March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Hegarty BD, Turner N, Cooney GJ, Kraegen EW
Insulin resistance and fuel homeostasis: the role of AMP-activated protein kinase.
Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2009 May;196(1):129-45
Authors: Hegarty BD, Turner N, Cooney GJ, Kraegen EW
The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related disorders of the metabolic syndrome (MS) has reached epidemic proportions. Insulin resistance (IR) is a major perturbation that characterizes these disorders. Extra-adipose accumulation of lipid, particularly within the liver and skeletal muscle, is closely linked with the development of IR. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway plays an important role in the regulation of both lipid and glucose metabolism. Through its effects to increase fatty acid oxidation and inhibit lipogenesis, AMPK activity in the liver and skeletal muscle could be expected to ameliorate lipid accumulation and associated IR in these tissues. In addition, AMPK promotes glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and suppresses glucose output from the liver via insulin-independent mechanisms. These characteristics make AMPK a highly attractive target for the development of strategies to curb the prevalence and costs of T2D. Recent insights into the regulation of AMPK and mechanisms by which it modulates fuel metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle are discussed here. In addition, we consider the arguments for and against the hypothesis that dysfunctional AMPK contributes to IR. Finally we review studies which assess AMPK as an appropriate target for the prevention and treatment of T2D and MS.
PMID: 19245658 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted in: Acta Physiol (Oxf)
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Bayat M, Erdem E, Barik O, BaÅŸer M, TaÅŸci S
Blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index of primary school students in a low socio-economic district in Turkey.
Int Nurs Rev. 2009 Sep;56(3):375-80
Authors: Bayat M, Erdem E, Barik O, Başer M, Taşci S
AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and blood pressure measurements of the students. BACKGROUND: School health services are important to evaluate, protect and to improve the health status of the students. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and blood pressure measurements of the students who were registered in a primary school with low socio-economic level in Kayseri Province in Türkiye between 1 April 2004 and 30 May 2004. The data were collected using questionnaire and health-screening forms. FINDINGS: It was determined that the average age was 9.77 +/- 2.41 in girls and 10.16 +/- 14.70 in boys. It was observed that the average height was 137.95 +/- 14.70 cm, and the average weight was 33.07 +/- 10.08 kg for all students. The girls between 10 years and 12 years old had a better average body mass index (kg/m(2)) (BMI) compared with boys. Boys between 6 years and 9 years old had a better BMI than the girls. The difference between the groups was considered statistically important (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, 4.9% of the students were underweight and 2.2% of the students were obese. It was thought that there was a positive correlation among height, weight, BMI, age and the blood pressure values; and as BMI and age increased, so did the blood pressure value. CONCLUSION: Cooperation and dialogue need to be established among the school directorate, the families and the students to promote and encourage proper growth development and nutrition of the students within the school health services.
PMID: 19702813 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted in: Int Nurs Rev
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Strandberg L, Verdrengh M, Enge M, Andersson N, Amu S, Onnheim K, Benrick A, Brisslert M, Bylund J, Bokarewa M, Nilsson S, Jansson JO
Mice chronically fed high-fat diet have increased mortality and disturbed immune response in sepsis.
PLoS One. 2009;4(10):e7605
Authors: Strandberg L, Verdrengh M, Enge M, Andersson N, Amu S, Onnheim K, Benrick A, Brisslert M, Bylund J, Bokarewa M, Nilsson S, Jansson JO
BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a potentially deadly disease that often is caused by gram-positive bacteria, in particular Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). As there are few effective therapies for sepsis, increased basic knowledge about factors predisposing is needed. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The purpose of this study was to study the effect of Western diet on mortality induced by intravenous S. aureus inoculation and the immune functions before and after bacterial inoculation. Here we show that C57Bl/6 mice on high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, like genetically obese Ob/Ob mice on low-fat diet (LFD), have increased mortality during S. aureus-induced sepsis compared with LFD-fed C57Bl/6 controls. Bacterial load in the kidneys 5-7 days after inoculation was increased 10-fold in HFD-fed compared with LFD-fed mice. At that time, HFD-fed mice had increased serum levels and fat mRNA expression of the immune suppressing cytokines interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-10 compared with LFD-fed mice. In addition, HFD-fed mice had increased serum levels of the pro-inflammatory IL-1beta. Also, HFD-fed mice with and without infection had increased levels of macrophages in fat. The proportion and function of phagocytosing granulocytes, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by peritoneal lavage cells were decreased in HFD-fed compared with LFD-fed mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply that chronic HFD disturb several innate immune functions in mice, and impairs the ability to clear S. aureus and survive sepsis.
