Mechanistic insights into the effects of Astaxanthin on lipid profile and glucose homeostasis parameters: A systematic review of animal and clinical trial studies

Background and aimsThe antioxidant Astaxanthin (ASTX) may have potential to improve cardiometabolic risk factors. This study aimed to systematically review the impact of ASTX supplementation on lipid profile and glycemic indices in animal and clinical trial studies.MethodElectronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from inception up to June 2021. All clinical trials and animal studies published in English that investigated the effects of ASTX on lipid profile and glycemic parameters were considered in the study.ResultsA total of 3258 studies were retrieved from the search strategy from which 20 animal and five human studies were included in this systematic review. Twenty animal studies evaluated the effect of ASTX on lipid profile, of which 17 studies reported significant beneficial impact on one or more lipids. In addition, of 20 animal studies assessing the effect of ASTX on glucose homeostasis parameters, only 11 detected significant improvements. Five clinical trials evaluated the effect of ASTX on lipid profile; from these, three reported significant beneficial effect on at least one lipid. Moreover, of five human studies in which glucose homeostasis parameters were measured, only two observed significant improvement.ConclusionEvidence supports positive effects of ASTX on lipid profile. Nevertheless, the results on glycemic parameters are controversial and more studies are needed to draw a definite conclusion. ASTX could have great potential for reducing the risk of CVD and prevent T2DM and obesity-associated metabolic disturbances.     

Effects of whey protein and leucine supplementation on insulin resistance in non-obese insulin-resistant model rats

ObjectiveWhey protein (WP) has been reported to reduce body weight gain and improve glucose metabolism in obese individuals. This study aims to assess and compare the effects of WP and its hydrolysate-leucine (Leu) supplementation in non-obese, insulin-resistant (IR) rat models, particularly the effects on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and antioxidant activity.MethodsWistar rats were fed a diet consisting of 38.5% fat for 12 wk and 51.3% fat for an additional 4 wk to establish non-obese IR rats. The IR rats were then switched to regular AIN-93 diet containing 0% WP, 5% WP, 15% WP or 1.6% Leu for 8 wk. The Leu content was the same in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups based on high-performance liquid chromatography. The IR rats' body weight, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance were measured before and after supplementation. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed after supplementation. Body composition, plasma concentrations of the lipids profile, and antioxidant index also were analyzed.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in body weight, energy intake, and fasting blood glucose in the non-obese IR rats at the end of the experiment. Compared with the 0% WP group, the fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance significantly decreased in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups. Furthermore, the blood glucose area under the curve of the oral glucose tolerance test was significantly less in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups. There were no differences in the lipids profile, except for the increase in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the 15% WP and 1.6% Leu groups. For the antioxidant index, the 15% WP group had significantly increased plasma levels for total antioxidation capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and a decreased malondialdehyde concentration. The 1.6% Leu group was shown to have the same effect as the 15% WP group, except for the glutathione.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that the supplementation of WP and Leu may improve IR and antioxidant stress without resulting in changes in body weight and energy intake in non-obese IR rats.     

Green tea improves metabolic biomarkers,not weight or body composition: a pilot study in overweight breast cancer survivors

Background: Overweight status after breast cancer treatment may increase a woman’s risk for recurrent disease and/or early onset cardiovascular disease. Green tea has been proposed to promote weight loss and favourably modify glucose, insulin and blood lipids. This pilot study tested the effect of daily decaffeinated green tea consumption for 6 months on weight and body composition, select metabolic parameters and lipid profiles in overweight breast cancer survivors. Methods: The effect of daily decaffeinated green tea intake on weight, body composition and changes in resting metabolic rate, energy intake, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment – insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and lipids was evaluated in overweight breast cancer survivors. Participants had a mean weight of 80.2 kg; body mass index (BMI) 30.1 kg m^?2; and body fat 46.4%. Participants (n = 54) were randomised to 960 mL of decaffeinated green or placebo tea daily for 6 months. Results: Mean (SD) tea intake among study completers (n = 39) was 5952 (1176) mL week^?1 and was associated with a significant reduction in energy intake (P = 0.02). Change in body weight of ?1.2 kg (green tea) versus +0.2 kg (placebo) suggests a weight change effect, although this was not statistically significant. Decaffeinated green tea intake was associated with elevated high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P = 0.003) and nonsignificant improvements in the HDL/LDL ratio and HOMA‐IR (?1.1 ± 5.9: green tea; +3.2 ± 7.2: herbal). Conclusions: Intake of decaffeinated green tea for 6 months was associated with a slight reduction in body weight and improved HDL and glucose homeostasis in overweight breast cancer survivors.     

