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AKR1C2 and AKR1C3 expression in adipose tissue: Association with body fat distribution and regulatory variants.
Ostinelli, G, Vijay, J, Vohl, MC, Grundberg, E, Tchernof, A
Molecular and cellular endocrinology. 2021;:111220
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in androgen dynamics within adipose tissue have been proposed as modulators of body fat accumulation. In this context, AKR1C2 likely plays a significant role by inactivating 5α-dihydrotestosterone. AIM: To characterize AKR1C2 expression patterns across adipose depots and cell populations and to provide insight into the link with body fat distribution and genetic regulation. METHODS We used RNA sequencing data from severely obese patients to assess patterns of AKR1C2 and AKR1C3 expression in abdominal adipose tissue depots and cell fractions. We additionally used data from 856 women to assess AKR1C2 heritability and to link its expression in adipose tissue with body fat distribution. Further, we used public resources to study AKR1C2 genetic regulation as well as reference epigenome data for regulatory element profiling and functional interpretation of genetic data. RESULTS We found that mature adipocytes and adipocyte-committed adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) had enriched expression of AKR1C2. We found adipose tissue AKR1C2 and AKR1C3 expression to be significantly and positively associated with percentage trunk fat mass in women. We identified strong genetic regulation of AKR1C2 by rs28571848 and rs34477787 located on the binding sites of two nuclear transcription factors, namely retinoid acid-related orphan receptor alpha and the glucocorticoid receptor. CONCLUSION We confirm the link between AKR1C2, adipogenic differentiation and adipose tissue distribution. We provide insight into genetic regulation of AKR1C2 by identifying regulatory variants mapping to binding sites for the glucocorticoid receptor and retinoid acid-related orphan receptor alpha which may in part mediate the effect of AKR1C2 expression on body fat distribution.
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The reduction impact of monoglucosyl rutin on abdominal visceral fat: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group.
Hashizume, Y, Tandia, M
Journal of food science. 2020;(10):3577-3589
Abstract
Water soluble α-glycosylated rutin (4G-α-D-glucopyranosyl rutin, monoglucosyl rutin, MR) was used in this study to evaluate its ability to reduce abdominal visceral fat (AVF). We conducted a study examining 66 healthy Japanese men and women with a body mass index of ≥23 and <30 kg/m2 for 8 weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to groups via computer random numbers as follows: MR200 group (MR 200 mg/day), MR400 group (MR 400mg/day), or placebo group. The primary outcome was change in the AVF area after 8 weeks of intervention. The secondary outcomes were effects of MR on total fat and subcutaneous fat of umbilical area, lipid-related markers, and subjective symptoms. The per-protocol set analysis involved 18 subjects in the placebo group (7 males and 11 females), 20 subjects in the MR200 group (8 males and 12 females), and 20 subjects in the MR400 group (8 males and 12 females). AVF area in both the MR200 and MR400 groups was reduced at week 8, with changes from the baseline (week 0) significantly higher than the placebo group. Additionally, the MR400 group reported improved subjective symptoms concerning being "worried about abdominal fat" at week 4 compared with the placebo group. These results indicate that the consumption of MR (200 and 400 mg/day) for 8 weeks reduced AVF. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Monoglucosyl rutin, an enzymatically modified form of rutin, is a highly stable and water-soluble flavonoid widely used in food and beverages to prevent oxidation. The present clinical study demonstrated that it may improve overall health by reducing abdominal visceral fat.
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The association between anthropometric measures of adiposity and the progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
Imahori, Y, Mathiesen, EB, Morgan, KE, Frost, C, Hughes, AD, Hopstock, LA, Johnsen, SH, Emaus, N, Leon, DA
BMC cardiovascular disorders. 2020;(1):138
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few reports are available on the contribution of general and abdominal obesity to the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in late adulthood. This study investigated the impact of four simple anthropometric measures of general and abdominal obesity on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and the extent to which the association between adiposity and the progression of plaque burden is mediated by cardiometabolic markers. METHODS Four thousand three hundred forty-five adults (median age 60) from the population-based Tromsø Study were followed over 7 years from the first carotid ultrasound screening to the next. The progression of carotid atherosclerosis was measured in three ways: incidence of plaques in previously plaque-free participants; change in the number of plaques; and total plaque area (TPA). We used generalised linear models to investigate the association between each adiposity measure - body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) - and each outcome. Models were adjusted for potential confounders (age, sex, smoking, education, physical activity). The pathways through which any associations observed might operate were investigated by further adjusting for cardiometabolic mediators (systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1c). RESULTS There was little evidence that adiposity was related to the formation of new plaques during follow-up. However, abdominal adiposity was associated with TPA progression. WHtR showed the largest effect size (mean change in TPA per one standard deviation (SD) increase in WHtR of 0.665 mm2, 95% confidence interval 0.198, 1.133) while BMI showed the smallest. Effect sizes were substantially reduced after the adjustment for potential mediators. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal obesity indirectly measured with WC seems more strongly associated with the progression of TPA than general obesity. These associations appear to be largely mediated by known cardiometabolic markers.
