Pleurotus tuber-regium inclusion in diet ameliorates dyslipidaemia in obese-type 2 diabetic rats

Background Pleurotus tuber-regium (P.T) is an edible mushroom with abundant polysaccharides that has been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the hypoglycaemic potential and ameliorative activity of Pleurotus tuber-regium incorporated diet on diabetes induced dyslipidaemia. Materials and methods Thirty five (35) adult male wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups; Normal control, diabetic control, obese control, obese diabetic control, 10% PT, 20% PT, and Drug control. Type II DM was induced by placing the animals on high fat diet for a period of 10 weeks and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg/BW). P. T was incorporated into the feed and given to the animals for two weeks daily after the confirmation of diabetes. Results Treatment of the obese diabetic rats with P. T supplemented diet caused a decrease in the blood glucose level compared to the control groups. Increased organo-somatic ratio of the kidney and heart were markedly (p < 0.05) reduced following treatment (20% P.T). Furthermore, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels were reduced due to treatment accompanied by increased HDL-C in the liver. Histological evaluation of the liver, kidney, heart, and pancreas of the P. T treated groups were comparable to normal. Conclusion Incorporation of P. tuber-regium in diets could be effective in reversing dyslipidaemia in obese diabetic patients.

Intestinal, liver and lipid disorders in genetically obese rats are more efficiently reduced by dietary milk thistle seeds than their oil

We hypothesized that milk thistle seed or seed oil dietary supplementation reduces intestinal, liver and lipid disorders specific to genetic obesity, and the seeds can be more efficient in doing so. Lean and obese male Zucker rats were allocated to 4 groups: the lean (LC) and obese control (OC) groups fed a standard diet and the other 2 obese groups fed a diet supplemented with milk thistle seed oil (O + MTO) or milk thistle seeds (O + MTS). After 5 weeks of feeding, the cecal SCFA pool was slightly and significantly lower in OC and O + MTO compared with LC and O + MTS. The liver fat content was greater in OC, O + MTO and O + MTS compared with LC; however, it was significantly lower in O + MTS than in OC and O + MTO. The plasma cholesterol was greater in OC compared with LC, O + MTO and O + MTS; however, it was significantly greater in O + MTO and O + MTS compared with LC. The plasma bilirubin was detected in OC and O + MTO, whereas it was not present in LC and O + MTS. Milk thistle seeds can improve fermentation events in the distal intestine and reduce other disorders specific to genetically obese rats, and the seed PUFAs are responsible for that to a lesser extent.

