Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids Promote the Accumulation of Browning-Related Myokines via Calcium Signaling in Insulin-Resistant Mice.

BACKGROUND: Myokines have a prominent effect on improving insulin resistance (IR) by inducing browning of white adipose tissue (WAT). Although docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) play roles in improving IR and stimulating browning, whether they mediate myokines directly remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of DHA and EPA on browning-related myokines under IR and clarify the mechanism via Ca2+ signaling. METHODS: The expression and secretion levels of myokines in IR mice and IR myotubes were detected after DHA/EPA treatment. The crosstalk between myotubes and adipocytes was evaluated through a method in which IR adipocytes were treated with the culture medium supernatant of myotubes treated with DHA/EPA. The expression of browning markers in the WAT of IR mice and adipocytes was determined. A calcium chelator was used to determine whether DHA and EPA regulate myokine production through a calcium ion-dependent pathway. RESULTS: In vivo experiments: 3:1 and 1:3 DHA/EPA promoted the mRNA levels of Irisin, IL-6, IL-15, and FGF21 in skeletal muscle, stimulated WAT browning, reduced lipid accumulation; 3:1 DHA/EPA upregulated the serum concentration of Irisin; 1:3 DHA/EPA upregulated the serum concentrations of Irisin, IL-6, and FGF21. In vitro experiments: the levels of Irisin and IL-6 in C2C12 myotubes and their medium supernatant were significantly elevated in the 3:1 and 1:3 groups and the upregulation of browning markers and reduction in fat accumulation were observed in adipocytes treated with the medium supernatant of C2C12 myotubes in the 3:1 and 1:3 groups. However, the above phenomena disappeared when Ca2+ signaling was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with DHA and EPA at composition ratios of 3:1 and 1:3 induces browning of WAT in IR mice, which is likely related to the promotion of the accumulation of myokines, especially Irisin and IL-6, via Ca2+ signaling.

[Construction and evaluation of weight retention nomogram prediction model for women 1 year after delivery].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influencing factors of body weight retention in woman at 1 year postpartum, and to construct and evaluate a nomogram prediction model for postpartum 1-year weight retention. METHODS: From September 2010 to February 2011, 468 pregnant women in the third trimester were recruited from Yuexiu District and Baiyun District Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Guangzhou, and followed up to 1 year postpartum. The basic demographic information of pregnant women was collected by self-made questionnaire. Dietary intake in the third trimester was investigated by 3-day 24-hour dietary review. The weight of women before delivery and one year after delivery were measured. According to whether the weight retention at 1 year postpartum is greater than 0 kg, the study subjects were divided into the 1-year postpartum weight retention group and weight recovery group. Logistic regression analysis were used to screen the influencing factors of weight retention at 1 year postpartum. R 4.2.3 software was used to construct the nomogram prediction model. The subject working characteristic curve, calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test and clinical decision curve were used to evaluate the model's differentiation, accuracy and clinical applicability. RESULTS: Among 329 subjects in the model training set, the 1-year postpartum weight retention was 68.09%, and the median and quartile levels of retained body weight were 5.0(3.0, 10.0)kg. After Logistic analysis, a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on five factors: pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI), pregnancy weight gain, parity, gravitity, 0-6 months postpartum feeding pattern. The model had good discrimination(AUC_(training)=0.778, AUC_(testing)=0.767) and accuracy(Hosmer-Lemeshow test: P_(training)=0.946, P_(testing)=0.891). CONCLUSION: The 1-year postnatal weight retention nomogram model based on women's pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy weight gain, parity, gravitity, 0-6 months postpartum feeding pattern has good differentiation, accuracy and clinical applicability.