Dyslipidemia is not associated with cardiovascular disease risk in an animal model of mild chronic suboptimal nutrition

Previous studies performed in an experimental model of nutritional growth retardation (NGR) have observed metabolic adaptation. We hypothesized that changes in lipid-lipoprotein profile, glucose, and insulin levels occur, whereas overall body growth is reduced.The aim of this study was to assess serum lipid-lipoprotein profile, hepatogram, insulinemia and glycemia, and CVD risk markers in rats fed a suboptimal diet. Weanling male rats were assigned either to control (C) or NGR group. In this 4-week study, C rats were fed ad libitum a standard diet, and NGR rats received 80% of the amount of food consumed by C. Zoometric parameters, body fat content, serum lipid-lipoprotein profile, hepatogram, insulinemia, and glycemia were determined, and the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance and homeostasis model assessment and β-cell function were calculated. Suboptimal food intake induced a significant decrease in body weight and length, which were accompanied by a reduction of 50% in body fat mass. Serum lipoproteins were significantly higher in NGR rats, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which remained unchanged. Nutritional growth retardation rats had decreased triglycerides compared with C rats. No significant differences were detected in liver function parameters. The CVD risk markers homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)–insulin resistance and homeostasis model assessment and β-cell function were significantly lower in NGR rats. Mild chronic suboptimal nutrition in weanling male rats led to growth retardation and changes in the lipid-lipoprotein profile, glucose, and insulin levels while preserving the integrity of liver function. These data suggest a metabolic adaptation during suboptimal food intake, which ensures substrates flux to tissues that require constant energy—in detriment to body growth. The CVD risk markers suggested that mild chronic food restriction of approximately 20% could provide protection against this degenerative disease.     

Anthropometric Characteristics,Dietary Patterns and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Vietnam

Objective: To determine the impact of anthropometric characteristics and dietary patterns on Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Vietnam.

Methods: Data from 144 subjects (9m/39f newly diagnosed diabetics; 18m/78f control subjects) were analyzed in this case-control study. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and percent body fat were measured. Dietary intakes were assessed by 24-hour recall on three non-consecutive weekdays. Fasting blood samples were collected for the analysis of plasma glucose, fructosamine, protein and lipid concentrations.

Results: Although the body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) was similar between diabetic and control subjects, diabetic subjects had significantly greater percent body fat (31.1 ± 5.8% vs. 27.7 ± 6.2%) and waist-hip ratios (WHR, 0.91 ± 0.07 vs. 0.86 ± 0.08). Diabetic subjects had higher intakes of protein (p < 0.01), especially animal protein (p < 0.001), and consumed more meat (p < 0.01) than control subjects. Percent body fat and WHR were positively associated with diabetes (odds ratios [OR] 1.53 [95%CI 1.29–1.79] and 1.09 [95% CI 0.89–1.58], respectively) as were protein intake (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.12–1.31]) and animal protein intake (OR 1.18 [95% CI 1.10–1.26]).

Conclusions: This study indicates that percent body fat and WHR are risk factors associated with diabetes even when the BMI is normal. Evolving dietary patterns with increasingly more protein and meat consumption may also contribute to the deterioration of glucose metabolism among Vietnamese people.     

Effects of Concord Grape Juice on Appetite,Diet, Body Weight,Lipid Profile,and Antioxidant Status of Adults

Objective: Concord grape juice (CGJ) is a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, with a range of putative health benefits. However, high beverage energy and fructose intake may lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, respectively. This study assessed the effects of CGJ consumption for 12 weeks on appetite, diet, body weight, lipid profile, and antioxidant status.

Methods: Seventy-six men and women aged 18 to 50 years with a body mass index of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m² consumed either 480 mL CGJ, 480 mL substitute (polyphenol-free) grape-flavored drink (SGD), or no beverage (NTG) daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices were measured biweekly, dietary intake and appetite were assessed 4 times during the study, and plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity, lipids, and oral glucose tolerance were assessed at baseline and week 12.

Results: Compared to baseline, the SGD group reported a reduction in fullness (p < 0.005) and gained 1.6 kg (p < 0.05). No significant changes in body weight or composition were observed with CGJ or control (no beverage added to diet). Mean dietary compensation was 98.8% for SGD and 81.0% for CGJ. Serum glucose and insulin area under the curve (180 minutes) increased slightly, but this was significant only with CGJ. Plasma antioxidant capacity did not differ across groups, suggesting no effect of chronic CGJ ingestion on antioxidant status.

