A maternal diet rich in fish oil may improve cardiac Akt-related signaling in the offspring of diabetic mother rats

ObjectiveNewborns of diabetic mothers have abnormal circulatory organs, so in this study, we explore insulin signaling in the newborn rat heart.MethodsPregnant rats were divided into streptozotocin-induced diabetic groups (DM) and control groups (CM). Rats were fed lard (21% fat), fish oil (21% fat), or a control diet (7% fat). To examine changes in insulin signaling in the hearts of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) in relation to diet, we isolated the hearts from the IDM and control infants and determined the phosphorylation levels of Akt308, Akt473, p38, c-jun-NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and the expression levels of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kainase1 (PDK1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).ResultsThe mean blood glucose levels in the DM group and their infants were significantly higher than those in the CM group (P < 0.05) and their infants (P < 0.05), but the mean blood glucose levels of all infants was normal on postnatal d 4. Phosphorylation levels of Akt ^{Thr 308} (P < 0.05) and Akt ^{Ser 473} and the expression levels of PDK1 and mTOR were lower in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) than in control infants. The phosphorylation level of Akt ^{Ser 473} and the expression level of mTOR increased in IDM fed the fish oil diet compared with those fed the lard diet (P < 0.05).ConclusionA maternal diet rich in fish oil improves cardiac Akt-related signaling in the offspring of diabetic rats.     

Serum lipids and neopterin in urine as new biomarkers of malnutrition and inflammation in the elderly

ObjectiveLevels of serum lipids are influenced by malnutrition and inflammation. The study aimed to find the relation of the lipidogram to positive and negative markers of inflammation in geriatric patients. Attention was paid to neopterin in urine as a non-protein positive bioindicator of inflammation.MethodsIt was a local, monocentric, prospective clinical study in hospitalized patients older than 80 y. The study included 101 patients (54 women, 47 men). The average age of the entire group was 85.37 ± 4.88 y. The dependence of the values of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triacylglycerols (TAGs) on C-reactive protein (CRP), neopterin in urine, and prealbumin was examined.ResultsWhen we compared CRP and serum lipids, we found a statistically significant negative correlation between levels of CRP and total cholesterol (P < 0.05), HDL (P < 0.01), and LDL (P < 0.05). Also the level of neopterin in urine was negatively correlated with levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and HDL (P < 0.01). A statistically highly significant interaction was demonstrated between levels of prealbumin and total cholesterol (P < 0.001), HDL (P < 0.001), LDL (P < 0.001), and TAG (P < 0.05).ConclusionA significant negative correlation between levels of inflammation markers (neopterin in urine, CRP) and total cholesterol and HDL was found. LDL was influenced to a lesser extent. A close relation between serum lipids and prealbumin was also demonstrated. Total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL can be considered novel biomarkers of malnutrition and inflammation in geriatric patients.     

Blood pressure decrease with ingestion of a soya product (kinako) or fish oil in women with the metabolic syndrome: role of adiponectin and nitric oxide

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of fish oil and a soya-based product on inflammatory markers and endothelial function measured by NO in women with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of sixty-five women (mean age: 47·9 (sd 9·98) years) were studied in a 90-d parallel, randomised design. A control group maintained their usual diet; the second group received 29?g/d of soyabean (kinako); the third group received 3?g/d of fish oil n-3 fatty acids; and the fourth group received fish oil (3?g/d) and kinako (29?g/d). Anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), inflammatory markers, anti-inflammatory marker (adiponectin) and NO concentrations were evaluated. In relation to the baseline values, the group that received fish oil and kinako concomitantly presented a statistically significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP; P?相似文献   

