Benefits of Regular Exercise on Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Normal Weight,Overweight and Obese Adults

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that increases the risk of several well-known co-morbidities. There is a complicated relationship between adipokines and low-grade inflammation in obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity practices have beneficial health effects on obesity and related disorders such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. We investigated the effects of 6 and 12 months of moderate physical training on the levels of adipokines and CVD markers in normal weight, overweight and obese volunteers. The 143 participants were followed up at baseline and after six and twelfth months of moderate regular exercise, 2 times a week, for 12 months. The volunteers were distributed into 3 groups: Normal Weight Group (NWG,), Overweight Group (OVG) and Obese Group (OBG). We evaluated blood pressure, resting heart rate, anthropometric parameters, body composition, fitness capacity (VO_2max and isometric back strength), cardiovascular markers (CRP, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, homocysteine) and adipokine levels (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, IL-6 and TNF-alpha). There were no significant changes in anthropometric parameters and body composition in any of the groups following 6 and 12 months of exercise training. Leptin, IL-6 levels and systolic blood pressure were significantly elevated in OBG before the training. Regular exercise decreased HDL-c, leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels and diastolic blood pressure in OVG. In OBG, exercise diminished HDL-c, homocysteine, leptin, resistin, IL-6, adiponectin. Moderate exercise had no effect on the body composition; however, exercise did promote beneficial effects on the low-grade inflammatory state and CVD clinical markers in overweight and obese individuals.     

Improvements in cardiovascular risk profile with large-volume liposuction: a pilot study

In this study, the authors investigated the physiologic effects of the altered body composition that results from surgical removal of large amounts of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Fourteen women with body mass indexes of greater than > 27 kg/m2 underwent measurements of fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), resting energy expenditure, and blood pressure before and after undergoing large-volume ultrasound-assisted liposuction.There were no significant intraoperative complications. Body weight had decreased by 5.1 kg (p < 0.0001) by 6 weeks after liposuction, with an additional 1.3-kg weight loss (p < 0.05) observed between 6 weeks and 4 months after surgery, for a total weight loss of 6.5 kg (p < 0.00006). Body mass index decreased from (mean +/- SEM) 28.8 +/- 2.3 to 26.8 +/- 1.5 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). This change in body weight was primarily the result of decreases in body fat mass: as assessed by DXA, lean body mass did not change (43.8 +/- 3.1 kg to 43.4 +/- 3.6 kg, p = 0.80), whereas DXA total body fat mass decreased from 35.7 +/- 6.3 to 30.1 +/- 6.5 kg (p < 0.0001). There were significant decreases in fasting plasma insulin levels (14.9 +/- 6.5 mIU/ml before liposuction versus 7.2 +/- 3.2 mIU/ml 4 months after liposuction, p < 0.007), and systolic blood pressure (132.1 +/- 7.2 versus 120.5 +/- 7.8 mmHg, p < 0.0002). Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma triglycerides, and resting energy expenditure values were not significantly altered after liposuction.In conclusion, over a 4-month period, large-volume liposuction decreased weight, body fat mass, systolic blood pressure, and fasting insulin levels without detrimental effects on lean body mass, bone mass, resting energy expenditure, or lipid profiles. Should these improvements be maintained over time, liposuction may prove to be a valuable tool for reducing the comorbid conditions associated with obesity.     

Impact of Obesity and Body Fat Distribution on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hong Kong Chinese

Objective: Body fat distribution has been reported to differentially contribute to the development of cardiovascular risk. We report the relative associations between general and central obesity and risk factors in 2893 Chinese subjects recruited from the Hong Kong population. Research Methods and Procedures: Anthropometric parameters [waist circumference (WC) and BMI], surrogate measures of insulin resistance (fasting plasma glucose and insulin, oral glucose tolerance test, 2 hours glucose and insulin), fasting lipids (total, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and triglycerides) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. General obesity was classified as BMI ≥25.0 kg/m² and central obesity as a WC ≥80 or ≥90 cm in women and men, respectively. Results: A total of 39.2% of the population was found to be obese. Obesity per se increased the levels of the risk factors, but central adiposity contributed to a greater extent to adverse high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin resistance levels. There was a continuous relationship between increasing obesity, both general and central, and cardiovascular risk, with lowest risk associated with the lowest indices of obesity. In the 1759 nonobese subjects divided into quartiles of BMI or WC, the levels of the cardiovascular risk factors still significantly increased with increasing quartiles of adiposity. Discussion: Central adiposity appears to contribute to a greater extent than general adiposity to the development of cardiovascular risk in this population. The relationship between obesity parameters and risk is a continuum, with risk factors significantly increasing even at levels usually considered nonobese. These observations support the proposed redefinition of overweight and obesity in Asian populations using lower cut‐off points.     

Plasma homocysteine and DNA damage profiles in normal and obese subjects in the Pakistani population

Dependence of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and DNA damage profiles on melanodialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress, liver function tests (LFT), and lipids was studied in non-obese and obese subjects in the Pakistani population. Development of obesity is influenced by both genetic, biochemical and environmental factors. Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and DNA damage profiles play a pivotal role in its progression. We studied 160 obesity patients and 160 lean subjects. Leukocytes were evaluated for DNA damage by comet assay and blood plasma for biochemical properties using commercial kits. Plasma Hcy level and DNA damage were strongly correlated with triglycerides (P < 0.000), LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), cholesterol (P < 0.004), MDA (P < 0.004) and total oxygen stress (P < 0.004) in obese individuals. Both Hyc and DNA damage were negatively associated with total anti-oxidant response and globulin. Both Hcy profile and DNA damage may have a role in the endothelium damage even in the normal range and are related to triglycerides, ALT, MDA, TOS, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol in the Pakistani population.     

Effects of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life and exercise tolerance in women: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are a lack of investigations that have examined the effect of participating in a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life and physiological measures in women of different ages. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of participating in a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life, exercise tolerance, blood pressure and lipids in women between 33 and 82 years of age. METHODS: The 126 women participated in a 14-week cardiac rehabilitation program that consisted of 7 weeks of formal supervised exercise training and 7 weeks of unsupervised exercise and lifestyle modification. Physiologic and quality of life outcome measures obtained at the outset and after 14 weeks included: 1) exercise treadmill time; 2) resting and peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure; 3) total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and Triglycerides; 4) Cardiac Quality of Life Index questionnaire. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in the following quality of life measures after participating in the cardiac rehabilitation program: physical well being, psychosocial, worry, nutrition and symptoms. No significant differences were seen for any QOL variable between the different age groups. Significant improvements were seen in exercise tolerance (+21%) and high density lipoprotein (+5%). CONCLUSION: Cardiac rehabilitation may play an important role in improving quality of life, exercise tolerance and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in younger and older women with underlying cardiovascular disease.     

Exercise improves adiponectin concentrations irrespective of the adiponectin gene polymorphisms SNP45 and the SNP276 in obese Korean women

The effects of exercise on adiponectin levels have been reported to be variable and may be attributable to an interaction between environmental and genetic factors. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) 45 (T > G) and SNP276 (G > T) of the adiponectin gene are associated with metabolic risk factors including adiponectin levels. We examined whether SNP45 and SNP276 would differentially influence the effect of exercise training in middle-aged women with uncomplicated obesity. We conducted a prospective study in the general community that included 90 Korean women (age 47.0 ± 5.1 years) with uncomplicated obesity. The intervention was aerobic exercise training for 3 months. Body composition, adiponectin levels, and other metabolic risk factors were measured. Prior to exercise training, only body weight differed among the SNP276 genotypes. Exercise training improved body composition, systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and leptin levels. In addition, exercise improved adiponectin levels irrespective of weight gain or loss. However, after adjustments for age, BMI, body fat (%), and waist circumference, no differences were found in obesity-related characteristics (e.g., adiponectin) following exercise training among the SNP45 and the 276 genotypes. Our findings suggest that aerobic exercise affects adiponectin levels regardless of weight loss and this effect would not be influenced by SNP45 and SNP276 in the adiponectin gene.     