Conclusions: Daily consumption of CGJ for 12 weeks did not lead to significant weight gain, but consumption of SGD did. The basis of this differential response could not be documented, but it is hypothesized to be a result of dietary compensation and effects of CGJ polyphenols on thermogenesis and substrate oxidation.     

Effects of Binge Eating Behavior on Fuel Oxidation and Body Composition

Objective: To investigate energy expenditure and glucose metabolism after a standard oral glucose load (75 g) in 8 normal weight bulimic women and 8 normal weight control women and to evaluate the relative endocrine implication.

Design: Serum glucose and insulin were measured both in basal conditions and after the glucose load; a basal endocrine assessment and body composition was evaluated and glucose induced thermogenesis (GIT) was calculated during 300 min following the glucose load.

Results: Serum glucose levels were significantly lower in bulimics both in fasting and in post-prandial state. Insulin levels were similar in bulimic and control women before and after the glucose load. FSH, leptin and free urinary cortisol (FUC) were all within the normal ranges, but significantly lower in bulimic patients compared with controls (p < 0.001). Fat mass (FM) and Fat-free mass (FFM) were reduced in bulimic patients, even if they normalized after correction per body weight. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was similar in the two groups even after FFM normalization, while GIT was lower in bulimic patients and it was strongly related to free urinary chortisol. Glucose oxidation was higher in fasting state and post glucose load, while lipid oxidation was strongly reduced.

Conclusion: An energy preservation mechanism seems to be the key element for normal-weight bulimic patients’ metabolism, consisting in leptin levels and GIT reduction, and lipid oxidation inhibition.     

Eating carbohydrate mostly at lunch and protein mostly at dinner within a covert hypocaloric diet influences morning glucose homeostasis in overweight/obese men

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of two dietary patterns in which carbohydrates and proteins were eaten mostly at lunch or dinner on body weight and composition, energy metabolism, and biochemical markers in overweight/obese men.

Methods

Fifty-eight men (30.0 ± 7.4 years; 30.8 ± 2.4 kg/m²) followed a covert hypocaloric balanced diet (?10 % of daily energy requirements) during 8 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: control diet (CT); diurnal carbohydrate/nocturnal protein (DCNP); and nocturnal carbohydrate/diurnal protein (NCDP). Main analyzed outcomes were weight loss, body composition, diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), and glucose/lipid profile.

Results

In all groups, a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, and fat mass (kg and %) was verified, without differences between groups. Interestingly, within group analyses showed that the fat-free mass (kg) significantly decreased in NCDP and in CT after 8-week intervention, but not in DCNP. A detrimental increase in fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA_IR) was verified only in DCNP, while NCDP and CT groups presented a non-significant reduction. Moreover, significant differences between DCNP and the other groups were detected for fasting insulin and HOMA_IR. After the adjustments, NCDP presented a significantly higher DIT and energy expenditure after lunch, compared with DCNP, but after dinner, there were no differences among groups.

Conclusion

Eating carbohydrates mostly at dinner and protein mostly at lunch within a hypocaloric balanced diet had similar effect on body composition and biochemical markers, but higher effect on DIT compared with control diet. Moreover, eating carbohydrates mostly at lunch and protein mostly at dinner had a deleterious impact on glucose homeostasis.     

Physiological Effects of Concentrated Barley β-Glucan in Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Adults

Objective: Barley fiber rich in beta-glucans lowers serum lipids, but is difficult to incorporate into products acceptable to consumers. We investigated the physiological effects of two concentrated barley β-glucans on cardiovascular disease (CVD) endpoints and body weight in human subjects.

Methods: Hypercholesterolemic men and women (n = 90) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: low molecular weight (low-MW) or high molecular weight (high-MW) concentrated barley β-glucan consumed as a daily supplement containing 6 grams beta-glucan/day. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and week 6 and analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). Dietary intakes, body weights, blood pressure, hunger ratings, and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured at baseline and 6 weeks.

