Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Application of HIFEM and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Abdominal Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning: A Multicenter Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency and high-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) field procedure are well-known, stand-alone, body-shaping modalities, yet their simultaneous application has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel device simultaneously delivering HIFEM and radiofrequency for subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle toning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one subjects with an average age of 39.7 ± 11.5 years were recruited. The subjects received 3 abdominal treatments (one per week). Magnetic resonance imaging images of the treated area were evaluated at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month visits for changes in subcutaneous fat, muscle thickness, and abdominal separation (AS). Anthropometric data and digital photographs were collected. Subject satisfaction and therapy comfort were evaluated. RESULTS: The muscle mass increase peaked at 3 months, showing 26.1% thickening. The fat thickness reduction was most prominent at 3 months, showing a 30.8% reduction. The AS decreased by 18.8% at 3 months after treatment. The waist circumference reduced by 5.87 ± 3.64 cm at a 3-month follow-up. Six-month data showed maintenance of these outcomes. The treatment was considered as comfortable with high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging images and waist measurements showed that the therapy combining HIFEM and radiofrequency is highly effective in reducing subcutaneous fat and muscle thickening.

Gain and loss of subcutaneous and abdominal fat depot mass from late pregnancy to 100 days in milk in German Holsteins.

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that in times of negative energy balance around parturition in dairy cattle, lipids stored in adipocytes are mobilised in a more intensive manner out of the abdominal depots than out of the subcutaneous adipose tissues. Furthermore, the impact of niacin supplementation and energy density of the ration on adipose tissue mass gain and loss was assessed. Absolute masses of subcutaneous (SCAT), retroperitoneal (RPAT), omental (OMAT), mesenterial (MAT) and abdominal adipose tissue as a whole (AAT) were estimated by ultrasonography at -42, 3, 21 and 100 DIM. Absolute and relative daily gain during dry period (-42 to 3 DIM) and loss in fresh cow period (3 to 21 DIM) and early lactation period (22 to 100 DIM) were calculated. Feeding regime neither by niacin nor by energy density exerted any effect on adipose tissue masses. The AAT was always bigger than SCAT, but RPAT, OMAT and MAT did not differ amongst each other. All depot masses showed similar patterns with an increase during dry period and a decrease after calving. In fresh cow period AAT absolutely and relatively lost more mass than SCAT. This confirms that AAT is more intensively mobilised than SCAT during that time span. Further absolute daily gain during dry period was strongly negatively correlated with absolute daily loss during fresh cow period. This underlines the impact of individual body condition on adipose mobilisation in periparturient dairy cows. According to these results, it has to be taken into account that the largest amount of fat mobilised in the fresh cow period origins from AAT. This might impact the pattern of adipose derived metabolites and metabolic effectors interacting in physiological and deregulated adaptation to negative energy balance.

Overall survival of pseudomyxoma peritonei and peritoneal mesothelioma patients after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can be predicted by computed tomography quantified sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is associated with increased postoperative morbidity in abdominal surgery. This study aimed to determine if sarcopenia and/or abdominal fat composition could predict postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and peritoneal mesothelioma (PM). METHODS: All patients who underwent a complete CRS-HIPEC for PMP and PM, between January 2009 and September 2017, were retrospectively studied. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) was used to measure the cross-sectional surface of skeletal muscle mass and adipose tissue (visceral and subcutaneous), at the level of the third lumbar vertebrae, to assess for sarcopenia and abdominal fat composition. RESULTS: Among 115 patients, 82 were treated for PMP and 33 for PM. 64 patients (55.7%) were sarcopenic on the preoperative imagery. Major postoperative complications occurred in 63 patients (54.8%), without observable difference between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients (56.2% vs. 52.9%; p = 0.723). The median overall survival (OS) was 73.3 for the patients with a normal muscle mass and 57.2 months for the sarcopenic patients (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: CT measured sarcopenia is an independent predictive factor for overall survival in patients treated for PMP and PM with CRS-HIPEC, but cannot predict postoperative morbidity.

Effects of Mixed Carotenoids on Adipokines and Abdominal Adiposity in Children: A Pilot Study.