The Value of Serum Adiponectin in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women at reproductive age associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. It may be the most common cause of anovulation, early pregnancy loss, and later pregnancy complications. Adiponectin is the most abundant adipokine and is mainly secreted from visceral fat cells. It might be responsible for the metabolic and neuroendocrine derangements characteristic of obesity and obesity-related disease, such as PCOS. We aimed to evaluate the level of serum adiponectin in PCOS and the potential use of adiponectin as a biomarker for PCOS. Methods: This case control study was carried on 100 patients, aged between 20–35 years, who were equally divided into four groups based on the diagnosis of PCOS; 2 case groups and 2 control groups. Group 1 were non-obese PCOS subjects with body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2. Group 2 were obese PCOS subjects with BMI >25 kg/m2. Control groups were selected as; group 3 were non-obese control group with BMI <25 kg/m2. Group 4 were obese control group with BMI >25 kg/m2. Results: Adiponectin was significantly lower in group 1 than group 3 and 4 (P2 and P3 <0.001). While it was significantly lower in group 2 than group 1, 3 and 4 and was significantly lower in group 4 than group 3 (P1 = 0.021, P4 and P5 <0.001). Conclusion: Serum adiponectin level may be taken into consideration as a biomarker for confirmation of PCOS diagnosis. The relationship between adiponectin and BMI suggests that adiponectin could serve as a marker for disease risk and provide opportunity for earlier intervention.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Differently Modulate Gut Microbiota and Metabolic and Immunological Parameters in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Background: Dietary strategies, including the use of probiotics as preventive agents that modulate the gut microbiota and regulate the function of adipose tissue, are suitable tools for the prevention or amelioration of obesity and its comorbidities. We aimed to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with different adipo- and immuno-modulatory capacities on metabolic and immunological parameters and intestinal composition microbiota in high-fat-diet-induced in mice fed a high-fat dietMethods: Balb/c weaning male mice were fed a standard (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD) with or without supplementation with Limosilactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 (CRL1446), Lactococcus lactis CRL1434 (CRL1434), or Lacticaseibacillus casei CRL431 (CRL431) for 45 days. Biochemical and immunological parameters, white-adipose tissue histology, gut microbiota composition, and ex vivo cellular functionality (adipocytes and macrophages) were evaluated in SD and HFD mice.Results: CRL1446 and CRL1434 administration, unlike CRL431, induced significant changes in the body and adipose tissue weights and the size of adipocytes. Also, these strains caused a decrease in plasmatic glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 levels, and an increase of IL-10. The CRL1446 and CRL1434 obese adipocyte in ex vivo functionality assays showed, after LPS stimulus, a reduction in leptin secretion compared to obese control, while with CRL431, no change was observed. In macrophages from obese mice fed with CRL1446 and CRL1434, after LPS stimulus, lower levels of MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6 compared to obese control were observed. In contrast, CRL431 did not induce modification of cytokine values. Regarding gut microbiota, all strain administration caused a decrease in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes index and diversity. As well as, related to genus results, all strains increased, mainly the genera Alistipes, Dorea, Barnesiella, and Clostridium XIVa. CRL1446 induced a higher increase in the Lactobacillus genus during the study period.Conclusions: The tested probiotic strains differentially modulated the intestinal microbiota and metabolic/immunological parameters in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. These results suggest that CRL1446 and CRL1434 strains could be used as adjuvant probiotics strains for nutritional treatment to obesity and overweight. At the same time, the CRL431 strain could be more beneficial in pathologies that require regulation of the immune system.

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training and Coenzyme Q10 on the Expression of Hepatic IRS-2 and SREBP1 Proteins in Obese Male Rats

Background: Obesity contributes to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance (IR). In contrast, exercise and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been recommended to assist glucose control and IR. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and COQ10 supplementation on hepatic IRS-2 and SREBP1 proteins in obese male rats. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats after an obesity induction period were randomly assigned to six groups, including non-obese control (NOC), baseline obese control (BOC), CoQ10, HIIT, HIIT + CoQ10, and control. NOC and BOC groups were sacrificed at the beginning of the study period. After 12 weeks of intervention consisting of HIIT program (2 min running at 85% - 90% speed max interspersed with 2 min running at 45% - 50% speed max, 5 sessions per week) and/or CoQ10 supplementation (gavage-fed 500 mg.kg-1) protein content of hepatic SREBP1 and IRS-2 were measured by western blot analysis. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and two-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. Results: Comparison between non-obese and obese control groups indicated a significant difference in weight and Lee index (P < 0.001). Obesity induction elevated hepatic SREBP1c, while reduced IRS-2 protein content (P = 0.0001). Moreover, HIIT decreased hepatic SREBP1 level (P = 0.007), whereas increased IRS-2 content (P = 0.0001). However, CoQ10 supplementation had no significant effect on SREBP1 and IRS-2 (P > 0.05), and no interaction between treatments (HIIT×CoQ10) was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: HIIT positively regulates hepatic proteins involved in hepatic IR. However, CoQ10 has no effect on proteins involved in hepatic IR implication that its effect on glucose regulation and IR does not seem to be mediated by SREBP1 and IRS-2 proteins.

