Taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated cytokines and improved subcutaneous white adipose tissue plasticity in obese women.

Interventions that can modulate subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) function, such as exercise training and nutritional components, like taurine, modulate the inflammatory process, therefore, may represent strategies for obesity treatment. We investigated the effects of taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in plasma and scWAT of obese women. Sixteen obese women were randomized into two groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8) and Taurine supplementation + exercise group (Tau + Exe, n = 8). The intervention was composed of daily taurine supplementation (3 g) and exercise training for 8 weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, and markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress were determined in plasma and scWAT biopsy samples before and after the intervention. We found that, although taurine supplementation increased taurine plasma levels, no changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. However, Tau alone decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6), and in conjunction with exercise (Tau + Exe), increased anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-15 and IL10), followed by reduced IL1ß gene expression in the scWAT of obese women. Tau and Tau + Exe groups presented reduced adipocyte size and increased connective tissue and multilocular droplets. In conclusion, taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated levels of inflammatory markers in plasma and scWAT, and improved scWAT plasticity in obese women, promoting protection against obesity-induced inflammation. TRN NCT04279600 retrospectively registered on August 18, 2019.

Noninvasive neuromodulation of the prefrontal cortex in young women with obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with reduced neurocognitive performance. Individuals with obesity show decreased activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a key brain region relevant to the regulation of eating behavior. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a potential technique to correct these abnormalities. However, there is limited information to date, particularly in clinical settings and regarding long-term effects of tDCS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DLPFC-targeted tDCS in young women with obesity. SUBJECT/METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled parallel-design clinical trial conducted in 38 women, aged 20-40 years, with BMI 30-35 kg/m2. STUDY DESIGN: Phase I: target engagement (immediate effects of tDCS on working memory performance), Phase II: tDCS only (ten sessions, 2 weeks), Phase III: tDCS + hypocaloric diet (six sessions, 30% energy intake reduction, 2 weeks, inpatient), Phase IV: follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. PRIMARY OUTCOME: change in body weight. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: change in eating behavior and appetite. Additional analyses: effect of Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene variability. Data were analyzed as linear mixed models. RESULTS: There was no group difference in change in body weight during the tDCS intervention. At follow-up, the active group lost less weight than the sham group. In addition, the active group regained weight at 6-month follow-up, compared with sham. Genetic analysis indicated that COMT Met noncarriers were the subgroup that accounted for this paradoxical response in the active group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in young women with class I obesity, tDCS targeted to the DLPFC does not facilitate weight loss. Indeed, we found indications that tDCS could have a paradoxical effect in this population, possibly connected with individual differences in dopamine availability. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Taurine supplementation increases irisin levels after high intensity physical training in obese women.

BACKGROUND: Irisin is a myokine/adipokine that under stimulus of physical exercise is able to improve thermogenic capacity in adipose tissue. Likewise, taurine supplementation has demonstrated similar effects on energy metabolism. Therefore, we hypothesized that taurine supplementation combined with physical training may induce an increase in irisin concentrations, optimizing energy metabolism in obese individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if taurine supplementation associated with a high intensity physical training program increases irisin levels in obese women. METHODS: double-blind study with 22 obese women (BMI 32.4 ±â€¯2.0 kg/m2, 36.6 ±â€¯6.4 years and sedentary) who were randomly divided into two groups, control group (GC, n = 14), exercised and supplemented with placebo (3 g of starch), and taurine group (GTAU, n = 8), exercised and supplemented with taurine (3 g). The subjects performed high intensity physical training, Deep Water Running (DWR), for 8 weeks, 3 times/week, for 50 min per training session, at 70-85% maximum heart rate. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was evaluated by indirect calorimetry, body composition by deuterium oxide, plasma taurine by HPLC, plasma irisin by Multiplex Kit, and food consumption by food records. The results were analyzed by an ANOVA two way repeated measures mixed model, with the Sidak post hoc (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No changes were observed in body composition. DWR increased RMR independent of supplementation (p < 0.001) and irisin levels (pg/mL) showed a significant difference only in the GTAU in 1 h after exercise (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DWR associated with taurine supplementation resulted in increased plasma irisin concentrations after physical training in obese adult women.

Physical training, UCP1 expression, mitochondrial density, and coupling in adipose tissue from women with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training may improve energy expenditure, thermogenesis, and oxidative capacities. Therefore, we hypothesized that physical training enhances white adipose tissue mitochondrial oxidative capacity from obese women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mitochondrial respiratory capacity, mitochondrial content, and UCP1 gene expression in white adipose tissue from women with obesity before and after the physical training program. METHODS: Women (n = 14, BMI 33 ± 3 kg/m2 , 35 ± 6 years, mean ± SD) were submitted to strength and aerobic exercises (75%-90% maximum heart rate and multiple repetitions), 3 times/week during 8 weeks. All evaluated subjects were paired, before and after training for resting metabolic rate (RMR), substrate oxidation (lipid and carbohydrate) by indirect calorimeter, deuterium oxide body composition, and aerobic maximum velocity (Vmax ) test. At the beginning and at the ending of the protocol, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected to measure the mitochondrial respiration by high-resolution respirometry, mitochondrial content by citrate synthase (CS) activity, and UCP1 gene expression by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Combined physical training increased RMR, lipid oxidation, and Vmax but did not change body weight/composition. In WAT, exercise increased CS activity, decreased mitochondrial uncoupled respiration and mRNA of UCP1. RMR was positively correlated with fat-free mass. CONCLUSION: Physical training promotes an increase in mitochondrial content without changing tissue respiratory capacity, a reduction in mitochondrial uncoupling degree and UCP1 mRNA expression in WAT. Finally, it improved the resting metabolic rate, lipid oxidation and physical performance, independent of the body changing free, or fat mass in obese women.

Appetite effects of prefrontal stimulation depend on COMT Val158Met polymorphism: A randomized clinical trial.

The regulation of appetite is supported by dopamine-modulated brain circuits. Recent studies have shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) aimed at increasing the excitability of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can reduce appetite, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and response variability is large. The aim of this study was to determine whether individual differences in Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism can influence tDCS effects on appetite. Thirty-eight adult women with obesity, classified as carriers or non-carriers of the Met allele, underwent a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled tDCS intervention involving three phases: Phase I, target engagement (immediate effects of tDCS on working memory performance), Phase II, tDCS only (10 sessions, two weeks), and Phase III, tDCS + hypocaloric diet: (6 sessions, two weeks, 30% energy intake reduction, inpatient). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and mixed ANCOVA. Appetite was evaluated using visual analogue scales. We found that Met-carriers receiving active tDCS were the only participants who experienced a significant reduction of appetite over time. Conversely, Met non-carriers maintained high levels of appetite during the intervention; this effect was driven by a delayed paradoxical rise in appetite after stimulation. Working memory task performance at phase I correlated with subsequent appetite change in a COMT-dependent manner: speed improvements during the task predicted appetite increase in Met carriers and appetite reduction in Met non-carriers. Our findings suggest that genotype differences impacting dopamine levels influence prefrontal tDCS effects on appetite. This source of variability should be considered in the design of future studies.

Green tea supplementation upregulates uncoupling protein 3 expression in severe obese women adipose tissue but does not promote weight loss.

This study aims (i) to verify expression of the UCPs, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 genes in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women at baseline and after 8 weeks of supplementation with decaffeinated green tea extract, and (ii) to associate findings with clinical parameters. This is a longitudinal study during which 11 women with obesity grade III were submitted to supplementation with 450 mg of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (intervention group); the control group consisted of 10 eutrophic women. Anthropometric parameters [weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)], resting metabolic rate (RMR, measured by indirect calorimetry), and gene expression (measured by real-time PCR, RT-qPCR) were determined before and after supplementation. After 8 weeks, clinical parameters and UCP1, PLIN1, PPARG2, and ADRB3 expression remained unaltered in the intervention group (p > .05). Genetic analysis also showed that the UCP3 gene was upregulated (p = .026), but its upregulation did not promote weight loss.

A new family home approach to controlling iron deficiency anemia in all ages in less-developed and developing countries using iron-fortified water.

Nutritional iron deficiency anemia is considered the main public health problem of poor less-developed and developing countries. The World Health Organization has estimated that 1.5-2.0 billion persons are anemic. It has been said that close to 1 million deaths are linked to iron deficiency anemia. The groups most vulnerable to this form of anemia are said to be small children and women of reproductive age. Our goal is to show that iron fortification in the water, will control anemia. The method used was a literature review. Methods have been identified to control anemia, but the fortification of water is a more efficient, low cost, reaches the entire population, prevents and treats deficiency anemia. We concluded that the iron fortification of drinking water at home is a simple, effective, and low-priced approach for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia prevalent in poor and developing countries.

Under-reporting of food intake and body fatness in independent older people: a doubly labelled water study.

BACKGROUND: there are no accurate methods for the assessment of food intake in older populations, under-reporting of intake being highly prevalent. There is controversy about which dietary assessment method and what person's characteristics are associated with greater under-reporting rates. OBJECTIVE: to assess the correlation between under-reporting of energy intake (EI) and different percentages of body fat in independent older people. DESIGN: cross-sectional study. SETTTING: area assisted by the Family Health Program of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil. SUJECTS: one hundred volunteers aged 60-70 years. METHODS: all volunteers had their body composition assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. In second phase, 41 volunteers were evaluated, representing the four quartiles of fat percentage. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by the doubly labelled water method, and EI was assessed by 24-h recalls and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). TEE and EI values, EI-to-TEE ratios and EI-TEE values were compared. RESULTS: TEE was 2,220 ± 601 kcal, while the EI was 1,919 ± 602 kcal (24-h recall) and 2,119 ± 670 kcal (FFQ). The proportion of under-reporters was 31 and 40.5%, respectively. Under-reporting was more frequent in subjects with higher percentage of body fat and in females (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: under-reporting was more frequent among older persons with higher percentage of body fat in both methods of assessment of food intake. Older persons follow the same profile of under-reporting as younger adults.

Impact of weight loss diet associated with flaxseed on inflammatory markers in men with cardiovascular risk factors: a clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed has received attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role. The present study hypothesizes if flaxseed added to a weight loss diet could improve the lipid and metabolic profiles and decrease risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. METHODS: In a prospective, single blinded 42 days protocol, subjects were allocated into two groups with low carbohydrates intake: GriceLC (35% of carbohydrate and 60g of raw rice powder per day) and GflaxLC (32% of carbohydrate and 60g of flaxseed powder per day). Blood pressure, anthropometric measures and serum levels of isoprostane, C-reactive protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, glucose, lipidic profile, uric acid, adiponectin, leptin and insulin were measured at baseline and at the end of interventions. Serum and urinary enterodiol and enterolactione were also measured. RESULTS: A total of 27 men with cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated, with mean age of 33 ± 10 years to GriceLC and 40 ± 9 years to GflaxLC. Both groups experienced weight loss and systolic blood pressure reduction. A decrease in inflammatory markers (CRP and TNF-α) was observed after flaxseed intake (mean decrease of 25% and 46% for GflaxLC respectively). All groups also showed improvement in levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, uric acid and adiponectin. Only GflaxLC group showed a decrease in triglyceride levels. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that flaxseed added to a weight loss diet could be an important nutritional strategy to reduce inflammation markers such as CRP and TNF-α. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02132728.

Oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity after taurine supplementation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PURPOSE: Some researchers found decreased levels of plasma taurine in obese subjects and animals, and reduced expression of an important enzyme of taurine synthesis. These evidences, coupled with the metabolic imbalance of obesity and the possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of taurine, highlighted the use of taurine as a supplement in obesity treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether taurine supplementation, associated with nutritional counseling, modulates oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and glucose homeostasis in obese women. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted with 16 women with obesity diagnosis and 8 women in the normal weight range. The obese volunteers were matched by age and body mass index and randomly assigned to either the placebo (3 g/day starch flour) or taurine (3 g/day taurine) group. The study lasted 8 weeks, and the experimental protocol included nutritional assessment and determination of plasma sulfur amino acids, insulin, and adiponectin, serum glycemia, and markers of inflammatory response and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Plasma taurine levels were significantly decreased (41%) in the obese volunteers. Both the placebo and taurine groups showed significant reduction in weight (3%), with no differences between groups. Different from placebo, taurine-supplemented group showed significant increase in plasma taurine (97%) and adiponectin (12%) and significant reduction in the inflammatory marker hs-C-reactive protein (29%) and in the lipid peroxidation marker thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of taurine supplementation associated with nutritional counseling is able to increase adiponectin levels and to decrease markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in obese women.

Effect of weight loss on bone mineral density determined by ultrasound of phalanges in obese women after Roux-en-y gastric bypass: conflicting results with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

The rapid weight loss that occurs in obese patients submitted to Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) as well as the changes in dietary pattern and the intestinal malabsorption result in changes in bone mineral density (BMD). The objective of the present study was to assess the changes in BMD after the weight loss induced by RYGB using ultrasound of the phalanges and compare the results with those obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We conducted a 1-yr prospective longitudinal study on women with grade III obesity submitted to RYGB. Anthropometric (weight, height, body mass index, and abdominal circumference) and body composition measurements by electrical bioimpedance, assessment of food consumption by 24-h recall, biochemical evaluation, and assessment of BMD by ultrasonography of the phalanges and DXA (BMD values are from the 33% radius site) were performed during the preoperative period and 3, 6, and 12 mo after surgery. The mixed-effects linear regression model was used to analyze the effect of postoperative time on the variable of interest, and the kappa coefficient (p < 0.05) was used to compare the concordance of the methods used for BMD evaluation. Twenty-nine patients were included in the study. During the 1-yr follow-up, a reduction of 39 ± 8 kg (71 ± 15% of excess weight) and 29 ± 7 kg of fat mass was observed. Calcium and zinc concentrations were reduced after 12 mo. No difference in caffeine, calcium, or sodium consumption was observed between the preoperative and postoperative periods. Analysis of BMD by ultrasonography of the phalanges 1 yr after surgery showed increased values of amplitude-dependent speed of sound (2064.6 ± 59.4 vs 2154.7 ± 63 m/s; p < 0.001) and ultrasound bone profile index (0.73 ± 0.13 vs 0.76 ± 0.14; p < 0.001). Analysis of BMD by DXA showed a reduction of BMD values (0.6 ± 0.04 vs 0.57 ± 0.05 g/cm³; p < 0.001) in the sixth month and maintenance of the values from the sixth to the 12th month. At the end of the study, there was no concordance between the methods for BMD analysis. This study showed improvement in bone quality and quantity assessed by ultrasonography. However, the DXA results showed a reduction in BMD after 12 mo of RYGB. Thus, the BMD measurement methods were discordant.

Metabolic parameters of postmenopausal women after quinoa or corn flakes intake--a prospective and double-blind study.

A prospective and double-blind study was conducted on 35 women with weight excess who consumed 25 grams of quinoa flakes (QF) or corn flakes (CF) daily during a period of four consecutive weeks. At the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the intervention, total calorie intake was evaluated, anthropometric assessment was performed, blood was collected for the determination of glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, oxidative stress markers, vitamin E and enterolignans. Significant reductions were detected in serum triglyceride (CF group = 133.9 ± 89.4 to 113.7 ± 57 mg/dl and QF group = 112.3 ± 35 to 107.9 ± 33.1 mg/dl), TBARS (CF group = 3.2 ± 0.8 to 2.9 ± 0.5 µmol/l and QF group = 3.06 ± 0.6 to 2.89 ± 0.5 µmol/l) and vitamin E concentrations (CF group = 19.5 ± 5 to 17.9 ± 4 µM and QF group = 17.9 ± 4 to 16.9 ± 3 µM) and an increase in urinary excretion of enterolignans (CF group = 2.05 ± 1.3 to 2.24 ± 1.4 nm/ml and QF group = 2.9 ± 1.6 to 3.2 ± 2.7 nm/l), in both study groups. The reduction of total cholesterol (191 ± 35 to 181 ± 28 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) (129 ± 35 to 121 ± 26 mg/dl), and the increase in GSH (1.78 ± 0.4 to 1.91 ± 0.4 µmol/l) occurred only in the QF group, showing a possible beneficial effect of QF intake.

