Effects of Zingiber officinale extract supplementation on metabolic and genotoxic parameters in diet-induced obesity in mice.

Obesity is an epidemic associated with many diseases. The nutraceutical Zingiber officinale (ZO) is a potential treatment for obesity; however, the molecular effects are unknown. Swiss male mice were fed a high-fat diet (59 % energy from fat) for 16 weeks to generate a diet-induced obesity (DIO) model and then divided into the following groups: standard diet + vehicle; standard diet + ZO; DIO + vehicle and DIO + ZO. Those in the ZO groups were supplemented with 400 mg/kg per d of ZO extract (oral administration) for 35 d. The animals were euthanised, and blood, quadriceps, epididymal fat pad and hepatic tissue were collected. DIO induced insulin resistance, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and DNA damage in different tissues. Treatment with ZO improved insulin sensitivity as well as decreased serum TAG, without changes in body weight or adiposity index. TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were lower in the liver and quadriceps in the DIO + ZO group compared with the DIO group. ZO treatment reduced the reactive species and oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA in blood and liver in obese animals. The endogenous antioxidant activity was higher in the quadriceps of DIO + ZO. These results in the rat model of DIO may indicate ZO as an adjuvant on obesity treatment.

Fish oil reduces subclinical inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherogenic factors in overweight/obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A pre-post pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance-associated obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are commonly accompanied with metabolic lipid abnormalities and are characterized by hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-c levels (atherogenic index plasma, AIP). The primary molecular mechanism that is known to cause insulin resistance is chronic low-grade inflammation. Considering that omega-3 fatty acid reduces subclinical inflammation, we hypothesized that fish oil could affect insulin resistance and AIP. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effects of fish oil supplementation on the inflammatory, insulin resistance, and atherogenic factors in overweight/obese T2DM patients. RESEARCH DESIGNS AND METHODS: In this study, we recruited 32 overweight and/or obese patients diagnosed with T2DM for over one year and who exhibited hypertriglyceridemia. These patients received fish oil supplementation (4.0 g/day) for eight weeks. Anthropometric and body composition measurements were obtained. In addition, blood samples were collected before and after omega-3 supplementation for the evaluation of lipid profile, glycemia, insulin, and inflammation. RESULTS: As expected, patients showed reduction in the TNFα, IL-1ß, and Il-6 levels after fish oil supplementation and showed improved insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) without observed alterations in anthropometric and body composition. These observations were followed by reduction in the levels of triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids, increase in HDL cholesterol levels, and a significant reduction in triglycerides/HDL-c ratio, and total cholesterol/HDL-c ratio. CONCLUSION: Fish oil supplementation is effective in reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, improving insulin resistance, and reducing atherogenic factors in overweight/obese and T2DM patients independent of weight loss.

Ginger and avocado as nutraceuticals for obesity and its comorbidities.

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and is one of the factors involved in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Obesity induces low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. The treatment for obesity involves changes in diet, physical activity, and even medication and surgery. Currently, the use of nutraceutical compounds is associated with health benefits. Ginger and avocado are used for many people all around the world; however, its effect as a nutraceutical compound is less known by the general population. For this reason, we searched information of the literature to point its effects on distinct mechanisms of defense against the obesity its comorbidities. The present review aimed showing that these nutraceuticals may be useful in obesity treatment. Reports have shown that ginger and avocado induce antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by improving enzymatic activity and modulating obesity-related impairments in the anti-inflammatory system in different tissues, without side effects. Furthermore, ginger and avocado were found to be effective in reversing the harmful effects of obesity on blood lipids. In conclusion, on the basis of the positive effects of ginger and avocado in in vitro, animal, and human studies, these nutraceuticals may be useful in obesity treatment.

Muscular resistance, hypertrophy and strength training equally reduce adiposity, inflammation and insulin resistance in mice with diet-induced obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of three types of muscular resistance training on adiposity, inflammation levels and insulin activity in Swiss mice with fat-rich diet-induced obesity. METHODS: Lean and obese male Swiss mice were selected and allocated to one of eight groups comprising eight mice each, as follows: standard diet + no training; standard diet + muscular resistance training; standard diet + hypertrophy training; standard diet + strength training; high-fat diet + no training; high-fat diet + muscular resistance training; high-fat diet + hypertrophy training; high-fat diet + strength training. The training protocol consisted of stair climbing for a 10-week period. Blood samples were collected for lactate analysis, glucose level measurement and insulin tolerance test. After euthanasia, adipose tissues were removed and weighed for adiposity index determination. Fragments of epididymal adipose tissue were then embedded for histological analysis or homogenized for tumor necrosis factor alpha level determination using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Ausency of differences in total training volume and blood lactate levels overall emphasize the similarity between the different resistance training protocols. Body weight loss, reduced adipocyte area and lower adiposity index were observed in trained obese mice, regardless of training modality. Different training protocols also improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation levels. CONCLUSION: Resistance training protocols were equally effective in reducing body fat, inflammation levels and insulin resistance in obese mice.

