Adipose Y5R mRNA is higher in obese than non-obese humans and is correlated with obesity parameters.

Neuropeptide Y is mainly expressed in the central nervous system to regulate food intake via its receptors, Y receptors, and in various peripheral tissues including adipose tissue. The objectives of this study were to compare Y5R mRNA and adipocyte parameters consisting of area, width, height, and perimeter either between obese and non-obese subjects or between subcutaneous and visceral fat as well as to compare between NPY, Y1R, Y2R, and Y5R mRNA expressions in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. In subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues, Y5R was greater in obese than in non-obese humans (both P < 0.05). Y1R mRNA expression was highest followed by Y5R, Y2R, and NPY mRNA expressions, respectively, in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Visceral Y5R mRNA had positive correlations with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference (R ≍ 0.4), and visceral Y1R mRNA (R = 0.773), but had a negative correlation with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (R=-0.421) (all P < 0.05). Subcutaneous and visceral adipocyte parameters were positively correlated with body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, with greater values of correlation coefficient shown in visceral (R ≍ 0.5-0.8) than in subcutaneous adipocytes (R ≍ 0.4-0.6, all P < 0.05). The parameters of visceral adipocytes had positive correlations with serum NPY levels (R ≍ 0.4, all P < 0.05). Y5R mRNA in visceral adipose tissue is related to increased obesity and reduced insulin sensitivity. The dominant Y receptors in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue might be the Y1R and Y5R. Visceral adipocytes show higher correlations with obesity parameters than subcutaneous adipocytes, suggestive of an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in visceral obesity. Y1R and Y5R in visceral adipose tissue might be targets of drug development in prevention or treatment of adiposity. Impact statement Obesity, defined as excess fat accumulation, has been increasingly diagnosed worldwide causing adverse health consequences. The novel findings of this study were that Y5R mRNA expression in both subcutaneous and visceral fat was higher in obese than non-obese subjects. Furthermore, Y5R only in visceral fat, not subcutaneous fat, was positively correlated with visceral Y1R and obesity parameters but it was negatively correlated with the QUICKI. Moreover, we found that Y1R expression was highest followed by Y5R and Y2R, respectively, in both subcutaneous and visceral fat. Our results suggested that Y5R in visceral fat was associated with increased obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity. Y1R and Y5R might be the dominant receptors that mediate the effect of NPY-induced fat accumulation in both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Y1R and Y5R in visceral adipose tissue might be targets of drug development in prevention or treatment of obesity.

Cardiometabolic risk in Thai adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: obese versus non-obese.

BACKGROUND: Adiposity is an inflammatory condition contributing to the morbidity and mortality of several disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To compare cardiometabolic risk factors between obese and non-obese Thai patients with T2DM MATERIAL AND METHOD: The cross-sectional study was done in 20 obese (BM >25 kg/m2) and 20 non-obese (BMI 23 kg/m2) T2DM Researchers measured fasting plasma glucose and lipids, serum levels of insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptors type 1 and 2 (sTNF-R] andsTNF-R2). Insulin sensitivity check index (QUICIKI) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. RESULTS: Thai obese adults with T2DMhad greater amounts ofsTNF-R2 and HOMA-IR, higher ratios of leptin/adiponectin, and more incidences of hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia in comparison to non-obese counterparts. Additionally, HOMA-IR values in non-obese T2DMwere greater than those reported among non-diabetic Thai adults. A reverse association between inflammatory markers (both sTNF-Rs) andHDLC was detected. Leptin/adiponectin ratios correlated directly with HOMA-IR, serum insulin, plasma triglycerides and BMI, whereas HOMA-IR did not relate to any studied plasma lipid. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated an increased cardiometabolic risk in obese T2DM adults than non-obese T2DM adults among the Thai population. The leptin/adiponectin ratio may be more relevant to predict the risk of cardiovascular events in T2DMpatients than HOMA-IR.

