KMT5B is required for early motor development.

Disruptive variants in lysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B/SUV4-20H1) have been identified as likely-pathogenic among humans with neurodevelopmental phenotypes including motor deficits (i.e., hypotonia and motor delay). However, the role that this enzyme plays in early motor development is largely unknown. Using a Kmt5b gene trap mouse model, we assessed neuromuscular strength, skeletal muscle weight (i.e., muscle mass), neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure, and myofiber type, size, and distribution. Tests were performed over developmental time (postnatal days 17 and 44) to represent postnatal versus adult structures in slow- and fast-twitch muscle types. Prior to the onset of puberty, slow-twitch muscle weight was significantly reduced in heterozygous compared to wild-type males but not females. At the young adult stage, we identified decreased neuromuscular strength, decreased skeletal muscle weights (both slow- and fast-twitch), increased NMJ fragmentation (in slow-twitch muscle), and smaller myofibers in both sexes. We conclude that Kmt5b haploinsufficiency results in a skeletal muscle developmental deficit causing reduced muscle mass and body weight.

Influence of muscle fatigue on contractile twitch characteristics in persons with parkinson's disease and older adults: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: It is widely accepted that pathophysiological changes to the central nervous system of persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) result in negative effects on motor function. However, less information is known regarding the pathology of PD on skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a fatiguing isometric knee extension protocol on muscle mechanics using evoked twitch contractions in persons with PD and in non-impaired older adults (OLD). METHODS: Evoked twitch contractions were examined during a fatiguing protocol in PD (66 ± 9 yr, n = 8) and OLD (65 ± 10 yr, n = 5). Participants performed 5-sec maximal isometric voluntary contractions of the quadriceps femoris with 5-sec rest for 3-min. Every 30-sec during rest intervals, a maximal transcutaneous electrical stimulus was administered to the quadriceps femoris to quantify evoked peak twitch torque (pTT), peak relaxation rate (pRR), and peak rate of torque development (pRTD). RESULTS: A large effect of voluntary fatigue (%decline) was observed (g = 1.58). There were no significant differences in pTT (p = 0.09; 95% CI:-3.6, 0.28) or pRR (p = 0.11; 95% CI:-31, 3.6). However, the slope decline of pRTD in OLD (-35.4 ± 24.7) was greater than PD (-11.5 ± 11.4; p = 0.03), indicating that skeletal muscle in persons with PD is less fatigable compared to non-impaired older adults. CONCLUSION: The rate, not the maximum capacity, of torque generation of the muscle during a fatiguing knee extension protocol was affected by PD. Future studies are warranted to identify the mechanism(s) responsible for the observed differences in skeletal muscle contractile characteristics and potential myofiber distribution variation in PD.

Altered joint kinetic strategies of healthy older adults and individuals with Parkinson's disease to walk at faster speeds.

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit poorer walking performance compared to healthy, age-matched adults. Lower extremity joint kinetics may provide insight into this performance deficit but are currently lacking in the PD literature, especially across multiple speeds. The primary purpose of this study was to compare joint kinetics between individuals with PD and healthy older adults at both comfortable and maximal walking speeds. Secondarily, we quantified relationships between joint kinetics and walking speeds within each group. Biomechanical gait analyses were conducted for 13 individuals with PD and 12 age-matched controls during comfortable (CWS) and maximal (MWS) speed walking. Relative contributions to total positive work from the hip, knee, and ankle were compared across groups and speeds. Within each group, relationships between relative joint work and CWS and MWS were also quantified. Significant group by speed interactions indicated that healthy older adults increased hip and decreased ankle relative work at MWS compared to CWS whereas relative work at all joints in PD group remained stable across speeds. In the older group, positive relationships were observed between relative hip work and MWS. In the PD group, negative relationships were observed between relative hip work and CWS and MWS. Healthy older adults disproportionately increased mechanical contributions from the hip at MWS compared to CWS. Individuals with PD did not exhibit similar disproportionate scaling of joint kinetics across speed conditions. Inability to appropriately scale joint kinetics in PD may represent an inflexible neuromuscular system in PD, which may limit walking performance in this population.

