Vitamin D and Evening Primrose Oil Administration Improve Glycemia and Lipid Profiles in Women with Gestational Diabetes

Limited data are available assessing the effects of vitamin D and evening primrose oil (EPO) administration on markers of insulin resistance and lipid concentrations in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and EPO administration on insulin resistance and lipid concentrations among women with GDM. In this prospective randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 60 participants with GDM were divided into 2 groups of either 1000 IU vitamin D3 and 1000 mg EPO or placebo for 6 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, fasting blood samples were obtained from the participants to measure related variables. After 6 weeks of intervention, changes in fasting plasma glucose (?3.6 ± 7.5 vs. +1.5 ± 11.4 mg/dL, P = 0.04), serum insulin concentrations (?2.0 ± 5.3 vs. +4.6 ± 10.7 µIU/mL, P = 0.004), homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (?0.5 ± 1.1 vs. +1.1 ± 2.5, P = 0.003), HOMA‐B cell function (?7.7 ± 23.3 vs. +17.4 ± 42.9, P = 0.007) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.02 vs. ?0.01 ± 0.02, P = 0.007) in the vitamin D plus EPO group were significantly different from the placebo group. In addition, compared with the placebo, vitamin D and EPO supplementation resulted in significant reductions in serum TAG (?20.0 ± 54.3 vs. +34.3 ± 38.2 mg/dL, P < 0.001), VLDL (?4.0 ± 10.9 vs. +6.9 ± 7.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001), TC (?22.1 ± 32.6 vs. +5.3 ± 20.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001), LDL concentrations (?18.0 ± 25.5 vs. +1.8 ± 15.7 mg/dL, P = 0.001) and TC/HDL (?0.3 ± 0.4 vs. +0.3 ± 0.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001). We did not observe any significant effect of vitamin D and EPO supplementation on serum HDL concentrations. Clinical trial registration number: http://www.irct.ir : IRCT201509115623N52.     

Metabolic impact of protein feeding prior to moderate-intensity treadmill exercise in a fasted state: a pilot study

Background

Augmenting fat oxidation is a primary goal of fitness enthusiasts and individuals desiring to improve their body composition. Performing aerobic exercise while fasted continues to be a popular strategy to achieve this outcome, yet little research has examined how nutritional manipulations influence energy expenditure and/or fat oxidation during and after exercise. Initial research has indicated that pre-exercise protein feeding may facilitate fat oxidation while minimizing protein degradation during exercise, but more research is needed to determine if the source of protein further influences such outcomes.

Methods

Eleven healthy, college-aged males (23.5?±?2.1?years, 86.0?±?15.6?kg, 184?±?10.3?cm, 19.7?±?4.4%fat) completed four testing sessions in a randomized, counter-balanced, crossover fashion after observing an 8–10?h fast. During each visit, baseline substrate oxidation and resting energy expenditure (REE) were assessed via indirect calorimetry. Participants ingested isovolumetric, solutions containing 25?g of whey protein isolate (WPI), 25?g of casein protein (CAS), 25?g of maltodextrin (MAL), or non-caloric control (CON). After 30?min, participants performed 30?min of treadmill exercise at 55–60% heart rate reserve. Substrate oxidation and energy expenditure were re-assessed during exercise and 15?min after exercise.

Results

Delta scores comparing the change in REE were normalized to body mass and a significant group x time interaction (p =?0.002) was found. Post-hoc comparisons indicated the within-group changes in REE following consumption of WPI (3.41?±?1.63?kcal/kg) and CAS (3.39?±?0.82?kcal/kg) were significantly greater (p <?0.05) than following consumption of MAL (1.57?±?0.99?kcal/kg) and tended to be greater than the non-caloric control group (2.00?±?1.91?kcal/kg, p =?0.055 vs. WPI and p =?0.061 vs. CAS). Respiratory exchange ratio following consumption of WPI and CAS significantly decreased during the post exercise period while no change was observed for the other groups. Fat oxidation during exercise was calculated and increased in all groups throughout exercise. CAS was found to oxidize significantly more fat (p <?0.05) than WPI during minutes 10–15 (CAS: 2.28?±?0.38?g; WPI: 1.7?±?0.60?g) and 25–30 (CAS: 3.03?±?0.55?g; WPI: 2.24?±?0.50?g) of the exercise bout.