Cardiac Function During Exercise in Obese Prepubertal Boys: Effect of Degree of Obesity

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of diastolic and systolic function from rest to maximal exercise using conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in obese prepubertal boys compared to age‐matched lean controls. Eighteen obese (10 with first degree obesity and 8 with second degree obesity according to French curves, BMI: 23.3 ± 1.8 and 29.0 ± 2.0 kg/m², respectively) and 17 lean controls (BMI = 17.6 ± 0.6 kg/m², P < 0.001), aged 10–12 years were recruited. After resting echocardiography, all children performed a maximal exercise test. Regional diastolic and systolic myocardial velocities were acquired at rest and each workload. Stroke volume and cardiac output were calculated. At rest, obese boys had greater left ventricular (LV) diameters and LV mass. Boys in the first degree group showed no diastolic or systolic dysfunction, whereas boys with second degree obesity showed subtle diastolic dysfunction. During exercise, both obese groups showed greater stroke volume and cardiac output. First degree obese boys exhibited greater systolic and diastolic tissue Doppler velocities than controls, whereas second degree obese boys had lower diastolic tissue velocities irrespective of exercise intensity and lower fractional shortening at high exercise intensities than controls. In conclusion, no impairment in diastolic or systolic function is noticed in prepubertal boys with first degree of obesity. Enhanced regional myocardial function response to exercise was also demonstrated in this population, suggesting adaptive compensatory cardiac changes in mild obesity. However, when obesity becomes more severe, impaired global and regional cardiac function at rest and during exercise can be observed.     

Homocysteine and lipids: S-Adenosyl methionine as a key intermediate

An association between hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) has been suggested. This link is clinically important in management of vascular risk factors especially in elderly people and patients with metabolic syndrome. Higher plasma homocysteine (Hcy) was associated with lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level. Moreover, HHCY was associated with disturbed plasma lipids or fatty liver. It seems that hypomethylation associated with HHCY is responsible for lipid accumulation in tissues. Decreased methyl group will decrease the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major phospholipid required for very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly and homeostasis. The effect of Hcy on HDL-cholesterol is probably related to inhibiting enzymes or molecules participating in HDL-particle assembly.     

A study of some potential correlates of the hypotensive effects of prolonged submaximal exercise in normotensive men.

This study was undertaken (1) to examine the relation of plasma catecholamine and insulin levels to the blood pressure response during and after submaximal exercise, (2) to verify whether the blood pressure response to an epinephrine infusion is associated with the blood pressure response to a prolonged submaximal exercise, and (3) to study some potential correlates of the hypotensive effect of prolonged aerobic exercise. Nine normotensive young men (mean age 22.0 +/- 1.4 years) were subjected to a 1-h epinephrine infusion protocol and a 1-h submaximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. The two tests were performed 1 week apart. The physiological and hormonal responses observed during the submaximal exercise test were generally greater than those observed during the epinephrine infusion test. Blood pressure responses in both tests showed no significant association with changes in plasma insulin levels. Changes in plasma norepinephrine concentration were positively correlated with changes in systolic blood pressure during the submaximal exercise test but not during the epinephrine infusion. Results also showed that the blood pressure response to epinephrine infusion was not correlated with the blood pressure response to submaximal exercise. However, post-exercise and post-infusion systolic blood pressure responses (differences between "post-test" and "resting" values) were significantly associated (r = 0.81, p less than 0.01). In addition, a significant hypotensive effect of submaximal exercise was observed for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hypertension, and blood pressure response to graded exercise in young obese and non-athlethic Nigerian university students.

Hypertension, and the effect of graded exercise on Blood pressure (BP), in 60 obese non-athletic young medical students (40 females and 20 males) with Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 were studied. The subjects were in the age range of 18-22 years with mean age of 20.30 +/-1.32 years. Twenty percent of the males and 7 percent of the females were found to be hypertensives [P < 0.05] and the severity of the hypertension significantly [P < 0.05] increased linearly with increase in BMI (r =0.6). Our study reveals a positive direct correlation between obesity and socioeconomic status and BP. Marked increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), time of return (RT) were observed in the obese individuals compared to control at all levels of graded exercise with the highest rises seen during severe exercise. Among the obese subjects, the increases in BP were more in the males than females, but time of return was higher in females than males. This study further confirms that obese young individuals are prone to early onset of hypertension and thus other cardiovascular diseases and less tolerant to physical exercises. Our results add to the evidence that hypertension is common among obese young adults.     