Context: Carotenoids have been implicated in the regulation of adipocyte metabolism. Objective: To compare the effects of mixed-carotenoid supplementation (MCS) versus placebo on adipokines and the accrual of abdominal adiposity in children with obesity. Design and Setting: Randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial to evaluate the effects of MCS over 6 months in a subspecialty clinic. Participants: Twenty (6 male and 14 female) children with simple obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 90%], a mean age (± standard deviation) of 10.5 ± 0.4 years, and Tanner stage I to V were enrolled; 17 participants completed the trial. Intervention: MCS (which contains ß-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, astaxanthin, and γ-tocopherol) or placebo was administered daily. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes were change in ß-carotene, abdominal fat accrual (according to magnetic resonance imaging), and BMI z-score; secondary outcomes were adipokines and markers of insulin resistance. Results: Cross-sectional analysis of ß-carotene showed inverse correlation with BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) at baseline. MCS increased ß-carotene, total adiponectin, and high-molecular-weight adiponectin compared with placebo. MCS led to a greater reduction in BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, and SAT compared with placebo. The percentage change in ß-carotene directly correlated with the percentage change in SAT. Conclusions: The decrease in BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, and SAT and the concomitant increase in the concentration of ß-carotene and high-molecular-weight adiponectin by MCS suggest the putative beneficial role of MCS in children with obesity.

Reduction of the n-6:n-3 long-chain PUFA ratio during pregnancy and lactation on offspring body composition: follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial up to 5 y of age.

BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that the n-6:n-3 (ω-6:ω-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) ratio in the maternal diet during the prenatal and early postnatal phase positively affects the body composition of the offspring. However, only limited data from prospective human intervention studies with long-term follow-up are available. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the long-term effects of a reduced n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio in the diets of pregnant and lactating women [1020 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plus 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/d together with an arachidonic acid-balanced diet compared with a control diet] on the body weights and compositions of their offspring from 2 to 5 y of age with a focus on the 5-y results. DESIGN: Participants in the randomized controlled trial received follow-up assessments with annual body-composition measurements including skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements (primary outcome), a sonographic assessment of abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat, and child growth. In addition, abdominal MRI was performed in a subgroup of 5-y-old children. For the statistical analysis, mixed models for repeated measures (MMRMs) were fit with the use of data from each visit since birth (except for MRI). RESULTS: Maternal LCPUFA supplementation did not significantly influence the children's sum of 4 SFTs [means ± SDs at 5 y of age: intervention, 23.9 ± 4.7 mm (n = 57); control, 24.5 ± 5.0 mm (n = 55); adjusted mean difference, -0.5 (95% CI: -2.2, 1.2)], growth, or ultrasonography measures at any time point in the adjusted MMRM model (all P values < 0.05). Results were consistent with abdominal MRI measurements (n = 44) at 5 y of age, which showed no significant differences in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue volumes and ratios. CONCLUSION: The current study provides no evidence that a dietary reduction of the n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio in the maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation is a useful early preventive strategy against obesity at preschool age. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00362089.

[Evaluate the Efficacy of Electroacupuncture Therapy on Abdominal Fat in Obese Women by Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy on abdominal fat in obese women by using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). METHODS: Thirty abdominal obesity women patients were randomly divided into control group (n=15) and EA group (n=15). The obesity patients of the control group did not receive any treatment for weight reduction, and those of the EA group were treated by EA stimulation of bilateral Neiting (ST 44), Fenglong (ST 40), Zusanli (ST 36), Huaroumen (ST 24), Tianshu (ST 25), Wailing (ST 26), Shuidao (ST 28), Fujie (SP 14), Daheng (SP 13), etc. for 25 min, once every other day, 3 times per week for 3 months. The patient's body weight, height, waist circumference (WC) were mea-sured with different devices, and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the inferior edges of L4, L5 and S3 and the superior edge of the pubic symphysis and the total abdominal fat volume between the L4 and S3 levels were detected using MRI systems before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The effects of the EA group were significantly superior to those of the control group in lowering difference values (between pre- and post-treatment) of BMI, WC and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the levels of the inferior edges of L4, L5, S3 and the superior edge of the pubic symphysis(all P<0.01)and in reducing total abdominal fat volume between L4 and S3 (all P<0.01). After the treatment, the subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the superior edge of the pubic symphysis (P<0.01) and the total abdominal fat volume between L4 and S3 (P<0.05) were significantly decreased in the EA group compared to pre-treatment. There were no significant differences between post- and pre-treatment in BMI, WC, subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the levels of the L4, L5 and S3 in both EA and control groups and in the subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at the level of the superior edge of the pubic symphysis and the total abdominal fat volume between L4 and S3 in the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA intervention can effectively reduce abdominal fat in obese women based on the evaluation of MRI.

