Moderate intensity walking exercises reduce the body mass index and vascular inflammatory factors in postmenopausal women with obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

Postmenopause, the secretion of female hormones changes, causing excessive fat accumulation in the body and leading to chronic inflammation, which increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Walking is an easily accessible daily exercise and effective non-pharmacological treatment for reducing obesity and the incidence of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity walking exercises on body composition, vascular inflammatory factors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in postmenopausal women with obesity. Twenty-six older postmenopausal women with obesity (ages 68-72) were randomly assigned to control (n = 12, BMI 26.06 ± 1.37) or exercise (n = 14, BMI 26.04 ± 1.94) groups. Following a 12-week moderate intensity walking exercise program, we measured the participants' body composition with an InBody S10 analyzer and assessed blood sera using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. There was a significant clustering by weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), percentage body fat (p < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.05), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.05) being significantly decreased in the exercise group. Although VEGF levels did not change significantly, a tendency to increase was observed in participants that exercised. Our results indicate that walking exercise may help prevent CVD in postmenopausal women with obesity by reducing obesity and vascular inflammatory factors.

Correction: Rheu et al. Effect of Fermented Sarco Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Extract on Muscle Strength Enhancement in Postmenopausal Females: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 16450.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Effect of Fermented Sarco Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Extract on Muscle Strength Enhancement in Postmenopausal Females: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the effect of fermented sarco oysters (FSO) on muscle strength in postmenopausal females with low muscle mass. Fifty-two female participants were randomly divided into the experiment group (EG) or control group (CG). For 12 weeks, the EG was subjected to 1000 mg of FSO extract daily while the CG consumed the placebo extract. The muscle extension and flexion at an angular velocity of 60°/s and with respect to grip strength, body composition, and muscle growth-related blood factors were measured at the baseline and after the trial. The difference in the quadriceps muscle extension at an angular velocity of 60°/s, grip strength on both the left and right side, and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) between groups were significantly higher in the EG compared with the CG. However, no differences were found in body composition, blood pyruvate, lactate, or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration between the two groups. In conclusion, FSO supplements may improve muscle strength in postmenopausal females with relatively reduced muscle strength without a change in muscle mass.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Fermented Oyster-Derived Lactate on Exercise Endurance Indicators in Mice.

Exogenous lactate administration has more recently been investigated for its various prophylactic effects. Lactate derived from potential functional foods, such as fermented oyster extract (FO), may emerge as a practical and effective method of consuming exogenous lactate. The current study endeavored to ascertain whether the lactate derived from FO may act on muscle cell biology, and to what extent this may translate into physical fitness improvements. We examined the effects of FO in vitro and in vivo, on mouse C2C12 cells and exercise performance indicators in mice, respectively. In vitro, biochemical analysis was carried out to determine the effects of FO on lactate content and muscle cell energy metabolism, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity. Western blot analysis was also utilized to measure the protein expression of total adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK (Thr172), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in response to FO administration. Three experimental groups were formed: a positive control (PC) treated with 1% horse serum, FO10 treated with 10 µg/mL and FO50 treated with 50 µg/mL. In vivo, the effects of FO supplementation on exercise endurance were measured using the Rota-rod test, and Western blot analysis measured myosin heavy-chain 2 (MYH2) to assess skeletal muscle growth, alongside p-AMPK, total-AMPK, PGC-1α, cytochrome C and UCP3 protein expression. Biochemical analysis was also performed on muscle tissue to measure the changes in concentration of liver lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glycogen and citrate. Five groups (n = 10/per group) consisted of a control group (CON), exercise group (Ex), positive control treated with Ex and 500 mg/kg Taurine (Ex-Tau), Ex and 100 mg/kg FO supplementation (Ex-FO100) and Ex and 200 mg/kg FO supplementation (Ex-FO200) orally administered over the 4-week experimental period.FO50 significantly increased PGC-1α expression (p < 0.001), whereas both FO10 and FO50 increased the expression of p-AMPK (p < 0.001), in C2C12 muscle cells, showing increased signaling important for mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis. Muscle lactate levels were also significantly increased following FO10 (p < 0.05) and FO50 (p < 0.001). In vivo, muscle protein expression of p-AMPK (p < 0.05) and PGC-1α were increased, corroborating our in vitro results. Cytochrome C also significantly increased following FO200 intake. These results suggest that the effects of FO supplementation may manifest in a dose-response manner. FO administration, in vitro, and supplementation, in vivo, both demonstrate a potential for improvements in mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis, and even for potentiating the adaptive effects of endurance exercise. Mechanistically, lactate may be an important molecule in explaining the aforementioned positive effects of FO.

Corrigendum to "The Effects of Fermented Laminaria japonica on Short-Term Working Memory and Physical Fitness in the Elderly".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/8109621.].

The Effects of Fermented Laminaria japonica on Short-Term Working Memory and Physical Fitness in the Elderly.