血清UA、Hcy、LDL-C联合监测对急性脑梗死患者阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗后脑出血性转化的预测价值

摘要 目的：探讨血清尿酸（UA）、同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）联合监测对急性脑梗死（ACI）患者阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗后脑出血性转化（HT）的预测价值。方法：选取2018年1月～2020年12月西南医科大学附属成都三六三医院收治的173例接受阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗的ACI患者,根据静脉溶栓后是否发生HT分为HT组和非HT组。对比两组的临床资料和血清UA、Hcy、LDL-C水平,采用多因素Logistic回归分析ACI患者阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗后发生HT的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析血清UA、Hcy、LDL-C联合监测对ACI患者阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗后发生HT的预测价值。结果：173例患者中有47例发生HT,发生率为27.17％。与非HT组比较,HT组年龄更大,收缩压、舒张压、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（NIHSS）评分、溶栓前随机血糖以及Hcy水平更高,而LDL-C及UA水平更低（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示：收缩压、NIHSS评分、溶栓前随机血糖以及Hcy水平为ACI患者阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗后发生HT的危险因素,而UA、LDL-C水平为保护因素。ROC曲线分析结果显示：血清UA、Hcy、LDL-C单独与联合监测预测ACI患者阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗后HT的曲线下面积（AUC）分别为0.764、0.794、0.674、0.888,联合监测时的AUC明显更高。结论：血清UA、LDL-C低水平和Hcy高水平是ACI患者阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗后HT的影响因素,联合监测能提高对HT发生的预测价值。     

Effect of stress management on blood pressure in mild primary hypertension.

OBJECTIVE--To establish whether stress management had a larger effect than a control treatment on resting blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure, and left ventricular mass. DESIGN--A 12 week baseline period of habituation to measurement of blood pressure was followed by randomisation to either stress management or mild exercise for six months and follow up six months later. SETTING--General practice, district general hospital, and medical school. PATIENTS--Of the 184 patients aged under 60 with mild primary hypertension who entered the baseline habituation period, 88 were excluded because they failed to meet the entry criteria or they withdrew from the study. The remaining 46 men and 50 women underwent treatment. INTERVENTIONS--10 clinical sessions and daily practice at home of either stress management based on relaxation or non-aerobic stretching exercises. Mildly stressful 15 minute interviews before and after treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Diastolic and systolic blood pressure in the clinic and during 12 hours of ambulatory recording, and left ventricular mass measured by echocardiography. RESULTS--The patients'' blood pressure fell during habituation (systolic pressure from 152 mmHg to 140 mmHg, diastolic pressure from 98 to 93 mm Hg), but neither resting nor ambulatory blood pressure was changed by the treatments. Left ventricular mass was also unchanged. Blood pressure rose during the stressful interview, but this rise was reduced by stress management (systolic pressure rose by 7.4 mmHg before treatment and by 3.7 mmHg after treatment). CONCLUSION--Stress management of a type advocated for treating mild primary hypertension is ineffective in lowering blood pressure in patients who are well habituated to measuring blood pressure.     

