TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1/GDF15 is a physiological appetite and body weight regulator

The TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1/GDF15 circulates in all humans and when overproduced in cancer leads to anorexia/cachexia, by direct action on brain feeding centres. In these studies we have examined the role of physiologically relevant levels of MIC-1/GDF15 in the regulation of appetite, body weight and basal metabolic rate. MIC-1/GDF15 gene knockout mice (MIC-1^−/−) weighed more and had increased adiposity, which was associated with increased spontaneous food intake. Female MIC-1^−/− mice exhibited some additional alterations in reduced basal energy expenditure and physical activity, possibly owing to the associated decrease in total lean mass. Further, infusion of human recombinant MIC-1/GDF15 sufficient to raise serum levels in MIC-1^−/− mice to within the normal human range reduced body weight and food intake. Taken together, our findings suggest that MIC-1/GDF15 is involved in the physiological regulation of appetite and energy storage.

Soy isoflavones modulate adipokines and myokines to regulate lipid metabolism in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and liver of male Huanjiang mini-pigs

Although a growing body of evidence suggests that soy isoflavones help regulate lipid metabolism, the underlying mechanism has not yet been thoroughly clarified. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of soy isoflavones on the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in different adipose tissue depots, skeletal muscle and liver of male Huanjiang mini-pigs, as well as the expression of adipokines and myokines. A total of 36 male Huanjiang mini-pigs were fed basal diet (control, Con), low-dose soy isoflavones (LSI) and high-dose soy isoflavones (HSI). The results showed that LSI and HSI regulated the expression of genes involved in the anabolism and catabolism of fatty acids in dorsal subcutaneous (DSA), abdominal subcutaneous (ASA) and perirenal (PRA) adipose tissue depots, as well as longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) and liver. LSI and HSI also regulated the expression of adipokines in DSA, ASA and PRA, and the expression of myokines in LDM in male Huanjiang mini-pigs. In addition, soy isoflavones regulated plasma glucose, leptin and adiponectin contents after treatment for two months. Our results indicate that soy isoflavones, by regulating the expression of adipokines and myokines, may regulate the metabolism of lipids and could have potential therapeutic applications in lipid abnormalities.

Phosphorylation at tyrosine 114 of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is required for adipogenesis in response to high fat diet

Clonal proliferation is an obligatory component of adipogenesis. Although several cell cycle regulators are known to participate in the transition between pre-adipocyte proliferation and terminal adipocyte differentiation, how the core DNA synthesis machinery is coordinately regulated in adipogenesis remains elusive. PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) is an indispensable component for DNA synthesis during proliferation. Here we show that PCNA is subject to phosphorylation at the highly conserved tyrosine residue 114 (Y114). Replacing the Y114 residue with phenylalanine (Y114F), which is structurally similar to tyrosine but cannot be phosphorylated, does not affect normal animal development. However, when challenged with high fat diet, mice carrying homozygous Y114F alleles (PCNA(F/F)) are resistant to adipose tissue enlargement in comparison to wild-type (WT) mice. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) harboring WT or Y114F mutant PCNA proliferate at similar rates. However, when subjected to adipogenesis induction in culture, PCNA(F/F) MEFs are not able to re-enter the cell cycle and fail to form mature adipocytes, while WT MEFs undergo mitotic clonal expansion in response to the adipogenic stimulation, accompanied by enhanced Y114 phosphorylation of PCNA, and differentiate to mature adipocytes. Consistent with the function of Y114 phosphorylation in clonal proliferation in adipogenesis, fat tissues isolated from WT mice contain significantly more adipocytes than those isolated from PCNA(F/F) mice. This study identifies a critical role for PCNA in adipose tissue development, and for the first time identifies a role of the core DNA replication machinery at the interface between proliferation and differentiation.

The activity of mate saponins (Ilex paraguariensis) in intra-abdominal and epididymal fat, and glucose oxidation in male Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hilaire (mate) has traditionally been used in several South American countries to prepare tea-like beverages having stimulant effects on the CNS and appetite. In recent years, however, mate preparations have been recommended putatively as an appetite suppressant and slimming remedy. Moreover, studies carried out on either normal or diet-induced obese rats treated with mate extracts revealed anti-obesity and satiety effects, thus refuting ethnopharmacological data. In this work, the effect of mate on the intra-abdominal and epididymal fat, and glucose oxidation levels after oral administration in male Wistar rats, was studied using crude extract from leaves, unripe fruits, and a chemically well-defined purified saponin fraction (MSF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Saponin, polyphenol and methylxanthine contents in MSF were analyzed by HPLC-PDA and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. Crude extracts from mate leaves (LAE) and unripe fruits (FHE) were assayed for comparison purposes. Male Wistar rats fed with standard diet and water ad libitum were used as the control group.

