Insulin sensitivity as a predictor of longitudinal changes on body mass index in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance status at baseline on longitudinal body mass index, and the possible effect modification by sex. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized intervention community trial, in which a subgroup of 84 adolescents, aged between 10 and 12 years, were analyzed. Body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were determined before and after 8 months of follow-up. Glucose and serum insulin were examined at baseline and IR was defined based on the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), with a cutoff >2.5 for both genders. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to evaluate the influence of HOMA-IR at baseline on BMI changes over time. Models were adjusted for age, pubertal stage, and stratified by sex. RESULTS: The sample comprised 65.4% of girls and the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 54.7% among girls and 50.0% among boys. The overall prevalence of IR was 75.3%, of which 60.7% for boys and 83.0% for girls. We found an interaction effect by sex (p = .004) for HOMA-IR as a continuous variable, with a decreased BMI rate of change among boys (ß = -0.13; p = .03) but not for girls (ß = +0.03; p = .36). Longitudinal BMI changes considering IR status at baseline (IR vs. non-IR) did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference for both boys (-0.1 vs. +0.4; p = .28) and girls (+0.7 vs. +1.0; p = .44). CONCLUSION: Increased HOMA-IR values at baseline were associated with greater BMI reduction over time among boys but not girls, with no influence of IR status.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 short-period therapy stimulates bone marrow cells in obese swiss mice.

Bone marrow cells (BMCs) from obese Swiss mice fed with Western diet show mitochondrial dysfunction. Obesity interferes with BMCs disrupting energetic metabolism, stimulating apoptosis, and reducing cell proliferation since adipose tissue releases inflammatory adipokines into the medullar microenvironment. These changes lead to reduction of BMC differentiation capacity and hematopoiesis impairment, a process responsible for blood cell continuous production through hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This work aimed to analyze the effects of IGF-1 therapy on BMC viability in Western diet-induced obesity, in vivo. We observed that after only 1 week of treatment, obese Swiss mice presented reduced body weight and visceral fat and increased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and coupling, indicating mitochondrial function improvement. In addition, IGF-1 was able to reduce apoptosis of total BMCs, stem cell subpopulations (hematopoietic and mesenchymal), and leukocytes, restoring all progenitor hematopoietic lineages. The treatment also contributed to increase proliferative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells and leukocytes, keeping the hematopoietic and immune systems balanced. Therefore, we conclude that IGF-1 short period therapy improved BMC survival, proliferation, and differentiation capacity in obese Swiss mice.

Vitis vinifera L. Grape Skin Extract Prevents Development of Hypertension and Altered Lipid Profile in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress.

This study investigated the protective effect of a Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract (ACH09) on blood pressure, lipid profile, and oxidative status in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels, as well as oxidative damage and antioxidant activity in the plasma and kidney, were evaluated in four experimental groups: control Wistar rats (W-C) and SHR-C that received water, and Wistar rats and SHR treated with ACH09 (200 mg/kg/d) in drinking water for 12 weeks (W-ACH09 and SHR-ACH09, respectively). SBP increased in the SHR group compared with the W groups and the treatment with ACH09 prevented the development of hypertension. Plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased in SHR compared with W-C rats; these changes prevented by treatment with ACH09. Glucose levels did not differ between the groups. The SHR group had increased oxidative damage in plasma, as expressed by 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and this prevented by ACH09. Levels of TBARS in the kidneys were lower in the SHR-ACH09 group than in the SHR-C group. Further, ACH09 increased the superoxide dismutase activity in both the plasma and kidneys of both SHR and Wistar rats. These results suggest that ACH09 is protective against disruption of blood pressures, oxidant status, and lipid profile in SHR, and provide important evidence on the benefits of ACH09 on hypertension and associated cardiovascular complications.