[Association of dietary quality during pregnancy with fetal immune function in Guangzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the situation of women's dietary quality during pregnancy and explore the correlations between maternal dietary index and fetal immune function. METHODS: From September 2010 to February 2011, pregnant women who had routine physical examination in Yuexiu District and Baiyun District Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangzhou were recruited as study objects to use 3-day 24-hour dietary review to investigate diet during pregnancy, and general demographic information of pregnant women was collected through questionnaire, and the neonatal umbilical cord blood was collected during delivery. Laboratory detection of immunological indicators included IgG, IgA, IgM, IFN-γ and IL-6. The quality of diet during pregnancy was evaluated by diet quality index for pregnancy(DQI-P), dietary balance index for pregnancy(DBI-P) and alternate Medierranean diet score(aMED). Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the correlations between dietary quality during pregnancy and fetal immune function. RESULTS: The mean score of total DQI-P score of the study subjects was 55.8±10.0, and the mean score of overall food diversity and protein food source diversity was as high as 12.0±2.4 and 4.8±0.7. The mean score of nutrient energy ratio and fatty acid energy ratio was only 0.3±1.0 and 0.4±1.0, indicating that the population had good dietary diversity during pregnancy, but the dietary adequacy, suitability and balance were poor. The total score of DBI-P score was-19.2±9.4. The positive end score was 4.6±2.9, only 7.2% of the subjects had a high degree of dietary intake during pregnancy. The negative end score was 23.9±7.9, indicating the status of moderate dietary intake. Dietary quality was 28.5±7.1. Only 0.6% of the study population had a balanced dietary situation, and more than 67.9% of pregnant women had high intake imbalance. The mean total score of aMED score was 4.9±1.3, and the proportion of the food intake of beans and nuts was less than the median population was 62.5% and 79.1%, respectively, indicating that the food intake of beans and nuts was insufficient in this population. After adjusting for confounding factors such as maternal age, parity, parity, prepregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and mode of delivery, multiple linear regression analysis showed DQI-P during pregnancy and negatively with IL-6(ß=0.143, ß=-0.155, P<0.05). DBI-P was negatively associated with IL-6(ß=-0.177, P<0.01) and aMED and IFN-γ(ß=-0.161, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The dietary quality of women in late pregnancy in Guangzhou is low, the dietary structure is unbalanced. Higher dietary quality during pregnancy can promote the development of fetal immune system and improve fetal immune function.

Association of the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids with skeletal muscle mass and strength in children.

We aimed to investigate whether the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are associated with skeletal muscle mass and strength in healthy Chinese children aged 6-9 years. In this study, 412 children were enrolled. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiota compositions. Fecal SCFAs were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the total body lean soft tissue mass (TSM), total body fat mass (TBF), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), and appendicular fat mass (AFM). TSM/height2 (TSMI), ASM/height2 (ASMI), TSM/weight (TSMR), ASM/weight (ASMR), and the ratio of TSM/TBF and ASM/AFM were calculated. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using the Jamar® Plus+ Hand Dynamometer. A multiple regression analysis after adjustment for covariates and multiple test correction showed some operational taxonomic units in partial least squares models identified by Multivariate methods with Unbiased Variable selection analysis such as genera of Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-004 were positively correlated with at least one measure of TSM, TSMI, ASM, ASMI, and ASMI Z-score (ß: 0.103-0.143, pFDR : .008-.032) but negatively correlated with at least one measure of TSMR, TSM/TBF, ASMR, ASM/AFM, and ASMR Z-score (ß: -0.185 to 0.124, pFDR  = .008-.045). Children with higher fecal butyric acid, acetic acid, and total SCFA levels exhibited higher TSM, ASM, TSMI, ASMI, and ASMI Z-score and lower TSM/TBF, ASM/AFM, TSMR, ASMR, and ASMR Z-score. However, after additional adjustment for TBF or body mass index, only the associations for Faecalitalea and Pyramidobacter still existed. Mediation analysis suggested that total body fat significantly mediated 66.3%-95.3% of the estimated association of microbiota and SCFAs with TSM, ASM, and ASMI Z-score. Our results suggest that the associations of gut microbiota and SCFAs with skeletal muscle quality in children may largely depend upon on total body fat content.

