Obesity

Diet Quality and Obesity Impact Gut Microbial Composition in Older Adults Living with HIV (E02-01)

Amanda L Willig, Casey Morrow, Martin Rodriguez, and Edgar Overton

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Objectives: HIV infection alters the composition of the gut microbiota. However, investigations of HIV infection and the gut microbiome have not considered the contributions of dietary intake and obesity to microbial diversity. Our objective was to demonstrate how response to HIV antiretroviral therapy (CD4⁺ T-cell count), dietary intake, and obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m²] impacts the microbiome in adults with HIV aged >50 y, who are considered older adults in the HIV community owing to possible accelerated aging.

Methods: We recruited 60 HIV-infected persons ≥50 y old with controlled viremia for >1 y. Groups were determined based on a CD4⁺ count either 500 (high, n = 30) cells/mm³ and a BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obese) or <30 (not obese): 1) Low CD4/Not Obese, 2) Low CD4/Obese, 3) High CD4/Not Obese, and 4) High CD4/Obese. Participants had no underlying gastrointestinal disease or antibiotic use for 60 d pre-enrollment. Dietary intake was assessed as the average of three 24-h diet recalls. The fecal microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with the use of MiSeqTM and QIIME bioinformatics.

Results: The median age was 56 y (range 50–72 y); 30% were women; and the median BMI was 28 kg/m². A negative correlation was observed between BMI >30 kg/m² and diversity (Shannon r = −0.24, P = 0.11; Simpson r = −0.23, P = 0.04). A low CD4 count was associated with increased Synergistetes and decreased Bifidobacteriales. Protein intake adjusted for body weight was positively correlated with Fusobacteria and Prevotella operational taxonomic units. Participants in the High CD4/Not Obese group had higher Bacteroidetes and lower Firmicutes composition than both Obese groups (both P < 0.05), whereas the Low CD4/Not Obese group had Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes composition similar to both Obese groups.

Conclusions: In this preliminary study, the gut microbiomes of obese adults with HIV were less diverse, whereas dietary protein intake impacts the gut microbiome composition even in the presence of HIV infection. However, individuals infected with HIV-1 in the Low CD4/Not Obese group display a gut microbe profile similar to HIV-infected obese persons. Understanding the relation between body weight, gut microbe composition, and chronic viral infection will facilitate the development of novel interventions for gut dysbiosis and its consequences in people living with HIV.

Funding Sources

NIAID Center for AIDS Research P30-AI27767NIAID R24-AI067039-1 Mary Fisher Care Fund.

 

Urolithin A, a Gut Metabolite of Ellagic Acid, Improves Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity in C57BL6 Mice against a High-Fat Diet (E02-02)

Ashley R Mulcahy, Rong Fan, and Soonkyu Chung

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Objective: Urolithins (Uro) are gut-derived metabolites produced from ellagitannins and ellagic acid–rich foods such as pomegranates, berries, and nuts. UroA, a predominant isoform of Uro in humans, has been implicated for its beneficial effects on energy sensing and longevity. However, biological functions of UroA in metabolism is poorly understood. The objective of this study is to evaluate the direct impact of UroA administration on diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods: Obesity-prone C57BL/6 (n = 8 per group) mice were fed with a high-fat (HF, 45% of total calories from fat) diet with daily administration of either saline or synthetic UroA (20 µg/d) intraperitoneally. After 12 wk of the HF diet, the mice were subjected to glucose (GTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT), and insulin concentrations were measured by ELISA. To examine the tissue-specific insulin signaling, insulin was injected and liver, muscle and adipose tissue were harvested at 10-min intervals. Gene expression levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and insulin signaling was determined by western blot analysis with the use of phospho-specific antibodies of insulin targets. Human hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells were used by treating physiologically achievable UroA.

Results: Despite no significant changes in adiposity, UroA administration was associated with 1) improved glucose and insulin tolerance, 2) significantly reduced insulin concentrations during GTT (P = 0.02), 3) significantly reduced gluconeogenesis-related gene expression of PEPCK and G6Pase (P = 0.05), and 4) elevated levels of the β oxidation–related genes PPARa, PGC1a, and CPT1. UroA treatment exhibited higher insulin sensitivity levels of insulin receptor substrate-1 and AKT phosphorylation in the liver in response to the insulin challenge, but not in the muscle and adipose tissue, thus suggesting that liver is the primary target tissue of UroA. Consistently, UroA treatment resulted in decreased triglyceride accumulation and augmentation of lipid oxidation in Huh7 cells.

Conclusion: Our work reveals that direct administration of UroA, a gut metabolite, improves hepatic insulin sensitivity, partly through the augmentation of hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase and autophagy.

Funding Sources

USDA NIFA Grant 12,213,223.

 

Intestinal Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Cardiometabolic Health (E02-03)

Noel T Mueller,¹ Jacobo de la Cuesta-Zuluaga,² Rafael Alvarez,³ Vanessa Corrales-Agudelo,⁴ Eliana Velasquez-Mejia,⁴ Jenny Carmona,⁵ Jose M Abad,⁶ Katalina Munoz-Durango,⁴ Jelver Restrepo,⁴ Juan Escobar Restrepo,⁴

¹Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD; ²Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Germany; ³University of Antioquia, Colombia; ⁴Vidarium; ⁵Dinamica IPS; and ⁶EPS Sura

Objectives: Fermentation of fiber by the colonic microbiota yields short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Findings from murine and human studies are conflicting as to whether SCFAs are beneficial or detrimental to cardiometabolic health. Our aim was to determine the relation between dietary fiber, fecal SCFAs, gut microbiota, and host cardiometabolic health.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 441 community-dwelling adults in which we measured the fecal microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fecal SCFAs by the use of GC-MS. We examined associations of the fecal microbiota composition and diversity, fecal SCFAs, and measures of adiposity and cardiometabolic health. We used multivariable models to adjust for potential confounders, including age, city of origin, calories consumed, fiber intake, and physical activity.

Results: Higher microbiota α diversity was associated with lower SCFA concentrations, lower adiposity, and better cardiometabolic health. Furthermore, we identified specific groups of microbes associated with fecal SCFAs. SCFA concentrations were positively associated with body mass index, waist circumference, body fat, VLDL, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin, and blood pressure. Individuals with higher excretion of butyrate and other SCFAs had increased prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and hypertension. All associations were statistically significant before and after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusion: Higher microbiota diversity was associated with lower adiposity and better cardiometabolic health, and also lower fecal SCFA concentrations. Fecal SCFA concentrations, despite being positively associated with fiber intake, were associated with greater adiposity and worse cardiometabolic health. Our results suggest that higher fecal SCFAs might reflect greater excretion owing to less efficient intestinal absorption.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE E02-03-1.

 

Temporal Evaluation of Metabolism and the Fecal Microbiome in a Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Obesity (E02-04)

Lauren N Woodie, Keah Higgins, Haley Hallowell, Elizabeth Hiltbold-Schwartz, and Michael Greene

Auburn University, AL

Objectives: Over the past 2 decades, obesity and comorbid diseases have increased substantially in the United States owing in part to overconsumption of high-fat diets. The intestinal microbiome is altered in obese individuals, and recent evidence suggests that these alterations may be involved in the development of diet-induced diseases. The time course of diet-induced changes and the relation between the intestinal virome and intestinal bacteriome have yet to be fully described. Our research examined this gap by taking metabolic and fecal samples from a mouse model of obesity at specific time points throughout dietary exposure.

Methods: C57Bl/6N mice were maintained ad libitum on either standard rodent chow (Chow) or a high-fat Western diet (WD). Metabolic measurements were collected for 24 h in metabolic cages at 2, 4, and 12 wk after the diets began. Fecal samples were collected aseptically from each mouse at 0, 2, 4, and 12 wk after dietary treatment for shotgun metagenomic sequencing. At the end of 12 wk, the mice were killed for tissue collection and analysis.

Results: Our diet sufficiently induced obesity and metabolic disease, with alterations in metabolic phenotype appearing at 2 wk and a significant change in body weight appearing after 3 wk (P < 0.01). At the end of the study, the WD mice were insulin resistant (P < 0.01) and had increased fat pad weight compared with the Chow mice (P < 0.01). In addition to metabolic and physiologic changes, the WD group exhibited time-dependent changes in the intestinal bacteriome and virome. At 2 wk, there was a decrease in Clostridia and an increase in Verrucomicrobiae in WD samples. After 4 wk, these 2 populations decreased in abundance, whereas Bacteroidia increased. In the 12 wk sample, however, there was a major Bacilli bloom, resulting in a decrease in the abundance of other classes. Interestingly, phi335-like and phiFL-like viruses, known bacteriophages of the Bacilli class, increased in WD samples starting at 2 wk. Also beginning at 2 wk, a Clostridia-class bacteriophage, the phiCD119-like virus, progressively decreased in abundance following its host.

Conclusions: Our study highlights the dynamic nature of intestinal bacteria in response to diet, as well as the additional impacts of a Western diet on the intestinal virome in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.

Funding Sources

Funding was provided through the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer.

 

Differential Effect of Natural and Artificial Sweeteners on Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolic Endotoxemia (E02-05)

Monica Sanchez-Tapia,¹ Armando Tovar,² and Nimbe Torres²

¹UNAM/INCMNSZ; and ²Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Mexico

Objective: Sweeteners are linked to different health effects, in part owing to changes in the gut microbiota.

The purpose of the present work was to study the effect of different types of sweeteners on intestinal microbiota.

Methods: Wistar rats were fed different sweeteners (10%) in drinking water unless otherwise indicated with a control diet (AIN 93) for a period of 4 mo [sucrose, fructose, glucose, steviol glucosides (2.5%), unrefined sugar, honey, Svetia, and sucralose (1.5%)]. Body weight, food intake, body composition (by nuclear magnetic resonance), biochemical parameters, glucose tolerance test, energy expenditure, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and gut microbiota composition (by sequencing in the MiSeq platform) were determined.

Results: After 4 mo of consuming the different sweeteners, the body mass of rats fed sucrose followed by sucralose increased by 24% and 10% respectively in comparison with the control group. These sweeteners produced glucose intolerance, metabolic inflexibility, and a significant increase in serum glucose, triglycerides, and total and LDL cholesterol in comparison with the control group. The groups that consumed honey, unrefined sugar, and steviol glucosides showed the lowest weight gain, glucose intolerance, and metabolic inflexibility, and maintained serum biochemical parameters in the normal range. Consumption of sucralose produced the most gut dysbiosis, particularly a significant increase in Bacteroides fragilis, whereas rats fed honey had a significant increase in Bifidobacterium animalis. Rats fed steviol glucosides or Svetia increased Akkermansia muciniphila, in addition Svetia increased Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Rats consumed glucose or fructose showed changes in the Ruminoccoccus genus. Finally, the sucrose group increased Prevotella copri and Parabacteroides distasonis, which are associated with obesity. Sucrose and sucralose produced the highest metabolic endotoxemia mediated by lipopolysaccharide and SCFA concentration.

Conclusions: The results indicate that the consumption of honey, steviol glucosides, and unrefined sugar produced the lowest metabolic endotoxemia associated with a reduced dysbiosis in gut microbiota, whereas the consumption of sucralose or sucrose produced the highest metabolic endotoxemia, intestinal dysbiosis, and glucose intolerance.

Funding Sources

Supported by CONACYT, grant 257,339 (to NT).

 

Microbial Taxa Differ by Metabolic Syndrome and Hepatic Health Status among Overweight or Obese Adults (E02-06)

Sharon V Thompson, Andrew Taylor, Aiguo Han, Caitlyn G Edwards, Sarah K Skinner, Naiman Khan, Nicholas Burd, William D O'Brien, and Hannah D Holscher

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a progressive condition typified by elevated hepatic lipid deposition, is a common comorbidity of metabolic syndrome (MetS) despite its lack of inclusion in MetS diagnostic criteria. Emerging research has implicated microbial dysbiosis and dysfunction of the gut microbiota-liver axis, the direct conduit for microbial influence on hepatic function via portal circulation, in NAFLD development.

Objective: The aim of this study was to concomitantly assess microbial taxa, MetS status, and hepatic lipid deposition among overweight or obese adults.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 92 adults aged between 25 and 45 y with body mass index values ≥25.0 kg/m². MetS was evaluated as the presence of ≥3 risk factors according to the International Diabetes Federation guidelines. The hepatic fat fraction was assessed by the use of quantitative ultrasound; hepatic steatosis was defined as a fat fraction ≥5%. Microbial analyses were conducted by the use of 16S rRNA sequencing (V4 region) and QIIME version 2. Bivariate correlations were conducted to assess relations between microbial taxa and health outcomes. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to identify differences in microbial taxa abundances by the presence or absence of MetS and hepatic steatosis.

Results: A total of 38% of the participants presented with MetS, 18% with hepatic steatosis, and 11% with both conditions. At the phylum level, the hepatic fat fraction was positively correlated with Proteobacteria (ρ = 0.32, P = 0.01) and the relative abundance of this phylum was overrepresented among participants with hepatic steatosis (P = 0.02), as were the genus Proteus (P = 0.03) and the bile-tolerant genus Sutterella (P = 0.03). Individuals with MetS had greater relative abundances of Bilophila (P = 0.04).

Conclusions: The present study identified differences in microbial taxa abundances, including elevated representation of bacteria involved in fat and protein metabolism among adults with MetS and hepatic steatosis, providing evidence for a connection between the gut microbiota-liver axis, diet, and chronic disease risk.

Funding Sources

Partial funding support was provided by the Hass Avocado Board and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project ILLU-668–902.

 

Independent Effects of Maternal Depression on Excess Weight Gain in Adolescent Girls (OR02-01)

Sanae E Ferreira, Martha Singer, M Loring Bradlee, and Lynn L Moore

Boston University School of Medicine

Objectives: To better understand the contributions of maternal mental health on the origins of childhood obesity, we studied the relation between maternal depression and weight change and obesity risk among girls initially 9–10 y of age who were followed until late adolescence (ages 17–21 y).

Methods: We analyzed previously collected data from the NHLBI's National Growth and Health Study, a national dataset comprising 2379 black and white girls followed for 10 y. Our study included 1263

girls (with their mothers) for whom we had complete information on numerous maternal and child factors thought to be possible risk factors for obesity. Mothers completed a modified Zung Self Rating Depression Scale questionnaire and were assigned a depression score (maximum = 40 points). Based on sensitivity analyses, scores of depression symptoms were categorized as low (<22), moderate (22–26), or high (≥26). Adjusting for race, socioeconomic status, height, and average amount of TV/video watched (hours per day), mixed regression modeling was used to explore the relation over time between maternal depression and the child's body mass index (BMI) change over time.

Results: The 9- to 10-y-old girls whose mothers had the lowest depression scores maintained the lowest BMI levels over 10 y; those whose mothers had the highest depression scores had the greatest increases in BMI (P < 0.0001), higher than girls whose mothers had low scores (P = 0.03). To explore whether adolescent psychosocial factors, such as childhood depression or low self-esteem, could explain the effects of maternal depression, these factors were added to the multivariable models; the results were only slightly attenuated (Δ –0.13 kg/m²). Finally, analyses controlling for a number of dietary factors failed to explain the effect of maternal depression.

Conclusion: Maternal depression is an independent risk factor for excess weight gain during adolescence.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE OR02-01-1.

High maternal depression scores were associated with greater BMI gains throughout adolescence.

 

Parental Concern about Obesity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Nationally Representative Sample (OR02-02)

David Tybor,¹ Misha Eliasziw,¹ Tanja VE Kral,² Nancy Sherwood,³ Linmarie Sikich,⁴ Heidi Stanish,⁵ Linda G. Bandini,^6,7 Carol Curtin,⁶ and Aviva Must¹

¹Tufts University School of Medicine, MA; ²University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; ³University of Minnesota School of Public Health; ⁴Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, NC; ⁵College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston; ⁶University of Massachusetts Medical School; and ⁷Boston University, MA

Objectives: The prevalence of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exceeds that of the general population, but the level of parental concern about obesity in these children is unexplored. We sought to estimate the prevalence of obesity in children 10–17 y of age in the newly redesigned National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2016, and to compare parental concern about obesity between parents of children with and without ASD.

Methods: The nationally representative NSCH 2016 oversampled parents of children with parent reports of special health care needs, including ASD. Parents opted to complete the survey via the web or surface mail. Of those surveyed, 24,251 had children aged 10–17 y with data on autism status and obesity. Following a report of their child's height and weight, parents were asked “Are you concerned about their weight?” Response options included: “Yes, it's too high,” “Yes, it's too low,” or “No, I am not concerned.” Obesity [>95th percentile body mass index (BMI)] and overweight or obesity (>85th percentile BMI) were estimated based on BMI, calculated from parent-reported height and weight, referenced against the 2000 CDC growth reference. Covariates included age, sex, race or ethnicity, and use of medications for ASD.

Results: The prevalence of obesity in children with ASD was 23.0%, compared with 15.9% of children without ASD. Children with ASD were 58% more likely to be obese after adjusting for age, sex, and race or ethnicity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.14]. Children with ASD who were taking medication for ASD had elevated, but not significantly higher, odds of obesity compared with children with ASD not taking autism medication (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI: 0.91, 3.14). Among parents of obese children with ASD, 71.8% were concerned that their child's weight was “too high,” which was significantly higher than the 50.0% of parents of obese children without ASD who expressed similar concern (P = 0.0013). This pattern was also seen when overweight children were included.

Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity is elevated in children with ASD compared with children without ASD. Parental concern in this group is high, suggesting opportunities for parent-supported interventions in the home setting and for secondary prevention in clinical settings.

Funding Sources

HRSA/MCHB UA3MC25735.

 

What Genes Are Underlying Disinhibited Eating and Childhood Obesity: Searching Puzzle Pieces for the Brain Food Reward Circuitry (OR02-03)

Ying Meng¹, SusanGroth¹, Colin Hodgkinson², Joyce Smith¹, and Harriet Kitzman¹

¹University of Rochester, NY; and ²National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Objective: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and currently affects ∼17% of children in the United States. Previous genome-wide studies have emphasized the central role of the brain in obesity, and the food reward circuitry is one of the key systems. Studies also support a substantial overlap within the reward system between food intake and substance addiction. Disinhibited eating, a behavior linked to childhood obesity, is a manifestation of dysregulation of the food reward circuitry. Therefore, the goal of this study was to identify associations between addiction-related genes and body mass index (BMI) mediated by disinhibited eating. We hypothesized that addiction-related genes potentially participate in the food reward circuitry if disinhibited eating mediates their association with BMI.

Method: A subset of African American adolescents (n = 538) from the longitudinal New Mother's Study were included in the analysis. Anthropometric, demographic, genetic, and eating behavior measurements were collected at the 18-y follow-up assessments. A total of 1350 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mapping to 127 addiction-related genes were genotyped. Ancestry markers (186 SNPs) were used to adjust for population substructure. Generalized estimating equation models were conducted to control family clusters and identify genetic associations, assumed additive models, with disinhibited eating and BMI z scores. The mediation effect of disinhibited eating was assessed by use of the Binary_Mediation package in STATA 15.0.

Results: The children's ages ranged from 14 to 19 y. Nearly 37% of the children were overweight or obese. Sixty SNPs were nominally significantly associated with disinhibited eating (P < 0.05). Among them, 4 SNPs were significantly related to BMI. Disinhibited eating significantly mediated the associations between 3 SNPs and BMI (P < 0.05). The identified 3 SNPs map to 2 genes involved in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine functions.

Conclusions: Our results suggest a potential involvement of GABA pathways and glycine in the food reward circuitry. Further investigation of the identified genes will facilitate the understanding of the food reward circuitry, its related eating behaviors, and their role in obesity development.

Funding Sources

The 18-y follow-up assessments of the New Mother's Study were supported by R01 DA021624-02, R01 DA021624-03S1, and R01 DA021624-03S2 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health. YM is additionally supported by the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Award NRSA Training Core grant TL1 TR 0,02000 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. CH is supported by intramural funds from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at Nationa Institutes of Health.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE OR02-03-1.

Addiction genes associated with disinhibited eating behavior.

 

Beverage Intake among Minority Preschool Children and its Relation to Body Weight (OR02-04)

Andrea Charvet and Fatma Huffman

Florida International University

Objectives: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore the beverage intake among preschool children aged from 3 to <5 y participating in the Broward County Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and understand its relation to body weight status.

Methods: Data was collected from all 7 Broward County Health Department WIC clinics over 4 mo. The researcher interviewed the participant's authorized representative and extracted additional data from the WIC data system. Body mass index-for-age percentiles were used to separate children into weight categories according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which were further combined into underweight or normal weight (under/normal) and overweight or obese (overweight/obese) groups for data analysis.

Results: A total of 197 participants [90 boys (45.7%) and 107 girls (54.3%)] were enrolled. When distributed into weight categories, 3.5% of the children were underweight, 64.5% were normal weight, 16.8% were overweight and 15.2% were obese. The overweight/obese children were consuming significantly more sweetened beverages than the under/normal weight group (7.45 ± 8.71 vs. 4.60 ± 6.64 oz/d, P = 0.024). Mostly the intake of sugar-sweetened juices was significantly higher in the overweight/obese group than in the under/normal weight group (6.18 ± 8.17 vs. 3.58 ± 5.67 oz/d, P = 0.025). Daily average intake of plain milk, flavored milk, fruit juice, sports drinks, soda, or water was not significantly different between the different body weight groups. Contrary to what we expected, 79.4% of the overweight/obese children were drinking 1% or fat free milk, 15.9% were drinking whole or 2% milk, and 4.8% were drinking another type of milk. This was significantly different than the type of milk intake in the under/normal

weight group, in which 59% of the children were drinking 1% or fat free milk, 35.8% were drinking whole or 2% milk, and 5.2% were drinking another type of milk (P = 0.014).

Conclusions: The results indicated that sugar-sweetened juices were associated with obesity in preschool children, whereas high-fat milk intake was more prevalent in underweight and normal weight preschoolers. These findings suggest that nutrition education for the reduction of sugar-sweetened juices intake may reduce obesity in minority preschool children.

Funding Sources

AC was supported by NIH/NIGMS R25 GM061347. Support to conduct the study was provided by the Dietetics and Nutrition research foundation.

 

Longitudinal Associations between Beverage Intakes and Body Mass Indices throughout Childhood and Adolescence (OR02-05)

Teresa A Marshall,¹ Alexandra Curtis,¹ Joseph Cavanaugh,¹ John J Warren,² and Steven M Levy²

Colleges of ¹Public Health and ²Dentistry, University of Iowa

Objectives: Evidence supporting an association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intakes and obesity during childhood and adolescence is inconclusive owing in part to the cross-sectional nature of most previous studies. Our objective was to assess longitudinal associations between beverage intakes and body mass indices throughout childhood and adolescence.

Methods: Mean daily beverage (ounces) intakes of Iowa Fluoride Study participants (n = 349 male, n = 359 female) were calculated for ages 2–4.7, 5–8.5, 9–10.5, 11–12.5, 13–14.5, and 15–17 y from questionnaire-reported intakes of milk, 100% juice, sugar-sweetened beverages and water-based sugar-free beverages (WBB). Body mass indices (BMI) were calculated from weight and height measured at the corresponding age 5, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 y clinic exams. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between the independent variables of age, sex, and beverage intakes, and the dependent variable of BMI z scores.

Results: SSB intakes were significantly associated with BMI z scores (effect size: 0.067; 95% CI: 0.031, 0.104; P < 0.001). Specifically, for each additional 10 oz SSB daily intake, on average, the BMI percentile for a subject at the 50th percentile would increase to the 52.7 percentile. Milk (effect size: 0.013; 95% CI: −0.024, 0.049; P = 0.496), 100% juice (effect size: −0.030; 95% CI: −0.098, 0.039; P = 0.394), and WBB (effect size: 0.025; 95% CI: −0.002, 0.051; P = 0.065) intakes were not significantly associated with BMI z scores. Females had slightly lower BMI z scores than males for all beverage intakes; however, these mean differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: SSB intakes contributed to higher mean BMI z scores throughout childhood and adolescence among Iowa Fluoride Study participants, suggesting that SSBs are an important, modifiable risk factor for obesity.

Funding Sources

National Institutes of Health (R03-DE023784, R01-DE12101, R01-DE09551, UL1-RR024979, UL1-TR000442, UL1-TR001013, M01-RR00059), The Roy J Carver Charitable Trust and the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation.

 

Energy Density Variations Lead to Sustained Changes in Preschool Children's Energy Intake (OR02-06)

Alissa Smethers, Liane Roe, Christine Sanchez, Faris Zuraikat, Kathleen Keller, and Barbara Rolls

Pennsylvania State University

Objective: Young children are thought to be able to regulate their intake in response to perturbations in energy balance. We tested whether preschool children adjust their energy intake in response to increases or decreases in energy density over 5 d, a period expected to be long enough for compensatory behavior.

Methods: In a crossover design, we provided all meals and snacks during three 5-d periods to 49 children aged 3–5 y (25 boys and 24 girls; 16% overweight or obese). During one 5-d period, 4 of the daily entrées (3 main meals, 1 afternoon snack) were served with baseline (100%) energy density (ED). In the other 2 periods, the ED of the entrées was either increased by 20% or decreased by 20%. All conditions provided more than enough energy to meet daily needs. Foods and milk were consumed ad libitum and individual weighed intakes were determined. Children ate 3 meals and 1 snack in their childcare centers, and 2 snacks were provided to be eaten at home.

Results: Modifying the ED of 4 daily entrées for 5 d had a significant and persistent effect on children's dietary ED and daily energy intake. Children ate a similar daily weight of the varied entrées in both the higher-ED (mean ± SEM 166 ± 12 g/d; P = 0.35) and lower-ED conditions (148 ± 12 g/d; P = 0.19) as the baseline (158 ± 11 g/d). As a result, the daily dietary ED was influenced by the ED of the entrées; compared with the baseline (1.30 ± 0.0 kcal/g), dietary ED increased by 8% with the higher-ED entrées (P < 0.0001) and decreased by 8% with the lower-ED entrées (P < 0.0001). Consequently, serving higher-ED entrées increased the daily energy intake by 82 ± 16 kcal/d (1030 ± 41 vs. 950 ± 4 1 kcal/d; P < 0.0001), and serving lower-ED entrées decreased the energy intake by 76 ± 16 kcal/d from the baseline (874 ± 41 vs. 950 ± 41 kcal/d; P < 0.0001). There was no evidence that energy intake was adjusted over time in response to changes in ED, as a random coefficients model showed that the trajectory of daily energy intake over the 5 d did not differ across conditions (P = 0.20).

Conclusion: Children did not adjust their intake in response to energy surfeits or deficits resulting from variations in ED across 5 d. These findings counter the suggestion that children's regulatory systems can be relied on to adjust intake in response to energy imbalances, and emphasize the potential to influence children's energy intake by varying ED.

Funding Sources

Supported by the NIH Grant DK082589 and USDA Grant 2011-67,001-30,117.

 

The Persistent Signal from Television Viewing in Childhood on Overweight and Obesity throughout the Life Course (OR02-07)

Muna J Tahir,¹ Walter Willett,² and Michele R Forman³

¹The University of Texas at Austin; ²Harvard University, MA; and ³Purdue University, IN

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association between TV viewing in childhood and overweight or obesity throughout the life course.

Methods: Among 30,921 mother-nurse dyads from the Nurses’ Mothers’ Cohort Study and the Nurses’ Health Study II, the following information was collected: nurse's TV viewing and physical activity (PA) at 3–5 and 5–10 y, somatotype at 5 and 10 y, weight at 18 y, and current height and weight in adulthood. Binomial logistic regression models were used to estimate overweight or obesity in childhood (somatotype ≥5), adolescence, and adulthood (Body Mass Index ≥25 kg/m²) by childhood TV viewing and a composite score of childhood TV viewing and PA.

Results: A total of 2% of nurses watched TV for ≥4 h/d at 3–5 y. The prevalence of overweight or obesity ranged from 6% at age 5 to 31% in adulthood. Compared with no TV viewing, TV viewing for ≥4 h/d at 3–5 y was associated with overweight or obesity across the life course: ORs were 1.61 (95% CI: 1.20, 2.17) at age 5 y, 1.46 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.86) at age 10 y, 1.31 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.70) at age 18 y, and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.59) in adulthood. The combination of high TV and low PA at 3–5 y, as opposed to low TV and high PA, was associated with 1.84- to 3.22-fold higher odds of overweight or obesity throughout life. Similar findings were seen at 5–10 y.

Conclusions: Long hours of TV viewing in childhood alone and in combination with low PA were associated with higher odds of overweight or obesity concurrently and later in life.

Funding Sources

The Nurses’ Mothers’ Cohort Study was funded by the National Cancer Institute (Research Contract N02-RC-17,027). The Nurses’ Health Study II was supported by award number UM1CA176726 from the National Institutes of Health.

