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Resistance Exercise Training Increases Muscle Mass and Strength in Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy.
Houben, LHP, Overkamp, M, VAN Kraaij, P, Trommelen, J, VAN Roermund, JGH, DE Vries, P, DE Laet, K, VAN DER Meer, S, Mikkelsen, UR, Verdijk, LB, et al
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2023;55(4):614-624
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Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) forms the cornerstone in the treatment of localised high-risk, locally advanced, and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). The hypothesis of this study was that protein supplementation augments the benefits of prolonged resistance exercise training to attenuate the decline in muscle mass, reduce fat mass accrual, and increase strength and physical performance in PCa patients on ADT. This study is a multicentre partly randomised controlled trial, comparing two intervention groups with a separately recruited control group. One hundred and twenty-six patients were included, and ninety-six patients finished the study. Results show that 20 week of resistance exercise training was feasible, safe, and well tolerated, and effectively counteracted the negative effect of ADT treatment on body composition, muscle mass, leg strength, and aerobic capacity in men with advanced PCa. Protein supplementation did not further augment the benefits of resistance exercise training. Authors conclude that protein supplementation is not required to further augment gains in muscle mass and strength after resistance exercise training in PCa patients who habitually consume ample protein.
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess the effects of 20 wk resistance exercise training with or without protein supplementation on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, and aerobic capacity in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). METHODS Sixty prostate cancer patients receiving ADT were randomly assigned to perform 20 wk of resistance exercise training with supplementation of 31 g whey protein (EX + PRO, n = 30) or placebo (EX + PLA, n = 30), consumed immediately after exercise and every night before sleep. A separate control group (CON, n = 36) only received usual care. At baseline and after 20 wk, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle mass (computed tomography scan), muscle strength (1-repetition maximum strength tests), physical performance (Timed Up and Go Test, 30-Second Chair Stand Test, and Stair Climb Test), aerobic capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise test), and habitual dietary intake (food diary) were assessed. Data were analyzed using a two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS Over time, muscle mass and strength increased in EX + PRO and EX + PLA and decreased in CON. Total fat mass and fat percentage increased in EX + PRO and CON, but not in EX + PLA. Physical performance did not significantly change over time in either group. Aerobic capacity was maintained in EX + PLA, but it decreased in EX + PRO and CON. Habitual protein intake (without supplements) averaged >1.0 g·kg body weight -1 ·d -1 , with no differences over time or between groups. CONCLUSIONS In prostate cancer patients, resistance exercise training counteracts the adverse effects of ADT on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, with no additional benefits of protein supplementation.
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Macronutrient composition and its effect on body composition changes during weight loss therapy in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
Lindqvist, C, Holmer, M, Hagström, H, Petersson, S, Tillander, V, Brismar, TB, Stål, P
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2023;110:111982
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and it is closely linked to overweight and obesity. Weight loss leads to an amelioration of NAFLD, which preferably should lead to loss of fat mass while maintaining lean body mass. The aim of this study was to examine if different diet compositions during weight loss therapy were associated with different reductions in abdominal fat mass compared with standard weight loss advice given by a physician. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected in an open-label, randomised controlled trial. The trial examined the effect of two popular weight loss diets, calorie-restricted intermittent fasting (5:2) and a calorie-restricted low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet, compared with standard of care (SOC) on reduction in liver fat in 74 persons with NAFLD. Results show that a dietitian-led nutrition counselling treatment with an LCHF or 5:2 diet reduced weight to a higher extent than physician-supported SOC during a 12-wk treatment. Improvements in most of the variables related to body composition parameters and metabolic function were found, independent of dietary composition. Furthermore, during weight loss, visceral fat was mobilized to a greater extent than subcutaneous fat. Authors conclude that further studies are needed with a focus on the effect of diet composition on body composition changes during weight loss.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dietary composition may affect body composition during weight loss therapy. We tested the hypothesis of whether dietary macronutrient composition influences the reduction of total abdominal adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), or visceral adipose tissue (VAT) during weight loss. METHODS Dietary macronutrient composition and body composition were analyzed as a secondary outcome of a randomized controlled trial of 62 participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Patients were randomly assigned to a calorie-restricted intermittent fasting (5:2), calorie-restricted low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF), or healthy lifestyle advice (standard-of-care) diet in a 12-wk intervention phase. Dietary intake was assessed by self-reported 3-d food diaries and by characterization of total plasma fatty acid profile. Percentage of energy intake (E%) from different macronutrients was calculated. Body composition was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS The macronutrient composition differed significantly between the 5:2 (fat 36 E% and carbohydrates 43 E%) and the LCHF (fat 69 E% and carbohydrates 9 E%) groups (P < 0.001). Weight loss was similar in the 5:2 and LCHF groups (-7.2 [SD = 3.4] kg versus 8.0 [SD = 4.8] kg; P = 0.44) and significantly larger than for standard of care (-2.5 kg [SD = 2.3]; P < 0.001). The volume of total abdominal fat, adjusted for height, decreased on average by 4.7% (standard of care), 14.3% (5:2), and 17.7% (LCHF), with no significant differences between the 5:2 and LHCF groups (P = 0.32). VAT and SAT, adjusted for height, decreased on average by 17.1% and 12.7% for 5:2, respectively, and by 21.2% and 17.9% for LCHF, with no significant group differences (VAT [P = 0.16] and SAT [P = 0.10]). VAT was mobilized to a greater extent than SAT in all diets. CONCLUSIONS The 5:2 and LCHF diets had similar effects on changes in intraabdominal fat mass and anthropometrics during weight loss. This might indicate that overall weight loss is more important than diet composition to achieve changes in total abdominal adipose tissue, VAT, or SAT. The results of the present study suggest that there is a need for further studies on the effect of diet composition on body composition changes during weight loss therapy.