[Association of dietary glycemic load during pregnancy with gestational weight gain and fetal physical development].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the situation of women's dietary glycemic load during pregnancy and explore the correlations between dietary glycemic index(GI) and gestational weight gain and fetal physical development. METHODS: The study was conducted in women in the third trimester of pregnancy and their new-born babies. The gestational dietary information was collected through a 3-day 24-hour dietary review. The general demographic information, diet and physical exercise, and weight were collected in questionnaire investigations, and the glycemic load during pregnancy were calculated. Participant were dived into low-glycemic-load group, middle-glycemic-load group and high-glycemic-load group according to the glycemic load. Gestational weigh gain, birth weight and birth length were measured. Multiple linear regression were used to analyze the relationship between glycemic load during pregnancy and gestational weight gain and fetal growth. RESULTS: The mean gestational glycemic load was 149.21±46.33. Women in high-glycemic-load group had higher intake of grain, potato, bacteria and algae, fruit, poultry and dairy but lower intake of aquatic product(P<0.05). The mean gestational weight gain was(15.03±4.35)kg. The mean fetal weight and birth length was(3229.18±375.09)g and(49.60±1.48)cm. Women in high-glycemic-load group had higher gestational weight gain(P<0.05). Multiple linear regression indicated that dietary glycemic load during pregnancy was postively correlated with gestational weight gain and birth length(ß_1=0.011, ß=0.003, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The higher dietary glycemic load during pregnancy is, the higher gestational weight gain and birth length will be.

Biomarkers of fatty acids and risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

We aimed to quantify and generate comprehensive evidence on the associations of different fatty acids (FAs) with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched for prospective cohort studies that examined the association between FA biomarkers and the risk of T2DM published before 18 May 2020. Random-effects meta-analyses of the effects of FA concentration on T2DM were performed. Thirty-three studies involving 95,810 adults (19,904 cases) were included. Divergent associations of different types of FAs with type 2 diabetes were observed. The pooled relative risk (RRs) of T2DM comparing the top versus the bottom tertile of saturated FAs (C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, total saturated FAs), monounsaturated FA (C16:1 n-7), polyunsaturated FA (C20:3 n-6, C22:4 n-6), and Δ-6-desaturase activities ranged from 1.19 to 1.80. Interestingly, unlike previous studies, we found a negative correlation between odd-chain saturated FAs (C15:0, C17:0), trans-FAs (trans-C16:1 n-7), total n-6, Δ-5-desaturase activities and risk of T2DM. The pooled RRs of T2DM comparing the top versus the bottom tertile of these FAs ranged from 0.62 to 0.78. No associations with T2DM were observed for the other FAs. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in our study, and no definitive conclusions can be made until further investigation has been carried out.

Optimal gestational weight gain in Chinese pregnant women by Chinese-specific BMI categories: a multicentre prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) in Chinese pregnant women by Chinese-specific BMI categories and compare the new recommendations with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines. DESIGN: Multicentre, prospective cohort study. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the OR, 95 % CI and the predicted probabilities of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The optimal GWG range was defined as the range that did not exceed a 1 % increase from the lowest predicted probability in each pre-pregnancy BMI group. SETTING: From nine cities in mainland China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3731 women with singleton pregnancy were recruited from April 2013 to December 2014. RESULTS: The optimal GWG (ranges) by Chinese-specific BMI was 15·0 (12·8-17·1), 14·2 (12·1-16·4) and 12·6 (10·4-14·9) kg for underweight, normal weight and overweight pregnant women, respectively. Inappropriate GWG was associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Compared with women gaining weight within our proposed recommendations, women with excessive GWG had higher risk for macrosomia, large for gestational age and caesarean section, whereas those with inadequate GWG had higher risk for low birth weight, small for gestational age and preterm delivery. The comparison between our proposed recommendations and IOM 2009 guidelines showed that our recommendations were comparable with the IOM 2009 guidelines and could well predict the risk of several adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate GWG was associated with higher risk of several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Optimal GWG recommendations proposed in the present study could be applied to Chinese pregnant women.

