Improvement of antioxidant status after Brazil nut intake in hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of partially defatted Granulated Brazil nut (GBN) on biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status of hypertensive and dyslipidemic patients on nutrition and drug approaches. METHODS: Ninety one hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects of both genders (51.6 % men), mean age 62.1 ± 9.3 years, performed a randomized crossover trial, double-blind, placebo controlled. Subjects received a diet and partially defatted GBN 13 g per day (≈227.5 µg/day of selenium) or placebo for twelve weeks with four-week washout interval. Anthropometric, laboratory and clinic characteristics were investigated at baseline. Plasma selenium (Se), plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 8-epi PGF2α and oxidized LDL were evaluated at the beginning and in the end of each intervention. RESULTS: GBN intake significantly increased plasma Se from 87.0 ± 16.8 to 180.6 ± 67.1 µg/L, increased GPx3 activity in 24,8% (from 112.66 ± 40.09 to 128.32 ± 38.31 nmol/min/mL, p < 0,05), and reduced 3.25% of oxidized-LDL levels (from 66.31 ± 23.59 to 60.68 ± 20.88 U/L, p < 0.05). An inverse association between GPx3 and oxidized LDL levels was observed after supplementation with GBN by simple model (ß -0.232, p = 0.032) and after adjustment for gender, age, diabetes and BMI (ß -0.298, p = 0.008). There wasn't association between GPx3 and 8-epi PGF2α (ß -0.209, p = 0.052) by simple model. CONCLUSION: The partially defatted GBN intake has a potential benefit to increase plasma selenium, increase enzymatic antioxidant activity of GPx3 and to reduction oxidation in LDL in hypertensive and dyslipidemic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01990391; November 20, 2013.

Adequacy of basal metabolic rate prediction equations in individuals with severe obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The determination of energy requirements in clinical practice is based on basal metabolic rate (BMR), frequently predicted by equations that may not be suitable for individuals with severe obesity. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the accuracy and precision of BMR prediction equations in adults with severe obesity. Four databases were searched in March 2021 and updated in May 2023. Eligible studies compared BMR prediction equations with BMR measured by indirect calorimetry. Forty studies (age: 28-55 years, BMI: 40.0-62.4 kg/m2) were included, most of them with a high risk of bias. Studies reporting bias (difference between estimated and measured BMR) were included in the meta-analysis (n = 20). Six equations were meta-analyzed: Harris & Benedict (1919); WHO (weight) (1985); Owen (1986); Mifflin (1990); Bernstein (1983); and Cunningham (1980). The most accurate and precise equations in the overall analysis were WHO (-12.44 kcal/d; 95%CI: -81.4; 56.5 kcal/d) and Harris & Benedict (-18.9 kcal/d; 95%CI -73.2; 35.2 kcal/d). All the other equations tended to underestimate BMR. Harris & Benedict and WHO were the equations with higher accuracy and precision in predicting BMR in individuals with severe obesity. Additional analyses suggested that equations may perform differently according to obesity BMI ranges, which warrants further investigation.

Impact of Two Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Protocols on Body Composition of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: This study investigated the effects of two 6-week whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) protocols on body composition in patients with metabolic syndrome (MSy). Thirty-three patients were allocated to either the Fixed Frequency WBVE Group (FFG-WBVE) or the Variable Frequency WBVE Group (VFG-WBVE). (2) Methods: A side-alternating vibration platform was used and the patients remained in the semi-squat position on this platform. In the FFG-WBVE (n = 12; median age = 50.50 years) and (body mass index BMI = 31.95 kg/m2), patients were exposed to 10 s of mechanical vibration at a fixed frequency of 5 Hz, followed by 50 s without vibration. In the VFG-WBVE (n = 10; median age = 57.50 years) and (BMI = 32.50 kg/m2), the patients performed 60 s of mechanical vibration at different frequencies from 5 to 16 Hz). Body composition evaluated through (bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometric measurements) were was evaluated before and after the all the interventions in each group. (3) Results: The VFG-WBVE decreased waist circumference, p = 0.01 and segmental fat mass [left arm, p = 0.01; right arm, p = 0.02 and trunk, p = 0.03]. Bone content increased, p = 0.01. No significant changes were observed in the FFG- WBVE. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that 6 weeks of WBVE with a protocol with variable frequency can positively modify the body composition of MSY patients. These findings might contribute to improvements in the metabolic health of these patients.