Antidiabetic effect of Lactobacillus casei CCFM0412 on mice with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of Lactobacillus casei CCFM0412 on mice with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.MethodsThirty-two male C57 BL/6 J mice were assigned to four groups in this study. Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding of a high-fat diet and injection of streptozotocin. L. casei CCFM0412 was administered to mice at a dose of 10⁹ cfu/d per mouse for 12 wk. Body weight, fasting and postprandial 2-h blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, and glycogen in liver were measured. Endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-10 levels were determined. Lipid metabolic parameters including triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also measured. The activities of glutathione peroxides, reactive oxygen species, and superoxide dismutase, and the levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde in the liver also were determined. Pancreas injury was evaluated by histologic analysis.ResultsAt 13 wk, L. casei CCFM0412 significantly decreased fasting and postprandial 2-h blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde levels compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The values for insulin, interleukin-10, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione peroxides, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glycogen were significantly increased at 13 wk (P < 0.05). Islets of Langerhans in the L. casei CCFM0412 group were substantially protected from destruction compared with those in the control group.ConclusionL. casei CCFM0412 significantly improved glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, immune-regulatory properties, and oxidative stress in mice with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. The results provide a sound rationale for future clinical trials of oral administration of L. casei CCFM0412 for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes.     

Supplementation of hydrogen-rich water improves lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance

Oxidative stress is recognized widely as being associated with various disorders including diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. It is well established that hydrogen has a reducing action. We therefore investigated the effects of hydrogen-rich water intake on lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with either type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 30 patients with T2DM controlled by diet and exercise therapy and 6 patients with IGT. The patients consumed either 900 mL/d of hydrogen-rich pure water or 900 mL of placebo pure water for 8 weeks, with a 12-week washout period. Several biomarkers of oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism, assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test, were evaluated at baseline and at 8 weeks. Intake of hydrogen-rich water was associated with significant decreases in the levels of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (ie, modifications that increase the net negative charge of LDL), small dense LDL, and urinary 8-isoprostanes by 15.5% (P < .01), 5.7% (P < .05), and 6.6% (P < .05), respectively. Hydrogen-rich water intake was also associated with a trend of decreased serum concentrations of oxidized LDL and free fatty acids, and increased plasma levels of adiponectin and extracellular-superoxide dismutase. In 4 of 6 patients with IGT, intake of hydrogen-rich water normalized the oral glucose tolerance test. In conclusion, these results suggest that supplementation with hydrogen-rich water may have a beneficial role in prevention of T2DM and insulin resistance.     

Carbohydrate restriction (with or without additional dietary cholesterol provided by eggs) reduces insulin resistance and plasma leptin without modifying appetite hormones in adult men

Carbohydrate-restricted diets (CRDs) have been shown to reduce body weight, whereas whole egg intake has been associated with increased satiety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional dietary cholesterol and protein provided by whole eggs while following a CRD on insulin resistance and appetite hormones. Using a randomized blind parallel design, subjects were allocated to an egg (640 mg/d additional dietary cholesterol) or placebo (0 mg/d additional dietary cholesterol) group for 12 weeks while following a CRD. There were significant reductions in fasting insulin (P < .025) and fasting leptin concentrations (P < .01) for both groups, which were correlated with the reductions in body weight and body fat (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). Both groups reduced insulin resistance as measured by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P < .025). There was a significant decrease in serum glucose levels observed after the intervention. We did not observe the expected increases in plasma ghrelin levels associated with weight loss, suggesting a mechanism by which subjects do not increase appetite with CRD. To confirm these results, the subjective measures of satiety using visual analog scale showed that both groups felt more “full” (P < .05), “satisfied” (P < .001), and “wanted to eat less” (P < .001) after the intervention. These results indicate that inclusion of eggs in the diet (additional dietary cholesterol) did not modify the multiple beneficial effects of CRD on insulin resistance and appetite hormones.     

