Effect of 6 months' training on the reactive oxygen species production capacity of neutrophils and serum opsonic activity in judoists.

The effects of long-term training on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from neutrophils and serum opsonic activity (SOA) remain to date unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 months training on ROS production and SOA in judoists. Fifty-six judoists were enrolled this study. White blood cell counts, serum creatine kinase (CK), asparate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ROS production from neutrophils, and serum opsonic activity (SOA) using the lucigenin and luminol probes, were measured before and after daily judo exercise (2 h) in March and September. The subjects started their training from March after no exercise for three months, and continued it for 6 months (until September). In March, myogenic enzymes such as CK, ASAT, LDH and neutrophil counts increased and immunoglobulins, complements and SOA decreased after daily judo exercise. Such significant changes were not seen in September. On the other hand, ROS significantly increased after daily judo exercise in both March and September, with no significant difference in the rates of change. In conclusion, 6 month training minimized the changes in SOA as well as muscle enzymes, neutrophil counts, serum immunoglobulins and complements. This could be categorized as a long-term training effect. However, no such change was seen in ROS.     

Effects of 2.5‐hour sumo training on serum opsonic activity

Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport, but the effect of actual daily training on neutrophil function is unknown. We evaluated the effect of sumo training on serum opsonic activity (SOA), which is one of the main neutrophil‐related functions. Seventeen male university sumo wrestlers participated in the study. Changes in anthropometric parameters, concentrations of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), complements (C3 and C4), myogenic enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, asparate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase), white blood cell/neutrophil counts and SOA were measured immediately before and after actual daily training for 2.5 h. Compared with the pre‐values, immunoglobulins and complements, myogenic enzymes and white blood cell/neutrophil counts significantly increased (p <0.01 for all). As for SOA, the values of the peak height and the area under the curve significantly increased after the training when assessed using lucigenin as a chemiluminigenic probe (p <0.01 for all), but showed no significant change when luminol was used as the chemiluminigenic probe. In conclusion, daily actual sumo training for 2.5 h increases SOA, thus possibly activating the reactive oxygen species production of neutrophils. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Changes in serum lipids and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase enzyme during 1 week weight reduction of women on a low-calorie diet

In 32 women of normal body weight who volunteered to participate in the study, the effect of rapid weight reduction by a low-calorie liquid diet on serum lipids and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) enzyme activity was studied. Women were on this 400 kJ/day diet for 7 days and fasting blood samples were drawn before and immediately after the diet. Serum cholesterol decreased from 5.7 +/- 1.0 to 5.2 +/- 1.1 mmol/l and high density lipoprotein cholesterol from 1.77 +/- 0.43 to 1.50 +/- 0.35 mmol/l. The serum LCAT activity decreased significantly during the weight reduction period. When serum LCAT activity was correlated to lipid parameters, a positive correlation was found with total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations before weight reduction and also between changes in LCAT activity and total cholesterol concentration. The data suggest that serum LCAT activity might have a prominent role in the regulation of serum lipid levels.     

Leptin levels in obese children: effects of gender,weight reduction and androgens

Obesity in children is accompanied by increased circulating leptin concentrations. Girls have higher leptin concentrations than boys. The aim of our study was to compare serum leptin levels before and after a five-week weight reduction program and to study the relationship of leptin levels, serum total cholesterol, and androgens (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) in 33 obese boys (age: 12.7+/-1.97 years, BMI: 30.46+/-4.54) and 66 obese girls (age: 12.7+/-2.51 years, BMI: 29.31+/-4.62). We found that serum leptin concentrations in obese children were significantly decreased after a weight reduction program (before 20.79+/-9.61 ng/ml, after 13.50+/-8.65 ng/ml in girls; before 12.25+/-10.09 ng/ml and after 5.18+/-3.56 ng/ml in boys, p<0.0001 in both genders). Leptin levels correlated positively with the body mass index before and after weight reduction. There was a positive association in obese boys and a negative one in obese girls between leptin levels and the WHR (waist to hip circumference ratio). Serum leptin also shows a strong relationship to fat distribution (p=0.02 in boys, p<0.0001 in girls). No significant correlation was found between leptin concentrations and total cholesterol or androgens. We confirmed that leptin is a sensitive parameter of body composition and weight reduction in obese children.     

