Plasma Cytokeratin-18 Fragment Level Reflects the Metabolic Phenotype in Obesity.

There is growing interest in the non-invasive identification and monitoring of the outcome of liver damage in obese patients. Plasma cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) fragment levels correlate with the magnitude of hepatocyte apoptosis and have recently been proposed to independently predict the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of the study was to analyze the associations of CK-18 with obesity and related complications: insulin resistance, impaired lipid metabolism and the secretion of hepatokines, adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Plasma Level Influences the Effect of n-3 PUFA Supplementation.

Elevated glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) levels in obesity may predict the metabolic benefits of n-3 PUFA supplementation. This placebo-controlled trial aimed to analyze fasting and postprandial GIP response to 3-month n-3 PUFA supplementation (1.8 g/d; DHA:EPA, 5:1) along with caloric restriction (1200-1500 kcal/d) in obese subjects.

The Effect of Caloric Restriction with and without n-3 PUFA Supplementation on Bone Turnover Markers in Blood of Subjects with Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Weight loss contributes to an increased risk of hip fracture, especially in postmenopausal women. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation could diminish the adverse effect of weight loss on bone health. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel trial was to investigate the effect of caloric restriction and n-3 PUFA supplement intake on osteogenic markers (carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC); procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (PINP)), as well as a bone resorption marker (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I)) in a serum of 64 middle aged individuals (BMI 25-40 kg/m) with abdominal obesity.

Epigenetic Regulation of Processes Related to High Level of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Obese Subjects.

We hypothesised that epigenetics may play an important role in mediating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) resistance in obesity. We aimed to evaluate DNA methylation changes and miRNA pattern in obese subjects associated with high serum FGF21 levels. The study included 136 participants with BMI 27-45 kg/m.

DNA methylation microarrays identify epigenetically regulated lipid related genes in obese patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Epigenetics can contribute to lipid disorders in obesity. The DNA methylation pattern can be the cause or consequence of high blood lipids. The aim of the study was to investigate the DNA methylation profile in peripheral leukocytes associated with elevated LDL-cholesterol level in overweight and obese individuals.

Enhanced GIP Secretion in Obesity Is Associated with Biochemical Alteration and miRNA Contribution to the Development of Liver Steatosis.

Nutrient excess enhances glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion, which may in turn contribute to the development of liver steatosis. We hypothesized that elevated GIP levels in obesity may affect markers of liver injury through microRNAs. The study involved 128 subjects (body mass index (BMI) 25-40).

Effect of insulin resistance on whole blood mRNA and microRNA expression affecting bone turnover.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of insulin resistance in obesity on the expression in whole blood of mRNA and miRNA affecting bone homeostasis as well as to estimate the influence of oral glucose load (OGTT) on serum osteocalcin concentration in obese individuals with and without insulin resistance.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Carboxylated (cOC), undercarboxylated (ucOC) and total osteocalcin were measured by ELISA in the serum of obese subjects with insulin resistance (n = 41) and obese subjects without insulin resistance (n = 41) (control group) during OGTT.

Effects of dietary fat on insulin secretion in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

Objective Impaired insulin secretion and action contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Dietary fat modification may improve insulin sensitivity, whereas the effect on insulin secretion is unclear. We investigated the effect of dietary fat modification on insulin secretion in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

Case report of dysregulation of primary bile acid synthesis in a family with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

Rationale: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, coding for peroxisomal membrane transporter adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) protein. The disease is characterized by accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in tissues. Adult adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and the cerebral inflammatory form of ALD are the main phenotypes presenting various symptoms.

High Fat Mixed Meal Tolerance Test Leads to Suppression of Osteocalcin Decrease in Obese Insulin Resistant Subjects Compared to Healthy Adults.

Nutrients influence bone turnover. Carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC) participates in bone formation whereas its undercarboxylated form (Glu-OC) acts as a hormone in glucose metabolism. The aim of the study was to determine the responses of Gla-OC, Glu-OC, and total-OC (calculated as the sum of Gla-OC and Glu-OC) to a high fat mixed meal tolerance test (HFMTT) in non-obese (body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m², = 24) and obese subjects (30 < BMI < 40 kg/m², = 70) (both sexes, aged 25⁻65 years).

Relation of the protein glycation, oxidation and nitration to the osteocalcin level in obese subjects.

Carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC) contributes to the bone formation, whereas its undercarboxylated form (Glu-OC) takes part in the energy metabolism. In vitro studies had shown that treatment of osteoblast-like cells with advanced glycation end product-modified bovine serum resulted in reduced synthesis of collagen 1 and osteocalcin. The aim of this study was to find association between Gla-OC and markers of protein glycation, oxidation and nitration, as well as pro-inflammatory and antioxidant defense markers in obese subjects.

APOE genotype influences insulin resistance, apolipoprotein CII and CIII according to plasma fatty acid profile in the Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic markers associated with the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) may be affected by interactions between the APOE genotype and plasma fatty acids (FA). In this study, we explored FA-gene interactions between the missense APOE polymorphisms and FA status on metabolic markers in MetS. Plasma FA, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and lipid concentrations were determined at baseline and following a 12-week randomized, controlled, parallel, dietary FA intervention in 442 adults with MetS (LIPGENE study).

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation influences the whole blood transcriptome in women with obesity, associated with pro-resolving lipid mediator production.