Effects of pistachio nuts on body composition,metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in Asian Indians with metabolic syndrome: A 24-wk,randomized control trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pistachio nuts as an adjunct to diet and exercise on body composition, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in Asian Indians with metabolic syndrome.MethodsIn this 24-wk randomized control trial, 60 individuals with the metabolic syndrome were randomized to either pistachio (intervention group) or control group (diet as per weight and physical activity profile, modulated according to dietary guidelines for Asian Indians) after 3 wk of a diet and exercise run in. In the first group, unsalted pistachios (20% energy) were given daily. A standard diet and exercise protocol was followed for both groups. Body weight, waist circumference (WC), magnetic resonance imaging estimation of intraabdominal adipose tissue and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin, free fatty acids (FFAs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leptin, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsStatistically significant improvement in mean values for various parameters in the intervention group compared with control group were as follows: WC (P < 0.02), FBG (P < 0.04), total cholesterol (P < 0.02), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.006), hs-CRP (P < 0.05), TNF-α (P < 0.03), FFAs (P < 0.001), TBARS (P < 0.01), and adiponectin levels (P < 0.001).ConclusionA single food intervention with pistachios leads to beneficial effects on the cardiometabolic profile of Asian Indians with metabolic syndrome.     

Green tea extract reduces blood pressure,inflammatory biomarkers,and oxidative stress and improves parameters associated with insulin resistance in obese,hypertensive patients

Green tea (GT) consumption is known to be associated with enhanced cardiovascular and metabolic health. The purpose of this study is to examine the hypothesis that supplementation with GT alters insulin resistance and associated cardiovascular risk factors in obese, hypertensive patients. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 56 obese, hypertensive subjects were randomized to receive a daily supplement of 1 capsule that contained either 379 mg of GT extract (GTE) or a matching placebo, for 3 months. At baseline and after 3 months of treatment, the anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, plasma lipid levels, glucose levels, creatinine levels, tumor necrosis factor α levels, C-reactive protein levels, total antioxidant status, and insulin levels were assessed. Insulin resistance was evaluated according to the homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance protocol. After 3 months of supplementation, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures had significantly decreased in the GTE group as compared with the placebo group (P < .01). Considerable (P < .01) reductions in fasting serum glucose and insulin levels and insulin resistance were observed in the GTE group when compared with the placebo group. Serum tumor necrosis factor α and C-reactive protein were significantly lower, whereas total antioxidant status increased in the GTE group compared with the placebo (P < .05). Supplementation also contributed to significant (P < .05) decreases in the total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, but an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In conclusion, daily supplementation with 379 mg of GTE favorably influences blood pressure, insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress, and lipid profile in patients with obesity-related hypertension.     

A Mediterranean-style, low-glycemic-load diet reduces the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase in mononuclear cells and plasma insulin in women with metabolic syndrome

We evaluated changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase gene expression in women with metabolic syndrome and elevated plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). We hypothesized that expression of these 2 genes would be modulated by our dietary intervention. Twenty-five women were instructed to follow a Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet for 12 weeks. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of the LDL receptor and HMG-CoA reductase in mononuclear cells, which were used as a proxy of liver expression of these 2 genes. All women experienced favorable impacts on metabolic syndrome variables, with decreases in waist circumference (P < .001), plasma triglycerides (P < .05), and systolic blood pressure (P < .05) compared with baseline. Furthermore, participants had reductions in LDL-C (P < .01), plasma insulin (P < .001), and homeostatic model assessment score for insulin resistance (P < .001) over time. In addition, significant decreases were found in plasma tumor necrosis factor α (P < .01), which might have contributed to the improvements observed in insulin resistance. Although no changes in LDL-receptor mRNA levels were observed, HMG-CoA-reductase gene expression was reduced (P < .001) after 12 weeks. The reductions in plasma insulin correlated with changes in HMG-CoA-reductase mRNA levels (r = 0.45, P < .01). In conclusion, the observed reductions in plasma insulin may have affected the expression of a key regulatory gene of cholesterol synthesis, HMG-CoA reductase. The decreased HMG-CoA-reductase expression may be related to lower secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol, which, in turn, would account for the reductions in LDL-C.     

