Transcriptomic investigation unveils the role of energy metabolism under low phosphorus and salt combined stress in soybean (Glycine max).

Soybean (Glycine max) is economically significant, but the mechanisms underlying its adaptation to simultaneous low phosphorus and salt stresses are unclear. We employed the Shennong 94-1-8 soybean germplasm to conduct a comprehensive analysis, integrating both physiochemical and transcriptomic approaches, to unravel the response mechanisms of soybean when subjected to simultaneous low phosphorus and salt stresses. Remarkably, the combined stress exhibited the most pronounced impact on the soybean root system, which led to a substantial reduction in total soluble sugar (TSS) and total soluble protein (TSP) within the plants under this treatment. A total of 20,953 differentially expressed genes were identified through pairwise comparisons. Heatmap analysis of genes related to energy metabolism pathways demonstrated a significant down-regulation in expression under salt and low phosphorus + salt treatments, while low phosphorus treatment did not exhibit similar expression trends. Furthermore, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that the blue module had a strong positive correlation with TSS and TSP. Notably, 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase 1, FCS-Like Zinc finger 8, auxin response factor 18 isoform X2, and NADP-dependent malic enzyme emerged as hub genes associated with energy metabolism. In summary, our findings indicate that soybean roots are more adversely affected by salt and combined stress than by low phosphorus alone due to reduced activity in energy metabolism-related pathways and hub genes. These results offer novel insights into the adaptive mechanisms of soybeans when facing the combined stress of low phosphorus and salinity.

Brain Regional Energy Metabolism in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cerebral Microdialysis Guided Study.

BACKGROUND: In traumatic brain injuries (TBI), cerebral microdialysis (CMD)-derived parameters, especially the lactate to pyruvate ratio (LP ratio), have been utilized for cerebral perfusion optimization. The objectives were to identify cerebral ischemia as measured by CMD in TBI patients requiring decompressive craniectomy and to observe the correlation between cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), intracranial pressure (ICP), and CMD variables in these patients. Our secondary aim was to observe the effect of CPP augmentation on ischemia biomarkers. METHODS: After the Institute Ethics Committee approvals, seven adult patients requiring decompressive craniectomy following TBI were enrolled and CMD data were obtained prospectively for 72 h. CPP was augmented by 20% with noradrenaline infusion if LP ratio >40. Correlations were done with bootstrapping (n = 500) to obtain the confidence intervals (CI) due to the small sample size. RESULTS: One patient had cerebral ischemia (median LP ratio of 265.5 and median pyruvate of 38 µmol/L), while another patient had non-ischemic mitochondrial dysfunction (median LP ratio 40.7 and median pyruvate 278.5). The coefficients of correlation between the LP ratio with CPP and ICP were r = -0.05 (CI = -0.14-0.03) and r = 0.09 (CI = -0.03-0.24), respectively. The coefficient of correlation between cerebral and blood glucose was r = 0.38, (CI - 0.35-0.14). Only two patients needed CPP augmentation, however, postaugmentation cerebral biochemistry did not change appreciably. CONCLUSION: CMD can identify cerebral ischemia, however, no correlations were observed between the LP ratio and CPP or ICP. CPP augmentation did not improve cerebral biochemistry. More studies are required to understand and treat cerebral metabolism in TBI.

A comparative analysis of energy expenditure and substrate metabolism in male university students with overweight/obesity: Tabata vs HIIT and MICT.