Serum adiponectin, body adiposity and metabolic parameters in obese Egyptian children with Down syndrome

Objectives Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher risk for obesity. Adiponectin plays a crucial role in obesity-related cardiometabolic comorbidities. The study aimed to explore whether body adiposity indicators, the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, serum adiponectin and insulin resistance indices as well as the validity of serum adiponectin as a biomarker for MetS are different in prepubertal obese-DS children compared to matched obese-controls. Methods Cross-sectional study included 150 prepubertal children classfied into three groups; obese-DS (n=50), obese-control (n=50) and normal-weight-control (n=50). Participants were evaluated for waist-circumference (WC), body adiposity, serum triglycerides, HDL-C, adiponectin and Homeostasis-Model-Assessment of Insulin-Resistance (HOMA-IR). MetS was defined using modified Adult Treatment Panel III-criteria. Results Obese-DS had significantly higher WC, %body fat, total-fat mass, trunk-fat mass, trunk/appendicular-fat mass ratio, triglycerides, insulin and HOMA-IR and significantly lower HDL-C values compared to obese-control. Higher prevalence of MetS and its components were observed in obese-DS that was evident at younger age. Adiponectin was significantly lower in obese-DS compared with obese-control and in obese-DS children with MetS compared to obesecontrol with MetS. The decrease in adiponectin with increasing grades of obesity was pronounced in obese-DS. Adiponectin exhibited strong correlations with body adiposity, several MetS components and HOMA-IR in obese-DS. Adiponectin performed better as a biomarker for MetS among obese-DS (AUC=0.808) than obese-control (AUC=0.674). Conclusions Prepubertal obese-DS displayed excess body adiposity with pronounced central fat distribution, atherogenic lipid profile and higher insulin resistance compared to matched obese-control. Adiponectin performed better as potential biomarker of MetS in obese-DS than obese-control.

β-Carotene Status Is Associated with Inflammation and Two Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with and without Osteoarthritis

This study was conducted to investigate the β-carotene status in osteoarthritis (OA) patients and examine its relationships with the risk of inflammation and metabolic syndrome. OA patients were stratified by obesity based on body fat percentage (obese OA, n = 44; non-obese OA, n = 56), and sixty-nine subjects without OA or obesity were assigned as a non-obese control group. β-carotene, metabolic parameters, and inflammation status were assessed. Obese OA patients exhibited a significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome (p = 0.02), abdominal obesity (p < 0.01), and lower β-carotene status (p < 0.01) compared with non-obese OA and non-obese controls. After adjusting for potential confounders, β-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was significantly inversely correlated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 0.27, p < 0.01), abdominal obesity (odds ratio = 0.33, p < 0.01), high blood pressure (odds ratio = 0.35, p < 0.01), hyperglycemia (odds ratio = 0.45, p < 0.05), and inflammation (odds ratio = 0.30, p = 0.01). Additionally, subjects who had a high β-carotene status with a low proportion of metabolic syndrome when they had a low-grade inflammatory status (p < 0.01). Obese OA patients suffered from a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and lower β-carotene status compared to the non-obese controls. A better β-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was inversely associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation, so we suggest that β-carotene status could be a predictor of the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation in patients with and without OA.

Effects of Short-Term Metformin Treatment on Gut Microbiota Profile Using Female Obese Zucker Rat Model

Objectives The correlation of short-term metformin treatment and specific alterations to the gut microbiota in obese models is less known. So, the objectives of this experiment was to investigate the effects of short-term metformin treatment on population of gut microbiota profile in obese rat model. Methods Five week old obese (n = 16) female Zucker rats after one week of acclimation, received AIN-93 G diet for 8 weeks and then rats were randomly assigned 8 rats/group): to 1) obese without metformin (ObC), or 2) obese with metformin (ObMet). Metformin were mixed with AIN-93G diet at 1000 mg/kg of diet. Rats were weighed twice per week. All rats were sacrificed 10 weeks post-metformin treatment and fecal samples were collected and kept at − 80c. Total microbial DNA were collected directly from the fecal samples using a PowerSoil® DNA isolation kit. Isolated DNA were used for shotgun-metagenomics data collection using Illumina NextSeq500 and analyzed using MetaPlAn and HUMAnN. DEICODE and Songbird used calculate log-ratios and differential ranks of taxa and functional pathways associated with metformin treatment respectively. The were then visualized using Qurro. Results There was no significant difference between ObC vs. ObMet group body weight (P = 0.20). Overall microbial beta-diversity (DEICODE), showed significant separation between the obese control and metformin samples (P = 0.0007). Differential ranking (Songbird) of Bacteroides dorei and B. massiliensis vs. all other Bacteroides spp., revealed that B. dorei and B. massiliensis were enriched in the obese metformin group, while the remaining Bacteroides spp. where enriched in the obese control group (P = 0.002). The differential ranking of pathway diversity contributed by the Bacteroides were also associated with treatment group (P = 0.008). Conclusions In summary, in the obese zucker rat model, short-term metformin treatment changes the gut microbiota profile. Funding Sources Arkansas Biosciences Institute.