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Effects of a Dulaglutide plus Calorie-Restricted Diet versus a Calorie-Restricted Diet on Visceral Fat and Metabolic Profiles in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Zhang, Y, Qu, Z, Lu, T, Shao, X, Cai, M, Dilimulati, D, Gao, X, Mao, W, Hu, F, Su, L, et al
Nutrients. 2023;15(3)
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a unification of reproductive endocrine and metabolic disorders. Lifestyle and weight management, particularly dietary intake aimed at weight loss, are initial treatment strategies for PCOS. A calorie-restricted diet (CRD) seems to be the optimal dietary pattern for weight management in the PCOS population. The aim of this study was to evaluate modifications in fat distribution, the androgenic state, and metabolic profiles in the overweight and obese PCOS-affected population, who obtained modest and equivalent weight loss induced by a CRD regimen with or without Dulaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA). This study was a randomised controlled trial which enrolled 68 females diagnosed with PCOS. Participants were randomly assigned to receive to one of the two groups: a GLP-1 RA combined with CRD or CRD alone. Results showed that participants in the GLP-1 RA + CRD group took a shorter time to achieve a 7% weight loss goal than those in the CRD group. Furthermore, both interventions had similar positive effects in improving menstrual frequency and reducing levels of blood pressure, insulin, aminotransferases, lipids, total fat mass, total lean mass, and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue mass after equivalent weight loss. Authors conclude that their findings support the importance of dietary intervention as a first-line treatment in women with PCOS, and that GLP-1 RA therapy offers an effective and generally tolerable adjunct therapy to aid in achieving weight targets based on dietary therapy in overweight and obese women with PCOS.
Abstract
The effects of dulaglutide and a calorie-restricted diet (CRD) on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and metabolic profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we investigated whether dulaglutide combined with CRD could further reduce VAT and promote clinical benefits as compared with a CRD regimen alone in overweight or obese PCOS-affected women. Between May 2021 and May 2022, this single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label clinical trial was conducted. Overall, 243 participants with PCOS were screened, of which 68 overweight or obese individuals were randomly randomized to undergo dulaglutide combined with CRD treatment (n = 35) or CRD treatment alone (n = 33). The duration of intervention was set as the time taken to achieve a 7% weight loss goal from baseline body weight, which was restricted to 6 months. The primary endpoint was the difference in the change in VAT area reduction between the groups. The secondary endpoints contained changes in menstrual frequency, metabolic profiles, hormonal parameters, liver fat, and body composition. As compared with the CRD group, the dulaglutide + CRD group had a considerably shorter median time to achieve 7% weight loss. There was no significant between-group difference in area change of VAT reduction (-0.97 cm2, 95% confidence interval from -14.36 to 12.42, p = 0.884). As compared with CRD alone, dulaglutide + CRD had significant advantages in reducing glycated hemoglobin A1c and postprandial plasma glucose levels. The results of the analyses showed different changes in menstruation frequency, additional metabolic profiles, hormonal markers, liver fat, and body composition between the two groups did not differ significantly. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite were the main adverse events of dulaglutide. These results emphasize the value of dietary intervention as the first line of treatment for PCOS-affected women, while glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist therapy provides an efficient and typically well tolerated adjuvant therapy to aid in reaching weight targets based on dietary therapy in the population of overweight/obese PCOS-affected women.
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An Energy-Reduced Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Composition: An Interim Subgroup Analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus Randomized Clinical Trial.
Konieczna, J, Ruiz-Canela, M, Galmes-Panades, AM, Abete, I, Babio, N, Fiol, M, Martín-Sánchez, V, Estruch, R, Vidal, J, Buil-Cosiales, P, et al
JAMA network open. 2023;6(10):e2337994
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The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), which focuses on whole grains, lean meat, fruits, vegetables, and low amounts of minimally processed foods has been shown in previous research to improve body composition and decrease fat storage around the middle. This randomised control trial of 1556 older adults aimed to determine the effects of combining a 30% lower energy version of the MedDiet in combination with physical exercise on body composition. After 3 years, the results showed that compared to a normal MedDiet without exercise, the lower energy version in combination with exercise improved body composition by decreasing total fat, and the fat stored around the organs and increasing muscle mass. However, benefits were more pronounced after 1 year and decreased slightly at 3 years. It was concluded that a low energy MedDiet in combination with physical activity may be able to improve the body composition of overweight and older adults with obesity. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to recommend a low energy MedDiet to older adults to promote weight loss, whilst attenuating muscle loss associated with ageing.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- The addition of exercise to an energy-reduced diet, which focuses on whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables can emphasise positive effects on body composition in older adults.