RESULTS

The fat weight and both liver and adipose glucose oxidation were reduced significantly by MSF (35, 90 and 60%, respectively), while LAE and FHE were less active. Also, a significant lowering of the blood triglycerides level was observed in rats treated with MSF and LAE. All creatinine, urea, and transaminase plasma levels remained unaffected no matter what mate preparation was considered. It is also worth pointing out that the glucose blood level was increased after treatment with FHE. This finding did not correlate either with the content of methylxanthines, polyphenols or saponins.

CONCLUSION

A reduction in both visceral fat weight and glucose oxidation of hepatic and adipose tissue in healthy rats fed with a standard diet could be ascribed to a purified mate saponin fraction from unripe fruits. These findings agree with former studies carried out with crude mate extracts and also suggest their potential use as an anti-obesity preparation. Nonetheless, further in vivo experiments are still required to corroborate its effect on human beings.

Early metabolic defects in dexamethasone-exposed and undernourished intrauterine growth restricted rats

Poor fetal growth, also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is a worldwide health concern. IUGR is commonly associated with both an increased risk in perinatal mortality and a higher prevalence of developing chronic metabolic diseases later in life. Obesity, type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome could result from noxious “metabolic programming.” In order to better understand early alterations involved in metabolic programming, we modeled IUGR rat pups through either prenatal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoid (dams infused with dexamethasone 100 µg/kg/day, DEX) or prenatal undernutrition (dams feeding restricted to 30% of ad libitum intake, UN). Physiological (glucose and insulin tolerance), morphometric (automated tissue image analysis) and transcriptomic (quantitative PCR) approaches were combined during early life of these IUGR pups with a special focus on their endocrine pancreas and adipose tissue development. In the absence of catch-up growth before weaning, DEX and UN IUGR pups both presented basal hyperglycaemia, decreased glucose tolerance, and pancreatic islet atrophy. Other early metabolic defects were model-specific: DEX pups presented decreased insulin sensitivity whereas UN pups exhibited lowered glucose-induced insulin secretion and more marked alterations in gene expression of pancreatic islet and adipose tissue development regulators. In conclusion, these results show that before any catch-up growth, IUGR rats present early physiologic, morphologic and transcriptomic defects, which can be considered as initial mechanistic basis of metabolic programming.

Assessment of legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants in Weddell seal tissue (Leptonychotes weddellii) near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Muscle samples were collected from pup, juvenile and adult Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica during the austral summer of 2006. Blubber samples were collected from juvenile and adult seals. Samples were analyzed for emerging and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including current and historic-use organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Of the 41 target analytes, 28 contaminants were recovered from the Weddell seal blubber, in this order of prevalence: p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, trans-nonachlor, mirex, cis-nonachlor, PCB 153, PCB 138, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, nonachlor III, PCB 187, oxychlordane, cis-chlordane, PCB 118, PBDE 47, PCB 156, PCB 149, PCB 180, PCB 101, PCB 170, PCB 105, o,p'-DDT, PCB 99, trans-chlordane, PCB 157, PCB 167, PCB 189, and PCB 114. Fewer POPs were found in the muscle samples, but were similar in the order of prevalence to that of the blubber: p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, trans-nonachlor, nonachlor III, oxychlordane, p,p'-DDT, dieldrin, mirex, cis-nonachlor, PCB 138, and PCB 105. Besides differences in toxicant concentrations reported between the muscle and blubber, we found differences in POP levels according to age class and suggest that differences in blubber storage and/or mobilization of lipids result in age class differences in POPs. To our knowledge, such ontogenetic associations are novel. Importantly, data from this study suggest that p,p'-DDT is becoming less prevalent temporally, resulting in an increased proportion of its metabolite p,p'-DDE in the tissues of this top predator. In addition, this study is among the first to identify a PBDE congener in Weddell seals near the McMurdo Station. This may provide evidence of increased PBDE transport and encroachment in Antarctic wildlife.

