Untargeted lipidomic analysis of plasma from obese women submitted to combined physical exercise.

This study aimed to determine the changes of lipidome in obese women undergoing combined physical exercise training. Fourteen adult women with obesity (mean BMI and age, 33 kg/m2 and 34 ± 5 years), were submitted to combined physical training (aerobic and strength exercises, alternately, 55 min at 75-90% of the maximum heart rate, 3 times a week) for 8 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the training intervention for lipidome, anthropometric measurements, muscle strength, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses allowed the identification of 1252 variables, of which 160 were significant (p < 0.05), and 61 were identified as molecular species of lipids. Volcano plot analysis revealed LPC(16:0p), LPC(18:0p), LPC(20:2), and arachidonic acid upregulated and PC(38:1p), PC(40:4), PC(40:4p) downregulated after combined physical exercise. From the results of the overall Principal component analysis (PCA), the major finding was SM(d18:1/20:0), arachidonic acid, and PC(40:6) species. Other changes included a reduction in waist circumference (Δ = - 2 cm) (p < 0.05), with no weight loss. In conclusion, 8-week of combined exercise training in obese women brought changes in different classes of lipids. This study provides further information to understand the effect of combined physical exercise on lipids related to obesity.

Dietary Protein Restriction Improves Metabolic Dysfunction in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome in a Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Dietary restriction (DR) reduces adiposity and improves metabolism in patients with one or more symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, it remains elusive whether the benefits of DR in humans are mediated by calorie or nutrient restriction. This study was conducted to determine whether isocaloric dietary protein restriction is sufficient to confer the beneficial effects of dietary restriction in patients with metabolic syndrome. We performed a prospective, randomized controlled dietary intervention under constant nutritional and medical supervision. Twenty-one individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned for caloric restriction (CR; n = 11, diet of 5941 ± 686 KJ per day) or isocaloric dietary protein restriction (PR; n = 10, diet of 8409 ± 2360 KJ per day) and followed for 27 days. Like CR, PR promoted weight loss due to a reduction in adiposity, which was associated with reductions in blood glucose, lipid levels, and blood pressure. More strikingly, both CR and PR improved insulin sensitivity by 62.3% and 93.2%, respectively, after treatment. Fecal microbiome diversity was not affected by the interventions. Adipose tissue bulk RNA-Seq data revealed minor changes elicited by the interventions. After PR, terms related to leukocyte proliferation were enriched among the upregulated genes. Protein restriction is sufficient to confer almost the same clinical outcomes as calorie restriction without the need for a reduction in calorie intake. The isocaloric characteristic of the PR intervention makes this approach a more attractive and less drastic dietary strategy in clinical settings and has more significant potential to be used as adjuvant therapy for people with metabolic syndrome.

Taurine as a possible antiaging therapy: A controlled clinical trial on taurine antioxidant activity in women ages 55 to 70.

OBJECTIVE: Based on the antioxidant effects of taurine, which are capable of controlling oxidative stress in the aging process, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of taurine supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in women 55 to 70 y of age. METHODS: A double-blind study was conducted with 24 women (61.4 ± 4.2 y, body mass index 31.4 ± 5.1 kg/m²). The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (GC, n = 11), supplemented with placebo (1.5 g of starch); or a taurine group (GTAU, n = 13), supplemented with taurine (1.5 g), for 16 wk. As primary outcomes, taurine and oxidative stress marker levels were determined in plasma samples. Anthropometry, functional capacity testing, and plasma mineral levels were evaluated as secondary outcomes. The evaluations were performed pre- and postintervention. Food consumption was assessed before, during, and after the intervention. The results were analyzed by two-way repeated analysis of variance measures mixed model, with the Sidak post hoc (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Taurine and superoxide dismutase (SOD, antioxidant enzyme) plasma levels were increased in the GTAU group. SOD levels also were higher than in the GC group after supplementation. Glutathione reductase levels decreased regardless of the intervention. Malondialdehyde levels increased only in the GC participants. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation prevented the decrease in the antioxidant enzyme SOD, suggesting taurine as a strategy to control oxidative stress during the aging process.