Considering the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of fermented Laminaria japonica A. (FST), the purpose of the present study is to establish whether FST may be considered a viable, efficacious supplement that can be administered in later life to offset neurodegenerative conditions associated with aging. Forty senior subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Two groups were formed, one FST group (n = 32, 72.35 ± 5.54 yrs) and one placebo (CON) (n = 28, 74.57 ± 5.69 yrs), which received 1.5 g/day of FST for 6 weeks. Subjects were asked to abstain from any regular exercise. In order to analyze short-term memory, a variety of neuropsychological tests were implemented. Body composition, physical fitness evaluations, antioxidant function, and inflammatory markers were also included in the analyses pre- and posttest. We demonstrated that FST significantly improved neuropsychological test scores, including higher scores in the K-MMSE, numerical memory test, Raven test, and iconic memory, compared to the CON group. Shorter test trial times in the 6-meter [corrected] walk test were observed in the FST group (p<0.001 and p<0.05, trials 1 and 2, respectively). FST also significantly increased antioxidant activity of GPx, GSR, and SOD, reduced the production of TBARS, and lowered 8-oxoDG levels. The present study highlights the potential widespread application of FST in protecting against the degenerative effects of aging on short-term memory and physical function. Neuropsychological evaluation indicates that FST may provide a protective mechanism against cognitive impairment associated with dementia. Neuromuscular integrity and physical function are typically compromised in aging and dementia patients; thus, whether by stimulation of muscle-related growth factors or an increase in serum BDNF, FST supplementation may act to preserve physical function in the elderly. The bioactive constituents of FST such as GABA and fucoidan acting to provide improvements in antioxidant activity following FST supplementation may protect against progressive degeneration purportedly caused by reactive oxygen species.

GABA-enriched fermented Laminaria japonica improves cognitive impairment and neuroplasticity in scopolamine- and ethanol-induced dementia model mice.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fermented Laminaria japonica (FL), a type sea tangle used as a functional food ingredient, has been reported to possess cognitive improving properties that may aid in the treatment of common neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia. MATERIALS/METHODS: We examined the effects of FL on scopolamine (Sco)- and ethanol (EtOH)-induced hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, using the Passive avoidance (PA) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. To examine the underlying mechanisms associated with neuroprotective effects, we analyzed acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, brain tissue expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and immunohistochemical analysis, in the hippocampus of mice, compared to current drug therapy intervention. Biochemical blood analysis was carried out to determine the effects of FL on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. 7 groups (n = 10) consisted of a control (CON), 3 Sco-induced dementia and 3 EtOH-induced dementia groups, with both dementia group types containing an untreated group (Sco and EtOH); a positive control, orally administered donepezil (Dpz) (4mg/kg) (Sco + Dpz and EtOH + Dpz); and an FL (50 mg/kg) treatment group (Sco + FL50 and EtOH + FL50), orally administered over the 4-week experimental period. RESULTS: FL50 significantly reduced EtOH-induced increase in AST and ALT levels. FL50 treatment reduced EtOH-impaired step-through latency time in the PA test, and Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia escape latency times in the MWM test. Moreover, anticholinergic effects of Sco and EtOH on the brain were reversed by FL50, through the attenuation of AChE activity and elevation of ACh concentration. FL50 elevated ERK1/2 protein expression and increased p-CREB (ser133) in hippocampus brain tissue, according to Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that FL may be considered an efficacious intervention for Sco- and EtOH-induced dementia, in terms of reversing cognitive impairment and neuroplastic dysfunction.

The most effective factors to offset sarcopenia and obesity in the older Korean: Physical activity, vitamin D, and protein intake.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the types and levels of physical activity in conjunction with protein intake and vitamin D on sarcopenia and obesity status in an elderly population. METHODS: Study participants (N = 4452) were ages ≥60 y and included 1929 men and 2523 women who completed a body composition analysis with a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and provided health and dietary data. RESULTS: Higher appendicular skeletal muscle mass/weight was observed in the non-obese group, although obese participants had greater weights. The non-obese sarcopenia subgroup showed health problems related to insulin resistance and metabolic-related factors compared with the nonsarcopenic group. The total metabolic equivalent was significantly different in both obese categories, regardless of sarcopenic status. The prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity relatively increased with a diet deficient of protein intake and vitamin D. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that sarcopenia had a significant association with metabolic-related factors; physical activity, especially vigorous activity; and protein intake and vitamin D levels in a non-obese elderly population. Therefore, maintaining healthy body weight by means of resistance exercise and enhanced protein intake and vitamin D may help offset sarcopenia in this age group.