Effects of aging and Parkinson's disease on motor unit remodeling: influence of resistance exercise training.

Aging muscle atrophy is in part a neurodegenerative process revealed by denervation/reinnervation events leading to motor unit remodeling (i.e., myofiber type grouping). However, this process and its physiological relevance are poorly understood, as is the wide-ranging heterogeneity among aging humans. Here, we attempted to address 1) the relation between myofiber type grouping and molecular regulators of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) stability; 2) the impact of motor unit remodeling on recruitment during submaximal contractions; 3) the prevalence and impact of motor unit remodeling in Parkinson's disease (PD), an age-related neurodegenerative disease; and 4) the influence of resistance exercise training (RT) on regulators of motor unit remodeling. We compared type I myofiber grouping, molecular regulators of NMJ stability, and the relative motor unit activation (MUA) requirement during a submaximal sit-to-stand task among untrained but otherwise healthy young (YA; 26 yr, n = 27) and older (OA; 66 yr, n = 91) adults and OA with PD (PD; 67 yr, n = 19). We tested the effects of RT on these outcomes in OA and PD. PD displayed more motor unit remodeling, alterations in NMJ stability regulation, and a higher relative MUA requirement than OA, suggesting PD-specific effects. The molecular and physiological outcomes tracked with the severity of type I myofiber grouping. Together these findings suggest that age-related motor unit remodeling, manifested by type I myofiber grouping, 1) reduces MUA efficiency to meet submaximal contraction demand, 2) is associated with disruptions in NMJ stability, 3) is further impacted by PD, and 4) may be improved by RT in severe cases. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Because the physiological consequences of varying amounts of myofiber type grouping are unknown, the current study aims to characterize the molecular and physiological correlates of motor unit remodeling. Furthermore, because exercise training has demonstrated neuromuscular benefits in aged humans and improved innervation status and neuromuscular junction integrity in animals, we provide an exploratory analysis of the effects of high-intensity resistance training on markers of neuromuscular degeneration in both Parkinson's disease (PD) and age-matched older adults.

Quantification and characterization of grouped type I myofibers in human aging.

INTRODUCTION: Myofiber type grouping is a histological hallmark of age-related motor unit remodeling. Despite the accepted concept that denervation-reinnervation events lead to myofiber type grouping, the completeness of those conversions remains unknown. METHODS: Type I myofiber grouping was assessed in vastus lateralis biopsies from Young (26 ± 4 years; n = 27) and Older (66 ± 4 years; n = 91) adults. Grouped and ungrouped type I myofibers were evaluated for phenotypic differences. RESULTS: Higher type I grouping in Older versus Young was driven by more myofibers per group (i.e., larger group size) (P < 0.05). In Older only, grouped type I myofibers displayed larger cross-sectional area, more myonuclei, lower capillary supply, and more sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase I (SERCA I) expression (P < 0.05) than ungrouped type I myofibers. DISCUSSION: Grouped type I myofibers retain type II characteristics suggesting that conversion during denervation-reinnervation events is either progressive or incomplete. Muscle Nerve 57: E52-E59, 2018.

Neuromuscular rate of force development deficit in Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND: Bradykinesia and reduced neuromuscular force exist in Parkinson disease. The interpolated twitch technique has been used to evaluate central versus peripheral manifestations of neuromuscular strength in healthy, aging, and athletic populations, as well as moderate to advanced Parkinson disease, but this method has not been used in mild Parkinson disease. This study aimed to evaluate quadriceps femoris rate of force development and quantify potential central and peripheral activation deficits in individuals with Parkinson disease. METHODS: Nine persons with mild Parkinson Disease (Hoehn & Yahr≤2, Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale total score=mean 19.1 (SD 5.0)) and eight age-matched controls were recruited in a cross-sectional investigation. Quadriceps femoris voluntary and stimulated maximal force and rate of force development were evaluated using the interpolated twitch technique. FINDINGS: Thirteen participants satisfactorily completed the protocol. Individuals with early Parkinson disease (n=7) had significantly slower voluntary rate of force development (p=0.008; d=1.97) and rate of force development ratio (p=0.004; d=2.18) than controls (n=6). No significant differences were found between groups for all other variables. INTERPRETATIONS: Persons with mild-to-moderate Parkinson disease display disparities in rate of force development, even without deficits in maximal force. The inability to produce force at a rate comparable to controls is likely a downstream effect of central dysfunction of the motor pathway in Parkinson disease.