Certain hormonal markers in urban Thai adults with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) accompanied with cardiometabolic complications has progressively increased in Thailand. The roles of insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin, and free testosterone as prognostic indicators of MS among Thai population were evaluated MATERIAL AND METHOD: Men and women aged 34 to 89 years (n = 308) having 0-5 criteria of MS according to NCEP III with Asian-specific cut-points for waist circumference were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Blood glucose, lipids, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and free testosterone were measured RESULTS: Each component of MS, especially the enlarged waist, adversely affected insulin sensitivity. MS subjects were at higher risk for developing insulin resistance, decreasing of plasma adiponectin, and increasing of leptin and the leptin/ adiponectin ratio in comparison to non-MS individuals. The hormonal changes that have been shown to be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk were amplifiedas more MS criteria have been met. Odds ratios of increased leptin/adiponectin ratio among MS group were highest in comparison to others. Free testosterone levels declined with age and did not discriminate men with MS. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the benefit of hormonal assessment, particularly the leptin/adiponectin ratio in identifying MS individuals with high cardiometabolic disease risk.

Obesity and appetite-related hormones.

OBJECTIVE: Alterations of hormones involved in food intake can lead to obesity and related-diseases. The aim of the present study was to measure plasma levels of appetite-related hormones: insulin, leptin, adiponectin, acylated ghrelin, and cortisol in connection with eating behaviors among obese and non-obese women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was performed in 53 non-obese and 33 obese Thai women (BMI < 23 and > or = 25 kg/m2 respectively), aged 25 to 45 years. Saliva and fasting blood samples were collected for hormone measurements. Subjects 'eating behavior was evaluated using Thai version of the Three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) and their stress status was assessed by the Thai stress test (TST). RESULTS: In comparison to non-obese individuals, obese women showed higher disinhibition eating, plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA insulin resistance index, leptin, and triglyceride levels but lesser plasma adiponectin and HDLC. Lower adiponectin was directly associated with higher disinhibition eating. Plasma leptin related positively to fat mass and insulin resistance but negatively to acylated ghrelin level. The trend towards increased acylated ghrelin after adjusted for age, obesity and eating behaviors was shown in stress women. CONCLUSION: Increased insulin resistance, high leptin, and reduced adiponectin accompanied with disinhibition eating have been detected in obese women.

Influence of music training on academic examination-induced stress in Thai adolescents.

Several pieces of evidence suggest that academic examinations fulfill the classical requirement of a psychological stressor. Academic examinations represent a stressful challenge to many students, but studies on examination-dependent corticosteroid response, a sensitive physiological indicator of a stress response, are inconsistent. In addition, several studies showed that music can decrease cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and other studies have found that music also may enhance a variety of cognitive functions, such as attention, learning, communication and memory. The present study investigated cortisol response in saliva of Thai adolescents taking academic examinations and analyzed the differences of the stress response between musician and control subjects. Also, we observed whether the academic examination-dependent corticosteroid response affected learning and memory in the test subjects, which comprised 30 musician and 30 control students, age ranging from 15 to 17 years. Mathematical examinations were used as the stressor. Pre- and post-academic examination saliva cortisol levels were measured including self-estimated stress levels. Results showed that the pre-academic examination saliva cortisol concentrations of the musician group are significantly lower than those of the control group, whereas there is no difference in the stress inventory scores. Interestingly, among students with grade point average (GPA) of >3.50, pre-academic examination cortisol levels are significantly lower in the musician compared with control group. This study suggests that under academic examination-induced stress condition, music training can reduce saliva cortisol level in Thai adolescents.

Thai version of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire.

The English version of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) was translated into the Thai language. The TFEQ Thai version shows good internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities. Restraint and disinhibition scores, which were higher in females than males were correlated with body fat but did not relate to BMI. Disinhibition varied positively with restraint and hunger while restraint was negatively associated with hunger. Lowest restraint was shown in the group that reported liking carbohydrate, which is a major daily macronutrient among Thai populations. TFEQ Thai version is valid for future study of eating behaviors associated with health problems and diseases.

