Effects of Interval Jump Rope Exercise Combined with Dark Chocolate Supplementation on Inflammatory Adipokine, Cytokine Concentrations, and Body Composition in Obese Adolescent Boys

Energy Costs of 37 Physical Activities in Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 9-17 Years with Obesity

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Obtaining data on the energy expenditure of physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents with obesity is crucial for promoting health in this population through exercise. However, relevant research is limited. This study aimed to determine the energy expenditure characteristics of 37 diverse PAs in children and adolescents with obesity and examine the association between obesity and energy expenditure (EE) characteristics within this cohort.

METHODS

Three hundred and ninety-seven children and adolescents with obesity aged 9-17 performed various PAs. PA intensity, EE, and body fat (BF) percentage were measured.

RESULTS

The resting oxygen uptake (VO2) and resting energy expenditure (REE) of children and adolescents with obesity were 4.23 (3.72-4.84) ml/kg/min and 0.020 (0.018-0.023) kcal/kg/min, respectively, with significant differences between boys and girls (p < 0.05). The metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values for the PAs ranged from 1.12 to 8.14 METs. Regression analyses revealed an inverse association with age, BMI, and percentage BF increased, with resting VO2, REE, and average PA energy expenditure (PAEE) during PAs.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Resting VO2 was lower in children and adolescents with obesity than those with normal weight and higher than in adults. (2) Of the measured PA intensities, 8 were light, 17 were moderate, and 5 were vigorous intensity. (3) The increase in the degree of obesity and age further decreased VO2 and EE both at rest and during PA. Our results can provide precise guidance for the exercise of children and adolescents with obesity and serve as a reference for the development of physical activity guidelines and compendiums. Future research should further diversify the types of PAs measured.

Effects of plant-based diets combined with exercise training on leptin and adiponectin levels in adults with or without chronic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies

Background

The effects of exercise training combined with plant-based diets (PBD) on leptin and adiponectin levels have been studied. However, little is known regarding the impact of exercise training combined with PBD on leptin and adiponectin levels in adults with or without chronic diseases.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify original articles, published until May 2024, to assess the effects of exercise training combined with PBD on leptin and adiponectin levels in adults with or without chronic diseases. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random models.

Results

Nine studies comprising 960 participants with overweight and obesity were included in the current meta-analysis. Exercise training combined with PBD reduced leptin [SMD = -0.33 (95% CI: -0.62 to -0.04); p = 0.025] while increasing adiponectin [SMD = 0.93 (95% CI: 0.12 to 1.74); p = 0.024] levels.

Conclusion

Exercise training combined with PBD is suggested as a non-invasive intervention for reducing leptin while increasing adiponectin levels to control body mass and other disorders related to obesity in adults.

The effects of green tea extract supplementation on body composition, obesity-related hormones and oxidative stress markers: a grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Research indicates that green tea extract (GTE) supplementation is beneficial for a range of conditions, including several forms of cancer, CVD and liver diseases; nevertheless, the existing evidence addressing its effects on body composition, oxidative stress and obesity-related hormones is inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of GTE supplementation on body composition (body mass (BM), body fat percentage (BFP), fat mass (FM), BMI, waist circumference (WC)), obesity-related hormones (leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) markers. We searched proper databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Web of Science, up to July 2022 to recognise published randomised controlled trials (RCT) that investigated the effects of GTE supplementation on the markers mentioned above. A random effects model was used to carry out a meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I2 index. Among the initial 11 286 studies identified from an electronic database search, fifty-nine studies involving 3802 participants were eligible to be included in this meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes indicated that BM, BFP, BMI and MDA significantly reduced following GTE supplementation. In addition, GTE supplementation increased adiponectin and TAC, with no effects on FM, leptin and ghrelin. Certainty of evidence across outcomes ranged from low to high. Our results suggest that GTE supplementation can attenuate oxidative stress, BM, BMI and BFP, which are thought to negatively affect human health. Moreover, GTE as a nutraceutical dietary supplement can increase TAC and adiponectin.

Effects of low-volume functional and running high-intensity interval training on physical fitness in young adults with overweight/obesity