Sphingolipid and Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) Levels in Women with Obesity after Combined Physical Training.

Obesity causes metabolic changes, such as the development of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, physical exercise promotes protection against these diseases. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate whether combined physical training can improve the metabolic system of women with obesity, reducing plasma concentrations of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and sphingolipids, regardless of weight loss. Fourteen obese women (BMI 30-40 kg/m2), aged 20-40 years, sedentary, were submitted to 8 weeks of combined physical training (strength and aerobic exercises). The training was performed three times/week, 55 min/session, at 75-90% maximum heart rate. All participants were evaluated pre- and post-exercise intervention, and their body composition, plasma TMAO, creatinine, lipid profile, and sphingolipid concentrations were recorded. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), Speed lactate threshold 1 (SpeedLT1), and Speed lactate threshold 2 (SpeedLT2) evaluated physical performance. Results: After combined exercise, it did not change body composition, but TMAO, total cholesterol, and sphingolipid concentrations significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There was an increase in physical performance by improving VO2max, SpeedLT1, and SpeedLT2 (p < 0.05). The combined physical exercise could induce cardiovascular risk protection by decreasing TMAO in obese women, parallel to physical performance improvement, independent of weight loss.

Red meat snacks for chronic hemodialysis patients: effect on inflammatory activity (a pilot study).

RATIONAL: Among the alternatives to reverse chronic hemodialysis protein-energy malnutrition is the enhancement of intradialytic oral nutritional therapy. Although foods of animal origin are a source of nutrients and represent a feasible diet, there is uncertainty about their health consequences. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the relationship of intradialytic high-protein red meat snack supplementation with patient inflammatory status and protein losses (nitrogen) during this supplementation. Fourteen patients submitted to low-flux chronic hemodialysis for one month were divided into two groups receiving 2 g (group 1) and 29 g (group 2) of oral intradialytic protein during the initial phase, respectively. In the subsequent phase, group 1 was supplemented with 27 g protein (a red meat snack) for a total of 29 g per dialysis. Group 2 continued to receive 29 g protein. Nutritional status, total nitrogen losses through the dialysate and acute inflammatory phase protein (CRP) were assessed before and after dialysis. Reuse of the dialyzer was also determined on each occasion. MAIN FINDINGS: Red meat supplementation did not interfere with CRP, nitrogen loss through the dialysate (18 ± 7 to 19 ± 4 g in group 1, ns, and 20 ± 7 to 21 ± 4 g in group 2, ns) or with nutritional status. However, the data showed a positive correlation between pre- and post-hemodialysis CRP values (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) in both groups, suggesting an increase of the values after ultrafiltration. Reuse of the dialyzer was not correlated with CRP values. PRINCIPLE CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that snacks were not acutely correlated with increased inflammatory levels and indicated that a protein-rich red meat snack may be beneficial for chronic hemodialysis patients.

Positive effects of zinc supplementation on growth, GH, IGF1, and IGFBP3 in eutrophic children.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for growth and development. Its deficiency causes growth retardation in children and adolescents. The present study analyzes the effect of zinc on growth hormone (GH) secretion, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) in normal children before puberty. Thirty normal children were studied, 15 boys and 15 girls, aged 6-9 years. They were orally supplemented with 5 mg Zn/day for 3 months and 0.06537 mg Zn/kg body weight was injected before and after oral supplementation. Dietary intake and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and end of study. Plasma GH levels increased during intravenous zinc administration and IGF1 and IGFBP3 increased after oral zinc supplementation. There was a positive correlation between the areas under the curves of GH and zinc after oral supplementation. Zinc supplementation was possibly effective in improving the body zinc status of the children, secretory levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3, GH potentialization, and height.