The effects of a two‐hour judo training session on the neutrophil immune functions in university judoists

The present study examined the effects of judo training on neutrophil and related functions. We measured and studied changes in the neutrophil and its related functions in 22 male university judoists immediately before (Pre values) and immediately after (Post values) a 2 h training session: reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability, phagocytic activities (PA) and serum opsonic activity (SOA). Neutrophil count in whole blood, myogenic enzymes (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) and complements (C3 and C4) in serum were also measured. The Post values of the neutrophil count, myogenic enzymes and IgG increased significantly compared with the Pre values. ROS production capability and SOA also significantly increased following training, although PA showed a slight decrease (but not statistically significant). Taking the findings of our previous studies into consideration, three major neutrophil or related functions, namely ROS production capability, PA and SOA, might compensate for each other to maintain the overall integrity of the neutrophil immune function, in that ROS and SOA increased to compensate for the slight decrease in PA, or PA slightly decreased to compensate for the increase in ROA and SOA after exercise. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of experimental obesity and subsequent weight reduction upon circulating atrial natriuretic peptide

The effect of obesity and weight reduction upon circulating concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide was assessed in an experimental model of the disease. Obese rats weighing in excess of 750 g were compared with formerly obese animals subjected to a 15-week period of caloric restriction resulting in a 40% reduction in body weight. Mean adipocyte size was significantly reduced with weight loss, as was estimated body fat. Mean arterial blood pressure remained normotensive for both groups, but a significant reduction in heart rate was associated with weight reduction. Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide was significantly elevated in the lean rats, which also exhibited decreased plasma renin activity and a negative sodium balance. Analysis of heart to body weight ratios implied that an obesity-associated, volume-induced cardiac hypertrophy remained even after the normalization of body fat. These results suggest that the diuresis and natriuresis accompanying weight reduction may be facilitated by atrial natriuretic peptide, which was elevated in part due to a persistent left ventricular hypertrophy following the transition from the obese to lean condition.     

BMI Is the Main Determinant of the Circulating Leptin in Women after Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

Objective: To assess the main determinant of serum leptin concentration changes in morbidly obese patients treated by banded vertical gastroplasty. Research Methods and Procedures: Serum leptin and insulin concentrations, insulin resistance, BMI, body weight, and body fat mass in 18 obese women and 8 obese men treated by vertical banded gastroplasty were studied. Lean women and men subjects were used as controls. Results: Before surgery, serum leptin and insulin concentrations and insulin resistance index were significantly higher in morbidly obese patients than in control subjects. BMI, body fat mass, and serum triacylglycerol concentrations were also significantly higher in obese than in lean subjects. All of these parameters gradually decreased during 50 weeks after surgery. Univariate regression analysis displayed significant correlations between the following: serum leptin concentration and BMI (and body fat mass), serum leptin concentration and serum insulin concentration, and serum leptin concentration and insulin resistance index. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that only BMI was independently correlated with the decrease in serum leptin concentration. Discussion: Obtained data suggest the following: 1) vertical banded gastroplasty causes reduction of body weight, serum leptin and insulin concentration, insulin resistance, and serum triacylglycerol concentration; and 2) BMI is the main determinant of the circulating leptin concentration in morbidly obese women after anti‐obesity surgery.     

Serum Leptin Concentrations and Weight Gain in Postobese,Postmenopausal Women

Objective : This study was designed to determine if serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) after weight loss on a low-calorie diet predict subsequent weight gain. Research Methods and Procedures : Body composition and serum leptin concentrations were determined on 14 moderately obese, postmenopausal, nondiabetic women with a familial predisposition to obesity. Assessments were obtained under tightly controlled metabolic ward conditions of macronutrient intake and weight maintenance both before (obese state) and after a mean weight loss of 12.0 kg to normal body weight (postobese state). Four years later, without intervention, body weight and body composition were reassessed. Results : Weight loss resulted in significant decreases in fat mass (29.7 ± 5.4 vs. 20.3 ± 4.7; kg), body mass index (27.7 ± 1.6 vs. 23.0 ± 1.5; kg/m2), percent body fat (40.7 ± 4.3 vs. 33.1 ± 5.0), and serum leptin concentrations (31.8 ± 16.0 vs. 11.5 ± 5.4; ng/mL). Serum leptin concentrations were positively correlated (p<<0.05) with fat mass in both the obese and postobese states (r = 0.67 and r = 0.56, respectively). However, residual serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) in the obese and postobese states were not related to changes in body weight (p<= 0.61 and 0.52), fat mass (p = 0.72 and 0.42), body mass index (p = 0.59 and 0.33), or percent body fat (p = 0.84 and 0.46) over the follow-up period. Discussion : These finding do not support the hypothesis that relatively low concentrations of leptin predict weight regain after weight loss. However, because the number of subjects in this study was limited, further studies are warranted.     