Objectives: This study examined and compared the effects of functional and running high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness of young adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: Forty-five participants (22.1 ± 2.1 years, BMI = 25.2 ± 1.0 kg/m2) were assigned to functional HIIT (HIIT-F; n = 15), running HIIT (HIIT-R; n = 15), or non-training control group (CON; n = 15). Participants in HIIT-F and HIIT-R performed functional exercise based-HIIT (four sets of all-out whole-body exercises including jumping jacks, squats, twist jumps and mountain climbers, et al.) and running HIIT (four sets of running on a treadmill) for 12 weeks, respectively. Body composition, muscular fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed pre and post intervention. Results: Both HIIT-F and HIIT-R significantly improved the body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness, with HIIT-F induced greater improvements in lean mass (+1.623 vs. -1.034 kg, p < 0.001), back strength (+6.007 vs. +3.333 kg, p < 0.01), and push-ups (+5.692 vs. 1.923 reps, p < 0.001) than that in HIIT-R. HIIT-R reduced more visceral fat area (VFA) (-11.416 vs. -4.338 cm2, p = 0.052) and induced similar improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max, +2.192 vs. +2.885 mL/kg/min, p = 0.792) with HIIT-F. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of HIIT-R or HIIT-F improved physical fitness among young adults with overweight or obesity. Despite the similar impact on cardiorespiratory fitness, HIIT-F generates a better positive effect on muscular fitness relative to HIIT-R, which could be partly explained by the greater increase in lean mass after HIIT-F intervention.

Astaxanthin Supplementation Augments the Benefits of CrossFit Workouts on Semaphorin 3C and Other Adipokines in Males with Obesity

Regular physical activity and the use of nutritional supplements, including antioxidants, are recognized as efficacious approaches for the prevention and mitigation of obesity-related complications. This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of CrossFit training combined with astaxanthin (ASX) supplementation on some plasma adipokines in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity (BMI: 33.6 ± 1.4 kg·m-2) were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (CG; n = 11), ASX supplementation group (SG; n = 11), CrossFit group (TG; n = 11), and training plus supplement group (TSG; n = 11). Participants underwent 12 weeks of supplementation with ASX or placebo (20 mg/day capsule daily), CrossFit training, or a combination of both interventions. Plasma levels of semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), apelin, chemerin, omentin1, visfatin, resistin, adiponectin, leptin, vaspin, and RBP4 were measured 72 h before the first training session and after the last training session. The plasma levels of all measured adipokines were significantly altered in SG, TG, and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The reduction of resistin was significantly higher in TSG than in SG (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of omentin1 were significantly higher in both training groups of TG and TSG than SG (p < 0.05), although such a meaningful difference was not observed between both training groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the reductions of plasma levels of vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemerin, and SEMA3C between the SG and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The study found that a 12-week intervention using ASX supplementation and CrossFit exercises resulted in significant improvements in several adipokines among male individuals with obesity. Notably, the combined approach of supplementation and training had the most pronounced results. The findings presented in this study indicate that the supplementation of ASX and participation in CrossFit exercise have the potential to be effective therapies in mitigating complications associated with obesity and enhancing metabolic health.

The effect of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Elevated serum concentrations of chemerin is a significant factor in the development of metabolic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the influence of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases.

METHODS

Thirteen studies including 463 participants were included and analysed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Results indicated that exercise training significantly decreased serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases when compared with controls. Subgroup analysis showed that exercise training resulted in decreases in serum concentrations of chemerin in men, however, this was not significant in women. Moreover, subgroup analyses based on the type of exercise did not reveal differential effects on serum concentrations of chemerin.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training may produce improvements in serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases. Further longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The effects of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and obesity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of 43 clinical trials

CONTEXT

Elevated serum concentrations of chemerin is a significant factor in the development of metabolic disorders in individuals with overweight and obesity.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression evaluated the effects of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity.

METHODS

Studies published up to January 2021 were identified through four databases. Forty-three studies including 1271 participants were included and analysed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Results indicated that exercise training significantly decreased serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. Subgroup analysis showed that all types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, and combined training) interventions but not high-intensity interval training decreased serum concentrations of chemerin. Subgroup analysis based on baseline body mass index (BMI), gender, and intervention duration showed significant declines in serum concentrations of chemerin. Meta-regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage (BFP) with serum concentrations of chemerin.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training may decrease serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. The chemerin-lowering effects of exercise might be related to declines in BFP. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effects of soy milk ingestion immediately after resistance training on muscular-related biomarkers in older men: a randomized controlled trial

