The Influence of Taurine Supplementation on Serum and Tissular Fe, Zn and Cu Levels in Normal and Diet-Induced Insulin-Resistant Rats.

Taurine (Tau) is a ß-sulphonated amino acid postulated to improve glucose homeostasis in insulin resistance and diabetes. Changes in carbohydrate metabolism are accompanied by oxidative stress, which may disturb the mineral balance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of Tau supplementation on the levels of trace elements in rats fed either a standard (AIN-93M, 4% fat) diet or a modified high-fat diet (30% fat). For 8 weeks, male Wistar rats were fed these diets supplemented with 3% Tau. Taurine supplementation normalized increased serum insulin concentration and insulin resistance index; however, it did not improve serum CRP concentration in high-fat diet fed rats. The high-fat diet supplemented with Tau decreased the renal and splenic Zn levels, but the tissular Fe content did not change. The effect of Tau supplementation on the mineral balance to some extent depended on the fat content in the rats' diet. The high-fat diet supplemented with Tau decreased the rats' splenic Zn levels but increased their femur levels. In the group fed the standard diet, Tau reduced the rats' femur Zn level, whereas their splenic Zn level was comparable. Tau supplementation decreased the renal Cu level and serum ceruloplasmin concentration in the rats fed the standard diet, but this effect was not observed in the rats fed the high-fat diet. In conclusion, supplementary taurine failed to ameliorate disturbances in mineral homeostasis caused by high-fat diet feeding and led to tissular redistribution of Zn and Cu in the rat.

Diuretics, Ca-Antagonists, and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Affect Zinc Status in Hypertensive Patients on Monotherapy: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Antihypertensive drugs affect mineral metabolism, inflammation, and the oxidative state. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antihypertensive monopharmacotherapy with diuretics, ß-blockers, calcium antagonists (Ca-antagonists), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) on zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) status, parameters of oxidative and inflammatory states, and glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with newly diagnosed primary arterial hypertension (AH). METHODS: Ninety-eight hypertensive subjects received diuretics, ß-blockers, Ca-antagonists, ACE-I, or ARB for three months. Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations were determined in blood, urine, and hair. RESULTS: A decrease in zinc serum and erythrocyte concentration and an increase in zinc urine concentration were registered after diuretic administration. Ca-antagonists led to a decrease in erythrocyte zinc concentration. A decrease in serum zinc concentration was observed after ACE-I. A decrease in triglyceride serum concentration was noted after ACE-I therapy, and a decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α serum concentration was seen following administration of Ca-antagonists. Hypotensive drugs led to decreases in catalase and superoxide dismutase serum concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Three-months of monotherapy with diuretics, Ca-antagonists, or ACE-I impairs zinc status in patients with newly diagnosed primary AH. Antihypertensive monopharmacotherapy and zinc metabolism alterations affect lipid metabolism, the oxidative state, and the inflammatory state.

Effect of hypotensive therapy combined with modified diet or zinc supplementation on biochemical parameters and mineral status in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypotensive therapy leads to a number of trace elements metabolism disturbances. Zinc balance is frequently affected by antihypertensive treatment. AIM: To evaluate the effect of a hypotensive treatment, modified diet and zinc supplementation on mineral status and selected biochemical parameters in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients on monotherapy. METHODS: In the first stage, arterial hypertension in ninety-eight human subjects was diagnosed. In the second stage, antihypertensive monopharmacotherapy was implemented. In the third stage, patients were randomized into three groups and continued antihypertensive monotherapy: group D received an optimal-mineral-content diet, group S received zinc supplementation, and group C had no changes in diet or zinc supplementation. Iron, zinc, and copper concentrations in serum, erythrocytes, urine, and hair were determined. Lipids, glucose, ceruloplasmin, ferritin, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were assayed in serum. RESULTS: Antihypertensive monotherapy decreased zinc concentration in serum and erythrocytes and increased the level of zinc in urine, decreased CAT and SOD activity, TNF-α concentration in serum, and increased the level of NO in the serum. Zinc supply led to an increase in zinc concentration in serum, erythrocytes, and hair (in group S only). In the groups with higher zinc intake, decreased glucose concentration in the serum was observed. Significant correlation was seen between the zinc and glucose serum concentrations. CONCLUSION: Hypotensive drugs disturb zinc status in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Antihypertensive monotherapy combined with increased zinc supply in the diet or supplementation favorably modify zinc homeostasis and regulate glucose status without blood pressure affecting in patients with hypertension.