PMID: 19865485 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted in: PLoS One
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Brigas D
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in an obese patient.
Clin Drug Investig. 2009;29 Suppl 2:17-8
Authors: Brigas D
A 45-year-old woman, with a body mass index of 41.8 kg/m2 and a medical history of anxiety-depression syndrome, had iatrogenic hypothyroidism and degenerative osteoarticular pathology of the spinal column and complained of a burning sensation behind the sternum associated with an acidic taste in her mouth. Symptoms had appeared 3 months previously and were especially prevalent when lying down, following large meals or after drinking coffee. The patient had started to experience symptoms on most days approximately 1 month earlier. Upper digestive endoscopy (UDE) revealed isolated erosions of the distal third of the oesophagus, compatible with a diagnosis of erosive reflux oesophagitis. Lifestyle changes were recommended and 8 weeks' treatment with pantoprazole 40 mg/day taken 15-30 minutes before breakfast was prescribed. Follow-up UDE showed resolution of oesophageal lesions with no pathological changes of the mucosa. Mild regurgitation and pyrosis persisted; therefore the patient continued to receive pantoprazole 40 mg for a further 3 weeks.
PMID: 19938882 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted in: Clin Drug Investig
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Kajihara T, Uchino S, Suzuki M, Itakura A, Brosens JJ, Ishihara O
Increased ovarian follicle atresia in obese Zucker rats is associated with enhanced expression of the forkhead transcription factor FOXO1.
Med Mol Morphol. 2009 Dec;42(4):216-21
Authors: Kajihara T, Uchino S, Suzuki M, Itakura A, Brosens JJ, Ishihara O
It is well established that hyperinsulinemia, resulting from insulin resistance, plays a role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to investigate if ovarian follicular development and atresia are impaired in obese hyperinsulinemic (fa/fa) Zucker rats. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of follicular atresia, we also examined the expression and localization of forkhead transcription factor FOXO1, a major regulator of cell fate decisions such as differentiation, cell-cycle arrest, and cell death. Serum insulin but not gonadotropin levels were significantly higher in obese (fa/fa) rats when compared to lean controls. Total ovarian follicle number and the percentage of atretic follicles were also significantly increased in obese (fa/fa) rats. Follicle atresia was associated with nuclear accumulation of FOXO1 transcription factor in TUNEL-positive granulosa cells. These results suggest a role for FOXO1 in granulosa cell apoptosis and increased ovarian follicle atresia associated with hyperinsulinemia.
PMID: 20033367 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted in: Med Mol Morphol
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Franklin BA
Exercise capacity: a crystal ball in forecasting future health outcomes?
Phys Sportsmed. 2009 Dec;37(4):154-6
Authors: Franklin BA
Although regular physical activity plays an important role in promoting cardiovascular health, Williams(1) reported that a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness (aerobic capacity) markedly reduces one's risk of cardiovascular disease, and the reduction is greater compared with merely being physically active (Figure 1). Moreover, there appears to be an inverse relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and complications after bariatric surgery among morbidly obese adults. Other provocative data support the hypothesis that aerobic capacity, expressed as milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL O2/kg/min) or as metabolic equivalents (METs; 1 MET 3.5 mL O2/kg/min), is inversely associated with health care costs. Collectively, these findings and other recent reports suggest that the estimation or direct measurement of aerobic capacity can provide independent and additive data in forecasting future health outcomes.
PMID: 20048553 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted in: Phys Sportsmed
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Bak-Sosnowska M, Zahorska-Markiewicz B
The image of one's own body and the effectiveness of weight loss therapy.