Maternal protein restriction in mice causes adverse metabolic and hypothalamic effects in the F1 and F2 generations.

Maternal protein restriction causes metabolic alterations associated with hypothalamic dysfunction. Because the consequences of metabolic programming can be passed transgenerationally, the present study aimed to assess whether maternal protein restriction alters the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides in offspring and to evaluate hormonal and metabolic changes in male offspring from the F1 and F2 generations. Female Swiss mice (F0) were mated and fed either a normal-protein (NP group; 19 % protein) or a low-protein (LP group; 5 % protein) diet throughout gestation of the F1 generation (NP1 and LP1). At 3 months of age, F1 females were mated to produce the F2 generation (NP2 and LP2). Animals from all groups were evaluated at 16 weeks of age. LP1 offspring had significantly lower weights and shorter lengths than NP1 offspring at birth, but they underwent a phase of rapid catch-up growth. Conversely, the LP2 offspring were not significantly different from the NP2 offspring in either weight or length. At 16 weeks, no differences were found in body mass among any of the groups, although LP1 and LP2 offspring showed hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriacylglycerolaemia, hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, increased levels of insulin, leptin and resistin, decreased endogenous leptin sensitivity, increased adiposity with elevated leptin levels and leptin resistance characterised by altered expression of neuropeptide Y and pro-opiomelanocortin without any changes in the leptin receptor Ob-Rb. We conclude that severe maternal protein restriction promotes metabolic programming in F1 and F2 male offspring due to a dysregulation of the adipoinsular axis and a state of hypothalamic leptin resistance.

Sarcopenia and poor muscle quality associated with severe obesity in young adults and middle-aged adults.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is a muscle disease that is associated with a decline in muscle strength and function. When this condition coexists with sarcopenia, it is characterized as sarcopenic obesity (OS), and is associated with worse outcomes of physical functions. The aim of this study was to investigate sarcopenia in obesity and its relationship with body composition in young adults with grade II and grade III obesity. METHODS: Analytical, cross-sectional study. Volunteers of both sexes were selected, aged between 20 and 59 years, and who had a BMI ≥35 kg/m2 with the presence of comorbidities or BMI> 40 kg/m2. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The following parameters of sarcopenia included handgrip strength (HGS), chair stand, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), ASM adjusted by weight and ASM adjusted by BMI; HGS adjusted by ASM and gait speed. RESULTS: 108 volunteers, of both sexes, with a mean age of 43, ±11.7 years, were evaluated. 2% had dinapenia and 33% low leg muscle strength. The prevalence of sarcopenia varied between 11.1% and 13.9%, corresponding to the confirmatory criteria of low muscle quantity and low muscle quality, respectively, particularly affecting middle-aged women. We found a reduction in HGS by ASM with an increase in BMI and fat mass (kg) in both age groups, being significant among middle-aged adults (40-59 years). CONCLUSION: Even with young adults, we observed changes in all parameters with a negative impact on strength, mass and muscle function. Muscle quality can be considered an important risk factor for functional disability and should be considered in the assessment of sarcopenia. The results show the need to standardize criteria for the assessment of sarcopenia in young adults with severe obesity, since the prevalence differed widely.

An overview of the level of dietary support in the gut microbiota at different stages of life: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The gut microbiome is an essential factor for the health of the host. Several factors may alter the gut's microbiota composition, including genetic factors, lifestyle, aging, and dietary intervention. This process can be an essential element in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with microbiome dysfunction through appropriate dietary interventions. Based on this context, a systematic review was carried out in order to assess the effect of dietary intervention on the profile of the gut microbiota throughout different stages of life. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), with the eligibility criteria following the principle of PICOS. The literature search was carried out in 2019 throughout PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Science Direct. Thus, 1237 studies were selected, and 40 articles were included by criteria. RESULTS: According to the level of evidence of Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM), 21 studies reached the level of evidence B1, 15 articles were classified with B2, and four articles with B3. No dietary intervention was applied at all stages of life, nor with similar proportions of intervention. No dietary intervention was applied at all stages of life, nor with similar proportions of intervention. On the other hand, dietary interventions alter the intestinal microbiota in different pathological realities. CONCLUSIONS: Different dietary interventions change the microbiome composition at all stages of life in healthy and pathological individuals. However, more clinical studies are needed to identify the specifics of each stage in response to interventions.