Association of cord blood ghrelin, leptin and insulin concentrations in term newborns with anthropometric parameters at birth.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin, leptin and insulin, generally considered as regulators of energy homeostasis of the organism may be related to fetal and early postnatal growth. Numerous studies have confirmed the presence of these hormones in the cells of the fetus indicating their importance in development at early stages of life. METHODS: This study analyzed active and total ghrelin by radioimmunoassay (RIA), leptin and insulin concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 65 cord blood samples, from term newborns, and measured the birth anthropometric parameters [birth weight (BW), head circumference, chest, stomach, thigh and arm circumference]. RESULTS: Active ghrelin (AG) concentrations correlated negatively with BW, head circumference, stomach and thigh circumference. When divided by gender, AG correlated negatively with males' BW, stomach and thigh circumference. Females' head circumference correlated negatively with AG. Cord leptin correlated positively with arm circumference. When divided by gender, cord leptin was positively associated with BW and stomach circumference in male newborns and with thigh and arm circumference in female newborns. Insulin concentrations tended to correlate positively with BW in male newborns. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it was confirmed that cord blood ghrelin, leptin and insulin correlate with anthropometric parameters at birth. This study showed a negative correlation of AG with anthropometric parameters, which may emphasize that this hormone is an indicator of growth restriction. This is in contrast to cord leptin and insulin, which are more connected with overgrowth. Taking all the results into consideration, the metabolic status of the fetus and newborn is an essential component in understanding the regulation of perinatal development.

Relationship between adipokines and lipid profile in postmenopausal women with different apolipoprotein E genotypes.

The aim of the authors of this study was to clarify the relationships among apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype, blood pressure, lipid profile, serum leptin, and adiponectin in healthy postmenopausal women. The study was conducted between March 2011 and December 2012 on 266 participants aged 50-65 years from the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Poland. Results showed that women had four combinations of genotypes: ɛ2/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ4, and ɛ4/ɛ4. Carriers of different genotypes did not differ in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and adiponectin levels. Mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were higher in ε4 carriers compared to non-carriers. Fasting serum leptin concentrations were higher in homozygotes ɛ4/ɛ4. Leptin correlated positively with BMI in all study groups and with LDL in ɛ2/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ3, and ɛ3/ɛ4. Adiponectin correlated negatively with triglycerides in ɛ2/ɛ3, ɛ3/ɛ3, and ɛ3/ɛ4 and positively with HDL in ɛ2/ɛ3 carriers. Adipokines were not associated with blood pressure. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated associations among leptin, ApoE ɛ4/ɛ4, BMI, and LDL, and among adiponectin, BMI, and triglycerides. In healthy postmenopausal women ɛ4/ɛ4 genotype was associated with lower leptin levels. Homozygosity ɛ4/ɛ4 was associated with a more atherogenic lipid profile and possibly dysregulation of leptin and adiponectin signaling in lipid metabolism.

The Effect of VASER Abdominal Liposuction on Metabolic Profile in Overweight Males.

The aim of the current study was to examine the liposuction-induced metabolic changes with regard to release of major adipokines and insulin sensitivity in overweight male patients. Seventeen overweight male patients aged 37.15 ± 9.60 years (6 with diabetes type 2, 11 without comorbidities) and 10 age-matched healthy lean controls were enrolled in the study. Using Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance System, ultrasound assisted liposuction was applied onto the deep layers of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. The mean volume supranatant fat was 2208 ± 562 ml. To eliminate the confounding effects of postsurgical inflammation and to evaluate delayed metabolic effects, fasting blood was collected on the day of liposuction, within 1 to 2 months and more than 6 months after surgery. Serum leptin, soluble receptor for leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and glucose concentrations were tested and insulin sensitivity was calculated using updated model Homeostasis Model Assessment 2. Both treatment groups (diabetic and nondiabetic patients) experienced similar postsurgical weight reduction with concomitant lowering of body mass index value at 1 to 2 months follow-up, which was sustained after 6 months from surgery. Improvement in insulin sensitivity at 1 to 2 months follow-up was observed ( p = .017 and p = .002, for diabetics and nondiabetics, respectively) and this change persisted over the next 4 months. At the same time, no significant changes in adipokines and soluble leptin receptor were found. These data demonstrate that in terms of metabolic consequences, Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance abdominal liposuction might have beneficial effects in overweight diabetic and nondiabetic males by improving their insulin sensitivity.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce oxidative stress intensity in hyperglicemic conditions in rats independently from bradykinin receptor inhibitors.