Intestinal permeability and nutritional status in developmental disorders.

CONTEXT: Autism is a developmental disorder with a possible connection between dietary components and triggering or worsening of symptoms. An altered intestinal permeability might allow absorption of incompletely digested peptides (gluten and casein) that could produce opioid-like activity on the brain, causing significant changes in behavior. OBJECTIVE: To assess the intestinal permeability and nutritional status of participants with developmental disorders to determine if changes in the intestinal mucosal barrier and/or injury to the intercellular junctions have occurred that might justify application of further dietary modifications. DESIGN: To assess intestinal permeability, the research team analyzed participants urine under fasting conditions, using gas chromatography to determine chromatographic peaks. To assess nutritional status, the team determined participants heights and weights and performed a bioelectric bioimpedance examination at least 4 hours after their most recent meal. In addition, the team determined food intake using three diet diaries. They asked participants and caregivers to register each food consumed during 2 nonconsecutive weekdays and 1 weekend day. SETTING: The study occurred at the Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University. PARTICIPANTS: Seven participants aged 9 to 23 years with developmental disorders (the developmental group, DG) completed the study. The research team recruited them through the Association of Friends of the Autistic Persons of Ribeirao Preto in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. The control group (CG) consisted of nonsmoking healthy volunteers in the general population who were similar in age to the experimental group and did not suffer from diseases that potentially could influence nutritional status and intestinal function. INTERVENTION: To assess intestinal permeability, participants ingested 150 mL of an isosmolar solution of the sugars mannitol (2 g) and lactulose (7.5 g) under fasting conditions and the researchers collected all voided urine over a period of 5 hours. OUTCOME MEASURES: Using chromatographic peaks, the research team quantified the mannitol and lactulose in participants urine by calculating the percentage excreted in relation to the ingested amounts of sugar. This calculation gave them the lactulose-to-mannitol ratio (L/M). To evaluate nutritional status, they used data regarding bioimpedance resistance, heights, and weights to estimate lean mass and body water (in liters). They classified adults and adolescents using the body mass index (BMI). For children (2-10 y), they classified participants height-to-age and weight-to-height ratios. The research team used food intake to examine the macronutrient interval, the mean added sugar consumption, and the quantity of protein, in g/kg weight. RESULTS: Participants with developmental disorders (n = 7) were more likely to be overweight. Their usual diet revealed a high intake of lipids (%) and proteins (g/kg) (compared to reference values) and a high intake of calories (kcal) and carbohydrates (%) (compared to CG) as well as a high intake of food sources that are important contributors of casein and gluten. The DGs (n = 7) mean mannitol excretion was lower, and their L/M higher than the CGs (n = 7) (P < .05). Their increased L/M may indicate atrophy of the intestinal-mucosa surface and/or injury to the intercellular junctions or the effect of some other abnormality. The small number of participants, however, prevented more complex statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers need to complete additional studies to confirm the existence of abnormalities in autistic individuals intestines and to justify the use of dietary restrictions on gluten and casein to improve the symptoms of autism.

Bioactive compounds with effects on inflammation markers in humans.

Obesity and other chronic diseases are accompanied by adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, muscle and brain low-grade chronic inflammation. Indeed, the obese condition and metabolic syndrome are characterized by an increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of immune cells in adipocytes. The inflammatory response promotes the activation of transcriptional factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to an unresolved inflammatory response associated with an inhibition of insulin signalling and high risk for cardiovascular events. Epidemiological and intervention studies have been carried out to find out dietary patterns, foods and bioactive compounds with protective anti-inflammatory actions. The most studied compounds are polyphenols, especially isoflavone and anthocyanin, but quercertin, catechin and resveratrol have also been investigated. Furthermore, some studies have reported the effects of milk peptides, plant sterol and stanol, l-carnitine and α-lipoic acid on inflammatory processes. This review aimed to collect and discuss those relevant studies reported in the scientific literature following a systematic scientific search about the effect of such bioactive compounds on inflammation in humans.