Taurine upregulates insulin signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in vitro but not in adipocytes of obese women.

OBJECTIVES: Based on taurine's beneficial roles in metabolic diseases in rodents and obese individuals, we investigated the effects of taurine supplementation on adipose tissue using transcriptome analysis, 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of obese women. METHODS: First, we applied bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the effect of the taurine synthesis pathway on the adipose tissue of several BXD mice strains. After that, using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we investigated the effects of different taurine doses in proteins related to insulin signaling, lipid oxidation, and mitochondrial function. Finally, we evaluated the effects of taurine supplementation (3 grams, 8 wk) on the same proteins in the scWAT of obese women. RESULTS: The transcriptome analysis showed that the taurine biosynthesis pathway was positively associated with insulin signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in the scWAT of BXD mice. The experiments using 3T3-L1 cells highlighted that the taurine dosage has an essential function in taurine synthesis, insulin, and mitochondrial markers. In contrast, the 8-wk taurine administration did not change the basal insulin, proteins of the taurine synthesis or insulin pathways, lipid oxidation, or mitochondrial metabolism in the scWAT of obese women. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, to our knowledge, we showed that supplementation with 3 g of taurine for 8 wk promoted no effect in the insulin signaling pathway in the scWAT of obese women. These findings bring new perspectives to investigate different taurine doses and the intervention period for human studies owing to the potential antiobesity activity of taurine.

Protein provision and lower mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) severely impacted the management of critically ill patients, including nutritional therapy. This study aimed to verify an association between mortality and the energy and protein provided to critically ill patients affected by the SARS-CoV-2 and receiving enteral nutrition support. METHODS: Patients with confirmed COVID-19, with >7 days of stay in the ICU, on enteral nutrition were followed from the moment of hospitalization until discharge from the ICU or death. Data about age, gender, Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS3), intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, days on mechanical ventilation (MV), clinical endpoint outcome (discharge or death), and daily energy and protein provision were collected from electronic medical records. Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meyer curves were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (66.2 ± 13.1 years; 53.8% women) were enrolled in the present study. The mean length of hospitalizations and SAPS3 score were 17.8 ± 9.8 days and 78.7 ± 14.7, respectively; all patients needed mechanical ventilation (mean of days was 16.42 ± 9.1). For most patients (73.1%) the endpoint was death. Twenty-five percent of patients had protein supply >0.8 g/IBW/day. Survival during COVID-19 hospitalization at ICU was significantly different among patients according to protein supply (p = 0.005). Hazard Ratios (HR) for protein supply showed that a protein intake >0.8 g/IBW/day was associated with significantly lower mortality (HR 0.322, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a protein supply at least > 0.8 g/IBW/day could be related to reduced mortality in ICU patients with COVID-19.

Taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated cytokines and improved subcutaneous white adipose tissue plasticity in obese women.

Interventions that can modulate subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) function, such as exercise training and nutritional components, like taurine, modulate the inflammatory process, therefore, may represent strategies for obesity treatment. We investigated the effects of taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in plasma and scWAT of obese women. Sixteen obese women were randomized into two groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8) and Taurine supplementation + exercise group (Tau + Exe, n = 8). The intervention was composed of daily taurine supplementation (3 g) and exercise training for 8 weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, and markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress were determined in plasma and scWAT biopsy samples before and after the intervention. We found that, although taurine supplementation increased taurine plasma levels, no changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. However, Tau alone decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6), and in conjunction with exercise (Tau + Exe), increased anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-15 and IL10), followed by reduced IL1ß gene expression in the scWAT of obese women. Tau and Tau + Exe groups presented reduced adipocyte size and increased connective tissue and multilocular droplets. In conclusion, taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated levels of inflammatory markers in plasma and scWAT, and improved scWAT plasticity in obese women, promoting protection against obesity-induced inflammation. TRN NCT04279600 retrospectively registered on August 18, 2019.