Introduction: Exploring the energy expenditure and substrate metabolism data during exercise, 10-minute recovery, and 20-minute recovery phases in Tabata, HIIT(High-Intensity Interval Training), and MICT(Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training). This study explores the scientific aspects of weight reduction strategies, examining energy expenditure and substrate metabolism from various training perspectives. The aim is to establish a theoretical foundation for tailoring targeted exercise plans for individuals within the population with overweight/obesity. Methods: This study used an experimental design with fifteen male university students with overweight/obesity. Participants underwent random testing with Tabata, HIIT, and MICT. Tabata involved eight sets of 20 seconds exercise and 10 seconds rest, totaling 4 minutes. HIIT included four sets of power cycling: 3 minutes at 80% VO2max intensity followed by 2 minutes at 20% VO2max. MICT comprised 30 minutes of exercise at 50% VO2max intensity. Gas metabolism indices were continuously measured. Subsequently, fat and glucose oxidation rates, along with energy expenditure, were calculated for each exercise type. Results: During both the exercise and recovery phases, the Tabata group exhibited a significantly higher fat oxidation rate of (0.27 ± 0.03 g/min) compared to the HIIT group (0.20 ± 0.04 g/min, p<0.05) and the MICT group (0.20 ± 0.03g/min, p<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the HIIT and MICT groups (p=0.854). In terms of energy expenditure rate, the Tabata group maintained a substantially elevated level at 5.76 ± 0.74kcal/min compared to the HIIT group (4.81 ± 0.25kcal/min, p<0.01) and the MICT group (3.45 ± 0.25kcal/min, p<0.001). Additionally, the energy expenditure rate of the HIIT group surpassed that of the MICT group significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study finds that male college students with overweight/obesity in both exercise and recovery, Tabata group has lower fat and glucose oxidation rates, and energy expenditure compared to HIIT and MICT groups. However, over the entire process, Tabata still exhibits significantly higher rates in these aspects than HIIT and MICT. Despite a shorter exercise duration, Tabata shows a noticeable "time-efficiency" advantage. Tabata can be used as an efficient short-term weight loss exercise program for male college students with overweight/obesity.

Variation in Resting Metabolic Rate Affects Identification of Metabolic Change in Geographically Distinct Cohorts of Patients With ALS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Altered metabolism is observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, without a standardized methodology to define metabolic changes, our understanding of factors contributing to and the clinical significance of altered metabolism in ALS is limited. METHODS: We aimed to determine how geographic variation in metabolic rates influences estimates and accuracy of predicted resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with ALS and controls, while validating the effectiveness of cohort-specific approaches in predicting altered metabolic rate in ALS. Participants from 3 geographically distinct sites across Australia, China, and the Netherlands underwent REE assessments, and we considered 22 unique equations for estimating REE. Analyses evaluated equation performance and the influence of demographics on metabolic status. Comparisons were made using standardized and local reference values to identify metabolic alterations. RESULTS: 606 participants were included from Australia (patients with ALS: 140, controls: 154), the Netherlands (patients with ALS: 79, controls: 37) and China (patients with ALS: 67, controls: 129). Measured REE was variable across geographic cohorts, with fat-free mass contributing to this variation across all patients (p = 0.002 to p < 0.001). Of the 22 predication equations assessed, the Sabounchi Structure 4 (S4) equation performed relatively well across all control cohorts. Use of prediction thresholds generated using data from Australian controls generally increased the prevalence of hypermetabolism in Chinese (55%, [43%-67%]) and Dutch (44%, [33%-55%]) cases when compared with Australian cases (30%, [22%-38%]). Adjustment of prediction thresholds to consider geographically distinct characteristics from matched control cohorts resulted in a decrease in the proportion of hypermetabolic cases in Chinese and Dutch cohorts (25%-31% vs 55% and 20%-34% vs 43%-44%, respectively), and increased prevalence of hypometabolism in Dutch cases with ALS (1% to 8%-10%). DISCUSSION: The identification of hypermetabolism in ALS is influenced by the formulae and demographic-specific prediction thresholds used for defining alterations in metabolic rate. A consensus approach is needed for identification of metabolic changes in ALS and will facilitate improved understanding of the cause and clinical significance of this in ALS.

Longitudinal NMR-Based Metabolomics Study Reveals How Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Recover: Evidence of Dyslipidemia and Energy Metabolism Dysregulation.

Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), can manifest as long-term symptoms in multiple organ systems, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic systems. In patients with severe COVID-19, immune dysregulation is significant, and the relationship between metabolic regulation and immune response is of great interest in determining the pathophysiological mechanisms. We aimed to characterize the metabolomic footprint of recovering severe COVID-19 patients at three consecutive timepoints and compare metabolite levels to controls. Our findings add proof of dysregulated amino acid metabolism in the acute phase and dyslipidemia, glycoprotein level alterations, and energy metabolism disturbances in severe COVID-19 patients 3-4 months post-hospitalization.

Transcriptomics of Marburg virus-infected primary proximal tubular cells reveals negative correlation of immune response and energy metabolism.