- However, there is a loss of lean mass associated with this type of diet (contrary to author conclusions) and measures should be taken to monitor and increase protein intake to prevent or limit this loss.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Introduction
This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of an energy reduced MedDiet in combination with physical activity on body composition.
Methods
- This is a predetermined 3-year interim analysis of a 6-year single-blind, randomised control trial of 1556 individuals aged 55-75 who are overweight or obese with metabolic syndrome.
- 760 individuals on 30% energy reduced MedDiet with limited processed foods, plus 45 minutes walking 6 days per week and behavioural and motivational support. [Intervention group]
- 761 on standard MedDiet without physical activity. [Control]
Results
Within group comparisons showed that individuals in the intervention group lost (P value represents baseline vs year 3):
- Total fat mass percentage (1-year vs baseline, −1.14%; 95% CI, −1.32% to −0.96%; 3-year vs baseline, −0.52%; 95% CI, −0.71% to −0.33% P=<0.001)
- Absolute visceral fat (1-year vs baseline, −154 g; 95% CI, −191 to −116 g; 3-year vs baseline, −75.1 g, 95% CI, −115 to −35.3 g P=<0.001)
- Absolute total fat after 1 year (mean change at 1 year vs baseline, −1677 g; 95% CI, −1930 to −1424 g) but regained some at year 3 (mean change at 3 years vs baseline, −1018 g; 95% CI, −1280 to −756 g P=<0.001)
- Absolute lean mass (mean change at 1 year vs baseline −300 g; 95% CI, −439 to −162 g) with further losses at year 3 (−626 g; 95% CI, −770 to −483 g P=0.001).
Within group comparisons also showed significantly increased:
- Total lean mass percentage, which was greater at year 1 than year 3 (1-year vs baseline, 1.07%; 95%CI, 0.90%-1.25%; 3-year vs baseline, 0.47%; 95% CI, 0.29%-0.65% P=<0.001).
As a result of total fat loss and some lean mass in the intervention group, the lean:fat mass ratio improved and was unchanged in the control group (between group differences (P=<0.001).
Compared to women, men may find the MedDiet + exercise more beneficial as it was shown that body composition changes were slightly more pronounced in men.
Conclusion
An energy-reduced MedDiet plus exercise emphasised positive changes to body composition compared to standard MedDiet in older adults who are overweight or have obesity.
Clinical practice applications:
- The recommendation of a reduced energy MedDiet in combination with physical activity to older people who are overweight or obese may improve body composition.
- Although lean mass loss slowed between years 1 and 3, other practices should be employed to attenuate the loss of lean mass associated with an energy-reduced MedDiet and ageing.
Considerations for future research:
- The research has not yet concluded but when it does, it will address the incidence of cardiovascular disease along with body composition changes.
- It will also look at long-term effects of the diet to determine longevity.
- Future research could focus on how to limit lean mass loss through the possibility of changing the type of exercise that accompanies the MedDiet.
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Strategies targeting body composition may help prevent chronic diseases in persons with excess weight, but randomized clinical trials evaluating lifestyle interventions have rarely reported effects on directly quantified body composition. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of a lifestyle weight-loss intervention on changes in overall and regional body composition. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The ongoing Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) randomized clinical trial is designed to test the effect of the intervention on cardiovascular disease prevention after 8 years of follow-up. The trial is being conducted in 23 Spanish research centers and includes men and women (age 55-75 years) with body mass index between 27 and 40 and metabolic syndrome. The trial reported herein is an interim subgroup analysis of the intermediate outcome body composition after 3-year follow-up, and data analysis was conducted from February 1 to November 30, 2022. Of 6874 total PREDIMED-Plus participants, a subsample of 1521 individuals, coming from centers with access to a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry device, underwent body composition measurements at 3 time points. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly allocated to a multifactorial intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and increased physical activity (PA) or to a control group based on usual care, with advice to follow an ad libitum MedDiet, but no physical activity promotion. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The outcomes (continuous) were 3-year changes in total fat and lean mass (expressed as percentages of body mass) and visceral fat (in grams), tested using multivariable linear mixed-effects models. Clinical relevance of changes in body components (dichotomous) was assessed based on 5% or more improvements in baseline values, using logistic regression. Main analyses were performed in the evaluable population (completers only) and in sensitivity analyses, multiple imputation was performed to include data of participants lost to follow-up (intention-to-treat analyses). RESULTS A total of 1521 individuals were included (mean [SD] age, 65.3 [5.0] years; 52.1% men). In comparison with the control group (n=761), participants in the intervention arm (n=760) showed greater reductions in the percentage of total fat (between group differences after 1-year, -0.94% [95% CI, -1.19 to -0.69]; 3 years, -0.38% [95% CI, -0.64 to -0.12] and visceral fat storage after 1 year, -126 g [95% CI, -179 to -73.3 g]; 3 years, -70.4 g [95% CI, -126 to -15.2 g] and greater increases in the percentage of total lean mass at 1 year, 0.88% [95% CI, 0.63%-1.12%]; 3-years 0.34% [95% CI, 0.09%-0.60%]). The intervention group was more likely to show improvements of 5% or more in baseline body components (absolute risk reduction after 1 year, 13% for total fat mass, 11% for total lean mass, and 14% for visceral fat mass; after 3-years: 6% for total fat mass, 6% for total lean mass, and 8% for visceral fat mass). The number of participants needed to treat was between 12 and 17 to attain at least 1 individual with possibly clinically meaningful improvements in body composition. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this trial suggest a weight-loss lifestyle intervention based on an energy-reduced MedDiet and physical activity significantly reduced total and visceral fat and attenuated age-related losses of lean mass in older adults with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome. Continued follow-up is warranted to confirm the long-term consequences of these changes on cardiovascular clinical end points. TRIAL REGISTRATION isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN89898870.