Taurine supplementation associated with exercise increases mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation gene expression in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue of obese women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation associated or not with chronic exercise on body composition, mitochondrial function, and expression of genes related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of obese women. METHODS: A randomized and double-blind trial was developed with 24 obese women (BMI 33.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2, 32.9 ± 6.3 y) randomized into three groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8); Exercise group (Ex, n = 8); Taurine supplementation + exercise group (TauEx, n = 8). The intervention was composed of 3 g of taurine or placebo supplementation and exercise training for eight weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, indirect calorimetry, scWAT biopsy for mitochondrial respiration, and gene expression related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: No changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. The Ex group presented an increased resting energy expenditure rate, and the TauEx and Ex groups presented increased lipid oxidation and a decreased respiratory quotient. Both trained groups (TauEx and Ex) demonstrated improved scWAT mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Regarding mitochondrial markers, no changes were observed for the Tau group. The TauEx group had higher expression of CIDEA, PGC1a, PRDM16, UCP1, and UCP2. The genes related to fat oxidation (ACO2 and ACOX1) were increased in the Tau and Ex groups, while only the TauEx group presented increased expression of CPT1, PPARa, PPARγ, LPL, ACO1, ACO2, HSL, ACOX1, and CD36 genes. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation associated with exercise improved lipid metabolism through the modulation of genes related to mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation, suggesting a browning effect in the scWAT of obese women.

Should we use ferritin in the diagnostic criteria of iron deficiency in heart failure patients?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Iron deficiency (ID) is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and is associated with worse prognosis. We aimed at comparing the currently European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criterion for diagnosis of ID (ferritin < 100 µg/L or ferritin 100-299 µg/L with transferrin saturation [TSAT] < 20%) with either isolated low TSAT or isolated low ferritin on survival, in a cohort of HF patients. METHODS: This was an observational prospective study, investigating ambulatory patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (n = 108). All patients were assessed for clinical aspects and iron indexes. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. RESULTS: Abnormal iron status was observed in 50 (46%) of patients. During the median follow-up time of 857.5 [647-899] days, 31 patients died (29%). In univariate analyses ESC-criterion (p = 0.022) and isolated TSAT <20% (p = 0.002), but not isolated ferritin <100 µg/L (p = 0.439), were significantly related to an increased risk of all-cause death. However, in multivariate analyses only TSAT <20% (HR = 2.3; [95% CI: 1.11-4.85]; p = 0.026) was independently related to all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that diagnosis of ID based on isolated TSAT <20% identifies HF patients with worse prognosis, while ferritin was not associated with mortality risk, suggesting that ferritin should not be taken into account for evaluation of clinical impact of ID in HF patients.

Regional cerebral blood flow at rest in obesity.

OBJECTIVES: Imaging studies have shown brain abnormalities associated with eating behavior (taste perception, food intake, and food reward), neural connectivity, and cognition related to obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether obese individuals have changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during fasting and rest using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and whether these differences are associated with body fat and serum levels of leptin, insulin, and glucose. METHODS: For this purpose, rCBF assessed by ([99]mTc)-ECD-SPECT was compared between 10 obese women (30 ± 5 y of age, body fat: 38 ± 3 kg) and 10 lean women (30 ± 6 y of age, body fat: 17 ± 5 kg) using statistical parametric mapping. Pearson's coefficient and linear regression were used to search for associations among variables. RESULTS: The obese women showed antagonic rCBF in the left frontoparietal region and greater rCBF in areas related to the default mode network and the salience network (P = 0.0001). Positive linear correlations of rCBF, body fat, and the serum levels of glucose and insulin were found, but no associations were detected using linear regression. CONCLUSION: Obese women showed rCBF differences in areas related to the frontoparietal neural circuit, the default mode network, and the salience network, suggesting loss of cognitive control and a higher perception of physiologic processes, such as hunger. Hyperactivation in these areas might jeopardize the recognition of changes in energy homeostasis.

Taurine Supplementation Increases Post-Exercise Lipid Oxidation at Moderate Intensity in Fasted Healthy Males.