Muscular resistance, hypertrophy and strength training equally reduce adiposity, inflammation and insulin resistance in mice with diet-induced obesity / Exercícios físicos de resistência, hipertrofia e força muscular reduzem igualmente adiposidade, inflamação e resistência à insulina em camundongos obesos por dieta hiperlipídica

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of three types of muscular resistance training on adiposity, inflammation levels and insulin activity in Swiss mice with fat-rich diet-induced obesity. Methods Lean and obese male Swiss mice were selected and allocated to one of eight groups comprising eight mice each, as follows: standard diet + no training; standard diet + muscular resistance training; standard diet + hypertrophy training; standard diet + strength training; high-fat diet + no training; high-fat diet + muscular resistance training; high-fat diet + hypertrophy training; high-fat diet + strength training. The training protocol consisted of stair climbing for a 10-week period. Blood samples were collected for lactate analysis, glucose level measurement and insulin tolerance test. After euthanasia, adipose tissues were removed and weighed for adiposity index determination. Fragments of epididymal adipose tissue were then embedded for histological analysis or homogenized for tumor necrosis factor alpha level determination using the ELISA method. Results Ausency of differences in total training volume and blood lactate levels overall emphasize the similarity between the different resistance training protocols. Body weight loss, reduced adipocyte area and lower adiposity index were observed in trained obese mice, regardless of training modality. Different training protocols also improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation levels. Conclusion Resistance training protocols were equally effective in reducing body fat, inflammation levels and insulin resistance in obese mice.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos de três tipos de treinamentos de resistência na adiposidade, na inflamação e na ação da insulina em camundongos Swiss obesos por dieta hiperlipídica. Métodos Camundongos Swiss machos magros e obesos foram selecionados e posteriormente separados em oito grupos com oito animais em cada: dieta padrão + não treinado; dieta padrão + treinamento de resistência muscular; dieta padrão + treinamento de hipertrofia; dieta padrão + treinamento de força; dieta hiperlipídica + não treinado; dieta hiperlipídica + treinamento de resistência muscular; dieta hiperlipídica + treinamento de hipertrofia; e dieta hiperlipídica + treinamento de força. O protocolo de treinamento consistiu em escaladas, por um período de 10 semanas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análises de lactato, glicemia e teste de tolerância à insulina. Após eutanásia, os tecidos adiposos foram retirados e pesados para determinar o índice de adiposidade. Em seguida, parte do tecido adiposo epididimal foi emblocado para análises histológicas, e outra parte foi homogeneizada para análises de fator de necrose tumoral alfa por ELISA. Resultados O volume total de treinamento e a concentração sanguínea de lactato não diferiram entre os três treinos resistidos, sugerindo similaridade entre eles. Nos animais obesos, as três modalidades de treinamento reduziram o peso corporal, a área adipocitária e o índice de adiposidade. Os três tipos de treinamentos ainda melhoraram a tolerância à insulina e reduziram a inflamação. Conclusão Os protocolos de treinamento resistido foram igualmente efetivos em reduzir a adiposidade, a inflamação e a resistência à ação da insulina em camundongos obesos.

Cigarette smoke exposure induces ROS-mediated autophagy by regulating sestrin, AMPK, and mTOR level in mice.

Many pathological conditions linked to cigarette smoking are caused by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study was conducted to analyze the effect of ROS on the lungs of Swiss mice exposed to cigarette smoking, focusing on autophagy-mediated mechanisms, and investigate the involvement of SESN2, AMPK, and mTOR signaling. Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) for 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days; the control group was not exposed to CS. Only mice exposed to CS for 45 days were selected for subsequent N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation and smoke cessation analyses. Exposure to CS increased the production of ROS and induced molecular changes in the autophagy pathway, including an increase in phosphorylated AMPK and ULK1, reduction in phosphorylated mTOR, and increases in SESN2, ATG12, and LC3B levels. NAC supplementation reduced ROS levels and reversed all molecular changes observed upon CS treatment, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress in inducing autophagy upon CS exposure. When exposure to CS was stopped, there were decreases in the levels of oxidative stress, AMPK and ULK1 phosphorylation, and autophagy-initiating molecules and increase in mTOR phosphorylation. In conclusion, these results suggest the involvement of ROS, SESN2, AMPK, and mTOR in the CS-induced autophagic process in the lung.

