bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Estrogen Antagonist EM‐652 and Dehydroepiandrosterone Prevent Diet‐ and Ovariectomy‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Lemieux Christian , Picard Frédéric , Labrie Fernand , Richard Denis , Deshaies Yves 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: EM‐652 is a pure antiestrogen in human breast and uterine cancer cells that also reduces bone loss and plasma lipid levels in the rat. This study aimed to assess the ability of EM‐652, alone or with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), to prevent obesity and related metabolic abnormalities induced by an obesity‐promoting diet and ovariectomy.Research Methods and Procedures: Female rats were fed a high‐sucrose, high‐fat (HSHF) diet, were left intact or ovariectomized (OVX), and were treated with EM‐652, DHEA, or both for 20 days. Variables of energy balance and determinants of lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity were assessed.Results: The HSHF diet (vs. chow) and OVX both increased energy intake and gain, as well as energetic efficiency. Both EM‐652 and DHEA prevented diet‐ and OVX‐induced energy gain mainly by decreasing fat deposition, without being additive. The modest EM‐652‐induced increase in liver triglycerides of intact rats was prevented by its combination with DHEA. EM‐652, but not DHEA, decreased cholesterolemia. The HSHF diet and OVX reduced insulin sensitivity, an effect that was attenuated by EM‐652 and abrogated by DHEA and EM‐652+DHEA. Treatment with EM‐652, DHEA, or their combination abolished the diet‐ and OVX‐induced increase in adipose lipoprotein lipase activity that accompanied fat gain.Discussion: EM‐652 is an effective agent to prevent diet‐ and OVX‐induced obesity and its associated cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance. The addition of DHEA prevents hepatic lipid accumulation and further ameliorates insulin sensitivity. The beneficial metabolic effects of such combined steroid therapy may, therefore, eventually prove to be clinically relevant.
Fetal Origins of Obesity
Authors: Oken Emily , Gillman Matthew W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe worldwide epidemic of obesity continues unabated. Obesity is notoriously difficult to treat, and, thus, prevention is critical. A new paradigm for prevention, which evolved from the notion that environmental factors in utero may influence lifelong health, has emerged in recent years. A large number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between birth weight and BMI attained in later life. Although the data are limited by lack of information on potential confounders, these associations seem robust. Possible mechanisms include lasting changes in proportions of fat and lean body mass, central nervous system appetite control, and pancreatic structure and function. Additionally, lower birth weight seems to be associated with later risk for central obesity, which also confers increased cardiovascular risk. This association may be mediated through changes in the hypothalamic pituitary axis, insulin secretion and sensing, and vascular responsiveness. The combination of lower birth weight and higher attained BMI is most strongly associated with later disease risk. We are faced with the seeming paradox of increased adiposity at both ends of the birth weight spectrum—higher BMI with higher birth weight and increased central obesity with lower birth weight. Future research on molecular genetics, intrauterine growth, growth trajectories after birth, and relationships of fat and lean mass will elucidate relationships between early life experiences and later body proportions. Prevention of obesity starting in childhood is critical and can have lifelong, perhaps multigenerational, impact.
Arg64β3‐Adrenoceptor Variant and the Components of Energy Expenditure
Authors: Walston Jeremy , Andersen Ross E. , Seibert Michael , Hilfiker Heather , Beamer Brock , Blumenthal Jacob , Poehlman Eric T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To determineTrp64Argβ3‐adrenoceptor genotype‐specific differences in the components of energy expenditure.Hypothesis: We hypothesized that resting metabolic rate (RMR) and physical activity levels would be lower and that thermic effect of feeding (TEF) would be higher in those with theArg64allele.Research Methods and Procedures: RMR and TEF were measured by indirect calorimetry, physical activity by questionnaire, and total energy expenditure by the doubly labeled water method. Genotype‐specific measures were compared using ANOVA and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).Results: RMR inArg64homozygotes was significantly lower than inTrp64homozygotes [Arg64, 1373 ± 259 kcal/d (n= 15) vs.Trp64Arg, 1538 ± 238 kcal/d (n= 25) vs.Trp64, 1607 ± 290 kcal/d (n= 22);p< 0.01]. TEF was significantly higher inArg64homozygotes compared withTrp64homozygotes (Arg64, 359 ± 28 kcal/d;Trp64Arg, 322 ± 22 kcal/d; andTrp64, 279 ± 23 kcal/d;p< 0.05). No differences were identified between genotypes in physical activity or in total energy expenditure.Discussion: Our results suggest that theArg64β3‐adrenoceptor allele contributes significantly to the genetic variability in both RMR and TEF.