Marburg virus, a member of the Filoviridae, is the causative agent of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a hemorrhagic fever with a case fatality rate of up to 90 %. Acute kidney injury is common in MVD and is associated with increased mortality, but its pathogenesis in MVD remains poorly understood. Interestingly, autopsies show the presence of viral proteins in different parts of the nephron, particularly in proximal tubular cells (PTC). These findings suggest a potential role for the virus in the development of MVD-related kidney injury. To shed light on this effect, we infected primary human PTC with Lake Victoria Marburg virus and conducted transcriptomic analysis at multiple time points. Unexpectedly, infection did not induce marked cytopathic effects in primary tubular cells at 20 and 40 h post infection. However, gene expression analysis revealed robust renal viral replication and dysregulation of genes essential for different cellular functions. The gene sets mainly downregulated in PTC were associated with the targets of the transcription factors MYC and E2F, DNA repair, the G2M checkpoint, as well as oxidative phosphorylation. Importantly, the downregulated factors comprise PGC-1α, a well-known factor in acute and chronic kidney injury. By contrast, the most highly upregulated gene sets were those related to the inflammatory response and cholesterol homeostasis. In conclusion, Marburg virus infects and replicates in human primary PTC and induces downregulation of processes known to be relevant for acute kidney injury as well as a strong inflammatory response.

Metabolomic Investigations into Hypoxia-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming of Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

Hypoxia is a crucial microenvironmental factor that defines tumor cell growth and aggressiveness. Cancer cells adapt to hypoxia by altering their metabolism. These alterations impact various cellular and physiological functions, including energy metabolism, vascularization, invasion and metastasis, genetic instability, cell immortalization, stem cell maintenance, and resistance to chemotherapy (Li et al. Technol Cancer Res Treat 20:15330338211036304, 2021). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is known to be a critical regulator of glycolysis that directly regulates the transcription of multiple key enzymes of the glycolysis pathway. Moreover, HIF-1α stabilization can be directly modulated by TCA-derived metabolites, including 2-ketoglutarate and succinate (Infantino et al, Int J Mol Sci 22(22), https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22115703 , 2021). Overall, the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of cellular metabolism to hypoxia impact the metabolic phenotype of cancer cells. Such adaptations include increased glucose uptake, increased lactate production, and increased levels of other metabolites that stabilize HIF-1α, leading to a vicious circle of hypoxia-induced tumor growth.

Post-exercise energy replacement might lead to reduced subsequent energy intake in women with constitutional thinness: Exploratory results from the NUTRILEAN project.

While people with Constitutional Thinness (CT) declare a deep willingness to gain weight, there appetitive responses to energy balance manipulations remain unclear. The present work compares the effect of an acute exercise combined or not with an energy replacement load, on subsequent energy intake, appetite and food reward, between normal weight and women with CT. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (Dual X-ray absorptiometry-DXA) and aerobic capacity (VO2max) were assessed in 10 normal-weight (Body Mass Index-BMI): 20-25 kg/m2) and 10 C T (BMI<17.5 kg/m2) women (18-30 years). They randomly performed i) a resting session (CON); ii) an exercise session (EX); iii) an exercise session with energy replacement (EX + R). Their subsequent ad libitum intake, appetite feelings and food reward were evaluated (Leeds-Food-Preference-Questionnaire). CT showed a lower weight (p < 0,001), BMI(p < 0,001), Fat-Mass (%) (p = 0,003) and Fat-Free Mass (kg) (p < 0,001). CT showed a lower ad libitum energy intake on EX + R compared with CON (p = 0,008) and a higher Relative Energy Intake (REI) on CON compared with EX (p = 0,007) and EX + R (p < 0,001). A lower was observed during EX and EX + R compared with CON (p = 0,006,p = 0,009 respectively) in CT. No condition nor group effect was found for hunger. NW only showed a higher pre-meal fullness on EX + R compared to CON and EX (p < 0,001). Choice (p = 0,030), Explicit Liking (p = 0,016), Explicit Wanting (p = 0,004) and Implicit Wanting (p = 0,035) for taste were higher on EX + R than CON and EX. The decreased EI observed in CT when the exercise-induced energy expenditure is compensated by the ingestion of an equivalent energy load, might contribute to explain the difficulty to increase their energy balance and then induce weight gain. Further studies are needed to better understand their energy balance regulation to propose adapted weight gain strategies.