"Zuòyuèzi" dietary and behavioural associations with maternal health among puerperal women in South China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the associations of postpartum dietary quality and behavioral practices with maternal health in Guangzhou China. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study among puerperal women in urban and suburban areas in Guangzhou, China (n=2013). Data for postpartum dietary and behavioral practices and health conditions were collected by a standardized questionnaire. Dietary balance index (DBI) was calculated to assess an individual's dietary quality. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors related to women's health. RESULTS: 75.5% of women reported at least one postpartum disease, and the most common problems were prolonged duration of lochia (70.0%) and backache (43.0%), followed by constipation (23.6%), insufficient milk secretion (19.2%), breast swelling (18.5%) and hemorrhoids (13.8%). Average postpartum weight retention was 3.5 kg. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 12-18 h/d of bed rest time, breastfeeding, doing postpartum exercise, basking, getting out of bed within 2 days after delivery, higher intake of fish and shrimp, fruits, vegetable, milk were protective factors for at least one out of these health problems or weight retention (p<0.05). Bed rest time for more than 18 h/d or less than 12 h/d, ginger vinegar intake, doing housework, cesarean section, and excessive and inadequate intake of cereals had an adverse association (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Some features of a traditional Chinese postpartum diet and behaviour are related to maternal morbidity during the puerperium. Further studies are needed to assess whether postpartum diet and behavioral intervention improve maternal health during the postpartum period.

[Association between the dietary inflammatory index, interleukin-6 of late pregnant women and birth weight].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between dietary inflammatory index(DII), serum interleukin-6(IL-6) of late pregnant women and infant birth weight. METHODS: This study was conducted in late pregnant women who received antenatal care at the Maternal and Children& apos; s Hospital of Baiyun and Yuexiu District in Guangzhou, China between September 2010 and February 2011. Tree consecutive 24-h diet recalls, pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal education level and etc were collected. DII score was calculated based on data of dietary surveys. Participant were dived into anti-inflammatory group(T1), neutral group(T2) and pro-inflammatory group(T3) according to the tertiles of DII score. Maternal and infant anthropometric profile(n=456) and level of maternal serum IL-6(n=308) were measured. Structrural equation modeling(SEM) was used to explore the relationship between DII, IL-6 and birth weight. RESULTS: In 456 women, the mean DII score was 0. 02±1. 08. Women performed anti-inflammatory diet had higher intake of grain and potato, vegetables, energy, fiber, minerals, vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, but lower intakes of fruits, diary, fat(% energy) and protein from animal food(P& lt; 0. 05). Average infant birth weight and level of maternal serum IL-6 were(3238. 1±376. 4)g and 4. 05(2. 02, 10. 14) pg/mL respectively. DII of pregnant women was positively correlated with maternal serum IL-6(r=0. 144, P& lt; 0. 05), and IL-6 was negatively correlated with birth weight(r=-0. 184, P& lt; 0. 05). SEM indicated that maternal serum IL-6 may be a mediator in the association between DII and birth weight. CONCLUSION: The diet of pregnant women may change the serum level of IL6, and then affect infant birth weight.

A novel polysaccharide isolated from Flammulina velutipes, characterization, macrophage immunomodulatory activities and its impact on gut microbiota in rats.

The structural characteristics of a novel Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide (FVP2) were explored in this study. Besides, immunomodulatory activities of FVP2 on RAW 264.7 cell and its impact on gut microbiota in rats were investigated. FVP2 has a molecular weight of 18.3 kD, and its main components include galactose (19.96%), glucose (60.66%) and mannose (19.38%). By NMR analysis, the main-chain structure consisted of (1 â†’ 3)-linked-ß-D-Gal, (1 â†’ 6) -linked-ß-D-Gal, (1 â†’ 6)-linked-α-D-Glc and (1 â†’ 3,6)-linked-α-D-Man was identified. Results of the in vitro assays on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells showed FVP2 could significantly up-regulate the expression of NO, TNF-α and IL-6. FVP2 was intragastrically administered to rats for 2 weeks. Compared with the control group, two caecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration (isobutyric acid and butyric acid) and the abundance of beneficial microbiota of the FVP2-treated group were significantly increased (p < .05) respectively. The results demonstrated that FVP2 could effectively enhance the level of butyric acid and increase beneficial gut microbiota, which could improve the intestinal barrier function and maintain the intestinal mucosal integrity, suggesting that FVP2 could potentially be an immunomodulators or a functional food to promote intestinal health.