Muscle activation during various hamstring exercises.

The dorsal muscles of the lower torso and extremities have often been denoted the "posterior chain." These muscles are used to support the thoracic and lumbar spine and peripheral joints, including the hip, knee, and ankle on the dorsal aspect of the body. This study investigated the relative muscle activity of the hamstring group and selected surrounding musculature during the leg curl, good morning, glute-ham raise, and Romanian deadlift (RDL). Twelve healthy, weight-trained men performed duplicate trials of single repetitions at 85% 1-repetition maximum for each lift in random order, during which surface electromyography and joint angle data were obtained. Repeated measures analysis of variance across the 4 exercises was performed to compare the activity from the erector spinae (ES), gluteus medius (GMed), semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (MGas). Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were noted in eccentric muscle activity between exercise for the MGas (p < 0.027), ST (p < 0.001), BF (p < 0.001), and ES (p = 0.032), and in concentric muscle activity, for the ES (p < 0.001), BF (p = 0.010), ST (p = 0.009), MGas (p < 0.001), and the GMed (p = 0.018). Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed significant pairwise differences during eccentric actions for the BF, ST, and MGas. Post hoc analysis also revealed significant pairwise differences during concentric actions for the ES, BF, ST, MGas, and GMed. Each of these showed effect sizes that are large or greater. The main findings of this investigation are that the ST is substantially more active than the BF among all exercises, and hamstring activity was maximized in the RDL and glute-ham raise. Therefore, athletes and coaches who seek to maximize the involvement of the hamstring musculature should consider focusing on the glute-ham raise and RDL.

Physiological and pharmacokinetic effects of oral 1,3-dimethylamylamine administration in men.

BACKGROUND: 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA) has been a component of dietary supplements and is also used within "party pills," often in conjunction with alcohol and other drugs. Ingestion of higher than recommended doses results in untoward effects including cerebral hemorrhage. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to determine both the pharmacokinetic profile and physiologic responses of DMAA. METHODS: Eight men reported to the lab in the morning following an overnight fast and received a single 25 mg oral dose of DMAA. Blood samples were collected before and through 24 hours post-DMAA ingestion and analyzed for plasma DMAA concentration using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Resting heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature was also measured. RESULTS: One subject was excluded from the data analysis due to abnormal DMAA levels. Analysis of the remaining seven participants showed DMAA had an oral clearance of 20.02 ± 5 L∙hr⁻¹, an oral volume of distribution of 236 ± 38 L, and terminal half-life of 8.45 ± 1.9 hr. Lag time, the delay in appearance of DMAA in the circulation following extravascular administration, varied among participants but averaged approximately 8 minutes (0.14 ± 0.13 hr). The peak DMAA concentration for all subjects was observed within 3-5 hours following ingestion and was very similar across subjects, with a mean of ~70 ng∙mL⁻¹. Heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature were largely unaffected by DMAA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first data to characterize the oral pharmacokinetic profile of DMAA. These findings indicate a consistent pattern of increase across subjects with regards to peak DMAA concentration, with peak values approximately 15-30 times lower than those reported in case studies linking DMAA intake with adverse events. Finally, a single 25 mg dose of DMAA does not meaningfully impact resting heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01765933.

Effect of grip width on electromyographic activity during the upright row.