[Current idea of the morphogenetic features of liposarcomas]

The paper considers the current aspects of the morphology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology of liposarcomas. Particular attention is given to the embryogenesis of liposarcomas and to problems in the immunohistochemical diagnosis of these neoplasms. There is evidence that TLS-CHOP is involved in the PNA processing of liposarcoma cells. Prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant mesenchymal tumors are discussed.

Obesity-susceptibility loci and their influence on adiposity-related traits in transition from adolescence to adulthood--the HUNT study

INTRODUCTION

Obesity-susceptibility loci have been related to adiposity traits in adults and may affect body fat estimates in adolescence. There are indications that different sets of obesity-susceptibility loci influence level of and change in obesity-related traits from adolescence to adulthood.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether previously reported obesity-susceptible loci in adults influence adiposity traits in adolescence and change in BMI and waist circumference (WC) from adolescence into young adulthood. We also examined whether physical activity modifies the effects of these genetic loci on adiposity-related traits.

METHODS

Nine obesity-susceptibility variants were genotyped in 1 643 adolescents (13-19 years old) from the HUNT study, Norway, who were followed-up into young adulthood. Lifestyle was assessed using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were taken. The effects of genetic variants individually and combined in a genetic predisposition score (GPS) on obesity-related traits were studied cross-sectionally and longitudinally. A modifying effect of physical activity was tested.

RESULTS

The GPS was significantly associated to BMI (B: 0.046 SD/allele [0.020, 0.073], p = 0.001) in adolescence and in young adulthood (B: 0.041 SD/allele [0.015, 0.067], p = 0.002) as it was to waist circumference (WC). The GPS was not associated to change in BMI (p = 0.762) or WC (p = 0.726). We found no significant interaction effect between the GPS and physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that obesity-susceptibility loci established in adults affect BMI and WC already in adolescence. However, an association with change in adiposity-related traits from adolescence to adulthood could not be verified for these loci. Neither could an attenuating effect of physical activity on the association between the obesity-susceptibility genes and body fat estimates be revealed.

Weight and Height Growth Rate and the Timing of Adiposity Rebound

OBJECTIVE

Adiposity rebound occurs when the ratio of the velocities of log(weight) to log(height) changes from <2 to >2. This study examined the timing of adiposity rebound in the context of the velocities of weight and height in early childhood because it is not known whether faster weight gain or slower gain in stature is the more important determinant.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This was a longitudinal study of 406 boys and 397 girls born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1972 and 1973. Each child's height and weight were measured at 3 years of age and at least twice more as part of their two yearly assessments until 11 years of age.

RESULTS

The mean age of adiposity rebound was 6.6+/-1.10 years (SD) for boys and 6.0+/-1.21 years for girls. After adjusting for sex, the correlations between the timing of rebound and z-scores for BMI, weight, and height at rebound were -0.35, -0.30, and -0.14, respectively. Correlations between the timing of rebound and estimated values of weight and height velocities at 3 years were -0.48 and -0.00. The correlations with BMI and waist girth at 26 years were -0.39 and -0.35.

DISCUSSION

Children with an earlier adiposity rebound were heavier and had above average BMIs. Early rebound is the result of higher rates of weight gain, measured in percentage terms, rather than slower than average accrual of stature. This suggests that restraining weight gain could delay adiposity rebound and prevent obesity in early adulthood.

Relation BetweenBglIIPolymorphism in 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Gene and Adipose Tissue Distribution in Humans

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase locus and adipose tissue distribution phenotypes. A total of 132 unrelated individuals from the Quebec Family Study were followed prospectively for an average period of 11.3 years. The BglII polymorphism in exon 4 of the 3beta-HSD gene was detected by PCR. Body mass, body fat, and regional fat distribution indicators were adjusted for age and age2 within each gender. Associations were assessed in unrelated adults with ANOVA across three genotypes. No association was found for the indicators of body mass, body fat, and regional distribution of adipose tissue measured in 1992. In women, the changes (difference between data collected in 1992 and at entry) in the sum of six skinfolds (p=0.04), abdominal skinfold (p=0.01), and abdominal skinfold adjusted (p=0.03) for the sum of six skinfolds at entry were related to the BglII polymorphism at the 3beta-HSD locus. These relations were not found in men, but they gained less body mass and body fat over the 11.3-year period. This suggests that sequence variation at the 3beta-HSD locus or in neighboring genes on chromosome 1 may contribute to individual differences in body fat content and adipose tissue distribution in adult women, particularly in abdominal adipose tissue deposition as they grow older and gain body fat.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Response of Adipose Mass and Cellularity to Graded Caloric Restriction

