Metabolically healthy obese individuals: Key protective factors.

Objectives: Obesity is a significant quality of life-impairing health problem affecting industrialized nations. However, despite carrying a large fat mass, some very obese individuals exhibit normal metabolic profiles (metabolically healthy obesity). The physiological factors underlying their protective and favorable metabolic profiles remain poorly defined.

Phosphatidylserine and the human brain.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the roles and importance of phosphatidylserine (PS), an endogenous phospholipid and dietary nutrient, in human brain biochemistry, physiology, and function.

Methods: A scientific literature search was conducted on MEDLINE for relevant articles regarding PS and the human brain published before June 2014. Additional publications were identified from references provided in original papers; 127 articles were selected for inclusion in this review.

The safety and efficacy of an enzyme combination in managing knee osteoarthritis pain in adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and comparator-controlled trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of an enzyme combination, as Wobenzym, in adults with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Adults (n = 150) received Wobenzym, diclofenac (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID), or placebo for 12 weeks. Improvement in pain scores (Lequesne Functional Index) did not differ between subjects treated with Wobenzym or diclofenac, and both treatment groups improved compared to placebo (P < 0.

Vitamin D: health panacea or false prophet?

Vitamin D deficiency, diagnosed when the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD(3)) concentration is less than 20 ng/mL, has joined vitamin A deficiency as two of the most common nutrition-responsive medical conditions worldwide. There have been more scientific articles published about vitamin D in the 21st century than about any other vitamin, reflecting the massive expansion of the field of vitamin D research. Adequate vitamin D status has been linked to decreased risks of developing specific cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, gallbladder, pancreas, lung, breast, uterus, ovary, prostate, urinary bladder, kidney, skin, thyroid, and hematopoietic system (e.

Novel phytonutrient contributors to antioxidant protection against cardiovascular disease.

The associations linking endothelial inflammation, endothelial oxidative stress, and atherogenesis and the potential for dietary phytonutrients to decrease the impact of these associations were assessed. A detailed literature review was conducted and summarized. A large body of scientific evidence describes the interactions among endothelial inflammation, endothelial oxidative stress, and atherogenesis.

A 21st century evaluation of the safety of oral vitamin D.

The safety of daily consumption of vitamin D was examined. A detailed literature search was conducted using the search term vitamin D; primary and secondary sources of original data and meta-analyses and systematic reviews were evaluated and summarized. A large body of scientific evidence demonstrates that long-term daily intakes of 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D are insufficient to achieve and sustain vitamin D adequacy (serum 25-hydroxyergocalciferol + 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration >75 nmol/L).

Caffeine-Not just a stimulant.

Objective: The beneficial effects of human caffeine consumption deserve clarification.

Methods: A detailed literature review was conducted and summarized.

Results: A large body of scientific evidence describes the beneficial effects of human caffeine consumption on a number of physiologic systems.

Oxidative stress and cognitive longevity.

Objective: The potential relation between metabolic activity within the central nervous system and retention of cognitive functioning capacity was assessed.

Methods: A detailed literature review was conducted and summarized.

Results: A large body of scientific evidence describes the interactions among cognitive activity, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, cognitive aging, and retention of cognitive functioning ability.

Weight regain after Roux-en-Y: a significant 20% complication related to PYY.

Objective: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) produces rapid and dramatic weight loss in very heavy obese patients. Up to 20% cannot sustain their weight loss beyond 2 to 3 y after surgery.

Methods: To identify putative etiologic factors producing post-RYGB weight regain, a literature survey of metabolic changes in very obese and a review of our diet-induced obese RYGB rat model data was done.