 

Feature Importance from Random Forest Analysis Shows No Variable More Important than Random Chance in Behavioral Food Cue Reactivity (OR13-01)

William R Quarles, Chanaka Kahathuduwa, Tyler Davis, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: Random forests are a commonly used machine learning tool that is designed to accurately predict an outcome variable. In random forests, a feature's importance can be measured by the proportion of times a variable is selected as the root split in a decision tree. In this study, our aim was to apply feature importance from a random forest analysis in order to find salient contributors to behavioral food cue reactivity from a large collection of physiologic and behavioral data.

Methods: Baseline data from a larger clinical trial was used for analyses. Thirty-two subjects with obesity (age: 19–60 y; body mass index: 30–39.9 kg/m²) were included. Subjects completed the BMTR Demographic, Health and Weight History Form, the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Food Craving Inventory, the Power of Food Scale, and 100 mm visual analogue scales for hunger, satiety, feeling of fullness, and feeling of emptiness. A final variable was created by the use of a random number generator, run 1000 times, to create a normally distributed “random chance” variable. The data was then split into 80% training and 20% testing. Cross-validation was performed. A random forest analysis was conducted with the use of all relevant variables, and a permutation was conducted on the feature importance.

Results: Original feature importance analysis revealed a random chance of having a feature importance of 0.047. Permutation analysis revealed that no variable was any more important than random chance in determining behavioral food cue reactivity (95% CI: 0.028, 0.118). The r² value for prediction of the testing set was −0.205.

Conclusion: Using a novel analytic approach (i.e., random forest analysis), we found that physiologic markers, self-reported eating behaviors, food-craving frequency, relation to food, and current hunger did not significantly influence prediction of behavioral food cue reactivity any more than random chance. These results may suggest that individuals’ responses to the visual food environment are not substantively influenced by factors typically thought to influence behavioral food cue reactivity. Future studies with a larger sample size may be warranted to validate these findings.

Funding Sources

Nestlé Health Science.

 

Dietary Long-Chain n–3 Fatty Acids Decrease Adiposity and Mitigate Bone Deterioration in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet (OR13-02)

Jay J Cao, Kim Michelsen, and Brian Gregoire

USDA ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, ND

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which dietary long-chain n–3 (ω-3) fatty acids (LCn3) mitigate adiposity-induced changes in bone structure in a high-fat diet–induced obesity mouse model. We hypothesized that LCn3 ameliorates high fat–induced bone loss.

Methods: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice, 6 wk old, were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups (n = 10/group) in a 2 × 3 factorial design and fed either a normal-fat diet (NF, 10% kcal as fat) or a high-fat diet (HF, 45% kcal), with 0%, 3%, or 9% energy as fish oil (∼1% or 3% energy as LCn3) ad libitum for 6 mo.

Results: The HF diets increased whereas LCn3 decreased fat mass and percentage body fat (P < 0.05). The HF diet increased and LCn3 decreased serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (a bone resorption marker, P < 0.05). Compared with the NF diet, the HF diet decreased femoral bone mass, connectivity density, and trabecular number (P < 0.05). LCn3 affected femoral trabecular separation. Mice on the HF diet with 1% dietary LCn3 had a lower femoral trabecular bone separation than those on the HF diet without or with 3% LCn3. Mice fed the NF diet containing 3% LCn3 had a lower (P < 0.05) femoral bone mass than those fed the NF diets without LCn3 or with 1% LCn3. Animals fed the HF diet containing 1% LCn3 had a higher femoral bone mass (P < 0.05) than those fed the HF without LCn3.

Conclusions: These data indicate that LCn3 decrease adiposity and a diet containing 1% LCn3 is optimal in mitigating high-fat diet–induced bone deterioration in growing mice, likely by decreasing bone turnover.

Funding Sources

USDA ARS Project 3062-51,000-053–00D.

 

Twenty-Five–Year Trends in High-Fat Diet and its Role in Body Weight and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity among Chinese Adults (OR13-05)

Shufa Du,¹ Liang Wang,² Huijun Wang,³ and Barry M Popkin¹

¹UNC-Chapel Hill; ²East Tennessee State University; and ³National institute for Nutrition and Health, CCDC

Objectives: Over the past 2 decades, China has experienced an unprecedented rapid modernization, which has been accompanied by dramatically rapid increases in obesity, and major changes in diet and physical activity behaviors. Past studies on fat intake and overweight and obesity have been controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a high-fat diet on body weight and the risk of overweight and obesity in China.

Methods: We used a subsample (n = 22,677, comprising 10,704 males and 11,973 females, aged 20–60 y) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), an open cohort study covering 15 Chinese provinces across 10 waves of data from 1991 to 2015. We collected detailed dietary data by the use of three 24-h recalls in combination with weighing of foods and condiments in household inventories. We estimated the association between fat intake, body weight, and the risk of overweight and obesity with random-effects regression or logit models for panel data, stratified by gender.

Results: Over 25 y, fat intake, energy from fat, and energy from high-fat diets (defined as energy from fat >30%) increased from 62.5 g/d, 22.8%, and 23.9% in 1991 to 73.6 g/d, 36.3%, and 69.8% in 2015, respectively, among females, and from 69.8 g/d, 22.2%, 20.2% to 83.8 g/d, 35.5%, and 66.8%, respectively, among males. The prevalence of overweight and obesity [defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m²] increased from 14.6% to 35.0% among females and from 9.7% to 44.1% among males during the same period. When controlling for total energy intake, physical activities, and other socioeconomic status variables, fat intake, energy from fat, and energy from high-fat diets significantly increased body weight, BMI, and the risk of overweight and obesity among males and females.

Conclusion: High fat intake or high energy from fat increased body weight, BMI, and the risk of overweight and obesity. These findings may have a significant impact on policies and interventions related to controlling overweight and obesity.

Funding Sources

Funded by NIH, NICHD R01 HD30880, NIH Fogarty grant D43 TW009077, NIDDK R01DK104371, and NIH grant P2C HD050924.

 

The Low GI Diet as an Intervention for Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (OR13-06)

Kerry E Mills,¹ Mohammed Zafar,² Juan Zheng,² Peng Miao-Miao,² Ye Xiaofeng,² and Lu-Lu Chen²

¹University of Canberra, Australia; and ²Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Objectives: The low glycemic index (GI) diet has been postulated to aid in weight loss by reducing postprandial blood glucose excursions, leading to more stable blood glucose concentrations and therefore a reduction in hunger. We aimed to test this hypothesis by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing a low GI diet with other diet types.

Methods: We searched databases and clinical trials registers for randomized, controlled trials of ≥1 wk duration in people who were overweight or obese. Of 1429 abstracts screened, we included 101 studies involving 110 study arms and 8497 participants. Outcomes extracted included body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, fasting blood glucose, and blood lipids. Control diets included high GI, weight loss, diabetes, low fat, high fat, and habitual diets. We meta-analysed the studies by the use of a random-effects model, and conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression based on control diet, blood glucose control, baseline BMI, and dietary GI.

Results: The low GI diet was generally not superior to other diets in terms of weight loss, BMI, fasting blood glucose, or blood lipids. However, the majority of studies failed to bring about a significant change in the actual GI of the participants’ diet. A subgroup analysis of studies with a difference in GI of >20 resulted in a significant reduction in body weight in people with normal blood glucose concentrations [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.26; 95% CI: −0.43, −0.09) that was not seen in those with impaired glucose tolerance (SMD = −0.07; 95% CI: −0.28, 0.14) or type 2 diabetes (SMD = −0.02; 95% CI: −0.23, 0.19). The low GI diet was also superior to the high GI diet in lowering LDL (P = 0.007), and it also lowered triglycerides more than the diabetes and habitual diets. Meta-regression analysis also showed that baseline BMI had a small but significant influence on weight loss (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: The low GI diet, despite its plausible mechanism, was generally no more effective than other diet types for weight loss. This lack of efficacy was associated with a failure in compliance by study participants. Our data show, however, that diets achieving a substantial decrease in GI were effective in lowering body weight. Efforts should be made to increase compliance with low GI diets in people who are overweight or obese.

Funding Sources

N/A.

 

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Spanish Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with an intellectual Disability (OR13-07)

Francisco J Amo,¹ María Paz-Zulueta,¹ Paula Paras-Bravo,¹ Miguel Santibañez-Margüello,¹ Aviva Must,² and Linda Bandini³

¹University of Cantabria, Spain; ²Tufts University, MA; and ³Boston University

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) (recommended by the Spanish Agency for Consumption, Food Security and Nutrition, AECOSAN) in children, adolescents, and young adults with an intellectual disability (ID) and to determine if adherence to the MD is related to weight status, percentage of fat mass (%FM), sex, or age.

Methods: In total, 216 children, adolescents, and young adults from Spain (74 females and 142 males) with ID, between the ages of 3 and 25 y old, were studied cross-sectionally. MD adherence was assessed by the Kidmed Test, which includes parent responses to 16 questions about their child's consumption pattern of different foods. Scores can be classified as low, moderate, or high based on the distribution of responses. Height, weight, and 4 skinfold thicknesses were measured by a trained researcher. Weight status was determined by body mass index and classified as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese according to the criteria of the International Obesity Task Force. %FM was obtained from the Slaughter equation. All analyses were bivariate: t test, ANOVA, Spearman's ρ.

Results: Among the 216 subjects, 4.6% (95% CI: 2.5%, 8.3%) were found to have low adherence to the MD, 47.7% (95% CI: 41.1%, 54.3%) moderate adherence, and 47.7% (95% CI: 41.1%, 54.3%) high adherence. Of the sample, 40.9% were overweight or obese. The Kidmed Test score did not differ statistically by sex (P = 0.346) or age group (P = 0.268). However, there was a significant inverse association between weight status and adherence to the MD (P = 0.026), suggesting that less adherence was associated with higher weight status. This relation was significant in males (P = 0.035) but not in females (P = 0.693). There was a significant negative correlation (ρ = –0.21; P = 0.002) between the Kidmed Test score and the %FM; however, this correlation was only significant in males (ρ = –0.23; P = 0.009). The results were similar when MD adherence was analyzed as a 3-tiered categorical variable.

Conclusions: At least half of children and adolescents with ID do not follow the MD, and therefore Spanish nutritional recommendations. The negative association between MD adherence and both weight status and %FM in males suggests that MD may be a protective factor for obesity in youth with ID, and that it should be promoted.

Funding Sources

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

 

Changes in Intake of Plant-Based Diets and Weight Change among Men and Women in the United States (OR13-08)

Ambika Satija, Vasanti Malik, Eric B Rimm, Frank Sacks, Walter Willett, and Frank Hu

Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, MA

Objectives: Several studies have found plant-based diets (defined as vegetarian diets) to be associated with favorable weight outcomes, but they have not distinguished between high- and low-quality plant foods. We aimed to examine associations of changes in intake of variations of plant-based diets with weight change at 4-y intervals spanning more than 20 y in 3 prospective cohorts.

Methods: At baseline, there were 46,790 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) (1986), 59,217 women in NHS2 (1991), and 20,975 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) (1986). We created an overall plant-based diet index (PDI) from dietary data collected every 4 y by the use of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, by assigning positive scores to plant foods and reverse scores to animal foods. We also created a healthful PDI (hPDI) where healthy plant foods (whole grains, fruits/vegetables, nuts/legumes, oils, tea/coffee) got positive scores, whereas less healthy plant foods (juices/sweetened drinks, refined grains, potato/fries, sweets) and animal foods got reverse scores. For the unhealthful PDI (uPDI), we assigned positive scores to less healthy plant foods and reverse scores to healthy plant foods and animal foods.

Results: On average, participants gained weight in the 4-y intervals [2.64 lb (1.20 kg) in NHS, 4.43 lb (2.01 kg) in NHS2, 1.96 lb (0.89 kg) in HPFS]. Increased intake of PDI was modestly inversely associated with weight change [−0.09 lb (−0.04 kg) less weight gain per 1-SD increase; 95% CI: −0.12, −0.05 lb (−0.05, −0.02 kg); P-trend < 0.001]. This inverse association was stronger for hPDI [−1.50 lb (−0.68 kg) less weight gain per 1-SD increase; 95% CI: −1.53, −1.46 lb (−0.69, −0.66 kg); P-trend < 0.001]. Conversely, uPDI was positively associated with weight change [0.79 lb (0.36 kg) more weight gain per 1-SD increase; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.82 lb (0.34, 0.37 kg); P-trend < 0.001]. Associations for hPDI and uPDI were stronger among overweight or obese, less physically active, and younger participants (Fig 1).

Conclusions: Healthful plant-based diets rich in high-quality plant foods are associated with less weight gain at 4-y intervals. These findings support current guidelines to increase intake of healthy plant foods, while reducing intake of less healthy plant foods and animal foods.

Funding Sources

This work was supported by research grants UM1 CA186107, UM1 CA176726, and UM1 CA167552 from the National Institutes of Health. AS is supported by American Heart Association Grant #16POST29660000.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE OR13-08-1 .

Weight change‡ over 4-y periods per 1-SD increase in plant-based diet indices, stratified by selected characteristics.

 

The Antiobesity Effects of Adipose Stromal Cell-Targeted Resveratrol-Loaded Nanoparticles in C57BL/6J Mice (OR33-01)

Yujiao Zu¹, Ling Zhao², Lei Hao¹, Dayong Wu³, and Shu Wang¹

¹Texas Tech University; ²The University of Tennessee; and ³Tufts University, MA

Objectives: Trans-resveratrol (R) has an antiobesity potential via inducing adipose stromal cells (ASCs) to form beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT). However, R's poor target specificity limits its application in obesity. We have synthesized R-loaded nanoparticles (Rnano) and ligand (ASC-targeting peptides)-coated Rnano (L-Rnano). The objectives of this study are to determine their ASC target specificity and antiobesity efficacy in C57BL/6J mice.

Methods: Target specificity: DiD-labeled Rnano and L-Rnano were injected into the mice intravenously, and their biodistribution was visualized by the use of an IVIS system. ASCs of WAT stromal vascular fractions were labeled with antibodies to be identified as CD34⁺CD29⁺CD31^–CD45^– cells. The target specificity of nanoparticles to ASCs was measured by the use of flow cytometry. To show antiobesity effects, mice were fed a high-fat diet for 9 wk. During weeks 5–9, the mice were injected intravenously biweekly with one of the following: saline, free R, Rnano, L-Rnano (15 mg/kg body wt), void nanoparticles (Vnano), or ligand-coated Vnano (L-Vnano). Food intake, body weight, and composition were measured. Cold, glucose, and insulin tolerance tests were conducted. After the mice were killed, we collected blood to measure its lipid profile, and WAT depots to measure the R content, histology, mRNA levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and beige markers, and UCP1 protein levels.

Results: There was a greater accumulation of L-Rnano than of Rnano in the WAT depots, with the highest in inguinal WAT (iWAT). L-Rnano was 7-fold more specific for targeting ASCs in iWAT than Rnano. Among all groups, L-Rnano-treated mice had the lowest body weight and fat mass, and the highest cold resistance, which was correlated with the lowest iWAT weight, the highest R content in iWAT, the smallest adipocyte size, and the highest UCP1 mRNA and protein levels in iWAT, but no significant differences were found in food intake, blood lipid profile, or glucose and insulin tolerance tests. The Vnano and L-Vnano groups showed no differences from the saline group in most of the measures.

Conclusions: L-Rnano target ASCs in WAT, particularly iWAT, to induce beige cell formation, and subsequently result in weight and fat loss. This target delivery approach may portend a breakthrough in fighting obesity.

Funding Sources

Grant Funding Source: NIH (R15AT008733).

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE OR33-01-1 .

The anti-obesity effects of adipose stromal cell-targeted resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles in C57BL/6J mice.

 

Adipose Tissue Morphology, Macrophage Infiltration and Endocannabinoids after High-Dose Docosahexaenoic Acid versus Eicosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation: The ComparED Study (OR33-02)

Cécile Vors,¹ Sofia Laforest,² Fabiana Piscitelli,³ Johanne Marin,¹ Janie Allaire,¹ Dominique Fortin,⁴ Patrick Couture,¹ Vincenzo Di Marzo,¹ André Tchernof,² and Benoît Lamarche¹

¹Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF) and ²University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology, CHU de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Canada; ³Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy; and ⁴CHU de Québec St-François d'Assise Hospital, Canada

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the individual effects of high-dose docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on adipose tissue (AT) morphology, macrophage infiltration, and markers of the endocannabinoid system.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, 154 volunteers with abdominal obesity and low-grade inflammation were subjected to three 10-wk supplementation phases: 1) EPA (2.7 g/d), 2) DHA (2.7 g/d), and 3) corn oil (control), separated by a 9-wk washout. Samples of abdominal subcutaneous AT were obtained from 13 individuals after each phase. Adipocyte diameter was determined by histologic analysis. Double immunofluorescence was performed to quantify total (CD68), M1-type (CD11c) and M2-type (CD163) macrophages in AT. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and eCB-related lipids were analysed by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry in AT.

Results: There were no differences in the frequency distributions of adipocyte size between EPA, DHA, and control (P = 0.60). Mean adipocyte diameter was also similar after EPA and DHA (P = 0.84). The proportions of M1-type (P = 0.67) and M2-type (P = 0.56) macrophages were not differentially modified by EPA or DHA. EPA increased AT oleoylethanolamide levels (OEA) compared with DHA (P = 0.01). No difference was observed between EPA and DHA with regard to levels of other adipose eCBs (anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and eCB-related lipids (palmitoyl-, docosahexaenoyl-, and eicosapentaenoyl-ethanolamide and 2-docosahexaenoylglycerol).

Conclusion: High-dose DHA and EPA supplementation does not differentially modify adipocyte size nor several adipose inflammation markers in individuals at risk of CVD. The extent to which the more prominent change in OEA with EPA compared with DHA relates to AT-related inflammation and to chronic disease prevention deserves further investigation.

Funding Sources

Financial support for this RCT was provided by a grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR, MOP-123,494). Douglas Laboratories provided the EPA, DHA, and control capsules used in this study.

 

Association between Myocellular Distribution of Lipids in Calf Muscle and Cardiovascular Fitness among a Young Adult Obese Population (OR33-03)

Catherine L Carpenter, Manoj Sarma, Rajakumar Nagarajan, Cathy Lee, Vay L Go, Theodore Hahn, and M Albert Thomas

University of California at Los Angeles

Objectives: Skeletal muscle metabolism has been linked to cardiovascular health in heart failure patients, but it is unclear whether the same relation might occur in healthy obese individuals. We previously studied lipid distribution in calf muscle and found significant associations between insulin sensitivity and unsaturated intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) in the gastrocnemius muscle. Our present objective was to evaluate whether myocellular lipids distributed in the calf muscle region might also be related to cardiovascular health among obese individuals.

Methods: We studied 27 subjects who participated in a dietary and exercise intervention with measurements conducted at baseline prior to the intervention. Scans of the tibialis anterior, soleus, and gastrocnemius muscles of the right calf were performed by the use of 3T MRI/MRS scanner. The 4-dimensional multi-echo echo planar correlated spectroscopic imaging data were processed by the use of home-developed Matlab codes. Cardiovascular fitness was measured by the use of a MAX-II Metabolic Cart, which monitored a 12-lead electrocardiogram and assessed gaseous exchange of O₂ and CO₂, with fitness assessment accomplished by progressive movement on an ergonomic treadmill calibrated to increase in speed at regularly spaced intervals. The maximum volume of oxygen (VO₂ max) was measured at the highest level of exertion. Measurement results were entered in EXCEL and imported into SAS 9.4 for statistical analysis.

Results: Subjects averaged 29 y of age and were in Class II obesity, with mean body mass index values of 39.12 kg/m². Males (52%) and females (48%) were almost evenly divided, and 56% of the subjects were Caucasian, 11% black, 26% Hispanic, and 7% Asian. We observed significant associations between lipid distribution measurements and cardiovascular fitness, including correlations between VO₂ max and IMCL of soleus muscle (r = 0.45, P = 0.02), EMCL of soleus muscle (r = −0.39, P = 0.05), choline in gastrocnemius muscle (−0.51, P = 0.006), and EMCL of gastrocnemius muscle (r = 0.48, P = 0.01).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that lipid distribution in the calf muscles could be a marker for cardiovascular fitness among healthy obese young adults.

Funding Sources

R01DK090406.

 

Two-Week Treatment with Selective 3 Adrenergic Agonist Restores Metabolic Function in ER-null Mice (OR33-04)

Stephanie L Clookey,¹ Rebecca Welly,² Dusti Eaton,¹ Makenzie L Woodford,¹ Dennis B Lubahn,¹ Jaume Padilla,¹ and Victoria J Vieira-Potter¹

¹ASN; and ²University of Missouri

Background: Metabolic disease risk rapidly escalates following menopause. The mechanism is not fully known, but likely involves reduced signaling through estrogen receptor (ER)α, which is highly expressed in brown and white adipose tissue (AT).

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that β-3 adrenergic receptor activation effectively mitigates metabolic dysfunction owing to loss of signaling through ERα.

Methods: At 8 wk of age, female ERα knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were cohoused at 28°C and fed a Western high-fat diet for 10 wk. They were given daily intraperitoneal injections of CL 316,256 (CL), a selective β-3 adrenergic agonist, or vehicle control (CTRL) during the final 2 wk, creating 4 groups: WT-CTRL, WT-CL, KO-CTRL, KO-CL (n = 10/group). Comparisons were made for body weight, adiposity (EchoMRI), food intake, energy expenditure, spontaneous physical activity (metabolic chambers), insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and glucose AUC during insulin tolerance test), and AT phenotype [histology, gene (real-time polymerase chain reaction) and protein (western blot) expression ]. A 2-way ANOVA was used for main effects of genotype (G), CL (T), and G × T interactions, with the significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: CL treatment for 14 d normalized ERα KO-induced increases in body weight and adiposity (both G × T, P < 0.001), and also reduced body weight and adiposity in WT (T, P = 0.018). CL did not reduce perigonadal inflammatory gene expression, which was greater in the KO mice (Tnfa, Cd11c, F480, all G, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: CL completely normalized metabolic dysfunction in ERα KO mice. β-3 Adrenergic activation may be effective in treating metabolic dysfunction following hormone loss. The mechanism appears to be independent of ERα availability and/or reduced AT inflammation.

Funding Sources

MU Research Council.

 

Identification of the Autonomous Iron-Regulatory Network Underlying Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Beige Fat Development (OR33-05)

Mikyoung You and Soonkyu Chung

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Objective: Intracellular iron content is tightly regulated via iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) to maintain iron homeostasis. The characteristic brownish tint of beige fat reflects the abundance of iron-containing mitochondria, suggesting that adipocyte browning accompanies the modification of iron metabolism. Nevertheless, iron regulation during adipocyte browning is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to define the iron-regulatory network that promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in response to a browning stimulus.

Methods: Human stromal vascular cells were differentiated into adipocytes, and stimulated with a cAMP analog (Bt₂-cAMP) to induce browning. Iron uptake and its intracellular itinerary were determined by kinetic tracking of subcellular iron distribution among cytosol, mitochondria, and nucleus by the use of a ⁵⁹Fe-probe. The role of IRPs in white-to-beige conversion was investigated by taking a loss of function approach. For in vitro assay, IRP 1 or 2 was depleted in human adipocytes by transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) before Bt₂-cAMP stimulation. In vivo study, IRP1 or 2 knockout (KO) mice were administered either saline or the β-3 adrenoceptor agonist CL316243 for 5 d. Iron metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis were determined in both siRNA-transfected cells and IRP1 or 2 KO mice.

Results: The white-to-beige conversion of adipocytes induced a 2-fold increase of ⁵⁹Fe uptake, and elevated levels of IRP2 and transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC1). More importantly, the Bt₂-cAMP treatment caused a gradual decrease in cytosolic ⁵⁹Fe and a corresponding increase in mitochondrial ⁵⁹Fe, implicating adipocyte-autonomous iron compartmentalization into mitochondria for mitochondria biogenesis. The lack of IRP2, either by siRNA-mediated depletion or genetic ablation in KO mice, but not IRP1, abolished iron-regulatory axis activation, leading to defective adipocyte browning.

Conclusion: Our work reveals that adipocyte browning induces IRP2 activation and external iron import. Moreover, the IRP2/TFRC1-mediated autonomous iron regulatory axis is required for mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to white-to-beige conversion.

 

Beige Fat Development Is Linked with the Iron-Regulatory Network between Adipocyte Iron Demand and Systemic Iron Mobilization (OR33-06)

Jin-Seon Yook, Jiyoung Kim, Ashley Mulcahy, Mikyung You, Jaekwon Lee, and Soonkyu Chung

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Objectives: Iron is an essential micronutrient for mitochondrial biogenesis, and its concentration is tightly regulated by intracellular iron-sensor iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) and the systemic iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin. Mitochondrial biogenesis is critical for beige fat development, albeit iron metabolism during adipose tissue browning is poorly understood. This study aimed to uncover the iron-regulatory network that underlies the development of beige fat.

Methods: C57BL/6 mice (n = 12) were administered β-3 adrenergic receptor agonist (CL) or housed at a cold temperature (8°C, n = 8) for 2 wk to stimulate adipose tissue browning. The impact of hepcidin on adipose browning was determined by the simultaneous administration of exogenous human recombinant hepcidin (hHep) and CL in C57BL/6 mice (n = 8). Iron content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The expression levels of iron metabolism–related proteins, i.e., transferrin receptor (TFRC1), IRP1 and 2, ferritin (FN), and mitochondrial proteins, were determined by western blot. IRP binding to iron-responsive element was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The systemic iron regulation was determined by hepatic mRNA, and serum hepcidin concentrations were determined by ELISA. The population shift of erythropoietic progenitor cells in spleen was determined by flow cytometric analysis (CD71⁺Ter119⁺).

Results: The induction of beige fat, either by CL injection or by cold treatment, resulted in a 2-fold increase in iron concentrations, upregulation of TFRC1, decreases in FN and IRP activation, and a substantial increase in mitochondrial proteins in the inguinal fat, suggesting an increase in iron by browning fat to meet the iron demand for mitochondrial biogenesis. At the systemic level, acute hypoxia in kidney and splenic erythropoiesis preceded the suppression of hepatic production of hepcidin and systemic iron mobilization, suggesting a feedforward mechanism to supply iron and oxygen to beige fat. The interference of systemic iron mobilization by exogenous hHep caused suppression of IRP activation and defective splenic erythropoiesis, leading to blunted adipose tissue browning.

Conclusion: The beige fat development is coordinated with erythropoiesis-mediated systemic iron mobilization and iron uptake into adipocytes to facilitate mitochondrial biogenesis.

 

Offspring Exercise Differentially Regulates Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Beige Adipocyte Numbers and G9a Protein Expression in C57Bl6/J Mice Fed a Maternal High-Fat Diet (OR33-07)

Kate J Claycombe-Larson, Amy Bundy, Mitchell Rusten, and James Roemmich

USDA-ARS-PA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, ND

Objectives: We have shown that a maternal low-protein and postnatal high-fat (HF) diet increases offspring obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk by epigenetically reducing beige adipocyte (BA) numbers via increased protein expression of G9a (histone 3 lysine 9 trimethyl transferase), an inhibitor of the BA marker FGF21. It is not yet known whether a maternal HF diet modulates FGF21 and G9a expression, or whether offspring exercise reverses the offspring obesity and T2DM risk caused by the maternal HF diet.

Methods: Female 2-mo-old C57BL/6J mice (F0) were fed a normal fat (NF) 16% diet or a 45% HF diet for 3 mo prior to breeding, and subsequent gestation and lactation. Male offspring (F1) were fed the same NF and HF diets, and were further divided into either sedentary (S) or voluntary wheel running (Ex) groups for an additional 3 mo, yielding 8 groups: NF (maternal treatment condition)-Ex-NF (postweaning treatment conditions), NF-Ex-HF, NF-S-NF, NF-S-HF, HF-Ex-NF, HF-Ex-HF, HF-S-NF, and HF-S-HF. Food intake, body weight, body composition, running distance, and glucose tolerance were determined. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were collected for immunohistochemistry analysis of FGF21, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis.

Results: Under both S and Ex conditions, body weight, fat weight, and fasting glucose concentrations increased with a postnatal HF diet irrespective of maternal diet. Under both S and Ex conditions, FGF21-positive cell numbers increased in postweaning NF diet groups irrespective of maternal diet, and corresponding decreases in the FGF21 inhibitor G9a were observed under S conditions. Furthermore, in Ex conditions, protein expression of G9a and its coactivators, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and E4BP4, were increased. Although BAs were detectable, the morphology of BAs under S conditions appeared compromised or scarred.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the postnatal diet has a greater impact on offspring adiposity and BA numbers than maternal diets. These data also suggest that when offspring exercise their subcutaneous BAs are differentially regulated by altering the G9a-E4BP4-PGC-1α–mediated pathway. Futures studies will be conducted to determine whether BA has any internal functional differences that contribute to the observed morphologic abnormalities.

Funding Sources

This work was supported by USDA Agricultural Research Service Project #3062-51,000-052-00D.