A 45‐bp Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism of Uncoupling Protein 2 in Relation to Obesity in Tongans
Authors: Duarte Natalia L. , Colagiuri Stephen , Palu Taniela , Wang Xing Li , Wilcken David E.L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe compared the current prevalence of increased BMI and type 2 diabetes in a representative group of Tongan subjects with measurements made in 1973, and we determined the distribution and possible interrelations with the UCP2 insertion/deletion (ins/del) polymorphism of these variables. We documented the BMI, glucose tolerance, and standard lipid variables in 1012 Tongan subjects (429 men and 583 women, ages 15 to 85 years) during 1998 and 2000 and compared the BMI findings with those of the 1973 survey. We also genotyped for the UCP2 ins/del polymorphism, assessed its association with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and compared its prevalence with those reported for other ethnic populations. The mean BMI ± SD was greatly increased in both men (30.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2) and women (33.8 ± 6.2 kg/m2), representing increases since 1973 of 11.9% and 19.4%, respectively. The genotype frequencies were 97% for the del/del genotype and 3% for the ins/del genotype; we found no ins/ins homozygotes. This distribution is strikingly different from those reported for white, South Indian, Pima Native‐American, and Asian populations (49 to 77% for del/del genotype). We conclude that there is a marked prevalence of obesity in Tonga, a prevalence that has increased since 1973. We also conclude that there is a unique, near‐uniform distribution of the UCP2 45‐bp ins/del polymorphism in Tongans. This may be the result of a founder effect and may be relevant to the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Tonga.
Relationship of Insulin Sensitivity and Left Ventricular Mass in Uncomplicated Obesity
Authors: Iacobellis Gianluca , Ribaudo Maria Cristina , Zappaterreno Alessandra , Vecci Elio , Tiberti Claudio , Di Mario Umberto , Leonetti Frida 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: We studied uncomplicated obesity as a model to evaluate the influence of insulin sensitivity per se on left ventricular mass (LVM) and geometry.Research Methods and Procedures: We selected 50 obese subjects (BMI > 30 kg/m2; 38 women and 12 men; mean age, 38.4 ± 10 years; BMI, 36.4 ± 10.5 kg/m2) with normal blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and plasmatic lipid levels. Thirty lean subjects formed the control group. Each subject underwent euglycemic insulin clamp (7 pmol/min per kg) to evaluate whole body glucose use (M index) and echocardiogram to calculate LVM and indexed LVM.Results: Insulin‐resistant obese subjects had higher LVM, LVM/h2.7, LVM/body surface area, and LVM/fat‐free masskg (p = 0.001; p = <0.001 p = 0.001, and p = 0.04, respectively) than obese subjects with normal insulin sensitivity. Multivariate regression analysis showed that M index was the strongest independent correlate of LVM (r2 = 0.34; p = 0.03).Discussion: Our findings showed that insulin resistance, in uncomplicated obesity, is associated with an increased LVM and precocious changes of left ventricular geometry, whereas preserved insulin sensitivity is not associated with increased LVM.