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of mild to moderate caloric restriction on parameters of body growth, fat mass, and adipose tissue cellularity in female and male Wistar rats.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Three-month-old female and male Wistar rats were subjected to a chronic, mild to moderate caloric restriction paradigm (5%, 10%, or 20% reduction in caloric intake from ad libitum values) for 6 months. This was accomplished using a unique automated feeder system tailored to the food consumption levels of individual rats. Body weight and length, weight of lean organs, regional adipose mass, and adipose cellularity were measured before and after the diet restriction.

RESULTS

Caloric restriction produced proportional decelerations in body weight increases in both genders, without significant changes in body length or lean organ mass. Marked and disproportional reductions in regional adipose tissue mass were produced at all levels of food restriction (even at 5% restriction). An unexpected finding was that in response to graded caloric restriction, female rats preserved adipose fat cell number at the expense of fat cell volume, whereas the converse was seen for male rats.

DISCUSSION

These studies demonstrate a sexual dimorphism in the response to mild to moderate degrees of chronic caloric restriction. At low levels of caloric restriction, it is possible to affect regional adipose mass and cellularity while preserving lean organ mass.

Rate of Fat Gain Is Faster in Girls Undergoing Early Adiposity Rebound

OBJECTIVE

To determine the changes in body composition (fat and lean mass) occurring in children during adiposity rebound (AR).

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Thirty-nine girls, 3 to 6 years of age at baseline, underwent yearly DXA scans for 2 years. An additional DXA scan was obtained 4 to 5 years after baseline. Age at AR was determined by modeling, and the velocity of change in height, weight, fat mass, and lean mass was estimated for each child using random coefficient models. Girls with an AR <5 years of age were classified as having an early AR, and those having an AR > or =5 years were classified as late AR.

RESULTS

Although body composition was similar at age 5, by age 9, girls with an early AR were significantly taller (3.5% more) and heavier (14.4%), with greater fat mass (50%) and percentage body fat (27%) than girls with a later AR. In addition, more girls were overweight according to BMI (18% vs. 6%) or percentage body fat (29% vs. 11%) at this time, despite no differences at baseline. Annual velocity of fat mass gain was over 2-fold higher in early compared with late rebounders (17.1% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.0001), with no difference in lean mass velocity (13.1% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.116).

DISCUSSION

Differences in BMI during AR were caused specifically by alterations in body fat and not by alterations in lean mass or height. Children undergoing early AR gained fat at a faster rate than children who rebounded at a later age.

Role of thrombospondin-2 in murine adipose tissue angiogenesis and development

Expression of thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2), a matricellular protein with anti-angiogenic properties, is modulated in developing adipose tissue. To investigate a potential functional role of TSP-2 in adipose tissue angiogenesis and growth, TSP-2 deficient (TSP-2(-/-)) and wild-type littermate (TSP-2(+/+)) mice were kept on normal chow (standard fat diet (SFD)) or on high fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. TSP-2(-/-) mice kept on HFD had a significantly lower total body weight throughout the experimental period. Subcutaneous (SC) and gonadal (GON) fat mass were, however, not different, and their composition in terms of size and density of adipocytes and blood vessels was also comparable in both genotypes. Macrophage infiltration in SC or GON adipose tissues was not affected by TSP-2 deficiency. TSP-2 deficiency had no effect on adipose tissue mRNA expression of gelatinase A (MMP-2), whereas gelatinase B (MMP-9) was downregulated in SC and GON adipose tissues of TSP-2(-/-) mice on HFD. Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance tests were comparable for TSP-2(+/+) and TSP-2(-/-) mice. TSP-2 deficiency was not compensated by increased expression of TSP-1 in the TSP-2(-/-) mice. These data suggest that TSP-2, despite its reported anti-angiogenic properties, does not play an important functional role in adipose tissue related angiogenesis or associated fat development in mice.

[Changes in the mRNA expression of adiponectin, adiponectin receptors, and leptin in adipose tissue of Wannanhua pigs at different stages of development]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the changes in the mRNA expression of adiponectin (Adp), adiponectin receptors(AdpR), and leptin in different adipose tissues of Wannanhua pigs at different stages of development, and their sexual dimorphism.