 

Maternal High-Fat Diet Induces Persistent Transcriptomic Alterations in Offspring Brown Adipose Tissue (OR33-08)

Umesh D Wankhade, Ping Kang, Ying Zhong, Keshari Thakali, and Kartik Shankar

University of Arkansas Medical Sciences

Objectives: Maternal obesity increases offspring risk for several metabolic diseases. We previously showed that offspring from obese mouse dams are predisposed to obesity, liver, and adipose tissue abnormalities. However, the effect of maternal obesity on developmental programming of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is poorly understood. Here we hypothesize that maternal overnutrition via exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) alters the BAT gene expression and impairs the physiologic response to postnatal HFDs in the offspring.

Methods: Female C57BL6/J mice were fed diets with either low (17%) or high fat (HFD, 45% of calories) for 12 wk, starting at 5 wk of age. Mice were bred with males on control diets and provided ad libitum access to the respective diets during pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, the offspring were weaned onto the control diet (CC, HC) or the HFD (CH, HH). Body composition and weight were monitored periodically. We investigated the changes in BAT by the use of RNA sequencing and immunoblotting at 20 wk of age.

Results: Offspring of obese dams on the HFD (HH) gained greater body weight and fat mass than offspring from lean dams (CH). H&E staining revealed larger adipocytes and more lipid deposition in the BAT of offspring of HFD dams. Global transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct effect of maternal HFD feeding. Principal component analysis revealed clustering of samples based on the maternal diet. Maternal HFD altered the expression of 219 genes (HC), and the combination of maternal and postnatal HFD altered the expression of 354 genes (HH) (±1.5-fold change, adjusted P < 0.05). Genes exclusively altered in the BAT of HC revealed biological processes related to heat shock response, cellular metabolic processes, response to stress, and response to temperature stimulus. Uniquely expressed genes in HH offspring were highly enriched for inflammation and immune response pathways. Classic BAT-specific proteins, such as Dio2 and Cidea, were lower in the BAT of offspring from HFD dams (HC and HH). In addition, AMP-activated protein kinase protein was lower in the BAT from the HC and HH offspring.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that maternal obesity alters gene expression patterns in BAT both prior to and in response to an HFD, which may influence pathways regulating energy expenditure, metabolism, and overall risk of obesity.

Funding Sources

Supported by USDA CRIS 6206-51,000-010-05S.

 

Adherence to Recommendations for Diet, Physical Activity, and Media Use by Children in Low-Income Families Enrolled in Head Start in the Greater Boston Area (P23-001)

Alyssa Aftosmes-Tobio,¹ Nicole Kitos,¹ Roger Figueroa,¹ Begum Kalyoncu,¹ Jacob Beckerman,¹ Adam Gavarkovs,¹ Kindra Lansburg,² Crystal Kazik,³ Janine M Jurkowski,⁴ and Kirsten K Davison¹

¹Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, MA; ²Action for Boston Community Development, MA; ³Community Action Agency of Somerville, MA; and ⁴University at Albany School of Public Health, NY

Objectives: Public health recommendations for weight-related behaviors, including diet, physical activity, and screen media use, set forth by multiple health organizations (e.g., USDA, American Academy of Pediatrics) facilitate simplified messaging to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and provide a standardized metric to gauge population health. This study examines adherence to recommendations for weight-related behaviors in children aged 3–5 y enrolled in Head Start in the Greater Boston area.

Methods: Children's body mass index (BMI), diet, physical activity, and media use behaviors were measured in fall and spring of the 2016–2017 academic year for all children enrolled in 23 Head Start centers in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, MA. The proportion of children meeting recommendations for each outcome and the proportion who maintained adherence to recommendations across both times of measurement were calculated.

Results: Participants included 1491 children aged 3–5 y. The majority of children were male (52%), non-Hispanic (56%), and black (41%). Approximately 19% of children were categorized as obese (>95th BMI percentile). The majority of children met the recommended intake of fruits (86%), vegetables (59%), juice (86%), and soda (71%); however, far fewer children met the recommendations for whole grains (44%), screen time (14%), or physical activity (31%). In a subsample of children (n = 640), BMI and weigh-related behaviors were measured twice during the assessment period. The majority of these children maintained the recommended levels of fruit (73%) and juice (77%) intake from fall to spring, and nearly a quarter decreased their soda consumption during the same period. However, a large majority of these children failed to meet recommendations for media use over the entire year (78%). There were no significant differences by weight status or child sex, except for screen time, where significantly more girls than boys met the recommendations.

Conclusions: In a large sample of low-income preschool-aged children in the Greater Boston area, adherence to recommendations for BMI and weight-related behaviors was generally very low. Our results highlight the need for efficacious health promotion interventions in this population.

Funding Sources

Grant number: R01DK108200.

 

Intergenerational Assessment of Adiposity, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and Salivary Telomere Lengths in Mexican Young Children-Mother Dyads (P23-002)

Liliana Aguayo, Marcela Vizcarra, and Andiara Schwingel

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Objectives: The first 5 y of life encompass a sensitive stage for obesity and the steepest telomere loss, setting the course for future health. Shorter telomere lengths are associated with increased adiposity, cardiovascular diseases, and a shorter life span. Despite the relevance of early childhood, individual and family level factors associated with accelerated telomere erosion are only partially understood. This study examines the individual and intergenerational cross-sectional associations between adiposity, skeletal muscle mass, and salivary telomere lengths (STL) among Mexican mothers and their 3- to 6-y-old children.

Methods: Mexican children-mother dyads (n = 88) were recruited to participate in San Luis Potosi (Mexico) and Illinois (United States). Data on height and body composition (measured via bioelectrical impedance) were collected from children and mothers. STL were measured from saliva samples from both children and mothers. Consistent with national statistics, 73.4% of mothers and 33.3% of children were overweight or obese. Mothers’ STL ranged from 1.02 to 2.14 [mean ± SD = 1.34 ± 0.20 telomeres per single copy gene (t/s)] and children's STL ranged from 1.13 to 2.46 (mean ± SD = 1.68 ± 0.29 t/s). An actor-partner interdependence model was used to examine the dyadic associations of mother and child STL with their own adiposity and skeletal muscle mass, and their intergenerational associations. Children's and mothers’ age were negatively associated with their own STL (γ10 = –0.012, P = 0.002). Adiposity was positively associated with STL (γ10 = 0.006, P = 0.049). No significant intergenerational associations were found between children's or mothers’ STL and adiposity, or skeletal muscle mass measurements of the mother and child. Results suggest that despite the social and biological relation between young children and their mothers, each member of the dyad has an independent telomere trajectory. The independence in trajectories highlights the importance of this age period for obesity prevention and future health, suggesting STL trajectories are not determined by mother's health or cellular aging. Further research should investigate longitudinal changes in STL and intergenerational associations between children-parent dyads throughout childhood.

Funding Sources

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture, under award number 2011-67,001-30,101.

 

Do Weight Cycling, Age of Onset, the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the Power of Food Scale Predict Initial Weight Loss in People with Obesity? (P23-003)

Sharmin Akter, John Dawson, Shao-Hua Chin, Tyler Davis, William Quarles, Wei-Lin Huang, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: Identifying predictors of early weight loss may have value in predicting longer-term success in weight-loss programs. The Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and the Power of Food Scale (PFS) are validated measures related to how a person interacts with their food environment. We examined if weight history variables [i.e., weight cycling history (WCH) and age of onset of obesity (AOO)] and baseline TFEQ or PFS scores predict body weight loss (BWL) and fat mass loss (FML) following a brief intervention.

Methods: Thirty-two subjects with obesity (19–60 y old; body mass index 30–39.9 kg/m²) participated in a 3-wk calorie restriction intervention (1120 kcal/d) as part of a larger clinical trial. WCH, AOO, TFEQ subscale scores (dietary restraint, TFEQ-R; disinhibition, TFEQ-D; susceptibility to hunger, TFEQ-S), and PFS subscale scores (food available, PFS-FA; food present, PFS-FP; food tasted, PFS-FT) were obtained at baseline. Body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM) were measured at both baseline and postintervention. Principle component analyses (PCA) were performed on the TFEQ and PFS subscales. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed with the use of weight history variables (WCH and AOO) and the TFEQ and PFS subscales to predict BWL and FML.

Results: PCA demonstrated good internal reliability of the TFEQ and PFS subscales, with the PFS subscales presenting as more reliable than the TFEQ subscales. BW and FM decreased significantly (−3.71 kg, P = 2 × 10^–8; −1.93 kg, P = 3 × 10^–5). Baseline scores of TFEQ-R, TFEQ-D, TFEQ-S, PFS-FA, and PFS-FP did not predict BWL (r = –0.09, r = –0.08, r = 0.01, r = –0.25, and r = –0.33, respectively, all P > 0.08) or FML (r = 0.12, r = –0.27, r = –0.27, r = 0.31, and r = 0.26, respectively, all P > 0.10). Baseline PFS-FT scores predicting BWL were significant (r = –0.40, P = 0.03), and a trend was noted for the association between baseline PFS-FT and FML (r = –0.36, P = 0.06) and between baseline PFS-FP and BWL (r = –0.33, P = 0.09) in the original models, but not after controlling for family-wise error. WCH and AOO did not predict BWL (P = 0.27, P = 0.31) or FML (P = 0.60, P = 0.30).

Conclusions: The psychological and weight history variables considered in this study were not robust predictors of weight and fat loss. However, results for at least the PFS suggest that there may be value in further exploring this measure by the use of larger sample sizes.

Funding Sources

Nestlé Health Science.

 

The Obese Gut Microbiota Promote Arterial Stiffening in Lean Mice (P23-004)

Micah L Battson, Dustin Lee, Shuofei Hou, Kayl Ecton, Tiffany L Weir, and Christopher Gentile

Colorado State University

Objectives: The goal of this study was to test the hypotheses that 1) adverse obesity-related changes to the gut microbiota, termed dysbiosis, represent a causal factor in the development of vascular dysfunction and 2) vascular function can be improved in obese mice by restoring a healthy, lean microbiota.

Methods: Endogenous microbiota were suppressed by 2 wk of antibiotic treatment followed by microbiota transplant from donor mice. Over 8 wk, pooled cecal contents of genetically obese ob/ob mice (OB; with established vascular dysfunction) were given by oral gavage to lean C57BL/6J mice (B6J; with normal vascular function) and vice versa. Control transplants (CON) from homologous donors were also performed. All mice (n = 9–11/group) were given ad libitum access to a purified maintenance diet for the duration of the study. Arterial stiffness was measured serially in vivo via aortic pulse wave velocity and endothelial function was measured following microbiota transplant via ex vivo pressure myography in isolated mesenteric arteries. Intestinal barrier function was determined via a fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran gut permeability assay. Intestinal contents, plasma, and tissue samples were collected for microbial sequencing and assessment of cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs: acetate, propionate, butyrate), histology, and systemic and vascular inflammation.

Results: Transplant of the OB microbiota to B6J mice reduced cecal concentrations of SCFAs and increased gut permeability (79% increase vs. B6J-CON, P < 0.05) and arterial stiffness (mean ± SD B6J-OB: 415.3 ± 5.5 cm/s vs. B6J-CON: 385.6 ± 6.7 cm/s, P < 0.05). Transplant of the B6J microbiota to OB mice increased cecal SCFAs, but did not alter gut permeability (2% decrease vs. OB-CON, P > 0.05) or arterial stiffness (OB-B6J: 485.3 ± 6.4 cm/s vs. OB-CON: 492.9 ± 5.3 cm/s, P > 0.05). Endothelial function was not affected by microbiota transplant in either B6J or OB mice. Plasma inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in OB vs. B6J, but were not affected by microbiota transplant.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a novel role for the obese microbiota in promoting the development of arterial stiffness in lean mice. However, transplant of a lean microbiota was not sufficient to improve vascular dysfunction in genetically obese mice.

 

Changes in Body Fat Distribution and Increased Cardiovascular Risk in HIV Patients (P23-005)

Rebeca Antunes Beraldo, Gabriela Meliscki, Bruna R Silva, Anderson M Navarro, Andre Schmidt, Valdes Bollela, and Maria C Foss-Freitas

Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of fat redistribution and cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: We measured the weight and height of the subjects, and calculated their body mass index (BMI). We also measured circumferences (waist and hip) and performed a clinical evaluation to identify fat redistribution/lipodystrophy. To evaluate cardiovascular risk, we conducted examinations of electrocardiogram, stress electrocardiography, pressure arterial hypertension, lipid biochemistry, and blood glucose. We also calculated the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). To evaluate the performance of anthropometry to predict cardiovascular risk, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: Among the 448 patients (46.4% females and 53.6% males) with a mean ± SD age of 44.13 ± 9.9) y, 30.13% were overweight and 18.96% were obese. Abdominal lipohypertrophy was present in the majority (59.15%) of the patients (females: 82.69% and males: 38.75%, P < 0.05). The leg was the region most affected by lipoatrophy in both genders (males: 26.6% and females: 23.0%) and the thorax was the region with the lowest prevalence of lipohypertrophy for both too (males: 2.5% and females: 9.1%). The most prevalent metabolic changes were reduced HDL (66.29%) and hypertriglyceridemia (45.98%). According to the FRS, 154 (34.36%) patients had an increased absolute risk of infarction in 10 y. Waist circumference (WC) was an excellent predictor (better than BMI) of cardiovascular risk (area under the ROC curve: 0.83 and 0.86 for males and females, respectively).

Conclusions: The high prevalence of body fat redistribution (with central gain and peripheral loss) and metabolic changes highlight the importance of early nutritional intervention to prevent cardiovascular complications in HIV patients. WC was an excellent predictor of cardiovascular risk, and is a convenient, cheap, and reliable tool that can be used in clinical practice routinely.

Funding Sources

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa à Pesquisa do estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), process number: 2017/00692-0.

 

Influence of Short-Term Lifestyle Modification on a Metabolically Healthy Obese Child Population (P23-006)

M Rosa Bernal-Lopez,¹ Antonio Vargas-Candela,¹ Cristina Gallardo-Escribano,¹ Paula Moya-Rodriguez,¹ Alberto Vilches-Perez,¹ Maite Muñoz Melero,¹ Javier Benitez-Porres,² Angel Ramon Romance-Garcia,² Antonio Rosales-Jaime,³ Juan Diaz-Ruiz,⁴ Francisco J Tinahones,¹ and Ricardo Gomez-Huelgas¹

¹Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Spain; ²University of Malaga, Spain; ³Medical Team Orientation North Malaga, Spain; and ⁴Cartama Estacion Health Center, Spain

Objectives: A subgroup of the obese prepubescent population defined as “metabolically healthy obese” (MHO) presents a favorable metabolic profile despite the excess of body adiposity. The objectives of this study were to modify the lifestyle after 4 mo of intervention in the MHO population and achieve observable cardiometabolic improvements, increased adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), and increased physical activity (PA).

Methods: We included 121 children (mean ± SD = 7.9 ± 1.3 y) with a body mass index (BMI) of 24.7 ± 3.5 kg/m² and ≤1 of the following criteria: abdominal circumference and blood pressure in the ≥90% percentile, triglycerides >90 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol

Results: After 4 mo, we observed that 93.3% of participants (63 boys and 58 girls) slept ≥8 h (P = 0.9 vs. baseline). Significant differences on anthropometric measures (weight, height, BMI, and waist circumference) were found in all participants. In 38% of children, the BMI decreased by almost 1 point. Weight and waist perimeter decreased in 35.5% and 50.4% of the cases, respectively. The glucidic and lipid profiles decreased, but no significant changes were observed. With regard to HDL cholesterol levels, significant decreases in the general MHO population and in the girls were seeing (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01, respectively).

Ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 concentrations remain unchanged. However, tumor necrosis factor-α decreased in all children and in the boys (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively), but this decrease was not observed in the girls (P = 0.55). On the other hand, adherence to the MD improved by almost 2 percentage points from the beginning of the intervention (P = 0.0001) in all participants.

Conclusions: Weight loss in MHO children who adopt an MD and physical exercise slightly improves their glycemic, lipid, and inflammatory profiles. More time is probably needed to observe greater cardiometabolic benefits in the obese child population.

Funding Sources

Funding was granted by the Institute of Health Carlos III, cofinancial by the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-FEDER (Miguel Servet Type 1 program CP15/00028), and the University of Málaga (Campus of International Excellence Andalucía Tech).

 

Normal Weight Participants Eat More Dark Green Vegetables than Overweight Ones in a Sample of Women Aged 35 to 65 in a Midwestern Town (P23-007)

Trishnee Bhurosy, Susan Middlestadt, Krisha Thiagarajah, Alyce D Fly, Hsien-Chang Lin and Ka He

Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington

Objective: The intake of nutrient-dense groups of vegetables, such as dark green vegetables, remains low in the US population, including women aged 35–65 y. The rate of obesity is among the highest in this age group of women. The objective of this study was to assess differences in the mean consumption of vegetable groups between body mass index (BMI) categories.

Methods: Participants consisted of a convenience sample of women, aged 35–65 y (n = 48) in a small Midwestern town. This study had a cross-sectional design. Vegetable intake was assessed through a non-consecutive 3-d food record. Food records were analyzed through the ASA24 software version 2016. BMI was categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m²), or obese (≥30.0 kg/m²) according to the World Health Organization Global Database on BMI. A one-way ANOVA test compared mean vegetable intake by BMI category.

Results: A total of 41.7% of the participants met the daily recommendation for total vegetable intake at 1800 calorie level. Normal weight participants consumed almost twice as much dark green vegetables (mean ± SD = 0.577 ± 0.42 cups/d) as overweight participants (0.215 ± 0.27 cups/d). The differences between these BMI categories for dark green vegetables were statistically significant (F(2, 45) = 4.591, P = 0.015).

Conclusions: Eating a diet rich in specific nutritious vegetable subgroups is associated with a lower risk for obesity among women aged 35–65 y. Given the low consumption of dark green vegetables in this population, nutrition interventions can aim at improving the intake of these vegetables in the group.

Funding Sources

A research grant of $500 was awarded from the Department of Applied Health Science to conduct the study.

 

Serum Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Are Associated with Lower Fat Mass in Obese Subjects with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (P23-008)

Hayley Billingsley,¹ Salvatore Carbone,¹ Justin Canada,¹ Leo Buckley,² Cory Trankle,³ Dave Dixon,¹ Dinesh Kadariya,¹ Sofanit Dessie,¹ Benjamin Van Tassell,¹ and Antonio Abbate¹

¹Virginia Commonwealth University; ²Brigham and Women's Hospital, MA; and ³Virginia Commonwealth University Health System

Objectives: Obesity impairs exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Therapies aimed at reducing fat mass (FM) may, therefore, improve exercise capacity. Greater dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) may protect against FM gain. We hypothesized that the red blood cell MUFA content (MUFARBC), a biomarker for MUFA dietary consumption, would be associated with lower FM in obese patients with HFpEF.

Methods: Twenty obese HFpEF subjects, enrolled in a clinical trial that had no dietary intervention, underwent body weight measurement and bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline and at 6 mo to ascertain the FM index (FMI) (expressed as kg/m²). Subjects also underwent venipuncture at both time points to obtain non-fasting blood samples, which were processed by a local laboratory to obtain measurements of MUFARBC (expressed as fraction of total fatty acids in RBC) and plasma oleic acid (OA), the main MUFA component of olive oil (expressed as µg/mL). A 24-h dietary recall was undertaken and nutrition software was used to calculate MUFA and oleic acid content in grams. Correlations were computed with the Spearman's rank test.

Results: Twelve subjects were female (60%), with a median age of 54 y (51–64 y). The median FM changed from 51.7 kg (range 40.8–58.5 kg) to 51.2 kg (38.4–59.1 kg) and the FMI changed from 18.8 kg/m² (14.2–22.6 kg/m²) to 19.3 kg/m² (13.6–22.6 kg/m²). MUFARBC did not change [from 14.7% (13.2–14.8%) to 14.6% (13.6–16.0%)] and neither did OA [from 13.3 µg/mL (12.1–14.6 µg/mL) to 13.5 µg/mL (12.5–15.2 µg/mL)]. MUFARBC was inversely associated with the FMI at baseline (r = −0.64, P = 0.002) and 6 mo (r = −0.54, P = 0.015). Likewise, OA was inversely associated with the FMI at baseline (r = −0.66, P = 0.002) and 6 mo (r = −0.51, P = 0.023). Neither MUFARBC nor plasma OA was correlated with dietary recall values.

Conclusions: MUFARBC and OA were associated with reduced adiposity in patients with HFpEF. While these biomarkers are considered surrogates for dietary consumption, the lack of correlation with a 24-h dietary recall highlights the limitations of the memory-based dietary assessment and/or suggests that additional variables may be involved in MUFA absorption and/or metabolism. Dietary intervention studies with MUFA supplementation are needed to address this issue.

Funding Sources

The data were gathered as part of NIH funded NCT02173548.

 

Criterion Validity of Body Fat Composition Calculated from Formulas with the Use of Self-Report and Expert Anthropometric Measurements Compared with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (P23-009)

Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Virginia Quick, Pamela Barrios, Jennifer Martin-Biggers, and Carol Byrd-Bredbenner

Rutgers University, NJ

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare body fat composition formulas with self-reported and technician measurements.

Methods: Mothers of young children (n = 41, mean ± SD age = 38.05 ± 3.54 y, 71% white, 78% college graduate) self-reported demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements via an online survey. They then visited an anthropometrics laboratory in a fasted state where, after voiding their bladders, trained technicians took anthropometric measurements in duplicate and assessed the percentage body fat via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA; Tanita scale). Before collecting the data, the technicians (n = 9) trained to complete the study measurements accurately (interobserver reliability r = 0.96). Self-reported and technician measurements were used to calculate body fatness with 3 common formulas: US Navy (uses waist, neck, hip, height measurements); Durenberg (uses height, weight, age); and Fatness Calculator (FC) (uses waist, age).

Results: Intraclass correlations (ICC) comparing BIA to the Navy, Durenburg, and FC formula results by the use of mothers’ self-measurements were excellent (0.94, 0.91, and 0.85, respectively), as were BIA to technician measurements (0.94, 0.92, and 0.89, respectively). Both self-measurements and technician measurements were highly correlated; however, compared with BIA (31.58 ± 9.98), the mean percentage body fat formula scores were significantly (P

Conclusion: Given the consistent overestimation of body fatness by the use of formulas of self-reported and technician measurements, researchers may consider multiplying results by factors of 0.81 (Navy), 0.88 (Durenberg), and 0.78 (FC) to make the estimates more congruent with measured BIA outcomes.

Funding Sources

USDA NIFA #2011-68,001-30,170.

 

Alteration of Leptin and Adiponectin Expression in Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue of C57BL/6 Mice by Arsenic and High-Fat Diet (P23-010)

Diana E Calderón,¹ Jessica Tello,^1,2 Sofía Moran,³ Alejandra Contreras,⁴ Luz M Chiu,¹ and Andrea Díaz-Villaseñor¹

¹Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico; ²Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico; ³Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico; and ⁴Temple University, PA

Background: White adipose tissue (WAT) is a metabolic and endocrine organ distributed in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) pads. In obesity, WAT is severely altered, accompanied by a reduction in circulating adiponectin and an increase in leptin. However, there is still controversy over which fat deposit contributes more for the production of these adipokines.

The pandemic of obesity has encouraged the identification of new risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, such as environmental pollutants, which can act as endocrine disruptors. Arsenic is considered diabetogenic, but little is known if it interferes with WAT physiology if it is obesogen, and its modulation by nutritional components. Thus, environmental insults and their interactions must be studied to build up an integrative model of obesity.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of As exposure in the presence of a high-fat diet (HFD) on serum leptin and adiponectin, and to determine the source of synthesis of these adipokines from different WAT depots.

Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice, 8 wk old, were fed a control diet or HFD (39% kcal fat) for 16 wk. Half of each group were exposed to 100 µg/L iAs^III in drinking water for 8 wk. Food intake and body weight were monitored weekly. Fasting serum leptin and adiponectin levels were measured at the end of the study. SAT, retroperitoneal and epididymal VAT (rVAT and eVAT) pads were collected to evaluate the synthesis of these adipokines.

Results: Mice fed HFD with and without As significantly increased SAT and rVAT weight, accompanied by significantly lower fasting serum adiponectin and higher leptin concentrations. Under control conditions, SAT expressed lower leptin and adiponectin mRNA levels than VAT.

In SAT, As treatment alone and in combination with HFD reduced adiponectin mRNA abundance to the same magnitude. However, As treatment in combination with HFD dramatically reduced adiponectin mRNA abundance in rVAT and eVAT.

As with HFD increased leptin mRNA abundance in eVAT but reduced it in rVAT, with no changes being evident in SAT.

Conclusions: VAT contributes more than SAT to t leptin and adiponectin expression. The synthesis of these adipokines is affected by As exposure and is potentiated by HFD, particularly diminishing the gene expression of both adipokines in rVAT and increasing only the expression of leptin in eVAT.

Funding Sources

Institutional budget Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM.

 

Obesity and Inflammation in HIV⁺ and HIV/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfected Individuals on Antiretroviral Therapy in the Miami Adult Studies in HIV (MASH) cohort (P23-011)

Adriana Campa, Jacqueline Hernandez, Mukesh Mudgal, Sabrina Martinez, Leslie Seminario, Jupshy Jasmin, Angelique Johnson, Colby Teeman, Qingyun Liu, and Marianna K Baum

Florida International University

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether an association exists between obesity and inflammation in HIV⁺ and HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods: Participants were selected from the ongoing Miami Adult Studies in HIV (MASH) cohort. All participants were on stable ART. Obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) was determined by anthropometric assessment. Blood samples were collected from the baseline visit to assess inflammation and lipid panel. Inflammation was assessed with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels >3 mg/L; a commercial laboratory determined the lipid panel. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon test, and regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results: The 336 participants had a mean ± SD age of 53.2 ± 8.1 y, 59% were male and 63% were black non-Hispanics; 25% (n = 85) were HIV/HCV coinfected and 89.5% had an undetectable HIV viral load. Obesity was significantly associated with high levels of hsCRP (among HIV monoinfected, P  <  0.001, and HIV/HCV coinfected, P = 0.046). Multiple regression showed that in the HIV monoinfected group, obesity was also strongly related to hypertriglyceridemia (P = 0.001) and lower HDL cholesterol levels (P2) after controlling for age, gender, and smoking status.

Conclusions: Obese HIV monoinfected participants with controlled viral load had an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile and a greater risk for inflammation, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia than the HIV/HCV coinfected group. These risk factors contribute to the development of other chronic conditions, including type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, which are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the HIV-infected population.

Funding Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH.

 

The Relation between Adiposity and Cognitive Function in Early Childhood (P23-012)

Corinne N Cannavale,¹ Anne Walk,² Ruyu Liu,² Samantha J Iwinski,² Gabriella McLoughlin,² Linda Gholson,² and Naiman Khan²

¹Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and ²University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Objective: Converging evidence indicates that excess adiposity during preadolescence has negative implications for children's cognitive function. However, there is limited data on whether or not this relation is evident earlier in childhood. Further, patterns of adipose tissue accumulation differ based on sex and emerge early in life. Therefore, variances in adipose tissue accumulation may differentially influence physical and cognitive health throughout development. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate relations between sex, whole body adiposity and fat distribution, and cognitive function among 4- and 5-y-olds.

Methods: Subjects comprised 4- and 5-y-old children (n = 39, 21 females) who were recruited from the East-Central Illinois area. The participants underwent adiposity measures and cognitive assessment through the use of anthropometrics, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Test of Early Cognitive and Academic Development (WCJ). Cognitive function was evaluated from the WCJ subscales of expressive language and early academic achievement.

Results: While there was no significant difference between sexes for body mass index (P = 0.67), females were found to have greater whole-body percentage fat (P = 0.032) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (P < 0.01), whereas male participants had more visceral fat (P < 0.01), consistent with patterns of fat distribution observed in adulthood. Negative correlations (all rs between −0.67 and −0.44) were found in females between early academic skills and expressive language assessments and all aforementioned adiposity measures (all Ps < 0.03). In contrast, there were no significant adiposity-cognition relations among males (all Ps > 0.13).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that adiposity is inversely related to cognitive function in early childhood. However, this influence is specific to females. Given the previous literature in older children indicating similar results in both sexes, these data suggest that the negative implications of adiposity for cognitive function may emerge earlier in females. Future longitudinal and interventional studies are necessary to confirm the effects of changes in adiposity for cognitive function in early childhood.

Funding Sources

This work was supported by the National Dairy Council (NDC) and the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health. CNC was supported by a fellowship provided by the Neuroscience Program at the University of Illinois.

 

Comparison of Dietary Patterns and Cardiovascular Risk Indicators in Normal and Excessive Body Weight in Mexican Early Adults (P23-013)

Francisco Humberto Castro-Sánchez, Alberta Abigail De la Rocha-Paéz, Francisco Cabrera-Chavez, Erick Fernando Angulo-Cárdenas, Dora Alicia Ochoa-Acosta, and Marcela de Jesús Vergara-Jimenez

Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Mexico

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease (CVD) in early-to-middle adults with normal weight (NW) and overweight or obesity (OW), and to compare their dietary patterns.

