The effects of gradual vs. rapid weight loss on serum concentrations of myokines and body composition in overweight and obese females.

Context: Research has shown the modulations of Follistatin (FST) and Myostatin (MST) following weight loss.Objective: We evaluated the effects of gradual weight loss (GWL) and rapid weight loss (RWL) on serum MST, FST, and body composition in overweight and obese females.Materials and methods: Thirty-six overweight and obese females successfully completed the study interventions: GWL (n = 18) or RWL (n = 18). Serum MST and FST concentrations, as well as anthropometric measurements, were collected at baseline and at the conclusion of each weight loss intervention.Results: MST concentration significantly (p < .05) decreased in the GWL; while FST concentration, body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass significantly declined in both conditions. The loss in skeletal muscle mass was significantly greater in RWL relative to GWL.Discussion and conclusion: GWL was more effective than RWL in preserving skeletal muscle mass in overweight and obese females. Moreover, GWL leads to declines in MST concentrations.

The effect of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Elevated serum concentrations of chemerin is a significant factor in the development of metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the influence of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases. METHODS: Thirteen studies including 463 participants were included and analysed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Results indicated that exercise training significantly decreased serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases when compared with controls. Subgroup analysis showed that exercise training resulted in decreases in serum concentrations of chemerin in men, however, this was not significant in women. Moreover, subgroup analyses based on the type of exercise did not reveal differential effects on serum concentrations of chemerin. CONCLUSION: Exercise training may produce improvements in serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases. Further longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The effects of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and obesity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of 43 clinical trials.

CONTEXT: Elevated serum concentrations of chemerin is a significant factor in the development of metabolic disorders in individuals with overweight and obesity. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression evaluated the effects of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. METHODS: Studies published up to January 2021 were identified through four databases. Forty-three studies including 1271 participants were included and analysed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Results indicated that exercise training significantly decreased serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. Subgroup analysis showed that all types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, and combined training) interventions but not high-intensity interval training decreased serum concentrations of chemerin. Subgroup analysis based on baseline body mass index (BMI), gender, and intervention duration showed significant declines in serum concentrations of chemerin. Meta-regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage (BFP) with serum concentrations of chemerin. CONCLUSION: Exercise training may decrease serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. The chemerin-lowering effects of exercise might be related to declines in BFP. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Are young Iranian women with metabolically healthy obesity at increased risk of CVD incidence?

BACKGROUND: The association between the Metabolically Healthy Obese (MHO) phenotype in the absence of metabolic syndrome and subsequent cardiovascular disease remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between MHO and CVD risk in young Iranian women. METHODS: We studied 183 women aged 20-35 years from a population of 308 candidates. We classified participants into 4 phenotypes. We measured body composition, blood pressure, and biochemical factors in all participants. RESULTS: The Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight (MHNW) and Normal Weight Obese (NWO) phenotypes had no statistical differences in any biochemistry variables. FBS, TG, LDL/HDL, Cholesterol/HDL, hs-CRP, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were all higher in Metabolically Unhealthy Obese (MUO) than MHO individuals, whereas HDL was higher in MHO than in MUO individuals. LDL/HDL and hs-CRP were higher in MHO participants than MHNW participants, whereas HDL-c was higher in MHNW than MHO. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study demonstrate that young women displaying the MHO phenotype have a favorable metabolic profile as shown by lower FBS, TG, LDL-c/HDL, Cho/HDL, hs-CRP, and AIP and higher HDL levels than the MUO phenotype. However, MHO individuals were still at greater risk of CVD incidence (lower HDL and higher hs-CRP levels) than MHNW individuals.

CONTEXTO: A associação entre o fenótipo obeso metabolicamente saudável (OMS) na ausência de síndrome metabólica e doença cardiovascular subsequente permanece incerta. OBJETIVOS: Examinamos a associação entre o fenótipo OMS e risco de DCV em jovens iranianas. MÉTODOS: Analisamos 183 mulheres com idade de 20-35 anos de uma população de 308 candidatas. Classificamos as participantes em quatro fenótipos. Mensuramos composição corporal, pressão arterial e fatores bioquímicos em todas as participantes. RESULTADOS: Os fenótipos com peso normal metabolicamente saudável (PNMS) e obeso com peso normal não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas em nenhuma das variáveis bioquímicas. Os níveis de glicemia sanguínea em jejum (GSJ), triglicerídeos (TG), relação LDL/HDL, HDL, proteína C reativa ultrassensível (PCR-us) e índice aterogênico do plasma (IAP) foram mais elevados em obesas metabolicamente não saudáveis (OMNS) do que em indivíduos OMSs, enquanto o HDL foi maior em OMSs do que em indivíduos OMNSs. A relação LDL/HDL e o nível de PCR-us foram mais elevados em participantes OMSs do que em participantes com PNMS, enquanto o HDL foi maior naquelas com PNMS do que nas OMSs. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do presente estudo demonstram que mulheres jovens com o fenótipo OMS têm um perfil metabólico favorável, conforme demonstrado pelos níveis menores de GSJ, TG, relação LDL/HDL, HDL, PCR-us e IAP e pelos níveis maiores de HDL em comparação às mulheres com o fenótipo OMNS. Entretanto, indivíduos OMSs ainda apresentavam maior risco de DCV incidente (níveis menores de HDL e maiores de PCR-us) do que indivíduos com PNMS.

Are young Iranian women with metabolically healthy obesity at increased risk of CVD incidence? / Jovens iranianas obesas metabolicamente saudáveis têm maior risco de incidência de DCV?