METHODS

Five Wannanhua boars and five Wannanhua gilts were sampled at birth, 30, 45, 90, and 180 days of age respectively. The delta delta Ct relative quantification real-time PCR was used to detect the transcription levels of Adp, AdpR1, AdpR2, and leptin mRNAs in subcutaneous (SC) and perirenal (PR) adipose tissues, and beta-actin were used as internal standards.

RESULTS

The expression level of Adp, AdpR1, AdpR2, and leptin mRNA in SC and PR adipose tissue were changed with age significantly (P < 0.01). In general, Adp mRNA expression in SC adipose tissue was significantly lower than that in PR adipose tissue (P < 0.05), while AdpR1, AdpR2, and leptin mRNA expression in SC adipose tissue were significantly higher than those in PR adipose tissue (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Although the sexual dimorphism were found in apart genes or apart days of age, Adp, AdpR1, AdpR2, and leptin mRNA expression both in SC adipose tissue and PR adipose tissue had no significant differences between Wannanhua gilts and boars in general. Significant positive correlation was found between Adp and AdpR1, AdpR2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and significant negative correlation was found between Adp and leptin (P < 0.05) in SC adipose tissue and PR adipose tissue respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expression of Adp, AdpR1, AdpR2, and leptin mRNA in adipose tissue of Wannanhua pigs followed specific developmental patterns and tissue specificity. Adp correlated with its receptors.

Effect of premature aging on murine adipose tissue

To evaluate the effect of aging on adipose tissue development, subcutaneous (SC) and gonadal (GON) white and peri-aortic brown adipose tissues were analyzed of 10 and 30 week old mice deficient in the clock gene Bmal1 (brain and muscle arnt like protein 1) (Bmal1(-/-)) and wild-type littermates (Bmal1(+/+)) kept on a standard fat diet. At both ages, daily food intake was significantly decreased for Bmal1(-/-) mice, associated with reduced hypothalamic expression of PPARα. Between 10 and 30 weeks of age, the total body weight of Bmal1(+/+) mice increased significantly, but that of Bmal1(-/-) mice did not change. Whereas for Bmal1(+/+) mice, both SC and GON fat mass increased with age, these decreased for Bmal1(-/-) mice. This was associated with increased adipocyte size with age for Bmal1(+/+) but not for Bmal1(-/-) mice. Adipose tissue related angiogenesis was not affected by genotype or aging. Peri-aortic brown adipose tissue mass in 30 week old Bmal1(-/-) mice was significantly reduced as compared to age-matched Bmal1(+/+) mice. Comparison of gene expression profiles in SC and GON adipose tissues of both genotypes revealed very marked effects of Bmal1 gene deletion in itself on PAI-1 (4- to 13-fold downregulation), whereas the associated effect of premature aging was striking for leptin (90- to 130-fold downregulation). Thus, premature aging in Bmal1(-/-) mice kept on normal chow was associated with reduced adiposity.

Fattening performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics of Kivircik male lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the fattening performance and carcass and meat quality characteristics of Kivircik twin male lambs. Twelve lambs at approximately 5 months of age were subjected to a finishing diet for 60 days. Average live weight of lambs at the beginning and the end of the fattening were 23.14 ± 0.84 and 39.0 ± 1.01 kg, respectively. Daily live weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were found as 0.265 ± 0.007 and 6.14 kg, respectively. Hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and dressing percentage were 19.6 ± 0.6 and 18.9 ± 0.6 kg and 48.1 ± 0.3%, respectively. Kidney-pelvic fat weight, internal fat weight, and m. longissimus dorsi area were 0.117 ± 0.023 and 0.364 ± 0.041 kg and 15.26 ± 0.70 cm(2), respectively. The percentages of leg, back loin, forearm, shoulder, neck, flank-chest, kidney-pelvic fat, and internal fat in carcasses of the lambs were found as 34.1 ± 0.4%, 19.6 ± 0.3%, 21.0 ± 0.2%, 7.0 ± 0.3%, 10.5 ± 0.3%, 7.2 ± 0.2%, 1.3 ± 0.1%, and 1.8 ± 0.1%, respectively. Averages water content, ash, protein content, and fat content of meat samples were 73.4%, 1.0%, 19.5% and 3.6%, respectively. pH and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values of meat samples were 5.55 and 0.056 ± 0.017. L*(lightness), a*(redness), and b*(yellowness) values were recorded as 43.87, 12.69, and 10.22, respectively. Thus, we conclude that fattening performance, carcass, and meat quality of Kivircik lambs are satisfactory levels than that of other native breeds.