Monounsaturated fat-rich diet reduces body adiposity in women with obesity, but does not influence energy expenditure and substrate oxidation: a parallel randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an important and growing health problem whose treatment involves dietary changes. In this context, studying the role of macronutrients in weight loss is required in order to understand which strategies may be applied for weight loss. We aimed to evaluate the effects of diets rich in polyunsaturated (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) on resting energy expenditure (REE), substrate oxidation, and weight loss in women with obesity. METHODS: Randomized, controlled, single blind, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted for 60 days. Participants (n = 32) were divided into three groups: G1= normocaloric PUFAs-rich diet (12% of total energy expenditure (TEE), 10% of n-6 and up to 2% of n-3); G2= normocaloric MUFAs-rich diet (15-20% TEE); and G3= maintenance of the usual diet. Anthropometric and metabolic variables (REE and substrate oxidation by indirect calorimetry) were evaluated. RESULTS: G2 decreased body weight (-1.92 ± 1.99 kg, P = 0.02), body mass index (BMI) (-0.69 ± 0.70 kg/m2; P = 0.02), waist circumference (WC) (-1.91 ± 1.82 cm; P = 0.02), and body fat (-1.14 ± 1.53 kg; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: MUFAs-rich diet reduces body weight, BMI, body fat, and WC. CLINICAL TRIALS: NCT02656940. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials: NCT02656940.

Limits to sustained energy intake. XXXIV. Can the heat dissipation limit (HDL) theory explain reproductive aging?

According to the heat dissipation limit (HDL) theory, reproductive performance is limited by the capacity to dissipate excess heat. We tested the novel hypotheses that (1) the age-related decline in reproductive performance is due to an age-related decrease of heat dissipation capacity and (2) the limiting mechanism is more severe in animals with high metabolic rates. We used bank voles (Myodes glareolus) from lines selected for high swim-induced aerobic metabolic rate, which have also increased basal metabolic rate, and unselected control lines. Adult females from three age classes - young (4 months), middle-aged (9 months) and old (16 months) - were maintained at room temperature (20°C), and half of the lactating females were shaved to increase heat dissipation capacity. Old females from both selection lines had a decreased litter size, mass and growth rate. The peak-lactation average daily metabolic rate was higher in shaved than in unshaved mothers, and this difference was more profound among old than young and middle-aged voles (P=0.02). In females with large litters, milk production tended to be higher in shaved (least squares mean, LSM±s.e.: 73.0±4.74 kJ day-1) than in unshaved voles (61.8±4.78 kJ day-1; P=0.05), but there was no significan"t effect of fur removal on the growth rate [4.47±2.29 g (4 days-1); P=0.45]. The results provide mixed support of the HDL theory and no support for the hypotheses linking the differences in reproductive aging with either a deterioration in thermoregulatory capability or genetically based differences in metabolic rate.

Satellite mapping reveals extensive industrial activity at sea.

The world's population increasingly relies on the ocean for food, energy production and global trade1-3, yet human activities at sea are not well quantified4,5. We combine satellite imagery, vessel GPS data and deep-learning models to map industrial vessel activities and offshore energy infrastructure across the world's coastal waters from 2017 to 2021. We find that 72-76% of the world's industrial fishing vessels are not publicly tracked, with much of that fishing taking place around South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa. We also find that 21-30% of transport and energy vessel activity is missing from public tracking systems. Globally, fishing decreased by 12 ± 1% at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2021. By contrast, transport and energy vessel activities were relatively unaffected during the same period. Offshore wind is growing rapidly, with most wind turbines confined to small areas of the ocean but surpassing the number of oil structures in 2021. Our map of ocean industrialization reveals changes in some of the most extensive and economically important human activities at sea.

Alterations in glutamate, arginine, and energy metabolism characterize cerebrospinal fluid and plasma metabolome of persons with HIV-associated dementia.

OBJECTIVES: HIV-associated dementia (HAD) is the most severe clinical expression of HIV-mediated neuropathology, and the processes underlying its development remain poorly understood. We aimed to exploit high-dimensional metabolic profiling to gain insights into the pathological mechanisms associated to HAD. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, we utilized metabolomics to profile matched cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples of HAD individuals ( n  = 20) compared with neurologically asymptomatic people with HIV (ASYM, n  = 20) and healthy controls (NEG, n  = 20). METHODS: Identification of plasma and CSF metabolites was performed by liquid-chromatography or gas-chromatography following a validated experimental pipeline. The resulting metabolic profiles were analyzed by machine-learning algorithms, and altered pathways were identified by comparison with KEGG pathway database. RESULTS: In CSF, HAD patients displayed an imbalance in glutamine/glutamate ratio, decreased levels of isocitrate and arginine, and increased oxidative stress when compared with ASYM or NEG. These changes were confirmed in matched plasma samples, which in addition revealed an accumulation of eicosanoids and unsaturated fatty acids in HAD individuals. Pathway analysis in both biological fluids suggested that alterations in several metabolic processes, including protein biosynthesis, glutamate and arginine metabolism, and energy metabolism, in association to a perturbed eicosanoid metabolism in plasma, may represent the metabolic signature associated to HAD. CONCLUSION: These findings show that HAD may be associated with metabolic modifications in CSF and plasma. These preliminary data may be useful to identify novel metabolic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HIV-associated neurological impairment.