Association between Serum Leptin Levels and 24‐Hour Blood Pressure in Obese Women
Authors: Guagnano Maria T. , Manigrasso Maria R. , Ballone Enzo , Della Vecchia Rosanna , Riccioni Graziano , Marinopiccoli Marina , Nutini Michele , Sensi Sergio , Davì Giovanni 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To assess the relationship between serum leptin and 24‐hour blood pressure (BP) in obese women, according to body fat distribution.Research Methods and Procedures: A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a population of 70 nondiabetic, normotensive, obese women (40 with android and 30 with gynoid type of obesity) and 20 nonobese healthy women as a control group. All subjects underwent 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Blood samples were collected for serum leptin and plasma insulin measurements. Total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were also measured.Results: Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in obese subjects than in controls, and they were more elevated in android obese women than in gynoid ones. Leptin levels were positively related to body mass index (BMI), insulin, and waist and hip circumferences in the android group. Among gynoid subjects, leptin levels showed positive associations with BMI and insulin. In women with android obesity, strong positive correlations (p < 0.001) were found between leptin levels and 24‐hour systolic BP (SBP), daytime SBP, nighttime SBP, 24‐hour diastolic BP (DBP), and daytime DBP. Multiple regression analyses, including age, insulin and leptin concentrations, BMI, and waist and hip circumferences on 24‐hour and daytime SBP and DBP, showed that only leptin levels contributed to the variability of BP.Conclusions: Our study shows that serum leptin levels are directly related to 24‐hour BP levels in normotensive women with android fat distribution, independently of BMI.
Predictors of Weight Loss in Adults with Topiramate‐Treated Epilepsy
Authors: Ben‐Menachem Elinor , Axelsen Mette , Johanson Else Hellebö , Stagge Anna , Smith Ulf 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: We examined predictors of weight loss with topiramate, an anticonvulsant associated with weight loss in adults.Research Methods and Procedures: In this uncontrolled, prospective clinical trial, topiramate was added to existing anticonvulsants in adults (40 to 110 kg) with partial‐onset seizures. Primary measurements were change from baseline weight after 3 months and 1 year in patients completing 1 year of topiramate treatment (N = 38). Physiological and metabolic measures were analyzed for correlation with weight loss during topiramate treatment.Results: In patients who completed 1 year of topiramate treatment, baseline weight was reduced in 82% at 3 months and in 86% at 1 year. Mean body weight was reduced 3.0 kg (3.9% of baseline) at 3 months and 5.9 kg (7.3%) at 1 year. In obese patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2], mean weight loss was 4.2 kg (4.3%) at 3 months and 10.9 kg (11.0%) at 1 year. Weight loss was primarily caused by reduction in body fat mass. For all patients, weight loss at 3 months correlated most strongly with reduced caloric intake (p = 0.02). At 1 year, caloric intake had returned to baseline levels; weight loss correlated most strongly with higher baseline BMI (p = 0.0007).Discussion: Our results suggest that weight loss occurs in most adults treated with topiramate and is sustained for at least 1 year. Reduced caloric intake may account, in part, for weight loss during early treatment. The pattern of weight loss differs according to baseline BMI, with obese patients experiencing greater weight loss during continued therapy.
Gastric Electrical‐Stimulation Effects on Canine Gastric Emptying, Food Intake, and Body Weight
Authors: Xing JinHong , Brody Fredrick , Brodsky Jason , Rosen Michael , Larive Brett , Ponsky Jeffrey , Soffer Edy 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: It has been reported that electrical stimulation at the distal stomach can disrupt intrinsic gastric electrical activity and delay gastric emptying. Gastric dysrhythmia and impaired gastric emptying are associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and weight loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low‐frequency/long‐pulse gastric electrical stimulation (GES), at proximal and distal stomach, on canine gastric emptying, food intake, and body weight.Research Methods and Procedures: Eight dogs were surgically implanted with four pairs of electrodes along the greater curvature and a gastric tube at the dependent part of the stomach. Liquid gastric emptying at baseline, during proximal and distal GES at 6 cycles per minute, was assessed first by a dye dilution technique. Proximal and distal GES were then randomly delivered during feeding for 10 consecutive days, and food intake and body weight were recorded daily.Results: There was no significant difference in gastric emptying parameters among the various sessions. The mean daily food consumption was significantly reduced during both sessions of GES, resulting in significant immediate weight loss. Percentage weight loss was comparable between both sessions of GES.Discussion: Short‐term GES significantly reduced canine food intake and weight. This effect may not be related to changes in gastric emptying. GES may have a potential role in the treatment of obesity.