The upright row (URR) is commonly used to develop the deltoid and upper back musculature. However, little information exists concerning muscle recruitment during variations of this exercise. Sixteen weight-trained men completed 2 repetitions each in the URR with 3 grip conditions: 50, 100, and 200% of the biacromial breadth (BAB). The load was the same for all grip conditions and was equal to 85% of the 1RM determined at 100% BAB. Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to compare the maximal activity of the anterior deltoid (AD), lateral deltoid (LD), posterior deltoid (PD), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and biceps brachii (BB) during the 3 grip widths for eccentric and concentric actions. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted in concentric muscle activity for LD (p < 0.001) and PD (p < 0.001), and in eccentric muscle activity for AD (p = 0.023), LD (p < 0.001), UT (p < 0.001), MT (p < 0.001), and BB (p = 0.003). Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed significant pairwise differences in the concentric actions from the LD (50% vs. 200% BAB and 100% vs. 200% BAB) and PD (50% vs. 200% BAB and 100% vs. 200% BAB), and eccentric actions of the LD (all comparisons), UT (all comparisons), MT (50% vs. 200% BAB and 100% vs. 200% BAB), and BB (50% vs. 200% BAB), with large-to-very-large effect sizes (ESs). Moderate-to-large ESs were noted for several nonsignificant comparisons. The main findings of this investigation are increased deltoid and trapezius activity with increasing grip width, and correspondingly less BB activity. Therefore, those who seek to maximize involvement of the deltoid and trapezius muscles during the URR should use a wide grip.

Effect of a 21 day Daniel Fast on metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women.

BACKGROUND: Dietary modification via caloric restriction is associated with multiple effects related to improved metabolic and cardiovascular health. However, a mandated reduction in kilocalories is not well-tolerated by many individuals, limiting the long-term application of such a plan. The Daniel Fast is a widely utilized fast based on the Biblical book of Daniel. It involves a 21 day ad libitum food intake period, devoid of animal products and preservatives, and inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the Daniel Fast to improve markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk. METHODS: 43 subjects (13 men; 30 women; 35 ± 1 yrs; range: 20-62 yrs) completed a 21 day period of modified food intake in accordance with detailed guidelines provided by investigators. All subjects purchased and prepared their own food. Following initial screening, subjects were given one week to prepare for the fast, after which time they reported to the lab for their pre-intervention assessment (day 1). After the 21 day fast, subjects reported to the lab for their post-intervention assessment (day 22). For both visits, subjects reported in a 12 hr fasted state, performing no strenuous physical activity during the preceding 24-48 hrs. At each visit, mental and physical health (SF-12 form), resting heart rate and blood pressure, and anthropometric variables were measured. Blood was collected for determination of complete blood count, metabolic panel, lipid panel, insulin, HOMA-IR, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Subjects' self-reported compliance, mood, and satiety in relation to the fast were also recorded. Diet records were maintained by all subjects during the 7 day period immediately prior to the fast (usual intake) and during the final 7 days of the fast. RESULTS: Subjects' compliance to the fast was 98.7 ± 0.2% (mean ± SEM). Using a 10 point scale, subjects' mood and satiety were both 7.9 ± 0.2. The following variables were significantly (p < 0.05) lower following the fast as compared to before the fast: white blood cell count (5.68 ± 0.24 vs. 4.99 ± 0.19 103.µL-1), blood urea nitrogen (13.07 ± 0.58 vs. 10.14 ± 0.59 mg.dL-1), blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (14.74 ± 0.59 vs. 11.67 ± 0.68), protein (6.95 ± 0.07 vs. 6.77 ± 0.06 g.dL-1), total cholesterol (171.07 ± 4.57 vs. 138.69 ± 4.39 mg.dL-1), LDL-C (98.38 ± 3.89 vs. 76.07 ± 3.53 mg.dL-1), HDL-C (55.65 ± 2.50 vs. 47.58 ± 2.19 mg.dL-1), SBP (114.65 ± 2.34 vs. 105.93 ± 2.12 mmHg), and DBP (72.23 ± 1.59 vs. 67.00 ± 1.43 mmHg). Insulin (4.42 ± 0.52 vs. 3.37 ± 0.35 µU.mL-1; p = 0.10), HOMA-IR (0.97 ± 0.13 vs.0.72 ± 0.08; p = 0.10), and CRP (3.15 ± 0.91 vs. 1.60 ± 0.42 mg.L-1; p = 0.13), were lowered to a clinically meaningful, albeit statistically insignificant extent. No significant difference was noted for any anthropometric variable (p > 0.05). As expected, multiple differences in dietary intake were noted (p < 0.05), including a reduction in total kilocalorie intake (2185 ± 94 vs. 1722 ± 85). CONCLUSION: A 21 day period of modified dietary intake in accordance with the Daniel Fast is 1) well-tolerated by men and women and 2) improves several risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Larger scale, randomized studies, inclusive of a longer time period and possibly a slight modification in food choice in an attempt to maintain HDL cholesterol, are needed to extend these findings.