Based on the fact that taurine can increase lipid metabolism, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of acute taurine supplementation on lipid oxidation levels in healthy young men after a single bout of fasting aerobic exercise. A double-blind, acute, and crossover study design was conducted. Seventeen men (age 24.8 ± 4.07y; BMI: 23.9 ± 2.57 kg/m²) participated in the present study. Different doses of taurine (TAU) (3 g or 6 g) or placebo were supplemented 90 minutes before a single bout of fasting aerobic exercise (on a treadmill at 60% of VO2 max). The subjects performed three trials, and each one was separated by seven days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the exercise protocol of each test to analyze plasma levels of glycerol and taurine. Lipid and carbohydrate oxidation were determined immediately after exercise for 15 minutes by indirect calorimetry. We observed that TAU supplementation (6 g) increased lipid oxidation (38%) and reduced the respiratory coefficient (4%) when compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). However, no differences in lipid oxidation were observed between the different doses of taurine (3 g and 6 g). For glycerol concentrations, there were no differences between trials. Six grams of TAU supplementation 90 minutes before a single bout of aerobic exercise in a fasted state was sufficient to increase the lipid oxidation post-exercise in healthy young men.

Noninvasive neuromodulation of the prefrontal cortex in young women with obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with reduced neurocognitive performance. Individuals with obesity show decreased activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a key brain region relevant to the regulation of eating behavior. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a potential technique to correct these abnormalities. However, there is limited information to date, particularly in clinical settings and regarding long-term effects of tDCS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DLPFC-targeted tDCS in young women with obesity. SUBJECT/METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled parallel-design clinical trial conducted in 38 women, aged 20-40 years, with BMI 30-35 kg/m2. STUDY DESIGN: Phase I: target engagement (immediate effects of tDCS on working memory performance), Phase II: tDCS only (ten sessions, 2 weeks), Phase III: tDCS + hypocaloric diet (six sessions, 30% energy intake reduction, 2 weeks, inpatient), Phase IV: follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. PRIMARY OUTCOME: change in body weight. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: change in eating behavior and appetite. Additional analyses: effect of Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene variability. Data were analyzed as linear mixed models. RESULTS: There was no group difference in change in body weight during the tDCS intervention. At follow-up, the active group lost less weight than the sham group. In addition, the active group regained weight at 6-month follow-up, compared with sham. Genetic analysis indicated that COMT Met noncarriers were the subgroup that accounted for this paradoxical response in the active group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in young women with class I obesity, tDCS targeted to the DLPFC does not facilitate weight loss. Indeed, we found indications that tDCS could have a paradoxical effect in this population, possibly connected with individual differences in dopamine availability. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The effects of short-term combined exercise training on telomere length in obese women: a prospective, interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Telomere length is inversely associated with the senescence and aging process. Parallelly, obesity can promote telomere shortening. Evidence suggests that physical activity may promote telomere elongation. OBJECTIVE: This study's objective is to evaluate the effects of combined exercise training on telomere length in obese women. DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty pre-menopausal women (BMI 30-40 kg/m2, 20-40 years) submitted to combined training (strength and aerobic exercises), but only 13 finished the protocol. Each exercise session lasted 55 min/day, three times a week, throughout 8 weeks. Anthropometric data, body composition, physical performance (Vo2max), and 8-h fasting blood samples were taken before and after 8 weeks of training. Leukocyte DNA was extracted for telomere length by RT-qPCR reaction, using the 2-ΔΔCt methodology. RESULTS: After the training intervention, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in telomere length (respectively before and after, 1.03 ± 0.04 to 1.07 ± 0.04 T/S ratio), fat-free mass (46 ± 7 to 48 ± 5 kg), Vo2max (35 ± 3 to 38 ± 3 ml/kg/min), and waist circumference (96 ± 8 to 90 ± 6 cm). In addition, an inverse correlation between waist circumference and telomere length was found, before (r = - 0.536, p = 0.017) and after (r = - 0.655, p = 0.015) exercise training. CONCLUSION: Combined exercise promoted leukocyte telomere elongation in obese women. Besides, the data suggested that greater waist circumference may predict shorter telomere length. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT03119350. Retrospectively registered on 18 April 2017.

Severe malnutrition after bariatric surgery and clinic manifestations of infection.