We evaluated the effects of soy milk ingestion on changes in body composition, strength, power, and muscular-related biomarkers following 12 weeks of resistance training in older men. Thirty healthy older men (age = 65.63 ± 3.16 years; body mass = 62.63 ± 3.86 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: soy milk + resistance training (SR) or placebo + resistance training (PR). Participants in the SR group received 240 ml of vanilla-flavoured non-dairy soy milk immediately after every training session and at the same time on non-training days. Differences in muscle mass, upper limb body strength (UBS), lower limb aerobic power (LAP), activin A, and GDF15 were significantly greater in the SR group vs. the PR group (P < 0.05). Both intervention groups experienced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in body mass (PR = -3.9 kg; SR = -3.2 kg), body fat % (PR = -0.8%; SR = -1.2%), activin A (PR = -5.1 pg/ml; SR = -12.8 pg/ml), GDF15 (PR = -8.1 pg/ml; SR = -14.7 pg/ml), TGFβ1 (PR = -0.43 pg/ml; SR = -0.41 pg/ml), and increase in muscle mass (PR = 0.81 kg; SR = 2.5 kg), UBS (PR = 3.4 kg; SR = 6.7 kg), lower limb body strength (PR = 2.8 kg; SR = 5.2 kg), upper limb aerobic power (PR = 34.3 W; SR = 38.6 W), LAP (PR = 23.2 W; SR = 45.2 W), BDNF (PR = 8.3 ng/ml; SR = 12.7 ng/ml), and irisin (PR = 1.5 ng/ml; SR = 2.9 ng/ml) compared to baseline. The ingestion of soy milk during 12 weeks of resistance training augmented lean mass, strength, and power, and altered serum concentrations of skeletal muscle regulatory markers in older men.

Jumping Rope Improves the Physical Fitness of Preadolescents Aged 10-12 Years: A Meta-Analysis

To systematically review the effects of jumping rope on physical fitness among 10 to 12-year-old preadolescents, and to provide evidence-based support for its use in school physical education curriculum work. The PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, and CNKI databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that assessed jumping rope and physical fitness among preadolescents aged 10-12 years. Meta-analyses were used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and subgroup analyses were conducted on intervention duration, frequency and period. A total of 1048 subjects from 15 studies were included. Compared to regular physical education courses, jumping rope did not show a significant advantage in terms of body morphology. In terms of physical function, boys showed greater improvements in vital capacity, and girls showed greater improvements in resting HR. In terms of physical performance, boys showed greater improvements in speed, upper-body strength, lower-body strength, muscular endurance and agility, while girls showed greater improvements in coordination and balance. Boys experienced a minimal improvement in flexibility, while girls did not show a significant difference. Combining the results of the subgroup analyses, the optimal session time, frequency and intervention length of jumping rope for significantly improving the physical fitness of preadolescents were >40 min, 2 times/week and 8-12 weeks, respectively. In conclusion, jumping rope provides small to large benefits over regular physical education for both boys and girls aged 10-12 years in terms of physical function and physical performance indicators other than flexibility, while showing no significant advantage in terms of body morphology. Based on the available research, it is recommended that children aged 10-12 years participate in jump rope sessions for at least 40 minutes once or twice a week for 8-12 weeks to better develop physical fitness.

The association between diet quality index-international and inflammatory markers in Iranian overweight and obese women

Objectives

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether there is a link between the diet quality index (DQI) and markers of systemic inflammation in Iranian overweight and obese women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 200 Iranian overweight and obese women aged 18-48 years. The DQI-international (DQI-I) comprises four main components: variety, adequacy, moderation, and overall balance. Blood samples were collected in a fasted state to measure inflammatory markers.

Results

After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, total energy intake, economic status, education, supplement intake, age of starting obesity, and history of body mass loss, a marginally significant negative association was observed between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the DQI-I (β: -0.015, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.000; p = 0.061). The results after adjustment showed that DQI-I has a negative association with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations (β: -0.031, 95% CI: -0.104, -0.031; p = 0.023). Furthermore, negative associations were observed between the adequacy component and levels of HOMA-IR (β: -0.025, 95% CI: -0.100, 0.047, p = 0.050) and hs-CRP (β: -0.615, 95% CI: -1.191, -0.020; p = 0.045). In addition, negative associations were found between transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and balance score (β: -6.270, 95% CI: -39.211, -3.661, p = 0.020), as well as HOMA-IR (β: -0.080, 95% CI: -0.202, -0.000, p = 0.041) and chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (β: -0.562, 95% CI: -11.414, -0.282, p = 0.021), with the various component. A marginally significant negative association between galectin 3 (Gal-3) and moderation score (β: -0.451, 95% CI: -1.171, 0.060, p = 0.060) was found. In addition, a marginally significant inverse association was also established between hs-CRP and variety score (β: -0.311, 95% CI: -0.970, 0.001, p = 0.052). The Receiver Operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that DQI-I might better predict HOMA-IR with a cut point of 3.13 (AUC = 0.698, 0.511-0.699, p = 0.050).

Conclusion

These findings showed that a higher adherence to diet quality and its components could probably be related to lowering the inflammatory markers considerably in overweight and obese women.