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Abdominal Fat in Individuals with Overweight Reduced by Consumption of a 1975 Japanese Diet: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Asano, M, Kushida, M, Yamamoto, K, Tomata, Y, Tsuji, I, Tsuduki, T
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2019;(6):899-907
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether the intake of the 1975 Japanese diet (JD) could reduce the amount of abdominal fat in people with overweight. METHODS Using a single-blind randomized controlled trial, the modern diet (MD) was compared with the 1975-type JD, which is based on the MD but includes five characteristics of the 1975 JD in an enhanced form. Overweight people were randomly assigned to an MD group (n = 30) and a JD group (n = 30). The participants consumed test diets that were provided three times a day for 28 days. Body composition measurements and blood biochemical examinations were performed before and after the test diet intake, and the proportions of change were compared. RESULTS Those in the JD group had significantly decreased BMI, fat mass, and levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein (P = 0.002, 0.015, 0.014, 0.012, and 0.039, respectively) and significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with those in the MD group (P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS The intake of a diet with the characteristics of the 1975 JD may have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in people with overweight and reduce the onset risk of metabolism-related disorders, such as obesity and diabetes.
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High-intensity interval training is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training in reducing abdominal fat mass in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes: A randomized crossover study.
Maillard, F, Rousset, S, Pereira, B, Boirie, Y, Duclos, M, Boisseau, N
Diabetes & metabolism. 2018;(6):516-517
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Efficacy of tea catechin-rich beverages to reduce abdominal adiposity and metabolic syndrome risks in obese and overweight subjects: a pooled analysis of 6 human trials.
Hibi, M, Takase, H, Iwasaki, M, Osaki, N, Katsuragi, Y
Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.). 2018;:1-10
Abstract
This post hoc pooled analysis assessed the effectiveness of green tea catechins (GTC) to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) associated with abdominal fat reduction, because previous findings are unclear. Data were pooled from six human trials (n=921, 505 men) comparing the effects of GTC-containing beverages (540-588 mg GTC/beverage) and a placebo beverage. Outcome measures were abdominal fat [total fat area (TFA), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA)], and MetS risk. We estimated mean changes from baseline and calculated confidence intervals (CI) to assess reductions in abdominal fat accumulation and MetS improvement. Subclass analyses were performed by classifying subjects as Pre-MetS or MetS at trial initiation. Additional subclass analyses were performed with Pre-MetS and MetS subjects further stratified according to whether GTC intake reduced TFA, VFA, or SFA. Consumption of GTC-containing beverages for 12 weeks significantly reduced TFA (-17.7cm2, 95%CI: -20.9 to -14.4), VFA (-7.5cm2, 95%CI: -9.3 to -5.7), SFA (-10.2cm2, 95%CI: -12.5 to -7.8), body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference; and improved blood pressure. Subclass analyses of Pre-MetS and MetS subjects showed improved MetS in the GTC group [odds ratio (OR), 1.67; 95%CI: 1.08-2.57]. The ORs for improved MetS in the TFA- and VFA-reduced groups were 2.79 (95%CI: 1.28-6.09) and 4.36 (95%CI: 2.03-9.39), respectively. Continual consumption of GTC-containing beverages reduced abdominal fat and improved MetS, suggesting its potential to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additional large-scale intervention trials are needed to evaluate the effects of GTC on the risk of MetS in high-risk populations.
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Effect of Oral Paprika Xanthophyll Intake on Abdominal Fat in Healthy Overweight Humans: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study.
Kakutani, R, Hokari, S, Nishino, A, Ichihara, T, Sugimoto, K, Takaha, T, Kuriki, T, Maoka, T
Journal of oleo science. 2018;(9):1149-1162
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Abstract
PURPOSE Xanthophylls that exist in various vegetables and fruits have beneficial actions, such as antioxidant activity and an anti-metabolic syndrome effect, and daily intake of xanthophylls could play an important role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases. We investigated whether intake of xanthophylls from red paprika could decrease the abdominal fat area in the healthy overweight volunteers with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 25 to < 30 kg/m2. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 100 healthy volunteers were assigned to oral administration of paprika xanthophyll capsules (containing 9.0 mg of paprika xanthophylls) or placebo capsules for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the effect of paprika xanthophyll intake on the abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) as determined by computed tomography. The secondary endpoints were as follows: 1) changes of the abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA), total fat area (TFA), and BMI; 2) changes of lipid metabolism parameters, glucose metabolism parameters, and other blood parameters. RESULTS After 12 weeks, VFA was smaller in the paprika xanthophyll group than in the placebo group. In the paprika xanthophyll group, there was a significant decrease of SFA, TFA, and BMI after 12 weeks compared with baseline, and the reduction of SFA, TFA, and BMI was significantly greater in the paprika xanthophyll group than in the placebo group. Moreover, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in the paprika xanthophyll group, but not in the placebo group. No adverse effects were caused by intake of paprika xanthophyll capsules. CONCLUSIONS Intake of paprika xanthophylls for 12 weeks significantly reduced the abdominal fat area and BMI in healthy overweight volunteers without causing any adverse effects. These findings suggest that paprika xanthophyll is a safe food ingredient that improves lipid metabolism and reduces abdominal fat. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN-CTR UMIN000021529.