Resveratrol reduces chronic inflammation and improves insulin action in the myocardium of high-fat diet-induced obeserats / Resveratrol reduz a inflamação crônica e melhora a ação da insulina em miocárdio de ratos com obesidade induzida por dieta hiperlipídica

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of resveratrol on insulin signaling and inflammation pathway in the myocardium of high-fat diet-induced obese rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=10, standard diet), obese group (n=10, high-fat diet), and obese supplemented with resveratrol group (n=10, 20 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks. An insulin tolerance test was performed at the end of the study period "0" (without insulin), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after an intraperitoneal injection of insulin (2 U/kg). Body and epididymal adipose tissue were weighed. Fragments of the myocardium were extracted for Western blot analyses of insulin pathway and proinflammatory molecules. RESULTS: Resveratrol increased the rate of glucose disappearance, phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, and protein kinase B; and reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and of the molecules involved in proinflammatory signal transduction, namely Ikappa B kinase and nuclear factor kappa B complex. The results also suggest that higher insulin sensitivity and lower levels of proinflammatory molecules occurred regardless of weight and epididymal adipose tissue loss. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol increases insulin action and reduces inflammatory molecules in the myocardium. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do resveratrol sobre a via de sinalização da insulina e melhora do quadro inflamatório no miocárdio de ratos Wistar obesos induzidos por dieta. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar foram divididos em grupos: controle (dieta padrão para roedores), obeso (dieta hiperlipídica) e obeso suplementado com resveratrol (20 mg/kg/dia), por 8 semanas (n=10). Ao final do período experimental, realizou-se o teste de tolerância à insulina, nos tempos 0 (sem insulina), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 minutos após injeção intraperitoneal de insulina (2 U/kg). O peso corporal e o tecido adiposo epididimal foram mensurados. Fragmentos do miocárdio foram extraídos para análises da via da insulina e moléculas pró-inflamatórias através de Western blot. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicam que a intervenção com resveratrol aumenta a constante de decaimento da glicose, fosforilação do receptor de insulina, substrato do receptor de insulina e da proteína quinase B. A suplementação de resveratrol também reduziu os níveis proteicos do fator de necrose tumoral alfa e de moléculas envolvidas com a transdução do sinal pró-inflamatório (quinase indutora do kappa B e fator nuclear kappa B). Os resultados ainda sugerem que a melhora na sensibilidade à insulina e a redução das moléculas pró-inflamatórias ocorreram independentemente da perda de peso corporal e da redução do tecido adiposo epididimal. CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação de resveratrol aumenta a sensibilidade à insulina, o que está relacionado à redução de fatores inflamatórios no miocárdio. .

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) juice intake protects against alterations to proteins involved in inflammatory and lipolysis pathways in the adipose tissue of obese mice fed a cafeteria diet.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been studied as a metabolic and an inflammatory disease and is characterized by increases in the production of pro-inflammatory adipokines in the adipose tissue.To elucidate the effects of natural dietary components on the inflammatory and metabolic consequences of obesity, we examined the effects of unripe, ripe and industrial acerola juice (Malpighia emarginata DC.) on the relevant inflammatory and lipolysis proteins in the adipose tissue of mice with cafeteria diet-induced obesity. MATERIALS/METHODS: Two groups of male Swiss mice were fed on a standard diet (STA) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 13 weeks. Afterwards, the CAF-fed animals were divided into five subgroups, each of which received a different supplement for one further month (water, unripe acerola juice, ripe acerola juice, industrial acerola juice, or vitamin C) by gavage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Western blotting, a colorimetric method and histology were utilized to assess the observed data. RESULTS: The CAF water (control obese) group showed a significant increase in their adiposity indices and triacylglycerol levels, in addition to a reduced IL-10/TNF-α ratio in the adipose tissue, compared with the control lean group. In contrast, acerola juice and Vitamin C intake ameliorated the weight gain, reducing the TAG levels and increasing the IL-10/TNF-α ratio in adipose tissue. In addition, acerola juice intake led to reductions both in the level of phosphorylated JNK and to increases in the phosphorylation of IκBα and HSLser660 in adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results suggest that acerola juice reduces low-grade inflammation and ameliorates obesity-associated defects in the lipolytic processes.