The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce low-grade inflammation associated with obesity. The relationship between therapeutic response to n-3 PUFAs and modification of the transcriptome in obesity or metabolic syndrome remains to be explored. Blood samples were obtained from women with obesity before and after three-months supplementation with a moderate dose of n-3 PUFAs (1.

Dicarbonyl stress in clinical obesity.

The glyoxalase system in the cytoplasm of cells provides the primary defence against glycation by methylglyoxal catalysing its metabolism to D-lactate. Methylglyoxal is the precursor of the major quantitative advanced glycation endproducts in physiological systems - arginine-derived hydroimidazolones and deoxyguanosine-derived imidazopurinones. Glyoxalase 1 of the glyoxalase system was linked to anthropometric measurements of obesity in human subjects and to body weight in strains of mice.

Effect of caloric restriction with or without n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on insulin sensitivity in obese subjects: A randomized placebo controlled trial.

Background: Caloric restriction and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation protect from some of the metabolic complications. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a low calorie diet with or without n-3 PUFA supplementation on glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) output and insulin sensitivity markers in obese subjects.

Methods: Obese, non-diabetic subjects (BMI 30-40 kg/m(2)) and aged 25-65 yr.

An In Vitro Study of the Neurotoxic Effects of N-Benzylpiperazine: A Designer Drug of Abuse.

Recently, the number of new psychoactive substances has significantly increased. Despite the systematic introduction of prohibition in trade of medicinal products which mimic the effects of illegal drugs, the problem concerning this group of drugs is still important although knowledge about the mechanism of action of those types of substances is scarce. This study aimed to follow the neurotoxic effect of N-benzylpiperazine (BZP), the central nervous system psychostimulant, using the human cancer LN-18 cell model.

[Effect of free fatty acids on CYP19A1 (aromatase) gene expression in human adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction cells].

Unlabelled: Aromatase plays an important role in the estrogen biosynthesis. Its gen (CYP19A1) is expressed in preadipocytes (stromal vascular fraction, SVF) of adipose tissue. Estrogens are found to be protective for metabolism homeostasis, and cardiovascular system.

Bipolar spectrum features in obese individuals.

Unlabelled: AIM : The relationships between obesity and bipolar spectrum disorders (BSD) are unclear. Thus, the aim of our study were to approximate the prevalence of soft bipolar features in patients seeking treatment for obesity.

Methods: We performed a nested case-control study (cases: 90 patients with the mean BMI=38.

Insulin resistance determines a differential response to changes in dietary fat modification on metabolic syndrome risk factors: the LIPGENE study.

Background: Previous data support the benefits of reducing dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on insulin resistance (IR) and other metabolic risk factors. However, whether the IR status of those suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects this response is not established.

Objective: Our objective was to determine whether the degree of IR influences the effect of substituting high-saturated fatty acid (HSFA) diets by isoenergetic alterations in the quality and quantity of dietary fat on MetS risk factors.

Influence of dietary fatty acids on differentiation of human stromal vascular fraction preadipocytes.

Mediators such as cytokines, eicosanoids, nitric oxide and growth factors may regulate adipogenesis as well as inflammation. It is well documented that production of some form of eicosanoids activates lipid synthesis during adipogenesis but also contributes to the formation of factors maintaining low-level systemic inflammation. Developing nutrients for reduction of adipogenesis and inflammation can enhance preventive efficacy of daily diet.

White adipose tissue reference network: a knowledge resource for exploring health-relevant relations.

Optimal health is maintained by interaction of multiple intrinsic and environmental factors at different levels of complexity-from molecular, to physiological, to social. Understanding and quantification of these interactions will aid design of successful health interventions. We introduce the reference network concept as a platform for multi-level exploration of biological relations relevant for metabolic health, by integration and mining of biological interactions derived from public resources and context-specific experimental data.

Impact of antiretroviral therapy on selected metabolic disorders - pilot study.

Background: Taking into consideration the aging of HIV infected individuals, changes in the metabolism aggravated by the antiretroviral therapy significantly impact their health. Mechanisms responsible for lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR) occurrence have not been completely understood. Only recently, the free fatty acids (FFAs) metabolic turnover has become considered to be the independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications.

Metabolic complications and selected cytokines in HIV-infected individuals.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are at a higher risk of developing metabolic disturbances. The pathogenesis of these complications is complex and not fully explored.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of HIV infection and antiretroviral (ARV) therapy on the development of metabolic changes and adipocytokine concentrations.

Top single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting carbohydrate metabolism in metabolic syndrome: from the LIPGENE study.

Rationale: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a high-prevalence condition characterized by altered energy metabolism, insulin resistance, and elevated cardiovascular risk.

Objectives: Although many individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been linked to certain MetS features, there are few studies analyzing the influence of SNPs on carbohydrate metabolism in MetS.

Methods: A total of 904 SNPs (tag SNPs and functional SNPs) were tested for influence on 8 fasting and dynamic markers of carbohydrate metabolism, by performance of an intravenous glucose tolerance test in 450 participants in the LIPGENE study.

Metabolic effects of the HIV protease inhibitor--saquinavir in differentiating human preadipocytes.

Background: The iatrogenic, HIV-related lipodystrophy is associated with development of the significant metabolic and cardiovascular complications. The underlying mechanisms of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs are not completely explored.

Methods: The aim of the study was to characterize effects of the protease inhibitor (PI)--saquinavir (SQV) on metabolic functions, and gene expression during differentiation in cells (Chub-S7) culture.