AIM: To investigate whether endogenous bradykinin is involved in the antioxidant action of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in acute hyperglycemia. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into the normoglycemic group (n=40) and the hyperglycemic group (n=40). Hyperglycemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 0.1 mol/L citrate buffer (pH 4.5) 72 hours before sacrifice. The normoglycemic group received the same volume of citrate buffer. Each group was divided into five subgroups (n=8): control group, captopril group, captopril + bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists group, enalapril group, and enalapril + bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists group. Captopril, enalapril, B1 and B2 receptor antagonists, or 0.15 mol/L NaCl were given at 2 and 1 hour before sacrifice. Oxidative status was determined by measuring the concentration of malondialdehyde and H2O2, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). RESULTS: In STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats ACEIs significantly reduced H2O2 concentration, while they significantly enhanced SOD and GPx activity. The hyperglycemic group treated simultaneously with ACEIs and bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists showed a significant decrease in H2O2 concentration compared to the control hyperglycemic group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the existence of the bradykinin -independent antioxidative effect of ACEIs in hyperglycemic conditions, which is not related to the bradykinin mediation and the structure of the drug molecule.

Variations in leptin and insulin levels within one swimming season in non-obese female cold water swimmers.

AIM: We examined whether cold water swimming for seven consecutive months changes basal leptin and insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity in healthy non-obese women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen recreational female swimmers aged 45 ± 8.7 years, regularly swimming outdoors during winter months were exposed to cold water at least twice a week. Fasting blood samples were collected in October, January and April. Serum leptin, insulin and glucose concentrations were tested and insulin sensitivity was calculated using updated model HOMA2. RESULTS: Repeated cold water baths significantly increased insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin and leptin concentrations (p = 0.006, p = 0.032, p = 0.042, respectively). Leptin concentration positively correlated with body-mass index (BMI) and insulin level (r = 0.412, r = 0.868, respectively). Insulin level inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity and positively with glucose (r = -0.893, r = 0.166, respectively). No associations between leptin and insulin sensitivity were found. CONCLUSION: Regular cold water swimming may stimulate metabolic changes suggesting that leptin and insulin participate in adaptive metabolic mechanisms triggered by repeated cold exposure accompanied by mild exercise in healthy non-obese women.

Cold Water Swimming Beneficially Modulates Insulin Sensitivity in Middle-Aged Individuals.

We determined whether cold water swimming for six consecutive months results in adaptive changes in body composition and insulin sensitivity. Thirty healthy subjects aged 50.2 ± 9.4 years were exposed to cold water at least twice a week. Body composition was determined and serum glucose and insulin served to calculate beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and resistance using HOMA2. Compared with control subjects, swimmers were overweight, and had greater percent body fat and beta cell function. Women had lower values of BMI, fat free mass, muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue level, and greater percent body fat than men. Increased insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin secretion and resistance from beginning to middle of swim season was observed in females and in lean subjects. Findings suggest that men and women differ in regard to body composition and response to repeated cold exposure. Cold water swimming may beneficially modulate insulin sensitivity in cold acclimated lean swimmers.

The role of ghrelin, leptin and insulin in foetal development.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The growing epidemic of childhood obesity has forced scientists to search for methods to prevent feeding disorders. Increasing interest in appetite regulating hormones has revealed their influence on energy homeostasis after birth or even in utero. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: The presence of ghrelin in the stomach of human foetuses and the distinctive production in the pancreas of neonates suggests the role of ghrelin in pre- and post-natal development. The neonatal period appears to be a critical time for the formation of adipose tissue-hypothalamus circuits, thus the amount of adipocytes in foetal life may be a major regulator of food intake. Insulin's orexigenic effect in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus can be a major modulator of foetal development. OBJECTIVE: This review, based on available literature, aims to analyses the role of appetite regulating hormones in foetal development. SUMMARY: Different concentrations of hormones, such as ghrelin, leptin and insulin during foetal life raises the question whether or not they can be modulated, thereby avoiding obesity before birth. Children with pancreas agenesis showed smaller body size at birth, which emphasises the probable role of insulin in foetal growth. Study of sheep foetuses with IUGR confirmed these finding. Appetite-regulating hormones show different roles in foetal development and seem to be essential in the perinatal period.