Association between energy surplus and intensive care unit length of stay in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients experiencing persistent critical illness have poor short-term and long-term outcomes and consume disproportionate amounts of health care resources. Nutrition optimization may improve outcomes, though few data exist on resting energy expenditure and nutrition requirements. We hypothesized that increased energy surplus per day is associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LoS) in critically ill patients. METHODS: Patients from a single ICU at Royal London Hospital were included in this retrospective cohort study. EXPOSURE: energy surplus measured by serial indirect calorimetry (IC) and nutrition intake. INCLUSION CRITERIA: mechanical ventilation of ≥3 days and expected to remain ventilated. PRIMARY OUTCOME: ICU LoS. RESULTS: Across 30 patients (median LoS 21 days), increased ICU LoS was associated with actual daily energy intake surplus to resting energy expenditure (REE) (R2 0.16; P < 0.005). Median REE was less than predicted energy requirements: 24 kcal per day per kilogram of ideal body weight (IBW) (interquartile range [IQR], 20-28) vs 28 kcal/day/kg IBW (IQR, 26-29) (P < 0.001). Patients with COVID-19 had a median energy surplus (actual intake- REE) + 344 kcal/day (IQR 35-517) vs -57 kcal/day (IQR -324 to 211) in other patients (P = 0.011); however, they had a median LoS of 44 days (IQR 26-58) vs 10 days (IQR 7-24), respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with obesity had a median energy deficit of -32 kcal/day (IQR -384 to 335) vs +234 kcal/day (IQR -79 to 499) for nonobese patients (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Overfeeding represents an easily modifiable factor to improve outcomes in patients experiencing persistent critical illness, for which IC may be useful.

Isocaloric diets with varying protein levels affected energy metabolism in young adult Sprague-Dawley rats via modifying the gut microbes: A lipid imbalance was brought on by a diet with a particularly high protein content.

Protein is the most important macro-nutrient when it comes to maximizing health, body composition, muscle growth, and recovery of body tissue. In recent years, it has been found that protein also plays an important role in metabolism and gut microbiota. This study was performed to investigate the effects of an isocaloric diet with different crude protein contents on the energy metabolism of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Results revealed that compared with the 20% crude protein (CP; control) diet, the 38% CP diet improved serum parameters that are associated with dyslipidemia and glucose metabolic disorders in SD rats, whereas the 50% CP diet increased liver injury indicators and fatty acid synthesis-related genes and protein expression in the liver. Compared with the control diet, the 14% CP diet increased the abundance of colonic short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Ruminiclostridium_9) and promoted colonic microbial cysteine and methionine metabolism, the 38% CP diet up-regulated colonic microbial lysine biosynthesis and degradation pathways, and the 50% CP diet down-regulated colonic mucosal cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, the increase of multiple colonic enteropathogenic bacteria in the 50% CP group was associated with higher palmitic acid and stearic acid concentrations in the colonic microbes and lower cholesterol and arachidonic acid concentrations in the colonic mucosa. These findings revealed that the 14% CP and 38% CP diets improved rats' energy metabolism, while the 50% CP diet was accompanied by lipid metabolism imbalances and an increase in the abundance of multiple enteropathogenic bacteria.

Enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism by melatonin promotes vascularized skeletal muscle regeneration in a volumetric muscle loss model.