The Effects of 12 Weeks of Concurrent and Combined Training on Inflammatory Markers, Muscular Performance, and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Overweight and Obese Males

Aim: Previous studies have focused on the order of endurance and resistance training when performing concurrent training (CT). However, no study has compared the effects of combined training with CT orders on inflammatory markers, muscular performance, and body composition in overweight and obese males. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of CT and combined training on the aforementioned markers in overweight and obese males. Methods: Sixty middle-aged overweight and obese males (age 51 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned into one of four groups: endurance followed by resistance training (ER; n = 15), resistance followed by endurance training (RE; n = 15), combined resistance and endurance training (COM), or control (CON; n = 15). Anthropometric, body composition, inflammatory marker, and muscular performance measurements were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: FFM remained unchanged in all three intervention groups (p > 0.05). Reductions in FM in the RE group were significantly greater than in CON (p = 0.038). The increases in serum concentrations of adiponectin in the RE group were significantly greater than in all other groups (p < 0.05). Increased serum concentrations of CTRP3 in all intervention groups were significantly greater than the CON group (p < 0.05); moreover, the increases in the RE group were significantly greater than CON (p < 0.001). Regarding CTRP5, the increase in RE was significantly greater than COM (p = 0.014). The RE group experienced significantly greater increases in CTRP9 than all other groups (p < 0.05), and the decreases in serum concentrations of CRP and TNF-α were significantly greater in the RE group compared to CON and ER (p < 0.05). Vo2max in the ER group was significantly greater than COM (p = 0.009), and all interventions resulted in higher gains compared to CON (p < 0.05). The increases in leg press strength, chest press strength, lower-body power, and upper-body power in the RE group were significantly greater than in the COM group (p < 0.05). In addition, the increases in chest press strength in the ER group were significantly greater than COM (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Regardless of training order, CT improved inflammatory markers, body composition, power, and VO2max. Notably, our analysis indicated significantly greater improvements in adiponectin, CTRP5, CTRP9, CRP, and TNF-α levels when RT preceded ET in CT sessions compared to other exercise training sequences. These findings suggested that the order of exercise training may have a significant impact on the effectiveness of CT on inflammatory markers, which has potential implications for exercise prescription and optimization of health-related training outcomes.

Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) attenuates the inflammatory marker TNF-α in patients on hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and oxidative stress lead to a high risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Food rich in polyphenols such as dark chocolate may be an effective strategy to mitigate inflammation and delay CKD complications, outwith sensorial pleasure promotion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dark chocolate on inflammation and oxidative stress markers in patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

A clinical trial was carried out with 59 patients who were allocated into the chocolate group [40g of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) offered during HD sessions, 3×/week] or the control group with any intervention for two months. Plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were evaluated by the ELISA method. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and LDLox levels were evaluated as lipid peroxidation markers. Routine biochemical parameters were analysed using commercial BioClin® kits.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients completed the chocolate group (18 men, 53.0 (16) years and 31.0 (39) months on HD) and 11 in the control group (7 men, 48.0 (17.5) years and 44.0 (56.5) months on HD). Regarding the differences between the groups, the patients who received dark chocolate had reduced plasma levels of TNF-α compared to the control (p = 0.008). No significant changes were observed in the oxidative stress parameters evaluated in both groups. Routine biochemical (including phosphorus and potassium levels) and anthropometric parameters and food intake were not changed after the study period.

CONCLUSION

The intervention with dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for two months reduced the plasma levels of TNF-α in patients with CKD on HD. In addition, it is essential to emphasise that chocolate intake did not increase the plasma levels of phosphorus and potassium in these patients. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04600258.

Are Women with Normal-Weight Obesity at Higher Risk for Cardiometabolic Disorders?

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic abnormalities in women with normal-weight obesity (NWO) in comparison with lean, overweight, and obese women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated the assessment of cardiometabolic abnormalities of women with NWO compared to lean, overweight, and obese women. NWO was defined as a BMI < 25 kg.m^-2 and a BFP higher than 30%. Anthropometric variables, cardiometabolic abnormality markers (fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), and liver enzymes were also examined.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in HDL concentrations between NWO, lean, and obese participants (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in FBG, insulin resistance, liver enzymes, or cholesterol between groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of the abnormal metabolic phenotype was higher in NWO compared to the lean group (4.0% and 24.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Women with type 2 and 3 obesity had abnormal metabolic profiles (60.9% and 73.9%, respectively) compared to NWO participants (p < 0.01). The NWO group had a significantly higher incidence of cardiometabolic abnormalities compared to the lean participants (p < 0.05), while the type 2 and 3 obese individuals had significantly higher incidences compared to the NWO group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with NWO had a significantly higher incidence of cardiometabolic abnormalities when compared to lean participants. These abnormalities strongly relate to BFP and waist circumferences.