Structural and functional predictors of drop vertical jump.

This investigation was designed to determine if relatively small manipulations of squat load and the inclusion of selected morphologic variables might augment the explained variance in vertical jump (VJ) displacement. Fifty-two university students (27 women and 25 men) with weight training experience served as subjects. All were assessed for body fat percentage (BF%), height, body weight (BW), leg length (LL), ankle range of motion, and quadriceps angle (Q-angle). Additionally, subjects performed drop vertical jumps (DVJs) and both countermovement jump (CMJ) squats and static jump (SJ) squats at 20, 30, and 40% of their back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM). A preliminary analysis revealed that DVJcm for all subjects (28.1 +/- 6.64; mean +/- SD) was most highly correlated with both CMJ @ 30% 1RM (CMJ30PP) and SJ @ 20% 1RM (SJ20PP) (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Forced multiple regression was then used to determine which variables contributed to VJ displacement. The greatest variability explained (83%) used a CMJ: DVJcm = 20.311 + (0.008) (CMJ30PP) - (0.346) (BW). When the same variables were used to calculate separate gender-based regressions, the explained variance in DVJcm (men = 33.0 +/- 5.34 cm; women = 23.4 +/- 3.79 cm) was 68% for men and 64% for women. These findings suggest that jump squat peak power at a light load is a good predictor of VJ and that its training-induced augmentation would likely improve VJ. The addition of BW to the equation explained slightly more variability in DVJcm than in BF%. Because excess amounts of either would be an additional load to be moved against gravity (fat in general or skeletal muscle in the upper torso), it follows that relatively high levels of either might be expected to attenuate VJ performance.

Effect of the dietary supplement Meltdown on catecholamine secretion, markers of lipolysis, and metabolic rate in men and women: a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: We have recently reported that the dietary supplement Meltdown increases plasma norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), glycerol, free fatty acids (FFA), and metabolic rate in men. However, in that investigation measurements ceased at 90 minutes post ingestion, with values for blood borne variables peaking at this time. It was the purpose of the present investigation to extend the time course of measurement to 6 hours, and to include women within the design to determine if sex differences to treatment exist. METHODS: Ten men (24 +/- 4 yrs) and 10 women (22 +/- 2 yrs) ingested Meltdown or a placebo, using a randomized, cross-over design with one week separating conditions. Blood samples were collected immediately before supplementation and at one hour intervals through 6 hours post ingestion. A standard meal was provided after the hour 3 collection. Samples were assayed for EPI, NE, glycerol, and FFA. Five minute breath samples were collected at each time for measurement of metabolic rate and substrate utilization. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at all times. Data were also analyzed using a 2 (sex) x 2 (condition) x 7 (time) repeated measures analysis of variance, with Tukey post hoc testing. RESULTS: No sex x condition interactions were noted for AUC for any variable (p > 0.05). Hence, AUC data are collapsed across men and women. AUC was greater for Meltdown compared to placebo for EPI (367 +/- 58 pg x mL(-1) x 6 hr(-1) vs. 183 +/- 27 pg x mL(-1) x 6 hr(-1); p = 0.01), NE (2345 +/- 205 pg x mL(-1) x 6 hr(-1) vs. 1659 +/- 184 pg x mL(-1) x 6 hr(-1); p = 0.02), glycerol (79 +/- 8 microg x mL)-1) x 6 hr(-1) vs. 59 +/- 6 microg x mL(-1) x 6 hr(-1); p = 0.03), FFA (2.46 +/- 0.64 mmol x L(-1) x 6 hr(-1) vs. 1.57 +/- 0.42 mmol x L(-1) x 6 hr(-1); p = 0.05), and kilocalorie expenditure (439 +/- 26 kcal x 6 hrs(-1) vs. 380 +/- 14 kcal x 6 hrs(-1); p = 0.02). No effect was noted for substrate utilization (p = 0.39). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001; 1-16 mmHg), as well as heart rate (p = 0.01; 1-9 bpm) were higher for Meltdown. No sex x condition x time interactions were noted for any variable (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ingestion of Meltdown results in an increase in catecholamine secretion, lipolysis, and metabolic rate in young men and women, with a similar response for both sexes. Meltdown may prove to be an effective intervention strategy for fat loss, assuming individuals are normotensive and their treatment is monitored by a qualified health care professional.