Effect of physical exercise on spontaneous physical activity energy expenditure and energy intake in overweight adults (the EFECT study): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise interventions have been extensively advocated for the treatment of obesity; however, clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of exercise interventions on weight control show controversial results. Compensatory mechanisms through a decrease in energy expenditure and/or an increase in caloric consumption is a possible explanation. Several physiological mechanisms involved in the energy balance could explain compensatory mechanisms, but the influences of physical exercise on these adjustments are still unclear. Therefore, the present trial aims to evaluate the effects of exercise on non-exercise physical activity energy expenditure, energy intake and appetite sensations among active overweight/obese adults, as well as, to investigate hormonal changes associated with physical exercise. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial with parallel, three-group experimental arms. Eighty-one overweight/obese adults will be randomly allocated (1:1:1 ratio) to a vigorous exercise group, moderate exercise group or control group. The trial will be conducted at a military institution and the intervention groups will be submitted to exercise sessions in the evening, three times a week for 65 min, during a 2-week period. The primary outcome will be total spontaneous physical activity energy expenditure during a 2-week period. Secondary outcomes will be caloric intake, appetite sensations and laboratorial biomarkers. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed using linear mixed-effects models to evaluate the effect of treatment-by-time interaction on primary and secondary outcomes. Data analysis will be performed using SAS 9.3 and statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. DISCUSSION: The results of the present study will help to understand the effect of physical exercise training on subsequent non-exercise physical activity, appetite and energy intake as well as understand the physiological mechanisms underlying a possible compensatory phenomenon, supporting the development of more effective interventions for prevention and treatment of obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Physical Exercise and Energy Balance trial registry, trial registration number: NCT 03138187 . Registered on 30 April 2017.

Discouraging soft drink consumption reduces blood glucose and cholesterol of Brazilian elementary students: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an educational program aimed at discouraging sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages intake on blood fasting glucose and total cholesterol. Forty-seven fourth grade classes in twenty-two schools have participated in a randomized controlled trial aimed at discouraging soft drink intake in order to prevent excessive weight gain during a school year, in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Of 1140 randomized students, 478 (238 in intervention group and 240 in control group) aged 9-12years old had at least one result on biochemical data and were analyzed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on changes in fasting glucose and total cholesterol at the end of follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed taking into account the cluster (classes) effect. Statistically significant decrease in fasting glucose (-9.12mg/dL vs. +0.51mg/dL, p<0.001) and total cholesterol (-10.34mg/dL vs. +2.14mg/dL, p<0.001) were observed among students in the intervention group in comparison with controls. In addition, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and hypercholesterolemia decreased in interventions and increased in controls (-2.4% vs. +8.8%, p=0.04 and -10.0% vs. +2.7%, p=0.03, respectively). Discouraging soft drink consumption among children has led to a reduction in fasting glucose and total cholesterol, suggesting that these beverages may play a role in the development of cardiometabolic risk in childhood.

Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in a rat model of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) liver injury and in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-six male rats were divided in three groups: Sham; I/R injury, a 45 minutes lobar liver ischemia and reperfusion; and RIPC, six cycles of four minutes of ischemia and four minutes of reperfusion on the right hindlimb followed by a 45 minutes lobar liver ischemia and reperfusion. Tissue and blood samples were collected after 1h and 3h of reperfusion for histopathological study, plasma cytokines and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurement. RESULTS: The histopathological study demonstrated a significant reduction in liver necrosis in the RIPC group (p<0,001). The ALT levels were also significant lower in the RIPC group (p<0.01). The cytokines assessment showed that IL-6 levels were increased in the RIPC group after 1h of reperfusion, in comparison to the I/R group (p<0.05). Interleukin-10 levels in RIPC groups did not differ significantly from I/R group. CONCLUSIONS: Remote ischemic preconditioning is effective in decreasing liver necrosis in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion. The IL-6 expression is up-regulated and peaked at 60 min of reperfusion. There was no difference in IL-10 expression between the groups.

Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in a rat model of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To study the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) liver injury and in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-six male rats were divided in three groups: Sham; I/R injury, a 45 minutes lobar liver ischemia and reperfusion; and RIPC, six cycles of four minutes of ischemia and four minutes of reperfusion on the right hindlimb followed by a 45 minutes lobar liver ischemia and reperfusion. Tissue and blood samples were collected after 1h and 3h of reperfusion for histopathological study, plasma cytokines and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurement. RESULTS: The histopathological study demonstrated a significant reduction in liver necrosis in the RIPC group (p 0,001). The ALT levels were also significant lower in the RIPC group (p 0.01). The cytokines assessment showed that IL-6 levels were increased in the RIPC group after 1h of reperfusion, in comparison to the I/R group (p 0.05). Interleukin-10 levels in RIPC groups did not differ significantly from I/R group. CONCLUSIONS: Remote ischemic preconditioning is effective in decreasing liver necrosis in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion. The IL-6 expression is up-regulated and peaked at 60 min of reperfusion. There was no difference in IL-10 expression between the groups.(AU)

Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in a rat model of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To study the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) liver injury and in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-six male rats were divided in three groups: Sham; I/R injury, a 45 minutes lobar liver ischemia and reperfusion; and RIPC, six cycles of four minutes of ischemia and four minutes of reperfusion on the right hindlimb followed by a 45 minutes lobar liver ischemia and reperfusion. Tissue and blood samples were collected after 1h and 3h of reperfusion for histopathological study, plasma cytokines and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurement. RESULTS: The histopathological study demonstrated a significant reduction in liver necrosis in the RIPC group (p<0,001). The ALT levels were also significant lower in the RIPC group (p<0.01). The cytokines assessment showed that IL-6 levels were increased in the RIPC group after 1h of reperfusion, in comparison to the I/R group (p<0.05). Interleukin-10 levels in RIPC groups did not differ significantly from I/R group. CONCLUSIONS: Remote ischemic preconditioning is effective in decreasing liver necrosis in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion. The IL-6 expression is up-regulated and peaked at 60 min of reperfusion. There was no difference in IL-10 expression between the groups. .

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation improves mitochondrial bioenergetics in the liver of cholestatic rats.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with liver cholestatis. Toxic bile salt accumulation leads to chronic injury with mitochondrial damage, ROS increase and apoptosis, resulting in liver dysfunction. This study aimed to analyze mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) after BMMNC transplantation. Livers were collected from normal rats, fibrotic rats after 14 and 21 days of BDL (F14d and F21d) and rats that received BMMNC at 14 days of BDL, analyzed after 7 days. F21d demonstrated increased collagen I content and consequently decrease after BMMNC transplantation. Both F14d and F21d had significantly reduced mitochondrial oxidation capacity and increased mitochondrial uncoupling, which were restored to levels similar to those of normal group after BMMNC transplantation. In addition, F21d had a significantly increase of UCP2, and reduced PGC-1α content. However, after BMMNC transplantation both proteins returned to levels similar to normal group. Moreover, F14d had a significantly increase in 4-HNE content compared to normal group, but after BMMNC transplantation 4-HNE content significantly reduced, suggesting oxidative stress reduction. Therefore, BMMNC transplantation has a positive effect on hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics of cholestatic rats, increasing oxidative capacity and reducing oxidative stress, which, in turn, contribute to liver function recover.

Impaired mitochondrial function and reduced viability in bone marrow cells of obese mice.

Bone marrow cells (BMCs) are the main type of cells used for transplantation therapies. Obesity, a major world health problem, has been demonstrated to affect various tissues, including bone marrow. This could compromise the success of such therapies. One of the main mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of obesity is mitochondrial dysfunction, and recent data have suggested an important role for mitochondrial metabolism in the regulation of stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Since the potential use of BMCs for clinical therapies depends on their viability and capacity to proliferate and/or differentiate properly, the analysis of mitochondrial function and cell viability could be important approaches for evaluating BMC quality in the context of obesity. We therefore compared BMCs from a control group (CG) and an obese group (OG) of mice and evaluated their mitochondrial function, proliferation capacity, apoptosis, and levels of proteins involved in energy metabolism. BMCs from OG had increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation rates compared with CG. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity, biogenesis, and the coupling between oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis were significantly decreased in OG compared with CG, in correlation with increased levels of uncoupling protein 2 and reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-coactivator 1α content. OG also had decreased amounts of the glucose transporter GLUT-1 and insulin receptor (IRß). Thus, Western-diet-induced obesity leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced proliferative capacity in BMCs, changes that, in turn, might compromise the success of therapies utilizing these cells.

Changes in body weight, C-reactive protein, and total adiponectin in non-obese women after 12 months of a small-volume, home-based exercise program.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of small-volume, home-based exercise combined with slight caloric restriction on the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and adiponectin. METHODS: In total, 54 women were randomly assigned to one of two groups for exercise intervention: the control or home-based exercise groups. Weight, waist and hip circumferences, and inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Women allocated to the home-based exercise group received a booklet explaining the physical exercises to be practiced at home at least 3 times per week, 40 minutes per session, at low-to-moderate intensity. All participants received dietary counseling aimed at reducing caloric intake by 100-300 calories per day, with a normal distribution of macro-nutrients (26-28% of energy as fat). Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01206413 RESULTS: The home-based exercise group showed a significantly greater reduction in weight and body mass index at six months, but no difference between groups was observed thereafter. With regard to the inflammatory markers, a greater but non-statistically significant reduction was found for C-reactive protein in the home-based exercise group at six months; however, this difference disappeared after adjusting for weight change. No differences in adiponectin were found at the 6- or 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Small-volume, home-based exercise did not promote changes in inflammatory markers independent of weight change.