[Effects of different ratios of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on adiponectin, glycolipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in high fat-diet fed rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of different ratios of n-6/n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA) on adiponectin, glycolipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in high fat-diet fed rats. METHODS: Fixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group(CON, 17% energy from fat, n-6/n-3 PUFA=5∶1) and high-fat treatment groups(1∶1 group∶n-6/n-3 PUFA=1∶1, 5∶1 group, n-6/n-3 PUFA=5∶1, 10∶1 group∶ n-6/n-3 PUFA=10∶1 and 20∶1 group∶ n-6/n-3 PUFA=20∶1, 42% energy from fat). Rats were fed for 12 week. Serum glucose and lipid(0, 4, 8 and 12 week) were detected. Antioxidant indexes(0 and 12 week), adiponectin mRNA and protein expressions in epididymal adipose tissues as well as serum adiponectin(12 week) were measured. RESULTS: Baseline data showed no significant inter-group difference(P>0. 05). 1∶1 and 5∶1 showed no significant changes in serum glucose compared with control at all time points(P>0. 05), while 10∶1 and 20∶1 significantly increased it at the 12 th week(P<0. 05). At the 12 th week, total cholesterol(TC) and triglycerides(TG) in high-fat treatment groups were significantly higher than control(P<0. 01), with 20∶1 showing significant increment of TG compared with other high-fat treatment groups(P<0. 01). At the 12~(th) week, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase content in high-fat treatment groups all decreased significantly compared with control(P<0. 05), and 20∶1 decreased most. Malondialdehyde content significantly increased in high-fat treatment groups(P<0. 05), and 10∶1 increased most. Adiponectin mRNA expression significantly decreased in 20∶1 compared with control, 1∶1 and 5∶1(P<0. 05). Increment of adiponectin protein expression was significantly shown in 5∶1 compared with other high-fat treatment groups(P<0. 05), while it was most obviously decreased in 20∶1(P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: Lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios(1∶1 and 5∶1) contributed to improvement of glycolipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity as well as increment of adiponectin expression of rats fed with high-fat diet.

How are maternal dietary patterns and maternal/fetal cytokines associated with birth weight? A path analysis.

The aim of the study was to investigate how maternal dietary patterns and maternal/fetal cytokines are associated with birth weight and whether cytokines mediate the association. A total of 469 pregnant women and their children were recruited for this prospective study. Dietary patterns in pregnancy were identified using factor analysis of data from three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. Maternal and umbilical blood serum cytokines (adiponectin (APN), IL-6 and interferon-γ) were measured via ELISA. Path analysis was used to explore the relationships between maternal diet, cytokines and birth weight. Four dietary patterns were identified: a mainly fruit, dairy products and poultry diet (FDP); a mainly vegetables, beans and pork diet (VBP); a mainly fish, shrimp and soup diet (FS) and a mainly tuber and egg diet (TE). Path analysis showed the order of effects of dietary patterns on birth weight was FS>FDP>TE>VBP (ß=0·130, 0·109, -0·094 and 0·046, respectively). Only the TE pattern's effect was negative. Maternal and fetal APN were positively associated with birth weight (ß=0·045 and 0·226, respectively), and they mediated the association between the TE pattern and birth weight (indirect effect was 5·3 %). Maternal IL-6 was negatively associated with birth weight (ß=-0·067) and mediated the association between maternal FDP and VBP patterns and birth weight (indirect effects were 10·1 and 100·0 %, respectively). All variables in the path explained 33·6 % of variation. These results suggested that maternal dietary patterns in pregnancy are associated with birth weight and mediated directly and indirectly through some maternal/fetal serum cytokines.