Effects of short-term mild calorie restriction diet and renutrition with ruminant milks on leptin levels and other metabolic parameters in mice

ObjectiveThe adaptation of an organism to a calorie-restricted diet is characterized by metabolic, endocrine, and immunologic changes. The objective of this study was to determine, in a mouse model, the changes in serum leptin levels in response to short-term mild calorie-restricted and renutrition diets using different ruminant milks.MethodsWeaned Swiss albino mice were fed with a mild calorie-restricted diet for 12 d, after which they were renourished with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk for 7 d. Body, thymus, and spleen weights and biochemical, hematologic, and endocrine parameters were evaluated.ResultsThe mild calorie restriction did not significantly modify insulin and leptin levels. The renutrition diets increased insulin levels, being significant (P < 0.05) only when buffalo and sheep milks were used. Leptin concentrations increased in the control ad libitum (AD) group during the assayed period. After the administration of cow and goat milks, lower leptin levels were observed compared with the control AD group. All repletion diets significantly increased body, thymus, and spleen weights; however, spleen weight did not reach the values observed in the control AD group. Serum glucose and triacylglycerol levels increased after feeding with the renutrition diets. However, serum cholesterol did not increase after the renutrition period. We observed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the leukocyte counts in calorie-restricted mice in comparison with AD mice; after the renutrition period, the leukocyte count did not reach the values for the AD mice.ConclusionThis study suggests that a short-term change in diet with a relatively low body weight loss does not significantly affect leptin concentrations in our mouse model. However, the assayed milks could be effectively used as alternative milk sources for weight gain and for the improvement of other metabolic parameters.     

A meal replacement regimen improves blood glucose levels in prediabetic healthy individuals with impaired fasting glucose

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-wk intervention with either lifestyle intervention (increased physical activity and a low-calorie diet) or a meal replacement regimen on glycemic control in patients who are prediabetic and have impaired fasting glucose.MethodsForty-two overweight or obese men and women (age 54 ± 8 y; weight 95.1 ± 11.9 kg; body mass index [BMI] 32.8 ± 2.89 kg/m²) were included in this randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients in the lifestyle group (LS; n = 14) received dietary counseling sessions (fat-restricted low-calorie diet) and instructions on how to increase physical activity. Patients in the meal replacement group (MR; n = 28) were instructed to replace two daily meals with a low-calorie, high soy-protein drink with a low glycemic index.ResultsBoth interventions resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and BMI, although the reduction was more pronounced (P < 0.05) in the MR group. In both groups, glucose concentrations decreased significantly (LS: −12 mg/dL, P < 0.01; MR: −11 mg/dL, P < 0.01), and mean glucose levels returned to the normal range. Insulin (LS: −1 μU/mg [not significant]; MR: −6.3 μU/mg, P < 0.01) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; LS −0.92, P < 0.01; MR: −2.1, P < 0.01) were also significantly lower following both interventions; again improvements were more pronounced in the MR group (insulin: P < 0.05; HOMA P < 0.01)ConclusionIt can be concluded that meal replacement is an effective intervention for rapid improvement of elevated fasting glucose and increased insulin concentrations, these being important biomarkers of the prediabetic state. The 6-wk intervention has shown that the effect of meal replacement on fasting blood glucose was comparable to the effect of lifestyle intervention. The alterations in BMI, insulin, and HOMA-IR were significantly more pronounced following the meal replacement regimen.     

Different postprandial metabolic patterns after the consumption of fish oil and lard in healthy Chinese individuals

AimIt is well known that nutritional intervention has positive effects on the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Different fat compositions of meals may alter postprandial plasma lipid patterns, which can further influence lipid metabolism in vivo.MethodsIn the present study, we investigated postprandial plasma lipid parameters in twenty healthy volunteers after eating fat meals either with 80 gram lard or 80 gram fish oil. Blood samples were drawn at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 hours and plasma levels of total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined.ResultsIt demonstrated that postprandial plasma concentrations of TG, TC and LDL-C were significantly lower whereas HDL-C was higher after eating fish oil compared to the consumption of lard. Moreover, comparing the individuals with or without dyslipidemic family history, the healthy individuals without family history of dyslipidemia after eating fish oil had even lower postprandial plasma TG and LDL-C (P < 0.05) than the subjects with the family history. It is concluded that postprandial response following fish oil could be as a result of reduced TG, TC and LDL-C, and increased HDL-C.ConclusionsPostprandial responses following fish oil consumption may reduce TG, TC and LDL-C plasma levels, and increase HDL-C level. Individuals with dyslipidemic family history may have enhanced postprandial response than the individuals without dyslipidemic family history.     