Conclusions

Protein consumption before fasted moderate-intensity treadmill exercise significantly increased post-exercise energy expenditure compared to maltodextrin ingestion and tended to be greater than control. Post-exercise fat oxidation was improved following protein ingestion. Throughout exercise, fasting (control) did not yield more fat oxidation versus carbohydrate or protein, while casein protein allowed for more fat oxidation than whey. These results indicate rates of energy expenditure and fat oxidation can be modulated after CAS protein consumption prior to moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise and that fasting did not lead to more fat oxidation during or after exercise.

     

Decreased serum adiponectin in adolescents and young adults with familial primary hypercholesterolemia

Decreased serum adiponectin is associated with dyslipidemia. However, serum adiponectin status has never before been studied in patients with familial-related severe primary hypercholesterolemia (FRSPH). The aim of this study is to measure serum adiponectin level in a group of young patients with FRSPH and determine its correlation with insulin-resistant status. Twenty-three patients with FRSPH [average LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C)=250.8 (190–610) mg/dL] without clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome as well as 46 healthy (control) adolescents and young adults (<30 yr old) were included. The serum adiponectin, fasting sugar, insulin, lipids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and anthropometrical indices such as body mass index and waist circumference were obtained. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was calculated to estimate the insulin resistant status. Compared with healthy controls, patients with FRSPH had a significantly lower mean serum adiponectin level (7.7±1.8 μg/mL vs. 10.1±4.3 μg/mL, P=0.013). After adjustment for HOMA and associated covariates, multiple linear regression analysis showed that patients with FRSPH are significantly associated with hypoadiponectinemia. Compared with healthy controls, patients with FRSPH had a significantly lower mean serum adiponectin level (7.7±1.8 μg/mL vs. 10.1±4.3 μg/mL, P=0.013). After adjustment for HOMA and associated covariates, multiple linear regression analysis showed that patients with FRSPH are significantly associated with hypoadiponectinemia. The serum adiponectin levels are lower in young patients with FRSPH without clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome. The mechanism of hypoadiponectinemia in patients with FRSPH is probably independent of insulin resistance.     

Regulation of adiponectin secretion and expression by insulin and β‐agonists in rat

The adipocytokines, including adiponectin, are important factors in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is proved that concentrations of adiponectin are decreased in obesity, an insulin resistant state. The current study is to address potential mechanisms regulating adiponectin secretion and expression in vivo. To observe the regulation of adiponectin by fasting‐refeeding and β‐agonists, male Wistar rats were fasted for 18 h and allowed to refeed with/without a β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist infused into refeeding rats. We also investigated the effects of insulin clamp on adiponectin secretion and expression, including euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp and hyperglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp. Plasma adiponectin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Using real‐time PCR assays, we analyzed the expression of adiponectin genes in rat primary adipocytes. Refeeding of 18‐h fasted rats increased plasma adiponectin concentration (～2‐fold) and adipose tissue adiponectin expression (～3‐fold), and these effects were mimicked by hyperinsulinemia in the absence of refeeding and completely blocked by administration of β‐agonists during refeeding. We conclude that (i) adiponectin secretion and expression are acutely regulated in vivo by nutritional status; (ii) in vivo, insulin and β‐agonists act directly at the adipocyte to regulate adiponectin secretion and expression.     

Short-term effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor on cholesterol and bile acid synthesis in humans

Competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase improve hypercholesterolemia. However, reports about the effects of these agents on bile acid synthesis, the metabolic pathway of cholesterol, are conflicting. We studied the short-term effect of one of these agents, pravastatin, on bile acid synthesis. Six male volunteers were given 40 mg of pravastatin. Plasma mevalonate level (which reflects cholesterol synthesis) and 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one level 9which reflects bile acid synthesis) were measured every 2 h for 8 h. These plasma levels were compared to those of the same volunteers without pravastatin. Plasma mevalonate level after 2 h was lower than control (3.0 ± 1.1 ng/ml vs. 6.7 ± 2.5, mean ±SD; P<0.05). This decrease continued for 8 h (2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 5.2 ± 1.5; P<0.05). On the other hand, plasma 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one level did not change until after 6 h; then at 8 h it was lower than control (15.7 ± 11.8 ng/mL vs. 24.7 ± 16.9; P <0.05). According to three-way layout analysis of variance, mevalonate level was influenced by both pravastatin treatment (P<0.01) and time-course (P<0.01). On the other hand, the 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one level was affected by both individual difference (P<0.01) and time course (P<0.01), but pravastatin treatment did not influence this compound. This indicates that bile acid synthesis was not influenced by pravastatin, although cholesterol synthesis was inhibited. The shortterm inhibition of cholesterol synthesis did not affect bile acid synthesis.     

