Association of fatty acid composition in serum phospholipids with metabolic syndrome and arterial stiffness.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We examined the association of fatty acid (FA) composition in serum phospholipids with the features of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and arterial stiffness. METHODS: Korean men (n = 593, 30-79 yrs) were categorized based on the number of MetS risk factors (RFs) and measured for the markers of MetS, serum phospholipid FA composition and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index for the severity of arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), baPWV, LDL size, and adiponectin were significantly altered corresponding to the number of MetS RFs. The proportions of total monounsaturated FA, palmitoleic acid (16:1), oleic acid (18:1ω-9) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3ω-6) in serum phospholipids, and DGLA/linoleic acid (LA) (20:3ω-6/18:2ω-6), deta9-desaturase activity (D9D-16: 16:1/16:0 and D9D-18: 18:1ω-9/18:0) significantly increased corresponding to the number of MetS RFs, but D5D (20:4ω-6/20:3ω-6) decreased. baPWV positively correlated with HOMA-IR, palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid, D6D (18:3ω-6/18:2ω-6), DGLA/LA and D9D-18, and negatively with adiponectin, LDL size, LA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω-3) and D5D. Multiple stepwise regression models revealed that baPWV was significantly influenced by systolic blood pressure, age, body weight, triglyceride and LA in serum phospholipids (R(2) = 0.378). Interestingly, baPWV (1419 ± 1 cm/s) and MetS (22%) were highest in individuals with lower proportion of LA (< 12.361%) and higher proportion of DGLA (≥ 1.412%) in serum phospholipid FAs. CONCLUSION: The features of MetS significantly related to serum phosopholipid FA composition. Particularly, arterial stiffness was associated with LA additively together with DLGA. It may suggest a potential benefit of sufficient amounts of LA in serum or in diet can reduce cardiovascular risk.

TNF-alpha is a key mediator in the development of Th2 cell response to inhaled allergens induced by a viral PAMP double-stranded RNA.

BACKGROUND: Viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as dsRNA, disrupt airway tolerance to inhaled allergens. Specifically, the Th2 and Th17 cell responses are induced by low-dose dsRNA and the Th1-dominant response by high-dose dsRNA. OBJECTIVE: In this model, we evaluate the role of TNF-α in the development of adaptive immune dysfunction to inhaled allergens induced by airway sensitization with dsRNA-containing allergens. METHODS: A virus-associated asthma mouse model was generated via simultaneous airway administration of ovalbumin (OVA) and low (0.1 µg) or high (10 µg) doses of polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly[I:C]). The effect of TNF-α on Th2 airway inflammation was evaluated using TNF-α-deficient mice and recombinant TNF-α. RESULTS: TNF-α production was enhanced by airway exposure to low and high doses of poly[I:C]. After airway sensitization with OVA plus low-dose poly[I:C], TNF-α-deficient mice exhibited less OVA-induced airway inflammation than did wild-type (WT) mice. However, this did not occur upon sensitization with high-dose poly[I:C]. In terms of T-cell response, the production of IL-4 from lung T cells after OVA challenge was enhanced by airway sensitization with OVA plus low-dose poly[I:C] in WT mice, and this phenotype was inhibited by the absence of TNF-α. Moreover, the Th2 cell response induced by sensitization with OVA plus low-dose poly[I:C], which was abolished in TNF-α-deficient mice, was restored in these mice upon addition of recombinant TNF-α. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that TNF-α produced by airway exposure to low-dose dsRNA is a key mediator in the development of Th2 cell response to inhaled allergens.

Plasma adiponectin is associated with less atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study examined the relationships between plasma levels of adiponectin and the features of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype (ALP), including HDL subclasses. METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood lipids and apolipoproteins were measured in 293 healthy individuals. LDL particle size and HDL subspecies (HDL(2), HDL(3)) were measured using gradient gel electrophoresis. Plasma adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with levels of apoB (r=-0.199, p<0.001), TG (r=-0.262, p<0.001), and HOMA-IR (r=-0.323, p<0.001) and positively correlated with levels of apoAI (r=0.173, p=0.006), HDL-cholesterol (r=0.287, p<0.001), and LDL particle size (r=0.289, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the relationship between plasma adiponectin and LDL particle size (p<0.05) was no longer significant after adjusting for plasma TG levels. However, adiponectin (p<0.005) together with apoAI and TG were independent factors for HDL-cholesterol. With regard to HDL subclasses, plasma adiponectin levels were positively correlated with HDL(2b) (r=0.204, p<0.001), HDL(2a) (r=0.132, p<0.05) and negatively with HDL(3a) (r=-0.128, p<0.05), HDL(3b) (r=-0.203, p<0.001), and HDL(3c) (r=-0.159, p<0.01). The relationship between circulating adiponectin and HDL(2) (HDL(2b)+HDL(2a)) was independent of apoB and TG levels (p<0.05), but not of apoAI and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that circulating adiponectin is associated with reduced manifestations of ALP.