Gender Differences in Shame in Patients with Binge‐Eating Disorder
Authors: Jambekar Sheila A. , Masheb Robin M. , Grilo Carlos M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To examine the relationship between shame and the behavioral and attitudinal features of eating disorders in men and women diagnosed with binge‐eating disorder (BED).Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 188 consecutively evaluated adults (38 men and 150 women) who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria for BED. Participants were interviewed and completed a battery of measures assessing shame, behavioral and attitudinal features of eating disorders, and general psychological functioning.Results: Shame did not differ significantly by gender and was not associated with BMI or binge‐eating frequency. Shame was significantly associated with the attitudinal features of eating disorders, even after controlling for levels of depression and self‐esteem. When considered separately by gender and controlling for depression and self‐esteem, shame was associated with body dissatisfaction in men and with weight concern in women.Discussion: Men and women with BED, who presented for treatment, reported similar levels of shame. Overall, while shame was related to attitudinal features, the specific associations differed by gender. For men, shame was related to how dissatisfied they felt with their bodies, whereas for women, shame was associated with concerns about weight. Interestingly, shame was not related to BMI or binge‐eating frequency in men or women. These results provide preliminary support for self‐conscious emotions playing different roles in men and women with BED.
Assessment of Global Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Overweight and Obese African‐American Women
Authors: Patt Madhavi R. , Yanek Lisa R. , Moy Taryn F. , Becker Diane M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To examine, with the use of national guidelines, coronary heart disease (CHD) risk with increasing BMI for primary prevention in urban African‐American women.Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were recruited for CHD risk factor screening from 20 churches as part of a larger study of nutrition and fitness (Project Joy). All participants had a demographic, smoking and medical history assessment, and the following measurements were taken: weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid levels, and glucose. Three methods of defining risk, the Framingham Point Scoring System, a count of risk factors, and the presence of the multiple metabolic syndrome, based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Report and BMI classes established by the Clinical Guidelines, were used.Results: A total of 396 women were eligible. Participants were 40 to 80 years of age and had marked excess prevalence of overweight and obesity (84%); 55% were obese. There was a linear increase in risk factors as BMI increased. Lipids did not differ significantly among BMI classifications. Seventeen percent of women had multiple metabolic syndrome. Eight percent and 16% of women in the normal and overweight BMI classes, respectively, had two or more modifiable risk factors. There was no difference in number of modifiable risk factors among the obese classes. The Framingham Point Scoring System assigned a <10% risk of a hard CHD event in 10 years to 97% of the women.Discussion: National risk assessment guidelines for primary prevention of CHD may not be adequate for overweight and obese urban African‐American women and require further study.
Regional Fat Pad Growth and Cellularity in Obese Zucker Rats: Modulation by Caloric Restriction
Authors: Hausman Dorothy B. , Fine Jacqueline B. , Tagra Krishna , Fleming Shea S. , Martin Roy J. , DiGirolamo Mario 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To investigate, in young obese male Zucker rats, the effects of chronic food restriction and subsequent refeeding on: 1) parameters of nonadipose and adipose growth, 2) regional adipose depot cellularity [fat cell volume (FCV) and number], and 3) circulating leptin levels.Research Methods and Procedures: Obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/?) male Zucker rats were studied from age 5 to 19 weeks. After baseline food intake monitoring, 10 obese rats were subjected to 58 days of marked caloric restriction from ad libitum levels [obese‐restricted (OR)], followed by a return to ad libitum feeding for 22 days. Ten lean control rats and 10 obese control rats were fed ad libitum for the entire experiment. All rats were fed using a computer‐driven automated feeding system designed to mimic natural eating patterns.Results: After food restriction, OR rats weighed significantly less than did lean and obese rats and showed a significant diminution in body and adipose growth as compared with obese rats. Relative adiposity was not different between obese and OR rats and was significantly higher than that of lean rats. The limitation in growth of the adipose tissue mass in OR rats was due mostly to suppression of fat cell proliferation because the mean FCV in each of the four depots was not affected. Serum leptin levels of OR and obese rats were not different from each other but were significantly higher than those of lean rats.Discussion: Marked caloric restriction affects obese male Zucker rats in a manner different from that of nongenetic rodent models (i.e., Wistar rats). In comparison with the response to caloric deprivation of Wistar rats, these calorically restricted obese male Zucker rats appeared to defend their relative adiposity and mean FCV at the expense of fat cell number. These findings indicate that genetic and/or tissue‐specific controls override the general consequences of food restriction in this genetic model of obesity.
