Exercise with weight loss improves adipose tissue and skeletal muscle markers of fatty acid metabolism in postmenopausal women

Mitochondrial adaptations to calorie restriction and bariatric surgery in human skeletal muscle: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We performed a meta-analysis to determine the changes induced by calorie restriction (CR) and bariatric surgery on human skeletal muscle mitochondria.

METHODS

A systematic search of Medline and Web of Science was conducted. Controlled trials exploring CR (≥14 days) and mitochondrial function and/or content assessment were included. Moreover, studies analyzing weight loss following gastric surgery were included for comparison purposes. Human muscle data from 28 studies assessing CR (520 muscle samples) and from 10 studies assessing bariatric surgery (155 muscle samples) were analyzed in a random effect meta-analysis with three a priori chosen covariates.

MAIN RESULTS

We report a decrease (p < 0.05) (mean (95 % CI)) in maximal mitochondrial state 3 respiration in response to CR (-0.44 (-0.85, -0.03)) but not in response to surgery (-0.33 (-1.18, 0.52)). No changes in mitochondrial content were reported after CR (-0.05 (-0.12, 0.13)) or in response to surgery (0.23 (-0.05, 0.52)). Moreover, data from CR subjects showed a reduction in complex IV (CIV) activity (-0.29 (-0.56, -0.03)) but not in CIV content (-0.21 (-0.63, 0.22)). Similar results were obtained when the length of the protocol, the initial body mass index, and the estimated energy deficit were included in the model as covariates.

CONCLUSION

The observation of reduced maximal mitochondrial state 3, uncoupled respiration, and CIV activity without altering mitochondrial content suggests that, in human skeletal muscle, CR mainly modulates intrinsic mitochondrial function.

The Effect of Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Exercise on Bone Mass and the Transcription of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Ovariectomized Rats

Objective: Using RNA-sequencing technology to screen the effect of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise on the sensitive genes that affect bone mass in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods: Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) grade were randomly divided into the sham operation (SHAM) group, OVX group, and OVX combined exercise (OVX + EX) group. The OVX + EX group performed moderate-intensity treadmill exercise for 17 weeks. Then, the body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured, and the bone microstructure of the femur was observed. PBMCs were collected from the abdominal aorta, and the differential genes were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing to further screen sensitive genes.

Results: (1) In the OVX group, the body weight and body fat content were significantly higher than in the SHAM group while the muscle content and BMD were significantly lower than the SHAM group. (2) The trabecular bone parameters in the OVX group were significantly lower than in the SHAM group, and they were significantly higher in the OVX + EX group than in the OVX group. When compared with the SHAM group, the microstructure of the distal femur trabecular in the OVX group was severely damaged, suggest that the morphological structure of trabecular bone is severely damaged, the number of trabecular bones is reduced, and the thickness becomes thinner, which lead to the widening of the trabecular bone space and the appearance of osteoporosis. The number and continuity of the trabecular bones were higher in the OVX + EX group than in the OVX group. (3) A Venn diagram showed that there were 58 common differential genes, and the differential genes were mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Five sensitive genes were screened including CCL2, Nos3, Tgfb3, ITGb4, and LpL. The expression of CCL2, Nos3, and Tgfb3 genes was closely related to multiple bone parameters.

Conclusion: Moderate-intensity treadmill exercise may improve the body composition and bone mass of the OVX group by upregulating CCL2 and other genes of the PBMC. The PBMCs in the peripheral blood can be a useful tool for monitoring the effect of exercise on bone health in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Effect of Resistance Exercise on the Lipolysis Pathway in Obese Pre- and Postmenopausal Women

Physical exercise may stimulate lipolytic activity within adipose tissue. Furthermore, resistance exercise may contribute to the more efficient reduction in adipose tissue mass and prevent the accumulation thereof in obese women. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of regular resistance exercise for 12 weeks on the lipolysis pathway in women with obesity. Twenty-three pre- and postmenopausal women with body fat percentages of 30% or more were divided into the premenopausal group (n = 9) and the postmenopausal group (n = 14). All subjects participated in resistance exercise training for 12 weeks. Anthropometric and physical fitness tests were performed on all participants. Protein analyses were performed on extracted subcutaneous fatty tissue, and changes in the relevant protein levels in the samples were analyzed by Western blotting. All serum samples were submitted for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of adipocyte factors. After 12 weeks, the adipose triglyceride lipase, monoacylglycerol lipase, and perilipin1 protein levels were significantly lower in the postmenopausal group than in the premenopausal group. The hormone-sensitive lipase protein levels were significantly higher in the postmenopausal group than in the premenopausal group. In addition, leptin concentrations were significantly decreased after resistance exercise in the postmenopausal group. Adiponectin concentrations were significantly increased after resistance exercise in both groups. These findings indicate that regular resistance exercise is effective in reducing the weight and body fat of obese premenopausal women, and in the secretion of adiponectin. On the other hand, postmenopausal women were found to have redeced weight and body fat, and were found to be positive for the secretion of adipokine factors. In addition, positive changes in lipolysis pathway factors in adipose tissue promote lipid degradation and reduce fat mass. Thus, regular resistance exercise shows positive changes in the lipolysis pathway more effectively in weight and body fat reduction in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women.