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Effect of a Probiotic and a Synbiotic on Body Fat Mass, Body Weight and Traits of Metabolic Syndrome in Individuals with Abdominal Overweight: A Human, Double-Blind, Randomised, Controlled Clinical Study.
Laue, C, Papazova, E, Pannenbeckers, A, Schrezenmeir, J
Nutrients. 2023;15(13)
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Numerous studies have provided evidence that the intestinal microbiota has a key role in the interface between dietary factors and host biology and that overweight, diabetes and liver steatosis, which are known to depend on dietary factors, are associated with alterations in the composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a probiotic and synbiotic strains on traits of metabolic syndrome, which is driven by low-grade inflammation. This study was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled design with three parallel arms. A total of 180 female and male overweight individuals aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Results showed that: - the probiotic resulted in significant improvements in the primary parameter, body fat mass; body weight; body mass index; waist circumference; waist-to-height ratio; visceral adipose tissue and in liver steatosis grade, as assessed with sonography. - the synbiotic resulted in better outcomes in visceral adipose tissue and liver steatosis grade, as assessed with sonography, and in reduction in constipation. - the count of viable lactobacilli was lower in the synbiotic test product than in the probiotic test product Authors concluded that the probiotic mixture and the synbiotic improved the parameters associated with overweight.
Abstract
L. fermentum strains K7-Lb1, K8-Lb1 and K11-Lb3 were found to suppress Th1 and Th2 response and to enhance defensin release by enterocytes, respectively. Based on these anti-inflammatory actions, we investigated the effect of these strains on traits of metabolic syndrome, which is driven by low-grade inflammation. In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial with three parallel arms, 180 individuals with abdominal overweight were administered for 3 months with (1) placebo; (2) probiotic, comprising L. fermentum strains; or (3) synbiotic, comprising the strains + acacia gum (10 g daily). The effects were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance on ranks and post hoc tests (Holm-Sidak and Dunn's tests). The alteration (∆) in body fat mass (kg) (primary parameter) during intervention was significantly (p = 0.039) more pronounced in the Probiotic group (-0.61 ± 1.94; mean ± SD) compared with the Placebo group (+0.13 ± 1.64). Accordingly, differences were found in ∆ body weight (p = 0.012), BMI (p = 0.011), waist circumference (p = 0.03), waist-to-height ratio (p = 0.033), visceral adipose tissue (SAD) (p < 0.001) and liver steatosis grade (LSG) (p < 0.001), as assessed using sonography. In the Synbiotic group, ∆SAD (p = 0.002), ∆LSG (p < 0.001) and ∆constipation score (p = 0.009) were improved compared with Placebo. The probiotic mixture and the synbiotic improved the parameters associated with overweight.
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Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Are Associated With Age-Related Endothelial Dysfunction in Men With Low Testosterone.
Babcock, MC, DuBose, LE, Witten, TL, Stauffer, BL, Hildreth, KL, Schwartz, RS, Kohrt, WM, Moreau, KL
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2022;107(2):e500-e514
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Serum testosterone declines gradually with age at a rate of ~1% per year after the third decade. Vascular aging, featuring endothelial dysfunction mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation, is a major risk factor for the development of age-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low testosterone on cardiovascular aging in men. This study is a cross-sectional study which recruited 58 healthy men of all races/ethnic backgrounds aged 50-75 years (middle-aged/older) and 18-40 years (young). Results show that middle-aged/older men with lower testosterone have evidence of “accelerated” vascular aging, as indicated by a greater age-associated endothelial dysfunction of large arteries compared with their age-matched peers. The greater macrovascular endothelial dysfunction in middle-aged/older men with chronically low testosterone was independent of CVD risk factors or symptoms of androgen deficiency. Furthermore, increased systemic oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanistically linked to the greater age-associated endothelial dysfunction in middle-aged/older men with lower testosterone. Authors conclude that normal physiological levels of testosterone may be beneficial to cardiovascular health by attenuating the age-related decline in endothelial function.
Abstract
CONTEXT Vascular aging, including endothelial dysfunction secondary to oxidative stress and inflammation, increases the risk for age-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low testosterone in middle-aged/older men is associated with increased CVD risk. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that low testosterone contributes to age-associated endothelial dysfunction, related in part to greater oxidative stress and inflammation. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 58 healthy, nonsmoking men categorized as young (N = 20; age 29 ± 4 years; testosterone 500 ± 58 ng/dL), middle-aged/older with higher testosterone (N = 20; age 60 ± 6 years; testosterone 512 ± 115 ng/dL), and middle-aged/older lower testosterone (N = 18; age 59 ± 8 years; testosterone 269 ± 48 ng/dL). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMDBA) was measured during acute infusion of saline (control) and vitamin C (antioxidant). Markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status and oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6 and C-reactive protein [CRP]), and androgen deficiency symptoms were also examined. RESULTS During saline, FMDBA was reduced in middle-aged/older compared with young, regardless of testosterone status (P < 0.001). FMDBA was reduced in middle-aged/older lower testosterone (3.7% ± 2.0%) compared with middle-aged/older higher testosterone (5.7% ± 2.2%; P = 0.021), independent of symptoms. Vitamin C increased FMDBA (to 5.3% ± 1.6%; P = 0.022) in middle-aged/older lower testosterone but had no effect in young (P = 0.992) or middle-aged/older higher testosterone (P = 0.250). FMDBA correlated with serum testosterone (r = 0.45; P < 0.001), IL-6 (r = -0.41; P = 0.002), and CRP (r = -0.28; P = 0.041). CONCLUSION Healthy middle-aged/older men with low testosterone appear to have greater age-associated endothelial dysfunction, related in part to greater oxidative stress and inflammation. These data suggest that low testosterone concentrations may contribute to accelerated vascular aging in men.
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A double-blinded, randomized, parallel intervention to evaluate biomarker-based nutrition plans for weight loss: The PREVENTOMICS study.
Aldubayan, MA, Pigsborg, K, Gormsen, SMO, Serra, F, Palou, M, Galmés, S, Palou-March, A, Favari, C, Wetzels, M, Calleja, A, et al
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2022;41(8):1834-1844
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Obesity, and particularly abdominal adiposity, is associated with various metabolic abnormalities. Diet has a vital role in preventing and managing obesity, but evidence from clinical studies demonstrates there is a great interindividual variability in response to the same dietary intervention, which likely indicates that no one diet is superior to another. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of the PREVENTOMICS (empowering consumers to PREVENT diet-related diseases through OMICS sciences) platform, incorporated in an e-commerce digital tool, for producing more favourable health outcomes over dietary plans based on general diet recommendations, in subjects with overweight or obesity and elevated waist circumference. This study is a 10-week randomised single-centre, parallel-group, double-blinded intervention study. Participants were allocated in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by cluster to either the intervention group (personalised plan) or the control group (generic recommendations). Results show that there isn’t any additional benefit of personalising dietary plans, over a generic approach, on the change in fat mass and body weight in individuals with overweight or obesity and elevated waist circumference. Accordingly, personalisation of the diet did not significantly improve health parameters beyond the changes induced by the control diet. Participants in both groups lost approximately 3 kg of body weight. Authors conclude that based on their findings evidence to translate personalised nutrition approaches into clinical practice is insufficient.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Growing evidence suggests that biomarker-guided dietary interventions can optimize response to treatment. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the PREVENTOMCIS platform-which uses metabolomic and genetic information to classify individuals into different 'metabolic clusters' and create personalized dietary plans-for improving health outcomes in subjects with overweight or obesity. METHODS A 10-week parallel, double-blinded, randomized intervention was conducted in 100 adults (82 completers) aged 18-65 years, with body mass index ≥27 but <40 kg/m2, who were allocated into either a personalized diet group (n = 49) or a control diet group (n = 51). About 60% of all food was provided free-of-charge. No specific instruction to restrict energy intake was given. The primary outcome was change in fat mass from baseline, evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Other endpoints included body weight, waist circumference, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis markers, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, physical activity, stress and eating behavior. RESULTS There were significant main effects of time (P < 0.01), but no group main effects, or time-by-group interactions, for the change in fat mass (personalized: -2.1 [95% CI -2.9, -1.4] kg; control: -2.0 [95% CI -2.7, -1.3] kg) and body weight (personalized: -3.1 [95% CI -4.1, -2.1] kg; control: -3.3 [95% CI -4.2, -2.4] kg). The difference between groups in fat mass change was -0.1 kg (95% CI -1.2, 0.9 kg, P = 0.77). Both diets resulted in significant improvements in insulin resistance and lipid profile, but there were no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION Personalized dietary plans did not result in greater benefits over a generic, but generally healthy diet, in this 10-week clinical trial. Further studies are required to establish the soundness of different precision nutrition approaches, and translate this science into clinically relevant dietary advice to reduce the burden of obesity and its comorbidities. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT04590989).
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Longitudinal association of dietary carbohydrate quality with visceral fat deposition and other adiposity indicators.