Postpartum Weight Retention is Associated with Elevated Ratio of Oxidized LDL Lipids to HDL-Cholesterol

Oxidized LDL lipids (ox‐LDL) are associated with lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The present study investigated how postpartum weight retention effects on ox‐LDL and serum lipids. The study is a nested comparative research of a cluster‐randomized controlled trial, NELLI (lifestyle and counselling during pregnancy). During early pregnancy (8–12 weeks) and 1 year postpartum, 141 women participated in measurements for determining of plasma lipids: total cholesterol (T‐C), LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), triacylglycerols (TAG) and ox‐LDL. Subjects were stratified into tertiles (weight loss, unaltered weight and weight gain groups) based on their weight change from baseline to follow‐up. Ox‐LDL was determined by baseline level of conjugated dienes in LDL lipids. Among the group of weight gainers, concentration of TAG reduced less (?0.14 vs. ?0.33, p = 0.002), HDL‐C reduced more (?0.31 vs. ?0.16, p = 0.003) and ox‐LDL/HDL‐C ratio increased (3.0 vs. ?0.2, p = 0.003) when compared to group of weight loss. Both T‐C and LDL‐C elevated more (0.14 vs. ?0.21, p = 0.008; 0.31 vs. 0.07, p = 0.015) and TAG and ox‐LDL reduced less (?0.33 vs. 0.20, p = 0.033; ?3.33 vs. ?0.68, p = 0.026) in unaltered weight group compared to weight loss group. The women who gained weight developed higher TAG and ox‐LDL/HDL‐C ratio as compared to those who lost weight. Postpartum weight retention of 3.4 kg or more is associated with atherogenic lipid profile.     

Effect of grass vs. concentrate feeding on the fatty acid profile of different fat depots in lambs

The aim of this study was to produce high‐quality meat from lambs under different feeding conditions, as measured by the accumulation of n‐3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in muscle and subcutaneous fat. In total, 13 male crossbred lambs (Black Head×Gotland), each at 24 kg live weight, were divided into two feeding groups. Lambs were kept either on pasture (pasture grazing, n = 6) or in the stable (concentrate feeding, n = 7). The linolenic acid (C18:3n‐3) contained in the grass was absorbed and deposited into the different lipid classes of muscle and subcutaneous fat. The proportion of total n‐3 fatty acids in the different lipids of grazing lambs was significantly (p = 0.05) higher compared to that in concentrate‐fed lambs. The n‐6/n‐3 ratio (mean ± SEM) in muscle of grazing lambs was 1.2 ± 0.09 in contrast to 2.3 ± 0.09 (p = 0.05) of the animals kept in the stable. In subcutaneous fat, this ratio was 0.9 ± 0.2 in lambs kept on pasture versus 3.5 ± 0.2 (p = 0.05) after indoor keeping. The relative concentration of C18:1trans‐11 in total muscle lipids, phospholipids, triacylglycerols and subcutaneous fat was significantly increased by grass feeding compared to concentrate feeding. Significant influences of feeding were shown for saturated fatty acids. In concentrate‐fed lambs, a lower content of saturated fatty acids was detected. The proportion of CLAcis‐9,trans‐11 (1.9 ± 0.2% vs. 1.1 ± 0.1% in muscle, 2.5 ± 0.2% vs. 1.4 ± 0.2% in subcutaneous fat, 0.7 ± 0.04% vs. 0.4 ± 0.04% in phospholipids) in lambs was significantly (p = 0.05) higher after grazing than after concentrate feeding, respectively.     