The action of phytochemicals present in cocoa in the prevention of vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), have caused many deaths worldwide. Atherosclerotic plaque formation is common in individuals with CVDs. Thus, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutritional strategies can be used to prevent or inhibit this process. Due to its higher concentrations of cocoa, dark chocolate is considered a functional food due to the presence and action of phytochemical compounds, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. However, the recommended amounts of these compounds to prevent atherosclerosis have not yet been fully elucidated.

AIM

The aim of the studywas to review the effects of cocoa and dark chocolate intake on the prevention of cardiovascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

This narrative review was based on a search of PubMed and Lilacs. The search was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022 using the following keywords: flavonoids, cocoa, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The inclusion criteria were original articles, meta-analyses, and experimental and clinical studies published between 2002 and 2022 in English, focusing on the subject addressed. The exclusion criteria were the title and abstract reading and duplication of articles in the databases.

RESULTS

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions of phytochemicals in cocoa and dark chocolate are related to the modulation of nitric oxide through activation/phosphorylation and acting as a vasodilator. Furthermore, these phytochemicals reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species and activate antioxidant enzymes. The anti-inflammatory activities are related to the modulation of nuclear factor kappa B in the reduction of inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as in the reduction of adhesion molecules in the wall of the vases.

CONCLUSION

The main phytochemicals present in cocoa and dark chocolates are catechins and their epicatechin isomers, which are responsible for improving inflammatory, metabolic, and antioxidant profiles. Its consumption can be encouraged, but with caution, owing to the caloric supply and forms of chocolate production, as these factors can reduce the presence of flavonoids in its composition.

RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions of the phytochemicals in cocoa and dark chocolate are responsible for modulating nitric oxide via activation/phosphorylation and acting as a vasodilator. Reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species, as well as activating antioxidant enzymes. As for the anti-inflammatory activities, they modulate the nuclear factor kappa B, reducing inflammatory markers, thus improving the antioxidant and inflammatory profile of these patients.

Maternal Supplementation with a Cocoa Extract during Lactation Deeply Modulates Dams' Metabolism, Increases Adiponectin Circulating Levels and Improves the Inflammatory Profile in Obese Rat Offspring

High-flavonoid cocoa consumption has been associated with beneficial properties. However, there are scarce data concerning the effects of maternal cocoa intake on dams and in their progeny. Here, we evaluated in rats whether maternal supplementation with a high-flavan-3-ol cocoa extract (CCX) during lactation (200 mg.kg^-1.day^-1) produced beneficial effects on dams and in their normoweight (STD-CCX group) and cafeteria-fed obese (CAF-CCX group) adult male offspring. Maternal intake of CCX significantly increased the circulating levels of adiponectin and decreased the mammary gland lipid content of dams. These effects were accompanied by increased energy expenditure and circulating free fatty acids, as well as by a higher expression of lipogenic and adiponectin-related genes in their mammary glands, which could be related to a compensatory mechanism to ensure enough lipid supply to the pups. CCX consumption programmed both offspring groups towards increased plasma total adiponectin levels, and decreased liver weight and lean/fat ratio. Furthermore, CAF-CCX progeny showed an improvement of the inflammatory profile, evidenced by the significant decrease of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) circulating levels and the mRNA levels of the gene encoding the major histocompatibility complex, class II invariant chain (Cd74), a marker of M1 macrophage phenotype, in the epididymal white adipose tissue. Although further studies are needed, these findings can pave the way for using CCX as a nutraceutical supplement during lactation.

Red, white, and processed meat consumption related to inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers among overweight and obese women

BACKGROUND

Considering that a high meat intake is directly associated with obesity, it is critical to address the relationship between consuming different types of meat with inflammation and metabolism in overweight and obese cohorts. Thus, we evaluated the association between red, white, and processed meat consumption with inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in overweight and obese women.

METHODS

The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 overweight and obese Iranian women. Dietary intake was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 147 items. The anthropometric measurements, serum lipid profile, and inflammatory markers were measured by standard protocols. All associations were assessed utilizing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and linear regression models.

RESULTS

In the adjusted model, it was established that higher intake of processed meat had a significant positive association with leptin levels (β: 0.900, 95% CI: 0.031;1.233, p = 0.015). Moreover, after considering the confounders, a significant positive association between processed meat and macrophage inflammatory protein (MCP-1) levels was observed (β: 0.304, 95% CI:0.100;1.596, p = 0.025). Positive significant associations between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β:0.020, 95% CI:0.000;0.050, P = 0.014) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (β:0.263, 95% CI:0.112;0.345, p = 0.053) and MCP-1 (β:0.490, 95% CI: 0.175;1.464, p = 0.071) levels with red meat were also shown; while there was a significant negative association between red meat and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.016, 95% CI: -0.022, -0.001, p = 0.033). Furthermore, a significant negative association were established following confounding adjustment between Galectin-3 (Gal-3) (β: -0.110, 95% CI: -0.271;0.000, p = 0.044), MCP-1 (β: -1.933, 95% CI: -3.721;0.192, p = 0.022) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.011, 95% CI: -0.020,0.000, p = 0.070) levels with high adherence of white meat intake. In contrast, a significant marginally positive association between PAI-1 levels and high adherence to white meat intake (β: -0.340, 95% CI: -0.751;0.050, p = 0.070) has been shown.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher red and processed meat consumption were positively associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers in overweight and obese women. In contrast, negative relationships between high adherence to white meat and various inflammatory and metabolic parameters were established. Further studies are needed to confirm the causality of these associations and potential mediating pathways.