The assessment of selected factors influencing intent to get pregnant in the Greater Poland Region.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Nowadays, people decide to have a baby by first analysing their financial situation. Tradition is no longer a factor which determines the decision whether or not to have a baby. A prognosis of the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS) shows that the population of Poland will fall from 38 to 36 million by 2035. The aim of this study is to assess the procreation behaviour of women in Greater Poland Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the research purpose, 3,120 women of reproductive age were examined by using an author designed questionnaire and a synthetic Family Financial Standard Index. RESULTS: 74.6% of the respondents lived in an urban area, 25.4% of women come from a rural area. 49% of examined women did not want to have a bigger family, 45% would like to have another child. Analysis of the reasons why women did not want to have another baby revealed that predominance of the financial factor - 67%, living conditions - 18.4% and health- 13.2%. Only 11.9% of the women declared their high financial status, 4.8% of families received family allowance from the government; 88.4% of the examined families did not receive any social benefits. Bad housing situation was declared by 5% of the respondents, 26.7% of the interviewees lived with family members, i.e. parents or grandparents. Analysis of the data concerning religious bonds showed that 67.6% of women declared their indifference to religion. CONCLUSIONS: The economic factor was an important reason limiting procreation. The bad situation on the real estate market combined with an insufficient range of social welfare led to a decrease in the birth-rate in the Greater Poland region. The impact of religion on family planning was less important. The influence of the analysed socio-economic factors on family planning was similar in rural and urban areas.

The effects of antihypertensive drugs on chromium status, glucose metabolism, and antioxidant and inflammatory indices in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The long-term use of hypotensive drugs may cause side effects, including impaired glucose metabolism and mineral status. This study tested the hypothesis that some hypotensive drugs can affect tissular chromium levels and indices of glucose metabolic and antioxidant potential in rats. The experiment was performed on 40 male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), which were assigned to five groups: control (C), with perindopril (PR), with metoprolol (MT), with indapamide (ID), and with amlodipine (AM). All rats were provided ad libitum standard diet (with or without drugs) and distilled water for 45 days. Glucose and insulin levels, along with total antioxidant status (TAS) and concentrations of TNF-alpha and C-reactive protein, were assayed in serum. Chromium concentrations in the liver and kidney were determined using the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. Detailed statistical analysis was performed using Statistica for Windows 10.0 (StatSoft, Poland). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a post hoc Tukey test, was used to compare the data between groups. Treatment with indapamide and amlodipine resulted in significantly higher chromium concentrations in the liver and kidney (AM) of the rats, compared with the control group. A markedly higher concentration of glucose was found in the ID group. Treatment with amlodipine significantly increased TAS levels in serum and decreased TNF-alpha concentration in serum of the rats. A significant positive correlation between chromium concentration in tissues and serum TAS level was observed, as was a significant negative correlation between chromium concentration in the kidneys, and TNF-alpha and glucose levels in serum. In conclusion, the administration of amlodipine may lead to an increase in chromium accumulation in the internal organs, which is associated with increased antioxidant status and suppression of the inflammatory response of cells in SHRs.

Fasting and postprandial levels of ghrelin, leptin and insulin in lean, obese and anorexic subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Ghrelin, leptin and insulin are involved in neurohormonal regulation of energetic homeostasis. AIM: We investigated the correlation between nutritional status and plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin and insulin in lean, obese and anorexic subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen obese and 18 anorexic adults were enrolled in the study. Seventeen adults with normal body mass index (BMI) served as controls. Blood samples were taken twice: before breakfast and 2 h after breakfast. Fasting and postprandial ghrelin, leptin and insulin were examined. The following correlations were estimated: between BMI and basal level of tested hormones, between insulin and ghrelin, and between insulin and leptin. The threshold level of significance was p ≤ 0.05 for all calculations. RESULTS: Basal insulin level was lowest in anorexic patients and greatest in obese subjects. Fasting plasma ghrelin was lower in obesity and higher in anorexia as compared with the controls. Comparing with controls, fasting leptin levels were higher in obese and lower in anorexic subjects. There was positive correlation between BMI and basal leptin level in obesity. A significant postprandial increase was noted for insulin in all studied groups. Increased leptin and decreased ghrelin levels were detected 2 h after a meal in the control group. In obese patients, postprandial leptin was lower than before food intake, and fasting leptin showed positive correlation with basal insulin level. CONCLUSIONS: Basal plasma ghrelin, leptin and insulin levels differ according to nutritional status. Impaired ghrelin and leptin secretion and insulin sensitivity may be involved in the pathogenesis of eating disorders.