Direct application of supercritical carbon dioxide for the reduction of Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii) in end products of dehydrated powdered infant formula.

The objective of this study was to develop a viable new method for inactivation of Cronobacter spp. that could be applied directly to dehydrated powdered infant formula (PIF) using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)). Samples inoculated with Cronobacter spp. were subjected to SC-CO(2) treatment under various conditions (temperature: 63, 68, and 73 degrees C; pressure: 15, 20, and 25 MPa; time: 10, 20, and 30 min). The survival of Cronobacter spp. was assayed, as were any changes in the quality of the treated PIF. Inactivation of Cronobacter spp. by SC-CO(2) was enhanced as temperature and pressure conditions increased (>6.32 log(10) cfu/g). In a validation assay using low-level inoculation (3.21 log(10) cfu/g), treatment at 73 degrees C and 15 MPa for 30 min, 20 MPa for 20 and 30 min, or 25 MPa for 20 and 30 min reduced Cronobacter spp. to undetectable levels, with no recovery of cell viability. There was no significant change in water activity, pH, and color of the treated PIF. Overall, the optimum conditions for elimination of Cronobacter spp. were determined to be 73 degrees C and 20 MPa for 20 min. These parameters for effective SC-CO(2) treatment are feasibly applicable to end product of dehydrated PIF. The results of our study may contribute to the development of an efficient method for improving the microbiological safety of PIF.

Combined effect of organic acids and supercritical carbon dioxide treatments against nonpathogenic Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 in fresh pork.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of organic acids and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) treatments as well as their combined effect for the reduction of nonpathogenic Escherichia coli and three pathogenic bacteria in fresh pork. METHODS AND RESULTS: The different treatment conditions were as follows: (i) treatment with acetic (1%, 2% or 3%) or lactic acid (1%, 2% or 3%) only, (ii) treatment with SC-CO(2) at 12 MPa and 35 degrees C for 30 min only and (iii) treatment with 3% acetic or lactic acid followed by treatment with SC-CO(2). Within the same organic acid concentration, the lactic and acetic acid treatments had similar reductions. For the combined treatment of lactic acid and SC-CO(2), micro-organism levels were maximally reduced, ranging from 2.10 to 2.60 log CFU cm(-2) (E. coli, 2.58 log CFU cm(-2); Listeria monocytogenes, 2.60 log CFU cm(-2); Salmonella typhimurium, 2.33 log CFU cm(-2); E. coli O157:H7, 2.10 log CFU cm(-2)). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the combined treatments of SC-CO(2) and organic acids were more effective at destroying foodborne pathogens than the treatments of SC-CO(2) or organic acids alone. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The combination treatment of SC-CO(2) and organic acids may be useful in the meat industry to help increase microbial safety.

Healthy Eating Exploratory Program for the Elderly: Low Salt Intake in Congregate Meal Service.

OBJECTIVES: This study reported on an exploratory program to help the low income elderly improve healthy eating behavior, specifically by reducing salt intake. DESIGN: We conducted an exploratory program for 4 weeks for this study. The exploratory program involved offering menus with reduced salt and providing education on healthy eating. After the exploratory program, a survey of the elderly and in-depth interviews allowed us to evaluate the program for foodservice providers (dietitian, social workers, and volunteer workers). This study included both foodservice workers and elderly who actually used the foodservice in a congregate meal service system. This is a unique approach. SETTING: A congregate meal service center in Seoul, Korea. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy four elderly in a congregate meal service center. MEASUREMENTS: Demographics were collected, and the healthy eating program and healthy eating education for elderly respondents were evaluated. RESULTS: The elderly showed high satisfaction with the exploratory program for healthy eating. We found no significant differences in satisfaction with the program between the elderly who attended education sessions and those who did not, but more of the elderly from the education sessions showed positive behavioral change intentions. CONCLUSION: The exploratory program influenced to reduce the salt intake of the elderly in congregate meal service. This study suggests cooperation of foodservice providers and the support of administrators is critical to the success of such programs.

Consumption of whole grain and legume powder reduces insulin demand, lipid peroxidation, and plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with coronary artery disease: randomized controlled clinical trial.