Jump rope training effects on health- and sport-related physical fitness in young participants: A systematic review with meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related on the effects of jump rope training (JRT) compared with active/passive controls on health- and sport-related physical fitness outcomes. Searches were conducted in three databases, including studies that satisfied the following criteria: i) healthy participants; ii) a JRT programprogramme; iii) active or traditional control group; iv) at least one measure related to health- and sport-related physical fitness; v) multi-arm trials. The random-effects model was used for the meta-analyses. Twenty-one moderate-high quality (i.e., PEDro scale) studies were meta-analysed, involving 1,021 participants (male, 50.4%). Eighteen studies included participants with a mean age <18 years old. The duration of the JRT interventions ranged from 6 to 40 weeks. Meta-analyses revealed improvements (i.e., p = 0.048 to <0.001; ES = 0.23-1.19; I² = 0.0-76.9%) in resting heart rate, body mass index, fat mass, cardiorespiratory endurance, lower- and upper-body maximal strength, jumping, range of motion, and sprinting. No significant JRT effects were noted for systolic-diastolic blood pressure, waist-hip circumference, bone or lean mass, or muscle endurance. In conclusion, JRT, when compared to active and passive controls, provides a range of small-moderate benefits that span health- and sport-related physical fitness outcomes.

Flavonoid Intake From Cocoa-Based Products and Adiposity Parameters in Adolescents in Spain

Background

Cocoa-based products are a good source of flavonoids, which may have beneficial effects on metabolic health.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between flavonoids from cocoa-based products and adiposity parameters in adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 944 adolescents aged 11-14 years enrolled in the SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial in Spain with available baseline data from food frequency questionnaires and anthropometric measurements [weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and fat mass percentage (% FM) by bioimpedance analysis]. Fat mass index (FMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were obtained by dividing fat mass by height and WC by height, respectively. Body mass index (BMI), WC, and FMI for age and gender z-score were calculated. Overweight/obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile and excess adiposity as %FM or FMI ≥ 75th percentile. WC ≥ 90th percentile and WHtR with a 0.5 threshold were considered as criteria of abdominal obesity. Multilevel mixed-effect regressions were used to evaluate the association between flavonoids from cocoa-based products and adiposity parameters. Municipalities and schools were considered random effects.

Results

Participants with a higher flavonoid intake from cocoa-based products had lower WC z-score [B = -0.04, 95% CI (-0.07; -0.01), P-for trend = 0.045] and WHtR [B = -0.01, 95% CI (-0.02; -0.01), P- for trend < 0.001]. They also had lower probability of having abdominal obesity [OR 0.66, 95% CI (0.52; 0.85), P- for trend = 0.001]. Inverse associations were observed between flavonoids from cocoa powder and BMI z-score [B = -0.08, 95% CI (-0.12; -0.05), P < 0.001], WC z-score [B = -0.06, 95% CI (-0.11; -0.02), P = 0.003], WHtR [B = -0.01, 95% CI (-0.01; -0.00), P < 0.001], %FM [B = -1.11, 95% CI (-1.48; -0.75), P < 0.001], and FMI z-score [B = -0.18, 95% CI (-0.20; -0.17), P < 0.001]. Regarding dark chocolate, an inverse association only with WC z-score [B = -0.06, 95% CI (-0.08; -0.05), P < 0.001] was found. However, no association was observed between flavonoids from milk chocolate intake and anthropometric parameters.

Conclusions

A higher intake of flavonoids from cocoa-based products was associated with lower adiposity parameters and a lower probability of presenting abdominal obesity.