Results: The only difference between treatments in lipid outcomes at week 6 was a reduction of the cholesterol/HDL ratio in the low-MW group and a small increase in the high-MW group. No changes were found in blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Body weight decreased from baseline to 6 weeks in the high-MW group while body weight increased in the low-MW group. Levels of hunger decreased slightly in the low-MW group and decreased significantly in the high-MW group (P = 0.02)

Conclusion: Overall, supplementation with isolated barley β-glucans of different molecular weights had small effects on cardiovascular disease markers. Molecular weight of the barley fiber did alter effects on body weight with the high-MW fiber significantly decreasing body weight.     

Diet Composition Related to Body Fat in a Multivariate Study of 203 Men

Objective To assess whether usual diet (especially intake of dietary fat, carbohydrate, and fiber) was related to body fat percentage in healthy men.Design A written questionnaire provided data on demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Dietary fat, carbohydrate, protein, and fiber intakes were analyzed using the National Cancer Institute food frequency questionnaire. Percentage of body fat was determined using three-site skinfold measurements, and a submaximal treadmill test was used to estimate aerobic fitness.Subjects Subjects were 203 healthy men (14.0±5.3% mean body fat) aged 21 to 71 years. The subjects were chosen from randomly selected districts within Utah County and volunteered for free diet and fitness evaluations.Statistical analysis Multiple regression analysis determined the extent to which the individual diet components predicted body composition before and after controlling for energy intake, fitness level, body weight, and age. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare relative body fat groups in regard to dietary variables.Results Reported intakes of carbohydrate (P=.0085, R²=.022), complex carbohydrate (P=.0127,R²=.024), and fiber (P=.002, R²=.03) were inversely associated with body fat after controlling for age, energy intake, and fitness level. Energy intake was positively related to body fat after controlling for age, fitness level, and body weight. When subjects were separated into low-, moderate-, and high-body-fat groups, the fattest subjects reported eating significantly more dietary fat (P=.05) and less carbohydrate (P=.01), complex carbohydrate (P=.01), and fiber (P=.005) than the leanest subjects. No significant difference in reported energy intake was noted across body fat groups.Applications Composition of the diet may play a role in obesity beyond energy intake in men over the long-term. Lifestyle changes for men should probably include modifications in diet composition, especially increased consumption of foods high in complex carbohydrate and fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 1996; 96:771–777.     

Weight Loss is Correlated with an Improved Lipoprotein Profile in Obese Postmenopausal Women

Background: Changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein distributions that occur after menopause increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women, especially in those who are overweight.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a nine-month weight reduction program on plasma lipids, dietary intake and abdominal fat obesity.

Design: A partial crossover design was used to study a weight loss treatment consisting of Phentermine hydrochloride (Fastin®, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, PA) therapy plus a low energy diet (5040 kJ/d). Forty-seven obese, postmenopausal Caucasian women (BMI of 30–38 kg/m²) were randomized into two groups, both of which received drug and diet treatment over six months. However, Group I started the intervention program three months later than Group II. Plasma total, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol were measured, body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and food frequency records were collected at four timepoints.

Results: Over nine months, women in Group II reduced body weight (14.4%), lowered plasma concentrations of LDL cholesterol (14% to 26%) and triacylglycerol (15%) and raised plasma HDL cholesterol concentration (15%). These plasma lipid changes decreased the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio from 4.3 to 3.2. All subjects decreased abdominal fat measurements and energy and cholesterol intakes, as well as percentage of energy derived from total and saturated fat during the study. Most subjects also increased dietary fiber consumption.

Conclusion: Both weight loss and diet modifications are associated with an improved plasma lipid profile in obese postmenopausal women.     

Dairy Calcium is Related to Changes in Body Composition during a Two-Year Exercise Intervention in Young Women

Objective: Relationships between micronutrients and dairy product intake and changes in body weight and composition over two years were investigated.

Design: Two year prospective non-concurrent analysis of the effect of calcium intake on changes in body composition during a two year exercise intervention.

Subjects: 54 normal weight young women, 18 to 31 years of age.

Measures of Outcome: Mean intakes of nutrients of interest were determined from three-day diet records completed at baseline and every six months for two years. The change in total body weight and body composition (assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry) from baseline to two years was also determined.

Results: Total calcium/kilocalories and vitamin A together predicted (negatively and positively, respectively) changes in body weight (R² = 0.19) and body fat (R² = 0.27). Further, there was an interaction of calcium and energy intake in predicting changes in body weight, such that, only at lower energy intakes, calcium intake (not adjusted for energy) predicted changes in body weight.