Our objective was to evaluate whether isocaloric replacement of refined rice with whole grains and other plant products as a form of powder reduces coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, such as insulin demand and lipid peroxidation in CAD patients. Seventy-six male patients with CAD were randomly assigned to either a group ingesting a whole-grain meal daily or a control group for 16 weeks. In the whole-grain group, serum concentrations of glucose and insulin decreased by 24% and 14%, respectively, without altering body weight and energy intake, whereas daily intakes of fiber and vitamin E increased by 25% and 41%, respectively. Consumption of whole grains and legume powder in CAD patients without diabetes decreased fasting levels of glucose and insulin. The areas under the curve for insulin and glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test were also decreased. CAD patients with diabetes in the whole-grain group also showed reductions in fasting glucose and in the area under the curve for glucose. In the whole-grain group, plasma malondialdehyde and homocysteine and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) concentrations decreased by approximately 28%. Also, lipid-corrected concentrations of alpha-carotene, retinol, tocopherols, and lycopene increased by 11% to 40%, and the percentage composition of n-6 fatty acids of serum phospholipid increased by 14% in the whole-grain group. The replacement of refined rice with whole grain and legume powder as a source of carbohydrate in a meal showed significant beneficial effects on glucose, insulin, and homocysteine concentrations and lipid peroxidation in CAD patients. These effects are likely to substantially reduce the risk factors for CAD and diabetes.

A new resin matrix for dental composite having low volumetric shrinkage.

The applications of dental restorative composite resins containing 2,2 bis [4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA), as a base resin, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), as a diluent, are often limited in dentistry due to the relatively large amount of volumetric shrinkage that occurs during the curing reaction. In this study, various new resin matrices were examined for use as dental composites in order to reduce the amount of volumetric shrinkage that occurs in dental composites as a result of curing. Bis-GMA derivatives were synthesized by substituting methyl groups for hydrogen on the phenyl ring. The derivatives of TEGDMA with different chain lengths or reactive groups were also examined. The molecular structural changes in the TEGDMA derivatives were not effective in reducing the level of volumetric shrinkage. The resin matrix containing a Bis-GMA derivative and TEGDMA showed a reduced amount of volumetric shrinkage in proportion to the number of methyl groups on the phenyl rings. Polymerization with a mixture of Bis-GMA, its derivatives and a diluent is a promising strategy for obtaining a polymer with a low amount of volumetric shrinkage. A comparison of the volumetric shrinkage of dental composites containing Bis-GMA, TMBis-GMA (2,2-bis[3,5-dimethyl, 4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane)), and TEGDMA with that prepared from a Bis-GMA and TEGDMA mixture showed that the volumetric shrinkage reduction in the new resin was approximately 50%. Furthermore, the mechanical strength of the former was higher than that of the latter.

Synthesis of antineoplaston A10 analogs as potential antitumor agents.

Several aniline mustard analogues were obtained by introducing N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino moiety to phenyl ring of A10 analogues in order to increase reactivity of A10 analogs and selectivity into DNA. The in vitro antitumor activity of synthesized compounds was evaluated using five different solid tumor cell lines by SRB method. Aniline mustard analogues exhibited more potent antitumor activity than A10 analogs. Especially, m-aniline mustard of benzoyl analogue displayed remarkable antitumor activity.

Atherogenecity of LDL and unfavorable adipokine profile in metabolically obese, normal-weight woman.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship of visceral adiposity with adipocytokines and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle distribution and oxidation in Asian metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) individuals has not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate the association between visceral adiposity and adipocytokines and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in MONW Korean women with normal glucose tolerance. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We examined the metabolic characteristics of 135 non-obese (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) women aged 25-64 years. Twenty-five women (BMI <25 kg/m(2) and visceral fat adiposity (VFA) > or =100 cm(2)) were classified as MONW and 25 women (BMI <25 kg/m(2) and VFA <100 cm(2)), pair-matched for age, weight, height, and menopausal status, as control group. Plasma lipid profiles and adipocytokines were evaluated in these two groups. RESULTS: MONW subjects had higher systolic (P < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.005) and higher concentrations of triacylglycerol (TG) (P < 0.005), insulin (P < 0.01), and free fatty acid (FFA) (P < 0.05) than control subjects. There was no significant difference between two groups in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations; however, MONW subjects had smaller LDL particles (P < 0.01) and higher concentrations of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Moreover, MONW subjects had higher concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (P < 0.05), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05) and leptin (P < 0.05), and lower plasma adiponectin concentrations (P < 0.05). Higher intake of saturated fat with lower ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) and lower fiber intake than normal subjects were found in MONW women. DISCUSSION: We found an unfavorable inflammatory profile and a more atherogenic LDL profile in MONW female subjects even in the absence of a known CVD risk factors. Moreover, MONW consumed more saturated fat and less fiber than the control group.