Taurine as a possible antiaging therapy: A controlled clinical trial on taurine antioxidant activity in women ages 55 to 70.

OBJECTIVE: Based on the antioxidant effects of taurine, which are capable of controlling oxidative stress in the aging process, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of taurine supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in women 55 to 70 y of age. METHODS: A double-blind study was conducted with 24 women (61.4 ± 4.2 y, body mass index 31.4 ± 5.1 kg/m²). The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (GC, n = 11), supplemented with placebo (1.5 g of starch); or a taurine group (GTAU, n = 13), supplemented with taurine (1.5 g), for 16 wk. As primary outcomes, taurine and oxidative stress marker levels were determined in plasma samples. Anthropometry, functional capacity testing, and plasma mineral levels were evaluated as secondary outcomes. The evaluations were performed pre- and postintervention. Food consumption was assessed before, during, and after the intervention. The results were analyzed by two-way repeated analysis of variance measures mixed model, with the Sidak post hoc (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Taurine and superoxide dismutase (SOD, antioxidant enzyme) plasma levels were increased in the GTAU group. SOD levels also were higher than in the GC group after supplementation. Glutathione reductase levels decreased regardless of the intervention. Malondialdehyde levels increased only in the GC participants. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation prevented the decrease in the antioxidant enzyme SOD, suggesting taurine as a strategy to control oxidative stress during the aging process.

Untargeted lipidomic analysis of plasma from obese women submitted to combined physical exercise.

This study aimed to determine the changes of lipidome in obese women undergoing combined physical exercise training. Fourteen adult women with obesity (mean BMI and age, 33 kg/m2 and 34 ± 5 years), were submitted to combined physical training (aerobic and strength exercises, alternately, 55 min at 75-90% of the maximum heart rate, 3 times a week) for 8 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the training intervention for lipidome, anthropometric measurements, muscle strength, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses allowed the identification of 1252 variables, of which 160 were significant (p < 0.05), and 61 were identified as molecular species of lipids. Volcano plot analysis revealed LPC(16:0p), LPC(18:0p), LPC(20:2), and arachidonic acid upregulated and PC(38:1p), PC(40:4), PC(40:4p) downregulated after combined physical exercise. From the results of the overall Principal component analysis (PCA), the major finding was SM(d18:1/20:0), arachidonic acid, and PC(40:6) species. Other changes included a reduction in waist circumference (Δ = - 2 cm) (p < 0.05), with no weight loss. In conclusion, 8-week of combined exercise training in obese women brought changes in different classes of lipids. This study provides further information to understand the effect of combined physical exercise on lipids related to obesity.

Taurine upregulates insulin signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in vitro but not in adipocytes of obese women.

OBJECTIVES: Based on taurine's beneficial roles in metabolic diseases in rodents and obese individuals, we investigated the effects of taurine supplementation on adipose tissue using transcriptome analysis, 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of obese women. METHODS: First, we applied bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the effect of the taurine synthesis pathway on the adipose tissue of several BXD mice strains. After that, using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we investigated the effects of different taurine doses in proteins related to insulin signaling, lipid oxidation, and mitochondrial function. Finally, we evaluated the effects of taurine supplementation (3 grams, 8 wk) on the same proteins in the scWAT of obese women. RESULTS: The transcriptome analysis showed that the taurine biosynthesis pathway was positively associated with insulin signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in the scWAT of BXD mice. The experiments using 3T3-L1 cells highlighted that the taurine dosage has an essential function in taurine synthesis, insulin, and mitochondrial markers. In contrast, the 8-wk taurine administration did not change the basal insulin, proteins of the taurine synthesis or insulin pathways, lipid oxidation, or mitochondrial metabolism in the scWAT of obese women. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, to our knowledge, we showed that supplementation with 3 g of taurine for 8 wk promoted no effect in the insulin signaling pathway in the scWAT of obese women. These findings bring new perspectives to investigate different taurine doses and the intervention period for human studies owing to the potential antiobesity activity of taurine.