Electric pulse stimulation inhibited lipid accumulation on C2C12 myotubes incubated with oleic acid and palmitic acid

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) on lipid accumulation and alteration of fatty acid-related enzymes in C2C12 myotubes incubated with fatty acids.

METHODS

Mouse C2C12 myotubes were incubated with oleic acid and palmitic acid, and differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with EPS, oil-red O (ORO), BODIPY staining and triglyceride (TG) content were examined. Total RNA was isolated, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed.

RESULTS

(1) EPS decreased TG content (p < .01). (2) EPS significantly induced the mRNA expression of FAD/CD36 (p < .05), FATP4 (p < .001), FABP1 (p < .01) and FABP5 (p < .01). (3) EPS significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (p < .01). (4) Adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase expression were significantly elevated (p < .001), and induced the mRNA expression of CPT1 (p < .01), ACOX1 (p < .05), UCP3 (p < .05) and PPARα (p < .001) after EPS.

CONCLUSION

EPS reduced lipid droplet accumulation; enhanced CD36, FATP4, FABP1 and FABP5 expression; inhibited C2C12 myotube fatty acid re-esterification; and promoted fatty acid oxidation in C2C12 myotubes.

Circulating myokines IL-6, IL-15 and FGF21 response to training is altered by exercise type but not by menopause in women with obesity

To examine the effects of a time-matched endurance vs. concurrent training on circulating IL-6, IL-13, IL-15, IL-15Ra, FGF21 levels in postmenopausal women with obesity, and to determine these myokines response to endurance training pre- and postmenopause. Thirty-five sedentary postmenopausal women with obesity were randomly divided into endurance training (EN1, N = 10), concurrent training (CON, N = 13) or no training group (CT, N = 12). Additionally, twelve sedentary premenopausal women with obesity were added to an endurance training group (EN2, N = 12). Participants took part in a 12-week supervised intervention, performing 3 sessions/week of 60 min/session. Before and after the interventions, body composition and fitness were assessed, and blood samples obtained to measure serum myokines levels. Total fat mass decreased in all exercised groups (CON,-5.2%; EN1,-5.3%; EN2,-5.6%). In postmenopausal women, serum IL-6, IL-15 and IL-15Ra decreased after training (P<0.01), finding a pronounced reduction in IL-6 (-42% vs. -16%) and IL-15 (-50% vs. -31%) when comparing EN1 to CON (P<0.05). Serum FGF21 was only reduced in the EN1 (-27%; P=0.012). While EN1 and EN2 comparison, reported differences for IL-15Rα concentration (-28% vs. -40%; P=0.023). Finally, in EN2, the delta change of fat mass and IL-6, IL-15 and IL-15Rα were associated (r = 0.605; r = 0.546; r = 0.515; P<0.05). IL-13 showed undetected concentrations. Circulating IL-6, IL-15 and FGF21 response to training is altered by exercise type but not by menopause in women with obesity. Endurance training promotes a higher reduction of these myokines, potentially activating their intricate immune and fat mass regulation roles in postmenopausal women with obesity.

The effect of regular resistance exercise, vitamin D, and calcium supplements on the gastrocnemius muscle in rats in the post-menopausal period: An experimental study

Background

Menopause is the natural termination of menstruation which affects the quality and important aspects of women's life.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of regular resistance training (Ex) with vitamin D (Vit. D) and calcium (Ca) supplements in the postmenopausal period on muscle tissue in rats.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 72 female Wistar rats (8-10-wk old) were randomly divided into control, placebo, Vit. D, Ca, Ex, Ca + Vit. D, Ex + Ca, Ex + Vit. D, and Ex + Ca + Vit. D groups. Control and placebo groups were fed with a standard diet and sesame oil, respectively. Two month after the ovariectomy, Ex, Ca (35 mg/kg), and Vit. D (10000 IU) were administred in all groups except the control. The number of muscle and inflammatory cells, fiber diameter, endomysium thickness, and degenerative collagen fiber area were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results