Effect of weight loss and ketosis on postprandial cholecystokinin and free fatty acid concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain after weight loss may not be due primarily to voluntary return to social habits but may be explained by changes in peripheral hormonal signals activating hunger and encouraging feeding behavior. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate physiologic adaptations to weight loss that may encourage weight regain. DESIGN: The study had a within-subject repeated-measure design [12 healthy, obese men, 33-64 y, body mass index (in kg/m(2)) 30-46] and was a clinical intervention investigation of circulating metabolites and hunger-satiety responses before and after weight loss. Measures included anthropometry (bioelectrical impedance, body weight, and waist circumference), concentrations of circulating hormones and metabolites [ketone bodies, free fatty acids (FFAs), insulin, leptin, glucose, and cholecystokinin (CCK)], and measures of hunger and satiety at baseline, 8 wk after weight loss with a very-low-energy diet, and 1 wk after weight maintenance. RESULTS: Weight loss led to a reduction in postprandial CCK secretion (P = 0.016). However, when subjects were ketotic (elevated circulating beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations), CCK secretion was sustained at concentrations before weight loss. After weight loss, there were reduced postprandial FFA concentrations (P = 0.0005). The presence of ketosis sustained FFA to concentrations before weight loss (P = 0.60). CONCLUSION: Rapid weight loss of approximately 10% of initial body weight results in a reduction in postprandial CCK and FFA concentrations.

Glycemic and lipid responses to glucomannan in Thais with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits of glucomannan supplement on glycemic and lipid controls in type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with two treatments separated by a 2-week washout period was performed in 10 men and 10 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two separated protocols of experiments were sequentially followed. Initially, purified glucomannan (1 g) or placebo was ingested 30 min before 75-g glucose load to evaluate their effects on glucose absorption and insulin secretion in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Later, the glycemic and lipid changes after 4-week intervention with 3 g/day glucomannan comparing to the placebo were determined. The standard OGTT was performed before and after ending of each intervention. RESULTS: Glucomannan taken before performing the OGTT can lower the rise of blood glucose and insulin from 1 to 2 hour in comparison with the placebo, though a statistically significance of insulin was not achieved. Long-term glucomannan supplement significantly reduced the 120-min glucose area under the curve of OGTT. Glucomannan also decreased the rise of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Reductions of HOMA-insulin resistance index and body mass index were detected in glucomannan-treated group though the former was shown only in females. No within- and between-group differences of insulin, fructosamine, and other lipids were observed in glucomannan- nor placebo- treated groups. CONCLUSION: In type 2 diabetes, pre-prandial glucomannan ingestion attenuated a rise of blood glucose without significantly affecting insulin levels. Long-term supplement of glucomannan to the regular diabetic regimen lessened post challenge glucose AUC and impeded the rise of LDL-C. Supplement of glucomannan may be beneficial to the glycemic and lipid controls in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Estrogen increases glucose-induced insulin secretion from mouse pancreatic islets cultured in a prolonged high glucose condition.

BACKGROUND: It is known that males are more susceptible to develop type 2 diabetes than females. Estrogen has a protective effect on pancreatic islet against toxic agent such as amyloid. The role of estrogen in protection pancreatic islet against high glucose is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: Administration of estrogen in an ovariectomised animal shows a protective effect against type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to determine the direct effect of estrogen on the islet function after prolonged culture in high glucose. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Estrogen (10-1 M in ethanol) was co-cultured with mouse pancreatic islets in normal glucose medium (11.1 mM) for 3 hours or with normal and high glucose medium (40 mM) for 10 days. RESULTS: Estrogen increased glucose-induced insulin secretion in islet culture in normal glucose medium for both 3-hour and 10-day culture. Prolonged exposure of pancreatic islet to high glucose generated impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion, which was partially abrogated by the presence of 10(-5) M estrogen. CONCLUSION: These results indicated a direct effect of estrogen on improving insulin secretion from mouse pancreatic islets that has been impaired by prolonged exposure to high glucose.

Postprandial leptin response to Thai meals with different macronutrient mixtures.

The objective of this study was to investigate the postprandial response of leptin, an appetite-regulating hormone, to different macronutrient mixtures in Thai meals. A within-subject repeat measurement was performed. Two groups of healthy Thais (10 men and 10 women in each group) received a single meal of equal calories composed either a high carbohydrate, low fat, low protein diet (HC-LFLP, carbohydrate:fat:protein = 70%:15%:15%) or a low carbohydrate, high fat, high protein diet (LC-HFHP, carbohydrate:fat:protein = 20%:50%:30%). Fasting and 30-minute interval postprandial blood levels of leptin, insulin and glucose were measured for a 2-hour period. In comparison to the LC-HFHP meal, the HC-LFLP meal produced a greater increase in glucose and insulin levels, but halted leptin from decreasing. Postprandial leptin levels were suppressed by a LC-HFHP meal but not by a HC-LFLP meal. The reduced leptin in conjunction with lower glucose and insulin levels may encourage overeating in habitual LC-HFHP diet consumers.

