The experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome on a very low-calorie diet.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is variously reported to affect between 5% and 26% of reproductive age women in the UK and accounts for up to 75% of women attending fertility clinics due to anovulation. The first-line treatment option for overweight/obese women with PCOS is diet and lifestyle interventions. However, optimal dietary guidelines are missing, with very little research having been done in this area.

Weight loss for women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome following a very low-calorie diet in a community-based setting with trained facilitators for 12 weeks.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects between 2% and 26% of reproductive-age women in the UK, and accounts for up to 75% of anovulatory infertility. The major symptoms include ovarian disruption, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovaries. Interestingly, at least half of the women with PCOS are obese, with the excess weight playing a pathogenic role in the development and progress of the syndrome.

Leptin inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells at supraphysiological concentrations by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.

Leptin is a hormone secreted by white fat tissue and signals the amount of overall body fat to the hypothalamus. The circulating concentration of leptin correlates with the level of obesity. Breast cancer risk is higher in obese postmenopausal women compared with postmenopausal women of a normal weight, and high leptin concentrations may contribute to this risk.

The effect of very low-calorie diets on renal and hepatic outcomes: a systematic review.

Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are an effective means by which to induce clinically significant weight loss. However, their acceptance by health care practitioners and the public is generally lower than that for other nonsurgical weight loss methods. Whilst there is currently little evidence to suggest they have any detrimental effect on hepatic and renal health, data assessing these factors remain limited.

A novel role for insulin resistance in the connection between obesity and postmenopausal breast cancer.

The past two decades have seen a drastic increase in obesity rates in Western societies and emerging countries. As such, it has become increasingly important to understand the molecular mechanisms by which obesity affects the risk of developing associated co-morbidities. The present study aimed at identifying the effect of insulin on breast cancer and breast epithelial cells, reflective of obesity-associated hyperinsulinaemia, as a molecular explanation for the increased risk of oestrogen receptor-negative postmenopausal breast cancer in obese women.

Over-the-counter orlistat: early experiences, views and attitudes of community pharmacists in Great Britain.

Objectives Of The Study: To describe community pharmacists' early experiences, views and attitudes with over-the-counter orlistat, 9 months post legal re-classification from November 2009 to January 2010.

Setting: 13,200 (81%) randomly selected registered community pharmacies across Great Britain out of a potential 16,200.

Methods: A cross-sectional postal questionnaire survey of the main pharmacist with greatest responsibility for over-the-counter (OTC) supply.

Effectiveness of long-term (twelve months) nonsurgical weight loss interventions for obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 2%-26% of women of reproductive age and is often accompanied by obesity. Modest weight loss reduces health risks and ameliorates effects of the syndrome. Weight loss interventions are mainly of short duration and have limited success.

Effects of antiplatelet components of tomato extract on platelet function in vitro and ex vivo: a time-course cannulation study in healthy humans.

Background: Natural antithrombotic agents that influence platelet function are of potential interest for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Previous reports showed that tomato extracts inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro, but little is known of the active components, their mode of action, or their efficacy in vivo.

Objective: The objectives of the study were to examine the antiplatelet activity of specific tomato components by in vitro experimentation and to establish their ex vivo efficacy in healthy humans.

Effects of tomato extract on platelet function: a double-blinded crossover study in healthy humans.

Background: Aqueous extracts from tomatoes display a range of antiplatelet activities in vitro. We previously showed that the active components also alter ex vivo platelet function in persons with a high response to ADP agonist.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the suitability of a tomato extract for use as a dietary supplement to prevent platelet activation.

Effects of weight loss in overweight/obese individuals and long-term hypertension outcomes: a systematic review.

Many studies have assessed short-term effects of weight loss on blood pressure, whereas little attention has been paid to long-term effects. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the long-term effects of weight loss on hypertension outcome measures in adults using literature published from 1966 to 2001. All prospective studies and trials, performed on participants with body mass index of > or =28 kg/m2 with a follow-up of >2 years and weight changes recorded, were included.