An Interesterified Palm Olein Test Meal Decreases Early-Phase Postprandial Lipemia Compared to Palm Olein: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Palm oil that has been interesterified to produce a higher proportion of palmitic acid (16:0) in the sn‐2 position reduces postprandial lipemia in young, normolipidemic men and women, but effects in older subjects with higher fasting triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that high‐fat meals rich in interesterified palm olein (IPO) decrease lipemia and alter plasma lipoprotein fraction composition compared to native palm olein (NPO) in men aged 40–70 years with fasting TAG concentrations ≥1.2 mmol/L. Postprandial changes in plasma lipids following meals containing 75 g fat (NPO and IPO) were compared using a randomized, double‐blind crossover design (n = 11). Although there were no significant differences in plasma TAG concentrations between meals over the total 6‐h postprandial measurement period, IPO resulted in a decreased plasma TAG response during the first 4 h of the postprandial period (iAUC 1.65 mmol/L h, 95 % CI 1.01–2.29) compared to NPO (iAUC 2.33 mmol/L h, 95 % CI 1.58–3.07); meal effect P = 0.024. Chylomicron fraction TAG concentrations at 4–6 h were slightly reduced following IPO compared to NPO [NPO?IPO mean difference 0.29 mmol/L (95 % CI ?0.01–0.59), P = 0.055]. There were no differences in IDL fraction TAG, cholesterol or apolipoprotein B48 concentrations following IPO compared with NPO. In conclusion, consuming a meal containing palm olein with a higher proportion of 16:0 in the sn‐2 position decreases postprandial lipemia compared to native palm olein during the early phase of the postprandial period in men with higher than optimal fasting triacylglycerol concentrations.     

Gender differences in insulin-induced free fatty acid suppression: Studies in an african american population

This study of African Americans (AA) was designed to investigate gender differences in insulin-induced free fatty acid (FFA) suppression. Sixty AA (34 women, mean age 34±7.6 years, and 26 men, mean age 30±2.9 years) participated. All subjects had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Nineteen women and 18 men also underwent a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (IC) study. Plasma insulin and FFA concentrations were obtained during both test at 0, 60, and 120 min. While there was no gender difference in body mass index (P=0.21), women had greater percent body fat (P<0.001) calculated by the Siri formula. There was no gender difference in fasting FFA levels, but during the OGTT, women compared to men had significantly greater FFA suppression. Both nonobese and obese women suppressed FFA concentration by 88%, and nonobese and obese men suppressed, FFA concentration by 80 and 66%, respectively. This gender difference in FFA suppression was significant (P=0.001) and independent of obesity and insulin concentration. During the IC studies, there were no gender or obesity differences in FFA suppression, with women and men suppressing FFA levels by 87–89% (P=0.7). Fasting insulin concentrations were higher in obese vs. nonobese (P=0.03), but fasting FFA concentrations were not different (P=0.15). For nonobese and obese, females, fasting FFA levels were 0.55±0.24 and 0.44±0.26 mEq/L, respectively, and for nonobese and obese males, 0.45±0.2 and 0.35±0.18 mEq/L, respectively. In women, development of obesity may be enhanced by greater sensitivity to insulin-induced FFA suppression as measured during an OGTT. To detect gender differences in FFA metabolism, the OGTT is superior to the IC. The lack of elevation in fasting FFA levels in obese AA women and men has not been reported in other racial groups and may indicate a greater adipocyte sensitivity to insulin in AA.     

Identification of Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase Inhibitors from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosa centifolia</Emphasis> Petals

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the final step of triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, and is considered as a potential target to control hypertriglyceridemia or other metabolic disorders. In this study, we found that the extract of rose petals suppressed TAG synthesis in cultured cells, and that the extract showed DGAT inhibitory action in a dose-dependent manner. Fractionation of the rose extract revealed that the DGAT inhibitory substances in the extract were ellagitannins; among them rugosin B, and D, and eusupinin A inhibited DGAT activity by 96, 82, and 84% respectively, at 10 μM. These substances did not inhibit the activities of other hepatic microsomal enzymes, glucose-6-phosphatase and HMG-CoA reductase, or pancreatic lipase, suggesting that ellagitannins inhibit DGAT preferentially. In an oral fat load test using mice, postprandial plasma TAG increase was suppressed by rose extract; TAG levels 2 h after the fat load were significantly lower in mice administered a fat emulsion containing rose extract than in control mice (446.3 ± 33.1 vs 345.3 ± 25.0 mg/dL, control vs rose extract group; P < 0.05). These results suggest that rose ellagitannins or rose extract could be beneficial in controlling lipid metabolism and used to improve metabolic disorders.     