This report describes the post-bariatric-surgery evolution of an obese patient who had low adherence to the diet and micronutrient supplementation. Four years after two bariatric surgeries, the patient was admitted due to transient loss of consciousness, slow thinking, anasarca, severe hypoalbuminemia, in addition to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. She had subcutaneous foot abscess but did not present fever. Received antibiotics, vitamins A, D, B12, thiamine, calcium, and parenteral nutrition. After hospitalization (twenty-eight days), there was a significant body weight reduction probably due to the disappearance of clinical anasarca. Parenteral nutrition was suspended after twenty-five days, and the oral diet was kept fractional. After hospitalization (weekly outpatient care), there was a gradual laboratory data improvement, which was now close to the reference values. Such outcome shows the need for specialized care in preventing and treating nutritional complications after bariatric surgeries as well as clinical manifestations of infection in previously undernourished patients.

IS THERE ANY CHANGE IN PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERISTICS COMPARING 5 TO 10 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP IN OBESE PATIENTS UNDERGOING ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS?

BACKGROUND: : Bariatric surgery promotes significant weight loss and improvement of associated comorbidities; however, nutrients deficiencies and weight regain may occur in the middle-late postoperative period. AIM: To investigate nutritional status in 10 years follow-up. METHODS: : Longitudinal retrospective study in which anthropometric, biochemical indicators and nutritional intake were assessed before and after one, two, three, four, five and ten years of Roux-en Y gastric bypass through analysis of medical records. RESULTS: : After ten years there was a reduction of 29.2% of initial weight; however, 87.1% of patients had significant weight regain. Moreover, there was an increase of incidence of iron (9.2% to 18.5%), vitamin B12 (4.2% to 11.1%) and magnesium deficiency (14.1% to 14.8%). Folic acid concentrations increased and the percentage of individuals with glucose (40.4% to 3.7%), triglycerides (38% to 7.4%), HDL cholesterol (31 % to 7.4%) and uric acid (70.5% to 11.1%) abnormalities reduced. Also, there is a reduction of food intake at first year postoperative. After 10 years, there was an increase in energy, protein and lipid intake, also a reduction in folid acid intake. CONCLUSIONS: : Roux-en Y gastric bypass is an effective procedure to promote weight loss and improve comorbidities associated with obesity. However, comparison between postoperative period of five and 10 years showed a high prevalence of minerals deficiency and a significant weight regain, evidencing the need for nutritional follow-up in the postoperative period.

Severe malnutrition after bariatric surgery and clinic manifestations of infection

SUMMARY This report describes the post-bariatric-surgery evolution of an obese patient who had low adherence to the diet and micronutrient supplementation. Four years after two bariatric surgeries, the patient was admitted due to transient loss of consciousness, slow thinking, anasarca, severe hypoalbuminemia, in addition to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. She had subcutaneous foot abscess but did not present fever. Received antibiotics, vitamins A, D, B12, thiamine, calcium, and parenteral nutrition. After hospitalization (twenty-eight days), there was a significant body weight reduction probably due to the disappearance of clinical anasarca. Parenteral nutrition was suspended after twenty-five days, and the oral diet was kept fractional. After hospitalization (weekly outpatient care), there was a gradual laboratory data improvement, which was now close to the reference values. Such outcome shows the need for specialized care in preventing and treating nutritional complications after bariatric surgeries as well as clinical manifestations of infection in previously undernourished patients.

RESUMO Este relato descreve a evolução pós-cirurgia bariátrica de uma paciente obesa que apresentou baixa adesão à dieta e suplementação de micronutrientes. Quatro anos após duas cirurgias bariátricas, a paciente foi internada por perda transitória de consciência, raciocínio lento, anasarca, hipoalbuminemia grave, além de deficiências vitamínicas e minerais. Apresentava abscesso subcutâneo no pé, mas não apresentava febre. Recebeu antibióticos, vitaminas A, D, B12, tiamina, cálcio e nutrição parenteral. Após a internação (28 dias) houve redução significativa do peso corporal, provavelmente devido ao desaparecimento clínico da anasarca. A nutrição parenteral foi suspensa após 25 dias e a dieta oral foi mantida fracionada. Após a internação (atendimento ambulatorial semanal) houve uma melhora gradativa dos dados laboratoriais, que estavam próximos dos valores de referência. Tal desfecho mostra a necessidade de cuidados especializados na prevenção e tratamento de complicações nutricionais após cirurgias bariátricas, bem como manifestações clínicas de infecção em pacientes previamente desnutridos.