青少年家族性高胆固醇血症患者血浆同型半胱氨酸和高敏C 反应蛋白水 平的临床价值及与血脂相关性研究

目的:探讨血浆同型半胱氨酸(Homocysteine,Hcy)、高敏C反应蛋白(Hypersensitive C-reactive protein,hs-CRP)在家族性高胆固醇血症(FH)的纯合子和杂合子患者中的水平及其与临床生化指标的相关性。方法:入选在2013.10~2015.7期间在动脉硬化门诊随访、确诊的家族性高胆固醇患者34人(纯合子14例,杂合子20例)。根据FH纯合子、杂合子、健康体检者分成三组,分别测定其总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、空腹血糖(Glu)、Hcy、hs-CRP水平,并比较FH患者血浆LDL-C、非高密度脂蛋白(non-HDL)水平Hcy、hs-CRP水平的相关性。结果:FH组的TC、LDL-C、non-HDL、Hcy水平显著高于正常对照组(P0.05)。FH根据基因型亚组分析中,青少年纯合子组HDL-C[(0.78±0.21)vs(1.25±0.40)mmol/L]小于杂合子组(P0.001),而TC[(16.11±2.66)vs(7.30±2.54)mmol/L]、LDL-C[(14.06±2.22)vs(5.25±2.16)mmol/L]、non-HDL[(15.33±2.60)vs(6.05±2.61)mmol/L]、Hcy[(19.3±11.58)vs(11.29±3.42)μmol/L]水平显著高于杂合子组(P0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,FH患者血浆LDL-C、non-HDL水平与Hcy水平呈正相关(P0.05),而与hs-CRP无相关性。结论:FH患者,特别是青少年的纯合子患者,与对照组相较,具有较高的TC、LDL-C和Hcy水平,并且与血浆LDL-C、non-HDL水平呈正相关。FH患者hs-CRP的水平高于健康人,但差异无统计学意义,与血浆LDL-C、non-HDL水平也无明显相关性。     

The Effects of Acute Exercise and Exercise Training on Plasma Homocysteine: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Although studies have demonstrated that physical exercise alters homocysteine levels in the blood, meta-analyses of the effects of acute exercise and exercise training on homocysteine blood concentration have not been performed, especially regarding the duration and intensity of exercise, which could affect homocysteine levels differently.

Objective

The aim of this meta-analysis was to ascertain the effects of acute exercise and exercise training on homocysteine levels in the blood.

Method

A review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses using the online databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and SciELO to identify relevant studies published through June 2015. Review Manager was used to calculate the effect size of acute exercise and exercise training using the change in Hcy plasmaserum concentration from baseline to post-acute exercise and trained vs. sedentary control groups, respectively. Weighted mean differences were calculated using random effect models.

Results

Given the abundance of studies, acute exercise trials were divided into two subgroups according to exercise volume and intensity, whereas the effects of exercise training were analyzed together. Overall, 22 studies with a total of 520 participants indicated increased plasma homocysteine concentration after acute exercise (1.18 μmol/L, 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.65, p < .01). Results of a subgroup analysis indicated that either long-term exercise of low-to-moderate intensity (1.39 μmol/L, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.89, p < .01) or short-term exercise of high intensity (0.83 μmol/L, 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.40, p < .01) elevated homocysteine levels in the blood. Increased homocysteine induced by exercise was significantly associated with volume of exercise, but not intensity. By contrast, resistance training reduced plasma homocysteine concentration (-1.53 μmol/L, 95% CI: -2.77 to -0.28, p = .02), though aerobic training did not. The cumulative results of the seven studies with a total of 230 participants in exercise training analysis did not demonstrate a significant impact on homocysteine levels in the blood (-0.56 μmol/L, 95% CI: -1.61 to 0.50, p = .23).

Conclusions

Current evidence demonstrates that acute exercise increases homocysteine levels in the blood independent of exercise duration and intensity. Resistance, but not aerobic training decreases plasma homocysteine levels.     

Hemodynamic and metabolic responses to exercise after adrenoceptor blockade in humans

The effects of acute alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade with prazosin, beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade with atenolol, and nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol were compared in a placebo-controlled crossover study of the hemodynamic and metabolic responses to acute exercise 2 h after prolonged prior exercise to induce skeletal muscle glycogen depletion, enhancing the dependence on hepatic glucose output and circulating free fatty acids (FFA). Plasma catecholamines were higher during exercise after, as opposed to before, glycogen depletion and were elevated further by all three drugs. Propranolol failed to produce a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and elevated diastolic blood pressure. Atenolol reduced systolic blood pressure and did not change diastolic blood pressure. Both beta-blockers reduced FFA levels, but only propranolol lowered plasma glucose relative to placebo during exercise after glycogen depletion. In contrast, prazosin reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures and resulted in elevated FFA and glucose levels. The results indicate important differences in the hemodynamic effects of beta 1-selective vs. nonselective beta-blockade during exercise after skeletal muscle glycogen depletion. Furthermore they confirm the importance of beta 2-mediated hepatic glucose production in maintaining plasma glucose levels during exercise. Acute alpha 1-blockade with prazosin induces reflex elevation of catecholamines, which in the absence of blockade of hepatic beta 2-receptors produces elevation of plasma glucose. The results suggest there is little role for alpha 1-mediated hepatic glucose production during exercise in humans.     

Effects of resistance versus aerobic training on coronary artery disease risk factors

Individuals exhibiting "the metabolic syndrome" have multiple coronary artery disease risk factors, including insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and android obesity. We performed a randomized trial to compare the effects of aerobic and resistance training regimens on coronary risk factors. Twenty-six volunteers who exhibited android obesity and at least one other risk factor for coronary artery disease were randomized to aerobic or resistance training groups. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, glucose, insulin, body composition, 24-hr urinary albumin, fibrinogen, blood pressure, and lipid profile were measured at baseline and after 10 weeks of exercise training. Both groups showed a significant reduction in waist-to-hip ratio and the resistance training group also showed a reduction in total body fat. There was no significant change in mean arterial blood pressure in either group. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were unchanged in both groups. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased (13%) with aerobic training only. Plasma fibrinogen was increased (28% and 34%, P < 0.02) in both groups and both groups showed a significant decrease (34% and 28%, P < 0.03) in microalbuminuria after their respective training regimen. In conclusion, resistance training was effective in improving body composition of middle-aged obese sedentary males. Only aerobic training was effective in raising HDL cholesterol. More studies are warranted to assess the effects of exercise on plasma fibrinogen and microalbuminuria.     

Efficiency of intermittent exercise on adiposity and fatty liver in rats fed with high-fat diet

Objective: This study aimed to examine and compare the effects of continuous or intermittent exercises on adiposity and fatty liver in rats fed with high‐fat diet. Methods and Procedures: Wistar rats were divided according to diet composition—chow diet (C) or high‐fat diet (H)—and kinds of exercise—sedentary (S), continuous (CE), or intermittent (IE) exercises. The CE group swam 90 min/day, and the IE group swam 3 × 30 min/day (at 4‐h intervals between sessions); both groups exercised 5 days/week during 8 weeks. Body weight and food intake were recorded daily. Lipogenesis rate in vivo was determined by the incorporation of ³H₂O into saponified lipids in retroperitoneal (RET), epididymal (EPI), and visceral (VIS) white adipose tissues, brown adipose tissue (BAT), liver (L), and gastrocnemius muscle (GAST) using the gravimetric method. Total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, and triacylglycerol (TG) were analyzed. Results: The major finding of this study is that IE was more efficient than CE in reducing the adverse effects of high‐fat diet and sedentarism. There was an improvement in the lipid profile and a reduction in food intake, body weight gain, visceral and central adiposity, and fatty liver, contributing to the control of obesity and other comorbidities, including nonalcoholic fat liver diseases. Discussion: Earlier studies have discussed the effects of diet consumption on adiposity and their relation to chronic diseases and obesity. This study discusses the effects of high‐fat diet consumption and the different kinds of exercise on weight gain, adiposity, fatty liver, and lipid profile in rats. The results may depend on the exercise, time of each session, age, gender, and experimental period.     

老年高血压合并2型糖尿病患者血清同型半胱氨酸、血尿酸水平变化及临床意义

目的：探讨老年高血压合并2型糖尿病患者血清同型半胱氨酸（Homocysteine,Hcy）、血尿酸（Serum uric acid,SUA）水平变化及其临床意义。方法：2012年9月至2013年9月期间,我院诊治的40例单纯高血压和40例高血压合并2型糖尿病患者,分别作为对照组和研究组,检测两组血清Hcy、SUA水平。结果：两组患者收缩压、舒张压比较无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。研究组空腹血糖、餐后2h血糖、血清Hcy、SUA均显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）。研究组中血管并发症患者血清Hcy、SUA为（25.0±5.0）μmol/L和（390.0±65.0）mmol/L显著高于无血管并发症患者（17.0±4.0）μmol/L和（330.0±55.0）mmol/L,血管并发症患者FBG、餐后2h血糖与无血管并发症患者比较无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。结论：高血压合并2型糖尿病患者血清Hcy、SUA异常升高,且存在慢性血管并发症患者两者水平更高,血清Hcy、SUA是老年高血压合并2型糖尿病的危险因素。     

