Effects of Visceral Fat and Weight Loss on Lipoprotein(a) Concentration in Subjects with Obesity

ZAMBONI M, R FACCHINETTI, F ARMELLINI, E TURCATO, IA BERGAMO ANDREIS, O BOSELLO. Effects of visceral fat and weight loss on lipoprotein(a) concentration in subjects with obesity. We studied the relationships between regional body fat distribution and metabolic variables with lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as well as the effects of weight loss on Lp(a) in 25 women and 9 men with obesity. Regional body fat distribution, as evaluated by the use of computed tomography; Lp(a); and fasting glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides were analyzed before and after a very low-energy diet. No significant correlations were found between visceral, subcutaneous, and total fat and Lp(a) or between metabolic variables and Lp(a). All anthropometric variables significantly decreased after a very low-energy diet. Fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol significantly decreased after a very low-energy diet. No significant changes in Lp(a) concentration after a very low-energy diet were found. The correlation between the initial values of Lp(a) and changes of Lp(a) after a very low-energy diet was slightly significant (ρ=0.33, p<0.06). In conclusion, our study shows that Lp(a) is not influenced by obesity, visceral fat, metabolic variables, or weight loss induced by a very low-energy diet     

Influence of Visceral Obesity and Liver Fat on Vascular Structure and Function in Obese Subjects

Endothelial dysfunction and increased intima–media thickness (IMT) have been found in obese patients. Both regional fat distribution and liver steatosis may influence these markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. We sought to determine the interrelationships of endothelial function, carotid IMT, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue accumulation, and liver steatosis in severely obese subjects. In 64 severely obese patients (BMI 42.3 ± 4.3 kg/m²), we determined (i) endothelial function as flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, (ii) carotid IMT, (iii) visceral fat diameter, and (iv) degree of liver steatosis using ultrasound. FMD was associated inversely with visceral fat diameter and degree of steatosis (r = ?0.577, P < 0.0001 and r = ?0.523, P < 0.0001, respectively). Carotid IMT correlated with visceral fat mass (r = 0.343, P = 0.007) but not with liver steatosis. After adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, FMD was predicted independently by the visceral fat diameter, age, and sex (r² = 0.48, P < 0.0001), but not by the degree of liver steatosis or plasma adiponectin levels. In contrast, age and sex were the only predictors of IMT (r² = 0.33, P < 0.001). In obese patients, visceral fat diameter is a major determinant of endothelial dysfunction, independent of traditional risk factors or the degree of liver steatosis and plasma adiponectin. Measurement of visceral fat diameter by ultrasound is a novel and simple method to identify subjects with an increased risk for atherosclerosis within an obese population.     

Effects of Different Dietary Fat Types on Postprandial Appetite and Energy Expenditure

Objective: Observational studies suggest that monounsaturated (MUFA) and trans fatty acids (TRANS) are more fattening than polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of intake of PUFA, MUFA, or TRANS on appetite and energy expenditure (EE). Research Methods and Procedures: Three test meals were randomly given in a cross‐over design to 19 overweight (BMI: 26.8 ± 0.4 kg/m²), young (25.2 ± 0.7 years) men. The fat‐rich breakfasts (0.8 g fat/kg body weight, 60% energy from fat) varied only in the source of C:18‐fat. EE was measured continuously in a respiration chamber, and appetite sensations were rated by visual analog scales before and every 30 minutes, for 5 hours, after the meal. After 5 hours, an ad libitum meal was served, and energy intake was registered. Sensory evaluations of all meals were given using visual analog scales. Data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA. Results: There were no differences in basal or postprandial values of appetite ratings and EE, in subsequent ad libitum energy intake, or in the sensory evaluation of the test meals among the 3 test days. Discussion: Giving acutely large amounts of MUFA, PUFA, or TRANS did not impose any differences in appetite and EE in overweight humans. However, studies with extended protocols and other subject groups are warranted to investigate the long‐term effect of dietary fat quality on the regulation of energy balance and body weight.     