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a condition that results in the extensive loss of 20 % or more of skeletal muscle due to trauma or tumor ablation, leading to severe functional impairment and permanent disability. The current surgical interventions have limited functional regeneration of skeletal muscle due to the compromised self-repair mechanism. Melatonin has been reported to protect skeletal muscle from exercise-induced oxidative damage and holds great potential to treat muscle diseases. In this study, we hypothesize that melatonin can enhance myoblast differentiation and promote effective recovery of skeletal muscle following VML. In vitro administration of melatonin resulted in a significant enhancement of myogenesis in C2C12 myoblast cells, as evidenced by the up-regulation of myogenic marker genes in a dose-dependent manner. Further experiments revealed that silent information of regulator type 3 (SIRT3) played a critical role in the melatonin-enhanced myoblast differentiation through enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism and activation of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). Silencing of Sirt3 completely abrogated the protective effect of melatonin on the mitochondrial function of myoblasts, evidenced by the increased reactive oxygen species, decreased adenosine triphosphate production, and down-regulated myoblast-specific marker gene expression. In order to attain a protracted and consistent release, liposome-encapsuled melatonin was integrated into gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel (GelMA-Lipo@MT). The implantation of GelMA-Lipo@MT into a tibialis anterior muscle defect in a VML model effectively stimulated the formation of myofibers and new blood vessels in situ, while concurrently inhibiting fibrotic collagen deposition. The findings of this study indicate that the incorporation of melatonin with GelMA hydrogel has facilitated the de novo vascularized skeletal muscle regeneration by augmenting mitochondrial energy metabolism. This represents a promising approach for the development of skeletal muscle tissue engineering, which could be utilized for the treatment of VML and other severe muscle injuries.

Adipocyte retinoic acid receptor α prevents obesity and steatohepatitis by regulating energy expenditure and lipogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The adipose tissue-liver axis is a major regulator of the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Retinoic acid signaling plays an important role in development and metabolism. However, little is known about the role of adipose retinoic acid signaling in the development of obesity-associated NAFLD. In this work, the aim was to investigate whether and how retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) regulated the development of obesity and NAFLD. METHODS: RARα expression in adipose tissue of db/db or ob/ob mice was determined. Rarαfl/fl mice and adipocyte-specific Rarα-/- (RarαAdi-/- ) mice were fed a chow diet for 1 year or high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. Primary adipocytes and primary hepatocytes were co-cultured. Metabolic regulation and inflammatory response were characterized. RESULTS: RARα expression was reduced in adipose tissue of db/db or ob/ob mice. RarαAdi-/- mice had increased obesity and steatohepatitis (NASH) when fed a chow diet or HFD. Loss of adipocyte RARα induced lipogenesis and inflammation in adipose tissue and the liver and reduced thermogenesis. In the co-culture studies, loss of RARα in adipocytes induced inflammatory and lipogenic programs in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that RARα in adipocytes prevents obesity and NASH via inhibiting lipogenesis and inflammation and inducing energy expenditure.

Diabetes Mellitus, Energy Metabolism, and COVID-19.

Obesity, diabetes mellitus (mostly type 2), and COVID-19 show mutual interactions because they are not only risk factors for both acute and chronic COVID-19 manifestations, but also because COVID-19 alters energy metabolism. Such metabolic alterations can lead to dysglycemia and long-lasting effects. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential for a further rise of the diabetes pandemic. This review outlines how preexisting metabolic alterations spanning from excess visceral adipose tissue to hyperglycemia and overt diabetes may exacerbate COVID-19 severity. We also summarize the different effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the key organs and tissues orchestrating energy metabolism, including adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreas. Last, we provide an integrative view of the metabolic derangements that occur during COVID-19. Altogether, this review allows for better understanding of the metabolic derangements occurring when a fire starts from a small flame, and thereby help reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resting energy metabolism and sweet taste preference during the menstrual cycle in healthy women.

Differences in blood concentration of sex hormones in the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases may influence energy metabolism in women. We compared fasting energy metabolism and sweet taste preference on a representative day of the FP and LP in twenty healthy women (25·3 (sd 5·1) years, BMI: 22·2 (sd 2·2) kg/m2) with regular self-reported menses and without the use of hormonal contraceptives. From the self-reported duration of the three prior menstrual cycles, the predicted FP and LP visits were scheduled for days 5-12 and 20-25 after menses, respectively. The order of the FP and LP visits was randomly assigned. On each visit, RMR and RQ by indirect calorimetry, sweet taste preference by the Monell two-series forced-choice tracking procedure, serum fibroblast growth factor 21 by a commercial ELISA (FGF21, a liver-derived protein with action in energy balance, fuel oxidation and sugar preference) and dietary food intake by a 24-h dietary recall were determined. Serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations displayed the expected differences between phases. RMR was lower in the FP v. LP (5042 (sd 460) v. 5197 (sd 490) kJ/d, respectively; P = 0·04; Cohen effect size, d rm = 0·33), while RQ showed borderline significant higher values (0·84 (sd 0·05) v. 0·81 (sd 0·05), respectively; P = 0·07; d rm = 0·62). Also, in the FP v. LP, sweet taste preference was lower (12 (sd 8) v. 16 (sd 9) %; P = 0·04; d rm = 0·47) concomitant with higher serum FGF21 concentration (294 (sd 164) v. 197 (sd 104) pg/ml; P < 0·01; d rm = 0·66). The menstrual cycle is associated with changes in energy expenditure, sweet taste preference and oxidative fuel partitioning.