Dietary intake of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols ameliorates insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet

Objective

Excessive accumulation of visceral fat is strongly associated with insulin resistance. The present investigation examined the effects of dietary intake of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs), which have been shown to induce significantly lower visceral fat accumulation in rats and humans, on high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in rats. These effects were then compared with those observed in long-chain triacylglycerol (LCT)-fed rats.

Methods

After an 8-wk feeding of a high-fat diet, which induced severe whole-body insulin resistance, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a standard diet containing LCTs or MLCTs for 6 wk. After the dietary treatment, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed.

Results

Although body weight and total intra-abdominal fat mass did not differ between the two groups, mesenteric fat weight in the MLCT-fed group was significantly lower than that in the LCT group (P < 0.05). The increase in plasma insulin concentrations, but not in glucose, after glucose administration (area under the curve) was significantly smaller in the MLCT group than in the LCT group (P < 0.01) and was significantly associated with mesenteric fat weight (P < 0.05). MLCT-fed rats had significantly higher plasma adiponectin concentrations compared with LCT rats (P < 0.05). Adiponectin concentrations were negatively correlated with the area under the curve for plasma insulin (P < 0.05) and tended to be inversely related to mesenteric fat weight (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

These results suggest that dietary intake of MLCTs may improve insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet, at least in part through increased adiponectin concentrations caused by a lower mesenteric fat mass.     

The nutritional control of ghrelin secretion in humans

Background The nutritional control of ghrelin has not been fully clarified yet. Particularly, the influence of aminoacids and lipids is controversial and, moreover, whether the intraluminal gastric contact with nutrients is required or if the modulatory action of nutrients on ghrelin secretion is mediated by insulin is still matter of debate. Aim of the study To clarify the role of nutrients in the control of ghrelin secretion evaluating the effects of intravenous and oral lipids and aminoacids compared with glucose and fructose load in healthy subjects. Methods A total of 6 healthy overnight-fasted volunteers underwent the following testing sessions: (a) iv arginine (ARG, 0.5 g/kg); (b) oral protein load (PRO, 50 g); (c) iv lipid-heparin infusion (Li He, Intralipid 10% 250 ml); (d) oral fat load (OIL, soy oil 40 g); (e) oral glucose load (OGL, 100 g); (f) oral fructose load (OFL, 100 g); (g) iv saline (SAL, 3 ml); (h) oral water load (WL, 200 ml). Total ghrelin, insulin, and glucose were assayed every 15 min from 0 up to +180 min. Results WL and SAL did not modify insulin, glucose and ghrelin. ARG induced a prompt but transient increase (P < 0.05) of insulin and glucose (P < 0.01), without modifying ghrelin secretion. PRO induced a mild but sustained increase of insulin secretion (P < 0.05) without affecting glucose and ghrelin. Li-He progressively increased circulating glucose (P < 0.01) without modifying insulin and ghrelin secretion. No significant variations in circulating glucose, insulin, and ghrelin occurred after OIL. OGL significantly (P < 0.01) increased insulin and glucose levels and progressively decreased (P < 0.05) ghrelin levels. OFL induced a mild (P < 0.05) increase of insulin without modifying glucose levels. Similarly, OFL was followed by a milder decrease (P < 0.05) of ghrelin levels. Conclusions Differently from carbohydrates and independently from their modulatory effect on insulin secretion and glucose levels, both lipids and aminoacids play a negligible role in the acute control of ghrelin secretion either after acute enteral and parenteral administration.     