Irisin reduces inflammatory signaling pathways in inflammation-mediated metabolic syndrome

Irisin is an exercise induced myokine first shown to induce the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) which increases energy expenditure, improves glucose tolerance, and reduces insulin resistance. Among irisin's involvement in lipid homeostasis, osteoblast proliferation, and muscle growth, it also acts as a mediator of many inflammatory pathways throughout the body. This review aims to describe the role of irisin in inflammatory processes and understand how targeting irisin can alter the inflammatory response in metabolic syndrome (MetS). The mechanisms involved in irisin's anti-inflammatory functions include reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reducing macrophage proliferation, inducing alternatively activated (M2-type) macrophage polarization, inhibiting pathways of increased vascular permeability, and preventing the formation of inflammasomes. While there are some contradictory results, most studies found reduced levels of irisin in MetS and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Irisin treatment of cells exposed to inflammatory stimuli ameliorates the inflammatory response and promotes cellular viability. Numerous methods have been studied to increase plasma irisin levels including dietary, behavioral, and pharmaceutical. Further investigation is necessary to understand how irisin can be targeted for disease modification.

Effects of Soy Milk in Conjunction With Resistance Training on Physical Performance and Skeletal Muscle Regulatory Markers in Older Men

Purpose: We aimed to determine the effects of 12 weeks of soy milk consumption combined with resistance training (RT) on body composition, physical performance, and skeletal muscle regulatory markers in older men. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 60 healthy elderly men (age = 65.63 ± 3.16 years) were randomly assigned to four groups: resistance training (RT; n =  15), soy milk consumption (SMC; n  =  15), resistance training + soy milk (RSM; n = 15), and control (CON; n  =  15) groups. The study was double-blind for the soy milk/placebo. Participants in RT and RSM groups performed resistance training (3 times/week) for 12 weeks. Participants in the SMC and RSM groups consumed 240 mL of soy milk daily. Body composition [body mass (BM), body fat percent (BFP), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and fat mass (FM)], physical performance [upper body strength (UBS), lower body strength (LBS), VO2max, upper anaerobic power, lower anaerobic power, and handgrip strength], and serum markers [follistatin, myostatin, myostatin-follistatin ratio (MFR), and growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11)] were evaluated before and after interventions. Results: All 3 interventions significantly (p < 0.05) increased serum follistatin concentrations (RT = 1.7%, SMC = 2.9%, RSM = 7.8%) and decreased serum myostatin (RT = -1.3% SMC = -5.4%, RSM = -0.5%) and GDF11 concentrations (RT = -1.4%, SMC = -1.4%, RSM = -9.0%), and MFR (RT = -2.6%, SMC = -3.2%, RSM = -12%). In addition, we observed significant reduction in all 3 intervention groups in BFP (RT = -3.6%, SMC = -1.4%, RSM = -6.0%), WHR (RT = -2.2%, SMC = -2.1%, RSM = -4.3%), and FM (RT = -9.6%, SMC = -3.8%, RSM = -11.0%). Moreover, results found significant increase only in RT and RSM groups for muscle mass (RT = 3.8% and RSM = 11.8%), UBS (RT = 10.9% and RSM = 21.8%), LBS (RT = 4.3% and RSM = 7.8%), upper anaerobic power (RT = 7.8% and RSM = 10.3%), and lower anaerobic power (RT = 4.6% and RSM = 8.9%). Handgrip strength were significantly increased in all 3 intervention groups (RT = 7.0%, SMC = 6.9%, RSM = 43.0%). VO_2max significantly increased only in RSM (1.7%) after 12 weeks of intervention. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the RSM group compared to RT, SMC, and CON groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There were synergistic effects of soy milk and RT for skeletal muscle regulatory markers, body composition, and physical performance. Results of the present study support the importance of soy milk in conjunction with RT for older men.

Chemerin as Potential Biomarker in Pediatric Diseases: A PRISMA-Compliant Study

Adipose tissue is the main source of adipokines and therefore serves not only as a storage organ, but also has an endocrine effect. Chemerin, produced mainly in adipocytes and liver, is a natural ligand for chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPR1) and C-C motif chemokine receptor-like 2 (CCRL2), which have been identified in many tissues and organs. The role of this protein is an active area of research, and recent analyses suggest that chemerin contributes to angiogenesis, adipogenesis, glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism. Many studies confirm that this molecule is associated with obesity in both children and adults. We conducted a systematic review of data from published studies evaluating chemerin in children with various disease entities. We searched PubMed to identify eligible studies published prior to February 2022. A total of 36 studies were selected for analysis after a detailed investigation, which was intended to leave only the research studies. Moreover, chemerin seems to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular and digestive diseases. The purpose of this review was to describe the latest advances in knowledge of the role of chemerin in the pathogenesis of various diseases from studies in pediatric patients. The mechanisms underlying the function of chemerin in various diseases in children are still being investigated, and growing evidence suggests that this adipokine may be a potential prognostic biomarker for a wide range of diseases.