Effects of n‐3 PUFA on insulin resistance after an oral fat load

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ω‐3 PUFA (n‐3 PUFA) on lipid profile and insulin resistance biomarkers. Patients were assigned to receive placebo or n‐3 PUFA 1 g three times a day, during the meals, for 6 months. We evaluated: body mass index (BMI), body weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR), blood pressure, lipid profile, resistin (r), retinol binding protein‐4 (RBP‐4), adiponectin (ADN), visfatin, and vaspin. Furthermore patients underwent an oral fat load (OFL) and an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp to evaluate M value, and total glucose requirement (TGR). Triglycerides value obtained with n‐3 PUFA was lower, while HDL‐C, and ADN values were higher compared to placebo. After the OFL, and comparing the OFL performed at the baseline and at the end of the study, there was a decrease of triglycerides (Tg), resistin (r), and RBP‐4 values, and an increase of ADN value with n‐3 PUFA, but not with placebo. We conclude that the treatment with n‐3 PUFA resulted in a greater improvement of lipid profile and ADN compared to placebo in a baseline condition, and an improvement of all insulin resistance parameters after an OFL. Practical applications: The inverse association between dietary intake of n‐3 PUFA and cardiovascular disease morbidity/mortality was primarily established following the observation that the Greenland Inuits had low mortality from coronary heart disease despite a fat‐rich diet. Our group has already shown that n‐3 PUFA improved the lipid profile and the coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inflammatory parameters compared to placebo. We also observed that highly purified n‐3 PUFA supplementation significantly reduced the blood pressure, pulse pressure, and basal heart rate in hypertriglyceridemic patients with normal‐high blood pressure. The current study showed that treatment with n‐3 PUFA not only improved lipid profile in a baseline situation, but it also improved all insulin resistance parameters in a post‐prandial situation simulated with an OFL. This is another important action of the n‐3 PUFA which can increase their utility in the clinical practice.     

Phytosterol Esterification is Markedly Decreased in Preterm Infants Receiving Routine Parenteral Nutrition

Several studies reported the association between total plasma phytosterol concentrations and the parenteral nutrition‐associated cholestasis (PNAC). To date, no data are available on phytosterol esterification in animals and in humans during parenteral nutrition (PN). We measured free and esterified sterols (cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol) plasma concentrations during PN in 16 preterm infants (500–1249 g of birth weight; Preterm‐PN), in 11 term infants (Term‐PN) and in 12 adults (Adult‐PN). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used for measurements. Plasma concentrations of free cholesterol (Free‐CHO), free phytosterols (Free‐PHY) and esterified phytosterols (Ester‐PHY) were not different among the three PN groups. Esterified cholesterol (Ester‐CHO) was statistically lower in Preterm‐PN than Adult‐PN. Preterm‐PN had significantly higher Free‐CHO/Ester‐CHO and Free‐PHY/Ester‐PHY ratios than Adult‐PN (Free‐CHO/Ester‐CHO: 1.1 ± 0.7 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2; Free‐PHY/Ester‐PHY: 4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.8; *P < 0.05). Free‐CHO/Ester‐CHO and Free‐PHY/Ester‐PHY ratios of Term‐PN (Free‐CHO/Ester‐CHO: 1.1 ± 0.4; Free‐PHY/Ester‐PHY: 2.9 ± 1.7) were not different from either Preterm‐PN or from Adult‐PN. Plasma Free‐CHO/Ester‐CHO and Free‐PHY/Ester‐PHY were unchanged after 24 h on fat‐free PN both in Preterm‐PN and in Adult‐PN. Free‐PHY/Ester‐PHY did not correlate with phytosterol intake in Preterm‐PN. Free‐PHY/Ester‐PHY of Preterm‐PN was positively correlated with the Free‐CHO/Ester‐CHO and negatively correlated with gestational age and birth weight. In conclusion, PHY were esterified to a lesser extent than CHO in all study groups; the esterification was markedly decreased in Preterm‐PN compared to Adult‐PN. The clinical consequences of these findings warrant further investigations.     

Effect of a weight loss intervention on anthropometric measures and metabolic risk factors in pre- versus postmenopausal women

Background

The present study examines changes in body weight, fat mass, metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight and obese pre- and postmenopausal women who participated in a weight loss intervention.

Methods

Seventy-two subjects were included in the analysis of this single arm study (premenopausal: 22 women, age 43.7 ± 6.4 years, BMI 31.0 ± 2.4 kg/m²; postmenopausal: 50 women, age 58.2 ± 5.1 years, BMI 32.9 ± 3.7 kg/m²). Weight reduction was achieved by the use of a meal replacement and fat-reduced diet. In addition, from week 6 to 24 participants attended a guided exercise program. Body composition was analyzed with the Bod Pod^®. Blood pressures were taken at every visit and blood was collected at baseline and closeout of the study to evaluate lipids, insulin, cortisol and leptin levels.