Body Fat,Resting and Exercise Blood Pressure and the Angiotensinogen M235T Polymorphism: The Heritage Family Study

RANKINEN, T., JACQUES GAGNON, LOUIS PÉRUSSE, TREVA RICE, ARTHUR s. LEON, JAMES s. SKINNER, JACK H. WILMORE, D. C. RAO, AND CLAUDE BOUCHARD. Body fat, resting and exercise blood pressure and the angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism: the Heritage family study. Obes Res. Objective: The association of resting and exercise blood pressure (BP) and fat mass with the angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T polymorphism was investigated in 522 sedentary Caucasian subjects from 99 families. Research Methods and Procedures: Resting BP was measured on two separate days, three times each day, and the mean of six valid measurements was used. Exercise BP was measured during a cycle ergometer test at a constant power output (50 W). Body composition was derived from underwater weighing and the AGT M235T polymorphism was typed with a polymerase chain reaction-based method. Results: Neither resting nor exercise BP was associated with the AGT genotypes. In mothers, the homozygotes for the T allele showed 8. 8 kg and 7. 1 kg greater (p = 0. 017) age-adjusted body fat mass (FM) than the MM homozygotes and heterozygotes, respectively. Sixty-nine percent of all TT homozygotes were found in the highest FM tertile, whereas only 16% of the MM homozygotes fell in the same tertile (p = 0. 008). Moreover, a significant interaction was seen between FM and T-allele carrier status in women with regard to resting diastolic BP (p = 0. 002). Among women with a FM≥24 kg, carriers of the T allele showed a 6. 3 mmHg higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) than non-carriers whereas no difference was found in women with a FM less than 24 kg. A similar trend toward an interaction term was evident with resting systolic blood pressure (p = 0. 011) and exercise DBP (p = 0. 012). Body fat was not associated with the AGT polymorphism in fathers or in offspring. Discussion: These data suggest that the AGT M235T polymorphism is associated with body fatness in women, and that the relationship between DBP and AGT M235T polymorphism is dependent on FM in middle-aged sedentary normotensive women.     

Folic Acid Mitigates Angiotensin-II-Induced Blood Pressure and Renal Remodeling

Clinical data suggests an association between systolic hypertension, renal function and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). HHcy is a state of elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and is known to cause vascular complications. In this study, we tested the hypothesis whether Ang II-induced hypertension increases plasma Hcy levels and contributes to renovascular remodeling. We also tested whether folic acid (FA) treatment reduces plasma Hcy levels by enhancing Hcy remethylation and thus mitigating renal remodeling. Hypertension was induced in WT mice by infusing Ang II using Alzet mini osmotic pumps. Blood pressure, Hcy level, renal vascular density, oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis markers, and angiogenic- and anti-angiogenic factors were measured. Ang II hypertension increased plasma Hcy levels and reduced renal cortical blood flow and microvascular density. Elevated Hcy in Ang II hypertension was associated with decreased 4, 5-Diaminofluorescein (DAF-2DA) staining suggesting impaired endothelial function. Increased expression of Nox-2, -4 and dihydroethidium stain revealed oxidative stress. Excess collagen IV deposition in the peri-glomerular area and increased MMP-2, and -9 expression and activity indicated renal remodeling. The mRNA and protein expression of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) was increased and eNOS protein was decreased suggesting the involvement of this pathway in Hcy mediated hypertension. Decreased expressions of VEGF and increased anti-angiogenic factors, angiostatin and endostatin indicated impaired vasculogenesis. FA treatment partially reduced hypertension by mitigating HHcy in Ang II-treated animals and alleviated pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic factors. These results suggest that renovascular remodeling in Ang II-induced hypertension is, in part, due to HHcy.