[Association between the rates of maternal weight gain in different pregnancy periods and the pregnancy outcomes of 421 pregnant women in Shenzhen City, 2013].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rates of weight gain during different trimesters of pregnancy and their associations with pregnancy outcomes in Shenzhen pregnant women. METHODS: Healthy singleton pregnant women aged from 20 to 35, within 12 weeks of gestation, in the Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital for routine medical checkups were recruited. Information about their dietary intake and lifestyle behavior during pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and neonatal birth outcomes were followed up prospectively, meanwhile maternal weight at per trimester and newborn birth physique were measured, and 421 valid cases were analyzed. RESULTS: Significantly lower rate of weight gain in the 1 st trimester((0.05±0.15)kg/w) were observed than that in the 2 nd trimester((0.56±0.17)kg/w) and the 3 rd trimester((0.54±0.22)kg/w)(P<0.01). No significant difference was found for that between the 2 nd and 3 rd trimester(P>0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis showed positive correlations between maternal weight gain rate in the 2 nd trimester and the neonatal birth physique, including birth weight, birth length, and head circumference(ß_(BW)=0.31, P=0.002;ß_(BL)=0.82, P=0.007;ß_(HC)=0.72, P=0.016). Logistic regression analysis showed a positive relation between the rate of weight gain in the 2 nd and the incidence of cesarean section(OR=3.59, 95%CI 1.08-11.90). The rate of weight gain in the 3 rd trimester turned out to be positively correlated with the incidence of abnormal amniotic fluid(OR=13.04, 95%CI 1.70-100.10)and negatively correlated with the incidence of gestational diabetes(OR=0.001, 95%CI 0-0.01). CONCLUSION: The weight gain during pregnancy was unsatisfactory in most of Shenzhen women in 2013. The rate of weight gain in the 2 nd trimester was positively correlated to the birth physique of newborns. The excessive rapid and slow growth of weight gain during the 2 nd-3 rd trimester could both increase the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

[Reference values of body fat indices in Chinese children aged 6-9 years old in Guangzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To establish normal reference values of total and segmental body fat distribution of children aged 6-9 years old in Guangzhou, which can be used for abnormal fat accumulation surveillance. METHODS: A total of 456 children aged 6-9 years old were enrolled between December, 2015 to March, 2017 in Guangzhou, China. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry( DXA). The LMS regression method was used to construct age-and gender-specific smooth percentile curves of total body fat mass( TBFM), percentage of total body fat( % TBF), android fat mass, gynoid fat mass, appendicular fat mass( AFM), percentage android fat, percentage gynoid fat, percentage appendicular fat mass( % AFM) and android/gynoid ratio. The 5th to 85th, 85th and 95th centiles of body fat indexes were applied to define "normal", "overfat", and "obese"status. RESULTS: Linear trend test showed that except for total body fat percentage( % TBF) in girls, total body fat mass( TBFM), segmental body fat mass and % TBF increased significantly with age in both genders. The reference values of TBFM for boys in each age group were 3. 87-6. 04, 3. 72-7. 74, 3. 82-9. 85, 4. 30-13. 35 kg, respectively, and for girls were 3. 86-7. 76, 3. 97-8. 50, 4. 23-9. 46, 4. 78-10. 74 kg, respectively. The corresponding values for the % TBF were 20. 07%-28. 84%, 18. 50%-30. 32%, 17. 93%-31. 97%, 18. 10%-34. 81% in boys, and20. 91%-34. 14%, 20. 64%-34. 60%, 20. 18%-33. 99%, 20. 28%-34. 40% in girls, respectively. In terms of android/gynoid ratio, the values were 0. 62-0. 78, 0. 58-0. 83, 0. 58-0. 88, 0. 57-0. 93 for boys, and 0. 50-0. 76, 0. 54-0. 81, 0. 57-0. 85, 0. 50-0. 82 for girls, respectively. CONCLUSION: The data provided normal reference range for assessing body fat distribution in children aged 6-9 years in Guangzhou, China.

Mismatch negativity is abnormal but not lateralizing in temporal lobe epilepsy.