Development and application of biological age prediction models with physical fitness and physiological components in Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: Several biological age (BA) prediction models have been suggested with a variety of biomarkers. Valid models should be able to measure BA in a relatively short time period and predict subsequent physiological capability. Physiological and physical fitness variables have been shown to be distinctive markers for predicting BA and morbidity. The practical and noninvasive nature of such variables makes them useful as clinical assessment tools in estimating BA for in-depth diagnosis and corresponding intervention. OBJECTIVE: To identify, develop and evaluate biomarkers and BA prediction models and validate their clinical usefulness for the practical diagnosis of functional aging. METHODS: Fourteen variables were measured in 3,112 male and 1,233 female participants aged 30 and older between the years 2004 and 2007. Through a series of parsimonious stepwise elimination processes, two sets of 8 gender-specific variables were selected as candidate biomarkers for 1,604 men and 760 women. Principal component analysis, linear regression analysis and adjustment methods were further applied to obtain two sets of true BA (TBA) prediction models. The TBA models were examined for validity by comparing TBA to the corresponding chronological age (CA) with clinical risk factors. RESULTS: TBA prediction models with r(2) values of 0.638 and 0.672 were developed, each unique to men and women, respectively. The overall mean TBA and CA of the participants were 53.9 and 51.8 years, respectively, with a marginal difference of -2.1 and -1.3 years. The regression slopes or rates of TBA as a function of CA were 1.00 and 1.28 for men and women with r values of 0.799 and 0.820 (p < 0.001), respectively. In comparing TBA to CA rates between healthy and clinical risk groups, both sarcopenic and obese groups showed significant increases in TBA. CONCLUSIONS: The selected biomarkers encompass various complex physiopathological factors related to intrinsic and extrinsic physiological and functional aging. The BA prediction models based on the selected biomarkers could be practical in assessing BA for Korean adults.

O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase promoter methylation assessment by microdissection-assisted methylation-specific PCR and high resolution melting analysis in patients with glioblastomas.

We have determined O(6)-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in 22 paraffin-embedded specimens of glioblastoma multiforme. A MGMT methylation-specific high resolution melting (HRM) assay was performed to compare the methylation levels of the tumorous and non-tumorous portions of each sample, which were selectively collected using a microdissection technique. MGMT methylation was detected in 10 patients using MSP, while 8 patients had both methylated and unmethylated MGMT promoters. HRM assays showed that there was no difference in the level of methylation between tumorous and non-tumorous portions of each sample. In patients with MSP-positive tumors, the overall survival (median, 22 months) was longer as compared to those with MSP-negative tumors (median, 14 months). A correlation between the methylation status of the MGMT promoter and MGMT protein expression was observed in 12 samples. This study demonstrates that MGMT methylation is not restricted to glioblastoma cells. Additionally, methylation-specific HRM is a feasible approach that can be readily applied to the methylation analysis of MGMT. A further study will be needed to determine the dynamic change of MGMT methylation in the tumor environment.

Time-dependent changes in lipid metabolism in mice with methionine choline deficiency-induced fatty liver disease.

Methionine and choline-deficient diet (MCD)-induced fatty liver is one of the best-studied animal models of fatty liver disease. The present study was performed to clarify the relative contributions of individual lipid metabolic pathways to the pathogenesis of MCD-induced fatty liver. Hepatic lipogenesis mediated by the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1c) was increased at 1 week, but not at 6 weeks, of MCD feeding. On the other hand, (14)C-palmitate oxidation did not change at 1 week, but significantly decreased at 6 weeks. This decrease was associated with increased expression of fatty acid translocase, a key enzyme involved in fatty acid uptake. Expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers was increased in mice given MCD for both 1 and 6 weeks. These findings suggest the presence of time-dependent differences in lipid metabolism in MCD-induced fatty liver disease: SREBP-1c-mediated lipogenesis is important in the early stages of fatty liver disease, whereas increased fatty acid uptake and decreased fatty acid oxidation become more important in the later stages.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha overexpression prevents endothelial apoptosis by increasing ATP/ADP translocase activity.

OBJECTIVE: Fatty acids increase reactive oxygen species generation and cell apoptosis in endothelial cells. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a transcriptional coactivator that increases mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in various cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible preventive effect of PGC-1alpha on endothelial apoptosis and its molecular mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: Treatment with linoleic acid in cultured human aortic endothelial cells increased reactive oxygen species generation and cell apoptosis. These effects appeared to be mediated by increases in cytosolic fat metabolites, ie, fatty acyl CoA, diacylglycerol, and ceramide, and consequent decreases in ATP/ADP translocase activity of adenine nucleotide translocator. Adenoviral overexpression of PGC-1alpha prevented linoleic acid-induced increases in reactive oxygen species generation and cell apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells by increasing fatty acid oxidation, decreasing diacylglycerol and ceramide, and increasing ATP/ADP translocase activity. In isolated aorta, PGC-1alpha overexpression prevented linoleic acid-induced decrease in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, and this effect was abolished by adenine nucleotide translocator1 shRNA. CONCLUSIONS: PGC-1alpha regulates reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis in endothelial cells by increasing fatty acid oxidation and enhancing ATP/ADP translocase activity. Measures to increase PGC-1alpha expression or ATP/ADP translocase activity in vascular cells may aid in the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.