Publications by authors named "Alex I Blakemore"

Objective: Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that protect chromosome ends from DNA damage and are surrogate biomarkers of cellular aging. Current evidence, almost entirely from cross-sectional observations, supports negative associations between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and adverse lifestyle factors and cardiometabolic risk factors. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common gynecological endocrine disorder, is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, both factors associated with accelerated telomere attrition.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Pathogenic heterozygous MC4R variants are associated with hyperphagia and variable degrees of obesity. Several research groups have reported short-term weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery in a few patients with MC4R variants, but lack of longer-term data prevents evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Materials And Methods: Bariatric surgery patients with heterozygous (likely) pathogenic MC4R variants, from three collaborating centers in the Netherlands, France, and the UK, were compared to matched controls (matched 2:1 for age, sex, preoperative BMI, surgical procedure, and diabetes mellitus, but without MC4R mutations).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most clinically and cost-effective treatment for people with severe and complex obesity. Many people presenting for surgery have pre-existing low vitamin and mineral concentrations. The incidence of these may increase after bariatric surgery as all procedures potentially cause clinically significant micronutrient deficiencies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Delphi methodology may be utilized to develop consensus opinion among a group of experts. The aim of our study was to use a modified Delphi process to determine the future research priorities among bariatric and metabolic healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom. Members of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons and the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society were invited to submit individual research questions via an online survey (phase I).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF