Identification of potential obese-specific biomarkers and pathways associated with abdominal subcutaneous fat deposition in pig using a comprehensive bioinformatics strategy.

Abdominal subcutaneous fat deposition (ASFD) is not only related to meat quality in the pig industry but also to human health in medicine. It is of great value to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of ASFD. The present study aims to identify obese-specific biomarkers and key pathways correlated with ASFD in pigs. The ASF-related mRNA expression dataset GSE136754 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and systematically analyzed using a comprehensive bioinformatics method. A total of 565 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between three obese and three lean pigs, and these DEGs were mainly involved in the p53 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, consisting of 540 nodes and 1,065 edges, was constructed, and the top ten genes with the highest degree scores-ABL1, HDAC1, CDC42, HDAC2, MRPS5, MRPS10, MDM2, JUP, RPL7L1 and UQCRFS1-were identified as hub genes in the whole PPI network. Especially HDAC1, MDM2, MRPS10 and RPL7L1 were identified as potential robust obese-specific biomarkers due to their significant differences in single gene expression levels and high ROC area; this was further verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) on abdominal subcutaneous fat samples from obese-type (Saba) and lean-type (Large White) pigs. Additionally, a mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA ceRNA network consisting of four potential biomarkers, 15 miRNAs and 51 lncRNAs was established, and two targeted lncRNAs with more connections, XIST and NEAT1, were identified as potentially important regulatory factors. The findings of this study may provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism involved in ASFD.

Visceral fat area is more strongly associated with arterial stiffness than abdominal subcutaneous fat area in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the correlation between visceral fat area (VFA) and abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA) with arterial stiffness (AS) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, there is currently controversy regarding the correlation between VFA and SFA with AS. We aimed to investigate the relationship between VFA and SFA with AS in patients with T2D. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1475 Chinese T2D patients with an average age of 52.32 ± 10.96 years were included. VFA and SFA were determined by a dual bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and AS was determined by measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave conduction velocity (baPWV). Atherosclerosis was deemed present in study participants with baPWV values higher than 75th percentile (1781 cm/s). Independent correlations of logVFA and logSFA with AS were assessed using multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The baPWV was linked with VFA, waist circumference, and women's SFA in a general linear correlation study (P < 0.05), but not with body mass index (P = 0.3783) or men's SFA (P = 0.1899). In both men and women, VFA and SFA were positively correlated with AS, according to the generalized additive model (GAM). After fully adjusting for confounders, multiple linear regression analyses showed that for every 1-unit increase in logVFA, the beta coefficient of baPWV increased by 63.1 cm/s (95% CI: 18.4, 107.8) (P < 0.05). logSFA did not correlate significantly with baPWV (P = 0.125). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of elevated baPWV was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1, 3.1) (P = 0.019) per 1-unit increase in logVFA. logSFA did not correlate significantly with AS (P = 0.091). In the subgroup analysis, the correlation between logVFA and baPWV did not interact across subgroups (P-interaction > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SFA, VFA had a stronger independent positive correlation with AS in Chinese T2D patients. Patients with T2D should pay more attention to monitoring VFA and lowering it to minimize cardiovascular events.

Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness combined with a 50-g glucose challenge test at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: This investigation aimed to analyse the efficacy of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (ASFT) value >18.1 mm combined with a 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) between 24-28 weeks of gestation in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) cases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2021 to December 2022. All pregnant women received a 50-g GCT at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy for the GDM screening. Pregnant women with a blood glucose value between 140-190 mg/dl experienced 100 g OGTT. Even if 50-g GCT was normal, 100-g OGTT was offered to patients with an ASFT value above 18.1 mm. RESULTS: Among the 728 pregnant women we enrolled, 154 (21.2%) cases were screened as positive. The number of patients who first screened positive and determined to be GDM after the 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was 43 (5.9%). A total of 67 cases (9.2%) had an ASFT measurement above 18.1 mm. Two cases with a negative 50-g GCT and ASFT <18.1 mm were diagnosed as GDM in the later weeks of pregnancy. A 50-g GCT combined with ASFT measurement above 18.1 mm predicted GDM with a sensitivity of 87.9%, a specificity of 88.7%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 36.0%, and a negative PV (NPV) of 99.7%. CONCLUSIONS: A 50-g GCT combined with ASFT measurement that can be easily and accurately obtained during routine antenatal care in the second trimester might be a beneficial indicator for predicting GDM cases.

Screening and diagnosing pregnant women at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus are crucial to enhancing short- and long-term outcomes of the mother and foetus. An accurate diagnosis could provide proper treatment, which could be dietary or pharmacological, manage the disease, and improve pregnancy outcomes. In the current study, we revealed that gestational diabetes was predicted with high sensitivity and specificity in pregnant women with a 50-gram glucose challenge test and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness measurement above 18.1 millimetres. Therefore, abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness measurement is anticipated to be extensively used as an indicative variable for predicting gestational diabetes mellitus cases during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Associations of early childhood body mass index trajectories with body composition and cardiometabolic markers at age 10 years: the Ethiopian infant anthropometry and body composition (iABC) birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Variability in body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) trajectories is associated with body composition and cardiometabolic markers in early childhood, but it is unknown how these associations track to later childhood. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess associations of BMI trajectories from 0 to 5 y with body composition and cardiometabolic markers at 10 y. METHODS: In the Ethiopian infant anthropometry and body composition (iABC) birth cohort, we previously identified 4 distinct BMI trajectories from 0 to 5 y: stable low BMI (19.2%), normal BMI (48.8%), rapid growth to high BMI (17.9%), and slow growth to high BMI (14.1%). At 10 y, we obtained data from 320 children on anthropometry, body composition, abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat, and cardiometabolic markers. Associations of BMI trajectories and 10-y outcomes were analyzed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Compared with children with the normal BMI trajectory, those with rapid growth to high BMI had 1.7 cm (95% CI: 0.1, 3.3) larger waist circumference and those with slow growth to high had 0.63 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.09, 1.17) greater fat mass index and 0.19 cm (95% CI: 0.02, 0.37) greater abdominal subcutaneous fat, whereas those with stable low BMI had -0.28 kg/m2 (95% CI: -0.59, 0.03) lower fat-free mass at 10 y. Although the confidence bands were wide and included the null value, children with rapid growth to high BMI trajectory had 48.6% (95% CI: -1.4, 123.8) higher C-peptide concentration and those with slow growth to high BMI had 29.8% (95% CI: -0.8, 69.8) higher insulin and 30.3% (95% CI: -1.1, 71.6) higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, whereas those with rapid growth to high BMI had -0.23 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.47, 0.02) lower total cholesterol concentration. The trajectories were not associated with abdominal visceral fat, blood pressure, glucose, and other lipids at 10 y. CONCLUSIONS: Children with rapid and slow growth to high BMI trajectories before 5 y tend to show higher measures of adiposity and higher concentrations of markers related to glucose metabolism at 10 y. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ISRCTN46718296 (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN46718296).

Computed tomographic abdominal fat volume estimation - a handy tool to predict the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Purpose: Abdominal obesity plays a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome, with individual metabolic risk profiles for visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. This study aimed to calculate and correlate the subcutaneous, visceral, and total fat compartment volume in metabolic and non-metabolic syndrome patients. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 112 patients categorized into Group A (with metabolic syndrome) and Group B (without metabolic syndrome). They were subjected to computed tomography (CT) study of the abdomen using a 128-slice MDCT scanner. Body mass index (BMI), visceral fat volume (VFV), subcutaneous fat volume (SFV), and total fat volume (TFV) were calculated and correlated with biochemical evidence of metabolic syndrome. Results: The mean age of patients in Group A was 60.91 ± 12.23 years as compared to Group B, which was 50.12 ± 16.30 years. Overall, a male predominance was observed, i.e. 69 cases (61.6%). BMI was proven to be an inaccurate risk predictor. However, mean VFV, SFV, and TFV was statistically higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001), with visceral fat volume predicting a higher risk in females (p = 0.026). Conclusions: Abdominal CT is a commonly performed yet unexplored tool for the risk assessment of metabolic syndrome. Through the results obtained in this study, we have proven the need for calculating SFV, VFV, and TFV as predictors of metabolic syndrome in comparison to the conventional practice of BMI assessment. The radiologist can thus work with the clinician to effectively detect and treat this health condition.

Sarcopenia and body fat change as risk factors for radiologic incisional hernia following robotic nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of body muscle and fat metrics on the development of radiologic incisional hernia (IH) following robotic nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent robotic nephrectomy for kidney tumors between 2011 and 2017. All pre- and postoperative CTs were re-reviewed by experienced radiologists for detection of radiologic IH and calculation of the following metrics using Synapse 3D software: cross-sectional psoas muscle mass at the level of L3 and L4 as well as subcutaneous and visceral fat areas. Sarcopenia was defined as psoas muscle index below the lowest quartile. Cox proportional hazard model was constructed to examine the association between muscle and fat metrics and the risk of developing radiologic IH. RESULTS: A total of 236 patients with a median (IQR) age of 64 (54-70) years were included in this study. In a median (IQR) follow-up of 23 (14-38) months, 62 (26%) patients developed radiologic IH. On Cox proportional hazard model, we were unable to detect an association between sarcopenia and risk of IH development. In terms of subcutaneous fat change from pre-op, both lower and higher values were associated with IH development (HR (95% CI) 2.1 (1.2-3.4), p = 0.01 and 2.4 (1.4-4.1), p < 0.01 for < Q1 and ≥ Q3, respectively). Similar trend was found for visceral fat area changes from pre-op with a HR of 2.8 for < Q1 and 1.8 for ≥ Q3. CONCLUSION: Both excessive body fat gain and loss are associated with development of radiologic IH in patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.

Differences in specific abdominal fat depots between metabolically healthy and unhealthy children with overweight/obesity: The role of cardiorespiratory fitness.

OBJECTIVES: Fat depots localization has a critical role in the metabolic health status of adults. Nevertheless, whether that is also the case in children remains under-studied. Therefore, the aims of this study were: (i) to examine the differences between metabolically healthy (MHO) and unhealthy (MUO) overweight/obesity phenotypes on specific abdominal fat depots, and (ii) to further explore whether cardiorespiratory fitness plays a major role in the differences between metabolic phenotypes among children with overweight/obesity. METHODS: A total of 114 children with overweight/obesity (10.6 ± 1.1 years, 62 girls) were included. Children were classified as MHO (n = 68) or MUO. visceral (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous (ASAT), intermuscular abdominal (IMAAT), psoas, hepatic, pancreatic, and lumbar bone marrow adipose tissues were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20 m shuttle run test. RESULTS: MHO children had lower VAT and ASAT contents and psoas fat fraction compared to MUO children (difference = 12.4%-25.8%, all p < 0.035). MUO-unfit had more VAT and ASAT content than those MUO-fit and MHO-fit (difference = 34.8%-45.3%, all p < 0.044). MUO-unfit shows also greater IMAAT fat fraction than those MUO-fit and MHO-fit peers (difference = 16.4%-13.9% respectively, all p ≤ 0.001). In addition, MHO-unfit presented higher IMAAT fat fraction than MHO-fit (difference = 13.4%, p < 0.001). MUO-unfit presented higher psoas fat fraction than MHO-fit (difference = 29.1%, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: VAT together with ASAT and psoas fat fraction, were lower in MHO than in MUO children. Further, we also observed that being fit, regardless of metabolic phenotype, has a protective role over the specific abdominal fat depots among children with overweight/obesity.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of abdominal subcutaneous fat for diagnosing amyloidosis: comparison with bone marrow biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with underlying hematologic malignancy have a higher risk of developing systemic amyloidosis, which worsens their prognosis. Histopathologic detection of amyloid deposits in tissue biopsy specimens is the only diagnostic method for amyloidosis. PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (USPCB) of abdominal subcutaneous fat with that of bone marrow biopsy (BMB) for diagnosing amyloidosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 90 consecutive patients with underlying hematologic disorders who underwent both USPCB of abdominal subcutaneous fat and BMB for suspicion of amyloid deposition during a 10-year period were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of detecting amyloid deposition were 85.7% and 100%, respectively, with USPCB as opposed to 4.8% and 100%, respectively, with BMB, and the sensitivity was significantly higher with USPCB (P < 0.001). The mean number of times USPCB was performed was 3.3. There were no major complications associated with USPCB. The sensitivity of detecting amyloidosis was not different between the 18-G needle group and the 14-G group (100% vs. 80%; P = 0.623). Logistic regression analysis revealed that acquiring more cores from USPCB and thinner fat tissues were statistically significant factors that affected the diagnostic accuracy of USPCB for amyloid detection. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of amyloid deposition was significantly higher with USPCB of abdominal subcutaneous fat than BMB. Acquiring more cores by multiple biopsies instead of using a larger bore needle and thin subcutaneous fat pad may be a favorable factor for the diagnostic accuracy of USPCB.

Enxertos compostos de gordura para correção de distrofia facial em caso de esclerodermia localizada / Composite fat grafts for correcting facial dystrophy in a case of localized scleroderma

A esclerodermia localizada (morfeia linear) é uma doença rara que causa distrofia e assimetria faciais em mulheres jovens. É relatado o caso de uma paciente de 20 anos que foi tratada com enxertos compostos de gordura. Após a coleta do lipoaspirado de gordura subcutânea profunda, a microgordura e a nanogordura não filtrada foram processadas separadamente para formar enxertos compostos de gordura. Estes foram meticulosamente transplantados em camadas, para reconstruir o subcutaneo da face da paciente. Após um ano, observou-se boa pega de gordura com correção bem-sucedida da assimetria e restabelecimento do equilíbrio facial.

Localized scleroderma (linear morphea) is a rare disease that causes facial dystrophy and asymmetry in young women. We report the case of a 20-year-old female patient who was treated with novel composite fat grafts. After extracting lipoaspirate from deep subcutaneous fat, the microfat and the unfiltered nanofat were processed separately, and amalgamated, obtaining composite fat grafts. These were meticulously transplanted layer by layer to rebuild the subcutaneous tissue of the patient's face. After one year, a good volume of fat retention was observed with successful correction of asymmetry and restoration of facial balance.

From an Apple to a Pear: Moving Fat around for Reversing Insulin Resistance.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition where the body is resistant to insulin, leading to an elevated blood glucose state. Obesity is a main factor leading to T2D. Many clinical studies, however, have described a proportion of obese individuals who express a metabolically healthy profile, whereas some lean individuals could develop metabolic disorders. To study obesity as a risk factor, body fat distribution needs to be considered rather than crude body weight. Different individuals' bodies favor storing fat in different depots; some tend to accumulate more fat in the visceral depot, while others tend to store it in the femoral depot. This tendency relies on different factors, including genetic background and lifestyle. Consuming some types of medications can cause a shift in this tendency, leading to fat redistribution. Fat distribution plays an important role in the progression of risk of insulin resistance (IR). Apple-shaped individuals with enhanced abdominal obesity have a higher risk of IR compared to BMI-matched pear-shaped individuals, who store their fat in the gluteal-femoral depots. This is related to the different adipose tissue physiology between these two depots. In this review, we will summarize the recent evidence highlighting the underlying protective mechanisms in gluteal-femoral subcutaneous adipose tissues compared to those associated with abdominal adipose tissue, and we will revise the recent evidence showing antidiabetic drugs that impact fat distribution as they manage the T2D condition.

A New Protocol to Treat Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Combining Microwaves and Flat magnetic stimulation.

Background: A healthy lifestyle is not always able to improve the abdomen's appearance, especially in those patients who have undergone sudden weight changes. Objective: We aimed at evaluating the efficacy of combined microwaves and flat magnetic stimulation (FMS) to treat abdominal localized adiposity and laxity. Methods: Twenty-five patients were subjected to two treatment sessions per month on the abdominal area with microwaves. FMS was also performed twice per week, with a minimum of two days between each session for two months. The technology uses three types of different protocols: massage, muscle definition (shaping), and muscular strengthening. Measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist, and abdominal ultrasound were performed at baseline and three months after the last treatment session. Blood examinations were performed, and a 5-Likert scale questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction. Results: At follow-up, three months after the last treatment, the mean waist circumference (WC) was significantly reduced, and skin laxity improved in all patients (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in abdominal muscle tissue thickness was also shown in all abdominal areas, and the thickness of the adipose tissue evaluated by ultrasound was reduced. Conclusions: This study proves that the combination of microwaves and FMS treatment is secure and efficient for treating abdominal subcutaneous fat and skin laxity.

Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance as simple predictors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background: Obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes are major risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to evaluate the association between different grades of NAFLD and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Methods: In this pilot study, 59 obese nondiabetic participants with NAFLD were enrolled. Total cholesterol, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were measured. Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness in the midline just below the xiphoid process in front of the left lobe of the liver (LSFT) and in the umbilical region (USFT), and the degree of hepatic steatosis, were evaluated by ultrasound scans, and their correlation with the degree of steatosis and the NAFLD Activity Score in liver biopsy was assessed. Results: Of the 59 studied participants, 15 had mild, 17 had moderate, and 27 had severe hepatic steatosis by abdominal ultrasound. The mean ± SD HOMA-IR level in NAFLD patients was 5.41±2.70. The severity of hepatic steatosis positively correlated with body mass index (P<0.001), HOMA-IR (P<0.001), serum triglycerides (P=0.001), LSFT (P<0.001), and USFT (P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that LSFT at a cut-off of 3.45 cm is the most accurate predictor of severe hepatic steatosis, with 74.1% sensitivity and 84.4% specificity. The best cut-off of USFT for identifying severe hepatic steatosis is 4.55 cm, with 63% sensitivity and 81.3% specificity. Conclusion: Abdominal subcutaneous fat thicknesses in front of the left lobe of the liver and in the umbilical region, together with HOMA-IR, are reliable indicators of the severity of NAFLD in obese nondiabetic individuals.

Maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness as a simple predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background To date, only a limited number of studies have evaluated the importance of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (ASFT) on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ASFT measurement during routine obstetric ultrasound performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in predicting cases with GDM. Methods This prospective comparative study was conducted on 50 cases with GDM and 50 cases without GDM in the GDM screening program at 24-28 gestational weeks between January 2018 and May 2018. The most accurate ASFT cut-off point values were determined for the prediction of cases with GDM by performing receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results The ASFT was higher in those with GDM compared to those without GDM (P < 0.05). For an ASFT cut-off point value of 18.1 mm for the prediction of cases with GDM, the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were 72.0%, 60.0%, 64.2% and 68.1%, respectively. The risk of GDM increased 3.86-fold in those with ASFT level >18.1 mm (P = 0.001). Conclusion The ASFT value measured by routine obstetric ultrasound performed at 24-28 weeks of gestation was found to be significantly higher in patients with GDM in comparison to those without GDM. However, further multi-centered and comprehensive prospective studies are required to better demonstrate this relationship.

Natural history of impaired glucose tolerance in Japanese Americans: Change in visceral adiposity is associated with remission from impaired glucose tolerance to normal glucose tolerance.

AIMS: To describe the roles of intra-abdominal fat and its change in the remission of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to normal glucose tolerance (NGT). METHODS: We followed 157 Japanese Americans with IGT at baseline for 10-11 years without external intervention. We measured intra-abdominal and abdominal subcutaneous fat area (IAFA and ASFA) by computed tomography at baseline and at 5-6 years of follow-up. Change in IAFA and ASFA (ΔIAFA and ΔASFA) were calculated by subtracting baseline fat area from 5-6 year follow-up fat area. Glucose and insulin at fasting and during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, insulinogenic index (IGI [Δinsulin/Δglucose (30-0 min)]) and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured at baseline. RESULTS: Fourty-four subjects remitted to NGT. Among those with lower IAFA (≤median 91.31 cm2) and the lowest tertile of ΔIAFA, 45% remitted, while with higher IAFA (>91.31 cm2) and the highest tertile of ΔIAFA, only 12.5% remitted. ΔIAFA was significantly associated with remission to NGT (multiple-adjusted odd ratio [1-SD decrease] 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.36) independent of IAFA, ASFA, ΔASFA, IGI, HOMA-IR, age, sex, and family history of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: In the natural history of IGT, change in intra-abdominal fat was associated with remission to NGT.

Dysregulated lipid storage and its relationship with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in non-obese Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of non-obese type 2 diabetes in Asians is up to 50%. This review aims to summarize the role of regional fat in the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in non-obese Asian type 2 diabetes as well as the role of intra-pancreatic fat and ß-cell dysfunction. The body fat content of non-obese Asian type 2 diabetic patients is not different from that of non-diabetic subjects but the proportion of intra-abdominal and intra-hepatic fat are greater. Visceral fat contributes to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in non-obese Asian type 2 diabetes. Intra-hepatic fat and the hypertrophic abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes are associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in non-obese, non-diabetic Asian subjects. It may be true in non-obese Asian type 2 diabetic patients. The role of intra-myocellular lipid and insulin resistance is uncertain. Intra-pancreatic fat may not be involved in ß-cell dysfunction in non-obese Asian type 2 diabetes.

Tratamento não invasivo com ultrassom não focado transcutâneo na redução do tecido subcutâneo abdominal / Non-invasive treatment with transcutaneous non-focused ultrasound for the reduction of abdominal subcutaneous tissue

Introdução: O ultrassom não focado é alternativa não invasiva para melhora do contorno corporal. Métodos: São relatados cinco casos tratados com oito sessões semanais de ultrassom não focado no abdômen. Resultados: O tratamento não interferiu na rotina dos pacientes, tendo sido considerado confortável e seguro. Houve redução na espessura do subcutâneo avaliado por ultrassom e nas medidas circunferenciais em todos os pacientes, com melhora clínica evidenciada na documentação fotográfica principalmente nos pacientes com subcutâneo de baixa espessura. Conclusão: O tratamento se mostrou seguro, com evidências de redução do tecido subcutâneo abdominal.

Introduction: Introduction: Not focused ultrasound is a noninvasive alternative to improve body contour. Methods: It's reported five cases treated with eight weekly sessions of not focused ultrasound on the abdomen. Results: The treatment did not affect the routine of patients; it was comfortable and safe for most. There was a reduction in the thickness of the fat layer evaluated by ultrasound and in the circumferential measures in all patients, with clinical improvement evidenced in the photographic documentation especially in patients with lesser thickness of subcutaneous. Conclusion: The device was safe, and was shown clear reduction in abdominal subcutaneous tissue.

Adipose tissue (P)RR regulates insulin sensitivity, fat mass and body weight.

OBJECTIVE: We previously demonstrated that the handle-region peptide, a prorenin/renin receptor [(P)RR] blocker, reduces body weight and fat mass and may improve insulin sensitivity in high-fat fed mice. We hypothesized that knocking out the adipose tissue (P)RR gene would prevent weight gain and insulin resistance. METHODS: An adipose tissue-specific (P)RR knockout (KO) mouse was created by Cre-loxP technology using AP2-Cre recombinase mice. Because the (P)RR gene is located on the X chromosome, hemizygous males were complete KO and had a more pronounced phenotype on a normal diet (ND) diet compared to heterozygous KO females. Therefore, we challenged the female mice with a high-fat diet (HFD) to uncover certain phenotypes. Mice were maintained on either diet for 9 weeks. RESULTS: KO mice had lower body weights compared to wild-types (WT). Only hemizygous male KO mice presented with lower total fat mass, higher total lean mass as well as smaller adipocytes compared to WT mice. Although food intake was similar between genotypes, locomotor activity during the active period was increased in both male and female KO mice. Interestingly, only male KO mice had increased O2 consumption and CO2 production during the entire 24-hour period, suggesting an increased basal metabolic rate. Although glycemia during a glucose tolerance test was similar, KO males as well as HFD-fed females had lower plasma insulin and C-peptide levels compared to WT mice, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Remarkably, all KO animals exhibited higher circulating adiponectin levels, suggesting that this phenotype can occur even in the absence of a significant reduction in adipose tissue weight, as observed in females and, thus, may be a specific effect related to the (P)RR. CONCLUSIONS: (P)RR may be an important therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and its associated complications such as type 2 diabetes.

Redução de medidas corporais após nove sessões de tratamento com laser de baixa intensidade / Reduction of body measures after a ninesession protocol with Low Level Laser Therapy

Introdução: A terapia com laser de baixa intensidade tem sido considerada alternativa não invasiva para remodelamento corporal e redução do tecido subcutâneo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do laser de baixa intensidade na redução de medidas corporais e do tecido adiposo subcutâneo da região do abdômen e do quadril. Métodos: Estudo aberto, prospectivo, unicêntrico incluiu 25 mulheres com acúmulo de gordura localizada na região do quadril e abdômen. Nove sessões de low level laser therapy foram realizadas ao longo de três semanas. As participantes foram avaliadas no basal e em 1, 4 e 12 semanas após o tratamento. Aferição de peso e medidas de circunferência corporal, exames de perfil lipídico e de ressonância magnética foram realizados. Resultados: As medidas de circunferência abdominal apresentaram redução significativa até 12 semanas após o tratamento. Na região do quadril, as participantes apresentaram redução mais marcante uma semana após a última sessão. Também uma semana após a finalização do tratamento, 80% das participantes consideraram que o tratamento melhorou o contorno do seu corpo. Nenhum evento adverso relacionado ao tratamento foi relatado. Conclusões: O tratamento com a low level laser therapy é seguro e eficaz na redução das medidas de circunferência, principalmente na região abdominal.

Introduction: Low level laser therapy has been considered a non-invasive treatment alternative to body remodeling and fat tissue reduction. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy in reducing body circumference measures and subcutaneous adipose tissue of the abdomen and hips areas. Methods: An open, prospective, monocentric study was performed including 25 women with localized fat on the hips and abdomen. Nine sessions of low level laser therapy were performed over 3 weeks. The participants were assessed at baseline and at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Assessment of weight and body circumferences, lipid profile tests and MRI were performed. Results: The abdominal circumference measurements showed a significant reduction up to 12 weeks after the treatment. Participants showed a more marked reduction in the hips region one week after the last session. Also one week after the completion of the treatment, 80% of the participants considered that the treatment improved their body contour. There was absence of reports of adverse events related to the treatment. Conclusion: Low level laser therapy is safe and effective in reducing the circumference measurements, particularly in the abdominal region.