Dieting is more effective in reducing weight but exercise is more effective in reducing fat during the early phase of a weight-reducing program in healthy humans

This study compared the relative effectiveness of two means of energy deficit, food restriction (FR) and increased physical activity (EX), on body weight, body composition and concentrations of serum leptin, insulin, glucose, and lipids in female subjects. Thirteen adult female volunteers participated in a two-phase crossover-treatment study. Each phase involved a 9-day energy deficit period and a 5-day follow up energy repletion period. A 25% energy deficit was achieved by either FR or EX. Baseline values were established prior to phase one. Results showed that FR had greater body weight loss, but less body fat loss compared to EX. FR and EX both reduced serum leptin, insulin, total triacylglycerol, LDL-C and VLDL-C concentrations. However, only EX elevated HDL-C. These effects were reversed during follow up energy repletion. Results suggest that under iso-caloric energy deficit conditions FR is more effective in reducing body weight but EX is more effective in reducing body fat and maintaining lean body mass. EX can lead to a more desirable blood lipid profile than can FR. Thus, it is desirable to include exercise in a weight reduction program.     

Changes in immune functions during a peaking period in male university soccer players

The concept of peaking ensures that athletes have trained to attain their absolute peak performance levels prior to a competition. This study investigates the effects of peaking on the functions of neutrophils and lymphocytes in university soccer players during a five‐day soccer training camp followed by two weeks of tapering. The study subjects were 22 soccer players who were members of a university soccer club. We carried out our investigation during a five‐day training camp and two weeks after the training camp (i.e. the tapering period). We measured body composition, immune‐related parameters (leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, immunoglobulins and complements), myogenic enzymes, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and neutrophil functions [reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytic activity, serum opsonic activity and lymphocyte subtypes]. Leukocyte and neutrophil counts tend to increase after the training camp compared with values before the training camp, and recovered during the conditioning period, although the final values were still lower than those before the training camp. The amount of ROS production per neutrophil and level of SOD decreased significantly during the conditioning period compared with before the training camp (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Levels of Th1 cells decreased significantly during the conditioning period compared with the training camp (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the period of two weeks for the tapering period was considered insufficient to allow the athletes’ immune function to recover completely after an intensive training camp. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Weight loss due to a very low calorie diet differentially affects insulin sensitivity and interleukin-6 serum levels in nondiabetic obese human subjects

Inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes with interleukin (IL)-6 being particularly important. While long term exercise has been shown to be associated with reduction in IL-6 serum levels in several reports, the discussion on the effect of dietary intervention on IL-6 serum levels is controversial. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of weight loss due to a very low calorie diet (VLCD) on insulin sensitivity and IL-6 serum levels in nondiabetic obese human individuals. 10 patients with obesity were examined during 12 weeks of a VLCD (800 kcal/d). Body composition was measured by impedance analysis. Blood samples were taken before, during, and after the dietary intervention. Leptin, adiponectin, and IL-6 serum levels were measured by ELISA. The body weight decreased significantly from 123.9±6.2-103.5±5.6 kg with a significant reduction in body fat content (43.2±2.3-36.1±3.1%). Leptin levels exhibited a significant decrease from 56.8±5.6-27.9±5.6 ng/ml while adiponectin levels increased significantly from 7.5±0.9-10.6±1.1 μg/ml. Thereby the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio, a novel marker for insulin sensitivity, significantly improved. Mean IL-6 serum concentrations were within the normal range (3.2±0.8 pg/ml) before the study and were not significantly altered by the nutritional therapy. Despite improvement of insulin sensitivity, IL-6 serum levels did not change throughout the study period, suggesting that in nondiabetic obese human subjects IL-6 might have only a minor role in the impairment of insulin sensitivity.     