Characteristics of novel dental composites containing 2,2-bis[4-(2-methoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane as a base resin.

Many dental restorative dental composites still utilize 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA) as base resin. The high viscosity of Bis-GMA necessitates dilution with dimethacrylate ethers of low viscosity such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). However, increased amounts of the TEGDMA have adverse effects on properties such as water uptake and curing shrinkage. The viscosity of the base resin should be as low as possible to enable the preparation of dental composites with a minimum content of diluent. To overcome the disadvantage of Bis-GMA, i.e., its high viscosity caused by hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups, 2,2-bis[4-(2-methoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl propane (Bis-M-GMA) was prepared by substituting methoxy groups for hydroxyl groups in Bis-GMA. The viscosity of Bis-GMA was dramatically decreased from 574 (Pa.s) to 3.7 (Pa.s) by substitution of methoxy group. Consequently, the amount of TEGDMA included in the resin matrix could be minimized. Dental composites were prepared from Bis-M-GMA (or Bis-GMA) mixtures with TEGDMA filled with 75 wt % filler. Comparing the curing shrinkage of dental composite containing Bis-M-GMA with that prepared from Bis-GMA, the reduction in curing shrinkage was about 47%. Dental composites prepared from new resin matrixes also exhibited low water uptake and better properties in mechanical strength.

Weight loss effect on inflammation and LDL oxidation in metabolically healthy but obese (MHO) individuals: low inflammation and LDL oxidation in MHO women.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, a subtype of obesity characterized as a metabolically healthy but obese (MHO) individual has been identified. However, limited data are available on these MHO individuals' metabolic and inflammatory profiles, and the effect of weight loss on these profiles. We investigated metabolic and inflammatory markers in MHO women to determine the effects of a 12-week weight loss on those markers. SUBJECTS: One hundred and twenty-nine overweight-obese Korean women participated for 12 weeks in a clinical intervention study involving a 300 kcal/day intake reduction. The subjects were divided into two groups: MHO and metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) individuals. METHODS: Computed tomography was performed. C-reactive protein (CRP), interkeukin-6 (IL-6) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as blood lipids, glucose and insulin concentrations were determined at baseline and after weight loss. RESULTS: At baseline, plasma CRP (P<0.001), IL-6 (P<0.05) and oxidized LDL (P<0.001) levels were significantly lower in the MHO group than in the MAO group. Visceral fat at L1 (P<0.005) and visceral fat at L4 (P<0.001) were significantly lower in the MHO group than in the MAO group. The treatment induced weight loss averaging 3.11% of initial body weight, and the degree of weight loss between the two groups was similar. Visceral fat at L1 and L4 was reduced from its initial values by 3.2 and 5.4%, respectively, after weight loss. The levels of CRP (P<0.05) and oxidized LDL (P<0.01) were significantly reduced in the MAO group after the 12-week weight loss, whereas these effects were not seen in the MHO group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that MHO individuals exhibited lower visceral fat accumulation and more favorable metabolic and inflammatory states than MAO individuals. After a 12-week weight loss program, significant reductions in blood lipids, CRP and oxidized LDL levels were observed in MAO individuals. However, there was no measurable effect of weight loss on lipid profiles and inflammation in MHO individuals, indicating differing effects of weight loss on these markers between MAO and MHO groups.

Genetic variation at the perilipin locus is associated with changes in serum free fatty acids and abdominal fat following mild weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: Perilipin (PLIN) is a class of protein-coating lipid droplets in adipocytes. We aimed to examine the association between common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at PLIN locus with circulating free fatty acid (FFA) and abdominal fat distribution in response to weight loss. METHODS: Non-diabetic/overweight-obese Koreans (n=177) participated in a 12-week calorie restriction (-300kcal/day) program. Seven SNPs (6209T>C, 10076C>G, 10171A>T, 11482G>A, 13042A>G, 13048C>T and 14995A>T), abdominal fat areas (visceral/subcutaneous fat areas at 1st lumbar and 4th lumbar levels), serum lipids, glucose, insulin, FFA, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) were examined. RESULTS: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms 10076C>G/10171A>T showed the strongest positive linkage disequilibrium (LD) (D'=0.923, R (2)=0.839, P<0.001) and SNPs11482G>A/14995A>T showed moderate positive LD (D'=0.824, R (2)=0.578, P<0.001). Calorie restriction induced 4.6% weight loss with significant abdominal fat reduction. In response to weight loss, subjects with nCA/nCA haplotypes at SNPs 10076C>G/10171A>T showed greater reduction in FFA levels than those with CA/CA haplotype (CA/CA: C/C at SNP 10076 and A/A at SNP 10171, nCA: non-CA haplotype carrier). On the other hand, subjects with nGA/nGA haplotype at SNPs 11482G>A/14995A>T had increased FFA levels with a rapid loss in abdominal fat, whereas GA/GA haplotype carriers had reduction in FFA levels. These results still remained significant after adjusting for age, gender and BMI. Prostaglandin F(2alpha) and oxidized LDL were also more reduced in GA/GA haplotype carriers than in nGA haplotype carriers. This effect remained significant after adjusting for baseline level, age, gender and BMI. Paradoxically, nGA haplotype carriers had increased levels of urinary PGF(2alpha) after weight reduction. CONCLUSION: Fasting plasma FFA changes following a modest weight loss in overweight-obese subjects are influenced by the genetic variability at the PLIN locus. Furthermore, circulating FFA changes rather than body fat itself may determine changes in lipid peroxides such as urinary PGF(2alpha) and oxidized LDL.