Zamanillo-Campos, R, Chaplin, A, Romaguera, D, Abete, I, Salas-Salvadó, J, Martín, V, Estruch, R, Vidal, J, Ruiz-Canela, M, Babio, N, et al
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2022;41(10):2264-2274
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Abdominal obesity, measured by waist circumference, a proxy of visceral fat, is increasing at an even greater rate than overall obesity alone. Diet plays a key role in body fat accumulation; however, recent evidence also indicates that, beyond quantity, the quality of certain nutrients may have an independent effect. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamic association between changes in overall dietary carbohydrate quality and changes in objectively measured visceral and overall adiposity distribution This study is a prospective cohort study based on data collected during the first year of the PREDIMED-Plus (PREvencion con DIeta MEDiterranea Plus) randomised controlled trial. In the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a total of 6874 people were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or control group. Results show that a carbohydrate quality index increase was associated with a decrease in regional and overall adiposity. The observed associations were mostly driven by fibre and the wholegrains/total grains ratio. Authors conclude that the promotion of fibre-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, and the substitution of refined grains by wholegrains, may be important dietary recommendations to adopt in clinical practice to promote a healthier body composition.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
This prospective cohort of older adults with overweight/obesity and MetS, found that improvements in dietary carbohydrate quality over one year was associated with positive changes in visceral and overall fat deposition, largely due to dietary fibre and the wholegrain/total grain ratio.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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X
C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Background
Obesity prevalence is increasing worldwide and is associated with a range of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Excess visceral fat appears with increasing age but also with unhealthy dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviours, and it contributes to chronic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Aim
This study determined the association between changes in overall dietary carbohydrate quality and changes in objectively-measured visceral and overall adiposity distribution. Three repeated measurements of diet and adiposity were conducted throughout a 1-year follow-up, using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans for body composition assessment.
The study compared an intensive weight-loss (intervention group) using an energy-reduced Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), with physical activity (PA), and behavioural support on the prevention of CVD events, compared to usual care and dietary counselling only.
This prospective cohort study analysed a subgroup of 1476 participants (men aged 55-75 years and women aged 60-75 years) enrolled in the PREDIMED-Plus randomized controlled trial. Participants were overweight or obese (BMI>27 kg/m2 and <40 kg/m2) with no previous cardiovascular events and at least three characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS): hypertension, hyper-triglyceridemia, lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, hyperglycemia, or central obesity.
Dietary intake was measured at baseline, 6- and 12-months using a Spanish version of the validated 143-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire, via face-to-face interviews by trained dietitian-nutritionists. Carbohydrate quality index (CQI) was calculated using four criteria: total dietary fibre, glycemic index, wholegrain/total grain carbohydrate ratio, and solid/total carbohydrate ratio.
Results
Improvements in body composition and lifestyle factors were observed compared to baseline data (both study arms combined) (p < 0.05 for all). A higher Carbohydrate Quality Index CQI (p = 0.024) was observed at both the 6 and 12 month follow-up.
A 3-point increment in CQI over 12-month follow-up was associated with a decrease in visceral fat (β 0.067 z-score, 95% CI -0.088 to -0.046, p<0.001), android-to-gynoid fat ratio* (β -0.038, 95% CI -0.059 to -0.017, p<0.001) (*calculated by dividing the fat mass (g) from the specific regions), and total fat (β -0.064, 95% CI -0.080 to -0.047, p<0.001).
Fibre intake and the ratio of whole grain/total grain showed the strongest inverse associations with all adiposity indicators. Statistically significant differences were observed over time in all CQI components. The most relevant changes were the increase in consumption of carbohydrates from whole-grains and a decrease in refined grains, and an increase in dietary fibre intake. After evaluating each CQI component separately, the study found that fibre intake and the ratio of whole grain/total grain presented the strongest and statistically significant negative associations with all adiposity indicators (all p-values <0.01).
Limitations
Due to the observational nature of the study, causality cannot be inferred. The study population is based on older people with overweight/obesity and MetS from a Mediterranean area, which can limit the generalisability of findings to the general population.
The use of self-reported dietary data is subject to measurement error, where self-reports may be affected by a tendency to respond in a manner to avoid criticism or judgement and to seek social approval.
Clinical practice applications:
Evidence has shown that the quality of dietary carbohydrates, rather than the quantity, may have a greater impact on health and overall mortality.
While visceral fat constitutes only a small proportion of total fat, the available evidence indicates that it plays an important role in certain chronic diseases, such as T2D, MetS, CVD and cancer.
Findings from this study suggest a better CQI via the manipulation of carbohydrate quality may be associated with a decrease in visceral fat, which are independent of changes in total body fat.
Considerations for future research:
Future strategies to decrease visceral fat are warranted.
Robust reference ranges are needed for the interpretation of visceral fat in clinical practice and research settings.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The quality of dietary carbohydrates rather than total carbohydrate intake may determine the accumulation of visceral fat; however, to date, few studies have examined the impact of diet on adiposity using specific imaging techniques. Thus, the aim of this prospective study was to investigate the association between concurrent changes in carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and objectively-quantified adiposity distribution over a year. METHODS We analyzed a cohort of 1476 participants aged 55-75 years with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) from the PREDIMED-Plus randomized controlled trial. Dietary intake information was obtained at baseline, 6- and 12-months from a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire, and CQI (range: 4 to 20) was calculated based on four dietary criteria: total dietary fibre, glycemic index, wholegrain/total grain carbohydrate ratio, and solid/total carbohydrate ratio. Overall and regional adiposity (total body fat, visceral fat and android-to-gynoid fat ratio) was quantified using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at all three time points. Multiple adjusted linear mixed-effects models were used to assess associations between concurrent changes in repeatedly measured CQI and adiposity over time. RESULTS After controlling for potential confounding factors, a 3-point increment in CQI over 12-month follow-up was associated with a decrease in visceral fat (β -0.067 z-score, 95% CI -0.088; -0.046, p < 0.001), android-to-gynoid fat ratio (-0.038, -0.059; -0.017, p < 0.001), and total fat (-0.064, -0.080; -0.047, p < 0.001). Fibre intake and the ratio of wholegrain/total grain showed the strongest inverse associations with all adiposity indicators. CONCLUSIONS In this prospective cohort of older adults with overweight/obesity and MetS, we found that improvements in dietary carbohydrate quality over a year were associated with concurrent favorable changes in visceral and overall fat deposition. These associations were mostly driven by dietary fibre and the wholegrain/total grain ratio. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered at the International Standard Randomized. CONTROLLED TRIAL (ISRCTN http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870) with number 89898870 and registration date of 24 July 2014, retrospectively registered.