Irregular patterns in the daily weight chart at night predict body weight regain

This study examined whether charting daily weight patterns can predict weight regain in obese patients. The subjects were 98 moderately obese Japanese women aged 23 to 66 years who were obliged to precisely record their daily weights during the initial 4-month education period, but not thereafter. The patients were followed up at 8, 12, and 16 months. Abdominal fat areas and blood samples were assessed in the outpatient clinic at 0, 4, and 16 months. The standard deviations (SDs) of the differences in body weight between "after waking up" and "after breakfast" (SDa), "after dinner" (SDb), and "before going to bed" (SDc) were calculated, which were parameters reflecting the fluctuations in the daily weight patterns during the first 4 months. SDc, but not SDa or SDb, was correlated positively with weight regain at 8, 12, and 16 months (P = 0.049, P = 0.002, and P = 0.001, respectively). There were significant differences in temporal change in body weight and abdominal visceral fat between the small SDc group (SDc 75th percentile), but not for subcutaneous abdominal fat or the serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, or lipids. The results indicate that fluctuation of body weight immediately before going to bed is useful for predicting the rebound in body weight.     

Changes in sex hormone binding globulin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma lipids in male cyclists during training and competition.

This study was performed on 13 professional race-cyclists to examine changes in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum lipid concentrations after training and after competition. While SHBG, total cholesterol and phospholipids increased and free fatty acids (FFA) decreased significantly during training, HDL-C and FFA increased and SHBG and triglycerides (TG) decreased significantly during the competition period. These latter changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins were assumed to be a direct effect of utilisation of muscle and plasma TG as fuels for exertion occurring only in extreme exercise. Changes in SHBG concentrations indicated that they were dependent on the conditions of the physical effort and could be related not only to the concentrations of androgens but also to the reduction in body mass.     

The fat body of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) tadpoles during metamorphosis: changes in mass, histology, and melatonin content and effect of food deprivation

The fat body of Lithobates catesbeianus (formerly Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles was studied during metamorphosis and after food deprivation in order to detect changes in its weight, adipocyte size, histology, and melatonin content. Bullfrog tadpoles have large fat bodies throughout their long larval life. Fat bodies increase in absolute weight, and weight relative to body mass, during late stages of prometamorphosis, peaking just before climax, and then decreasing, especially during the latter stages of transformation into the froglet. The climax decrease is accompanied by a reduction in size of adipocytes and a change in histology of the fat body such that interstitial tissue becomes more prominent. Food deprivation for a month during early prometamorphosis significantly decreased fat body weight and adipocyte size but did not affect the rate of development. However, food restriction just before climax retarded development, suggesting that the increased nutrient storage in the fat body before climax is necessary for metamorphic progress. Melatonin, which might be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in fat stores, stayed approximately at the same level during most of larval life, but increased sharply in the fat body during the late stages of climax. The findings show that the rate of development of these tadpoles is not affected by starvation during larval life as long as they can utilize fat body stores for nourishment. They also suggest that the build up of fat body stores just before climax is necessary for progress during the climax period when feeding stops.     

In primiparous sows, plasma insulin-like growth factor-I can be affected by lactational feed intake and dietary energy source and is associated with luteinizing hormone

During a 21-day lactation period, 48 primiparous sows were fed a fat- or a starch-rich diet (131 g fat and 183 g starch + sugar x kg(-1) vs. 31 g fat and 351 g starch + sugar x kg(-1)) at a high or a low level of feeding (44 vs. 33 MJ net energy per day) according to a factorial design. Blood samples were collected at days 7, 14, 21, 22 (weaning), 24, 25, 26, and 27 post-partum (p.p.). IGF-I levels were higher with the starch-rich than with the fat-rich diet at days 7, 21, 22, and 24 p.p. Plasma IGF-I concentrations on day 22 p.p. were positively related with LH pulse frequency on day 22 p.p. and the height of the pre-ovulatory LH surge. Sows with low body weight at farrowing and high lactational body weight loss had lower plasma IGF-I concentrations than others, before and after weaning. These results indicate that IGF-I concentrations are affected by both feeding level and dietary energy source and are related to the secretion of LH. Furthermore, body weight at farrowing interacts with lactational body weight loss to affect IGF-I concentrations.     