Glycemic response to carbohydrate and the effects of exercise and protein

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-exercise and protein coingestion on the glycemic response to carbohydrates.MethodsTwenty-one volunteers (13 males and 8 females) aged 22 y (± 3.8 y) participated in four trials in random order. These included: 1) glucose ingestion at rest (RG), 2) glucose and protein ingestion at rest (RGP), 3) glucose ingestion after exercise (EG), and 4) glucose and protein ingestion after exercise (EGP). Exercise consisted of 45 min of cycling at 60% of participants’ age-predicted maximum heart rate. Test drinks contained 50 g glucose or 50 g glucose with 20 g whey protein. Venous blood samples were taken at baseline and subsequently every 15 min for 2 h after drink consumption. Blood plasma was subsequently analyzed for glucose and insulin.ResultsPlasma glucose concentration was significantly lower in the RGP group than in the RG group at 30, 45, 60, and 75 min and in the EGP group than in the EG group at 30, 45, and 60 min (P < 0.05). Plasma insulin area under the curve was significantly higher in the RGP group than in the RG group and in than in the EGP group than in the EG group (P < 0.05). No significant effect of exercise was seen on glycemic or insulinemic responses.ConclusionsCoingestion of protein with carbohydrate reduces glycemic response and increases insulinemic response in healthy subjects, whereas pre-exercise seems to have no effect.     

Milk enriched with “healthy fatty acids” improves cardiovascular risk markers and nutritional status in human volunteers

ObjectiveThe main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a commercially available milk containing small amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid, and vitamins A, B6, D, E, and folic acid compared with semi-skimmed and skimmed milk in volunteers with moderate cardiovascular risk.MethodsTwo hundred ninety-seven subjects 25 to 65 y of age with moderate cardiovascular risk were randomly allocated into three groups. In addition to their diets, one group consumed 500 mL/d of the enriched milk, another group consumed 500 mL/d of skimmed milk, and a control group consumed 500 mL/d of semi-skimmed milk. All groups consumed the dairy drinks for 1 y and blood samples were taken at 0 and 12 mo.ResultsConsumption of enriched milk for 1 y produced significant (P < 0.05) increases in serum folate (58%) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (4%). Plasma triacylglycerols (10%), total cholesterol (4%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (6%) were reduced significantly only in the supplemented group. Serum glucose, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein remained unchanged. In the skimmed milk and semi-skimmed milk groups, the only significant decreases were in serum folate (17% and 11%, respectively).ConclusionDaily intake of a milk enriched with fish oil, oleic acid, and vitamins improved the nutritional status and cardiovascular risk markers of volunteers, whereas skimmed milk and semi-skimmed milk did not.     

Patterns of sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk among Canadian adults

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the associations of total sedentary time and patterns of sedentary time with cardiometabolic biomarkers in a large representative sample of Canadian adults.MethodsThe study is based on 4935 adults aged 20–79 years, from the 2007/09 and 2009/11 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Total sedentary time, patterns of sedentary time (≥ 20 minute prolonged sedentary bouts, number of sedentary breaks), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were accelerometer-derived. Waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and C-reactive protein were measured. Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, insulin, and glucose were also measured in a fasting sub-sample (n = 2551).ResultsTotal sedentary time and time in ≥ 20 minute prolonged sedentary bouts were associated with higher insulin and lower diastolic blood pressure levels (P < 0.05). On average, each additional 10 breaks/day was associated with 0.83 (95%CI: 1.35, 0.31) cm lower waist circumference, 0.32 (0.62, 0.02) mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure, 0.01 (0.00, 0.02) mmol/l higher HDL-cholesterol, 3.72 (1.34, 6.13) % lower triglycerides, 0.57 (0.23, 0.92) % lower glucose, and 4.19 (1.80, 6.63) % lower insulin.ConclusionThese findings in a large representative sample of Canadian adults indicate that breaking up sedentary time may be particularly important for cardiometabolic health.     