Different Types of Major Storage Seed Proteins in Fagaceae Species

The seed proteins of Fagus sylvatica, Quercus Hex and Q. robur,of the Fagaceae family, were extracted by the sequential methodof Koie and Nielsen (1977). The storage proteins of Fagns werefound to be globulins as has previously been shown in Castanea,a member of the same family. Quercus was found to store glutdins.The amino acid composition and the preliminary characterizationby electro-phoresis of Fagus globulins and Quercus glutelins,suggest that both contain proteins similar to the 1 IS globulinsof leguminous plants. Both genera showed considerable differencesin their albumins. Prolamins were found only in Fagus. Key words: Fagaceae, seeds, storage protein     

Age-Related Different Relationships between Ectopic Adipose Tissues and Measures of Central Obesity in Sedentary Subjects

Accumulation of fat at ectopic sites has been gaining attention as pivotal contributor of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular complications. Intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), located between skeletal muscle bundles and beneath muscle fascia, has been linked to physical inactivity, ageing and body mass index, but little is known about its relationship with the other AT compartments, in particular with increasing age. To address this issue, erector spinae IMAT, epicardial (EAT), intraabdominal (IAAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were simultaneously measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and related to waist circumference measurements and age in 32 sedentary subjects without cardiovascular disease (18 men; 14 women; mean age 48.5±14 years). Fasting glucose, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were also assessed. We observed that, after dividing individuals according to age (≤ or >50 years), IMAT and EAT depots were significantly more expanded in older subjects (63.2±8.3 years) than in the younger ones (38.4±5.2 years) (p<0.001). Overall, both IMAT and EAT showed stronger positive associations with increasing age (β = 0.63 and 0.67, respectively, p<0.001 for both) than with waist circumference (β = 0.55 and 0.49, respectively, p<0.01 for both) after adjusting for gender. In addition, the gender-adjusted associations of IMAT and EAT with waist circumference and IAAT were significant in individuals ≤50 years only (p<0.05 for all) and not in the older ones. In contrast, no age-related differences were seen in the relationships of IAAT and SAT with waist circumference. Finally, serum triglycerides levels turned out not to be independently related with ectopic IMAT and EAT. In conclusion, the expansion of IMAT and EAT in sedentary subjects is more strongly related to age than waist circumference, and a positive association of these ectopic depots with waist circumference and IAAT amount can be postulated in younger individuals only.     

Effect of Physical Training and Its Cessation on Percent Fat and Bone Density of Children with Obesity

GUTIN, BERNARD, SCOTT OWENS, TOMOKI OKUYAMA, SHARON RIGGS, MICHAEL FERGUSON, AND MARK LITAKER. Effect of physical training and its cessation on percent fat and bone density of children with obesity. Obes Res. Objective We determined the effect of 4-month periods of physical training (PT) and detraining on percent fat (percent fat) and bone density of children with obesity. Research Methods and Procedures Subjects were 79 7- to 11-year-old children with obesity; 34 were white, 44 were black, and 1 was Asian, 26 were male and 53 were female. They were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 engaged in PT for the first 4 months, while group 2 engaged in PT during the second 4 months. Body composition was measured with dual energy absorptiometry, and diet was measured with 4 days of recall for each 4-month period. PT was offered 5 dayslweek for 40 minuteslsession, heart rate monitors were worn, and no dietary information was given; mean attendance was 80%, and mean heart rate per session was 157 bpm. Results Group by time interactions across the three time-points (from analysis of variance) were significant for percent fat (p = <0.001) and bone density (p = 0.045). Both groups declined in percent fat during the periods of PT, by an average of 1.6 %fat units; in the 4 months after cessation of PT, group 1 increased by 1.3 %fat. In both groups, bone density increased more during periods of PT (0.025 g/cm²) than during periods of no PT (0.010 g/cm²). No significant PT vs. no-PT differences were found for dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, or calcium. Discussion This study suggests that regular exercise, without dietary intervention, can enhance the body composition of children with obesity.     