The Combined Effects of 6 Weeks of Jump Rope Interval Exercise and Dark Chocolate Consumption on Antioxidant Markers in Obese Adolescent Boys

Research has shown that both dark chocolate and exercise training may have favorable effects on antioxidant function in obese cohorts. However, their combined effect has not been established. We assessed the influences of six weeks of dark chocolate consumption combined with jump rope exercise on antioxidant markers in adolescent boys with obesity. Fifty adolescent boys with obesity (age = 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned into one of four groups; jump rope exercise + white chocolate consumption (JW; n = 13), jump rope exercise + dark chocolate consumption (JD; n = 13), dark chocolate consumption (DC; n = 12), or control (C; n = 12). Two participants dropped out of the study. Participants in JW and JD groups performed jump rope exercise three times per week for six weeks. Participants in the DC and JD groups consumed 30 g of dark chocolate containing 83% of cocoa during the same period. Serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated prior to and after the interventions. All 3 intervention groups noted significant (p < 0.01) increases in serum concentrations of TAC, SOD, and GPx from baseline to post-test. In contrast, all intervention groups showed significantly reduced serum concentrations of TBARS from pre- to post-test (p ≤ 0.01). Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed that post-test serum concentrations of TAC in the JD group were significantly greater than C (p < 0.001), DC (p = 0.010), and JW (p < 0.001) groups. In addition, post-test serum concentrations of SOD in the JD group were significantly greater than C group (p = 0.001). Post-test serum concentrations of GPx in the JD group were significantly greater than C (p < 0.001), DC (p = 0.021), and JW (p = 0.032) groups. The post-test serum concentrations of TBARS in the JD group was significantly lower than C (p < 0.001). No other significant between-group differences were observed. The current study provides evidence that dark chocolate consumption in combination with jump rope exercise is more efficient in improving antioxidant capacity than dark chocolate consumption or jump rope exercise alone among obese adolescent boys.

An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis with Colombian Studies on the Effect of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Parameters

Background

It is postulated that cocoa solids possess cardioprotective capacity by various mechanisms. In the different cocoa studies evaluating cardiovascular disease, there are no conclusive data on the role it plays in controlling the lipid profile and anthropometric variables, perhaps because the concentration of cocoa, the geographical origin of the population, and the different concentrations supplied lead to a high heterogeneity of results. This study aims to estimate the effect of consuming cocoa-rich chocolate compared to placebo on the lipid profile and anthropometric variables based on data from three clinical trials conducted in Colombia.

Methods

Meta-analysis of individual data from three randomized clinical trials conducted in Colombia. The entire population of the primary studies was included, which was reassigned into intervention groups if they consumed 50 grams of 70% concentrated cocoa or placebo, which was considered to be cocoa-free or with a concentration less than 50 grams. The variables at the beginning of the study were analyzed with medians, interquartile ranges, means, and deviations according to whether they met the normality assumption. Multiple imputations were used to manage missing data and were analyzed using the two approaches proposed for this type of study, that of one and two stages. In the two-stage approach, the data were weighted on a conventional Forrest plot, while in the one-stage approach, linear regressions with mixed models were applied. This study is governed by the regulations described in the 2013 Declaration of Helsinki and by article 11 of Resolution 8430 of 1993, which classifies it as a risk-free study.

Results

A total of 275 participants were included, who consumed cocoa or placebo for 81 days on average; 52.7% were female and few smoked at the time of the intervention (31/275). Physical activity performed in number of hours per week was comparable between the intervention groups. When evaluating total cholesterol, low-density cholesterol (LDL), high-density cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides, abdominal circumference, and final body mass index with both the one-stage and two-stage approaches, there were no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions

According to the results obtained in the meta-analysis, the consumption of cocoa in the Colombian population does not seem to significantly modify variables such as lipid profile, abdominal circumference, and body mass index. This conclusion according to the quality of the evidence has a weak recommendation and a low-to-moderate certainty. However, the analysis through the two proposed approaches yielded similar results.

Adipokines, Myokines, and Cardiokines: The Role of Nutritional Interventions

It is now established that adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and heart are endocrine organs and secrete in normal and in pathological conditions several molecules, called, respectively, adipokines, myokines, and cardiokines. These secretory proteins constitute a closed network that plays a crucial role in obesity and above all in cardiac diseases associated with obesity. In particular, the interaction between adipokines, myokines, and cardiokines is mainly involved in inflammatory and oxidative damage characterized obesity condition. Identifying new therapeutic agents or treatment having a positive action on the expression of these molecules could have a key positive effect on the management of obesity and its cardiac complications. Results from recent studies indicate that several nutritional interventions, including nutraceutical supplements, could represent new therapeutic agents on the adipo-myo-cardiokines network. This review focuses the biological action on the main adipokines, myokines and cardiokines involved in obesity and cardiovascular diseases and describe the principal nutraceutical approaches able to regulate leptin, adiponectin, apelin, irisin, natriuretic peptides, and follistatin-like 1 expression.