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The effect of high-polyphenol Mediterranean diet on visceral adiposity: the DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial.
Zelicha, H, Kloting, N, Kaplan, A, Yaskolka Meir, A, Rinott, E, Tsaban, G, Chassidim, Y, Bluher, M, Ceglarek, U, Isermann, B, et al
BMC medicine. 2022;20(1):327
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Plain language summary
Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is one of the main key factors that differentiate between metabolic healthy and unhealthy obese individuals. VAT is closely related to the development of multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The Mediterranean (MED) diet, high in polyphenol content and rich in plant food sources, was shown to have an enhanced effect on VAT reduction in combination with physical activity (PA), regardless of weight loss The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the MED diet, further enriched with polyphenols, and lower in red and processed meat (“green-MED diet”) on visceral adiposity in the 18-month Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial-Polyphenols, Unprocessed trial. This study is a randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups (1:1:1 ratio): healthy dietary guidelines, MED diet, or green-MED diet, all included PA recommendations, with a free gym membership and educational sessions promoting moderate-intensity PA. Results show that participants following the green-MED diet achieved more than twice the degree of VAT reduction compared to those following the MED diet, despite similar weight loss. In fact, VAT loss was specifically related to lower red meat intake and increased walnuts, green tea, Wolfa globosa, and dietary fibre (this was reflected by higher plasma polyphenol and serum folate levels). Authors conclude that a green-MED diet enriched with polyphenols and decreased red meat consumption might serve as an improved version of the MED diet for targeted VAT reduction.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- The positive health effects of the traditional MED diet, moderately high in PUFAs and MUFAs and low in red meat, are well-established
- Higher levels of total plasma polyphenol and serum folate may reflect higher consumption of “green” dietary components, which were significantly associated with greater VAT loss
- The green-MED diet, richer in dietary polyphenols and green plant-based proteins and lower in red meat, might be a more effective strategy for VAT loss than the traditional healthy MED diet, achieving more than twice the degree of VAT reduction, despite similar weight loss.
- VAT loss was specifically related to lower red meat intake and increased walnuts, green tea, Wolffia globosa, and dietary fibre and was reflected by higher plasma polyphenol and serum folate levels.
Evidence Category:
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X
A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
A mediterranean (MED) diet is a rich source of polyphenols, which benefit adiposity by several mechanisms. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is one of the main factors that differentiate between metabolic healthy and unhealthy obese individuals.
In this Dietary Intervention Randomised Controlled Trial PoLyphenols UnproceSsed (DIRECT‐ PLUS) weight‐loss trial, 294 participants were randomised to: (A) healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), (B) MED, or (C) green‐MED diets, all combined with physical activity. The study duration was 18‐months.
This study explored the effect of the green‐MED diet, twice fortified in dietary polyphenols and lower in red/processed meat, on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the abdominal adipose tissues.
Both isocaloric (with the same calorific value) MED groups consumed 28 g/day of walnuts (+ 440 mg/day polyphenols). The green‐MED group further consumed green tea (3–4 cups/day) and Wolffia globosa (duckweed strain) plant green shake (100 g frozen cubes/day) (+ 800mg/day polyphenols) and reduced red meat intake.
The mean weight loss (HDG: −0.4% (5.0), MED: −2.7% (5.6), green-MED: −3.9% (6.5)) and WC loss (HDG: −3.6% (5.1), MED: −4.7% (5.0), green-MED: −5.7%(5.7)) after 18 months were similar between the two MED diets (p > 0.05 for all) and higher as compared to the HDG (weight: HDG vs. MED: p = 0.02; HDG vs. green+MED: p < 0.001; WC: HDG vs. MED: p = 0.33, HDG vs. green+MED: p = 0.02).
All three abdominal fat depots decreased over 18 months of intervention (p < 0.05 vs. baseline for all). The green-MED group achieved a greater reduction in VAT than the other intervention groups (HDG: −4.2% (22.5), MED: −6.0%(31.3), green-MED: −14.1%(27.7); p < 0.05 green-MED vs. MED or vs. HDG groups). These differences in VAT loss across the groups remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and 18-month WC change (green-MED vs. MED p = 0.023; green-MED vs. HDG p = 0.002) (Fig. 1)
Limitations of the study included a low proportion of women, and different VAT proportions at baseline across groups limit the generalisability of findings to women.