Conclusions: Regardless of exercise group assignment, calcium adjusted for energy intake had a negative relationship and vitamin A intake a positive relationship with two year changes in total body weight and body fat in young women aged 18 to 31 years. Thus, subjects with high calcium intake, corrected by total energy intake, and lower vitamin A intake gained less weight and body fat over two years in this randomized exercise intervention trial.     

The reduced energy intake of rats fed a high-protein low-carbohydrate diet explains the lower fat deposition, but macronutrient substitution accounts for the improved glycemic control

The metabolic effect of high-protein low-carbohydrate (HP) diets on body composition and glucose homeostasis remains incompletely understood. This study assesses the respective roles of the increased protein:carbohydrate ratio (P:C) and the resulting moderate decrease in energy intake in the metabolic effects of HP diets. Rats had free access to normal (NP; 14%) or high (HP; 53%) total milk protein isoenergetic diets, or were fed the NP diet but restricted to the energy intake of HP rats (NPr), which was 89.1 +/- 9.3% that of NP rats. After 8 wk, body weight was lower in HP and NPr rats than in NP rats. In HP rats, the lower body weight was associated with a lower adipose tissue mass and a reduced proportion of large adipocytes. HP rats also had an improved oral glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, as assessed by the homeostatic model assessment index, compared with NPr and NP rats, and these effects were related solely to the increased P:C. These data suggest that the reduced energy intake of rats fed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet explains the lower fat deposition but an increased P:C per se improves glucose homeostasis.     

Healthier Dietary Pattern and Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Physically Active Postmenopausal Women

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between habitual physical activity and dietary intake, body composition, metabolic and hormonal variables, and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with no evidence of cardiovascular disease.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 105 women (mean age: 55.2 ± 4.9 years) consulting for climacteric symptoms underwent anthropometric and hormonal assessment. Usual dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire and habitual physical activity was assessed with a digital pedometer. Participants were classified as physically inactive (<6000 steps daily) or physically active (≥6000 steps daily).

Results: Compared to the inactive group, active women had higher protein, total fat, cholesterol, iron, calcium, and the antioxidant micronutrients zinc and selenium intake as well as differences on food groups: higher meat, egg, and whole-dairy intake and lower intake of chips. Active participants also presented lower diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.012), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP; p = 0.011), fasting glucose (p = 0.003), fasting insulin (p = 0.019), and homeostasis model assessment index (p = 0.017). After adjustment for age and time since menopause, the risk for metabolic syndrome increased with physical inactivity (odds ratio [OR] = 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–11.66), us-CRP (OR = 6.57, 95% CI, 2.20–19.56), and percentage body fat (OR = 5.65, 95% CI, 1.19–28.89).

Conclusion: Both physical activity and dietary choices may have contributed toward a more favorable cardiovascular profile and lower risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.     

Resistant Maltodextrin and Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

Resistant maltodextrin is a non-viscous dietary fiber that is fermentable in the colon by colonic bacteria. The objective of this review is to summarize the studies of resistant maltodextrin and its effect on metabolic profile, such as blood glucose, lipid profile, and body weight. Several studies support the idea that resistant maltodextrin may improve blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and obesity. However, the use of resistant maltodextrin should be limited to minimize the adverse effect on the gastrointestinal system. This review provides information regarding the benefits of resistant maltodextrin on metabolic health as well as its proposed mechanism to enhance the knowledge of this novel fiber.

• Key teaching points

• Resistant maltodextrin is a novel non-viscous dietary fiber classified as resistant starch type V that is produced by debranching of the starch structure.

• Resistant maltodextrin is fermentable in the colon and thus produces short-chain fatty acid.

• Resistant maltodextrin helps to maintain blood and lipid profiles as well as promote satiety and reducing food intake.

• High intake of resistant maltodextrin may cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the gas production and increased osmotic pressure.

     

Metabolic effects of whole grain wheat and whole grain rye in the C57BL/6J mouse

ObjectiveA diet rich in whole grain cereals is suggested to protect against type 2 diabetes and facilitate body weight regulation. However, little is known about the impact of different cereals and the underlying mechanisms. The objective of this study was to compare the long-term metabolic effects of diets supplemented with whole grain wheat or whole grain rye in the C57BL/6J mouse.MethodsMice were fed the whole grain supplements in a low-fat background diet for 22 wk. Oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed during the study and in vitro insulin secretion assays were performed at the end of the study. Body weight, energy intake, body fat content, and plasma parameters were measured during the study.ResultsA dietary supplement of whole grain rye suppressed body weight gain and resulted in significantly decreased adiposity, plasma leptin, total plasma cholesterol, and triacylglycerols compared with a supplement of whole grain wheat. Also, a slight improvement in insulin sensitivity was observed in the rye group compared with the wheat group. The decreases in body weight and adiposity were observed in the absence of differences in energy intake.ConclusionLong-term administration of whole grain rye evokes a different metabolic profile compared with whole grain wheat in the C57BL/6J mouse, the primary difference being that whole grain rye reduces body weight and adiposity compared with whole grain wheat. In addition, whole grain rye slightly improves insulin sensitivity and lowers total plasma cholesterol.     