Results

BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose, leptin and cortisol were higher in the postmenopausal women at baseline. Both groups achieved a substantial and comparable weight loss (pre- vs. postmenopausal: 6.7 ± 4.9 vs 6.7 ± 4.4 kg; n.s.). However, in contrast to premenopausal women, weight loss in postmenopausal women was exclusively due to a reduction of fat mass (-5.3 ± 5.1 vs -6.6 ± 4.1 kg; p < 0.01). In premenopausal women 21% of weight loss was attributed to a reduction in lean body mass. Blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and glucose improved significantly only in postmenopausal women whereas total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were lowered significantly in both groups.

Conclusion

Both groups showed comparable weight loss and in postmenopausal women weight loss was associated with a pronounced improvement in metabolic risk factors thereby reducing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.     

The source of dietary fatty acids alters the activity of secretory sphingomyelinase in the rat

Secretory sphingomyelinase (sSMase) has been suggested to be involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases as well as other human pathologies. To deduce whether dietary fatty acid composition affects the circulating activity of this enzyme, we have compared its activity in serum from rats that had been given a diet containing either butter or a highly n‐6 polyunsaturated [grapeseed oil (GSO)] fat source for 14 wk. The results show that intake of GSO increases the activity of this ceramide‐producing enzyme by about 45%, when compared with intake of butter (387 ± 16 pmol/mL·h vs. 266 ± 15 pmol/mL·h; p <0.001). Furthermore, there was a strong negative correlation between sSMase activity and n‐3 PUFA concentration in serum (p <0.001). Despite the substantial increase in activity, there was no difference in either the circulating substrate (sphingomyelin) or product (ceramide) in the serum. However, since the sSMase activity in the endothelial wall has been implicated to be involved in both atherogenesis and thrombosis, these findings are of interest in the interpretation of dietary fatty acid effects on cardiovascular health.     

Combined Urea Complexation and Argentated Silica Gel Column Chromatography for Concentration and Separation of PUFAs from Tuna Oil: Based on Improved DPA Level

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) isomers (22:5n‐6 and 22:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) derived from tuna oil were concentrated by three stages of urea fractionation at various crystallization temperatures and different fatty acid/urea ratios. Thereafter, polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrate containing comparatively enriched DPA levels was purified by argentated silica gel column chromatography. A product containing 22.2 ± 0.6 % EPA, 4.6 ± 0.0 % DPAn‐6, 5.9 ± 0.1 % DPAn‐3 and 42.3 ± 1.2 % DHA was obtained at 1:1.6 fatty acid/urea ratio (w/w) by crystallization at ?8 °C for 16 h, ?20 °C for 8 h, and ?8 °C for 16 h. A DPA isomer concentrate containing 26.1 ± 0.5 % DPAn‐6 and 22.3 ± 0.4 % DPAn‐3 was achieved by argentated silica gel chromatography in the 6 % acetone/n‐hexane solvent fraction (v/v), and the recovery of both fatty acids was 66.1 ± 3.2 and 70.7 ± 2.2 %, respectively. Furthermore, 91.9 ± 2.5 % EPA and 99.5 ± 2.1 % DHA with recoveries of 47.8 ± 2.0 and 56.7 ± 3.3 %, respectively, were obtained in various fractions.     

Combined extracts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Garcinia mangostana</Emphasis> fruit rind and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cinnamomum tamala</Emphasis> leaf supplementation enhances muscle strength and endurance in resistance trained males

Background

A proprietary composition GMCT contains extracts of two popular Asian herbs viz., Garcinia mangostana (GM) fruit rind and Cinnamomum tamala (CT) leaf. We systematically evaluated physical performance and muscle strength enhancing ability of GMCT in a preclinical mouse model followed by a 42-days double-blind placebo controlled human trial in resistance trained adult males.

Methods

Four groups of Swiss albino mice (20–30 g body weight) (n?=?6) were fed a standard laboratory diet and given Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC), 150 mg/kg GMCT (GMCT-150), 300 mg/kg GMCT (GMCT-300) or 50 mg/kg Oxymetholone (OXY) via oral gavage for 21 days. On day 22, the animals’ physical performance and muscle strength were assessed in a forced swimming test (FST) and forelimb grip strength experiment, respectively.In the human trial, thirty-eight resistance-trained young adults (mean age 26.32?±?4.39 years, body weight 67.79?±?12.84 kg, BMI 22.92?±?3.54 kg/m²) completed the trial. The participants received either GMCT (n?=?19; 800 mg daily) or matched placebo (n?=?19) for 42 days. As primary variables, 1-RM bench press, 1-RM leg press, and leg extension repetitions were measured at baseline and on days 14, 28 and 42 of the intervention. Anthropometric parameters and serum markers such as free testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin and lactate were also measured before and after the intervention.