The association of SNP276G>T at adiponectin gene with circulating adiponectin and insulin resistance in response to mild weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) locus influence changes in circulating adiponectin and the features of insulin resistance in response to a weight loss intervention. SUBJECTS: In total, 294 nondiabetic/overweight-obese Koreans participated in a clinical intervention study lasting 12 weeks involving a caloric reduction of -300kcal/day. METHODS: Plasma adiponectin, blood lipids, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and after weight loss. Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) derived from fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. We genotyped for three SNPs, 45T>G, 276G>T and -11377C>G. RESULTS: At baseline, HOMA-IR was significantly higher in GG homozygotes than in carriers of the T allele at SNP276G>T of the adiponectin gene (P<0.05). With regard to SNP45T>G and SNP -11377C>G, we did not find any genotype related differences in baseline levels of HOMA-IR and adiponectin. In the 45/276 haplotype test, homozygous for the TG haplotype had significantly lower concentrations of plasma adiponectin (P<0.05). After the 12-week weight loss intervention, the significant decreases in HOMA-IR (P<0.001) and increases in adiponectin (P<0.01) were observed in GG homozygotes at SNP276, which were not shown in carriers of the T allele. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the decreases in HOMA-IR between the GG homozygotes and carriers of the T allele at SNP276 (P<0.05). Regarding SNP45T>G and SNP -11377C>G, there was no association between SNP45T>G and SNP -11377C>G and decreases in HOMA-IR. In the 45/276 haplotype test, there was a significant difference in changes of adiponectin levels among those with different haplotype combinations (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The SNP276G>T of the ADIPOQ gene is associated with different responses of circulating adiponectin and insulin resistance to mild weight loss in overweight-obese subjects.

Additive effect of the mutations in the beta3-adrenoceptor gene and UCP3 gene promoter on body fat distribution and glycemic control after weight reduction in overweight subjects with CAD or metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of the mutations in the beta3-adrenoceptor (beta3-AR) gene and/or uncoupling protein3 (UCP3) gene promoter on body fat distribution and glycemic control after mild weight reduction in overweight-obese subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) or metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: Clinical intervention study of the -300 kcal/day mild weight reduction program for 12 weeks. SUBJECTS: A total of 224 overweight-obese subjects with CAD or metabolic disorder, subdivided into the following four categories: (1) wild type (TT-CC, n=73); (2) only UCP3 promoter variant (TT-CT/TT, n=90); (3) only beta3-AR variant (TA/AA-CC, n=29); (4) both variants (TA/AA-CT/TT, n=32). MEASUREMENT: Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, calorie intakes, body fat distribution, serum glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, C-peptide and lipids before and after weight reduction. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, all subjects lost approximately 5% of their initial body weight. Despite similar weight reduction, the highest decreases in abdominal adipose tissue at both L1 and L4 levels were observed in the 'wild-type' group (P<0.001) and the second highest in 'only UPC3 promoter variant' group (P<0.001). On the other hand, both variant-carriers had the smallest reduction only in visceral fat area at the L4 level. All subjects except both variant-carriers showed significant reductions in the fasting levels of glucose and FFA. The response areas of glucose (P<0.01) and insulin (P<0.05) were reduced largest in the 'wild-type' group and second largest in the 'UCP3 promoter variant' group. CONCLUSION: All the four groups showed similar weight reduction after -300 kcal/d for 12 weeks. However, the beneficial effects on body fat distribution and glycemic control were greatest in the 'wild-type' group and smallest in 'both variants' group. In addition, these effects were less beneficial in carriers with beta3-AR gene variant than with UCP3 gene promoter variant.