Ghrelin and leptin modulate the feeding behaviour of the hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata during nesting season.

Female sea turtles have rarely been observed foraging during the nesting season. This suggests that prior to their migration to nesting beaches the females must store sufficient energy and nutrients at their foraging grounds and must be physiologically capable of undergoing months without feeding. Leptin (an appetite-suppressing protein) and ghrelin (a hunger-stimulating peptide) affect body weight by influencing energy intake in all vertebrates. We investigated the levels of these hormones and other physiological and nutritional parameters in nesting hawksbill sea turtles in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, by collecting consecutive blood samples from 41 turtles during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 reproductive seasons. We found that levels of serum leptin decreased over the nesting season, which potentially relaxed suppression of food intake and stimulated females to begin foraging either during or after the post-nesting migration. Concurrently, we recorded an increasing trend in ghrelin, which may have stimulated food intake towards the end of the nesting season. Both findings are consistent with the prediction that post-nesting females will begin to forage, either during or immediately after their post-nesting migration. We observed no seasonal trend for other physiological parameters (values of packed cell volume and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein). The observed downward trends in general serum biochemistry levels were probably due to the physiological challenge of vitellogenesis and nesting in addition to limited energy resources and probable fasting.

Changes in body weight, C-reactive protein, and total adiponectin in non-obese women after 12 months of a small-volume, home-based exercise program

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of small-volume, home-based exercise combined with slight caloric restriction on the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and adiponectin. METHODS: In total, 54 women were randomly assigned to one of two groups for exercise intervention: the control or home-based exercise groups. Weight, waist and hip circumferences, and inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Women allocated to the home-based exercise group received a booklet explaining the physical exercises to be practiced at home at least 3 times per week, 40 minutes per session, at low-to-moderate intensity. All participants received dietary counseling aimed at reducing caloric intake by 100-300 calories per day, with a normal distribution of macro-nutrients (26-28% of energy as fat). Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01206413 RESULTS: The home-based exercise group showed a significantly greater reduction in weight and body mass index at six months, but no difference between groups was observed thereafter. With regard to the inflammatory markers, a greater but non-statistically significant reduction was found for C-reactive protein in the home-based exercise group at six months; however, this difference disappeared after adjusting for weight change. No differences in adiponectin were found at the 6- or 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Small-volume, home-based exercise did not promote changes in inflammatory markers independent of weight change. .

Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract activates the insulin-signalling cascade and reduces hyperglycaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effect of Vitis vinifera grape skin extract (ACH09) on hyperglycaemia and the insulin-signalling cascade in alloxan-treated mice. METHODS: Glycaemia, serum insulin and Western blot analysis of insulin cascade proteins were evaluated in the gastrocnemius muscles of four groups of adult mice: control, ACH09 (200 mg/kg per day, p.o.), alloxan (300 mg/kg, i.p.) and alloxan + ACH09. Insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets was also studied. KEY FINDINGS: Glycaemia values in the alloxan + ACH09 and ACH09 groups were significantly lower than in the alloxan-treated and control groups, respectively. Increased insulin resistance (HOMA index) was observed in the alloxan-treated group but not in the alloxan + ACH09 group. Insulin receptor content and Akt phosphorylation were significantly greater in the alloxan + ACH09 group compared with the alloxan-treated group. The glucose transporter (GLUT-4) content was reduced in alloxan-treated mice compared with the control group, while alloxan + ACH09 and ACH09-treated mice showed a significant increase in GLUT-4 content. ACH09 treatment did not change glucose-induced insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that ACH09 has hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effects that are independent of an increase in insulin release but are probably dependent on an increase in insulin sensitivity resulting from an activation of the insulin-signalling cascade in skeletal muscle.

