Fibroblast growth factor receptor is a mechanistic link between visceral adiposity and cancer

Epidemiological evidence implicates excess adipose tissue in increasing cancer risk. Despite a steeply rising global prevalence of obesity, how adiposity contributes to transformation (stage a non-tumorigenic cell undergoes to become malignant) is unknown. To determine the factors in adipose tissue that stimulate transformation, we used a novel ex vivo system of visceral adipose tissue (VAT)-condition medium-stimulated epithelial cell growth in soft agar. To extend this system in vivo, we used a murine lipectomy model of ultraviolet light B-induced, VAT-promoted skin tumor formation. We found that VAT from mice and obese human donors stimulated growth in soft agar of non-tumorigenic epithelial cells. The difference in VAT activity was associated with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) levels. Moreover, human and mouse VAT failed to stimulate growth in soft of agar in cells deficient in FGFR-1 (FGF2 receptor). We also demonstrated that circulating levels of FGF2 were associated with non-melanoma tumor formation in vivo. These data implicate FGF2 as a major factor VAT releases to transform epithelial cells-a novel, potential pathway of VAT-enhanced tumorigenesis. Strategies designed to deplete VAT stores of FGF2 or inhibit FGFR-1 in abdominally obese individuals may be important cancer prevention strategies as well as adjuvant therapies for improving outcomes.

Energy and substrate metabolism during a 42-day bed-rest in a head-down tilt position in humans

Microgravity-induced changes in body composition (decrease in muscle mass and increase in fat mass) and energy metabolism were studied in seven healthy male subjects during a 42-day bed-rest in a head-down tilt (HDT) position. Resting energy expenditure (REE), fat and glucose oxidation were estimated by indirect calorimetry on days 0, +8 and +40 of the HDT period. Assessments were performed both in post-absorptive conditions and following two identical test meals given at 3-h intervals. Body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry) was measured on days 0, +27, +42. Mean post-absorptive lipid oxidation decreased from 53 (SEM 8) mg x min(-1) (day 0) to 32 (SEM 10) mg x min(-1) (day 8, P = 0.04) and 36 (SEM 8) mg x min(-1) (day 40, P = 0.06). Mean post-absorptive glucose oxidation rose from 126 (SEM 15) mg x min(-1) (day 0) to 164 (SEM 14) mg x min(-1) (day 8, P = 0.04) and 160 (SEM 20) mg x min(-1) (day 40, P = 0.07). Mean fat-free mass (FFM) decreased between days 0 and 42 [58.0 (SEM 1.8) kg and 55.3 (SEM 1.7) kg, P < 0.01] while fat mass increased without reaching statistical significance. The mean REE decreased from 1688 (SEM 50) kcal x day(-1) to 1589 (SEM 42) kcal x day(-1) (P = 0.056). Changes in REE were accounted for by changes in FFM. Mean energy intake decreased from 2532 (SEM 43) kcal x day(-1) to 2237 (SEM 50) kcal x day(-1) (day 40, P < 0.01) with only a minor decrease in the proportion of fat. We concluded that changes in fat oxidation at the whole body level can be found during HDT experiments. These changes were related to the decrease in FFM and could have promoted positive fat balance hence an increase in fat mass.

[Tobacco addiction of the young French male and his military service (author's transl)]

73% of the young males beginning their military service smoke. Chiefly cigarettes, but also pipes and cigars; 29% began smoking before 15 years of age and have increased their consumption since they started, especially those who quit school at fifteen. The military service now plays but a minimum role in inciting, smoking habits in young men (4%). The increase in consumption is frequent (59% of smokers), mostly due to the conditions of the individuals existence. Environmental initiation and the sale of tobacco at a reduced price are negligible motives. Reactions of the anti-smoking campaign were generally positive. One quarter of the smokers feel that they are now better informed. Two thirds have indicated that they would like to cut down on their tobacco consumption. Only a quarter of these have progressed from intention to action. Such diffusion of anti-tobacco information is useful in that it leads to reflection. But it is clearly during elementary and at the beginning of secondary school that anti-smoking campaigns have the greatest effect.