Long-Term Consumption of a Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drink in Combination with a Western-Type Diet Is Associated with Morphological and Molecular Changes of Taste Markers Independent of Body Weight Development in Mice

We investigated whether the long-term intake of a typical sugar-sweetened soft drink (sugar-sweetened beverage, SSB) alters markers for taste function when combined with a standard diet (chow) or a model chow mimicking a Western diet (WD). Adult male CD1 mice had ad libitum access to tap water or SSB in combination with either the chow or the WD for 24 weeks. Energy intake from fluid and food was monitored three times a week. Cardiometabolic markers (body weight and composition, waist circumference, glucose and lipid profile, and blood pressure) were analyzed at the end of the intervention, as was the number and size of the fungiform papillae as well as mRNA levels of genes associated with the different cell types of taste buds and taste receptors in the circumvallate papillae using a cDNA microarray and qPCR. Although the overall energy intake was higher in the WD groups, there was no difference in body weight or other cardiometabolic markers between the SSB and water groups. The chemosensory surface from the fungiform papillae was reduced by 36 ± 19% (p < 0.05) in the WD group after SSB compared to water intake. In conclusion, the consumption of the SSB reduced the chemosensory surface of the fungiform papillae of CD1 mice when applied in combination with a WD independent of body weight. The data suggest synergistic effects of a high sugar-high fat diet on taste dysfunction, which could further influence food intake and promote a vicious cycle of overeating and taste dysfunction.     

Crosstalk Between Bone and Fat Tissue: Associations Between Vitamin D,Osteocalcin, Adipokines,and Markers of Glucose Metabolism Among Adolescents

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), osteocalcin, markers of glucose metabolism, and obesity-related parameters among adolescents.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 198 adolescents age 14–18 years. Weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were measured, as well as the following biochemical parameters: serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), total (tOC) and undercarboxylated (ucOC) osteocalcin, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, and insulin. The homeostasis model of assessment estimate of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. Student's t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation, and linear regression models were performed.

Results: Overweight was observed in 42.6% of the sample. This group presented significantly higher PTH, leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β and lower 25(OH)D, adiponectin, tOC, ucOC, and QUICKI than normal-weight subjects. 25(OH)D was positively correlated with ucOC and adiponectin and negatively associated with body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist circumference (p < 0.05 for all). The association between 25(OH)D and ucOC was also observed in the multiple regression analysis, adjusted for age, BMI, and season of the year (partial r² = 0.071, p < 0.0001). 25(OH)D and ucOC were not associated with markers of glucose metabolism. However, leptin was strongly correlated with insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and QUICKI (p < 0.0001 for all).

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that undercarboxylated osteocalcin is related to 25(OH)D and adiponectin concentrations. Both ucOC and 25(OH)D were lower in overweight and obese adolescents, reinforcing the importance of fighting obesity. Although a relationship of ucOC and 25(OH)D with markers of glucose metabolism was not observed, leptin has shown to be the hormone most related to energy homeostasis.     

Effect of probiotics on body weight and body-mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized,controlled trials

Objective: To assess the efficacy of probiotic therapies on body weight and BMI using a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

Methods: Twenty studies with 25 trials (1931 participants with age over 18 years) were included. The pooled WMD was calculated by random effects model.

Results: Probiotic consumption significantly reduced body weight by 0.59?kg (95% CI, 0.30–0.87) and BMI by 0.49?kg/m² (95% CI, 0.24–0.74). A greater reduction in BMI was found with multiple species of probiotics. Subgroup analysis of trials with intervention duration ≥8 weeks found a more significant reduction in BMI. Limiting analysis to trials with a baseline BMI ≥25?kg/m² showed a greater reduction in BMI.

Conclusion: Consuming probiotics could reduce body weight and BMI, with a potentially greater effect when multiple species of probiotics were consumed, the duration of intervention was ≥8 weeks, or the objects were overweight.