Assessment of hormonal and metabolic effects of dietary fiber in young Thai women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether daily dietary fiber intake at the reference level has any impact on studied hormones in a population of Thai women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-eight healthy Thai women (aged 18-20 years, BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2) with a history of regular menstrual cycles committed themselves to prepared food without changing the usual ratio of three major macronutrients. Dietary fiber from natural source at the amount of 8-10 g/day equal to their regular consumption was added to their daily diet for one menstrual cycle, then, increased to be 25-30 g/day for another 2 successive cycles. A single blood sample on midluteal day (day 18-23) was obtained in all three cycles. Plasma luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, and insulin together with total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were analyzed. RESULTS: The measured hormones and lipids did not change significantly when compared between a control and two experimental cycles (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term consumption of 25-30 g/day fiber diet as recommended by the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) in a Thai population did not alter the studied hormones and lipids thus did not create any health problems.

Estrogen receptor-alpha mRNA in primary breast cancer: relationship to estrogen and progesterone receptor proteins and other prognostic factors.

The estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha protein and ER mRNA were measured in 314 primary breast cancer patients by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, respectively. The positivity of ER protein was 53% while of ER mRNA was 37.6%. A significant positive association between ER phenotype and ER mRNA was observed (r = 0.40, p < 0.0001) with a positive-negative agreement between them of 71.8%. The percentage of ER-negative, progesterone receptor (PR)-positive breast tumors was 1.9% by EIA and 7% by RT-PCR assay. This may indicate a difference in ER variants in these studied patients. The ER protein and ER mRNA status were inversely related to tumor size and p53 positivity. Also, ER protein was frequently positive in patients with a higher number of lymph node invasions, well to moderate nuclear differentiated tumor cells and negative c-erbB-2 status. The difference of the ER or ER mRNA status regarding ages, menopausal status, tumor stages and histological types was not shown. In the present study, ER mRNA did not demonstrate a closer relationship to prognostic indicators of breast cancer than ER protein. Before including the ER mRNA assessment in routine investigations of breast cancer, its relationship to prognostic factors and survival outcome should be further assessed with a higher number of patients and a longer follow-up time.

Association between estrogen receptor concentration in breast cancer tissue and bone mineral density.

Both bone and the breast are major target tissues of estrogen actions. The biological actions of estrogen depend on the interaction between estrogen and estrogen receptors (ER) in the target tissues. Therefore, ER concentration in tissues such as breast cancer might be associated with the amount of bone mass. The present study was aimed to examine whether there is a relationship between ER concentration in breast cancer tissue (ER-BCA) and bone mineral density (BMD). Forty-seven pre-menopausal and 34 post-menopausal women with newly diagnosed breast cancer were studied. The ER-BCA ranged from 0 to 339 fmol/mg cytosol protein (mean +/- SD = 68.6 +/- 97.0). Pearson's correlation analyses showed that ER-BCA negatively correlated to BMD of the spine (r = -0.251, p = 0.024), forearm (r = -0.341, p = 0.002), hip (r = -0.373, p = 0.001) and total body (r = -0.317, p = 0.004) in all 81 women. In 47 pre-menopausal women, the ER-BCA negatively correlated to the hip (r = -0.455, p = 0.001) and total body (r = -0.395, p = 0.006) but not to the spine and forearm BMD. Whereas, in 34 post-menopausal women, the ER-BCA negatively correlated to forearm BMD (r = -0.399, p = 0.019). Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that the ER-BCA independently correlated to hip BMD in all 81 women (r = -0.373, p < 0.01) and in pre-menopausal women (r = -0.486, p < 0.001) and independently correlated to forearm BMD in post-menopausal women (r = -0.399, p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the presence of high estrogen receptor concentration in breast cancer tissue might induce a deleterious effect on bone mass particularly in pre-menopausal women.