Abstract Background The association between the Metabolically Healthy Obese (MHO) phenotype in the absence of metabolic syndrome and subsequent cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Objectives We examined the association between MHO and CVD risk in young Iranian women. Methods We studied 183 women aged 20-35 years from a population of 308 candidates. We classified participants into 4 phenotypes. We measured body composition, blood pressure, and biochemical factors in all participants. Results The Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight (MHNW) and Normal Weight Obese (NWO) phenotypes had no statistical differences in any biochemistry variables. FBS, TG, LDL/HDL, Cholesterol/HDL, hs-CRP, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were all higher in Metabolically Unhealthy Obese (MUO) than MHO individuals, whereas HDL was higher in MHO than in MUO individuals. LDL/HDL and hs-CRP were higher in MHO participants than MHNW participants, whereas HDL-c was higher in MHNW than MHO. Conclusions Results of the present study demonstrate that young women displaying the MHO phenotype have a favorable metabolic profile as shown by lower FBS, TG, LDL-c/HDL, Cho/HDL, hs-CRP, and AIP and higher HDL levels than the MUO phenotype. However, MHO individuals were still at greater risk of CVD incidence (lower HDL and higher hs-CRP levels) than MHNW individuals.

Resumo Contexto A associação entre o fenótipo obeso metabolicamente saudável (OMS) na ausência de síndrome metabólica e doença cardiovascular subsequente permanece incerta. Objetivos Examinamos a associação entre o fenótipo OMS e risco de DCV em jovens iranianas. Métodos Analisamos 183 mulheres com idade de 20-35 anos de uma população de 308 candidatas. Classificamos as participantes em quatro fenótipos. Mensuramos composição corporal, pressão arterial e fatores bioquímicos em todas as participantes. Resultados Os fenótipos com peso normal metabolicamente saudável (PNMS) e obeso com peso normal não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas em nenhuma das variáveis bioquímicas. Os níveis de glicemia sanguínea em jejum (GSJ), triglicerídeos (TG), relação LDL/HDL, HDL, proteína C reativa ultrassensível (PCR-us) e índice aterogênico do plasma (IAP) foram mais elevados em obesas metabolicamente não saudáveis (OMNS) do que em indivíduos OMSs, enquanto o HDL foi maior em OMSs do que em indivíduos OMNSs. A relação LDL/HDL e o nível de PCR-us foram mais elevados em participantes OMSs do que em participantes com PNMS, enquanto o HDL foi maior naquelas com PNMS do que nas OMSs. Conclusões Os resultados do presente estudo demonstram que mulheres jovens com o fenótipo OMS têm um perfil metabólico favorável, conforme demonstrado pelos níveis menores de GSJ, TG, relação LDL/HDL, HDL, PCR-us e IAP e pelos níveis maiores de HDL em comparação às mulheres com o fenótipo OMNS. Entretanto, indivíduos OMSs ainda apresentavam maior risco de DCV incidente (níveis menores de HDL e maiores de PCR-us) do que indivíduos com PNMS.

Rapid Weight Loss vs. Slow Weight Loss: Which is More Effective on Body Composition and Metabolic Risk Factors?

BACKGROUND: Achieving weight loss (WL) in a short time regardless of its consequences has always been the focus of many obese and overweight people. In this study, anthropometric and metabolic effects of two diets for rapid and slow WL and their consequences were examined. METHODS: Forty-two obese and overweight individuals were randomly divided to 2 groups; rapid WL (weight loss of at least 5% in 5 weeks) and slow WL (weight loss of at least 5% in 15 weeks). To compare the effects of the rate of WL in 2 groups, the same amount of was achieved with different durations. Anthropometric indices, lipid, and glycemic profiles, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were evaluated before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Both protocols of rapid WL and slow WL caused reduction in waist circumference, hip circumference, total body water, body fat mass, lean body mass, and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Further reduction in waist circumference, hip circumference, fat mass, and percentage of body fat was observed in slow WL and decreased total body water, lean body mass, fat free mass, and RMR was observed in rapid WL. Improvement in lipid and glycemic profiles was observed in both groups. Reduction of low-density lipoprotein and fasting blood sugar, improvement of insulin resistance, and sensitivity were more significant in rapid WL in comparison to slow WL. CONCLUSIONS: Weight Loss regardless of its severity could improve anthropometric indicators, although body composition is more favorable following a slow WL. Both diets improved lipid and glycemic profiles. In this context, rapid WL was more effective. (IRCT2016010424699N2).

Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Zingiber officinale on Arginase I Activity and Expression in the Retina of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that an increased arginase activity is involved in vascular dysfunction in experimental animals. Zingiber officinale Roscoe, commonly known as ginger, has been widely used in the traditional medicine for treatment of diabetes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at investigating the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Z. officinale on arginase I activity and expression in the retina of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: In this experimental study, 16 male Wistar rats weighing 200 - 250 g were assessed. Diabetes was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight). The rats were randomly allocated into four experimental groups. Untreated healthy and diabetic controls received 1.5 mL/kg distilled water. Treated diabetic rats received 200, and 400 mg/kg of the Z. officinale extract dissolved in distilled water (1.5 mL/kg). Body weight, blood glucose and insulin concentration were measured by standard methods. The arginase I activity and expression were determined by spectrophotometric and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Our results showed that blood glucose concentration was significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated with the extract compared to untreated diabetic controls (P < 0.01). Treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract reduced arginase I activity and expression (P < 0.05). A significant elevation in body weight was observed in diabetic rats treated with the extract. Serum insulin was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with 400 mg/kg of the extract compared to diabetic controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Z. officinale hydroalcoholic extract may potentially be a promising therapeutic option for treating diabetes-induced vascular disorders, possibly through reducing arginase I activity and expression in the retina.