Methods: We undertook a prospective and comparative study in which 53 subjects were recruited and categorized into 2 groups, NW [body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m²] and OW (BMI ≥25 kg/m²), of 28 and 25 subjects, respectively. Anthropometric variables and blood pressure were evaluated. Three 24-h dietary recalls were obtained for each subject and a blood sample was taken after 12 h of fasting to evaluate the lipid profile and glucose concentration. Risk scores for predicting near-term incidence of hypertension and the 30-y CVD incidence according to the Framingham Heart Study were also calculated. The data were analyzed by the use of STATA 13.0, with a P < 0.05 considered as significant.

Results: There were no differences in age and height between groups. Weight, BMI, body fat, and waist and hip circumferences were statistically higher in OW than NW subjects owing to the study design. No differences were observed in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and glucose, but HDL cholesterol (NW = 54.8 ± vs. OW = 2431 ± 856) was significantly higher in NW, and TAG (NW = 69.2 ± 31 vs. OW = 119.6 ± 73) was significantly higher in the OW group. The waist-to-hip ratio (NW = 0.79 ± 0.05 vs. OW = 0.88 ± 0.1) and CT-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (NW = 3.2 ± 0.9 vs. OW = 4.29 ± 0.7) were higher in OW subjects, but no differences were observed in the LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio. The CVD risk score (NW = 4.1 ± 2.5 vs. OW = 10 ± 7.8) and hypertension risk score (NW = 2.7 ± 4.28 vs. OW = 9.3 ± 8.9) were statistically different between groups. There were no differences in energy intake (NW = 2610 ± 866 vs. OW = 2431 ± 856) and diet composition. There were, however, differences in carbohydrate (C) and fat (F) intake but not in protein (P) intake (C: 48, F: 36, P: 16 vs. C: 52, F: 32, P:16 in NW and OW, respectively), nor in fiber, sodium and dietary cholesterol intake.

Conclusions: These results corroborate the susceptibility of OW subjects to develop CVD compared with NW subjects, who have better CVD risk indicators. However, no differences in diet were identified that could justify weight gain and the behavior of cardiovascular risk factors.

 

Relative Associations of Different Dietary Sugar Types with Adiposity in Adults (P23-014)

Stephanie J Chen,¹ Owen Maroney,² Rashmi Sharma,² Carol J Boushey,³ Susan B Roberts,⁴ and Megan McCrory¹

¹ Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, MA; ²Purdue University, IN; ³University of Hawaii; and ⁴Tufts University, MA

Objectives: Dietary sugar consumption may contribute to the development of obesity. However, the relative influence of different types of sugars on adiposity is unclear. We examined associations of different sugar variables [total, fructose, sucrose, extrinsic (added), and intrinsic (naturally present in the foods)] with adiposity. We hypothesized that fructose and extrinsic sugars would be most strongly associated with adiposity.

Methods: Healthy, nonsmoking, weight-stable adults [n = 125; aged 18–64 y, body mass index (BMI) 18.9–36.2 kg/m²] who had enrolled in a cross-sectional study on diet and chronic disease risk completed 3 multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls and measurements of height, weight, and percentage body fat (%BF). Three-day mean intakes were computed with the Nutrition Data Systems for Research (NDSR) program. ANOVA was conducted to examine intakes of sugars in relation to BMI and %BF, controlling for age, sex, race or ethnicity, physical activity, percentage of energy from protein and fat, and fiber density (g/1000 kcals) in the total sample and the subset of plausible energy intake reporters (within ±20% of energy requirement).

Results: Fructose was positively associated with BMI (β ± SE = 0.34 ± 0.16; P = 0.04) and with %BF, although nonsignificantly (P = 0.21). Intrinsic sugars were inversely significantly related to %BF (β ± SE = −0.34 ± 0.17; P = 0.05) and nonsignificantly with BMI (P = 0.79). Fructose and intrinsic sugars were moderately correlated (r = 0.38; P < 0.01). These results were observed in the plausible subsample (n = 71) only, whereas no dietary sugars were significantly associated with BMI or %BF in the total sample. Higher mean ± SD intakes of fructose and intrinsic sugars (4.3% ± 2.4%; 7.0% ± 4.7%) were reported in the plausible subsample (n = 71) than in the total sample (4.0% ± 2.2%; 6.9% ± 4.4%), suggesting some underreporting of dietary sugars in the total sample.

Conclusions: Fructose and intrinsic sugars were oppositely related to markers of adiposity, but with similar strength. These results underscore the importance of accounting for implausible energy intake reports when examining associations between diet and chronic disease risk factors.

Funding Sources

Support: R01 DK075862 and Purdue University.

 

The Effect of Protein-Enriched Meal Replacements on Overweight/Obese Chinese with Hyperlipidemia Report: A Double-Blinded Randomized Control Trial (P23-015)

Wei Chen, Hailong Li, and Xiaodong Shi

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of protein-enriched meal replacements on overweight and obese Chinese with hyperlipidemia, focusing on efficiency and safety.

Methods: We randomly enrolled 100 overweight or obese participants with hyperlipidemia (age: ≥30 y, body mass index: 25–40 kg/m²) but without diabetes or chronic kidney disease into a calorie-restricted high-protein meal replacement (HPMR) group or a calorie-restricted high-carbohydrate meal replacement (HCMR) group for 12 wk. The subjects were advised to consume one meal replacement as breakfast and another one as lunch or an afternoon snack. Dinner was a regular meal with healthy foods. Subjects were given general advice for increasing their activity level, with a goal of 30 min of aerobic exercise per day, but no heavy resistance exercise was recommended for the duration of the study. During the screening visit, measurements of grip strength, body composition, laboratory examination, and assessment of satiety and hunger were reviewed.

Results: In total, 49 subjects of the HCMR group and 44 subjects of the HPMR group completed the study. Both of the randomly assigned groups lost weight significantly, losing an average ± SD of 6.5 ± 3.4 kg, and their fat mass and muscle mass were reduced. Compared with the HCMR group, the muscle mass of the HPMR group was reduced relatively less. The new high-protein meal replacement was used in combination with intermittent fasting in this study, and insulin, liver function, UA levels and other metabolic indicators were improved. The HPMR group showed better retained grip strength, ALB levels, and insulin resistance levels, and lower UA levels, than the HCMR group. The compliance of both groups was very good; a comparison of the metabolic indicators in the 2 groups found no statistically significant differences.

Conclusion: Energy restriction with a high-protein meal replacement method may be a safe and effective way to lose weight in the Chinese population.

Supporting Images/Graphs

 

Effects of Onion on Body Fat Accumulation and Browning of White Adipose Tissue in Ovariectomized Mice Fed with a High-Fat Diet (P23-016)

Yue-Hwa Chen and Chia-Ying Wu

Taipei Medical University, Republic of China

Objectives: Menopause is always associated with overweight and obesity, especially abdominal fat accumulation, leading to increased risks of various metabolic disorders. This study examined the effects of onion on menopause- and obesity-associated factors in ovariectomized (OVX) mice fed with a high-fat diet. Browning and lipid metabolism of abdominal white adipose tissue were also determined.

Methods: Forty female C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet (containing 53% fat) were randomly assigned into 4 groups: sham,

OVX, OVX with 5% onion diet, and OVX with 0.1% S-methyl-L-cysteine (SMC) drinking water. The mice were subjected to a computed tomography scan to measure the distribution of white adipose tissue (WAT), then were killed after 16 wk of treatment. Blood and tissues were collected for determination of menopause- and obesity-associated markers.

Results: OVX significantly induced menopause phenomena, including decreased uterus weight and serum estrogen concentration, as well as increased body weight for the first 10 wk after OVX, although the body weight was similar to the sham group at the end of the experiment. Onion consumption significantly increased body weight, but not the total body fat, throughout the experimental period. Furthermore, onion significantly decreased abdominopelvic WAT content, and with a tendency to increase the expression of the adipocyte browning markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in abdominopelvic WAT, indicating that onion had a potential to induce WAT browning. SMC, one of the bioactive components in onion, produced no such effects.

Conclusions: Although onion increased the body weight of OVX mice fed with a high-fat diet, it did not increase total body fat content, and even decreased abdominal fat accumulation. Such effects may be partially associated with the increased expression of the adipocyte browning factors PGC-1α and UCP1.

Funding Sources

Ministry of Science and Technology: MOST 105-2320-B-038 -035-MY3.

 

Estradiol Signaling Mediates Gender Difference in Visceral Adiposity via Autophagy (P23-017)

Zhiyong Cheng,¹ Zhipeng Tao,¹ Louise Zheng,¹ Cayleen Smith,¹ Jing Luo,¹ Alex Robinson,¹ Fabio Almeida,² Zongwei Wang,³ Aria Olumi,³ and Dongmin Liu¹

¹Virginia Tech; ²University of Nebraska Medical Center; and ³Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital

Objectives: Excessive adiposity (particularly visceral fat mass) increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Women have a lower deposit of visceral fat than men. This pattern is diminished postmenopausally, although the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.

Methods: Here we studied the mechanism of gender difference of adiposity with C57BL/6J and estrogen receptor α (ERα) knockout mice, with a focus on estradiol signaling and autophagy in adipocytes.

Results: We found that the gender difference in visceral fat distribution was controlled by an estradiol-autophagy axis. In C57BL/6J and wild-type control mice, a larger visceral fat mass was detected in the males than in the females, which was associated with lower expression of ERα and more active autophagy in males vs. females. However, deletion of ERα normalized autophagy activity and abolished the gender difference in visceral adiposity. In line with the adiposity-reducing effect of the ERα-autophagy axis, we found that downregulation of ERα and increased autophagy activity were required for adipogenesis, whereas induction of estradiol signaling dampened autophagy and drastically reduced adipogenesis. Mechanistically, the estradiol-ERα signaling activated mTOR, which phosphorylated and inhibited ULK1, thereby suppressing autophagy and adipogenesis.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that the lower visceral adiposity in females compared with males arises from more active estradiol-ERα signaling, which tunes down autophagy and adipogenesis.

Funding Sources

Funded by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1,007,334 (to ZC), NIH grant R18DK091811 (to FAA), and NIH grant 1R01AT007077 (to DL).

 

Increased Duration of Participation in a Calorie Restriction Intervention is Associated with a Greater Reduction in Self-Reported Hunger in People with Obesity (P23-018)

Shao-Hua Chin, Chanaka Kahathuduwa, Tyler Davis, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: Effects of calorie restriction on daily self-reported hunger have not been analyzed longitudinally. We aimed to explore if participation in a 3-wk calorie restriction intervention implemented via either total meal replacement shakes (TMR) or portion-controlled typical food (TD) will differentially influence daily self-reported hunger (SRH) ratings.

Methods: Thirty-two adults with obesity (age: 19–60 y; body mass index: 30–39.9 kg/m²) participated in a 3-wk dietary intervention (1120 kcal/d). During the intervention, subjects’ SRH was rated by the use of a 1–7 Likert scale at the end of each day. Time series of SRH data were preprocessed as follows: 1) imputation of missing data via multiple imputations using the mice package in R, and 2) fractional differencing using the fracdiff package in R. All multilevel models were constructed to examine the effects of time (i.e., days 1–21), type of diet (i.e., TMR vs. TD), and their interaction on fractionally differenced data using the ArfimaMLM package in R. Random intercepts were modeled for subjects and random slopes were modeled for time within each subject. A similar model was constructed controlling for change in fat mass relative to the baseline (dFM) during the 3-wk intervention.

Results: Twenty-eight subjects completed the intervention. Data of 4 subjects were excluded owing to improper use of the 7-point Likert scale when rating hunger. The cleaned, fractionally differenced dataset of the remaining 24 subjects did not show any residual seasonal, autoregression, or moving average trends. Both models were significant (P < 0.05). On average, the daily SRH rating decreased by 0.05 daily (β = −0.05, P = 0.02), and the average SRH of the TMR was significantly lower (β = −1.09, P = 0.04) than that of the TD. There was no time by group interaction (P = 0.9). Controlling for dFM minimally affected the results.

Conclusions: SRH ratings appear to decline with time during the first 3 wk of a moderate calorie restriction intervention. Analyses taking fat mass changes into account suggest it is unlikely to be owing to loss of fat. Subjects who consumed only TMR shakes reported a significantly lower level of hunger overall than subjects who consumed TD. However, the type of intervention does not appear to significantly affect the time-course of reductions in hunger.

Funding Sources

Funded by Nestlé Health Science.

 

Functional Rare Sugar Can Improve the Inflammatory Index in Diet-Induced Obese Mice with Alteration of the Microbiome Profile (P23-019)

Myung-Sook Choi, Youngji Han, Jiwon Kim, Eun Jeong Do, Dayoun Lee, Eun-Young Kwon, and Yong Bok Park

Kyungpook National University, South Korea

Objectives: Recently there has been a global shift in diet toward increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in sugars. Functional rare sugar (FRS), which is sweet but contains no calories, has received attention as a sugar substitute. FRS has been reported as an anti-inflammatory food component. However, its mechanism is not yet completely understood.

Methods: Forty C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 dietary groups and fed a normal diet (ND), a high-fat diet (HFD, 20% fat, 1% cholesterol, wt:wt), HFD with 5% erythritol (ERY), or FRS supplement for 16 wk. A pair-feeding approach was used so that all groups receiving the HFD would have the same calorie intake.

Results: In our study, body weight and body fat mass in the FRS group were significantly decreased toward the level of the normal group, with a simultaneous decrease in plasma leptin and resistin, and the plasma leptin:adiponectin ratio. Fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production analysis revealed that FRS induced elevated total SCFA production compared with other groups. Also, the amount of acetate, propionate, and butyrate production was significantly increased in the FRS group. The FRS supplement increased the amount of Lactobacillus, Coprococcus, and Allobaculum in the gut, which could be responsible for improving inflammation based on pyrosequencing analysis. Also, FRS significantly decreased the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in plasma.

Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that 5% dietary FRS led to an improvement in HFD- induced inflammation by altering the microbiome community.

Funding Sources

This study was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant, funded by the Korea government (NRF-2016R1A2B4011329), the Science Research Center Project (NRF-2015R1A5A6001906), and the Bio-Synergy Research Project (NRF-2012M3A9C4048818) of the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning through the National Research Foundation.

 

Isothiocyanates Inhibit Adipocytes Differentiation and Improve Insulin sensitivity in Obesity Mouse (P23-020)

Wei-Ting Chuang and Chong-Kuei Lii

China Medicine University

Objective: Obesity is one of the major risk factors for many chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, weight control is an important health issue worldwide. Isothiocyanates are organosulfur phytochemicals that are abundant in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Evidence indicates that isothiocyanates exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiangiogenesis, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotection properties. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and phenethyl isocyanate (PEITC) are the structurally related isothiocyanates. This study aimed to examine the antiobesity and antidiabetic potency of both BITC and PEITC, and a study of the possible mechanism of 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed that BITC and PEITC (0–10 µM) dose-dependently reduced cellular lipid accumulation and inhibited CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), cleaved sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), liver X receptor α (LXRα), fatty acid synthesis (FAS), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) expression.

Methods: In a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity experiment, C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD with 0.05% and 0.1% BITC or PEITC for 18 wk.

Results: The results showed that BITC and PEITC reduced both the body weight and the relative weight of perirenal adipose tissue in a dose-dependent manner. The size of the epididymal adipocytes was smaller than in HFD-fed mice. Compared with the control mice, the HFD-induced hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance value were attenuated by supplementing with BITC or PEITC. A glucose tolerance test revealed that the AUC of blood glucose concentrations in the BITC group was lower than that in the HFD-fed mice. An immunoblotting assay revealed that BITC and PEITC inhibited PPARγ, LXRα, cleaved SREBP1c, and fatty acid synthase protein expression in epididymal adipose and liver tissues.

Conclusion: Taken together, the results indicate that BITC and PEITC are potent at ameliorating obesity and improving insulin resistance.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE P23-020-1.

Graphs Abstract.

 

Exploring Parental Knowledge and Behaviors Associated with Sleep (P23-021)

Rashel Clark,¹ Rasehl Clark,¹ Kaitlyn Eck,² Colleen Delaney,² Karla Shelnutt,³ Carol Byrd-Bredbenner,² and Melissa D Olfert¹

¹West Virginia University; ²Rutgers University, NJ; and ³University of Florida

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore parents’ knowledge of and behaviors associated with their elementary school children's sleep patterns.

Methods: Parents of 6- to 11-y-old children from 3 states (FL, NJ, WV) completed a survey (n = 185), and of these 37 participated in focus groups.

Results: The survey results indicated that nearly all parents (94%) had a set bedtime for their children. Parents in the focus groups recognized the importance of children getting adequate sleep, noting that it promoted optimal performance in school as well as improved mood, prevented misbehavior, and optimized energy levels. However, no one mentioned links between adequate sleep and weight control. Specific bedtime routines varied by family (e.g., music, reading, watching TV, baths, cuddling), with most parents describing routines as being consistent and relaxing. As their children have gotten older, maintaining a schedule that supports adequate sleep had become more challenging because the children wanted to stay up later but had to wake up earlier for school, which created conflict at bedtime. Social media and technology (e.g., TV, phones, tablets) derailed getting to bed on time, as did extracurricular activities scheduled late at night. To overcome these barriers, parents had set bedtimes and followed consistent routines. Parents who had established bedtimes for children advised families that do not have bedtime schedules that setting a bedtime initially may be met by some resistance, but as children become accustomed to the routine, conflicts over bedtimes will decline. However, parents report that even with a well-established bedtime, they often have to check on their children soon after they go to bed to be sure that they have turned off all technology and are actually sleeping. Parents did not feel the need to be good role models vis-à-vis sleep for their children because children went to bed before and/or woke up after parents, and were unaware of parents’ sleep schedule and routine.

Conclusion: Parents were not aware of the link between sufficient sleep and obesity prevention. Future interventions aiming to promote healthy weight-related behaviors in families should raise parents’ awareness of sleep-to-weight relations and offer tips for overcoming barriers that interfere with establishing and maintaining bedtime routines.

Funding Sources

US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2017-680,001-26,351.

 

Changes in Body Composition and Bone in Children with Obesity Participating in a Family-Centered Lifestyle Intervention (P23-022)

Tamara R Cohen,¹ Sarah-Eve Loiselle,² Popi Kasvis,² Tom J Hazell,³ Catherine Vanstone,² and Hope Weiler²

¹PERFORM Center, Concordia University, Canada; ²McGill University Health Center, Canada; and ³Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

Objectives: Research supports the use of Canadian diet and activity guidelines in family-centered lifestyle interventions (FCLI) to reduce adiposity while maintaining bone health in 6- to 8-y-old children with obesity; however, it is unknown if this type of intervention will be successful in older children. This study aimed to assess changes in body composition and bone outcomes in 9- to 12-y-old children with obesity participating in a 1-y family-centered lifestyle intervention.

Methods: Children were recruited from Greater Montréal (QC, Canada) and were randomized to participate in 6 interventions (FCLI) or control (Ctrl). Interventions were based on Canadian diet and activity guidelines. Anthropometric measures were used to calculate body mass index (BMI)-for-age-and-sex z scores (BAZ), waist circumference (WC) was measured, and whole body (WB) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery APEX software version 13:3.3) scans were analyzed at baseline and at 12 mo for lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and percentage body fat (%BF). Bone outcomes included WB bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures mixed model ANOVA with post hoc adjustments, and were adjusted for season, mother's BMI, Tanner stage, and race.

Results: Children (n = 60; mean ± SD age = 11.1 ± 1.1 y) were recruited; 55 completed the 12-mo visit. At baseline, the majority were Caucasian (80%), with a mean BAZ of 2.7 ± 0.2 and a mean WB %BF of 38.2% ± 4.4%. Compared with baseline, all groups significantly increased in height (P < 0.001) and LM (P < 0.001) by 12 mo; however, FCLI resulted in a significant reduction of −0.1 ± 0.1 in BAZ (P = 0.003). Although BAZ did not change in Ctrl (0.0 ± 0.1; P = 1.00), at 12 mo the WC of Ctrl had significantly increased, by 4.0 ± 0.1 cm (P = 0.01). Neither group significantly changed %BF by 12 mo; however, WB FM significantly increased in FCLI (0.2 ± 0.7 kg; P < 0.001) and in Ctrl (0.3 ± 1.2 kg; P < 0.001). Both groups significantly increased WB BMC (P < 0.001) and WB BMD (P < 0.001) at 12 mo compared with baseline; there were no differences between groups.

Conclusion: Children with obesity who participated in a 1-y family-centered lifestyle intervention that focused on Canadian dietary and activity guidelines resulted in modestly reduced BAZ while supporting bone health.

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01290016.

Funding Sources

HW is supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canada Research Chairs Program. TC is supported by a Canadian Institutes for Health Research Doctoral Research Award.

 

Michigan Cohorts to Assess Associations of Maternal Prepregnancy Obesity with Pregnancy and Infant Fecal Bacterial Communities (P23-023)

Sarah S Comstock, Kameron Sugino, and Nigel Paneth

Michigan State University

Objectives: About 25% of women in the United States are obese prior to becoming pregnant. Although some knowledge about relations between gastrointestinal microbiota and obesity exists, less is known about relations between prepregnancy obesity and the gastrointestinal microbiota in pregnancy. We established pregnancy and birth cohorts to assess associations between prepregnancy obesity and maternal and infant fecal bacterial communities.

Methods: Women were recruited at obstetrics and gynecology offices in the Lansing and Traverse City, MI, areas. They completed questionnaires and submitted fecal samples from the third trimester of pregnancy (PREG) and from their infant at ∼1 mo of age (INF; range: 1–8 wk). A subset of participants also contributed samples from the infant at 6 mo (n = 43) and 12 mo (n = 35) of age. DNA was extracted from the PREG and INF samples of 43 participating dyads. 16s rRNA gene libraries have been created and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform (250bp paired-end). The sequencing data was processed with the prepreg and analyzed using R.

Results: The α diversity of the PREG and INF samples did not correlate with the prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). The overall bacterial community structure in the PREG and INF samples differed at both the phylum and genus levels. According to the BMI categories [normal (N) 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25; overweight (OW) 25 ≤ BMI < 30; obese (OB) BMI ≥ 30], the PREG bacterial community structure differed significantly. The gut bacterial communities in the PREG samples from women with prepregnancy obesity were dominated by Firmicutes and those from OW women were dominated by Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the PREG communities from the OW women contained significantly more Bacteroides, and those from the N women contained significantly less Acidaminococcus, compared with those from the other BMI categories. The INF communities did not differ based on maternal prepregnancy BMI, but membership differed by mode of delivery. When analyzed by taxa, INF samples from babies of N women had more Staphylococcus and Streptococcus but less Megasphaera than those born to OW or OB women.

Conclusions: These results indicate that maternal prepregnancy body weight is an important factor in the establishment of the pregnancy and infant gastrointestinal bacterial communities.

Funding Sources

NIH UG3 OD023285.

 

Body Calculator Accurately Predicts Body Weight and Hip Circumference Measurement Changes Based on Goal Waist Measurement Changes in Caucasian Females (P23-024)

Robert T Davidson and Jayne Ochsner-Ndessokia

Logan University, MO

Objective: Many web-based calculators exist which calculate weight loss based on a change in daily energy intake. Likewise, many calculators are also available that calculate the required daily energy change to accomplish a desired weight change. We wanted to develop a calculator that would additionally accurately predict body weight and hip circumference measurement changes based on a desired waist circumference measurement change or goal.

Methods: Algorithms for the calculator were based on anthropometric body density equations and multiple regression equations of CDC US population anthropometric data and developed using STELLA Professional software (iSeeSystems.com). We used the calculator to predict body weight and hip circumference measurements at 4 different time points using data from 2 published research studies that reported anthropometric measurements during a weight loss intervention. We compared actual measurements at each time point to the calculated measures and determined the percentage error for the calculated values.

Results: The average percentage error ranged from −1.0% to 1.9% and from 1.1% to 1.7% for the calculated body weight and hip circumference measurements, respectively.

Conclusions: This calculator may be used to calculate how body weight and hip circumference may be expected to change as waist circumference is reduced during weight loss.

Funding Sources

None.

 

Getting Enough ZZZZs: Focus Groups with Elementary School Children about Sleep (P23-025)

Colleen Delaney,¹ Kaitlyn Eck,¹ Karla Shelnutt,² Melissa D Olfert,³ Carol Byrd-Bredbenner,¹ and Colleen Delaney¹

¹Rutgers University, NJ; ²University of Florida; and ³West Virginia University

Objectives: Getting adequate sleep can lead to healthier weights, yet children's perceptions of the importance of sleep and related barriers and facilitators remain unknown.

Methods: A total of 164 children (aged 6–11 y) completed a survey and 44 participated in focus groups on sleep. Two trained researchers content analyzed the focus group data.

Results: The surveyed children had a set bedtime on 5.24 ± 2.21 d/wk (mean ± SD). The focus groups revealed that children felt that sleep was very important for them to have energy throughout the day to play with friends and to stay awake in school. Children reported that when they do not get enough sleep, they feel angry or irritable during the day. They also agreed that parents feel that sufficient sleep is important too for good health and learning. Barriers to falling asleep at night included loud noises (parental TV watching, especially scary or violent shows, pets, siblings getting ready for bed) and activities distracting them from sleep (video games, toys, TV). Some reported that nightmares interrupted their sleep at night. To overcome sleep barriers, children thought parents should establish a “before bed” routine, try to soothe children when they are scared of the dark or wake up from bad dreams, and use a timer to remind children that it is bedtime. Facilitators to getting to bed on time included having an established bedtime routine (brush teeth, use bathroom before bed), reducing distractions, talking about the importance of sleep, and creating a relaxing environment (sing a lullaby, read, play music, offer stuffed animals, use a nightlight). Children agreed that parents’ own nighttime behaviors affect their sleep. Even though parents are the enforcers of bedtime, their nighttime habits can interfere with their children's sleep (making food, watching TV with volume too loud, snoring). Children feel that they affect parents’ sleep by waking them up for help; they also said that they can interfere with their siblings’ sleep by keeping them up later than their bedtime.

Conclusions: Future nutrition education materials should help parents understand the links between sleep and weight, and encourage them to establish a bedtime routine, create a relaxing sleep environment, have a set bedtime, and overcome barriers (loud or scary noises, activities) that prevent children from getting adequate sleep.

Funding Sources

US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2017-680,001-26,351.

 

Limiting Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Focus Group Discussions with Parents of Elementary School-Aged Children (P23-026)

Colleen Delaney,¹ Colleen Delaney,¹ Oluremi Famodu,² Rashel L Clark,³ Kaitlyn Eck,¹ Karla Shelnutt,² Melissa D Olfert,³ and Carol Byrd-Bredbenner¹

¹Rutgers University, NJ; ²University of Florida; and ³West Virginia University

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe parent cognitions and behaviors regarding their children's intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).

Methods: We formed focus groups of English- and Spanish-speaking parents of 6- to 11-y-olds (n = 37) in 3 states (FL, NJ, WV) with the goal of informing the development of nutrition education materials about limiting SSBs. The data were continuously coded and the content analyzed to identify the point of data saturation, trends in the data, and differences between English- and Spanish-speaking parents.

Results: Parents agreed that SSBs are not healthy beverage choices. They felt water and juice were better options for everyday consumption, but that SSBs could be a treat at events or parties. Reasons for limiting SSBs differed slightly, though all parents were concerned about their children's health. English-speaking parents limited SSB intake to control hyperactive behavior, limit caffeine intake, and prevent cavities, whereas Spanish-speaking parents were more concerned with preventing excess weight gain. Parents reported that challenges to limiting SSBs included the intake of key influencers (family members or peers) and the availability of SSBs at home and school. Some strategies parents used to decrease SSB intake included not purchasing SSBs, using special “fun” cups for water, diluting juice with water, replacing SSBs with milk or water, and talking with their children about SSBs’ effects on health. Parents agreed that children imitate parents’ beverage intake, whether parents are drinking SSBs or healthier beverages like water. To prevent children from observing parents drinking SSBs and requesting them, some English-speaking parents reported that they hide their SSB intake from their children. Parents agreed that as their children have gotten older, it has become more difficult to limit their SSB intake owing to increased exposure to SSBs during events or at school, and influences from peers or family members.

Conclusions: Parents of elementary school–aged children believe that it is important to limit SSB intake, have found some effective strategies to limit SSB intake, acknowledge that limiting SSB becomes more difficult as their children get older, and could benefit from a larger repertoire of strategies for controlling children's SSB intake.

Funding Sources

US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2017-680,001-26,351.

 

Effect of a Predinner Walnut Snack on Caloric Intake among University Students (P23-027)

Lauren S DeVaan, Gabrielle Schnellman, Michelle LaCasse, Mackenzie J Weis, Molly D Ahmann, Ted Wilson, Elizabeth M Gile, and Tisha L Hooks

Winona State University, MN

Objective: Freshman-15 is a phenomenon commonly observed among students enrolled in cafeteria meal plans, and results in weight gain owing to new eating patterns. Eating habits established by young people tend to continue into later adulthood and may contribute to obesity. Walnuts are a nutrient-dense snack that can improve nutritional health. Consumption of walnuts prior to dinner could alter caloric intake during the subsequent meal.

