Food temperature altered macronutrients induced changes in satiety hormones; glucagon - like peptide -1 and cholecystokinin and their correlation with subjective satiety.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of dietary macronutrients for weight management depend on the integrity of gut hormones. The role of food temperature in the release of satiety hormones and satiety needs elucidation. We aimed to determine the impact of different food temperatures with varying macronutrient compositions on satiety-related gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin (CCK) and find the correlation of satiety hormones with appetite scores and remainder-day food (energy) intake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen healthy participants (eight males and five females) aged 25-35 years with body mass index 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 with no medical illnesses or eating disorders consumed three compositions of meals (high carbohydrate, high fat, and high protein meals) each at three temperatures (cold, warm, and hot) in a randomized, double-blinded, controlled crossover design. Plasma concentrations of peptide hormones were determined at 0, 30, and 240 minutes by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and 24-hours food recall was used for remainder-day food intake (remainder energy). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. The change in plasma levels of gut hormones with time was assessed using Friedman test; Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to compare GLP-1 and CCK hormonal levels across nine meals. RESULTS: A comparison of the three meals at the three temperatures (total of nine groups), showed that the GLP-1 and CCK plasma concentrations were significantly different (P < 0.001). GLP-1 and CCK responses increased more after hot meals than cold meals. Overall, high-fat meals had more effective gut hormone secretions. The area under the curve was increased for GLP-1 in high-fat meals and for CCK in hot meals. The peptide hormones (GLP-1 and CCK) were positively correlated with satiety scores and inversely with remainder food intake. CONCLUSION: The temperature of food was found to be an effective stimulus for the regulation of CCK and GLP-1 secretion. Hot food temperature increased satiety hormones (CCK and GLP-1), independent of food macronutrient composition.

Assessment of gender differences in autonomic nervous control of the cardiovascular system.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences in the control of the cardiovascular system by the autonomic nervous system between young males and females.. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan, from June 2017 to April 2018, and comprised physically healthy medical students of both genders studying in first and second year of their academic studies. The subjects were made to perform the hand grip test and the Valsalva manoeuvre. Their electrocardiogram was recorded during and after the Valsalva manoeuvre. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored before, during and after both the manoeuvres. Parasympathetic activity was assessed by calculating the Valsalva ratio. Sympathetic activity was measured by observing the increase in diastolic blood pressure during hand grip manoeuvre, and decrease in systolic blood pressure during the Valsalva manoeuvre. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 140 subjects, 70(50%) each were males and females. There was no significant difference between the parasympathetic system and sympathetic system working of the two genders (p>0.05). There was significant difference between the two groups in sympathetic system when checked on the basis of the hand grip test (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic system was found to be acting more efficiently in young males compared to their female counterparts.

Comparison of students' performance under composite scheme and split scheme of first professional MBBS examination.

BACKGROUND: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has recently replaced 'composite scheme' of first Professional MBBS examination with 'split scheme'. In composite scheme First Professional MBBS examination is offered after 2 years in medical college while in split scheme the same examination is split into two parts, Part-I after first year and Part-II after completion of 2nd year in medical college. METHODS: This study analyzed the results of two batches of students successively passing the 1st professional MBBS examination at Nishtar Medical College, Multan under two different evaluation systems. One batch of students (N-49) passed under composite scheme in 2001 while the other batch (N-50) passed under the split scheme of 1st professional MBBS examination in 2002. RESULTS: Results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the pass percentage of students under the split scheme (74.65%) as compared with the composite scheme (64.03%). Students secured more total marks (615.36 +/- 35.99) under the split system as compared with the total marks obtained (587.22 +/- 33.85) under the composite system. More students (65.35%) obtained first division (60% or more marks) under the split scheme as compared with the composite scheme (36.29%). CONCLUSION: Students' performance seems to be better under the split scheme as compared with the composite scheme of 1st professional MBBS examination.