Association between Microalbuminuria and MYH9 Gene Polymorphisms in Hypertensive Iraqi Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Objective: The presented work aimed to study the correlation between micro-albuminuria and MYH9 (T˃C) (rs3752462) gene polymorphisms in metabolic syndrome of Iraqi patients. Methods: This study was a cross - sectional study. Sample size was 140 persons of both gender selected randomly between 1st , April. , 2019 to 15th, Aug. , 2020. They are divided into two groups, 80 with metabolic syndrome patients and 60 with control groups subdivided into another two groups: 30 persons with obese and 30 persons without obese. The distribution of sample according to the gender, the number of males had metabolic syndrome were (47) and female (33), but in obese healthy control the number of males were (19) and female (11), while in non-obese healthy control the number of males were (15) and female (15). The age groups were ranged between (40-60) years. Typing of MYH9 was performed by refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). The current study was performed to investigate the SNPs that affected MYH9 gene which was (T˃C) (rs3752462). Results: There was a significant difference between blood sugar, HbA1c, total cholesterol, TG, VLDL-C, LDL-C, blood urea, micro-albuminuria, BMI and HOMA-IR in metabolic syndrome patients as compared with healthy control groups (P ≤ 0.01). The significant result (P ≤ 0.01) were appeared between (TT) for MYH9 genotype patients and obese control with biochemical parameters (Blood glucose, HbA1c, TC, TG, VLDL-C and LDL-C). The correlation between (TT) SNP for MYH9 genotype patients and non - obese control with biochemical parameters is significant result (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05) (Blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, TC, TG, VLDL-C, LDL-C, urea and micro-albuminuria). The significant result (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05) were appeared between (CT) for MYH9 genotype patients and obese control with biochemical parameters (Blood glucose, HbA1c, TC, TG and VLDL-C) respectively. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, TG, VLDL-C, LDL-C, blood urea, micro-albuminuria, BMI and HOMA-IR in metabolic syndrome patients and healthy control groups (P ≤ 0.01). Also a significant result (P ≤ 0.01) obtained between (TT) for MYH9 genotype patients and obese and non-obese control with some biochemical parameters. (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05). The significant result (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05) appear between (CT) for MYH9 genotype patients and obese control with some biochemical parameters.

A comparative study of audio and visual reaction time in obese and non-obese subjects

Background: Reaction time provides indirect index of processing capability of CNS and also a means of determining sensorimotor performance. The present study was undertaken to study and compare audio and visual reaction time in healthy obese subjects with non-obese subjects. Aims and Objectives: This prospective study was undertaken to find out whether obesity in otherwise healthy individuals is associated with any alteration in auditory and visual reaction time. Materials and Methods: The study involved 100 subjects 50 obese (cases) and 50 non-obese (control) of both sexes within age group 18-60 years. The Anthropometric parameters under study are height in meters, weight in kg to calculate BMI. Then we measured auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) and compared in 2 groups. This comparative study was carried out in Dr. S.C.G.M.C, Vishnupuri, Nanded. Results: We have found that auditory and visual reaction time was longer in obese subjects than non-obese control. There was a significant increase in (P<0.05) ART to sufficient sound and significant increase in VRT(P<0.001) to yellow color. Conclusion: We conclude that there is evidence of sensory motor slowing and delay in CNS processing in obesity as suggested by increased reaction time to audiovisual stimuli.