fifty‐four women from a blue‐collar women's health project in 11 industrial sites in rural North Carolina provided saliva for cortisol assays for a substudy on “stress.” Δ Cortisol, the difference between awakening and midday cortisol measures representing diurnal decline, was calculated (lower values = greater stress). BMI was regressed on Δ cortisol, education, and positive affect. Analyses were controlled for age, race, and worksite. Standardized β‐coefficients were calculated.Results: For participants with complete data (n = 129), BMI was greater (β 95% confidence interval) for women with less than high school education (0.56; 0.18, 0.94) and those who completed high school (0.26; −0.05, 0.57) relative to women with greater than a high school education (p = 0.009). Δ Cortisol was inversely related to BMI (−0.32; −0.59, −0.05; p = 0.022). Education positively modified the inverse relationship between Δ cortisol and BMI (p = 0.047). Positive affect was negatively associated with BMI (−0.44; −0.82, −0.06; p = 0.026) and positively modified the inverse association between Δ cortisol and BMI (0.33; −0.03, 0.69; p = 0.074).Discussion: Education and Δ cortisol were inversely related to BMI, and the magnitude of the association between Δ cortisol and BMI was buffered by higher education. Positive affect was inversely related to BMI. Chronic stress is associated with higher BMI, with this relation attenuated by higher education and, possibly, a positive affect.
High Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome in Iranian Adolescents
Authors: Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Mirmiran Parvin , Azadbakht Leila , Etemadi Arash , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: No evidence exists regarding the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in adolescents in Middle Eastern countries. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a representative sample of Iranian adolescents.Research Methods and Procedures: Anthropometry, biochemical measurements, and blood pressure were assessed in a population‐based cross‐sectional study of 3036 Iranian adolescents (1413 boys and 1623 girls) 10 to 19 years of age. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to modified Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Overweight (≥95th percentile) and at risk for overweight (≥85th to <95th percentile) was defined based on the standardized percentile curves of BMI suggested for Iranian adolescents.Results: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 10.1% (95% confidence interval: 9.0 to 11.1) among Iranian adolescents (boys: 10.3%, 8.6 to 11.8; girls: 9.9%, 8.4 to 11.3). Overall, low serum high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and high serum triglycerides were the most common components of the metabolic syndrome (42.8% and 37.5%, respectively). Overweight subjects had the highest proportion of metabolic syndrome compared with those at risk for overweight and those with normal weight (boys: 41.1% vs. 11.4% and 3.0%, respectively, p < 0.01; girls: 43% vs. 15.2% and 5.0%, respectively, p < 0.01).Discussion: This study provides evidence showing a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Iranian adolescents, particularly among overweight adolescents.
Molecular Mechanisms of Apoptosis Induced by Ajoene in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Yang Jeong‐Yeh , Della‐Fera Mary Anne , Nelson‐Dooley Cass , Baile Clifton A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Determine the biochemical pathways involved in induction of apoptosis by ajoene, an organosulfur compound from garlic.Research Methods and Procedures: Mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were incubated with ajoene at concentrations up to 200 μM. Viability and apoptosis were quantified using an MTS‐based cell viability assay and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA), respectively. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured based on production of the fluorescent dye, dichlorofluorescein. Activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases extracellular signal‐regulating kinase 1/2 (ERK) and c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK) was shown by Western blot. Western blot was also used to show activation of caspase‐3, translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria to nucleus, and cleavage of 116‐kDa poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐1.Results: Ajoene induced apoptosis of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Ajoene treatment resulted in activation of JNK and ERK, translocation of AIF from mitochondria to nucleus, and cleavage of 116‐kDa PARP‐1 in a caspase‐independent manner. Ajoene treatment also induced an increase in intracellular ROS level. Furthermore, the antioxidant N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine effectively blocked ajoene‐mediated ROS generation, activation of JNK and ERK, translocation of AIF, and degradation of PARP‐1.Discussion: These results indicate that ajoene‐induced apoptosis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes is initiated by the generation of hydrogen peroxide, which leads to activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, degradation of PARP‐1, translocation of AIF, and fragmentation of DNA. Ajoene can, thus, influence the regulation of fat cell number through the induction of apoptosis and may be a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity.
Comparison of Body Composition Methods in Obese African‐American Women
Authors: Newton Robert L. , Alfonso Anthony , York‐Crowe Emily , Walden Heather , White Marney A. , Ryan Donna , Williamson Donald A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To compare the accuracy of percentage body fat (%BF) estimates between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and DXA in obese African‐American women.Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐five obese African‐American women (mean age, 45 years; mean BMI, 38; mean %BF, 48%) were studied. BF was assessed by both BIA (RJL Systems BIA 101Q; RJL Systems, Clinton Township, MI) and DXA (Hologic QDR‐2000 Bone Densitometer; Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA). Generalized and ethnicity‐ and obese‐specific equations were used to calculate %BF from the BIA. Bland‐Altman analyses were used to compare the agreement between the BIA and the DXA, with the DXA serving as the criterion measure.Results: Two of the generalized equations provided consistent estimates across the weight range in comparison with the DXA estimates, whereas most of the other equations increasingly underestimated %BF as BF increased. One of the generalized and one of the ethnicity‐specific equations had mean differences that were not significantly different from the DXA value.Discussion: The findings show that the Lukaski equation provided the most precise and accurate estimates of %BF in comparison with the QDR 2000 and provide preliminary support for the use of this equation for obese African‐American women.