不同载气对细胞生长的影响

目的：研究不同类型载气对于汽提发酵的影响。方法：分别二氧化碳和氮气作为汽提载气,测定不同通气量（0.2m^3/h、0.4m3/h、0.6m^3/h）下细胞的生长。结果：相比二氧化碳,以氮气作为载气,细胞生长速度提高1.3倍左右;而且随着通气量增大,这种现象更明显。结论：氮气更适宜作为汽提发酵的载气。     

不同类型高脂状态对肝细胞内SIRT1表达的调节

目的:肥胖是2型糖尿病的高危因素,但脂代谢异常引起胰岛素抵抗的分子机制仍需探讨.去乙酰化酶SIRT1在细胞内的糖脂代谢过程中起着重要的作用,本文应用体内外模型探讨不同类型高脂状态下肝细胞内SIRT1蛋白表达的改变,进而揭示肥胖引起2型糖尿病发病的可能分子途径.方法:分别采用含有不同浓度棕榈酸或油酸的培养液培养HepG2肝细胞1天,检测细胞内SIRT1的蛋白水平;同时采用高脂饲料造小鼠肥胖模型,检测肝脏组织内SIRT1的表达改变.结果:三种不同浓度的棕榈酸均未引起HepG2肝细胞内SIRT1表达的改变,与棕榈酸有所不同,两种浓度的油酸均引起细胞内SIRT1表达的显著降低,分别是对照组的65％和58％.在高脂动物模型中同样未发现肝组织内SIRT1蛋白表达的改变.结论:SIRT1作为细胞内糖脂代谢通路的交叉点,其表达的改变有利于揭示脂代谢异常是如何引起糖代谢紊乱的.油酸的大量摄入可以导致甘油三酯在肝脏中的蓄积和影响肝细胞的胰岛素敏感性,而本文提示油酸诱导的细胞代谢改变很可能通过下调SIRT1来实现,其表达的改变为探讨肥胖引起2型糖尿病的分子机制提供线索.     

松嫩平原沙土区不同植被类型对土壤相关指标的影响

松嫩平原沙土区严重退化,不同植被对土壤影响的数据有助生态恢复,但相关数据匮乏严重。本研究以松嫩平原核心区新店林场的农田、草地、杨树林、落叶松林、樟子松林和榆树林等6种植被为研究对象,采集三层（0~20、20~40和40~60 cm）土样,测定土壤理化指标（容重、土壤含水量、土壤pH、土壤电导率、有机碳、碱解氮、全氮、速效磷、全磷、速效钾、全钾）及根系密度、根系含水量。结果如下：6种植被在整个土壤剖面上显著影响了13个指标中的8个指标（根系密度、容重、土壤含水量、土壤pH、土壤电导率、全氮、根系含水量、有机碳）,其中根系密度植被间差异在不同土层显著不同(交互作用,P<0.05),而其它7个指标在不同土层的种间差异基本一致（交互作用,P>0.05）。与林地和农田相比,草地具有最大的根系生物量,达到农田的1.8倍,是4种林分平均值的1.4倍。容重、土壤含水量、pH、土壤电导率值均草地最高,林地最小。土壤有机碳的累积受根系密度和容重影响明显,土壤氮除了受上述两个因素影响外,还受土壤含水量的影响。上述结果说明草地对于表层土壤生物固着明显,而人工造林能够改善土壤物理性质、降低盐碱但增加耗水,这些结果对于西部沙土区通过植被恢复来实现土壤修复提供数据支撑。     

阿的平对热环境中行军战士血液某些生化指标的影响

利用比色法、竞争性蛋白结合技术及放射性免疫分析法,分析热环境中负重行军战士血液乳酸含量、ｃＡＭＰ、ｃＧＭＰ及皮质醇含量,以探讨热应激过程中机体的生化变化特点,并观察阿的平对这些变化的影响。结果表明：行军后战士血液乳酸浓度、皮质醇含量（２．０８±０．１８ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ、１６．２５±１．０５μｇ／１００ｍＬ）较行军前（１．６２±０．１６ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ、１４．９８±０．９μｇ／１００ｍＬ）明显升高,而行军后血浆ｃＡＭＰ浓度（１８．８±３．９ｐｍｏｌ／ｍＬ）则较行军前（３２．９±６．０ｐｍｏｌ／ｍＬ）显著降低,ｃＧＭＰ在行军前后无明显变化;行军前预服阿的平,具有减弱或逆转上述变化的作用。     

Hormonal Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in Healthy Subjects with or without Obesity

Parameters of insulin resistance and lipid transport were studied in nonobese subjects and in obese subjects with different body fat distribution, and the results were compared with current concepts of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of abdominal (android) and gluteofemoral (gynoid) types of obesity, concomitant dyslipoproteinemias, and the roles of insulin and insulin resistance in these conditions. Disturbances of the hormonal regulation of lipid metabolism, which manifest themselves as hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and a decreased serum level of the insulin antagonist somatotropin, were associated only with abdominal obesity and were considered to be one of the main causes of atherogenic dyslipoproteinemia in this type of obesity.     