Influence of parental overweight on the association of birth weight and fat distribution later in childhood

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the association between birth weight and fat distribution in childhood is modified by parental overweight.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 728 Danish children aged 8-10 and 14-16 years. The main outcomes were waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, subscapular skinfold, and subscapular-to-triceps skinfold ratio. Analyses were stratified by parental overweight status (none vs. ≥1 overweight parent) for each dependent variable, expressed as z-scores.

RESULTS

Birth weight z-score was negatively associated with waist circumference (β -0.08 SD; 95% CI -0.15, -0.02), waist-to-height ratio (β -0.15 SD; 95% CI -0.22, -0.07), and subscapular-to-triceps ratio (β -0.28 SD; 95% CI -0.44, -0.12) after adjustment for sex, age, puberty, preterm birth, BMI, height, socio-economic status, mother's age at delivery, parity, breastfeeding, energy intake, and aerobic fitness in the group with ≥1 overweight parent. Birth weight was negatively associated with subscapular skinfold in groups with (β -0.16 SD; 95% CI -0.24, -0.06) and without overweight parents (β -0.09 SD; 95% CI -0.16, -0.02), but the magnitude of the association was greater in the former group.

CONCLUSION

The association between birth weight and fat distribution seems to be influenced by parental overweight. Lower birth weights are associated with central adiposity among offspring of overweight parents.

Maternal periconceptional and gestational low protein diet affects mouse offspring growth, cardiovascular and adipose phenotype at 1 year of age

Human and animal studies have revealed a strong association between periconceptional environmental factors, such as poor maternal diet, and an increased propensity for cardiovascular and metabolic disease in adult offspring. Previously, we reported cardiovascular and physiological effects of maternal low protein diet (LPD) fed during discrete periods of periconceptional development on 6-month-old mouse offspring. Here, we extend the analysis in 1 year aging offspring, evaluating mechanisms regulating growth and adiposity. Isocaloric LPD (9% casein) or normal protein diet (18% casein; NPD) was fed to female MF-1 mice either exclusively during oocyte maturation (for 3.5 days prior to mating; Egg-LPD, Egg-NPD, respectively), throughout gestation (LPD, NPD) or exclusively during preimplantation development (for 3.5 days post mating; Emb-LPD). LPD and Emb-LPD female offspring were significantly lighter and heavier than NPD females respectively for up to 52 weeks. Egg-LPD, LPD and Emb-LPD offspring displayed significantly elevated systolic blood pressure at 52 weeks compared to respective controls (Egg-NPD, NPD). LPD females had significantly reduced inguinal and retroperitoneal fat pad: body weight ratios compared to NPD females. Expression of the insulin receptor (Insr) and insulin-like growth factor I receptor (Igf1r) in retroperitoneal fat was significantly elevated in Emb-LPD females (P<0.05), whilst Emb-LPD males displayed significantly decreased expression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) gene compared to NPD offspring. LPD females displayed significantly increased expression of Ucp1 in interscapular brown adipose tissue when compared to NPD offspring. Our results demonstrate that aging offspring body weight, cardiovascular and adiposity homeostasis can be programmed by maternal periconceptional nutrition. These adverse outcomes further exemplify the criticality of dietary behaviour around the time of conception on long-term offspring health.

Lower birth weight and increased body fat at school age in children prenatally exposed to modern pesticides: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Endocrine disrupting chemicals have been hypothesized to play a role in the obesity epidemic. Long-term effects of prenatal exposure to non-persistent pesticides on body composition have so far not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess possible effects of prenatal exposure to currently used pesticides on children's growth, endocrine and reproductive function.