Methods: Healthy students (n = 36, aged 18–20 y) received a standard dinner (1760 calories) with 3 treatments (90 min premeal) in a randomized single crossover design: 1) 190 cal of California walnuts (CW), 2) 190 cal of gummi candy (GC), or 3) no snack (NS; control) on 3 consecutive nights, followed by analysis of total caloric ingestion (LSM ± SE).

Results: Total dinner calories after CW, GC, and NS were 861 ± 40, 931 ± 40, and 956 ± 40, respectively, with CW < NS (P = 0.02) and CW < GC (P = 0.10). Total dinner calories with snack included were 1020 ± 48, 1065 ± 48, and 942 ± 48 for GW, GC, and NS, respectively (treatment difference P = 0.08). The percentage of total dinner calories after CW, GC, and NS were 47% ± 3%, 50% ± 3%, and 53% ± 3%, respectively. The percentage of total calories with snack after CW, GC, and NS were 52% ± 3%, 55% ± 3%, and 54% ± 2%, respectively.

Conclusion: Consumption of a CW snack prior to a dinner reduced the meal-time caloric intake. By reducing the caloric intake during a standardized dinner, long-term walnut consumption may lead to improvements in body weight management among university students and reductions in subsequent obesity during later adulthood.

Funding Sources

California Walnut Commission.

 

Impact of Exercise Training on Intact Platelet Mitochondrial Respiration in Obese Pregnant Women (P23-028)

Eva Carolina Diaz Fuentes,^1,2,3,4 Aline Andres,^1,3,4 Kartik Shankar, ^1,3,4 Matthew Cotter,^1,3 Catarina Young,^1,3 Austin Henry,^1,3 and Elisabet Børsheim^1,2,3,4

¹Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center; ²Arkansas Children's Research Institute; ³Arkansas Children's Hospital; and ⁴University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Objective: Exercise (EX) training induces adaptations in skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration in young adults. It has been suggested that platelet mitochondria may inform about overall mitochondrial function. The objective of this interim analysis of a subset of participants from a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to compare intact platelet mitochondrial respiration (IPMR) between obese pregnant women after 6 mo of combined (aerobic and resistance) EX training and obese pregnant women on standard of care (SOC).

Methods: Women were recruited and randomized to the EX (n = 9) or SOC (n = 11) group at gestation week (GW) 12. Body composition was assessed using air displacement plethysmography. IPMR was assessed at GW 36 using high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros). Routine respiration (R), respiration independent of ADP phosphorylation (Oligomycin, State 4), and maximal capacity of the electron transfer system (ETS) involving carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) were measured in intact platelets. A control ratio (CR) of maximal FCCP-stimulated respiration relative to State 4 was calculated. Student's t test was used to compare groups. Data are presented as mean ± SD.

Results: Groups were comparable in age (EX = 30 ± 2 vs. SOC = 27 ± 3 y; NS) and body composition [fat mass (EX = 49 ± 12 vs. SOC = 51 ± 10 kg; NS) and fat-free mass (EX = 48 ± 4 vs. SOC = 50 ± 9 kg; NS)]. At GW 36, the EX group exhibited lower R (EX = 0.14 ± 0.07 vs. SOC = 0.28 ± 0.13 pmol O₂ · s^-1 · 10^–6 platelets^–1, P = 0.01), State 4 (EX = 0.07 ± 0.04 vs. SOC = 0.12 ± 0.06 pmol O₂ · s^-1 · 10^–6 platelets^–1; P = 0.04), and ETS (EX = 0.36 ± 0.14 vs. SOC = 0.57 ± 0.20 pmol O₂ · s^-1 · 10^–6 platelets^–1; P = 0.01) than the SOC group. CR did not differ between groups (EX = 5.25 ± 2.4 vs. SOC = 5.8 ± 2.9; NS). The R, State 4, and ETS values for the SOC group are comparable to the values we have observed elsewhere in obese sedentary women at GW 12.

Conclusions: In this pilot study, mitochondrial uncoupling (State 4 respiration) and maximal respiratory capacity of intact platelets were lower in obese pregnant women after EX training than in a SOC group. EX-induced adaptations in IPMR will be assessed in more depth with sampling before and after the intervention in this ongoing RCT.

Funding Sources

USDA-ARS Project 6026-51,000-010-05S.

 

Demographics and Weight-Related Medical Problems Vary by Race in Morbidly Obese Men: Analysis of 17,734 Males Preoperative for Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (P23-029)

Kirk Duwel, Nicole Zucconi, and Gus Slotman

Inspira Health Network

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify clinical variations by race in obese men. In the obesity epidemic, every physician now manages fragile bariatric patients. Every insight can aid patient care. However, variation by race among morbidly obese males is unknown.

Methods: Preoperative data from 17,734 men in the Surgical Review Corporation's BOLD database before laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was analyzed in 5 groups: African American (AA, n = 1310), Caucasian (CA, n = 14,168), Asian (AS, n = 53), Hispanic (HI, n = 1519), and other (O, Pacific Islander, Native American, or >1 race, n = 684). We tested continuous data with ANOVA. We tested 32 obesity comorbidities with the chi-square test.

Results: Mean ± SD AA weight (165.7 ± 33.54 kg) and body mass index (51.58 ± 9.769 kg/m²) were the highest, whereas the CA group was the oldest (48.5 ± 11.28 y) (P < 0.0001). AA had the most congestive heart failure (CHF), gout, hypertension (HBP) (P < 0.0001), and substance abuse (P < 0.05) (n = 4), but the lowest cholelithiasis (CL), mental health diagnosis (MH), depression (P < 0.0001), and liver disease (P < 0.01) (n = 4). CA had the highest incidence hernia, panniculitis, angina, back or somatic pain, CL, MH, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ischemic heart disease (IHD), psychological impairment (PI), leg edema, unemployment (P < 0.0001), disability, pulmonary hypertension (PHT) (P < 0.01), fibromyalgia, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (P < 0.05) (n = 18), and was lowest in none. AS alcohol use, diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea (OSA) (P < 0.0001), and liver disease (P < 0.05) were the highest (n = 5), whereas hernia, panniculitis, back or somatic pain, CHF, GERD, IHD, leg edema, unemployment (P < 0.0001), impaired function, pseuodotumor cerebri (PTC), PHT, substance abuse (P < 0.01), and fibromyalgia (P < 0.05) were the lowest (n = 14). HI had the lowest incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, diabetes, gout, HBP, dyslipidemia, and PI (P < 0.0001) (n = 6), and had the highest in no categories. In the O group, OSA, angina (P < 0.0001), and alcohol use were the lowest, and PTC was the highest. Asthma, obesity hypoventilation, stress incontinence, and tobacco use did not vary by race.

Conclusions: Clinical data vary by race in morbidly obese men. Cardiopulmonary, abdominal, somatic, and functional problems dominate

CA. In AA, CHF and HBP were highest. AS drank the most and had the highest liver disease, diabetes, OSA, and dyslipidemia. HI was lowest in 6 categories and highest in none. O had the lowest OSA and alcohol use. This advance knowledge could enable targeted medical and presurgical interventions, with improved outcomes.

Funding Sources

Inspira Health Network.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE P23-029-1.

The frequency of each obesity related comorbidity by race.

FIGURE P23-029-2.

Breakdown of each race's employment status into: employed, homemaker, self employed, student, unemployed, or not specified.

 

Body Composition Assessment of Undergraduate Students by Anthropometry (P23-030)

Ayemhenre Esekheigbe, Onimawo Ignatius, and Edith Adekanle

Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria

Objective: The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in university students using anthropometric analysis.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Southern Nigeria. A total of 385 university students (185 males and 200 females) participated in the study. Anthropometric

measurements were obtained for each subject upon entry into the study. Height was measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer, weight was measured using an electronic scale, and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated from those measurements. Hip and waist circumferences were measured using a measuring tape. A Lange skinfold caliper was used to measure skinfold thickness around the biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac regions, from which the body fat percentage was calculated.

Results: From the calculated BMI values, 37 (18.5%) of the female subjects were underweight, which was very similar to the 34 (18.34%) obtained for males; 13.5% of the females were overweight, compared with the 8.65% of the males; and 2.5% and 1.62% of the females and males, respectively, were obese. The majority of the students were found to have normal weight, as indicated by the 65.5% and 71% recorded for the female and male subjects, respectively. Percentage body fat was 33.33% in females and 10.90% in males. The female subjects had a waist and hip circumference of 30.14 ± 3.24 and 37.90 ± 2.93 cm, respectively. The male counterparts recorded waist and hip circumferences of 31.40 ± 3.17 and 35.20 ± 4.5 cm, respectively. On the basis of the waist-to-hip ratio, 136 (68%) of the females studied were at low risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, compared with the higher value of 153 (82.70%) of the male population. Correspondingly, higher percentages of females had moderate and high risks (19% and 13%, respectively), compared with the 13.51% and 3.78%, respectively, obtained for the males.

Conclusion: Most of the students were found to have normal weight and are at low risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, suggestive of a good dietary pattern and high physical activity. However, there is room for improvement, particularly among the female population.

Funding Sources

Funding was from the authors and the university.

 

Gut Microbiota Composition before and after Diet-Induced Obesity in Genetically Heterogeneous Diversity Outbred Mice (P23-031)

Salvador Fabela, Melissa VerHague, Jody Albright, Steven Talbert, Jonathan Shea, John French, Stephen D Hursting, and Katie Meyer

University of North Carolina

Objective: The association between obesity and major chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, has been well documented. Several studies in mice show that gut microbiota may influence obesity, though findings have been inconsistent in human populations. Diversity Outbred mice (DO) are maintained by randomized breeding; each animal has a high degree of heterozygosity and each carries a unique combination of alleles. This model provides significant genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, which may increase the translation of findings to human populations. The objective of this study was to define baseline gut microbiota diversity and composition in DO mice and quantify prospective associations with weight gain during a diet-induced obesity regimen.

Methods: We subjected 200 male and female DO mice to a 12-wk DIO (60% fat) regimen and measured their weight gain over the period of study. Because of the intrinsic genetic divergence in this outbred population (45 million segregating SNPs and structural variants), we anticipated that the gut microbiota composition would be highly variable in genetically different DO mice.

Results: Our data showed significant interindividual differences in body fat changes over the 12-wk DIO study period. The mean ± SD gain in fat in males was 13.1 ± 5.9 g, ranging from 1.2 to 30.1 g, whereas the mean gain in fat in females was 14.9 ± 5.1 g, ranging from 3.34 to 27.2 g. We are currently sequencing the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA prokaryotic gene and will quantify the interindividual differences in bacterial compositional and diversity measures before and after the 12-wk DIO regimen. We will also assess the associations between these microbiota characteristics and body composition measures using linear regression models.

Conclusion: We hypothesize that differences in diet-induced obesity are associated with variability in gut microbial diversity and taxonomic composition.

 

Anthropometric, Body Composition and Metabolic Changes following a supervised Dietary Weight Loss Intervention in Women with Obesity (P23-032)

Priscila Giacomo Fassini,¹ Sai Das,² Vivian MM Suen,¹ Greta Magerowski,³ Isabela Rozatte Silva,¹ Rafaella Ribeiro Salgueiro,¹ Cassia Dias Machado,¹ Julio Marchini,¹ and Miguel Alonso-Alonso⁴

¹Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Brazil; ²Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging, Tufts University, MA; and ³Laboratory of Bariatric and Nutritional Neuroscience, Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, MA

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess anthropometric, body composition, and metabolic changes in women with obesity who participated in a supervised inpatient weight loss intervention for 2 wk.

Methods: Participants were 25 women, aged 20–40 y, with obesity [body mass index (BMI) 30–35 kg/m²]; they were required to be free from hypertension or diabetes, have been weight stable in the 3 mo prior to enrolment, and available for the inpatient period of the study. The intervention was conducted in a well-controlled inpatient setting, at the Metabolic Unit of Ribeirão Preto Medical School's Clinical Hospital, University of São Paulo. Subjects received 2 wk of a hypocaloric diet with a 30% reduction in energy intake. Total energy needs were estimated using indirect calorimetry measured resting energy expenditure (REE), a 10% estimate for the thermic effect of food, reported level of physical activity, and age. Food intake was evaluated using 4-d food diaries that the subjects completed at home the week prior to the weight loss intervention. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analyses and all measures were obtained at baseline and at the end of the 2 wk intervention. Paired t tests were used to compare anthropometric data, body composition, and REE before and after the intervention, and a value of P ˂ 0.05 was used to denote statistical significance.

Results: The mean ± SD age was 32 ± 5 y. Significant decreases from baseline were observed following the 2 wk supervised intervention for: body weight (85 ± 8 vs. 83 ± 7 kg), BMI (33 ± 1 vs. 32 ± 1 kg/m²), waist circumference (107 ± 6 vs. 105 ± 6 cm), fat-free mass (52 ± 4 vs. 51 ± 4 kg), fat mass (33 ± 4 vs. 32 ± 4 kg), and REE (1556 ± 152 kcal vs. 1459 ± 148 kcal) (P

Conclusions: Our intervention, based on a 30% reduction in total energy needs and total adherence, was effective in promoting a reduction of ∼3% of body weight over a period of 2 wk. Since adherence to weight loss interventions is challenging, achieving clinically meaningful weight loss may require the provision of a shorter-term supervised weight loss intervention.

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02953353.

Funding Sources

FAPESP (2016/0,4766-6 and 2016/10,785-3) and FAEPA.

 

Phenotypic Profile of Patients in Late Follow-Up of Bariatric Surgery (P23-033)

Flavia Campos Ferreira, Gabriela Rocha, Carolina F Nicoletti, Marcela A Pinhel, Leticia S Wolf, Caroline Welendorf, Rayana C Foglietti, Wilson S Junior, and Carla B Nonino

University of São Paulo, Brazil

Objective: The main objective of this study was to analyze the anthropometric and biochemical profile of patients who had undergone to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at 3 time points: preoperatively, and at 5 and 10 y after the procedure.

Methods: We selected 37 patients who had undergone an RYGB >10 y ago. Data collection in the postoperative period and the 5-y postoperative period was achieved from the patients’ medical records, and by anthropometric evaluation (weight and height) and biochemical analysis (lipid and glycemic profile) in the postoperative period of 10 y. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, a repeated-measures ANOVA and the Fisher or chi-square test (P < 0.05).

Results: Of the 37 patients analyzed in the study, 31 (84%) were female, with a mean ± SD age of 54.1 ± 8.4 y. In the preoperative period, the mean weight and body mass index (BMI) were 135.9 ± 20.2 kg and 51.8 ± 6.9 kg/m², respectively. The anthropometric evolution showed significant progressive weight loss, reaching a mean BMI of 32.7 ± 5.2 kg/m² (P = 0.001) 5 y after the surgical procedure. However, significant weight regain was observed beyond this time point, reaching a mean BMI of 36.3 ± 7 kg/m² (P = 0.001) at 10 y. There was an improvement in the glycemic and lipid profiles after 5 y of surgery (P = 0.01), which remained until the end of the study.

Conclusion: Bariatric surgery promotes weight reduction. However, significant weight regain is observed between postoperative years 5 and 10.

Funding Sources

Fundaçao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) and Fundaçao de Apoio Ao Ensino, Pesquisa e Assistencia (FAEPA).

 

Food Availability, Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption, and the Role of Acculturation in Low-Income Parents and Preschoolers: A Communities for Healthy Living (CHL) Study (P23-034)

Roger Figueroa,¹ Begüm Kalyoncu,¹ Alyssa Aftosmes,¹ Kirsten Davison,¹ and Janine Jurkowski²

¹Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, MA; and ²SUNY Albany, NY

Objective: Studies have demonstrated a positive link between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) availability at home and school with increased intake for children across different ethnic groups. Given that SSB consumption per capita is disproportionately high among low-income American-born children, acculturation to the United States might moderate the relation between food environment and soda consumption among low-income immigrant families. This study therefore aimed to analyze the effect of acculturation on the association between food environment and SSB consumption among parents and their preschool children.

Methods: Baseline data from the Communities for Healthy Living project were used for this cross-sectional study. Families (n = 348) were recruited from Head Start programs in the Greater Boston Area. One parent/caregiver (85% mothers) and one child aged 3–5 y per family participated. Parents reported on the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in the home, along with parent and child frequency of SSB consumption. Parents also reported their nativity, number of years in the United States, and primary language, which were used to create a composite score, following recognized procedures to denote acculturation. Acculturation was used as a moderator in 2 models. Parental education and age were used as covariates in all models. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to conduct analyses.

Results: The OLS regression results showed significant associations between unhealthy food availability and greater SSB consumption in both parents (β = 0.37, P = 0.001) and children (β = 0.11, P = 0.001), as well as healthy food availability and lower SSB consumption in both parents (β = −0.33, P = 0.001) and children (β = −0.11, P = 0.02). However, after the addition of the 2-way interaction term to the final OLS regression model, the acculturation level did not significantly moderate the relation between food availability and SSB consumption either for the parents or for the children.

Conclusions: Healthy food availability was associated with significantly low consumption of SSB in low-income parents and children. In our model, the level of acculturation did not moderate the relation. Additional research is warranted to assess the role of acculturation in relation to food availability and SSB consumption among low-income families.

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03334669.

Funding Sources

CHL is funded by an NIDDK R-01 (grant number R01DK108200). RF is supported by an NIH Training Grant (grant number T32DK007703). ZBK is supported by a Fulbright Program grant sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education.

 

Relation between Inflammation, Oxidative Damage, Weight, and Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis (P23-035)

Elizabeth M Foley,¹ Neda Akhavan,¹ Kelli George,¹ Joseph Muños,¹ Shirin Hooshmand,² Shirin Pourafshar,³ and Bahram H Arjmandi¹

¹Florida State University; ²San Diego State University, CA; and ³University of Virginia

Objectives: Degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and has a significant impact on quality of life. OA is characterized by inflammation of the synovial joint, loss of cartilage, and deterioration of tendons and ligaments. Age, prior injury, overuse, and obesity are all risk factors for the development of OA. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between serum and synovial fluid (SF) C-reactive protein (CRP), serum and SF 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine (8-OH2dG), weight, and body mass index (BMI) between moderate and severe OA groups.

Methods: Twenty-seven men and women, between the ages of 65 and 75 y, with knee OA who underwent arthroscopic surgery or total knee replacement were recruited through the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic. Venous blood samples and 1–4 ml of SF were obtained. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from the participants’ latest medical records. Degree of OA progression was determined by an orthopedic surgeon. Serum and SF CRP and serum and SF 8-OH2dG were analyzed using commercially available assays. The independent samples t test was used to determine differences in outcome variables between moderate and severe OA. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results: Mean levels of serum CRP for moderate and severe OA were 5.76 ± 1.99 and 8.64 ± mg/dL, respectively. Neither serum nor SF CRP differed significantly between groups (P = 0.161, P = 0.108). However, weight was significantly different between groups (moderate OA: 89.23 ± 6.14 kg, severe OA: 110.96 ± 7.97 kg, P = 0.041). BMI was also significantly different between groups (moderate OA: 32.36 ± 6.78 kg/m², severe OA: 40.71 ± 12.4 kg/m², P = 0.044). Serum and SF 8-OH2dG did not yield statistically significant results when compared between groups (P = 0.578, P = 0.585, respectively).

Conclusions: CRP levels are normally under 3 mg/dL, but the levels of CRP in this study were almost 2 and 3 times higher (for moderate and severe OA, respectively) than usual. These results reinforce the proposed mechanism of increased inflammation as a factor of OA development, and indicate that body weight plays a critical role in this disease.

 

The Relation between Parenting Efficacy and Weight-Related Parenting Practices among Low-Income Parents of Preschoolers (P23-036)

Adam Gavarkovs, Jacob Beckerman, Alyssa Aftosmes-Tobio, Nicole Kitos, and Kirsten K Davison

Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, MA

Objectives: Weight-related parenting practices, such as positive food parenting, providing support for physical activity (PA), and providing an optimal sleep environment, are protective against childhood obesity. As such, it is important to identify modifiable antecedents to these behaviors. Prior research has found parenting efficacy, or parents’ confidence in their ability to succeed in the parenting role, is associated with weight-related parenting practices. However, this work has only focused on food parenting practices. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between parenting efficacy and food, PA, and sleep-related parenting practices among parents of preschool-aged children.

Methods: This sample included 366 and 62 low-income mothers and fathers, respectively, who had a child aged 3–5 y enrolled in Head Start. Parents completed a questionnaire that included an abbreviated Parenting Self-Agency Measure (PSAM), as well as 7 subscales for food, PA, and sleep-related parenting practices. Linear regression models were built to investigate whether PSAM scores were associated with each of the parenting practice subscale scores, controlling for relevant covariates.

Results: Overall, parenting efficacy was positively and significantly associated with making healthy foods available, modeling PA behaviors, providing logistic support for PA, creating a healthy bedtime routine, and limiting screens during bedtime, but not using food as a reward or limiting the availability of unhealthy foods. Parenting efficacy was a particularly strong predictor of providing logistic support for PA.

Conclusions: This study suggests that, among parents of young children, higher parenting efficacy is associated with many parenting practices that reduce the risk of childhood obesity. Thus, integrating strategies to improve parenting efficacy into family-based childhood obesity programs may improve the program's effectiveness. The absence of an association between parenting efficacy and certain food parenting practices, such as using food as a reward, may indicate a lack of consensus among parents with high parenting efficacy about the appropriate use of these strategies, highlighting the need to need to provide parents with evidence-based information about these practices.

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03334669.

Funding Sources

This study was funded by an NIDDK R-01 (grant number R01DK108200).

 

Effect of a Predinner Walnut Snack on Sense of Hunger among University Students (P23-037)

Elizabeth M Gile, Molly Ahmann, Michelle LaCasse, Mackenzie J Weis, Gabrielle L Schnellman, Lauren DeVaan, Tisha L Hooks, and Ted Wilson

Winona State University, MN

Objective: Freshman-15 is a phenomenon commonly observed among students enrolled in cafeteria meal plans, and results in weight gain owing to new eating patterns. Eating habits established by young people tend to continue into later adulthood and may contribute to obesity. Walnuts are a nutrient-dense snack that can improve nutritional health. This study determined if a walnut snack could alter the sense of hunger and satiety before and after a subsequent meal.

Methods: Healthy students (n = 36, aged 18–20 y) received a standard dinner (1760 calories) with 3 treatments (90 min premeal) in a randomized single crossover design: 1) 190 cal of California walnuts (CW), 2) 190 cal of gummi candy (GC), or 3) no snack (NS; control) on 3 consecutive nights. Visual analog scale (VAS) surveys were administered just before and just after dinner ingestion. Surveys measured sense of hunger, desire to eat, fullness, and intent to eat 30 min after study completion (LSM ± SE).

Results: Premeal hunger VAS across treatments was significant (P = 0.0174); the CW, GC, and NS values were 7.1 ± 0.3, 7.1 ± 0.3, and 8.1 ± 0.3, respectively (CW < NS; GC > NS). Postmeal hunger was not significant across treatments for CW, GC, and NS (1.5 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.2, and 1.4 ± 0.2, respectively). Premeal desire to eat VAS across treatment was significant (P = 0.0101); the CW, GC, and NS values were 7.5 ± 0.3, 7.6 ± 0.3, and 8.7 ± 0.3, respectively (CW < NS; GC < NS). Postmeal desire to eat was not significant across treatments for CW, GC, and NS (1.6 ± 0.2, 1.4 ± 0.2, and 1.5 ± 0.2, respectively). Premeal fullness VAS across treatment showed significance (P = 0.0002), with CW, GC, and NS values of 2.6 ± 0.2, 2.3 ± 0.2, and 1.4 ± 0.2, respectively (CW > NS; GC > NS). Postmeal fullness was not significant across treatments for CW, GC, and NS (8.3 ± 0.3, 9.0 ± 0.3, and 8.9 ± 0.3, respectively). Sense of intent to eat 30 min after study completion was not significantly affected by treatment.

Conclusion: Consumption of a CW snack prior to dinner reduced acute perceptions of hunger and desire to eat, and increased sense of fullness. Surprisingly, GC had similar acute effects in this study. Walnut-dependent perceptions of hunger and satiety may influence long-term food consumption patterns. This could promote improvements in weight management among students that could carry forward into adult obesity benefits.

Funding Sources

California Walnut Commission.

 

Comparing Agreement between Computed Tomography and Ultrasound for Measuring Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Thickness and Its Subtypes (P23-038)

Sandra Gomez-Perez, Erica Lopata, Sara Peterson, and Joy Sclamberg

Rush University Medical Center, IL

Objectives: Ultrasound (US) is an emerging modality for abdominal fat distribution (AFD) assessment, but a preferred protocol has not yet been identified. Here, we examine the agreement between a published ultrasound (US) technique and computed tomography (CT) to assess subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), superficial SAT (SSAT), and deep SAT (DSAT) thickness using a portable, tablet-compatible ultrasound device at the level of the umbilicus.

Methods: We conducted a pilot study to compare the agreement of SAT, SSAT, and DSAT thickness measurements via US and CT on 14 subjects. After consent had been obtained, subjects were measured at the umbilicus adhering to a previously published US technique at 5 cm right (R) and left (L) of the umbilicus. Two thickness measurements for SAT and SSAT were taken and averaged. DSAT was calculated by subtracting SSAT from SAT. CT scans were performed for medical reasons on the same day as the US. A blinded radiologist selected a single cross-sectional CT image at L4 from each subject and measured the thickness 5 cm lateral on either side of the umbilicus according to US protocol. The data are presented as mean ± SD.

Results: Mean ± SD age was 61.3 ± 15.6 y, 64% (9/14) were non-Hispanic whites and 57% (8/14) were male. For US, R-SSAT = 1.2 ± 0.9 cm vs. L-SSAT = 1.2 ± 0.9 cm and R-DSAT = 1.2 ± 0.8 cm vs. L-DSAT = 1.1 ± 0.8 cm, respectively. For CT, R-SSAT = 1.1 ± 0.7 cm vs. L-SSAT = 0.95 ± 0.6 cm and R-DSAT = 1.3 ± 0.8 cm vs. L-DSAT = 1.2 ± 0.1 cm. SAT, SSAT, and DSAT for US vs. CT was 3.4 ± 1.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.9, 1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 1.8 ± 1.3, and 1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 1.7 ± 1.2 cm, respectively. Agreement was strong based on Cohen's κ criteria (strong agreement = 0.8–0.9), with Lin's concordance >0.81, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.9, and Spearman's ρ >0.87. The ICC for SAT, SSAT, and DSAT was 0.96 (p

Conclusion: Our findings confirm that thickness measurements taken with a portable, tablet-compatible ultrasound device at the bedside were highly comparable to those obtained by CT. This portable US device and thickness assessment of AFD using a published protocol has the potential to enable clinicians and researchers to assess body composition in nonclinical and/or outpatient settings where CT is less acceptable for research use.

Funding Sources

Cohn Fellowship—Rush University Medical Center.

 

Dietary Fruits and Vegetables Supplementation Prevents High Fat Diet–Induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice (P23-039)

Weimin Guo, Lijun Li, Erin D Lewis, Heesun Eom, Donald E Smith, Dayong Wu, and Simin Nikbin Meydani

Tufts University, MA

Objectives: Obesity is associated with increased risk of developing chronic inflammation and various metabolic diseases. Development of novel evidence-based dietary strategies is urgently needed to combat obesity and reverse this trend. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that increased intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is associated with reduced incidence of obesity and metabolic diseases. Some nutritional interventions have focused on single or a combination of a few bioactive components of F&V, and their results have been inconsistent. The objective of this study was to investigate the causal role of F&V consumption to prevent obesity, chronic inflammation, and metabolic disorders.

Methods: We formulated a unique F&V mixture containing 24 F&V, and fed mice a high-fat diet (HFD) alone (obesogenic) or together with 0–15% (wt:wt) F&V (HFD + F&V) for 20 wk. Food intake and body weight gain were recorded, and fat tissue mass and feces energy density were determined. Adipose tissue and liver histology was performed.

Results: We found that compared with mice fed HFD alone, the mice fed HFD + 15% F&V (a level equivalent to 7–9 servings of F&V per day for humans) had significantly lower weight gain, lower fat mass, and less inflammatory cell infiltration and crown-like structures in adipose tissue. Food and total energy intakes were similar between the HFD and HFD + F&V groups. In addition, F&V supplementation completely prevented HFD-induced fatty liver (hepatic steatosis). Furthermore, both total fecal weight and total energy per gram of feces were higher in the HFD + F&V group than in the HFD group, which may explain the lower weight gain in the HFD + F&V versus the HFD group even though there was no difference in food intake.

Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence to establish the causal role of F&V intake in preventing obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Our results, using different levels of F&V, suggest that consuming large amounts (7–9 serving/d) and a wide variety (12 fruits and 12 vegetables) of F&V may be necessary to achieve this effect. These findings should have a significant impact on dietary guidelines and clinical practice in developing cost-effective nutritional strategies for curbing the obesity epidemic and the associated metabolic disorders.

Funding Sources

This material is based upon work supported by the US Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service (ARS), under Agreement No. 58-1950-4-003.

 

Prevention of High Fat Diet–Induced Metabolic Disorder by Fruits and Vegetables Supplementation in Mice is Associated with Alteration of the Gut Microbiome (P23-040)

Weimin Guo,¹ Maria Carlota Dao,¹ Lijun Li,¹ Erin D Lewis,¹ Anne Kane,² Donald Smith,¹ Dayong Wu,¹ and Simin Nikbin Meydani¹

¹Tufts University, MA; and ²Tufts Medical Center, MA

Objectives: Alterations of abundance, diversity, and composition of gut microbiota have been associated with obesity. Although it remains controversial whether altered gut microbiota is a cause or a consequence of obesity, accumulating evidence shows that obesity-associated changes in microbiota could enhance energy extraction from the diet. Some specific species of gut microbiota might play either a protective or a pathogenic role in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. We examined the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with different levels of our unique formulated mixture of fruits and vegetables (F&V; 0–15% wt:wt) on mouse anthropometric parameters and found that mice fed HFD + F&V had significantly less weight gain and lower fat mass without significantly affecting food intake, whereas fecal energy excretion was increased. In addition, F&V supplementation completely prevented HFD-induced fatty liver. The objective of this study was to explore whether the observed effects of F&V are associated with alteration of the gut microbiota.

Methods: The relative abundance, diversity, and composition of fecal microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results: Compared with mice fed HFD alone, the mice fed HFD + F&V had an increased abundance and diversity of fecal microbiota, and the bacterial community composition was significantly changed from one associated with obesity to one that has been characterized in lean subjects.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the effects of our unique formulated F&V mixture on the prevention of obesity-related metabolic disorders may be at least partially mediated by alteration of the gut microbiota, and F&V supplementation could help to reshape obesity-associated bacterial dysregulation or dysbiosis.

Funding Sources

This material is based upon work supported by the US Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service (ARS), under Agreement No. 58-1950-4-003.

 

Perceptions and Behaviors Related to Screentime in 6- to 11-Year-Old School Children (P23-041)

Rebecca Hagedorn,¹ MIriam Leary,¹ Kaitlyn Eck,² Colleen Delaney,² Karla Shelnutt,³ Carol Byrd-Bredbenner,² Melissa D Olfert,¹ and Rebecca Hagedorn¹

¹West Virginia University; ²Rutgers University, NJ; and ³University of Florida

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate children's behaviors and beliefs (importance, barriers, facilitators) about screentime (ST) (time spent using TV/DVDs, computers).

Methods: Children, 6–11 y old, in FL, NJ, and WV completed a survey (n = 193) and 44 participated in ST-related focus groups.

Results: Children watched TV on 3.4 ± 2.7 d/wk and played video games on 1.8 ± 2.5 d/wk for >2 h/d. Only 16% asked parents to buy food they saw advertised on TV. The focus groups revealed that children believed limiting ST is important for good health, and reported that too much ST had negative effects on the eyes and brain. To control ST, children recommended doing other activities (going outside, homework, playing games, or going places). Barriers to limiting ST included being “addicted” and wanting to watch new TV episodes or movies, and mimicking siblings’ ST behaviors. Children felt parents thought it was important to limit ST, with many indicating that parents put limits on ST. Common parent methods for limiting ST were limiting the time or number of episodes children could watch, banning TV, or confiscating tablets. When asked what advice they would give parents to help them limit children's ST, many recommended setting a timer, telling children to play outside, and giving children other activities to do. Children said they liked doing other activities when encouraged by parents. Children felt parents were good role models when they watched some TV with the children or offered other activities, like a family game night. Children felt parents’ ST did not influence them because children did not want to watch the same shows. Children reported TV food or drink ads did not make them ask parents to buy foods or beverages, but said that these ads made them feel hungry or thirsty. Children understood the purpose of ads, stating that ads try to get people to buy products. Most children said parents did not talk with them about TV ads, but they recommended that parents teach children that ads “just want your money” and discuss the (un)healthiness of advertised food and drinks.

Conclusions: Children's ST exceeds 2 h most days of the week, despite their recognition of the importance of limiting ST for health. Including children's ideas in obesity prevention programs could help parents learn new strategies for limiting ST.

Funding Sources

US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant Number 2017-680,001-26,351.

 

Associations of Platelet Indices with Body Fat in Chinese Adults (P23-042)

Shuang Han,¹ Da Gan,² Yuan Ru,² Guowei Wang,² Chao Huang,² and Shankuan Zhu²

¹Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, School of Medicine; and ²Zhejiang University, China

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the extent to which body fat is related to platelet quantity and activation by investigating the associations between platelet indices and body fat, including fat mass and fat distribution.

Methods: A total of 3327 individuals aged 18–80 y were enrolled. Body fat was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood samples were collected to measure metabolic profiles and platelet indices, including platelet quantity index [platelet count (PLT)] and platelet activation indices [mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet large cell ratio (PLCR)]. Adjusted multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the associations of platelet indices with body fat.

Results: Both PLT and PCT were positively associated with body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, total fat mass, total fat mass percentage, trunk fat mass percentage, android fat mass percentage, and android-to-gynoid fat ratio, and were negatively associated with gynoid fat mass percentage, total lean mass percentage, and skeletal muscle index. The associations remained significant even after adjusting for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. No significant associations were found between other the 3 platelet indices (MPV, PDW, and PLCR) and body fat.

Conclusions: Our study found that PLT and PCT were the only indices that associated with body fat, including fat mass and fat distribution. As PCT is mainly explained by PLT, these associations suggested that platelet quantity, rather than platelet activation indices, is closely related to body fat.

Funding Sources

This study was supported by a grant from the Cyrus Tang Foundation (419,600-11,102), with additional grants from the China Medical Board (CMB) Collaborating Program (15-216 and 12-108).

 

Beneficial Metabolic Effects of Mirabegron in Vitro and in High Fat Diet–Induced Obese Mice (P23-043)

Lei Hao, Sheyenne Scott, Mehrnaz Abbasi, Yujiao Zu, Md-Shahjalal Khan, and Shu Wang

Texas Tech University

Objectives: Mirabegron, a β-3 adrenergic receptor agonist, is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. However, it is still unknown if mirabegron can reduce body weight and improve metabolic parameters. In this study, we investigated the antiobesity effects of mirabegron using immortalized mouse brown adipocytes and C57BL/6J mice.

Methods: Mouse brown adipocytes were treated with different doses (0.03–3 µg/ml) of mirabegron, and expression of brown fat–related genes was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a 60 kcal% fat diet for 10 wk. After 6 wk of feeding on the high-fat diet, either vehicle or mirabegron (2 mg/kg body wt) was delivered to interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) using Alzet osmotic minipumps for 4 wk. Body weight, body composition, and food intake were measured weekly. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were conducted at weeks 3 and 4 of treatment, respectively. H&E staining was performed in both iBAT and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). In addition, immunohistochemical detection of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) was performed in iWAT.

Results: Mirabegron stimulated UCP1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in mouse brown adipocytes, whereas no changes were seen in other brown fat–related genes. In the animal study, mirabegron-treated mice exhibited reduced body weight and adiposity. H&E staining showed much fewer and smaller lipid droplets in iBAT isolated from mirabegron-treated mice than vehicle-treated mice. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for UCP1 indicated that mirabegron increased the abundance of beige cells in iWAT. Increases of 14-fold, 4-fold, and 4.5-fold in gene expression of UCP1, cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor α-like effector A (CIDEA), and elongation of very long chain fatty acids 3 (ELOVL3), respectively, were observed in iWAT isolated from mirabegron-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. Furthermore, mirabegron treatment improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions: Mirabegron induced UPC1 expression in vitro and promoted browning of iWAT, accompanied by beneficial effects in improving insulin sensitivity and protecting against high-fat diet–induced obesity.

Funding Sources

The College of Human Sciences of Texas Tech University; the National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health (Grant R15AT008733).

 

Novel Antiobesity Effects of the Human Milk Oligosaccharide Lacto-N-neotetraose (P23-044)

Meridith Hawkins,¹ Janaiya Samuels,¹ Donald Harn,² Thomas Norberg,³ Rangaiah Shashidharamurthy,¹ and Srujana Rayalam¹

¹Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine—GA Campus, Suwanee, GA; ²University of Georgia, Athens; and ³Uppsala University, Sweden

Objectives: Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), an immunomodulatory glycan found on the surface of helminth parasites and in human breast milk, has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive mechanisms. Previous studies have shown lacto-N-fucopentaose III, a similar milk immunoglycan, to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance, and suppress hepatic lipogenesis by activating anti-inflammatory macrophages. In this study, we investigated the effects of LNnT-dextran conjugate on the induction of beiging, the inhibition of adipogenesis, and the stimulation of lipolysis using 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Methods: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated using a cocktail comprising insulin, dexamethasone, isobutyl methyl xanthine, and rosiglitazone in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum following an 8–10 adipogeneic differentiation procedure. Mature adipocytes were treated with 40 µg/ml LNnT for 3–24 h.

Results: Treatment of mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with LNnT induced beiging of white adipocytes, as demonstrated by the enhanced expression of T-box protein 1 and cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A. LNnT increased both the expression of uncoupling protein 1 and oxygen consumption rate, demonstrating the activation of thermogenesis. In addition, LNnT stimulated an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis, as evidenced by an increase in mitochondrial content and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α expression. LNnT also stimulated lipolysis, as indicated by increased levels of glycerol release. Treatment with LNnT did not stimulate the inhibition of adipogenesis. All data were expressed as the mean ± SEM, minimum n = 3. Comparisons were made by ANOVA on GraphPad Prism software, followed by Tukey's post hoc tests. Statistical significance was reported at three levels: <0.05, <0.01, or <0.001.

Conclusion: These results provide evidence that LNnT demonstrates multifaceted antiobesity effects by inducing beiging, as evidenced by the upregulation of thermogenic markers, increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and the oxygen consumption rate, and stimulating lipolysis in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Milk sugar oligosaccharides could therefore have potential therapeutic implications on proinflammatory diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

 

Acute Effects of Mixed Nut Consumption on Glucose, Insulin, and Satiety Hormones (P23-045)

Mee Young Hong, Natasha Godwin, Traci Roberts, Shirin Hooshmand, and Mark Kern

San Diego State University, CA

Objectives: Nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, plant protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and many phytochemicals. Many studies have examined the effects of certain types of nuts, but there has been limited research into whether the beneficial effects can be extended to consumption of a nut mixture, which is more practically relevant. The purpose of this study was to determine if mixed nut consumption increased satiety while maintaining a stable insulin and glucose response in overweight and obese individuals.

Methods: Fifty-four subjects were randomized into 2 groups, each receiving a different isocaloric snack (253 kcal) of 42 g of mixed nuts or 69 g of Snyder's unsalted mini pretzels. Each group had 27 participants, 16 males and 11 females (total n = 54), and a mean ± SD body mass index of 31.5 ± 0.6 kg/m² and age of 29.7 ± 1.9 y. The subjects fasted overnight before coming into the laboratory for a baseline blood draw. They were then instructed to consume their snack with 16 oz of water within 20 min. Blood was drawn again 1 h after consumption of the snack. Blood samples were analyzed for insulin and glucose, as well as for the satiety hormones leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and peptide YY.

Results: For the pretzel group, there was a significant increase in glucose (P < 0.001) and insulin (P < 0.001) from the baseline to the 1-h time point. The mixed-nut group did not, however, show any significant increase in glucose or insulin. Strong correlations were found between insulin and leptin (baseline: coefficient 0.373, P = 0.006; postprandial: coefficient 0.397, P = 0.004). There was a significant reduction in both leptin (P = 0.014) and ghrelin (P = 0.030) for the mixed-nut group, as well as a trend for an increase in CCK (P = 0.08) at 1 h after the mixed nut consumption compared with baseline. Such changes were not found with pretzel consumption.

Conclusions: The results suggest that mixed nut consumption increased satiety hormone levels while stabilizing postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, which may be beneficial in reducing overall food intake and preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and weight gain.

Funding Sources

American Heart Association (16GRNT31360007).

 

Anti-inflammation Effect of Oral Lactobacillus reuteri 263 Supplementation in HED-Derived Obese Rats (P23-046)

Hui-Yu Huang, Ching-Hung Chan, and Hui-Hsuan Ku

Shih Chien University, Republic of China

Objective: Obesity is a serious and costly issue to medical welfare worldwide. Inflammation and high numbers of reactive oxygen species are observed in obese targets, because obesity is a proinflammatory disease. Probiotics have been suggested as potential candidates to resolve the obesity-associated problems, but how they combat obesity is not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri 263 on antiobesity.

Methods: Sprague Dawley rats underwent treatment for 8 wk. For this, were divided into 4 groups (n = 10/group), namely C (normal diet with vehicle treatment), HE [high-energy diet (HED) with vehicle treatment], 1X [HED with 2.1 × 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU) · kg^–1 · d^–1 of L. reuteri 263], and 5X (HED with 1.05 × 10¹⁰ CFU · kg^–1 · d^–1 of L. reuteri 263). Plasma biochemistry was used to evaluate the effect of L. reuteri 263 on the health and antiobesity of rats in the current study.

Results: During the experimental period, the average body weight of the HE group increased the most, and the body weight of the 1X group was slightly higher than that of the 5X group. The HE group showed significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, total cholesterol, and LDL compared with the other groups, and was marginally higher than 1X for free fatty acids. The HE group also had the lowest HDL. The level of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were 2 and 1.5 times higher, respectively, in the HE group than in the C group. The level of IL-6 was the highest in the HE group, although the 1X and 5X groups also had significantly higher levels than the control group. In contrast, the levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were increased in the L. reuteri 263 treatment groups.

Conclusions: In the present study, we revealed that oral L. reuteri 263 supplementation significantly attenuated HED-derived obesity. L. reuteri 263 improved the characteristics of obesity, by decreasing proinflammation factors and increasing antioxidant enzymes in the serum.

 

Fat Mass but not Body Weight Is Associated with Yale Food Addiction Scale Score in People Undergoing Weight Loss Treatment (P23-047)

Wei-Lin Huang, Shao-Hua Chin, Chanaka Kahathuduwa, William Quarles, Tyler Davis, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) assesses eating-related behaviors/emotions (“symptom count”) related to consumption of high-fat and high-sugar food. Early weight loss is associated with greater long-term weight loss. Thus, it is important to understand predictors of early weight loss. This study examined the relation of YFAS scores to baseline body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM), and also change in weight (∆BW) and fat mass (∆FM) during short-term weight loss treatment. The aims were 1) to examine if a higher baseline YFAS score is associated with higher baseline BW and FM, and smaller ∆BW and ∆FM, and 2) to compare the effects of dietary intervention type [total meal replacement (TMR) vs. typical diet (TD)] on changes in YFAS score (∆YFAS).

Methods: A total of 32 subjects (19–60 y old; body mass index: 30–39.9 kg/m²) were recruited for a 3-wk dietary intervention, 28 of whom completed it. The subjects in both the TMR and TD groups consumed 1120 kcal/d. BW, FM, and YFAS scores were measured at baseline and postintervention. Missing YFAS values were imputed via multiple imputations using R software (mice package). Four correlation analyses examined the association of baseline YFAS with BW, FM, and also ∆BW and ∆FM during treatment. A t test compared ∆YFAS between groups (TMR vs. TD).

Results: Correlations of baseline YFAS with baseline BW, ∆BW, and ∆FM were not significant [r = –0.004 (–0.384, 0.312), r = 0.107 (–0.276, 0.462), and r = 0.359 (–0.017, 0.645), respectively]. However, a trend was noted for the correlation of baseline YFAS and ∆FM (P = 0.06). Baseline YFAS score was significantly associated with baseline FM (r = 0.430 (0.095, 0.677)]. Mean YFAS score (combined groups) decreased by 1.04 after the 3-wk dietary intervention (P = 0.005), with no between-group difference (TMR vs. TD) in ∆YFAS.

Conclusions: Short-term dietary intervention reduced the YFAS “symptom count” similarly in both groups. No significant associations of YFAS with ∆BW and ∆FM during treatment were found; however, a trend toward an association of baseline YFAS and ∆FM was noted. Also, at baseline, a higher FM was significantly associated with a higher YFAS score. Together, these findings suggest the YFAS may be of value in predicting early response to treatment (FM) in those influenced by the consumption of high-fat and high-sugar food. Future research relating these short-term findings to longer-term treatment response is needed.

Funding Sources

Nestlé Health Science.

 

Depression Moderates the Relations between Power of Food Scale Score and Fat Mass Reduction in People with Obesity (P23-048)

Wei-Lin Huang, Shao-Hua Chin, William Quarles, Tyler Davis, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: The Power of Food Scale (PFS) measures the influence of food on appetite at 3 food proximity levels: available (PFS-FA), present (PFS-FP), and tasted (PFS-FT). This study examined if emotional factors moderate the relation between baseline PFS scores [PFS-FA, PFS-FP, PFS-FT, and mean PFS (PFS-M)] and body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM), and the changes in body weight (∆BW) and fat mass (∆FM).

Methods: A total of 32 subjects (19–60 y old; body mass index: 30–39.9 kg/m²) underwent a 3-wk dietary intervention (1120 kcal/d). At baseline, depression and anxiety were assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A, HADS-D). BW, FM, and PFS were measured at baseline and postintervention. Linear regression analyses examined interactions between HADS-A, HADS-D, and PFS (PFS-FA, PFS-FP, PFS-FT, PFS-M) in relation to BW, FM, ∆BW, and ∆FM. Simple slope analyses were conducted in models with significant interactions.

Results: In all models, the HADS-A, HADS-D, and PFS subscales did not predict BW, FM, ∆BW, or ∆FM. However, HADS-D had significant interactions with PFS-FA, PFS-FT, and PFS-M in models predicting ∆FM (P = 0.04, P = 0.04, P = 0.02, respectively). No other models showed significant interactions between the HADS-A, HADS-D, and PFS subscales. Simple slope analysis was conducted for PFS-FA, PFS-FT, and PFS-M at 3 levels of HADS-D: 1 SD above the mean, at the mean, and 1 SD below the mean. PFS-FA, PFA-FT, and PFS-M were all significantly related to ∆FM when HADS-D was 1 SD above the mean (β = 0.835, P = 0.008; β = 0.825, P = 0.006; β = 0.818, P = 0.005, respectively) and at the mean (β = 0.417, P = 0.031; β = 0.407, P = 0.029; β = 0.373, P = 0.042, respectively), but were not significantly related to ∆FM when HADS-D was 1 SD below the mean (β = –0.001, P = 0.996; β = –0.012, P = 0.961; β = –0.073, P = 0.779, respectively).

Conclusions: Self-reported anxiety, depression and PFS scores did not predict baseline BW or FM, or changes in them during treatment. However, self-reported depression symptoms moderated the relation between several PFS scores and ∆FM. This suggests that for people with average or above average depression symptoms undergoing weight loss treatment, a food-abundant environment may be particularly influential in terms of reducing body fat.

Funding Sources

Nestlé Health Science.

 

Dogs Increase Lean Body Mass with Dietary Carnitine Compared with Carnosine Supplementation or the Combination of Carnitine and Carnosine (P23-049)

Dennis E Jewell, Kiran Panickar, and Matthew Jackson

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

Objectives: This study evaluated whether dietary carnitine or carnosine would change lean body mass in dogs.

Methods: Forty-eight dogs were assigned equally (i.e., n = 12) into 4 groups. Group 1 was fed the control diet, group 2 was fed the control diet + L-carnitine (0.03%), group 3 was fed the control diet + L-carnosine (0.1%), and group 4 was fed the control diet + L-carnitine + L-carnosine. The ages of the dogs ranged from 4.0 to 9.1 y. All study protocols were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. (Topeka, KS). The duration of the study was 6 mo. Initial body composition and metabolomics profiles were compared with final and changes were compared across treatments. Metabolomics were measured by Metabolon (Morrisville, NC). Change in lean body mass (LBM) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and reported in dogs as the difference in LBM between initial and final times.

Results: LBM increased in the dogs fed carnitine alone (+402 + 135 g, P < 0.05) when compared with carnosine alone (+152 + 136 g) or the combination of the two (+150 + 140 g). The nonsupplemented control (284 + 117 g) was intermediate (P > 0.10) to all the supplemented groups. The control group lost more body fat (−381 + 152 g, P < 0.05) than did either the dogs fed carnosine alone (−35 + 175 g) or those fed the combination (53 + 177 g), with the carnitine alone group being intermediate (−132 + 176 g). There was no significant effect of any of the dietary treatments on body weight. Circulating carnitine was increased in the groups that had carnitine supplemented (P < 0.05) when compared with the nonsupplemented groups. Also, many acyl carnitines were increased in both groups supplemented with carnitine. Circulating carnosine was not changed by dietary carnosine.

Conclusions: Supplementation of carnitine is more beneficial than supplementation of carnosine in increasing LBM in canines.

Funding Sources

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

 

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Dietary Supplements (Slim and Triplex) for Weight Management in Subjects with a Body Mass Index of ≥27 (P23-050)

T Alan Jiang,¹ Marek Piatek,² and Debbie Gonzales²

¹Plexus Worldwide; and ²Aspire Clinical Studies

Objectives: The present study investigated the safety and efficacy of dietary supplement regimens on weight loss in overweight and obese men and women with a body mass index of ≥27 kg/m² over 8 wk.

Methods: In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, 196 subjects were randomly assigned to either Plexus Slim (containing chromium, green coffee bean extract and polydextrose, etc.) or Plexus Triplex supplements, including Slim, Bio Cleanse (containing magnesium and bioflavonoid, etc.), and ProBio5 (containing probiotics and digestive enzymes), or the corresponding placebo controls. During the study, subjects were guided to adhere to a Mediterranean Diet.

Results: Of the 175 subjects who completed the study, those in the Slim treatment group had lost a mean ± SD of 4.46 ± 6.97 lb body weight and the Slim placebo group had lost a mean 2.12 ± 4.31 lb. There was a substantial mean decrease in body weight (−6.11 ± 5.97 lb) in the Triplex group, whereas there was a small increase in weight (1.37 ± 3.86 lb) over time in the placebo group group (P < 0.01). The Triplex group had a much greater weight loss than the Slim group (P < 0.001), suggesting a substantially greater effect for Triplex. When using a body mass index (BMI) cutoff of >35 kg/m², significantly greater reductions in both weight (−6.59 vs. −2.67 lb, P = 0.025) and BMI (−1.25 vs. −0.52 kg/m², P = 0.033) were found in the Slim group than in its corresponding placebo group. Significantly greater reductions in both weight (−8.84 vs. −0.42 lb, P < 0.001) and BMI (−2.32 vs. 1.13, P = 0.002) were also found in the Triplex treatment group than in the placebo group. There was a significant difference in the proportion of subjects achieving ≥5% weight loss between the treatment and placebo groups (P = 0.01). There were 11.1% and 25.6% of individuals in the Slim and Triplex groups, respectively, who had lost ≥5% of their initial body weight, whereas no individuals were found to have lost this much weight in either of the placebo groups. No clinically significant adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions: Both Plexus Slim and Triplex administrations are safe and effective adjuncts to an 8-wk diet weight loss program to induce weight loss. In particular, both Slim and Triplex demonstrated significantly greater reductions in body weight and body fat in subjects who have heavier initial body weight (BMI >35 km/m²).

Funding Sources

This study was funded by Plexus Worldwide.

 

Dietary Carbohydrate or Fat Intake Is Related to Obesity by Body Fat but not Body Weight (P23-051)

Jin-young Jung,¹ Hyojee Joung,¹ and Yoonju Song²

¹Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, South Korea; and ² The Catholic University of Korea, South Korea

Objectives: Obesity has increased in the Asian population, who typically have a low-fat diet and have a lower than average body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to investigate the relations between dietary carbohydrate or dietary fat intake and percentage body fat as well as BMI.

Methods: A total of 16,156 adults (6594 men and 9562 women) aged 19 y or more who had participated in the 24-h dietary recall survey and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements from the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of data were included. Obesity was defined using BMI (≥25 kg/m²) according to the criteria of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity or percentage of total body fat (≥25% in men, ≥35% in women) according to the criteria of World Health Organization.

Results: The prevalence of obesity by BMI was 36.4% in men and 27.4% in women, and that by percentage body fat was 29.8% in men and 36.6% in women. After adjusting for confounding variables, the prevalence of obesity defined using BMI showed no significant associations with the quintiles of dietary carbohydrate or fat intake in both men and women. On the other hand, people in the highest quintile of carbohydrate intake showed reduced risks of obesity by percentage of total body fat (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.80), but those of fat intake showed increased risks (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.84) only in women.

Conclusions: Dietary carbohydrate and fat intakes show stronger associations with body fat than with BMI.

Funding Sources

This study was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean Government (MSIP) (NRF-2017R1A2B1008420).

 

Associations of Sleep Quality and Quantity, Obesity, and Diabetes Status: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (P23-052)

Hyun Kim and Ashley Mattson

Alma College, MI

Objectives: Poor sleeping patterns can lead to obesity by elevating ghrelin levels, decreasing leptin concentrations, influencing insulin resistance, and inducing cravings for calorie-dense foods. This study investigates how obesity and diabetes are associated with sleep quality and quantity in a female population aged 18 y or older. The study hypothesizes that higher body mass index (BMI) and diabetes are associated with both short sleep duration and low sleep quality, and those are likely to influence insulin resistance in participants.

Methods: Four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2001 and 2008 were used because of data availability (n = 12,650). Subjects were placed into categories based on their BMI, prediabetes, and diabetes. Furthermore, subjects who had a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score of >3 were defined as having insulin resistance since this puts them at a greater risk for obesity and type-2 diabetes. Statistical analysis was performed by multivariate regression analysis.

Results: The study found a positive association of poor sleep quality and short sleep duration with obesity and type-2 diabetes. The study also showed a positive association between participants’ BMI and HOMA score.

Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity and type-2 diabetes in the United States has been on the increase, but these are preventable conditions. Considering that the cost of poor health management is higher for individuals with the conditions, it is important to understand the effect of poor lifestyle as a key indicator of the recommended health management.

 

Sex-Specific Effects of Fish Oil on Dietary Obesity and Intestinal Bacteria in Mice (P23-053)

Iurii Koboziev,¹ Paul Soto,² Brandon Stewart,¹ Brianna Geogre,¹ Latha Ramalingam,¹ and Naima Moustaid-Moussa¹

¹Texas Tech University; and ²Louisiana State University

Objectives: Fish oil (FO), rich with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, reduces high-fat diet–induced obesity (DIO), inflammation, and insulin resistance. It is not known whether the gut bacteria mediate these effects. Our goals were to evaluate the sex-specific responses of DIO mice to therapeutic effects of FO and assess the role of gut bacteria in the development of obesity and its complications.

Methods: Male and female B6 mice were fed high-fat and high-sucrose (HFS) diets supplemented with or without FO (HFS-FO) for 19 wk (n = 8 mice per group). Body weight and food consumption were measured daily. Glucose tolerance was determined toward the end of the feeding study. Liver and fat tissues were assessed by H&E staining; gene expression was assessed with the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum adipokines and hormones were measured by ELISA. Intestinal microbiota composition was quantified by 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing of bacterial DNA isolated from cecal and colonic fecal specimens; biostatistics were analyzed with BaseSpace software.

Results: Mice exposed to HFS-FO had lower body weights compared with mice fed the HFS diet alone, despite equivalent amounts of food consumed. Glucose clearance rates were higher in the HFS-FO groups compared with HFS-fed mice. In liver, FO reduced the expression of lipogenic genes (ACACA, SCD-1), elevated the expression of β oxidation genes (CPT-2, PPARα), and decreased MCP-1 and increased IL-10 expression. In adipose tissue, the expression of FASN, ACACA, SCD-1, and IL-6 was downregulated and that of IL-10 was upregulated. FO significantly reduced the representation of Turicibacterales, Bacilli, and Ruminococcus gnavus in female colons. Females fed HFS had significantly more Parabacteroides goldsteinii than males on the same diet. FO increased insignificantly the abundance of Lacnospiraceae in female colons or male ceca, and reduced their abundance in male colons. Akkermansia muciniphila representation trended toward increasing in both female and male colons, but was reduced in male ceca.

Conclusions: Some bacteria, which have increased representation in FO-fed mice, can produce short-chain fatty acids. These species may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and metabolic protective effects of FO. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of gut bacteria in sex, obesity, and fish oil–mediated effects.

Funding Sources

Pilot and Feasibility Grant from the TTU Obesity Research Cluster.