Wiad Lek. 2009;62(2):104-10
Authors: Bak-Sosnowska M, Zahorska-Markiewicz B
INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was to check the relation between body image and the effectiveness of weight loss therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four body image aspects were separated: a declarative, a sensory, an imaginable and a perceived one. Five research methods were used: an objective body weight measurement, the silhouette test, the body mass assessment scale, the body satisfaction scale and a questionnaire. All methods were used: at the beginning of the therapy, after 5 per cent, 10 per cent and 15 per cent reduction in initial body weight. SUBJECTS: 150 overweight women, participants of an outpatient weight loss therapy. RESULTS: The biggest body weight reduction was linked with: an earlier appearance of excess weight (Z=-2.281, P<0.05), bigger planned body mass reduction (Z=-2.472, P<0.05), more overweight declarative self-estimation (Z=-2.136, P<0.05), worse declarative sense of looking nice (Z=-2.126, P<0.05), rare confirmation that once they had looked as an imaginary Self (Z=-1.990, P<0.05), greater general satisfaction with the appearance of their imaginary Self (Z=-2.357, P<0.05), frequent statement that an imaginary Self is attractive (Z=-2.060, P<0.05) and agile (Z=-2.387, P<0.05),worse perceived looking nice (Z=-2.596, P<0.01). A 15% (R2=0.148) reduction in initial body weight was explained with initial values of the position in the silhouette test in a perceptive (Beta=0.256, P<0.01) and an imaginable (Beta=-0.256, P<0.001) body image aspect and the BMI of an imaginary Self (Beta=0.318, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of weight loss therapy is supported by describing and seeing oneself as an obese person as well as imagining oneself as slim but characterized by high body mass index.
PMID: 20141058 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted in: Wiad Lek
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Suddath C
Does obesity rehab work?
Time. 2010 Mar 1;175(8):36-9
Authors: Suddath C
PMID: 20222283 [PubMed - in process]
Posted in: Time
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Disdier-Flores OM
Association of major depression and diabetes in medically indigent Puerto Rican adults.
P R Health Sci J. 2010 Mar;29(1):30-5
Authors: Disdier-Flores OM
BACKGROUND: Studies have found that major depression and diabetes mellitus are strongly associated. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the association between major depression and diabetes in a large medically indigent population of Puerto Rican adults living on the island. METHODS: A secondary database analysis through a cross-sectional design was used for this study. Participants were selected from the Puerto Rico Commonwealth Health Plan database, beneficiaries of the public health sector. Adult's subjects with at least one claim during 2002 were included. The final sample consisted of 1,026,625 adult insured. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) was used for disease classifications. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes was 14.6% in subjects with major depression and 9.7% for those without major depression (POR 1.59, p < 0.001). The strength of this association remained after adjusting for obesity and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of diabetes appears to be significantly higher in Puerto Rican adults with major depression compared to those without this psychiatric disorder. Longitudinal prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to shed light on the temporal or causal relationship and to test whether effective prevention and treatment can reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
PMID: 20222331 [PubMed - in process]
Posted in: P R Health Sci J
March 13th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Maldonado J, Pereira T, Fernandes R, Carvalho M
Blood pressure distribution of a sample of healthy Portuguese children and adolescents: the AVELEIRA registry.
Rev Port Cardiol. 2009 Nov;28(11):1233-44
Authors: Maldonado J, Pereira T, Fernandes R, Carvalho M
INTRODUCTION: The distribution of blood pressure in Portuguese children and adolescents remains relatively unknown. Given the prevalence of hypertension in Portugal and the epidemiological trends for most cardiovascular diseases, it is important to ascertain blood pressure distribution at young ages, which constitutes the main objective of this registry. METHODS: A sample of 1618 children and adolescents from the Central region of Portugal was included in this survey. The sample's mean age was 12.98 +/- 3.12 years (range: 5-18 years), body mass index 19.85 +/- 3.55 (range: 12.71-38.46); 1438 were male, mean age 12.39 +/- 3.35 years, and 180 female, mean age 13.05 +/- 3.07 years. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured three times after a 10-minute resting period. The measurements were performed with a validated automatic blood pressure monitor (Colson MAM BP 3AA1-2; Colson, Paris) and with an appropriately sized cuff over the brachial artery. All subjects were involved in amateur sports, with 80% of the sample beginning their activity at the time of evaluation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 9.8%, and high-normal blood pressure was found in 18.2%. Hypertension prevalence was higher in females (15.0% vs. 9.1% in males; p < 0.05). Comparison between registered athletes and subjects beginning their sports activity revealed similar hypertension prevalence (9.1% vs. 9.9% respectively; p = NS). Obesity was found in 5.3%, 3.9% in females and 5.5% in males. The prevalence of hypertension was greater in obese subjects (23%) than in overweight (14%) and normal weight (8%) subjects, clearly suggesting a relation between weight profile and blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that a significant proportion of the children studied have blood pressure levels above the 90th percentile, with an overall prevalence of hypertension of 9.8%, more pronounced in females and related to overweight. The implications of these observations are even more important when we consider the epidemiology of hypertension in Portugal and its link with stroke as the leading cause of death and disability.
PMID: 20222347 [PubMed - in process]
Posted in: Rev Port Cardiol