Heritability of factors of the insulin resistance syndrome in women twins

The insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) is characterized by a combination of interrelated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, including low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, obesity and increases in triglyceride (TG), blood pressure, small low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL), and both fasting and postload plasma insulin and glucose. Using factor analysis, we previously identified 3 uncorrelated factors that explained 66% of the variance among these variables, based on data from women participating in examination 2 of the Kaiser Permanente Women Twins Study in Oakland. CA during 1989–1990. The factors were interpreted as: 1) body mass/fat distribution, 2) insulin/glucose, and 3) lipids: TG, HDL-C, LDL peak particle diameter. In this analysis, heritability of each of the factors was estimated based on data from 140 monozygotic and 96 dizygotic pairs of non-diabetic women twins. Heritability estimates were calculated using the classical approach, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach, and the maximum likelihood approach. For the body mass/fat distribution factor heritability estimates suggest moderate genetic influences: 0.61 (P < 0.001), 0.14 (P > 0.05), and 0.71 (P < 0.001), respectively. The insulin/glucose factor appeared to be highly heritable, with estimates of 0.87,0.92, and 0.57 (all P < 0.001), respectively. The heritability estimates for the lipid factor were moderate and consistent across methods: 0.25 (P < 0.10), 0.32 (P < 0.05), and 0.30 (P < 0.05), respectively. These results are consistent with genetic influences on each of the 3 “factors,” and suggest that both genetic and environmental effects are involved in the clustering of IRS risk factors. Genet. Epidemiol. 14:241–253,1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Combined effects of saturated fat and cholesterol intakes on serum lipids: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

ObjectiveThis study investigated the combined effect of saturated fat and cholesterol intake on serum lipids among Tehranian adults.MethodsIn 443 subjects ≥18 y, dietary intake was assessed. Height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated. Serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were calculated. Cholesterol intakes ≥300 mg/d and saturated fat intakes ≥7% of total energy were defined as high intakes. Individuals were categorized into four groups based on cholesterol and saturated fat intakes.ResultsSubjects' mean age was 40.1 ± 14.6 y; those in whom cholesterol and saturated fat intake was normal had significantly less energy and fat intake than those with high cholesterol and saturated fat intakes (P < 0.01). Saturated fat intake had a significant effect on serum total and HDL-C levels. Subjects with a normal saturated fat intake had significantly less serum total and HDL-C than those who had high saturated fat intake (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the main effect of cholesterol intake on HDL-C was significant (P = 0.05). Mean serum HDL-C was lower in subjects who had normal cholesterol intake than in those with high cholesterol intake.ConclusionThese results show that cholesterol and saturated fat intakes have no combined effect on serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, whereas cholesterol intake per se affects serum HDL-C level.     

Central obesity and altered peripheral adipose tissue gene expression characterize the NAFLD patient with insulin resistance: Role of nutrition and insulin challenge

ObjectiveInsulin resistance (IR) and white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction frequently are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to their clustering are not well defined. The aim of this study was to define some nutritional, anthropometric, metabolic, and genetic mechanisms contributing to their clustering.MethodsForty-five (20 men, 25 women) patients (age 45.7 ± 11.1 y) with recent diagnosis of NAFLD were grouped according to IR state. Energy balance was assessed using a food questionnaire and indirect calorimetry, and body composition with anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Biochemical and hormonal parameters combined with adipose tissue gene expression were determined. Microarray analysis of gene expression was performed in a subset of WAT samples from IR patients (n = 9), in the fasted state, after specific test meals (monounsaturated fatty acid [MUFA], saturated fat [SAT], and carbohydrate-rich) and after being challenged with insulin.ResultsIR patients exhibited higher trunk fat to leg fat ratio (P < 0.05) and had a higher ratio of SAT/MUFA fat intake (P < 0.05) than insulin-sensitive (IS) individuals. Deposition of fat in the trunk but not in the leg was directly related to liver enzyme levels (P < 0.05). IR patients also had lower adiponectin serum levels and leptin (LEP) mRNA expression in WAT compared with IS patients (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Microarray analysis after insulin challenge confirmed that insulin treatment induces the expression of PPARG gene and LEP and decreases GCGR gene (P < 0.05 for all) in WAT. No changes in these genes were observed in the postprandial state induced after the acute effect of specific diets.ConclusionsPatients exhibiting NAFLD and IR had preferential central fat deposition directly related to their serum alanine aminotransferase levels. These patients showed peripheral adipose tissue dysfunction and exhibited inappropriately low LEP biosynthesis that could be partially restored after anabolic conditions induced by insulin signaling.