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A baru almond-enriched diet reduces abdominal adiposity and improves high-density lipoprotein concentrations: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
de Souza, RGM, Gomes, AC, de Castro, IA, Mota, JF
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2018;:154-160
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nut consumption is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. Baru almonds have a high protein content and high quantities of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a baru almond-enriched diet on body composition and markers of lipid metabolism in overweight and obese women. METHODS A randomized, placebo-controlled, 8-wk clinical trial of 46 overweight and obese women was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 normocaloric and isoenergetic diets: baru almond-enriched diet or baru almond-free diet. Both groups received dietary instructions. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids, as well as apolipoproteins, angiopoietin-like-3, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression, were determined at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS The consumption of baru almonds reduced waist circumference (-2.45 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.90 to -0.23; P = 0.03), cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression (-0.23 mcg/mL; 95% CI, -1.24 to-0.08; P = 0.03), and increased high-density lipoprotein concentrations (+4.82 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.03-8.88; P = 0.04) compared with baru almond-free diet. CONCLUSIONS A baru almond-enriched diet for 8-wk reduced abdominal adiposity and improved high-density lipoprotein in overweight and obese women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as RBR-2 wpryx.
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Lycium barbarum Reduces Abdominal Fat and Improves Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Status in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.
de Souza Zanchet, MZ, Nardi, GM, de Oliveira Souza Bratti, L, Filippin-Monteiro, FB, Locatelli, C
Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2017;:9763210
Abstract
Natural antioxidants present in fruits have attracted considerable interest due to their presumed safety and potential nutritional value. Even though antioxidant activities of many fruits have been reported, the effects of phytochemicals of goji berry (GB) in patients with metabolic syndrome have not been investigated. In this study, we examined anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome after the consumption of GB. The patients were divided into two groups, control (C) and supplemented (S), and followed up for 45 days. Participants were individually instructed to carry out a healthy diet, but additionally, an inclusion of 14 g of the natural form of goji berry in the diet during 45 days for the S group was proposed. After 45 days of study, a significant reduction in transaminases as well as an improvement in lipid profile in the S group was observed. Likewise, a significant reduction in the waist circumference of the S group was observed when compared with that of the C group, and increased glutathione and catalase levels associated with a reduction of lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that this is an effective dietary supplement for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
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Intrahepatic fat, abdominal adipose tissues, and metabolic state: magnetic resonance imaging study.
Yaskolka Meir, A, Tene, L, Cohen, N, Shelef, I, Schwarzfuchs, D, Gepner, Y, Zelicha, H, Rein, M, Bril, N, Serfaty, D, et al
Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews. 2017;(5)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic fat (IHF) is best known to associate with waist circumference (WC) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), but its relation to abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue is controversial. While IHF ≥ 5% dichotomously defines fatty liver, %IHF is rarely considered as a continuous variable that includes the normal range. In this study, we aimed to evaluate %IHF association with abdominal fat subdepots, pancreatic, and renal-sinus fats. METHODS We evaluated %IHF, abdominal fat subdepots, %pancreatic, and renal-sinus fats, among individuals with moderate abdominal obesity, using 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Among 275 participants, %IHF widely ranged (0.01%-50.4%) and was lower in women (1.6%) than men (7.3%; P < .001). In an age, sex, and WC-adjusted models, VAT area (P < .006) was directly associated with %IHF, while superficial-subcutaneous adipose tissue proportion was inversely associated with %IHF (P < .006). In these models, renal-sinus fat was positively associated with %IHF (P = .005). In an age, sex, WC, and VAT-adjusted models, elevated liver enzymes, glycemic, lipid, and inflammatory biomarkers were associated with increased %IHF (P < .003 for all). In these models, the associations remained robust even within the normal range strata of IHF < 5% for triglycerides and chemerin (P ≤ .004 for all). For the diagnosis of fatty liver, the joint area under the curve of WC, alanine-aminotransferase, triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was 0.84(95% CI, 0.79-0.89). CONCLUSIONS Intrahepatic fat is differentially associated with abdominal fat subdepots. Intrahepatic-fat as a continuous variable could be predicted by specific traditional parameters, even within the current normal range, and partially independent of VAT.