METHODS

In a prospective study of 247 children born by women working in greenhouses in early pregnancy, 168 were categorized as prenatally exposed to pesticides. At three months (n = 203) and at 6 to 11 years of age (n = 177) the children underwent a clinical examination and blood sampling for analysis of IGF-I, IGFBP3 and thyroid hormones. Body fat percentage at age 6 to 11 years was calculated from skin fold measurements. Pesticide related associations were tested by linear multiple regression analysis, adjusting for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

Compared to unexposed children birth weight and weight for gestational age were lower in the highly exposed children: -173 g (-322; -23), -4.8% (-9.0; -0.7) and medium exposed children: -139 g (-272; -6), -3.6% (-7.2; -0.0). Exposed (medium and highly together) children had significantly larger increase in BMI Z-score (0.55 SD (95% CI: 0.1; 1.0) from birth to school age) and highly exposed children had 15.8% (0.2; 34.6) larger skin folds and higher body fat percentage compared to unexposed. If prenatally exposed to both pesticides and maternal smoking (any amount), the sum of four skin folds was 46.9% (95% CI: 8.1; 99.5) and body fat percentage 29.1% (95% CI: 3.0; 61.4) higher. There were subtle associations between exposure and TSH Z-score -0.66(-1.287; -0.022) and IGF-I Z-score (girls: -0.62(-1.0; -0.22), boys: 0.38(-0.03; 0.79)), but not IGFBP3.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational exposure to currently used pesticides may have adverse effects in spite of the added protection offered to pregnant women. Maternal exposure to combinations of modern, non-persistent pesticides during early pregnancy was associated with affected growth, both prenatally and postnatally. We found a biphasic association with lower weight at birth followed by increased body fat accumulation from birth to school age. We cannot rule out some residual confounding due to differences in social class, although this was adjusted for. Associations were stronger in highly exposed than in medium exposed children, and effects on body fat content at school age was potentiated by maternal smoking in pregnancy.

Toward an early marker of metabolic dysfunction: omentin-1 in prepubertal children

Omentin-1 is a recently recognized adipokine primarily originating in visceral adipose tissue. We posited that circulating omentin-1 could be an early marker of metabolic dysfunction. To this end, we examined the associations between circulating omentin-1, body fat (bioelectric impedance), an endocrine-metabolic profile (homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)), serum lipids, high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin and blood pressure (BP)) and family history of obesity and diabetes in asymptomatic prepubertal children (n = 161; 77 boys and 84 girls; age 7 ± 1 year) with a normal distribution of height and weight. Increased circulating omentin-1 was associated with a poorer metabolic profile, with relatively higher HOMA(IR), fasting triacylglycerol, BP and familial prevalence of diabetes (all P < 0.005 to P < 0.0001), and relatively lower fraction of HMW adiponectin (P < 0.005), whereas no relationship was found with body weight or fat or with family history of obesity. All these associations were independent of age, gender and fat mass. In conclusion, circulating omentin-1 may become a marker of metabolic dysfunction integrating insulin sensitivity, markers of adipose-tissue metabolism and BP as early as in prepubertal childhood.

From fatness to leaness: where did we go wrong?

INTRODUCTION

In humans, using adipose tissue to store fat represents the most effective means to 'store' energy. On the whole and over an extended period of time, intake of energy has exceeded energy expenditure and where previously the excess of energy was regularly turned over through physical activity, this crucial circle has now been broken. In this way obesity ascribed to either 'overeating' or 'under-activity'. Central adiposity poses a major risk for chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and possibly mortality. Predictors and potential factors underlying the development of excess adiposity were well studied and established with emphasis on fat mass.

OBJECTIVE

When studying the development of body composition, bone mass, fat mass and lean mass should be considered together. The purposes of the present paper are to briefly analyze the methodologies used to estimate the lean mass (LM), understanding the interrelationship between fat mass (FM) and LM and underline the importance of LM during growth.

RESULTS

As muscle and adipose tissue are closely linked anatomically, biologically and pathologically, the interrelationship between these two tissues is of great importance in understanding the pathogenesis and development of diseases related to obesity and physical activity/inactivity. LM estimation, and LM programming could show several implications for the early origin of obesity.

CONCLUSION

Measurements of lean mass may improve the capacity to tailor nutrition, treatment and management to metabolic criteria. This approach could offer a unique opportunity of putting lean mass in the first line keeping in mind that this metabolic active tissue need to be preserved when obesity prevention and treatment are considered.

[Adolescents increase to more gestational weight and fat than adults according to BMI pre-gestational]

INTRODUCTION

The excessive gestational weight gain predisposes to overweight and obesity postpartum, this becomes a worldwide public health problem.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze gestational weight pattern and body fat in adolescents and adult women, to identify the group that would have major weight and body fat gain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study done in 64 adolescent < or = 18 years and 48 adult women. Anthropometric evaluation was realized, at 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 38 gestational weeks with weight and body fat percentage. Patients signed letter informed consent.