We investigated the changes of mismatch negativity (MMN) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and explored the possible role of MMN in lateralizing their seizure focus. Thirty patients with TLE and thirty healthy controls were included. MMN was elicited in each subject. Patients with TLE were divided into three subgroups: unilateral left TLE; unilateral right TLE, and bilateral TLE. MMN amplitudes and latencies were compared between the patients with TLE and the control group, and also among the three subgroups of TLE, using repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA). To assess the lateralizing value of MMN, MMN latencies and amplitudes at the mastoid sites between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of epileptic focus in patients with unilateral TLE were compared using t-test. Compared with controls, each subgroup of patients with TLE had longer latencies of MMN at both fronto-central and mastoid sites, but the amplitudes of MMN were not significantly different. The amplitudes and latencies of MMN were not significantly different between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of seizure focus at mastoid sites. The present findings of prolonged latencies of MMN are suggestive of cognitive impairment in TLE. Both the mastoid sites and the fronto-central sites are involved, which likely reflect widespread cortical abnormalities in TLE. However, the changes of MMN during the interictal phase are not useful for lateralizing the seizure focus in patients with TLE.

Combination of exendin-4 and DPP-4 silencing promoted angiogenesis of human coronary artery endothelial cells via activation of PI3K/Akt pathway.

This study was aimed to explore the combined effects of Exendin-4 with dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) silencing on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced cell proliferation and angiogenesis in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells (HCAECs), as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms which were involved in this process. HCAECs were treated by exendin-4, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting DPP-4 (DPP-4-siRNA) or exendin-4 plus DPP-4-siRNA, respectively. Cell migration, proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro were assessed by scratch-wound assay, MTT, tran swell assay, and matrigel tube formation, respectively. Cell apoptosis was investigated by TUNEL assay. Expression of apoptosis and PI3K/Akt related proteins were assessed by Western blotting. Incubation of HCAECs with exendin-4 and silencing of DPP-4 both caused an increase in cell proliferation, migration and tube formation, while a significant decrease in apoptosis (all p<0.05). Furthermore, the combination of the exendin-4 and silencing of DPP-4 had additional effects on HCAECs. Protein levels of p-Akt and p-PI3K were markedly increased by exendin-4 incubation, silencing of DPP-4 in HCAECs. These results suggest that combination of exendin-4 and silencing of DPP-4 had additional promoted effects on angiogenesis of HCAECs via activation of PI3K/Akt pathway. Our study indicated an alternative therapeutic strategy for atherosclerotic neovascularization.

Maternal and cord blood adiponectin levels in relation to post-natal body size in infants in the first year of life: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin is an adipocyte hormone involved in energy homeostasis and metabolism. However, its role in early infancy is poorly understood. METHODS: We recruited a total of 443 pregnant women and their children in this prospective study. Cord blood samples were successfully obtained from 331 neonates. Maternal and umbilical blood serum adiponectin were measured. The weight-, height- and BMI-for-age Z scores of infants at birth and at 3, 6 and 12 months of age were assessed. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that cord blood but not maternal serum adiponectin was positively associated with all of the anthropometric measures at birth (P < 0.01). Using Generalized Estimating Equation model after adjustment for sex, time, maternal age, gestational age, prepregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, maternal education, parity, history of miscarriage and mode of delivery, for every 1-µg/ml increment of maternal serum adiponectin, the height-for-age Z score during the first year of life increased by 0.026 (P =0.013) on average, and the height-for-age Z score of infants in the highest quartile of maternal serum adiponectin was 0.270 (95 % CI: 0.013-0.527) higher than those in the lowest quartile. The changes in weight-for-age Z score from birth decreased by 0.67 × 10(-2) on average with every 1-µg/ml additional increase of cord blood adiponectin (P = 0.047). The infants in the highest quartile of cord blood adiponectin showed a -0.368 (95 % CI, -0.701--0.035) decrease in weight-for-age Z score change from birth compared with those in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSIONS: Cord blood adiponectin concentration is a determinant of infant birth size and weight gain in the first year of life. Circulating maternal adiponectin during pregnancy may predict postnatal height growth.