Physical training, UCP1 expression, mitochondrial density, and coupling in adipose tissue from women with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training may improve energy expenditure, thermogenesis, and oxidative capacities. Therefore, we hypothesized that physical training enhances white adipose tissue mitochondrial oxidative capacity from obese women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mitochondrial respiratory capacity, mitochondrial content, and UCP1 gene expression in white adipose tissue from women with obesity before and after the physical training program. METHODS: Women (n = 14, BMI 33 ± 3 kg/m2 , 35 ± 6 years, mean ± SD) were submitted to strength and aerobic exercises (75%-90% maximum heart rate and multiple repetitions), 3 times/week during 8 weeks. All evaluated subjects were paired, before and after training for resting metabolic rate (RMR), substrate oxidation (lipid and carbohydrate) by indirect calorimeter, deuterium oxide body composition, and aerobic maximum velocity (Vmax ) test. At the beginning and at the ending of the protocol, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected to measure the mitochondrial respiration by high-resolution respirometry, mitochondrial content by citrate synthase (CS) activity, and UCP1 gene expression by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Combined physical training increased RMR, lipid oxidation, and Vmax but did not change body weight/composition. In WAT, exercise increased CS activity, decreased mitochondrial uncoupled respiration and mRNA of UCP1. RMR was positively correlated with fat-free mass. CONCLUSION: Physical training promotes an increase in mitochondrial content without changing tissue respiratory capacity, a reduction in mitochondrial uncoupling degree and UCP1 mRNA expression in WAT. Finally, it improved the resting metabolic rate, lipid oxidation and physical performance, independent of the body changing free, or fat mass in obese women.

Green tea supplementation improves oxidative stress biomarkers and modulates IL-6 circulating levels in obese women.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: obesity is associated with high levels of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. There is a lot of evidence that some polyphenols, such as green tea, have a positive impact on the OS state and consecutively, on inflammation. Objectives: the purposes of this study were: a) evaluate OS biomarkers in both obese and normal weight women; and b) evaluate if green tea supplementation has an impact on OS and inflammatory cytokine biomarkers of obese women. Methods: we evaluated obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m²) and normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²) women. Blood samples were used to access malondialdehyde (MDA), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and inflammatory cytokines. We randomly chose obese patients (18 individuals) and then gave them green tea supplementation for eight weeks. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, independent and paired t tests; p < 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: we enrolled 42 obese (BMI: 48.2 ± 9.3kg/m2) and 21 normal weight (BMI: 22.5 ± 2 kg/m2) women with an average age of 36.2 ± 9.1 years old. The serum levels of MDA were higher in obese (2.52 ± 0.31 µmol/l) than in eutrophic women (2.13 ± 0.26 µmol/l; p = 0.000). On the other hand, lower TEAC values were observed in the obese (0.75 ± 0.06 mM/l) than in the eutrophic group (0.78 ± 0.04 mM/l; p = 0.009). After the green tea intervention, MDA decreased 4.7% and TEAC increased 10%. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels decreased 12.7% after treatment (p = 0.03). Conclusions: a) the obese group had lower antioxidant capacity than eutrophic; and b) green tea supplementation ameliorated TEAC and MDA and reduced serum levels of IL-6 in obese women.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la obesidad se asocia con altos niveles de estrés oxidativo (EO) e inflamación. Existe mucha evidencia de que algunos polifenoles, como el té verde, tienen un impacto positivo en el estado del EO y, consecutivamente, en la inflamación. Objetivos: los propósitos de este estudio fueron: a) evaluar los biomarcadores de EO en mujeres obesas y de peso normal; y b) evaluar si la suplementación con té verde tiene un impacto en el EO y biomarcadores de citoquinas inflamatorias de las mujeres obesas. Métodos: evaluamos mujeres obesas (índice de masa corporal [IMC] ≥ 40 kg/m²) y con peso normal (IMC entre 18,5 y 24,9 kg/m²). Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para determinar el malondialdehído (MDA), la capacidad antioxidante equivalente de trolox (TEAC) y las citoquinas inflamatorias. Elegimos al azar pacientes obesas (18 individuos) y luego les dimos suplementos de té verde durante ocho semanas. El análisis estadístico incluyó las pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, t pareadas e independientes; p < 0,05 fueron considerados como significativos. Resultados: se reclutaron 42 mujeres obesas (IMC: 48,2 ± 9,3 kg/m2) y 21 de peso normal (IMC: 22,5 ± 2 kg/m2) con un promedio de edad de 36,2 ± 9,1 años. Los niveles séricos de MDA fueron más altos en las personas obesas (2,52 ± 0,31 µmol/L) que en las mujeres eutróficas (2,13 ± 0,26 µmol/L; p = 0,000). Por otro lado, se observaron valores TEAC más bajos en los obesos (0,75 ± 0,06 mM/L) que en el grupo eutrófico (0,78 ± 0,04 mM/L; p = 0,009). Después de la intervención con té verde, la MDA disminuyó 4.7% y el TEAC aumentó 10%. Los niveles séricos de interleucina-6 (IL-6) disminuyeron 12.7% después del tratamiento (p = 0,03). Conclusiones: a) mujeres obesas tienen menor capacidad antioxidante que las eutrófica; y b) la suplementación con té verde mejora TEAC y MDA y redujo los niveles séricos de IL-6 en mujeres obesas.