胶原/纤维蛋白止血效果观察

目的研究胶原/纤维蛋白对新西兰兔的止血作用,并与胶原蛋白海绵止血效果作比较。方法选用胶原/纤维蛋白止血贴,对新西兰兔耳部动、静脉出血、耳表创面、股动脉割伤、肝损伤、体表创面进行止血试验,同时与胶原蛋白海绵止血效果作比较,观察其止血时间、失血量、敷料与创面的粘合等情况,并定期观察创面愈合、体内吸收和抗炎情况。结果胶原/纤维蛋白复合止血贴组、胶原蛋白海绵组新西兰兔耳动、静脉、耳表创面、股动脉割伤、标准肝创伤的止血时间与对照组比较,差异显著（P〈0.05）。胶原/纤维蛋白复合止血贴组新西兰兔耳动、静脉、耳表创面的止血时间与胶原蛋白海绵组,差异显著（P〈0.05）。胶原/纤维蛋白复合止血贴组、胶原蛋白海绵组动物的耳表创面、标准肝创伤失血量与对照组比较,差异显著（P〈0.05）。体内标准肝创伤、体表创伤后期观察,胶原/纤维蛋白复合止血贴与胶原蛋白海绵均能在21d内完全吸收,未见炎症反应。结论胶原/纤维蛋白复合止血贴对新西兰兔耳动脉割伤、耳静脉割伤、耳标创伤、股动脉割伤和标准肝损伤模型都具有明显的止血作用,体表创面伤口恢复良好,体内吸收速度快,具有一定的抗炎作用,而且在新西兰兔耳动脉、耳静脉割伤和耳表创伤的止血效果明显优于胶原蛋白海绵。胶原/纤维蛋白复合止血贴是一种较安全有效的局部止血生物材料。     

不同强度运动对大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的影响

通过比较不同强度负荷运动中大鼠心肌细胞的凋亡及其相关基因B细胞淋巴瘤-2(Bcl-2)表达变化的实验研究,试图找出它们之间相互关系的一般规律,为训练制定合理的、适宜的运动负荷提供理论依据.采用8周龄雄性SD大鼠30只,随机分为安静对照组(NC)、中等强度运动组(ME)和大强度运动组(HE),测定心肌细胞的凋亡指数和相关基因B细胞淋巴瘤-2,采用HE染色法观察心肌细胞.结果表明:中等强度运动组和大强度运动组的心肌都有细胞凋亡现象.中等强度运动组的心肌细胞凋亡指数显著升高且差异具有显著性意义(P<0.05),不同强度运动组差异无统计学意义.3组均有Bcl-2表达,中等强度运动组和安静对照组相比具有极显著性差异(P<0.01),大强度运动组和安静对照组相比有显著性差异(P<0.05),大强度运动组表达显著低于中等强度运动组(P<0.05).不适宜的运动负荷会造成大鼠心肌细胞凋亡增加,并且可能参与心肌的损害过程.     

Effect of Intermittent Cold Exposure on Brown Fat Activation,Obesity, and Energy Homeostasis in Mice

Homeotherms have specific mechanisms to maintain a constant core body temperature despite changes in thermal environment, food supply, and metabolic demand. Brown adipose tissue, the principal thermogenic organ, quickly and efficiently increases heat production by dissipating the mitochondrial proton motive force. It has been suggested that activation of brown fat, via either environmental (i.e. cold exposure) or pharmacologic means, could be used to increase metabolic rate and thus reduce body weight. Here we assess the effects of intermittent cold exposure (4°C for one to eight hours three times a week) on C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat diet. Cold exposure increased metabolic rate approximately two-fold during the challenge and activated brown fat. In response, food intake increased to compensate fully for the increased energy expenditure; thus, the mice showed no reduction in body weight or adiposity. Despite the unchanged adiposity, the cold-treated mice showed transient improvements in glucose homeostasis. Administration of the cannabinoid receptor-1 inverse agonist AM251 caused weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis, but showed no further improvements when combined with cold exposure. These data suggest that intermittent cold exposure causes transient, meaningful improvements in glucose homeostasis, but without synergy when combined with AM251. Since energy expenditure is significantly increased during cold exposure, a drug that dissociates food intake from metabolic demand during cold exposure may achieve weight loss and further metabolic improvements.     