Muscle cell number was increased in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca, Vit. D + Ex, and Vit. D groups compared to the control group; also, inflammatory cell number showed significant increase in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca (12 ± 5.46), Vit. D + Ex (14 ± 3.25), Ex (13 ± 4.08), Vit. D (11 ± 3.26), Ca + Vit. D (10 ± 1.01), and Ca + Ex (9 ± 2.87) groups. Muscle fiber diameter in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups was higher than the other groups. Endomysium thickness was significantly decreased in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups compared to the control and placebo groups (p < 0.001). Degenerative collagen fiber area showed a significant increase in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups (p ≤ 0.001) comparison with the control group.

Conclusion

Regular resistance exercise, Vit. D, and Ca supplements can improve muscle morphological features in the postmenopausal period.

Impact of Physical Activity and Weight Loss on Fat Mass, Glucose Metabolism, and Inflammation in Older African Americans with Osteoarthritis

(1) Background: There are currently very few interventions performed within a community setting that compare the effects of physical activity (PA) versus PA plus weight loss on cancer and chronic disease risk in older African Americans. Therefore, we investigated the impact of an 8 week (24 session) PA intervention compared to a PA plus weight loss intervention on fat mass, glucose metabolism, and markers of inflammation in older, overweight and obese African Americans. (2) Methods: Subjects were randomized to a PA (n = 83) or PA plus weight loss (n = 72) intervention that met three times weekly for 8 weeks. At baseline and post-intervention, anthropometrics, body composition, systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin 6), fasting glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined. (3) Results: Subjects had a mean age of 67 years (SD = 5.3) and were mostly women (88%). The PA plus weight loss group lost more total and visceral fat than the PA group (−4.0% vs. +0.6% and −4.1% vs. +3.7%, respectively, p < 0.01 for both). Changes in inflammation and glucose metabolism were similar between groups post-intervention. Within the PA plus weight loss group only, serum insulin and HOMA-IR decreased significantly. (4) Conclusions: PA combined with weight loss can decrease total and visceral fat mass and improve insulin sensitivity, confirming that these cancer- and chronic disease-related risk factors are influenced by relatively modest lifestyle changes in the short term.

Association between body mass index and fitness in Korean adults according to the lump mean value and Gaussian fitting

The aim of this study was to determine the body mass index (BMI) for the best fitness and effective exercise. This study analyzed data from the Korean national fitness assessment by the Korea Institute of Sport Science (2017). The fitness tests considered were sit-up, standing long jump (SLJ), 20-m multi-stage shuttle run (20-m MSSR), and 10-m shuttle run (10-m SR) tests. The BMIs for the best fitness and widths of the fitness distributions were calculated using the lump mean value and Gaussian fitting. The values of BMI (kg/m²) associated with the best sit-up, SLJ, 20-m MSSR, and 10-m SR scores were 23.4, 22.6, 22.2, and 22.6 for males and 19.0, 18.5, 18.6, and 18.6 for females. The widths (kg/m²) of the sit-up, SLJ, 20-m MSSR, and 10-m SR distributions were 3.65, 3.42, 3.73, and 2.86 for males and 4.84, 4.88, 4.45, and 4.35 for females. The results show that the BMI can be reduced the most and fitness can be increased effectively by the 20-m MSSR for males and the SLJ for females, which could be used to establish personal exercise aims.

Exercise Training at Maximal Fat Oxidation Intensity for Overweight or Obese Older Women: A Randomized Study

The purpose was to study the therapeutic effects of 12 weeks of supervised exercise training at maximal fat oxidation intensity (FATmax) on body composition, lipid profile, cardiovascular function, and physical fitness in overweight or obese older women. Thirty women (64.2 ± 5.1 years old; BMI 27.1 ± 2.3 kg/m²; body fat 41.3 ± 4.6%) were randomly allocated into the Exercise or Control groups. Participants in the Exercise group were trained at their individualized FATmax intensity (aerobic training), three days/week for one hour/day for 12 weeks. The Exercise group had significantly decreased body mass, BMI, fat mass, visceral trunk fat, and diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, there were significant increases in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, predicted VO₂max, left ventricular ejection fraction, and sit-and-reach performance. There were no changes in the measured variables of the Control group. These outcomes indicate that FATmax is an effective exercise intensity to improve body composition and functional capacity for older women with overweight or obesity.