Soyasaponins prevent H2O2-induced inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication by scavenging reactive oxygen species in rat liver cells.

It appears to be more practical and effective to prevent carcinogenesis by targeting the tumor promotion stage. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is strongly involved in carcinogenesis, especially the tumor promotion stage. Considerable interest has been focused on the chemoprevention activities of soyasaponin (SS), which are major phytochemicals found in soybeans and soy products. However, less is known about the preventive effects of SS (especially SS with different chemical structures) against tumor promoter-induced inhibition of GJIC. We investigated the protective effects of SS-A1, SS-A2, and SS-I against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced GJIC inhibition and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells. The present results clearly show for the first time that SS-A1, SS-A2, and SS-I prevent the H2O2-induced GJIC inhibition by scavenging ROS in BRL cells in a dose-dependent manner at the concentration range of from 25 to 100 µg/mL. Soyasaponins attenuated the H2O2-induced ROS through potentiating the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. This may be an important mechanism by which SS protects against tumor promotion. In addition, various chemical structures of SS appear to exhibit different protective abilities against GJIC inhibition. This may partly attribute to their differences in ROS-scavenging activities.

A meta-analysis supporting the superiority of staged carotid artery stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with concurrent severe coronary and carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to ascertain whether a staged approach involving carotid artery stenting (CAS) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) holds superiority over the synchronous (Syn) strategy of CAS or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and CABG in patients necessitating combined revascularization for concurrent carotid and coronary artery disease. METHOD: Studies were identified through 3 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of less than .05 for all analyses, conducted using STATA version 12.0. RESULTS: In the comparison between staged versus Syn CAS and CABG for patients with concomitant severe coronary and carotid stenosis, 4 studies were analyzed. The staged procedure was associated with a lower rate of 30-day stroke (OR = 8.329, 95% CI = 1.017-69.229, P = .048) compared to Syn CAS and CABG. In the comparison between staged CAS and CABG versus Syn CEA and CABG for patients with concomitant severe coronary and carotid stenosis, 5 studies were examined. The staged CAS and CABG procedure was associated with a lower rate of mortality (OR = 2.046, 95% CI = 1.304-3.210, P = .002) compared to Syn CEA and CABG. CONCLUSION: The Syn CAS and CABG was linked to a higher risk of peri-operative stroke compared to staged CAS and CABG. Additionally, patients undergoing staged CAS and CABG exhibited a significantly decreased risk of 30-day mortality compared to Syn CEA and CABG. Future randomized trials or prospective cohorts are essential to confirm and validate these findings.

EPA and DHA differentially improve insulin resistance by reducing adipose tissue inflammation-targeting GPR120/PPARγ pathway.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a global health challenge, often initiated by dysfunctional adipose tissue. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may have different effects on IR, but the mechanisms are unknown. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of EPA and DHA against IR in a high-fat diet (HFD) mice model and investigate whether EPA and DHA alter IR modulate the G-protein-poupled receptor 120/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (GPR120/PPARγ) pathway in macrophages and adipocytes, which may affect IR in adipocytes. The findings of this study show that 4% DHA had a better effect in improving IR and reducing inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue of mice. Additionally, in the cell experiment, the use of AH7614 (a GPR120 antagonist) inhibited the glucose consumption increase and the increasable expression of PPARγ and insulin signaling molecules mediated by DHA in adipocytes. Furthermore, GW9662 (a PPARγ antagonist) hindered the upregulation of glucose consumption and insulin signaling molecule expression induced by EPA and DHA in adipocytes. DHA exhibited significant effects in reducing the number of migrated cells and inflammation. The compounds AH7614 and GW9662 hindered the suppressive effects of EPA and DHA on macrophage-induced IR in adipocytes. These findings suggest that DHA has a stronger potential in improving IR in adipocytes through the GPR120/PPARγ pathway in macrophages, when compared to EPA.