不同植被类型对土壤水蚀的影响

不同植被类型对土壤水蚀的影响因子是计算土壤水蚀速率以及选择适当土地利用方式的基本参数。本文以土壤侵蚀模型中的植被因子(C因子)为指标，研究不同植被类型对土壤水蚀的影响。根据6个水土保持试验项目33个小区共195个小区年的资料，计算了刺槐、柠条、沙棘、沙棘一杨树，沙棘一油松、沙打旺、红豆草、苜蓿和草木樨等9种林草植被因子值。林地植被因子介于O．004到O．164之间，以刺槐林的C值最低。草地植被因子介于O．071到O．377之间，以第一年的草木樨c值为最高。定量对比说明林草植被的水土保持效益明显优于农作物。本项研究结果可以用于定量比较不同植被类型覆盖下的土壤流失速率，对于北方农牧交错带退耕还林还草政策的实施具有参考价佰。     

不同植被类型对土壤水蚀的影响

不同植被类型对土壤水蚀的影响因子是计算土壤水蚀速率以及选择适当土地利用方式的基本参数.本文以土壤侵蚀模型中的植被因子(C因子)为指标,研究不同植被类型对土壤水蚀的影响.根据6个水土保持试验项目33个小区共195个小区年的资料,计算了剌槐、柠条、沙棘、沙棘-杨树,沙棘-油松、沙打旺、红豆草、苜蓿和草木樨等9种林草植被因子值.林地植被因子介于0.004到0.164之间,以刺槐林的C值最低.草地植被因子介于0.071到0.377之间,以第一年的草木樨C值为最高.定量对比说明林草植被的水土保持效益明显优于农作物.本项研究结果可以用于定量比较不同植被类型覆盖下的土壤流失速率,对于北方农牧交错带退耕还林还草政策的实施具有参考价值.     

Selenoenzymes,Laboratory Parameters,and Trace Elements in Different Types of Thyroid Tumor

This study was performed to investigate selenoenzyme activities and trace element concentrations in thyroid tissues, with reference to other parameters routinely used to characterize thyroid function. This was to reveal relevant parameters as possible additional markers of tumor grade, clinical course, and prognosis of thyroid disorders. The tissue samples were obtained during surgical treatment (total or near total thyroidectomy) of 122 patients with different types of thyroid tumor. For most of the investigated parameters in different groups of patients, we did not find statistically significant differences. In the majority of cases, thyroid benign or malignant tumors were not accompanied by significant derangement of the gland selenoenzymes and of either intrathyroidal or plasma concentration of selenium. Nevertheless, types I and II iodothyronine deiodinases were the most promising (among selenoenzymes) targets for diagnoses and possibly therapy of thyroid tumors. Higher activities of both enzymes in cases with Graves’ disease, as compared with other thyroid lesions, suggest their involvement in the pathogenesis of this condition. Patients with struna nodosa had higher levels of thyroid Zn, Cu, and Pb as compared with papillary carcinoma subjects and also a higher level of Cu than follicular carcinoma cases. The above diagnostics may play a similar role to some of the general thyroid function indices, TSH, anti-TG, anti-TPO, and calcitonin, which can partially distinguish between various thyroid tumors. In conclusion, some of selenium status markers, when accompanied with general parameters, and trace elements can serve as factors with pathophysiologic relevance and be helpful in the identification of malignant disease. Multivariate statistical methods should be employed to tackle a broad array of thyroid tumor diagnostic data in a short time. Partial least squares model and other pattern recognition methods seem to be the most appropriate methods for that task. The miniaturization of all the steps of complex analytical procedure should be developed in a way to allow its completion as sensitive, robust, and efficient for use of the small quantity of material provided by fine-needle biopsy.