Insulin suppression of fatty acid skeletal muscle enzyme activity in postmenopausal women, and improvements in metabolic flexibility and lipoprotein lipase with aerobic exercise and weight loss

BACKGROUND

Obesity and insulin resistance are characterized by metabolic inflexibility, a condition described as an inability to switch from fat oxidation during fasting to carbohydrate oxidation during hyperinsulinemia. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of metabolic flexibility in 103 obese (37-59% fat), sedentary (VO₂max: 19.4 ± 0.5 ml/kg/min), postmenopausal (45-76 years) women, and changes in metabolic flexibility with exercise and weight loss interventions.

METHODS

Insulin sensitivity (M) and metabolic flexibility via an 80 mU/m²/min hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, VO₂max, and body composition were measured. Metabolic flexibility was measured after 6-months aerobic training + weight loss (AEX + WL: n = 43) or weight loss (WL: n = 31). Basal and insulin-stimulated vastus lateralis skeletal muscle samples were available from a subset of these women (n = 45).

RESULTS

Metabolic flexibility correlated inversely with glucose₁₂₀ min of OGTT, fasting insulin, and the percent change (insulin-basal) in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and positively with M, but not with VO₂max, total body fat, visceral fat, or subcutaneous abdominal fat. Skeletal muscle acyl-CoA synthase and citrate synthase activities decreased during hyperinsulinemia. Metabolic flexibility increased after AEX + WL but not WL, and the percent change in metabolic flexibility was inversely related to the percent change in insulin's effect on LPL activity.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic flexibility is related to insulin sensitivity and insulin's action on LPL. Furthermore, metabolic flexibility and insulin suppression of skeletal muscle LPL activity increase with AEX + WL in overweight and obese, sedentary older women.

Diversity of Thermogenic Capacity Predicts Divergent Obesity Susceptibility in a Wild Rodent

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to examine whether wild rodents exhibit diverse obesity susceptibility and what factors predispose subjects to this divergence in response to a high-fat diet (HFD).

METHODS

Sixty male and female Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) were fed an HFD for 8 weeks, and the upper (obesity prone [OP]) and lower (obesity resistant [OR]) one-third for mass gain were selected. Energy budgets and pathologic changes were measured. Another 30 males were fed a low-fat control diet (LFD) for 10 weeks and then fed an HFD for 12 weeks. The energetic parameters of the rodents on an LFD were analyzed for the correlation with body mass of the rodents on an HFD.

RESULTS

OP voles had higher energy intakes, higher levels of noradrenaline-induced nonshivering thermogenesis, and a greater impairment of insulin tolerance than OR voles. Unlike laboratory rodents, there were no differences in physical activity or resting metabolic rate between these groups of voles. The thermogenic capacity during LFD feeding was the strongest predictor for mass gain during HFD feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a wild rodent species of Brandt's voles exhibits diverse obesity susceptibility in reaction to an HFD, providing a natural model to give insight into the mechanisms for divergent obesity susceptibility. This study also indicates that maximum thermogenic capacity has a predictive power for the development of obesity when an HFD was available.

Chronic administration of ellagic acid improved the cognition in middle-aged overweight men

This study aimed to investigate if ellagic acid has beneficial effects on cognitive deficits in middle-aged overweight individuals and to propose a possible mechanism. A total of 150 middle-aged male participants, including 76 normal-weight and 74 overweight men, aged between 45 to 55 years, were recruited for this study. Both normal-weight and overweight participants were administered either 50 mg ellagic acid or placebo cellulose daily for 12 weeks. Blood lipids, peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and saliva cortisol were assessed on the last day of the procedure to investigate the effects induced by ellagic acid. The results revealed that ellagic acid treatment improved the levels of blood lipid metabolism with a 4.7% decline in total cholesterol, 7.3% decline in triglycerides, 26.5% increase in high-density lipoprotein, and 6.5% decline in low-density lipoprotein. Additionally, ellagic acid increased plasma BDNF by 21.2% in the overweight group and showed no effects on normal-weight participants. Moreover, the increased saliva cortisol level in overweight individuals was inhibited by 22.7% in a 12-week ellagic acid treatment. Also, compared with placebo, overweight individuals who consumed ellagic acid showed enhanced cognitive function as measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that ellagic acid prevents cognitive deficits through normalization of lipid metabolism, increase in plasma BDNF level, and reduction of saliva cortisol concentration. These results indicate that ellagic acid has a potential to restore cognitive performance related to mild age-related declines.