Nutritional Genetics and Energy Metabolism in Human Obesity

The Effect of ω3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Levels of PPARγ and UCP2 Genes Expression, Serum Level of UCP2 Protein, Metabolic Status, and Appetite in Elite male Athletes: Protocol for a Randomized Control Trial

Some genetic factors may influence body composition, such as PPARγ and UCP2. PPARγ plays an important role in body fat distribution. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of omega3 fatty acids on the gene expression of PPARγ and UCP2, levels of blood lipid profile, fat mass, and fat-free mass, and appetite.

Elite male athlete volunteers of up to 36 subjects were invited to participate in this RCT. Following a public announcement, volunteers were recruited from gyms, teams, and sports medicine boards in Tabriz, Iran. Gene’s expression of PPARγ and UCP2, serum levels of blood lipid profile, fat mass, and fat-free mass was collected. Data collection time points include baseline in addition to 3 weeks follow up. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Tabriz University Medical of Sciences (IR.TBZMED.REC.1398.782) in October 2019 and was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: 20190625044008N1 on December 19, 2019.

Recruitment began in July and concluded in December 2019. As of August 19, 2019, we have screened 373 volunteers. 36 were enrolled. Baseline measurements of participants were collected. After three-week of intervention, end study measurements of participants were collected. The results are expected to be released in 2021. Participants have a median age of 21.86 (±3.15). The finding of this study showed Results showed PPARγ mRNA levels, and UCP2 mRNA and protein levels increased in the omega3 group (p < 0.05), as did REE (p < 0.05). Also, differences in the sensation of hunger or satiety were significant (p < 0.05).

This study could result in the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on PPARγ, and UCP2 expressions, blood lipid profiles and body composition. In addition, the results of this trial can be used as baseline information for conducting further clinical and sport nutrition studies.

Nutrients and Oxidative Stress: Friend or Foe?

There are different types of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress sources that trigger inflammation. Much information indicates that high intakes of macronutrients can promote oxidative stress and subsequently contribute to inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) mediated cell signaling pathways. Dietary carbohydrates, animal-based proteins, and fats are important to highlight here because they may contribute to the long-term consequences of nutritionally mediated inflammation. Oxidative stress is a central player of metabolic ailments associated with high-carbohydrate and animal-based protein diets and excessive fat consumption. Obesity has become an epidemic and represents the major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress are complex and poorly understood. Therefore, this review aimed to explore how dietary choices exacerbate or dampen the oxidative stress and inflammation. We also discussed the implications of oxidative stress in the adipocyte and glucose metabolism and obesity-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in obesity and the development of obesity-related NCDs would provide a useful approach. This is because oxidative stress can be mediated by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, hence providing a plausible means for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Effects of commercially available dietary supplements on resting energy expenditure: a brief report

Commercially available dietary products advertised to promote weight loss are an underresearched but heavily purchased commodity in the United States. Despite only limited evidence, interest in dietary supplements continues to increase. This work uniquely summarizes the current evidence evaluating the efficacy of several over-the-counter thermogenic products for their effects on resting energy expenditure. Currently, there is some evidence suggesting dietary products containing select ingredients can increase energy expenditure in healthy young people immediately following consumption (within 6 hours). It is unclear if supplement-induced increases in metabolic rate provide additional benefit beyond that provided by dietary constituents that contain similar ingredients. It is also unclear if dietary supplements are effective for weight loss in humans.