Appetite-related hormone levels in obese women with and without binge eating behavior / Hormônios reguladores do apetite em mulheres obesas com e sem compulsão alimentar

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of appetite-related hormones (peptide YY3-36, total ghrelin, leptin and insulin) before and after consumption of a meal in obese women with and without binge eating episodes and normal weight women. METHODS: Twenty-five women aged 32-50 years were invited to participate in this study, including 9 normal weight women without binge eating episodes (20-25kg/m², group 1), 9 obese women with binge eating episodes (³30kg/m², group 2), and 7 obese women without binge eating episodes (group 3). Four blood samples were collected from each participant, one being 60 minutes before and three being 15, 45 and 90 minutes after a meal. The composition of the meal was 55 percent carbohydrates, 15 percent protein and 30 percent lipids. RESULTS: Group 3 presented increased HOMA-IR (M=2.5, SD=1.04) when compared with group 1 (M=1.5, SD=0.53) and group 2 (M=1.8, SD=0.58), p=0.04. Body mass index (p<0.0001), leptin (p<0.0001) and insulin (p=0.01) were higher in group 3 than in the other groups before and after the meal. Additionally, total ghrelin (p=0.003) and PYY3-36 (p=0.02) levels were lower in group 2 than in the other groups before and after the meal. After adjustment for body mass index, only the lower PYY3-36 level of group 2 remained statistically different from the other groups (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that lower levels of PYY 3-36 are associated with binge eating in obese women.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, antes e após a refeição, as concentrações séricas de hormônios ligados ao controle do apetite (peptídeo YY3-36, grelina total, leptina e insulina) em mulheres obesas com e sem episódios de compulsão alimentar e compará-las às mulheres de peso normal. MÉTODOS: Vinte e cinco mulheres com idade entre 32 e 50 anos foram convidadas a participar deste estudo, incluindo 9 mulheres com peso normal (20-25kg/m²) sem episódios de compulsão alimentar (grupo 1), 9 mulheres obesas (³30 kg/m²) com episódios de compulsão alimentar (grupo 2) e 7 mulheres obesas sem episódios de compulsão alimentar (grupo 3). Foram coletadas quatro amostras de sangue pós-prandiais a 60 minutos (1 hora antes), bem como 15, 45 e 90 minutos após uma refeição composta de 55 por cento de carboidratos, 15 por cento de proteínas e 30 por cento de lipídeos. RESULTADOS: O maior HOMA-IR foi observado no grupo 3 (M=2,5, DP=1,04) quando comparado ao grupo 1 (M=1,5, DP=0,53) e ao grupo 2 (M=1,8, DP=0,58), p=0,04. O índice de massa corporal (p<0,0001), a leptina (p<0,0001) e a insulina (p=0,01) foram maiores no grupo 3 antes e após a refeição. A grelina total (p=0,003) e o PYY3-36 (p=0,02) foram menores no grupo 2 antes e após a refeição. Após o ajuste do índice de massa corporal, apenas a baixa concentração de PYY3-36 no grupo 2 manteve-se estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos (p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que níveis baixos do PYY-3-36 estejam associados à compulsão alimentar em mulheres obesas.

C-reactive protein and hormones but not IL-6 are associated to body mass index in first trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if body mass index (BMI) is related to inflammatory markers and hormones in early pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective study with 190 pregnant women evaluated at 10 weeks when leptin, insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Median and inter-quartile values of hormones and inflammatory markers are presented according to BMI quintiles. Spearman correlations and Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance were implemented followed by Mann-Whitney post hoc pair-wise tests. RESULTS: Leptin (P < 0.001), insulin (P = 0.005), HOMA-IR (P = 0.015), and CRP (P = 0.026) assumed higher and significantly median values as BMI quintiles increases, but no differences were observed for IL-6 (P = 0.859). Pair-wise comparisons among quintiles (Q) of BMI were significant for leptin (Q1 × Q3, Q1 × Q4, Q1 × Q5, Q2 × Q4, Q2 × Q5, Q3 × Q5), insulin (Q1 × Q5, Q2 × Q5, Q3 × Q5, Q4 × Q5) and for CRP (Q1 × Q4, Q1 × Q5, Q2 × Q5). Spearman correlation coefficients between BMI showed significant results for leptin (r (s) = 0.58, P < 0.001), insulin (r (s) = 0.19, P = 0.018), HOMA-IR (r (s) = 0.22, P = 0.007), CRP (r (s) = 0.26, P < 0.001), but not for IL-6 (r (s) = -0.06, P = 0.526). Median (mg/L) values of CRP were higher in overweight (35.26) than in normal weight women (21.28, P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation provides evidences on the positive relationship between BMI, leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR and CRP in early pregnancy. CRP but not IL-6 demonstrated a strong relation with overweight in pregnant women, as early as the tenth week.