The authors of the study did not identify the exact components responsible for the dietary effects when they compared dietary regimens and not specific nutrients.
Adherence was by a validated, self-reported dietary intake assessment tool, which the authors acknowledge is subject to error
Strengths of the study included the relatively large sample size, high retention rate, and use of 3-T MRI measurements (considered one of the gold standards tools for the quantification of specific fat depots
Clinical practice applications:
- This trial shows that, when combined with a Mediterranean diet, higher dietary consumption of green tea, walnuts, and dietary fibre and reduced red meat consumption were significantly associated with greater %VAT loss
- The authors observed a significant synergistic interaction effect between decreased red meat consumption and increased serum folate on VAT loss
- A reduction in VAT accumulation, known as a key risk factor in CVD development, may reduce metabolic complications, improve the lipid profile, and decrease cardiometabolic risk.
Considerations for future research:
- Future studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms of specific polyphenol-rich foods on visceral adiposity.
- Future studies could explore whether the results are replicable in both male and female participants, as this sample was largely male.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mediterranean (MED) diet is a rich source of polyphenols, which benefit adiposity by several mechanisms. We explored the effect of the green-MED diet, twice fortified in dietary polyphenols and lower in red/processed meat, on visceral adipose tissue (VAT). METHODS In the 18-month Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial PoLyphenols UnproceSsed (DIRECT-PLUS) weight-loss trial, 294 participants were randomized to (A) healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), (B) MED, or (C) green-MED diets, all combined with physical activity. Both isocaloric MED groups consumed 28 g/day of walnuts (+ 440 mg/day polyphenols). The green-MED group further consumed green tea (3-4 cups/day) and Wolffia globosa (duckweed strain) plant green shake (100 g frozen cubes/day) (+ 800mg/day polyphenols) and reduced red meat intake. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the abdominal adipose tissues. RESULTS Participants (age = 51 years; 88% men; body mass index = 31.2 kg/m2; 29% VAT) had an 89.8% retention rate and 79.3% completed eligible MRIs. While both MED diets reached similar moderate weight (MED: - 2.7%, green-MED: - 3.9%) and waist circumference (MED: - 4.7%, green-MED: - 5.7%) loss, the green-MED dieters doubled the VAT loss (HDG: - 4.2%, MED: - 6.0%, green-MED: - 14.1%; p < 0.05, independent of age, sex, waist circumference, or weight loss). Higher dietary consumption of green tea, walnuts, and Wolffia globosa; lower red meat intake; higher total plasma polyphenols (mainly hippuric acid), and elevated urine urolithin A polyphenol were significantly related to greater VAT loss (p < 0.05, multivariate models). CONCLUSIONS A green-MED diet, enriched with plant-based polyphenols and lower in red/processed meat, may be a potent intervention to promote visceral adiposity regression. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03020186.
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Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer's Disease: Successful Pilot Project.
Toups, K, Hathaway, A, Gordon, D, Chung, H, Raji, C, Boyd, A, Hill, BD, Hausman-Cohen, S, Attarha, M, Chwa, WJ, et al
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. 2022;88(4):1411-1421
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Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are without effective therapeutics. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a precision medicine approach to historical controls in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia. This study is a proof-of-concept study which recruited twenty-five patients with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, aged between 50–76 years. Patients were treated for nine months with a personalised, precision medicine protocol that addressed each patient’s identified potentially contributory factors. Results show that a precision medicine approach to the cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment may be an effective strategy, especially with continued optimization over time. Authors conclude that their findings indicate that it is possible to reverse cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment and early dementia with a personalised, precision medicine (/systems medicine) protocol. This is a small study that requires larger scale initiatives, including examining the practicalities of integrating this approach into healthcare systems.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease are needed. However, previous clinical trials have pre-determined a single treatment modality, such as a drug candidate or therapeutic procedure, which may be unrelated to the primary drivers of the neurodegenerative process. Therefore, increasing data set size to include the potential contributors to cognitive decline for each patient, and addressing the identified potential contributors, may represent a more effective strategy. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a precision medicine approach to Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment is effective enough in a proof-of-concept trial to warrant a larger, randomized, controlled clinical trial. METHODS Twenty-five patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores of 19 or higher, were evaluated for markers of inflammation, chronic infection, dysbiosis, insulin resistance, protein glycation, vascular disease, nocturnal hypoxemia, hormone insufficiency or dysregulation, nutrient deficiency, toxin or toxicant exposure, and other biochemical parameters associated with cognitive decline. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with volumetrics was performed at baseline and study conclusion. Patients were treated for nine months with a personalized, precision medicine protocol, and cognition was assessed at t = 0, 3, 6, and 9 months. RESULTS All outcome measures revealed improvement: statistically significant improvement in MoCA scores, CNS Vital Signs Neurocognitive Index, and Alzheimer's Questionnaire Change score were documented. No serious adverse events were recorded. MRI volumetrics also improved. CONCLUSION Based on the cognitive improvements observed in this study, a larger, randomized, controlled trial of the precision medicine therapeutic approach described herein is warranted.