Taurine supplementation increases irisin levels after high intensity physical training in obese women.

BACKGROUND: Irisin is a myokine/adipokine that under stimulus of physical exercise is able to improve thermogenic capacity in adipose tissue. Likewise, taurine supplementation has demonstrated similar effects on energy metabolism. Therefore, we hypothesized that taurine supplementation combined with physical training may induce an increase in irisin concentrations, optimizing energy metabolism in obese individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if taurine supplementation associated with a high intensity physical training program increases irisin levels in obese women. METHODS: double-blind study with 22 obese women (BMI 32.4 ±â€¯2.0 kg/m2, 36.6 ±â€¯6.4 years and sedentary) who were randomly divided into two groups, control group (GC, n = 14), exercised and supplemented with placebo (3 g of starch), and taurine group (GTAU, n = 8), exercised and supplemented with taurine (3 g). The subjects performed high intensity physical training, Deep Water Running (DWR), for 8 weeks, 3 times/week, for 50 min per training session, at 70-85% maximum heart rate. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was evaluated by indirect calorimetry, body composition by deuterium oxide, plasma taurine by HPLC, plasma irisin by Multiplex Kit, and food consumption by food records. The results were analyzed by an ANOVA two way repeated measures mixed model, with the Sidak post hoc (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No changes were observed in body composition. DWR increased RMR independent of supplementation (p < 0.001) and irisin levels (pg/mL) showed a significant difference only in the GTAU in 1 h after exercise (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DWR associated with taurine supplementation resulted in increased plasma irisin concentrations after physical training in obese adult women.

Appetite effects of prefrontal stimulation depend on COMT Val158Met polymorphism: A randomized clinical trial.

The regulation of appetite is supported by dopamine-modulated brain circuits. Recent studies have shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) aimed at increasing the excitability of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can reduce appetite, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and response variability is large. The aim of this study was to determine whether individual differences in Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism can influence tDCS effects on appetite. Thirty-eight adult women with obesity, classified as carriers or non-carriers of the Met allele, underwent a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled tDCS intervention involving three phases: Phase I, target engagement (immediate effects of tDCS on working memory performance), Phase II, tDCS only (10 sessions, two weeks), and Phase III, tDCS + hypocaloric diet: (6 sessions, two weeks, 30% energy intake reduction, inpatient). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and mixed ANCOVA. Appetite was evaluated using visual analogue scales. We found that Met-carriers receiving active tDCS were the only participants who experienced a significant reduction of appetite over time. Conversely, Met non-carriers maintained high levels of appetite during the intervention; this effect was driven by a delayed paradoxical rise in appetite after stimulation. Working memory task performance at phase I correlated with subsequent appetite change in a COMT-dependent manner: speed improvements during the task predicted appetite increase in Met carriers and appetite reduction in Met non-carriers. Our findings suggest that genotype differences impacting dopamine levels influence prefrontal tDCS effects on appetite. This source of variability should be considered in the design of future studies.