Green banana flour supplementation improves obesity-associated systemic inflammation and regulates gut microbiota profile in mice fed high-fat diets.

This study evaluated the effect of green banana flour (GBF) consumption on obesity-related conditions in mice fed high-fat diets. GBF was prepared using stage 1 green banana pulp, which was dehydrated and milled. Mice were fed a control diet (n = 20; 10% of energy from lipids) or a high-fat diet (n = 20; 50% of energy from lipids). After 10 weeks, mice were divided into 4 groups based on feed: standard chow (SC; n = 10), standard with 15% GBF (SB; n = 10), high-fat diet (HF; n = 10) and high-fat diet with 15% GBF (HFB; n = 10) for 4 weeks. HFB exhibited lower gains in body weight (-21%; p < 0.01) and in all fat pads (p < 0.01) compared with the HF group. SC, SB, and HFB showed smaller retroperitoneal white adipose tissue diameters (p < 0.001). SB and HFB-treated mice showed lower levels of leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with the SC and HF groups (p < 0.01). In the GBF-fed groups, there was a reduction in the abundance of Firmicutes (SB: -22%; HFB: -23%) and an increase in Bacteroidetes (SB: +25%; HFB: +29%) compared with their counterparts. We demonstrated that GBF consumption attenuated inflammation and improved metabolic status, adipose tissue remodeling, and the gut microbiota profile of obese mice. Novelty: Green banana flour (GBF) consumption, rich in resistant starch, regulates body weight in mice fed high-fat diets. GBF consumption improves fat pad distribution in mice fed high-fat diets. GBF improves obesity-associated systemic inflammation and regulates gut microbiota profile in mice fed high-fat diets.

Evaluation of the Relationships between Simple Anthropometric Measures and Bioelectrical Impedance Assessment Variables with Multivariate Linear Regression Models to Estimate Body Composition and Fat Distribution in Adults: Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are conditions associated with sedentary lifestyle and accumulation of abdominal fat, determining increased mortality, favoring chronic diseases, and increasing cardiovascular risk. Although the evaluation of body composition and fat distribution are highly relevant, the high cost of the gold standard techniques limits their wide utilization. Therefore, the aim of this work was to explore the relationships between simple anthropometric measures and BIA variables using multivariate linear regression models to estimate body composition and fat distribution in adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, sixty-eight adult individuals (20 males and 48 females) were subjected to bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometric measurements (waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (NC), mid-arm circumference (MAC)), allowing the calculation of conicity index (C-index), fat mass/fat-free mass (FM/FFM) ratios, body mass index (BMI) and body shape index (ABSI). Statistical analyzes were performed with the R program. Nonparametric Statistical tests were applied to compare the characteristics of participants of the groups (normal weight, overweight and obese). For qualitative variables, the Fisher's exact test was applied, and for quantitative variables, the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. To evaluate the linear association between each pair of variables, the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated, and Multivariate linear regression models were adjusted using the stepwise variable selection method, with Akaike Information Criterion (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: BIA variables with the highest correlations with anthropometric measures were total body water (TBW), body fat percentage (BFP), FM, FFM and FM/FFM. The multiple linear regression analysis showed, in general, that the same variables can be estimated through simple anthropometric measures. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of fat distribution in the body is desirable for the diagnosis and definition of obesity severity. However, the high cost of the instruments (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, hydrostatic weighing, air displacement plethysmography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance) to assess it, favors the use of BMI in the clinical practice. Nevertheless, BMI does not represent a real fat distribution and body fat percentage. This highlights the relevance of the findings of the current study, since simple anthropometric variables can be used to estimate important BIA variables that are related to fat distribution and body composition.