Energy Expenditure, Intensity, and Perceived Effort in Recreational Functional Training.

Background: Functional training (FT) has become popular and seems to provoke health benefits. However, there are unsubstantiated claims regarding energy expenditure (EE) vs. weight-loss and cardiorespiratory improvements linked to FT. Objective: This study quantified the EE and intensity during FT performed in a conventional fitness center. Additionally, data of FT and moderate continuous walking (WLK) were compared. Methods: Healthy individuals with no previous experience with FT [n = 25, 11 males/14 females, 38.8 ± 9.3 years; 73.9 ± 13.8 Kg; 168.5 ± 8.5 cm; 26.0 ± 4.5 Kg/m2; 16 overweight (BMI >25 Kg/m2)] performed three FT sessions interspersed with 48 h (two familiarization, one assessment). The circuit included 4 rounds of 12 exercises performed at all-out intensity for 20 s with 1-min intervals between rounds. WLK was performed for 25 min with intensity corresponding to scores 3-5 on Borg CR-10 Scale. Outcomes were EE (kcal), movement counts estimated by triaxial accelerometry, heart rate reserve (%HRR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: On average, FT sessions lasted 24 min and EE ranged between 124 and 292 kcal (188 ± 41 kcal), corresponding to 5-8 METs (6.1 ± 0.6 METs), and 70-80%HRR (74 ± 8%). Accelerometry (counts/min) showed that vigorous predominated over moderate intensity during FT and WLK (p = .01), with similar EE. The relative intensity and RPE were higher in FT vs. WLK (74% vs. 55%HRR and Borg 5-8 vs. 3-5, respectively; p < .0001). Conclusion: FT and WLK elicited EE consistent with recommendations to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, but only FT achieved relative intensities compatible with cardiorespiratory improvement. FT should be considered an option in health-oriented exercise programs for the general population.

Estimating Total Energy Expenditure to Determine Energy Requirements in Free-Living Children With Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: Can a Structured Approach Help Improve Clinical Care?

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition and obesity are complex burdensome challenges in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) management that can adversely affect growth, disease progression, wellbeing, and response to treatment. Total energy expenditure (TEE) and energy requirements in children are essential for growth outcomes but are poorly defined, leaving clinical practice varied and insecure. The aims of this study were to explore a practical approach to guide prescribed nutritional interventions, using measurements of TEE, physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), and their relationship to kidney function. DESIGN AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional prospective age-matched and sex-matched controlled study, 18 children with CKD (6-17 years, mean stage 3) and 20 healthy, age-matched, and gender-matched controls were studied. TEE and PAEE were measured using basal metabolic rate (BMR), activity diaries and doubly labeled water (healthy subjects). Results were related to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The main outcome measure was TEE measured by different methods (factorial, doubly labeled water, and a novel device). RESULTS: Total energy expenditure and PAEE with or without adjustments for age, gender, weight, and height did not differ between the groups and was not related to eGFR. TEE ranged from 1927 ± 91 to 2330 ± 73 kcal/d; 95 ± 5 to 109 ± 5% estimated average requirement (EAR), physical activity level (PAL) 1.52 ± 0.01 to 1.71 ± 0.17, and PAEE 24 to 34% EAR. Comparisons between DLW and alternative methods in healthy children did not differ significantly, except for 2 (factorial methods and a fixed PAL; and the novel device). CONCLUSION: In clinical practice, structured approaches using supportive evidence (weight, height, BMI sds), predictive BMR or TEE values and simple questions on activity, are sufficient for most children with CKD as a starting energy prescription.