Weight reduction effects of a black soy peptide supplement in overweight and obese subjects: double blind, randomized, controlled study

The present study determined the effect of black soy peptide supplementation on body weight and body fat in overweight/obese subjects. In a double-blind controlled trial, participants (n = 80) were randomized to either soy peptide supplementation (the test group) or to a placebo (the placebo group). Sixty-four people completed the study, and anthropometric parameters, serum inflammatory markers, and leptin and lipid profiles were measured. After 6 weeks, the test group (n = 35) had significant reductions in body weight (p = 0.003) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.004), body fat mass (p = 0.038). After 12 weeks, they also had significant reductions in body weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), body fat percentage (p = 0.002), and body fat mass (p = 0.001). However, these significances were not observed in the placebo group (n = 29). In addition, net changes in body weight and body fat mass in the test group were significantly bigger than those in the placebo group after 12 weeks. Leptin levels were significantly reduced in the test groups (p = 0.047), but were not observed in the placebo group (p = 0.323). Interestingly, the subjects with weight reductions ≥1kg in the test group had greater reductions in circulating leptin levels (p = 0.002). Additionally, fasting insulin levels were significantly reduced in the test groups. The conclusion is that black soy peptide supplementation may be beneficial for body weight control in overweight/obese subjects.

Homocysteine and cognitive function in geriatric depression

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Cognitive dysfunction is a common aspect of the spectrum of symptoms of geriatric depression. High homocysteine levels have been linked to cognitive decline in neuropsychiatric disorders. The present study investigated possible associations between cognitive impairment observed in geriatric depression and homocysteine levels.

METHODS

The performance of 25 mentally healthy individuals and 40 patients with geriatric depression in terms of language processing, processing speed, concentration and attention was assessed with the Stroop Test and the d2 Test of Attention. Serum homocysteine was determined with an enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

The performance of depressed patients was significantly worse in language processing (p = 0.001) and processing speed (p < 0.0001). Depressed patients with high levels of homocysteine performed better than patients with homocysteine concentrations <or=11.7 micromol/l in both cognitive domains (p = 0.006 and 0.009, respectively). Moreover, homocysteine level was positively associated with language processing (p = 0.002) and processing speed (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that under the special circumstances of geriatric depression (perturbation of glutamatergic transmission and glutamate metabolism), homocysteine is positively associated with the performance in language processing and processing speed.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a gene encoding a 13.1 kDa antigenic protein of Naegleria fowleri

An antigen-related gene was cloned from a cDNA expression library of Naegleria fowleri by immunoscreening with sera obtained from mice that were either immunized with an amoebic lysate or infected with trophozoites. The coding nucleotide sequence of the cloned gene consisted of 357 bases that were translated into 119 amino acids. This gene was designated as nfa1. The predicted amino acid sequence of Nfa1 protein has two potential glycosylation and three potential phosphorylation sites, and its predicted secondary structure consists of four helices and three corners. The deduced amino acid sequence of Nfa1 protein shares 43% identity with the myohemerythrin (myoHr) protein from a marine annelid, Nereis diversicolor, including 100% identity in conserved regions and iron-binding residues. A phylogenetic tree constructed from amino acid sequences placed the N. fowleri Nfa1 protein outside of a cluster of myoHr proteins from eight invertebrates. A purified recombinant protein that migrated as a 13.1 kDa species in SDS-PAGE was produced. This recombinant protein exhibited a strong immunoreactivity with infected, immune, and anti-Nfal sera. In addition, an anti-Nfa1 serum reacted with an amoeba lysate in immunoblotting analysis. The present nfal gene encoding the myoHr-like protein is the first myoHr gene cloned from protozoa, and the Nfal antigen may be useful in diagnostic studies