Resistant starch from green banana (Musa sp.) attenuates non-alcoholic fat liver accumulation and increases short-chain fatty acids production in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of resistant starch from green banana (GB) on steatosis and short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production in high fat diet-induced obesity in mice. High-fat green banana group (HFB) exhibited lower gains in BM (body mass; -6%; P < 0.01) compared with High-fat diet group (HF). Additionally, HFB mice showed reduction in liver steatosis (-28%, P < 0.01) with reduction of 93% in hepatic triacylglycerol (P < 0.01) compared to HF-diet-fed mice. In addition, the protein abundance of AMPKp/AMPK, HMGCoA-r and FAS were downregulated in livers of HFB mice (P < 0.01), relatively to the HF-diet-fed mice. ABCG8 and ABCG5 were up-regulated in HFB group compared to HF group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the HFB fed-mice produced the highest amount of SCFAs (p < 0.05) compared to its counterpart HFD. In conclusion, we demonstrated that resistant starch from GB improved metabolic parameters by modulating the expression of key proteins involved in liver lipid metabolism.

Endocrine pancreas development: effects of metabolic and intergenerational programming caused by a protein-restricted diet.

Experimental studies have demonstrated an association between low birth weight and the later development of type 2 diabetes. This association could be a result of the programming process that affects pancreatic beta-cell development due to poor fetal nutrition. This mechanism may not be limited to the first generation. In rodents, endocrine cells of the pancreas are derived from cells of the endodermal dorsal and ventral anlage that migrate and gather in clusters in a process termed isletogenesis. Islet development occurs relatively late in gestation, and islets undergo substantial remodeling immediately after birth under the regulation of a transcription factor network. Furthermore, the offspring of mice fed a protein-restricted diet exhibit a reduced pancreatic beta-cell mass at birth, lower vascularization, increased apoptosis rate, and changes in glucose metabolism in later life. Although the mechanisms underlying these relationships are unclear, it has been hypothesized that in utero nutritional conditions affect epigenetic patterns of gene transcription that persist throughout life and subsequent generations. We aimed to review the process of the formation of the endocrine pancreas in rodents, the consequences of a protein-restricted diet on offspring, and the transgenerational effects of this insult on the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Transgenerational endocrine pancreatic adaptation in mice from maternal protein restriction in utero.

Exposure of pregnant mice to a low-protein diet (LP) impairs endocrine pancreas development in their offspring. There is evidence that this phenomenon may persist in subsequent generations. Here, we evaluated the effect of LP on glucose metabolism and pancreatic morphometry in the F3 offspring of mice at birth and weaning. LP pups in the first generation were smaller at birth, but catch-up growth; F2-LP offspring had higher body mass at birth, but there was no difference in the F3 generation. The pancreatic mass decreased in F1-LP through F3-LP at birth but increased in F2-LP at weaning. The islet volume density and diameter were smaller in all restricted groups at day 1 and 21, and F1-LP had the lowest islet number; at birth, beta cell mass was smaller in F1-LP through F3-LP and remained low throughout suckling. At day 1 and 21, pups were normoglycemic, but were hypoinsulinemic at weaning. Thus, protein restriction in mice during pregnancy produces morphologic changes in pancreatic islets, suggesting that glucose homeostasis is maintained by an increased sensitivity to insulin during the early stages of life in offspring over three consecutive generations.

Exercise counters diet-induced obesity, proteinuria, and structural kidney alterations in rat.

We studied the effects of exercise training in treating renal impairment due to hypertension and obesity in rats. Diet-induced obese and non-obese Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: Sed-Ob, Ex-Ob, Sed-C, and Ex-C (motor treadmill for 13 weeks; Ex=exercise-trained, C=control, Ob=obese, Sed=sedentary). Creatinine, proteinuria, and kidney structure were evaluated. Sed-C rats had normal and stable blood pressure (BP), while Sed-Ob rats developed hypertension. After 4 weeks of exercise, BP decreased in exercise-trained groups (less than 25% at the end of the experiment in obese rats, and less than 10% in non-obese rats). Both the body mass and retroperitoneal fat mass were lower in the exercise-trained groups than in the sedentary ones. Serum creatinine was not different among the groups, but the urinary protein excretion was significantly higher in the Sed-Ob group than in the matched non-obese group. Compared to the non-obese animals the mean glomerular volume increased by 45% in Sed-Ob rats and by 30% in Ex-Ob rats. Obese animals also showed increased mesangial volume density compared to non-obese animals. The present findings allow us to conclude that the exercise training could be an auxiliary practice to attenuate renal alterations seen in diet-induced obesity.