 

Short-Term Administration of Parabacteroides distasonis Attenuates Obesity-Induced Colonic Inflammation in High Fat Diet–Fed Mice (P23-054)

Gar Yee Koh,¹ Anne Kane,² Xian Wu,¹ Jatin Roper,² Joel Mason,¹ and Jimmy Crott¹

¹HNRCA at Tufts University, MA; and ²Tufts Medical Center, MA

Objectives: Obese individuals possess 50–100% elevated risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). We recently demonstrated that administration of Parabacteroides distasonis (Pd), a gram-negative anaerobe, prevents colonic tumorigenesis and inhibits proinflammatory signaling in a high-fat diet–fed and carcinogen-driven mouse model of CRC. Here, we aimed to determine if short-term administration of Pd in obese mice could suppress colonic inflammation, a precursor to CRC.

Methods: Obese mice, 16 wk old, which had been maintained on a high-fat (HF) diet (60% calories from fat) from 6 wk of age, were randomized to receive either an HF diet alone or an HF diet + 0.04% wt:wt freeze-dried Pd (HF + Pd) for 2 wk (n = 14/group). Mice fed a low-fat (10% calories from fat) diet served as lean controls. We further characterized the efficacy of Pd in a multicellular organoid culture derived from normal epithelium of overweight patients, mimicking the development of obesity-driven colonic inflammation. Specifically, 2 patient-derived organoid lines (n = 3/organoid) were generated and treated with 100 µg/mL Pd membrane fraction, then challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Production of proinflammatory cytokines was measured and compared with vehicle-treated organoids.

Results: Pd consumption did not affect body composition, plasma glucose, or insulin in obese mice. Pd administration reduced plasma and colonic interleukin (IL)-1β by 40% (P = 0.04) and 27% (P = 0.08), respectively, in HF mice. Moreover, Pd suppressed LPS-induced production of IL-8 by 37–50% from patient-derived colonic organoids.

Conclusions: Our observations suggest that Pd consumption can suppress obesity-induced markers of intestinal inflammation. Hence, there may be a role for Pd in strategies intended to lower the risk of CRC in at-risk individuals, such as the obese.

Funding Sources

This project is funded by the Tufts Institute for Innovation.

 

Association between Overweight or Obese Status and Vision Screening Results in Children Aged 2–5 Years in San Francisco Child Care Centers (P23-055)

Victor Kong, Tito Perez-Arana, Lisa Tao-Lew, Lauren Umetani, Hayley Kriss, Anna Clayton, Jane Evans, and Jodi Stookey

San Francisco Department of Public Health, CA

Objective: Suboptimal nutrition can result in obesity and other health conditions. To consider the potential health impact of nutrition intervention in child care centers, this analysis aimed to determine if overweight or obese status was associated with increased odds of dental, vision, and/or hearing issues in routine public health screenings in San Francisco in 2016–2017.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used deidentified data from free public health screenings offered to all children enrolled in child care centers served by the San Francisco Department of Public Health Child Care Health Program between 1 August 2016 and 31 May 2017. The analysis included children aged 2–5 y who participated in body mass index (BMI) screening as well as dental (n = 1085), hearing (n = 982), and/or vision (n = 1064) screening. Weight status was determined from measured height and weight, using the CDC BMI-for-age percentile cutoffs: underweight [0,5), normal weight [5,85), overweight [85,95), and obese [95,100]. Children were identified as having dental issues if they had evidence of treated or untreated tooth decay; hearing issues if they had evidence of conductive or sensorineural hearing loss; and vision issues if they had visual acuity worse than 20/63, 20/50, and 20/40 for ages 3, 4, and 5 y, respectively, or a special condition (e.g., amblyopia). Multivariable logistic regression models tested for association between child weight status and the relative odds of having each other health issue, controlling for age and race.

Results: Dental and hearing screening results were not significantly associated with child weight status. Overweight or obese status was associated with significantly increased risk of vision issues. Controlling for age and race, the relative odds of vision issues was 60% higher (adjusted OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.40) for children who were overweight or obese, relative to children who were normal weight.

Conclusions: The results suggest that vision screening results vary with weight status in children aged 2–5 y enrolled in San Francisco child care centers. Further research is needed to understand interrelations between health outcomes, and to determine if and how nutrition intervention might simultaneously improve weight and vision outcomes.

 

Association of Food Group Intakes with Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women (P23-056)

Stephanie Kramer, Xiangyi He, and Sheau C Chai

University of Delaware

Objectives: High body mass index (BMI) and high percentage body fat have been reported to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The present study examined the relations of dietary food groups with BMI, body composition, and bone mineral density.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 83 postmenopausal women (1–5 y past menopause) who were not receiving hormone therapy were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Food groups were based on MyPlate guidelines. Body composition was measured with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Partial Pearson correlations were performed with the use of SPSS.

Results: After controlling for age, total kilocalories, ethnicity, race, and physical activity, both fruits and vegetables were negatively correlated with BMI and trunk fat mass. When analyzing fat distribution, vegetables, but not fruits, were significantly associated with a lower android-to-gynoid ratio and lower visceral adipose tissue after controlling for the aforementioned covariants and BMI. When analyzing whole body bone mineral density (BMD), overall fruits and vegetables were not significantly associated. However, when we further divided the food groups into types of fruits and vegetables, 100% fruit juice was found to be associated with a greater BMD of the pelvis, lumbar spine, and wrist. Greater consumption of whole grains was also associated with greater BMD of the ulna and radius.

Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could promote a healthy body composition and BMD in postmenopausal women.

 

Satiety Regulation by Adequate versus Low Dairy Weight Loss Diets (P23-057)

Sridevi Krishnan,^1,2 MeganWitbracht,³ Anthony Thomas,¹ William F Horn,² Marta Van Loan,^1,2 SeanAdams,^4,5 and Nancy L Keim^1,2

¹University of California Davis, ²USDA-WHNRC; ³University of California Irvine; ⁴Arkansas Childrens Nutrition Center; and ⁵University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Objective: The primary aim was to evaluate hunger and satiety, both objectively and subjectively, following a standard meal challenge, in response to 2 weight loss diets comparing adequate dairy (AD; ≤4 servings/d) with low dairy (LD; ≤1 serving/d). A secondary aim was to model the association between objective and subjective self-reported satiety measures. The primary hypothesis was that adequate dairy in the diet will improve satiety measures during weight loss. This is a report of secondary analyses from a trial previously reported (NCT00858312).

Methods: For this controlled feeding intervention, 69 overweight or obese men and women completed a 15 wk weight loss study (a 3 wk lead-in, then 12 wk on a 500 kcal/d reduced calorie diet). At the end of the 3-wk lead-in (BL) and following the 12-wk weight loss period (PI), the volunteers were tested at fasting (2 time points) and postprandially following a breakfast meal (25% of energy requirement; 5 time points) and a lunch meal (4 h following breakfast, 40% of their energy requirement; 12 time points). Satiety hormones [plasma leptin, ghrelin, peptide YY, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)], and self-reported visual analog scores for hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective consumption were evaluated. Fasting and postprandial averages were used to identify differences between the AD and LD treatments. Linear mixed models and Spearman's correlations were used as appropriate.

Results: Both groups lost weight, but not differently. Fasting plasma ghrelin was significantly higher in the AD group at PI than at BL (AD vs. LD: P = 0.002), even though ghrelin increased in both groups. This difference was altered when adjusting for fasting baseline ghrelin. There was no difference in perceived hunger (AD vs. LD: P = 0.934). In the LD group, at fasting, the PI hunger scores were inversely associated with both GLP-1 and GIP (r = −0.41, P = 0.02; r = −0.35, P = 0.04), and the fullness scores were positively associated with CCK (r = 0.37, P = 0.03). These associations were absent in the AD group.

Conclusions: Dairy consumption may impact satiety and energy intake regulation mechanisms differently, as seen by the differences in the AD and LD groups. There may be differences in satiety pathways associated with weight loss induced by variations in diet composition which warrant further modeling to build predictive constructs.

Funding Sources

USDA; National Dairy Council.

 

Effect of a Predinner Walnut Snack on Nutrient Intake among University Students (P23-058)

Michelle E LaCasse, MackenzieWeis, Lauren S DeVaan, Gabrielle L Schnellman, Elizabeth M Gile, Molly Ahmann, Tisha L Hooks, and Ted Wilson

Winona State University, MN

Objective: Freshman-15 is a phenomenon commonly observed among students enrolled in cafeteria meal plans, and results in weight gain owing to new eating patterns. Eating habits established by young people tend to continue into later adulthood and may contribute to obesity. Walnuts are a nutrient-dense snack that can improve nutritional health. Consumption of walnuts prior to a meal could improve the nutritional quality of the subsequent meal.

Methods: Healthy students (n = 36, aged 18–20 y) received a standard dinner (1760 calories) with 3 treatments (90 min premeal) in a randomized single crossover design: 1) 190 cal of California walnuts (CW), 2) 190 cal of gummi candy (GC), or 3) no snack (NS; control) on 3 consecutive nights, followed by analysis of meal nutrient ingestion (LSM ± SE).

Results: Total fat intake after the CW snack (36.8 ± 1.9 g) was less (P = 0.01) than after the GC (40.7 ± 1.9 g) and NS (41.5 ± 1.9 g). Saturated fat intake after CW (13.4 ± 0.79 g) was less (P = 0.03) than after NS (15.1 ± 0.79 g). Dietary fiber intake after CW (3.1 ± 0.18 g) was less (P = 0.01) than after GC (3.6 ± 0.18 g) and NS (3.6 ± 0.18 g). Protein intake after CW (31.9 ± 1.9 g) was less (P = 0.02) than after NS (36.0 ± 1.9 g). Cholesterol intake after CW (92.4 ± 5.7 mg) was less (P = 0.03) than after NS (103.6 ± 5.6 mg). Sodium intake after CW (1723.1 ± 99.0 mg) was less (P = 0.02) than after NS (1908.5 ± 98.4 mg). Consumption of snacks prior to the standard dinner had no effect on total carbohydrate and sugar ingestion.

Conclusion: Consumption of a CW snack prior to a dinner resulted in differences in nutrient intake. Understanding how walnut consumption impacts nutrient intake during a subsequent dinner could lead to improvements in weight management among students and improved health habits that carry forward into adulthood for obesity benefits.

Funding Sources

California Walnut Commission.

 

Pyocyanin, a Pathogen-Associated Ligand of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Reduces Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes (P23-059)

Nika Larian, Sean Thatcher, and Lisa Cassis

University of Kentucky

Objective: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor known for regulation of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism of environmental toxins, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Several biological compounds have been shown to interact with AhR to regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Previously, we demonstrated PCB-induced activation of AhR-regulated adipocyte differentiation in vitro and promoted adipose inflammation in mice with diet-induced obesity. Recent studies demonstrated that AhR senses bacterial pigments, suggesting a link between innate immunity and AhR activation. The purpose of this study was to determine if pyocyanin, a pigment produced by the sepsis-causing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, could regulate differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and contribute to sepsis-associated cachexia.

Methods: Preadipocytes were incubated with vehicle (VEH) or increasing concentrations of pyocyanin throughout differentiation.

Results: Pyocyanin (100 µM) significantly reduced 3T3-L1 differentiation as quantified by neutral lipid staining with Oil Red O (VEH: 0.88 ± 0.09; pyocyanin: 0.42 ± 0.05; absorbance of Oil Red O; P

Conclusions: Current studies are investigating pyocyanin's effects on adiposity and body weight by administering the compound to mice.

Funding Sources

NIEHS P42 ES 0,07380; NIH T32 3,048,107,792.

 

Nutritional Factors of children in Guam (P23-060)

Rachael T Leon Guerrero,¹ L Robert Barber,¹ Margaret Hattori-Uchima,¹ Yvette Paulino,¹ and Rachel Novotny²

¹University of Guam; and ²University of Hawaii, Manoa

Objective: The prevalence of overweight or obesity (OWOB) in children in Guam has been estimated to be higher than the contiguous US and most other US Pacific jurisdictions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the predictors of OWOB among children in Guam.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional study of children (n = 865), aged 2–8 y, who were recruited from 7 villages in Guam. Information on demographics, medical history, screen time and sleep patterns, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, and anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and waist circumference (WC), were collected from each participant. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m)². Control reference BMI percentile data according to age and sex was used, where obese was ≥95th percentile; overweight was from the 85th to the 94th percentile; healthy weight was from the 5th to the 84th percentile; and underweight was <5th percentile. The prevalence of OWOB was estimated according to the CDC's age-and sex-specific BMI cutoff points.

Results: The overall prevalence of obesity was 13.15%, and that of overweight was 13.39%; the prevalence of OWOB was 23.94% among children 2–5 y old and 29.47% among children 6–8 y old. There were no significant differences in BMI, BMI z scores, OWOB, or WC between children of different ethnicities. However, there were ethnic differences in SSB intake, and SSB intake was associated with various anthropometric measures. Chamorro children consumed significantly (p

Conclusions: Among children living in Guam, SSB intake was associated with increased risk of OWOB and increasing WC, especially among Chamorro children.

Funding Sources

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant Number 2011-68,001-30,335 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement Coordinated Agricultural Program.

 

Protective Effects of Dietary Fruits and Vegetables on High Fat Diet–Induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice Are Associated with Changes in the Serum Lipidomic Profile (P23-061)

Erin Diane Lewis, Weimin Guo, Lijun Li, Donald Smith, Dayong Wu, and Simin Meydani

Tufts University, MA

Objectives: Evidence suggests that increased levels of ceramides and dysregulated eicosanoids may play an important role in the development of obesity-associated metabolic dysfunctions. A high-fat diet (HFD) enhances ceramide levels—more specifically, long-chain ceramide species. Plasma ceramides are elevated in obese animals and humans, and increased levels of ceramides promote higher food intake and weight gain. Ceramides can also induce expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from adipocytes. Eicosanoid lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5,8,11-trienoic acid (14,15-EET) have anti-inflammatory effects, whereas eicosanoid 20-hydroxyeicosatetraeonic acid (20-HETE) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DHGLA) are significantly elevated in overweight or obese subjects. Epidemiologic studies suggest increased intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) may be associated with reduced incidence of obesity and metabolic diseases, and components of F&V have the potential to affect the lipidomic profile. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an HFD supplemented with different levels of a mixture of F&V on the lipidomic profile.

Methods: We formulated a unique F&V mixture containing 24 F&V. We fed mice an HFD alone, or with 0–15% (wt:wt) F&V (HFD + F&V) for 20 wk. The 15% (wt:wt) F&V corresponds to currently recommended daily F&V consumption for humans. Serum lipidomic profiles were analyzed using LC-MS/MS techniques.

Results: We found that the mice fed HFD with 15% F&V had a significantly lower weight gain and fat mass compared with the mice fed HFD alone. F&V also prevented HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Further, we found that compared with mice fed HFD alone, mice fed HFD supplemented with F&V had significantly higher serum levels of LXA4 and 14,15-EET (by 203% and 96%, respectively) and lower serum levels of 20-HETE and DHGLA (by 14% and 41%, respectively). Furthermore, serum levels of total ceramide and specific ceramide species (C16:0, C24:1 and C26:1) in mice fed HFD + F&V were significantly lower than those in mice fed HFD alone.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the beneficial metabolic effects of F&V on obese mice may be partially mediated by suppressing circulating ceramides levels and favorably regulating blood levels of eicosanoids.

Funding Sources

This material is based upon work supported by the US Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service (ARS), under Agreement #58-1950-4-003.

 

Daily Avocado Supplementation on Weight Loss via Hypocaloric Diet: A Prospective Randomized Trial (P23-062)

Zhaoping Li,¹ AnnaRasmussen,² Shih Lung Woo,² Shelby Yaceczko,² Irene Gilbuena,² Gail Thames,² Paul Shao,³ Alicia Yang,² Susanne M Henning,² Jieping Yang,² David Heber,² and Zhaoping Li²

¹David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, CA; ²UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, CA; and ³UCLA, CA

Objectives: Obesity is known to increase risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Calorie-controlled (hypocaloric) diets have been shown to reduce these risks by promoting safe and effective weight loss. Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and a variety of other phytonutrients; however, there have been concerns about their calorie and fat content with regard to their inclusion in a weight loss diet. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of including one Hass avocado per day on weight loss and inflammatory or metabolic markers compared with consuming a hypocaloric diet only.

Methods: A total of 51 healthy adults were randomized to either a 12-wk hypocaloric (500 cal deficit) diet that included one Hass avocado per day (AVO; n = 24) or an equally hypocaloric diet without avocados (WL; n = 27). Both groups received dietary instruction and counselling from a registered dietitian every other week. The primary endpoint was body weight. Secondary endpoints included changes in body composition, inflammatory markers [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β], and metabolic markers [nerve growth factor, insulin, leptin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)]. Circulating inflammatory and metabolic markers were analyzed using the multiplex human cytokine panel (Millipore).

Results: Of the 51 patients, 24 were randomized to the AVO intervention (mean ± SD age: 42.5 ± 2.6 y, 83% female) and 27 to the WL group (age: 36.4 ± 2.1 y, 74% female). Body weight, body mass index, and fat mass were reduced by 3.1%, 3.1% and 1.5%, respectively, in the WL group and 2.8%, 2.8%, and 0.8% in the AVO group. Reductions of serum levels of IL-6, measured by the percentage change between week 0 and week 12 (AVO: −0.24% ± 0.25%; WL: 0.37% ± 0.19%; P = 0.05), and HGF (AVO: −21.36% ± 8.03%; WL: 4.18% ± 7.39%; P  =  0.02) were significantly greater in the AVO group than in the WL group. Other inflammatory or metabolic markers were not changed significantly from baseline.

Conclusions: In summary, including one avocado daily in a hypocaloric diet program does not affect weight loss and provides additional anti-inflammatory benefits. Investigations of potential changes in the microbiota are ongoing.

Funding Sources

This research was supported by the Hass Avocado Board.

 

Regulation of Extracellular mRNA Secretion in Adipose Tissue by Pentraxin 3 (P23-063)

Te-yueh Lin, Hong Guo, and Xiaoli Chen

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNAs that are present in cells as well as in the extracellular milieu, and regulate gene expression intracellularly and intercellularly. Extracellular vesicles/exosomes are proposed to play key roles in the biosynthesis, secretion, and function of specific types of extracellular miRNAs. PTX3, a soluble pattern recognition receptor, plays an important role in innate immune responses. We found adipocytes express and secrete PTX3 in exosomes.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the role of PTX3 as an exosomal protein in the regulation of extracellular miRNA expression and secretion from adipose tissue.

Methods: Using PTX3 knockout (KO) mouse and cell models, we determined the effect of PTX3 deficiency on cellular expression and secretion of known exosomal miRNAs in response to inflammatory stimulation.

Results: We found PTX3 protein was markedly upregulated in adipose tissue and serum in mice receiving an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) for 6 h. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the majority of PTX3 were secreted in exosomes and the secretion of exosomal PTX3 was highly induced by LPS. Serum levels of extracellular miR-21, miR-92, and miR-103 were not different between wild-type (WT) and PTX3 KO male mice at the age of 16 wk under the normal condition. At 6 h after LPS injection, serum levels of miR-21, miR-92, and miR-103 were significantly increased in WT mice, but this increase was attenuated in PTX3 KO mice. Cellular levels of these miRNAs were either unchanged or decreased by LPS in white adipose tissue (WAT) in WT mice. While there was no difference in miR-92 and miR-103 levels between WT and KO WATs, miR-21 levels were decreased in KO WATs. Unlike WATs, brown adipose tissue (BAT) from WT mice showed an increasing trend in these miRNAs in response to LPS; PTX3 deficiency caused an increase in basal miR21 and miR-103, as well as exacerbated LPS-stimulated expression of miR-92. In inguinal stromal-vascular (SV) cell cultures, there was a significant decrease in both basal and LPS-treated miR-21 in the culture medium of PTX3 KO SV cells, but an increase in LPS-treated miR-21 in PTX3 KO SV cells compared with WT controls.

Conclusions: We conclude that PTX3 plays an important role in regulating the biogenesis and secretion of extracellular miRNAs in adipose tissue.

Funding Sources

American Heart Association.

 

Supplementation of Sodiumbutyrateameliorates High Fat Diet–Induced Obesity by Modulating the Composition of the Gut Microbiota (P23-064)

Wenhua Ling, Wanjun Ling, Xu Chen, and Hongliang Xue

Sun Yat-sen University, China

Objectives: We examined the role of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced through fermentation in the gut, in the regulation of obesity and its related metabolic disorders in mice fed with a high-fat diet.

Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed either a chow (assigned as LFD, n = 10) or a high fat-diet. High-fat diet–fed mice were supplied with water daily either with 0.1 M sodium butyrate solution (assigned as HSB, n = 10) or a balanced 0.1 M NaCl solution (assigned as HFD, n = 10) for 12 wk. The composition of the gut microbiota was determined by analyzing 16S rRNA gene sequences with 454 pyrosequencing.

Results: Sodium butyrate administration was found to attenuate body weight gain and epididymal obesity. Also, sodium butyrate administration relieved hepatic steatosis and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, sodium butyrate administration reversed high fat–induced intestinal dysbiosis by decreasing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and also maintained gut barrier integrity.

Conclusions: Sodium butyrate administration exerts beneficial metabolic effects through modulating gut dysbiosis and enhancing epithelial barrier integrity.

Funding Sources

This work was supported by the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 81,730,090).

 

Novel Equation-Based Body Fat Indicates Impaired Fasting Glucose or Type 2 Diabetes among Normal Weight Adult Chinese (P23-065)

Xin Liu,¹ Wei Gan,² Xia Liao,³ Jie Chang,⁴ and Xin Qi⁵

¹Xi'an Jiaotong University, China; ²Wellcome Trust Center for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; and ³The First Affiliated Hospital, ⁴School of Pharmacy, and ⁵School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China

Objectives: Obesity classification using the body mass index (BMI) may miss subjects with elevated body fat percentage (BF%) and related metabolic risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to evaluate glucose control, risks of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and T2D among subgroups of adult Chinese with different levels of BMI and equation-based BF%.

Methods: The study population was from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2009. Data were collected by the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After excluding those with missing data of BMI, waist circumference, or fasting glucose, a total of 8373 participants (47% men) aged 18 y or older were included in the final analysis. BF% was calculated using recently validated Chinese-specific equations (with age, BMI, and waist circumference as independent variables for men and women). T2D was defined as fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, previous diagnosis, or use of antidiabetic medications; IFG was defined as 5.6  ≤ fasting glucose < 7.0 mmol/L for those without diabetes.

Results: According to the BMI classification, 40.5% of men and 39.7% of women were overweight or obese (BMI ≥24 kg/m²). Among those within the normal BMI range, 39.3% of men and 60.7% of women were indicated as overweight or obese given their elevated BF% (men: BF% ≥20%; women: BF% ≥30%). In both men and women, compared with those with normal BMI and BF%, subjects with normal BMI but elevated BF% were more likely to have higher levels of glucose (men: 5.47 vs. 5.16 mmol/L; women: 5.35 vs. 4.97 mmol/L), glycated hemoglobin (men: 5.67 vs. 5.44 mmol/L; women: 5.60 vs. 5.29 mmol/L), and triglycerides (men: 1.78 vs. 1.34 mmol/L; women:1.51 vs. 1.14 mmol/L) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons), and to have higher risks of IFG or T2D. After adjusting for age, region, education, alcohol drinking, smoking, and physical activity levels, the ORs (95% CIs) for IFG or T2D were 1.50 (1.21, 1.87) and 1.79 (1.37, 2.34) for men and women, respectively.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that high BF% may indicate adverse glycemic control and T2D among Chinese adults with normal BMI. Our results also support the hypothesis that the BF% equation, an economic and simple approach to evaluating BF%, is informative in distinguishing subgroups with abnormal glycemic status.

Funding Sources

This study was supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2015M582678) and the Chinese Nutrition Society (2016-037 CNS-DSM). We thank the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for providing the data.

 

GPR30 is a Regulator of Beigeing of White Adipose Tissue in Female Mice (P23-066)

Jing Luo, Yao Wang, and Dongmin Liu

Virginia Tech

Objectives: We previously discovered that female mice deficient for GPR30, a membrane-associated estrogen receptor, were protected from high-fat diet–induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance with increased core temperature and energy expenditure. As enhanced formation of beige adipocytes within white adipose tissue is associated with improved energy expenditure and metabolic phenotypes, we explored in the present study whether GPR30 regulates beige adipogenesis.

Methods: Stromal vascular fraction cells in subcutaneous fat depots of mice were isolated and induced for beige adipogenesis. Thermogenic uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) gene expression was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and its protein was probed with western blotting.

Results: Deletion of GPR30 enhanced the differentiation of stromal cells into beige adipocytes. UCP1 gene expression in GPR30^-/- beige adipocytes was significantly higher than in wild-type cells in response to cold exposure. Consistently, deletion of GPR30^- enhanced cold-stimulated UCP1 protein expression in subcutaneous white adipose of mice, whereas UCP1 protein levels in brown adipose tissue were not altered.

Conclusion: These findings provide further evidence that GPR30 plays a role in energy homeostasis and obesity development in females.

 

Impact of Lifestyle on Oxidative Stress in Children with Obesity (P23-067)

Matteo Manuelli,¹ Rachele De Giuseppe,² Ginevra Biino,³ Valeria Calcaterra,^2,4 Melissa Mantelli, ^2,4 Matteo Manuelli,² Anna Gerbaldo,² Maria Antonietta Avanzini, ^2,4 Gianguido Cossellu,⁵ and Hellas Cena²

¹Unit of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy; ²University of Pavia, Italy; ³National Research Council of Italy, Pavia, Italy; ⁴Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo; and ⁵University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy

Objectives: Children with obesity present increased oxidized LDL cholesterol levels (oxLDL), an additional cardiovascular risk factor, owing to an oxidative stress (OS) condition. Unhealthy lifestyles are accepted as primary driving forces behind the development of noncommunicable diseases, including obesity. Several lifestyle factors have an impact on OS response, contributing to the failure of systemic homeostasis. The aim of this study was to define OS-related lifestyle patterns aiming to prevent OS, useful for the management of the metabolic features of obese children.

Methods: A total of 178 children and adolescents were enrolled in the study (90 males, 88 females; mean ± SD age: 11.8 ± 2.6 y): 49 subjects were normal weight, 76 were overweight, and 53 were obese, according to age-sex percentiles. Dietary habits and physical activity were assessed by using a validated questionnaire; a score for each item was calculated on a range from 0 to 3 (a maximum score was assigned to the healthiest habit). Serum oxLDL levels were measured by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ox-LDL ELISA, Mercodia).

Results: Although subjects with obesity showed significantly higher oxLDL levels than normal and overweight ones, body mass index (BMI)-adjusted regression analyses of both the overall questionnaire score and each item's individual score on oxLDL levels showed no significant association; however, an inverse correlation with a trend toward significance was found between oxLDL levels and the daily consumption of high-fat diet. BMI-adjusted ANOVA showed significantly increased oxLDL levels only in subjects drinking <1 L/d of water and in daily consumers of chocolate drinks at breakfast. A cluster analysis of the questionnaire items identified 4 clusters of subjects characterized by increasing healthy dietary habits score, but no association was observed with oxLDL levels.

Conclusions: OS was present in subjects with obesity. Although our results are consistent with findings suggesting that unhealthy lifestyle may not have an immediate impact on OS response in less extreme forms of adiposity (such as overweight and moderate obesity) in paediatric age, further confirmation is needed.

Funding Sources

N/A.

 

Blood Pressure and Biochemical Evaluation of Long-Term Bariatric Patients (P23-068)

Kênia Mara Baiocchi de Carvalho,^1,2 Gabriela Menezes Pawlak Pedroso,³ Fernando Lamarca,³ Wilson José de Campos Filho,^1,4 Isabela Nogueira Martins Sena Rios,^1,4 Isabela Nogueira Martins Sena Rios,^1,4 and Isabela Nogueira Martins Sena Rios^1,4

¹Postgraduate Program in Human Nutrition, University of Brasília (PPGNH/UnB), Brazil; ²Undergraduate Nutrition Course, University Center Unieuro (UNIEURO), Brazil; ³University of Brasília (UnB), Brazil; and ⁴University Center Unieuro (UNIEURO), Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate blood pressure levels and biochemical parameters of patients in the late postoperative (PO) period after bariatric surgery.

Methods: We undertook an observational cross-sectional study, comprising adult individuals (18–60 y old) of both sexes who had undergone bariatric surgery, specifically a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 2–7 y ago. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was calculated, in addition to the presence of weight regain (WR) of ≥10% in relation to the minimum PO weight. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP, DBP) were obtained from the average of 3 measurements. Prehypertension (PHT) was classified as an SBP from 121 to 139 mm Hg and/or a DBP from 81 to ≤89 mm Hg. Hypertension (HT) was identified as an SBP of ≥140 mm Hg and/or a DBP of ≥90 mm Hg. Glycemic alteration was defined as fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL, and insulin resistance was defined as a homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value of >2.7. Renal function was evaluated by estimated the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) through the CKD-EPI equation and classified as normal when >90 mL · min^–1 · 1.73 m^–². Dyslipidemia was defined as LDL cholesterol ≥160 mg/dL and/or triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL or HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL for men and <50 mg/dL for women. Chi-square, independent t test, or Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson's or Spearman's correlation were applied, as appropriate, to investigate the association between health parameters and the presence of WR or %EWL.