Hyperthyroidism is associated with higher plasma endothelin-1 concentrations

The objective of this study was to determine the change of plasma endothelin (ET)-1 concentrations and insulin resistance index after therapy for hyperthyroidism. We studied 20 patients with hyperthyroidism (15 women and 5 men; age, 34.0 +/- 2.8 years), and 31 patients with euthyroid goiters as controls (27 women, 4 men; age, 37.0 +/- 2.4 years). All hyperthyroid patients were treated with antithyroid drugs. The patients received evaluations before and after normalization of thyroid function. The evaluations included body mass index (BMI), body fat, and measurement of circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones, glucose, insulin, and ET-1. Hyperthyroid subjects had higher plasma ET-1 concentrations than the control group (P < 0.001). No significant differences in serum glucose and insulin concentrations or insulin resistance index estimated by the R value of the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R) were noted between the groups. Plasma ET-1 concentrations decreased after correction of hyperthyroidism compared with pretreatment (P = 0.006). Serum glucose concentrations decreased after correction of hyperthyroidism (P = 0.005). Moreover, both body weight-adjusted insulin concentrations and the HOMA-R index were also decreased after correction of hyperthyroidism compared with pretreatment (P = 0.026 and P = 0.019, respectively). Pearson's correlation revealed that plasma ET-1 levels positively correlated with serum triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. Serum insulin levels and the HOMA-R index positively correlated with BMI and body fat. The HOMA-R index also positively correlated with serum T3 and FT4 levels. Neither insulin levels nor the HOMA-R index correlated with ET-1 levels. Hyperthyroidism is associated with higher plasma ET-1 concentrations. In addition, correction of hyperthyroidism is also associated with a decrease of plasma ET-1 levels as well as the insulin resistance index calculated by HOMA-R.     

Metabolic changes in the African fruit beetle,Pachnoda sinuata,during starvation

Specimens of the fruit beetle Pachnoda sinuata were starved for up to 30 days. The weight of the beetles declined consistently throughout the starvation period. Concentrations of carbohydrates and alanine in flight muscles, fat body and haemolymph decreased rapidly after onset of starvation, while the concentration of proline remained high. Whereas the lipid concentrations in the haemolymph did not change significantly upon starvation, the lipid content in flight muscles and fat body decreased significantly.Beetles that had been starved for 14 days responded to injection of Mem-CC, the endogenous neuropeptide from its corpora cardiaca, with hyperprolinaemia and a decrease in the alanine level, but no such effect was monitored after prolonged starvation of 28 days. Regardless of the period of starvation, Mem-CC injection could not cause hypertrehalosaemia or hyperlipaemia, although carbohydrates were increased in fed beetles after injection.Flight ability of beetles that had been starved for 15 or 30 days was apparently not impaired. During such periods, beetles used proline exclusively as fuel for flight as evidenced by the increase in the level of alanine in the haemolymph and decrease of the level of proline; the concentrations of carbohydrates and lipids remained unchanged.Activities of malic enzyme and alanine aminotransferase (enzymes involved in transamination in proline metabolism), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (enzyme of glycolysis), 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (enzyme of beta-oxidation of fatty acids) and of malate dehydrogenase (enzyme of Krebs cycle) were measured in fat body and flight muscles. In flight muscle tissue the maximum activity of NAD(+)-dependent malic enzyme increased, while that of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase decreased during starvation, and malate dehydrogenase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase were unchanged. In fat body tissue, activities of NADP(+)-dependent malic enzyme and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase increased during food deprivation and activities of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase remained unchanged.     

Chronic leptin administration promotes lipid utilization until fat mass is greatly reduced and preserves lean mass of normal female rats

Leptin is a hormone synthesized and secreted from adipose tissue. To study the physiologic effects of chronic leptin treatment, normal adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously for 35 days. Twice daily injections (250 microgram/day, b.i.d.) resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in food intake that was maintained for 10 days before gradually returning to control level by day 21. Leptin decreased body weight by a maximum of 12% of the initial body weight on day 22 and remained reduced for the duration of the treatment. After 35 days of treatment, visible peritoneal adipose tissue was not detected. Body composition analysis showed that chronic injection of leptin resulted in a dramatic decrease in fat content (28+/-2 to 4+/-2 g, P<0.05; mean+/-SEM) while the lean content remained unchanged. Rats pair-fed to the leptin-treated group but treated with vehicle had the same body composition (23+/-3 g fat mass) as that measured for the ad libitum fed controls. Using indirect calorimetry we observed that leptin decreased respiratory quotient and thus increased fat oxidation. Leptin also prevented energy expenditure reduction typically associated with food restriction. Leptin treatment for 35 days decreased plasma triglyceride (0.75+/-0.07 to 0.30+/-0.03 mM, P<0.05), free fatty acid (0.56+/-0.06 to 0.32+/-0.04 mM) and insulin (3.2+/-0.5 to 1. 4+/-0.4 ng/ml, P<0.05) concentrations despite the fact that food intake was normalized by day 35. Withdrawal of leptin triggered hyperphagia indicating that leptin biology remained throughout the duration of the chronic treatment. These data suggest that leptin reduces fat mass by initially decreasing appetite and by maintaining enhanced fat utilization even when food intake has returned to that of vehicle-treated control.     