Dietary supplement increases plasma norepinephrine, lipolysis, and metabolic rate in resistance trained men.

Correction to Richard J Bloomer, Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman, Kelley G Hammond, Brian K Schilling, Adrianna A Weber and Bradford J Cole: Dietary supplement increases plasma norepinephrine, lipolysis, and metabolic rate in resistance trained men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2009, 6: 4.

Dietary supplement increases plasma norepinephrine, lipolysis, and metabolic rate in resistance trained men.

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplements targeting fat loss and increased thermogenesis are prevalent within the sport nutrition/weight loss market. While some isolated ingredients have been reported to be efficacious when used at high dosages, in particular in animal models and/or via intravenous delivery, little objective evidence is available pertaining to the efficacy of a finished product taken by human subjects in oral form. Moreover, many ingredients function as stimulants, leading to increased hemodynamic responses. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a finished dietary supplement on plasma catecholamine concentration, markers of lipolysis, metabolic rate, and hemodynamics. METHODS: Ten resistance trained men (age = 27 +/- 4 yrs; BMI = 25 +/- 3 kg. m-2; body fat = 9 +/- 3%; mean +/- SD) ingested a dietary supplement (Meltdown(R), Vital Pharmaceuticals) or a placebo, in a random order, double blind cross-over design, with one week separating conditions. Fasting blood samples were collected before, and at 30, 60, and 90 minutes post ingestion and were assayed for epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), glycerol, and free fatty acids (FFA). Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for all variables. Gas samples were collected from 30-60 minutes post ingestion for measurement of metabolic rate. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at all blood collection times. RESULTS: AUC was greater for the dietary supplement compared to the placebo for NE (1332 +/- 128 pg.mL-1.90 min-1 vs. 1003 +/- 133 pg.mL-1.90 min-1; p = 0.03), glycerol (44 +/- 3 mug.mL-1.90 min-1 vs. 26 +/- 2 mug.mL-1.90 min-1; p < 0.0001), and FFA (1.24 +/- 0.17 mmol.L-1.90 min-1 vs. 0.88 +/- 0.12 mmol.L-1.90 min-1; p = 0.0003). No difference between conditions was noted for EPI AUC (p > 0.05). For all variables, values were highest at 90 minutes post ingestion. Total kilocalorie expenditure during the 30 minute collection period was 29.6% greater (p = 0.02) for the dietary supplement (35 +/- 3 kcal) compared to placebo (27 +/- 2 kcal). A condition main effect was noted for systolic blood pressure (p = 0.04), with values increasing from 117 +/- 2 mmHg to 123 +/- 2 mmHg with the dietary supplement, while remaining unchanged for placebo. No other hemodynamic changes were noted (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The dietary supplement results in an acute increase in plasma NE and markers of lipolysis, as well as metabolic rate. This occurs without altering hemodynamic variables in a clinically significant manner. Intervention studies to determine the impact of this dietary supplement on weight/fat loss are warranted.