RESULTS

In adolescents weight and BMI were smaller (p < 0.001), and their gestational fat gain was bigger than in the adult women (5.31 vs. 4.12 kg; p < 0.001). Pre-gestational BMI (beta = 0.459, EE = 0.089, p = 0.001), and age group (beta = - 1.400, EE = 0.735, p = 0.060) were associated to fat percentage variability. The adolescents with low weight and BMI > or = 85th percentile showed a greater gain of weight in respect to which is classified as normal weight (18.0 and 15.5 vs. 12.0 kg; p = 0.018). 54.7% of the adolescents and 64.6% of adults did gain excessive weight, more than the recommended according pre-gestational BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and pregestational BMI conditioned the body fat change. More than half of the patients included exceeded the recommended weight gain. The overweight or excessive weight gain adolescents have increased risk of postpartum retention weight than adult women in the same conditions.

Age-related decrease in cold-activated brown adipose tissue and accumulation of body fat in healthy humans

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) can be identified by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) combined with X-ray computed tomography (CT) in adult humans. The objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between BAT and adiposity in healthy adult humans, particularly to test the idea that decreased BAT activity may be associated with body fat accumulation with age. One hundred and sixty-two healthy volunteers aged 20-73 years (103 males and 59 females) underwent FDG-PET/CT after 2-h cold exposure at 19 °C with light clothing. Cold-activated BAT was detected in 41% of the subjects (BAT-positive). Compared with the BAT-negative group, the BAT-positive group was younger (P < 0.01) and showed a lower BMI (P < 0.01), body fat content (P < 0.01), and abdominal fat (P < 0.01). The incidence of cold-activated BAT decreased with age (P < 0.01), being more than 50% in the twenties, but less than 10% in the fifties and sixties. The adiposity-related parameters showed some sex differences, but increased with age in the BAT-negative group (P < 0.01), while they remained unchanged from the twenties to forties in the BAT-positive group, in both sexes. These results suggest that decreased BAT activity may be associated with accumulation of body fat with age.

Longitudinal body composition data in exclusively breast-fed infants: a multicenter study

Reference %fat and total fat-free mass data is necessary for evaluating growth in infants. We aimed to develop longitudinal %fat and total fat-free mass data in infants from birth to 6 months of age. An observational, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted with assessments at birth, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months of age. Subjects were exclusively breast-fed and were enrolled at three centers. Whole-body composition (i.e., % fat and total fat-free mass) were assessed using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) (PEA POD; Life Measurement, Concord, CA). Maternal prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and infant anthropometric data were collected. A total of 160 infants (boys = 84) were assessed from birth to 4 months of age. Mean birth weight was 3.46 ± 0.39 kg % fat and fat-free mass significantly increased from birth to 4 months of age (P < 0.0001). Gender-specific %fat and total fat-free mass curves for infants from birth to 4 months of age were created. This study will be beneficial to health-care professionals in evaluating normal growth and nutritional patterns in the first months of life.

The anti-angiogenic herbal extracts Ob-X from Morus alba, Melissa officinalis, and Artemisia capillaris suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

CONTEXT

Growing adipose tissue is thought to require adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Close examination of developing adipose tissue microvasculature reveals that angiogenesis often precedes adipogenesis. Since our previous study demonstrated that Ob-X, the anti-angiogenic herbal composition composed of Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae), Morus alba L. (Moraceae), and Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (Compositae), reduced adipose tissue mass in obese mice, we hypothesized that adipogenesis can be inhibited by Ob-X.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of the anti-angiogenic herbal extracts Ob-X on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with Ob-X, we studied the effects of Ob-X on triglyceride accumulation and expression of genes involved in adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling.

RESULTS

Treatment of cells with Ob-X inhibited lipid accumulation and adipocyte-specific gene expression caused by troglitazone or monocyte differentiation-inducing (MDI) mix. Ob-X reduced mRNA levels of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor-A, -B, -C, -D, and fibroblast growth factor-2) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs; MMP-2 and MMP-9), whereas it increased mRNA levels of angiogenic inhibitors [(thrombospondin-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2)] in differentiated cells. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were also decreased in Ob-X-treated cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the anti-angiogenic herbal composition Ob-X inhibits differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. These events may be mediated by changes in the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis, angiogenesis, and the MMP system. Thus, by reducing adipogenesis, anti-angiogenic Ob-X provides a possible therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of human obesity and its related disorders.