Results

GMCT-300 mice showed significant improvement in swimming time (GMCT: 395.3?±?81.70 s vs. CMC: 271.6?±?56.86 s; p?=?0.0166), distance (GMCT: 341.22?±?65.88 m vs. CMC: 260.84?±?49.15 m; p?=?0.0461) and grip strength (GMCT: 43.92?±?6.97 N vs. CMC: 35.0?±?6.92 N; p?=?0.0490), compared with the CMC group.At the end of the 42-day human trial, the per protocol analyses reveal that mean changes from baseline 1-RM bench press (GMCT: 23.47?±?10.07 kg vs. PL: 3.42?±?2.06 kg; p?<?0.0001), leg press (GMCT: 29.32?±?16.17 kg vs. PL: 5.21?±?1.72 kg; p?<?0.0001), number of leg extension repetitions (GMCT: 6.58?±?2.57 vs. PL: 2.05?±?1.22; p?<?0.0001) in GMCT group were significantly improved, compared with placebo. Intergroup difference analyses show that the changes from baseline left arm (GMCT: 1.09?±?0.36 cm vs. PL: 0.68?±?0.42 cm; p?=?0.0023), right arm (GMCT: 1.50?±?0.44 cm vs. PL: 1.11?±?0.43 cm; p?=?0.0088) circumference and lean mass (GMCT: 2.29?±?2.09 kg vs. PL: 0.52?±?2.58 kg; p?=?0.0404) in GMCT group were also significantly improved, compared with placebo. In comparison to placebo, GMCT supplementation did not improve free testosterone, IGF-1, insulin or lactate levels. Parameters of clinical biochemistry, hematology, urine and vital signs of the participants were within the normal range.

Conclusion

GMCT supplementation is effective in increasing muscle strength, muscle size and, total lean mass, as well as endurance performance.Trial Registration.Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2015/01/005374), Registered on Jan 07, 2015; CTRI Website URL - http://ctri.nic.in

     

Microstructural characterization and wear properties of silver and gold nanoparticle doped K-Mg-Al-Si-O-F glass-ceramics

In ascertaining the effects of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles on crystallization of boro-alumino-silicate system; the K₂O-MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-B₂O₃-F glasses doped with/without 0.2?wt% Ag- and Au- content were melt-quenched at 1550?°C. Doping of nanoparticles considerably increased the glass-transition temperature and softening point but decreased the thermal expansion. A sharp crystallization exotherm in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is observed at 750?°C (?±?1?°C) for glass without nanoparticle and that broadened to 800–855?°C when contains nanoparticle. Opaque glass-ceramics were derived from the glasses by controlled heat-treatment at 1050?°C with predominant crystalline phase fluorophlogopite (KMg₃AlSi₃O₁₀F₂) mica. Traces of Ag- and Au- particles were also identified from X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The activation energy (E_c) of crystallization (344?±?17?kJ/mol) is decreased to 233 (?±?12) and 307 (?±?15) kJ/mol (Kissinger method) on doping with Ag- and Au- nanoparticles, respectively. Compact microstructure (FESEM) composed of rock like and plate-like mica crystals are developed in base glass-ceramic and that gets restructured to interlocked type morphology in presence of Ag- nanoparticle. Significant microstructural change induced by nanoparticle addition caused the decrease in microhardness (4.31–4.66?GPa) and increase in thermal expansion. Friction and wear testing under reciprocative sliding (using WC-Co ball) exposed that the average coefficient of friction (COF) is 0.60?±?0.2 for all glass-ceramics at 20?N load and 10?Hz frequency. At a lower load of 5?N, the average COF value is increased from 0.69 to 0.92 on use of Au-nanoparticle. A Similar trend was also observed at 10?N load as COF increased from 0.62 to 0.78.     