Impact of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate on HIF1-α and mTORC2 expression in obese women: anti-cancer and anti-obesity effects? / Impacto del té verde epigalocatequina-3-galato en la expresión de HF1-a y mTORC2 en mujeres obesas: ¿efectos anticancerígenos y antiobesidad?

Introduction: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin contained in green tea (Camellia sinensis) and has been associated with anti-obesity and anti-cancer effects, but the exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this context, this study was designed to improve the understanding of the EGCG anti-obesity and anti-cancer action. Objectives: this study was designed to examine the effects of EGCG on the expression of genes involved in obesity and cancer pathways in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of obese women. Material and methods: this longitudinal interventional study enrolled eleven women with severe obesity that were submitted to eight weeks of green tea (decaffeinated green tea capsules with 450.7 mg of EGCG, two capsules/day) supplementation (intervention group) and ten eutrophic women as a control group. Weight (kg), body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), fat mass (kg) and gene expression (qPCR method) were assessed before and after supplementation. HIF1-alpha (HIF1-α), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR) were selected as potential targets. Results: after supplementation, body weight (114.9 ± 14.3 versus 115 ± 13.8 kg), body mass index (44.1 ± 3.7 versus 44.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2) and fat mass (47.6 ± 3.3 versus 47.3 ± 3.4 kg) did not change. EGCG upregulated the RICTOR and HIF1-α expression, however, did not modify PI3K expression. Conclusion: this study demonstrated that EGCG has a potential role to obesity and cancer related to obesity control and can be used not only for the purpose of weight loss, but also for the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities

Introducción: la obesidad se asocia con altos niveles de estrés oxidativo (EO) e inflamación. Existe mucha evidencia de que algunos polifenoles, como el té verde, tienen un impacto positivo en el estado del sistema operativo y consecutivamente en la inflamación. Objetivos: los propósitos de este estudio fueron: a) acceso a biomarcadores de EO en mujeres obesas y de peso normal; y b) evaluar si la suplementación con té verde tiene impacto en los biomarcadores de citoquinas inflamatorias y de EO de mujeres obesas. Métodos: evaluamos mujeres obesas (índice de masa corporal - IMC ≥ 40 kg/m²) y peso normal (IMC entre 18,5 y 24,9 kg/m²). Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para acceder al malondialdehído (MDA), la capacidad antioxidante equivalente de Trolox (TEAC) y las citoquinas inflamatorias. Elegimos al azar pacientes obesos (18 individuos) y luego les dimos suplementos de té verde durante 8 semanas. El análisis estadístico incluyó las pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, t pareadas e independientes, p < 0,05 se consideraron significativas. Resultados: se reclutaron 42 mujeres obesas (IMC: 48,2 ± 9,3 kg/m2) y 21 de peso normal (IMC: 22,5 ± 2 kg/m2) con una edad promedio de 36,2 ± 9,1 años. Los niveles séricos de MDA fueron más altos en las personas obesas (2,52 ± 0,31 μmol/L) que en las mujeres eutróficas (2,13 ± 0,26 μmol/L; p = 0.000). Por otro lado, se observaron valores de TEAC más bajos en obesos (0,75 ± 0,06 mM) que en el grupo eutrófico (0,78 ± 0,04 mM; p = 0,009). Después de la intervención del té verde, la MDA disminuyó 4,7% y el TEAC aumentó 10%. Los niveles séricos de interleucina-6 (IL-6) disminuyeron 12,7% después del tratamiento (p = 0,03). Conclusiones: el grupo obeso tenía menor capacidad antioxidante que el eutrófico. La suplementación con té verde mejoró TEAC y MDA y redujo los niveles séricos de IL-6 en mujeres obesas