Ghrelin suppression and fat loss after left gastric artery embolization in canine model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of left gastric artery embolization (LGAE) on plasma ghrelin levels, abdominal fat, and body weight in beagles. METHODS: The institutional animal care and use committee approved this study. Fifteen healthy adult beagles (12 male and three female animals) were randomly divided into three experimental groups: LGAE was proceeded with mixed emulsion of bleomycin A(5) hydrochloride and lipiodol (group A), and polyvinyl alcohol particles (group B). Transcatheter saline injections in the left gastric artery were performed as a control. Weight and fasting plasma ghrelin levels were obtained at baseline and at weekly intervals for 8 weeks after the procedure in all animals. All animals were scanned and measured by multidetector computed tomography at baseline and at week 8 for evaluation of abdominal fat. RESULTS: In LGAE-treated animals, plasma ghrelin and body weight significantly decreased compared to control animals (group A: P = 0.007 and P = 0.000; group B: P = 0.004 and P = 0.000, respectively). Subcutaneous fat size was also significantly reduced (P = 0.011 and P = 0.027 for groups A and B, respectively). The decreasing percentage in ghrelin levels at week 6 (peak of recovery) of LGAE-treated animals were negatively correlated with the size of area supplied by left gastric artery (r = -0.693, P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: LGAE could suppress the plasma concentration of ghrelin, which results in subcutaneous fat size reduction and weight loss. Compensatory ghrelin production might occur in the remnant gastric fundus after LGAE.

Effect of reducing the n-6:n-3 long-chain PUFA ratio during pregnancy and lactation on infant adipose tissue growth within the first year of life: an open-label randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The composition of long-chain PUFAs (LCPUFAs) in the maternal diet may affect obesity risk in the mother's offspring. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that a reduction in the n-6 (omega-6):n-3 (omega-3) LCPUFA ratio in the diet of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers may prevent expansive adipose tissue growth in their infants during the first year of life. DESIGN: In a randomized controlled trial, 208 healthy pregnant women were randomly assigned to an intervention (1200 mg n-3 LCPUFAs as a supplement per day and a concomitant reduction in arachidonic acid intake) or a control diet from the 15th wk of pregnancy to 4 mo of lactation. The primary outcome was infant fat mass estimated by skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements at 4 body sites at 3-5 d, 6 wk, and 4 and 12 mo postpartum. Secondary endpoints included sonographic assessment of abdominal subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat, fat distribution, and child growth. RESULTS: Infants did not differ in the sum of their 4 SFTs at ≤1 y of life [intervention: 24.1 ± 4.4 mm (n = 85); control: 24.1 ± 4.1 mm (n = 80); mean difference: -0.0 mm (95% CI: -1.3, 1.3 mm)] or in growth. Likewise, longitudinal ultrasonography showed no significant differences in abdominal fat mass or fat distribution. CONCLUSIONS: We showed no evidence that supplementation with n-3 fatty acids and instructions to reduce arachidonic acid intake during pregnancy and lactation relevantly affects fat mass in offspring during the first year of life. Prospective long-term studies are needed to explore the efficacy of this dietary approach for primary prevention. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00362089.

Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adults.

This study evaluated the influence of a green tea catechin beverage on body composition and fat distribution in overweight and obese adults during exercise-induced weight loss. Participants (n = 132 with 107 completers) were randomly assigned to receive a beverage containing approximately 625 mg of catechins with 39 mg caffeine or a control beverage (39 mg caffeine, no catechins) for 12 wk. Participants were asked to maintain constant energy intake and engage in >or=180 min/wk moderate intensity exercise, including >or=3 supervised sessions per week. Body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry), abdominal fat areas (computed tomography), and clinical laboratory tests were measured at baseline and wk 12. There was a trend (P = 0.079) toward greater loss of body weight in the catechin group compared with the control group; least squares mean (95% CI) changes, adjusted for baseline value, age, and sex, were -2.2 (-3.1, -1.3) and -1.0 (-1.9, -0.1) kg, respectively. Percentage changes in fat mass did not differ between the catechin [5.2 (-7.0, -3.4)] and control groups [-3.5 (-5.4, 1.6)] (P = 0.208). However, percentage changes in total abdominal fat area [-7.7 (-11.7, -3.8) vs. -0.3 (-4.4, 3.9); P = 0.013], subcutaneous abdominal fat area [-6.2 (-10.2, -2.2) vs. 0.8 (-3.3, 4.9); P = 0.019], and fasting serum triglycerides (TG) [-11.2 (-18.8, -3.6) vs. 1.9 (-5.9, 9.7); P = 0.023] were greater in the catechin group. These findings suggest that green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced changes in abdominal fat and serum TG.