Regional and gender variations in adipose tissue lipolysis in response to weight loss.

Catecholamine-induced lipolysis was investigated in 32 obese subjects (14 men and 18 premenopausal women), aged 36-50 years, whose body mass index ranged from 30 to 42 kg/m(2). Isolated subcutaneous (subc) abdominal and femoral adipocytes were studied before and after a 15-week weight reducing program, during which mean body weight loss averaged 9 vs. 10 kg in women and men, respectively (P < 0.0001). Participants were re-examined when they were weight-stable. Fat cell weight decreased by about 15;-20% in both depots (P values ranging from 0.01 to 0.05). Epinephrine (mixed alpha2-/beta-adrenoceptor (AR) agonist) induced antilipolysis at low concentrations and a net lipolytic response at higher doses, irrespective of subjects' fatness and anatomic location of fat. Basal lipolysis, maximal lipolytic responses to isoprenaline (beta-AR agonist), dobutamine and procaterol (beta1- and beta2-AR agonists, respectively) as well as maximal antilipolytic effects of epinephrine or UK-14304 (alpha2-AR agonist) were similar before and after weight reduction. However, both beta- and beta2-AR lipolytic sensitivities and the beta-AR density were increased in both genders after weight reduction, this effect being more marked in subc abdominal than in femoral adipocytes (P values ranging from 0.001 to 0.05). The alpha2-AR antilipolytic sensitivity was reduced in adipose cells from both regions in women, but only in subc abdominal adipocytes in men (P < 0.05), although the alpha2-AR density remained unchanged after weight reduction. In conclusion, a moderate weight loss leads to a higher adipose cell lipolytic efficiency which is associated with changes at receptor levels (mainly an increased beta2- and a decreased alpha2-AR sensitivities), in both genders.     

Impact of the mass-reductive therapy with orlistat on 25-(OH)-D3 and PTH concentration in sera of obese, menopausal women

Epidemiological studies suggest a protective influence of obesity against postmenopausal bone loss. Lower risk of osteoporotic fractures was described in obese patients. However there were only a few studies which examined the effect of weight reduction on bone metabolism and results of these studies are controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of weight reduction program using Orlistat on bone metabolism in perimenopausal women. Twenty obese women with simple obesity and without concomitant diseases (BMI 37.1 +/- 3.0 kg/m2, mean age 49.8 +/- 4.6 yrs) were enrolled into this study. The control group consisted of 20 healthy women (mean age 53.5 +/- 5.4 yrs, BMI 24.1 +/- 2.2 kg/m2). All patients have participated in a 3-month weight reduction therapy that consisted of: a 1000-1200 kcal/ day balanced diet (daily calcium consumption about 500mg), Orlistat 3 x 120mg a day and regular physical exercises. Before the weight reduction therapy and after 10% reduction of body weight, serum concentrations of PTH, 25-(OH)-D3, total calcium and phosphorus, total cholesterol were assessed. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA method) of lumbar spine and femoral neck, measuring BMD was performed once, after a 3-month weight reduction therapy using Lunar DPXL. All these measurements were performed only once in control subjects. After a 3-month weight reduction program in patients treated with Orlistat the mean weight loss was 11.6 +/- 5.1 kg which is 12.1 +/- 4.78 %. BMI decreased from 37.1 +/- 3.0 kg/m2 at baseline to 32.6 +/- 2.7 kg/m2 post-treatment. The body weight reduction resulted in significant decrease of body fat and total cholesterol concentration. In obese subjects serum concentration of 25-(OH)-D3 was significantly lower and serum concentration of PTH was significantly higher in comparison to healthy controls, both before and after weight reduction therapy. Serum concentration of PTH, 25-(OH)-D3, total calcium and phosphorus did not change significantly after therapy with Orlistat. Conclusion: 3-month weight reduction program using Orlistat did not influence significantly bone metabolism.