Exercise training enhances elastin, fibrillin and nitric oxide in the aorta wall of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

This work aimed to analyze the effect of low-intensity exercise training on ultrastructural and molecular aortic remodeling. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were allocated into four groups: sedentary WKY (SED-WKY), exercised WKY (EX-WKY, 1 h/day, 5 days/week treadmill exercise training), sedentary SHR (SED-SHR), and exercised SHR (EX-SHR). EX-SHR showed blood pressure reduction of 26% in comparison to SED-SHR after 1 month of exercise (P<0.05). At the 20th week, BP level was not different between EX-SHRs and WKYs. Circumferential wall tension (CWT) was higher by 77% in SED-SHRs than in SED-WKYs (P<0.001). Exercise training reduced CWT by 30% in EX- vs. SED-SHR (P<0.001). In SED-SHRs, endothelial cells showed large and numerous cytoplasmatic vacuoles, fragmented inner elastic lamina and scarce elastin and fibrillin, while exercise training ameliorated it in EX-SHR group. The highest eNOS immunodensity was observed in EX-SHR, which was 50% higher than EX-WKY (P<0.01) and 120% higher than SED-SHR (P<0.0001). In conclusion, present findings indicate beneficial effects of exercise training in hypertensive rats since it increased elastin, fibrillin and eNOS content in the aortic wall.

Leptin/adiponectin ratio in obese women with and without binge eating disorder.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue-derived hormones are involved in the pathophysiology of eating disorders and other mental disorders. Studies have suggested that the serum leptin/adiponectin ratio is highly correlated with BMI. Furthermore, it is associated with a number of metabolic processes and inflammatory markers that are involved in obesity and mental disorders, such as the physiopathology of binge eating disorder (BED). We investigated whether variations in leptin and adiponectin serum concentrations differed between adult women with and without BED before and after a meal. METHODS: The study group was composed of 8 normal weight women (20-25 kg/m2) without BED, 8 obese women (>/=30 kg/m2) with BED, and 7 obese women without BED (non-BED). Blood samples were collected before and after the consumption of a meal composed of 55% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 30% lipids. RESULTS: Body mass index (p<0.0001), leptin (p<0.0001) and the leptin/adiponectin ratio (p<0.0001) were higher in obese non-BED women than in obese BED and normal weight groups. Adiponectin (p=0.01) concentrations were lower in the obese BED group than in the other groups before and after the meal. CONCLUSIONS: The hypoadiponectinemia followed by the altered levels of leptin in obese BED woman may predispose these subjects to an inadequate energy balance, which could promote weight gain and an increased food intake in woman that may contribute to obesity and binge eating in these subjects.

A randomized clinical trial of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on obesity prevention among women.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the effectiveness of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on weight change during 12 months in non-obese women. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial with a factorial design was conducted from 2003 to 2005. Two hundred three middle-aged women (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil), 25-45 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control (CG) and home-based exercise (HB). The HB group received a booklet on aerobic exercise that could be practiced at home (3 times/week-40 min/session), in low-moderate intensity, during 12 months. Both groups received dietary counseling aimed at a slight energy restriction of 100-300 calories per day. RESULTS: The HB experienced a greater weight loss in the first 6 months (-1.4 vs. -0.8 kg; p=0.04), but after 12 months there was no differences between groups (-1.1 vs. -1.0; p=0.20). Of the serum biochemical markers, HDL cholesterol showed major change, with an increase at month 12 of 18.3mg/dl in the HB compared to 9.5 in the CG (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Home-based exercise promoted greater weight reduction during the first 6 months after which no further benefits are observed. Continuous favorable changes in HDL cholesterol after 1 year suggest that home-based exercise promote health benefits.

Reduction of IGF-binding protein-3 as a potential marker of intra-uterine growth restriction.

BACKGROUND: Growth factor-binding proteins influence the growth of infants starting in utero. Adaptation of the fetus to an adverse uterine environment is associated with changes in the growth hormone-growth factor-insulin axis. AIMS: To evaluate serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in small and appropriate for gestational age newborn infants. METHODS: Fifty-four newborn infants, small (SGA, n=28) or appropriate (AGA, n=26) for gestational age were matched by gestational age and sex. Blood was collected on the first day of life, and anthropometric measurements were taken at birth. The serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were compared, and correlated with the anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: On the first day of life, mean serum IGFBP-3 levels were significantly lower in SGA babies and correlated with weight, length, head circumference, and ponderal index (weight/length 3) (P<0.0001). In contrast, no associations were found between IGF-I serum levels and these anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSION: Our data show that SGA babies have significantly reduced IGFBP-3 concentrations at birth.