Chitosan Supplementation and Fecal Fat Excretion in Men
Authors: Gades Matthew D. , Stern Judith S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Few weight loss supplements are clinically tested for efficacy, yet their proliferation continues. Chitosan‐based supplements are sold as fat trappers and fat magnets. They purportedly block fat absorption and cause weight loss without food restriction. We quantified the in vivo effect of a chitosan product on fat absorption.Research Methods and Procedures: Participants (n = 15) consumed five meals per day for 12 days. Energy intake was not restricted. Participants consumed no supplements during a 4‐day control period and two capsules five times per day (4.5 g chitosan/d), 30 minutes before each meal, during a 4‐day supplement period. All feces were collected from days 2 to 12. Oral charcoal markers permitted division of the feces into two periods. The two fecal pools were analyzed for fat content.Results: Participants were male, 26.3 ± 5.9 years old, BMI of 25.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2. Subjects consumed 133 ± 23 g of fat/d and 12.91 ± 1.79 MJ/d (3084 ± 427 kcal/d). Individual meals averaged 26.3 ± 9.3 g of fat. With chitosan supplementation at 10 capsules/day, fecal fat excretion increased by 1.1 ± 1.8 g/d (p = 0.02), from 6.1 ± 1.2 to 7.2 ± 1.8 g/d.Discussion: The effect of chitosan on fat absorption is clinically negligible. Far from being a fat trapper, at 0.11 ± 0.18 g of fat trapped per 0.45‐g capsule or 1.1 g (9.9 kcal) fat trapped per day, this product would have no significant effect on energy balance. The fat trapping claims associated with chitosan are unsubstantiated.
Comparison of four methods for the purification and refolding of human interleukin‐2–mouse granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor fusion protein
Authors: Wen Qian , Ma Li , Luo Wei , Zhou Ming‐Qian , He Dong , Lin Ying , Wu Zhen‐Qiang , He Xiao‐Wei , Wang Ju‐Fang , Wang Xiao‐Ning 
Published: April 2008

The combination of IL‐2 (interleukin‐2) and GM‐CSF (granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor) has been broadly studied in antitumour immune therapy, but its efficacy is uncertain. To better exert the activities of the two cytokines and study them in a mouse model, we have constructed a bifunctional protein, hIL‐2–mGM‐CSF (human IL‐2–mouse GM‐CSF), fused to a C‐terminal tag of six histidine residues (His6). The fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli as IBs (inclusion bodies). After extracting and clarifying the IBs, four methods of protein purification and refolding were compared in order to optimize the preparation technique. Of these methods, the best result was obtained with a four‐step process consisting of (1) purification with denaturing affinity chromatography, (2) followed by fully denaturing the protein with system conversion, (3) then refolding by isovolumetric ultrafiltration and (4) finally, purification by anion‐exchange chromatography. The purity of the hIL‐2–mGM‐CSF was approx. 95%, yielding approx. 20 mg of protein/l of culture. The fusion protein retained the natural activities of IL‐2 and GM‐CSF, with specific activities of 8.7×106 and 1.1×107 i.u./mg respectively. Flow‐cytometric analysis indicated that hIL‐2–mGM‐CSF could specifically bind to the corresponding receptor‐positive cells. The present study provides important preliminary information for studying the antitumour activity of hIL‐2–mGM‐CSF in vivo, which will facilitate future clinical research into the use of hIL‐2/hGM‐CSF in immune therapy.