Serum 25(OH)D is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome risk profile among urban middle-aged Chinese population

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of chronic metabolic diseases. Limited evidence regarding vitamin D deficiency exists within the Chinese population. The present study aims to examine the association between serum vitamin D concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population METHODS: The cross-sectional relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g., body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, etc.) were evaluated in 601 non-diabetic adults.ResultVitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was present in 66 % of the tested population, and serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in patients who were overweight/obese or suffered metabolic syndrome when compared to individuals of healthy weight without metabolic syndrome (24.08 +/- 8.08 vs 31.70 +/- 11.77 ng/ml, 21.52 +/- 6.9 vs 31.74 +/- 10.21 ng/ml respectively). 25(OH)D was inversely associated with waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and it was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol in a multivariable-adjusted regression model. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is common in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population, with high prevalence in overweight/obese individuals and patients with metabolic syndrome. Low vitamin D concentration was associated with indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the cause-effect relation between vitamin D status, obesity and related metabolic disorders.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials (ISRCTN21527585).     

Increased Postprandial Triglyceride-Rich Lipoprotein Levels in Elderly Survivors of Myocardial Infarction

Postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) levels are a predictor for coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to compare fasting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, and postprandial TRL between elderly survivors of myocardial infarction (MI) and healthy controls. A case-control study was performed in 44 elderly patients 65-85 years of age with a previous history of MI and 43 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Each participant underwent physical examination and was given a standard oral fat load with subsequent blood sampling over the next 8 h. Total and chylomicron triglycerides were assessed by area under the curve (AUC), incremental are under the curve (AUCi) and triglyceride response (TGR). Elderly MI patients had significantly lower postheparin LPL activity (87.4 +/- 36.9 mU/ml) (mean +/- 1 SD) than healthy controls (106.0 +/- 29.0 mU/ml) (P = 0.014). Decreased postheparin LPL activity was accompanied by significant increased and delayed clearance of postprandial TRL. Fasting HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in elderly MI patients than controls (1.45 +/- 0.32 and 1.66 +/- 0.47 mmol/l, respectively, P = 0.048). Multiple regression analysis revealed postheparin LPL activity as an independent predictor for postprandial TRL and fasting HDL cholesterol. Logistic regressions analysis revealed HDL cholesterol, triglycerides measured 2 h after the oral fat load, and postheparin LPL activity as independent predictors for MI. Our findings indicate that decreased fasting HDL cholesterol is associated with increased postprandial triglyceridemia which could be a target for life-style and therapeutic interventions in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.     

Modulation of renal injury in pcy mice by dietary fat containing n−3 fatty acids depends on the level and type of fat

Low-fat diets and diets containing n−3 fatty acids (FA) slow the progression of renal injury in the male Han:Sprague-Dawley (SPRD)-cy rat model of polycystic kidney disease. To determine whether these dietary fat effects are similar in females and in another model of renal cystic disease, in this study we used both male and female pcy mice to examine the effects of fat level and type on disease progression. Adult pcy mice were fed 4, 10, or 20 g soybean oil/100 g diet for 130 d in study 1. In study 2, weanling pcy mice were fed high or low levels of fat rich in 18∶2n−6 (corn oil, CO) 18∶3n−3 (flaxseed oil/CO 4∶1 g/g, FO), or 22∶6n−3 (algal oil/CO 4∶1 g/g, DO) for 8 wk. In adult pcy mice, low-compared with high-fat diets lowered kidney weights (2.4±0.2 vs. 3.1±0.2 g/100 g body weight, P=0.006) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) (9.6±0.6 vs. 11.9±0.6 mmol/L, P=0.009), whereas in young pcy mice it reduced renal fibrosis volumes (0.44±0.04 vs. 0.62±0.04 mL/kg body weight, P<0.0001). FO feeding in young pcy mice mitigated the detrimental effects of high fat on fibrosis while not altering kidney size, function, and oxidative damage when compared with the CO-fed mice. In contrast, DO-compared with CO-fed mice had higher kidney weights (2.64±0.07 vs. 2.24±0.08 g/100 g body weight, P=0.005), SUN (9.4±0.57 vs. 7.0±0.62 nmol/L, P<0.0001), and cyst volumes (7.9±0.28 vs. 6.2±0.30 mL/kg body weight, P<0.0001) and similar levels of oxidative damage and fibrosis. The FA compositions of the diets were reflected in the kidneys: 18∶2n−6, 18∶3n−3, and 22∶6n−3 were the highest in the CO, FO, and DO diets, respectively. Dietary effects on kidney disease progression were similar in males and females. A low-fat diet slows progression of renal injury in male and female pcy mice, consistent with findings in the male Han:SPRD-cy rat. Dietary fat type also influenced renal injury, with flaxseed oil diets rich in 18∶3n−3 slowing early fibrosis progression compared with diets rich in 18∶2n−6 or in 22∶6n−3.