Results: There were 21 participants (mean ± SD age: 38.8 ± 6.2 y old; 85.7% women; BMI: 30.0 ± 4.6 kg/m²) who were enrolled in this analysis, with a mean PO time of 4 y (2.6, 5.4 y). The %EWL was 72.6 ± 17.8%, whereas 57.1% of the samples (n = 12) presented WR, associated with significant higher levels of HOMA-IR (1.28 ± 0.54 vs. 1.01 ± 0.47, P = 0.04). The mean SBP was 116.4 ± 11.8 mm Hg and the mean DBP was 75.5 ± 8.0 mm Hg, 23.8% of the participants being classified with PHT and 9.5% with HT, with no significant difference between the patients with and without WR. The biochemical profiles were within the normal range. Negative associations were observed between %EWL and basal insulin (r = −0.54, P = 0.01) and HOMA-IR (r = −0.51, P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Despite the high frequency of WR, no higher HT was verified, and all biochemical markers were adequate, except for insulin resistance in the WR group. A negative association was found between %EWL and insulin parameters.

Funding Sources

Foundation for Research Support of the Federal District (FAPDF)—0193.001.462/2016.

 

Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery: Nutritional Status of Mother-Son Binomial in Public and Private Brazilian Health Care Services (P23-069)

Mariana Silva Melendez Araújo,^1,2 Kassia Gabrielly Estácio Lemos,³ Bianca Faria Grossi,³ Sérgio Lincoln de Matos Arruda,¹ Eliane Said Dutra,³ and Kenia Mara Baiocchi de Carvalho³

¹Hospital Regional da Asa Norte, Brazil; ²Clínica Dr Sérgio Arruda, Brazil; and ³University of Brasília, Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the nutritional status of the mother-son binomial after bariatric surgery in women attending public and private health care services.

Methods: We carried out a retrospective study with women who became pregnant after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a private clinic (n = 19) or in a public hospital (n = 19) in Brasília, Brazil. Women who underwent other bariatric surgical techniques or became pregnant artificially were excluded. A virtual questionnaire on preoperative anthropometry was applied, in addition to information on pregnancy and birth. All women from the public health service (PuHS) and the private health service (PrHS) were matched by age and presurgical body mass index (BMI). Independent t test, chi-square test, and Pearson's product-moment correlation were applied to investigate mother-son outcome differences between groups and their association with prenatal attendance and infant variables.

Results: The prevalence of married women was higher in the PrHS group (PrHS = 94.7%, PuHS = 68.4%, P = 0.036), as well as the time to get pregnant after surgery (PrHS = 43.4 ± 31.2 vs. PuHS = 21.1 ± 13.9 mo, P = 0.009). The preparation period for bariatric surgery and pregestational BMI (kg/m²), in turn, were higher in the PuHS group (PrHS = 4.5 ± 3 vs. PuHS = 13.9 ± 11.4 mo, P = 0.014; PrHS = 25.7 ± 3.2 vs. PuHS = 28.5 ± 5.0 mo, P = 0.049, respectively). The percentage of excess weight loss was >50% for most women before and after pregnancy in both groups without no difference between the groups. The majority of births were term deliveries (84.2% PrHS vs. 94.7% PuHS, P = 0.151), and newborns presented the appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) (68.4% PrHS vs. 78.9% PuHS, P = 0.426). Considering the total sample, there was a positive correlation between complete prenatal attendance and newborns classified as AGA (r = 4.007, P = 0.043). There was no association between the period between bariatric surgery and pregnancy to perinatal outcome.

Conclusion: Despite the peculiarities in each type of service, both groups had similarities and adequacy in nutritional perinatal outcomes and postgestational and bariatric weight loss levels. This suggests that the quality of the prenatal service can guarantee good results in women of different socioeconomic status who have undergone bariatric surgery.

 

Are Human Bodies Really Shaped Like Fruit? Using Cluster Analysis of Three-Dimensional Body Scans to Challenge Current Body Shape Classification Norms (P23-070)

Steven Morse,¹ Kevin Talty,¹ Diana Thomas,¹ Patrick Kuiper,¹ Steven Heymsfield,² and Michael Scioletti¹

¹US Military Academy, NY; and ²Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LA

Background: Because of the manual burden in collecting numerous anthropometric measures, to date, no systematic data analysis determining body shape classifications (and the effect on health) has gone beyond using measurements like body mass index or waist and hip circumference, for example, classifying individuals as apple or pear shaped.

Objective: The objective of this study was to use unsupervised machine learning techniques on 161 anthropometric measurements obtained by the 3-dimensional (3-D) laser imaging device Human Solutions to determine the classification of body shapes and body proportions.

Methods: Over n = 20,896 soldiers (28% female) recruited for US Army basic training at Fort Jackson, SC were scanned for uniform fitting using the Human Solutions Kinect-based 3-D imaging technology. Each subject image consisted of 161 body shape measurements. After removing subjects with missing measurements and separating the dataset by gender, we performed a 2-step cluster analysis on the measurements: feature selection followed by k-means clustering. We interpret the resulting clusters as archetypal body shapes. We also examined the rate of discharge owing to physical injury in each cluster to determine whether certain body types are associated with higher incidence of severe injury.

Results: Three distinct body types (clusters) were identified for males using the 2-step cluster analysis. Cluster 1 consisted of individuals with mild obesity who were taller, with longer leg and arm lengths, higher waist and hip circumferences, and longer torso length. Cluster 2 consisted of a slightly overweight population with average lengths and circumferences. Cluster 3 was a normal weight population, but with below-average lengths and circumferences. Cluster 3 had the highest rate of injury, suggesting that the other populations were “protected.” Female clusters were similar to male clusters, but exhibited the highest injury rate in the intermediate group (Cluster 2).

Conclusions: Using data-based techniques from machine learning allows us to identify body types using 3-D imaging technology. Our study finds that more shapes arise than the classical “apple” and “pear” dichotomy, and these new shapes appear to give insight into risk for injury.

Supporting Images/Graphs

 

Three Factor Eating Questionnaire Predicts Food Craving Inventory Scores in Individuals with Obesity (P23-071)

Macy M Moseley, William Quarles, Chanaka Kahathuduwa, Tyler H Davis, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: The Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Food Craving Inventory (FCI) are used to measure psychological factors related to ingestive behavior. The TFEQ includes 3 constructs: dietary restraint (TFEQ-R), disinhibition (TFEQ-D), and susceptibility to hunger (TFEQ-S). The FCI measures the frequency of food-specific cravings. The relations between constructs measured by the TFEQ and food craving are as yet not fully understood. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relation between constructs represented by subscales of the TFEQ and food craving as measured by the FCI.

Methods: Baseline data from a larger clinical trial were used for analyses. Thirty-two subjects with obesity [age: 19–60 y; body mass index (BMI): 30–39.9 kg/m²] were included. Subjects completed both

the TFEQ and FCI questionnaires following a prescribed 8-h fast as part of the larger trial at baseline.

Results: Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using each of the TFEQ subscales to predict each FCI subscale. All regression models were adjusted according to the covariates of age and BMI. TFEQ-R had a positive, linear influence on cravings for high-fat foods (P = 0.02). TFEQ-D had positive, linear influences on overall cravings (P = 0.04) and cravings for sweets (P = 0.04). TFEQ-S had positive, linear influences on overall cravings (P = 0.03), cravings for sweets (P = 0.02), and cravings for fast food (P = 0.04). No other regression models were significant.

Conclusion: We found that psychological constructs related to ingestion (restraint, disinhibition, and susceptibility to hunger) as measured by the TFEQ significantly predicted select FCI subscales. Overall, these findings provide valuable initial insights into the role these constructs may play in influencing the experience of craving in people with obesity. Furthermore, these relations could imply that a focus toward interventions that target these TFEQ constructs could impact the frequency of certain types of food cravings. Further research with large sample sizes is warranted to fully understand the likely complex interrelations amongst these constructs.

Funding Sources

Nestlé Health Science.

 

Continued Improvement of Glycemic Control after 5-Month Treatment with E4orf1 Protein in Older Mice (P23-072)

Zahra Mostofinejad, Swetha Peddibhotla, Presheet Patkar, Nikhil Dhurandhar, and Vijay Hegde

Texas Tech University

Objectives: Short-term E4orf1 protein expression (≤6 wk) in younger mice (8–16 wk old) significantly improves glycemic control, suggesting a very promising antidiabetic role for the protein. Considering that type 2 diabetes is common in the advanced age group and requires chronic treatment, this study determined the potential of E4orf1 to continue improvement in glycemic control after a longer intervention in older mice.

Methods: Transgenic mice with inducible and adipose tissue–specific expression of E4orf1 (E4) and nontransgenic control (con) mice were maintained on a 60% (kcal) high-fat diet for 20 wk from 9 mo of age to induce hyperglycemia. The E4orf1 expression was induced for the whole 20-wk duration. Glycemic control was determined by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (GTT) at weeks 0 and 11. At week 20, before being killed, the mice were fasted for 4 h, followed by blood glucose measurement (t = 0). The mice were then given a bolus of glucose (1.5 g/kg) and killed 15 min later (t = 15). Blood was collected both at t = 0 and at t = 15 to measure serum insulin.

Results: Compared with con mice, E4orf1 expression improved glucose clearance (1.3-fold faster) in E4 mice at week 11, as determined by the product of blood glucose and serum insulin. At week 20, in response to glucose load, E4 mice displayed significantly lower peak glucose (p

Conclusions: E4orf1 has the potential to improve glycemic control in older mice, and the improvement persists even after longer-term exposure. These results indicate the potential of E4orf1-based approaches as treatment for type 2 diabetes, which mainly requires chronic treatment of middle-aged and older individuals.

Funding Sources

TTU Research Start-up.

 

Diet Quality and Sleep Duration in Overweight or Obese Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial (P23-073)

Megan Naquin and Kathleen Melanson

University of Rhode Island

Objective: As sleep duration (SD) and dietary quality (DQ) have been associated with each other, and with weight in previous research, this study explored SD and DQ and their relation as outcomes of a novel randomized controlled trial weight loss intervention for overweight or obese adults.

Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of an 8-wk intervention with and without the Bite Counter device for tracking steps, bites, and eating rate on weight loss. Experimental (Ex, n = 37) and control (Cx, n = 35) groups were mostly female (62.2%, 68.6%) and white (70.3%, 65.7%), and similar in age (37 ± 16, 39 ± 14 y) and body mass index (31.2 ± 3.5, 31.5 ± 3.0 kg/m²). Both groups received a workbook at week 0 that introduced nutrition-related topics during the 8 wk. Outcomes included weight, energy intake (kcal), SD, and DQ. These data were captured in weeks 0 and 8 during in-laboratory visits and telephone interviews. SD was collected through the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall. Dietary data were collected through three 24-h dietary recalls at weeks 0 and 8 (6 recalls in total). DQ was calculated using the 2015 Healthy Eating Index scoring algorithm in SAS. Outcomes were examined via paired t tests and 2-way repeated measures ANOVA; all were run as completer's analyses and repeated as intent to treat.

Results: Significant within-group changes were found for total kcal consumed and weight loss from week 0 to week 8 for Ex (−300.1 kcal/d, P = 0.013; −1.0 g, P = 0.03), but not for Cx (−19.5 kcal/d, P > 0.05; −0.6 kg, P > 0.05). A significant time-by-group interaction was observed for mean kcal consumed (F = 4.03, P = 0.049, η² = 0.061). However, no significant time-by-group interactions were found for weight loss, SD (Ex: 7.5 ± 1.0, 7.7 ± 0.9 h; Cx: 7.6 ± 0.9, 7.7 ± 0.9 h), or DQ. Mean DQ increased nonsignificantly in both groups (Ex: 54.6 ± 12.4; 56.5 ± 14.8; Cx: 54.4 ± 7.9; 56.1 ± 10.5) from pre- to postintervention.

Conclusion: The potential health benefits posed from self-monitoring, such as significantly lower kcal consumption and weight loss, are further indicated. Over 8 wk, SD and DQ changed in favorable directions, albeit slightly and not significantly. Tracking steps, bites, and eating rate did not differentially influence SD and DQ, but their relation in subjects encourages future research during weight loss.

 

Oral Glucose Tolerance as a Screening Tool Compared with Fasting Glucose to Diagnose Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Obese Young Adults (P23-074)

Hala K Nawaiseh¹ and Hayder Al-Domi²

¹Texas A&M University; and ²Jordan University

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the levels of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and to examine the sensitivity of the 2 h plasma glucose (2h-PG) test in predicting individuals at risk of developing impaired glucose metabolism, with predictions based on fasting plasma glucose in a group of young Jordanian adolescents.

Methods: A total of 50 obese (OB) and 50 normal body weight (NWT) adolescent students (age: 15–17 y) were randomly selected from 4 private and 4 public schools in Amman, Jordan. Age and anthropometric measurements were determined. After a 10- to 16-h overnight fast, blood samples were drawn and analyzed for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid indicators. The students then underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (1.75 mg glucose/kg); blood samples were subsequently drawn after 2 h and analyzed for 2h-PG levels.

Results: In this study, about 63% of the OB students had combined [impaired fasting glucose (IFG)/IGT] glucose intolerance (CGI) regardless of gender; 42.3% of OB female students had CGI (P < 0.05). While there was no significant difference between OB and NWT males with regard to IFG, there was a significant difference regarding IGT (P

Conclusion: In this study, an oral glucose tolerance test could be a good screening tool to identify adolescents with IGT who will not be picked up by FPG. In addition, altered glucose metabolism is accompanied by the presence of atherogenic lipid patterns in OB adolescents. Moreover, early identifications of adolescents with IGT are vital to prevent or at least delay the progression toward type 2 diabetes.

Funding Sources

The University of Jordan.

 

Relation between Anthropometric Measurements and Glycated Hemoglobin Percentage among Adults (P23-075)

Michele Nicolo, Patricia Shewokis, and Stella L Volpe

Drexel University, PA

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine if the percentage of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c %) is associated with measures of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and mid-arm circumference (MAC) in adults, 40–59 y of age, using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for 2003–2004 and 2013–2014, and to determine if adults with HbA1c ≥6.5% have higher measures of BMI, WC, and WHtR, and lower measures of MAC, compared with adults with HbA1c <6.5%.

Methods: Data were collected from adults, 40–59 y of age, from NHANES 2003–2004 (n = 1069) and 2013–2014 (n = 906). Linear relations between BMI, WC, WHtR, MAC, and HbA1c % were analyzed using zero-order correlation coefficients. If nonlinear relations occurred, non-parametric Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficients were conducted. HbA1c % was categorized into a dichotomous variable, with HbA1c <6.5% and ≥6.5%. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to predict the probability of having HbA1c <6.5% or ≥6.5%, based on BMI, WC, WHtR, and MAC for both NHANES data sets.

Results: Mean ± SD anthropometric values were higher in the 2003–2004 data set than in the 2013–2014 one (BMI: 29.3 ± 6.4 vs. 25.8 ± 8.1 kg/m²; WC: 99.5 ± 14.9 vs. 87.5 ± 22.4 cm; MAC: 33.8 ± 4.9 vs. 29.6 ± 7.5 cm; WHtR: 0.59 ± 0.9 vs. 0.55 ± 0.1). Positive associations were observed among anthropometric measures and HbA1c % in NHANES 2003–2004, with r = 0.21, 0.18, 0.22, and 0.24 for BMI, WC, MAC, and WHtR, respectively. From the 2003–2004 data, we assessed whether the 4 anthropometric predictors (BMI, WC, MAC, and WHtR) significantly predicted whether respondents were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (≥6.5 HbA1c %) (C² = 36.933, df = 4, n = 1069, P > 6.5%. Associations between all anthropometric measures and HbA1c % were not statistically significant in the 2013–2014 data set.

Conclusion: Among the anthropometric measures used from NHANES 2003–2004, it appears that WHtR best predicts an HbA1c level of ≥6.5%. These same results were not replicated from the NHANES 2013–2014 data.

Funding Sources

N/A

 

Soldiers Who Have Failed US Army Body Composition Standards Report a Faster Eating Rate than Soldiers Who Have Not (P23-076)

Kristie L O'Connor,¹ J Karl,¹ Susan M McGraw,¹ Adam J DiChiara,² and Renee E Cole¹

¹US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, MA; and ²US Army Natick Soldier Research & Development Center, MA

Background: Eating at a fast rate is associated with overweight and obesity. Anecdotal reports, but little empirical evidence, suggest that soldiers adapt to a faster eating rate during initial military training (IMT).

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine associations between self-reported eating rate (ER), years of military service, body mass index (BMI), and history of passing US Army body composition standards.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to US Army recruits at the beginning of IMT (n = 144) or 2 wk into IMT (n = 162), and to soldiers with ≤2 y (n = 296) or >2 y (n = 414) of military service. Mean ER over the past 30 d was assessed using both a categorical response question and a 100 mm visual analog scale. Height, weight, and whether the soldier had ever failed an army body composition assessment was self-reported. Associations between ER and study outcomes, and whether these associations differed by time in service, was assessed by ANCOVA and logistic regression.

Results: ER was 26% faster in recruits who were 2 wk into IMT relative to beginning recruits, 33% faster than soldiers with ≤2 y service, and 31% faster than those with >2 y service (P < 0.001). Of those who were 2 wk into IMT, 73% reported eating at a fast or very fast rate relative to 49%, 38%, and 40% of those in the beginning of IMT, ≤2 y, and >2y groups (P < 0.001), respectively. There were no associations between ER and BMI. However, among active duty soldiers (n = 700), the odds of having failed a body composition test were 2.8 times (95% CI: 1.1, 7.2) higher in those who reported eating fast or very fast relative to those who reported eating slowly or very slowly (P = 0.03), and ER was 10% higher (95% CI: 3%, 16%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is an association between eating at a faster rate and being in IMT, and that eating at a fast rate is associated with higher odds of having failed a body composition assessment. The cross-sectional design precludes determining whether the habit of eating fast develops during IMT or is sustained following IMT, or whether perception of ER adjusts to a faster rate following IMT. Nonetheless, these data support the need for longitudinal studies assessing the impact of IMT on ER and the effect on body composition.

Funding Sources

Funded by Medical Research and Materiel Command.

 

Apigenin Reverses Interleukin 1β-Induced Suppression of Adipocyte Browning via Cyclooxygenase 2/Prostaglandin E2 Signaling Pathways in Human Adipocytes (P23-077)

Meshail Okla

King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

The inflammatory response to obesity and the activation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) affects mitochondrial function and interferes with white adipose tissue (WAT) browning. Apigenin (Apg), a natural flavonoid, widely distributed in plants such as celery, parsley, and chamomile, is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we first tested whether Apg antagonizes the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on WAT browning. We observed that Apg protects cAMP-induced browning in IL-1β–treated adipocytes as the gene expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), the signature of brown adipocytes, was induced by >200-fold compared with IL-1β–treated adipocytes. Next, we tested whether Apg attenuates IL-1β–induced browning inhibition by targeting inflammation. Apg significantly repressed the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemoattractant proteins induced by IL-1β. Although Apg attenuates inflammation, we observed a significant induction in the gene expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), the rate-limiting enzyme for prostaglandin biosynthesis, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), by 1.5-fold and 1.7-fold compared with IL-1β–treated adipocytes, respectively. Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) may act as a proinflammatory mediator, it can bind to different subtypes of EP receptors (EP 1–4) and activate different signaling pathways. As we observed a significant induction in COX2 and PGE₂ with a concomitant decrease in inflammatory cytokines and an increase in UCP1, we speculate that Apg induces UCP1 by shifting COX2 and PGE₂ from being immune mediators to thermogenic inducers in adipocytes. This is likely because of the preferential activation of EP-cAMP-protein kinase A signaling in response to PGE₂ ligand binding and the corresponding transactivation of the transcription factor CREB. Collectively, we demonstrated, for the first time that Apg plays a protective role against inflammation-induced WAT browning inhibition by dampening inflammatory signaling and activating COX2/PGE₂ signaling toward cAMP and CREB activation, leading to UCP1 induction. Therefore, our data unravel the novel therapeutic values of Apg for treating obesity via adaptive thermogenesis stimulation.

Funding Sources

Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

Lower Health-Related Quality of Life Is Associated with Less Fat Mass Reduction during Initial Weight Loss: Implications for Early Intervention (P23-078)

Hannah E Olvera, Shao-Hua Chin, Chanaka N Kahathuduwa, Tyler Davis, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: Depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) have been associated with weight status. Early weight loss in people undergoing treatment has been found to predict long-term weight loss. Understanding potential influences on early weight loss may inform early intervention and ultimately improve long-term results. This study examined if greater anxiety and depression, and lower HRQL are associated with 1) higher weight and fat mass at baseline and 2) less weight and fat mass loss following a 3-wk weight loss intervention.

Methods: The baseline assessment sample was 36 adults with obesity (age: 19–60 y; body mass index: 30–39.9 kg/m²), with 28 completing a 3-wk weight loss intervention (1120 kcal/d). Baseline anxiety and depression were assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A; HADS-D); HRQL via CDC HRQOL-14 (number of unhealthy days; HRQOL-UD). Weight (BW) and fat mass (FM) were measured both at baseline and postintervention. Twelve correlation analyses (Bonferroni corrected) examined associations of HADS-A, HADS-D, and HRQOL-UD with BW, FM, change in BW (∆BW), and change in fat mass (∆FM).

Results: Correlations of HADS-D with baseline BW and FM, and ∆BW and ∆FM during treatment, were not significant [r = 0.201 (–0.137, 0.497), r = –0.013 (–0.340, 0.317), r = –0.229 (–0.555, 0.157), and r = 0.090 (–0.293, 0.448), respectively]. Associations of HADS-A with baseline BW and FM, and ∆BW and ∆FM during treatment were not significant [r = 0.191 (–0.147, 0.489), r = –0.125 (–0.435, 0.213), r = –0.117 (–0.469, 0.268), and r = –0.080 (–0.440, 0.302), respectively]. HRQL-UD was not associated with baseline BW or FM, or ∆BW during treatment [r = 0.134 (–0.203, 0.443), r = 0.085 (–0.250, 0.403), and r = 0.183 (–0.204, 0.521) respectively], but was significantly associated with ∆FM [r = 0.489 (0.142, 0.729)].

Conclusions: While no associations of anxiety, depression, or HRQL with BW or FM at baseline were found, lower HRQL as measured by a greater number of unhealthy days reported was associated with lower reductions in fat mass during treatment. Our findings suggest that the CDC HRQL measure may be useful as a screening tool to predict short-term fat mass loss. Furthermore, HRQL may be a target for early intervention to enhance early treatment outcomes. Further research examining longer-term outcomes is needed.

 

Effect of Quercetin on Nonshivering Thermogenesis through the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Brown Adipocytes (P23-079)

Dammah Otieno, Sarah Adjei-Fremah, Mulumebet Worku, and Hye Won Kang

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Objectives: Nonshivering thermogenesis is the main function of brown adipose tissue, which burns body fat by generating heat. Thus, activating nonshivering thermogenesis might be a promising way to prevent obesity. Moreover, brown adipogenesis was inversely correlated with a canonical Wnt signaling pathway that is related to the regulation of cell development. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of quercetin on nonshivering thermogenesis and brown adipogenesis in brown adipocytes through a Wnt signaling pathway.

Methods: Immortalized brown preadipocytes were seeded and then differentiated for 11 d, by when they had become mature brown adipocytes (a control). In an experimental group, quercetin (40 µg/ml) was treated during the differentiation (days 5, 7, and 9). Fully matured brown adipocytes (day 11) were harvested to extract their total RNA. Sequentially cDNA was synthesized and then the expression of genes, such as uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A (CIDEA), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ-coactivator 1-α (PGC1α), which are related to nonshivering thermogenesis, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT1α), a main regulator for fatty acid oxidation, and Wnt10b, Frizzled 2, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)-6, and β-catenin, which are involved in the regulation of a canonical Wnt signaling, was measured using a real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Brown adipocytes treated with quercetin showed increased expression of the UCP1, CIDEA, and CPT1α genes, whereas the Wnt10b, Frizzled 2, LRP-6, and β-catenin genes were downregulated.

Conclusions: Quercetin may induce the function of brown adipocytes, possibly by inhibiting a canonical Wnt signaling pathway.

Funding Sources

USDA.

 

Associations of Maternal Obesity with Gestational Estrogen and Testosterone Differ by Fetal Sex (P23-080)

Diana Pacyga,¹ Salma Musaad,² Jodi A Flaws,² Susan L Schantz,² and Rita S Strakovsky¹

¹Michigan State University; and ²University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Objectives: The adverse effects of maternal obesity on pregnancy and fetal outcomes vary by fetal sex, but the mechanisms are mostly unknown. Estrogen (E) and testosterone (T) are critical in pregnancy, and their levels differ in obesity. Our goal was to assess whether associations of E & T with obesity differ in women carrying a female vs. male fetus.

Methods: The following were assessed in pregnant women (10–14 wk gestation, n = 291): waist and hip circumference, and bioelectrical impedance analysis of weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage fat (%fat), percentage muscle (%muscle), and visceral fat level. Women also reported their height and prepregnancy weight. Urine samples were collected at 10–14, 28–30, and 34–36 wk. Summative E & T measures were created from 8 E and 2 T urinary metabolites or parent hormones using LC-MS/MS. Hormone data were adjusted for specific gravity. Mixed effects models assessed whether fetal sex modified associations of maternal obesity and E or T across pregnancy, adjusting for maternal age, race, education, parity, smoking since conception, self-reported health, analytic batch, repeated E & T sampling, and interactions of obesity measures with time.

Results: Participants were mostly white, middle class, married, and well educated. Before pregnancy, 42% were overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m²), similar to women in the United States. E decreased with high (>median) waist and hip circumference (respectively −10%, P < 0.01 and −11%, P < 0.005), waist-to-height ratio (−9%, P < 0.05), weight (prepregnancy: −12%, P < 0.005; 10–14 wk: −11%, P < 0.05), and BMI ≥25 kg/m² (prepregnancy: −9%, P < 0.05; 10–14 wk: −8%, P < 0.1). Both E and T decreased with high visceral fat (E: −8%, P < 0.1; T: −16%, P < 0.05), whereas only T decreased with high %fat (−19%, P < 0.01) and increased with high %muscle (18%, P < 0.05), waist-to-height ratio (20%, P < 0.1), waist-to-hip ratio (25%, P < 0.05), weight (prepregnancy: 19%, P < 0.1; 10–14 wk: 24%, P = 0.08), and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² at 10–14 wks (32%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Measures of maternal obesity were associated with lower E & T, and many associations with T differed by fetal sex. Whether E or T mediates known effects of maternal obesity on pregnancy and fetal outcomes merits future inquiry.

Funding Sources

This research was made possible by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) grant K99ES024795A (to RS), US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) grant RD83543401 (to SS), National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) grant ES022848 (to SS and JAF), NIEHS grant 5UG3OD023272–02 (to SS and SMAM), NIH R56 ES025147 (to JAF), EPA RD-83,459,301 (to JAF), the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Biostatistical Core (to SMAM), and the National Dairy Council grant 1172 (to SMAM).

 

Comparison of Four Body Mass Index–Based Predictive Body Fat Equations with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Males from the Rural Highlands of Guatemala (P23-081)

Vruj Patel,¹ Benjamin Chomitz,² Monica Orozco,² Saurabh Mehta,¹ and Noel W Solomons²

¹Cornell University, NY; and ²Center for Studies of Sensory Impairment, Aging and Metabolism (CeSSIAM), Guatemala

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare percentage body fat (%BF) as estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and by the 4 predictive equations from body mass index (BMI) in men in the rural western highlands of Guatemala, a region characterized by high rates of stunting.

Methods: A convenience sample of 48 men from the rural area of Sololá, Guatemala participated in the study. Weight (to the nearest 0.1 kg) and height (to the nearest 0.5 cm) were measured with SECA model 874 and 213, respectively. BIA was conducted using the Medical Body Composition Analyzer SECA 525. The values of %BF from 4 BMI equations and BIA were compared by paired t test. Effect sizes of the differences were determined by Cohen's d statistic. The constant error (CE) was determined as the mean difference between the equations and the BIA model. The methods of Bland and Altman (BA) were used to identify the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between each predictive equation and the BIA model. Linear regression was used to determine the Pearson correlation coefficient. SAS v9.4 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The participants had a mean ± SD age of 36 ± 20 y (range: 18–89 y) and a mean BMI of 25.2 ± 3.4 kg/m² (range: 19.9–35.2 kg/m²). All equations produced significantly different %BF values compared with the BIA model (P < 0.001). The CEs ranged from –3.3 (Deurenberg) to –5.5 (Gallagher). The LOA ranged from ±8.4 (Gallagher) to ±9.3 (Womersley). The Pearson coefficients were 0.82 (Gallagher) and 0.78 (Womersley, Jackson, Deurenberg). The BA trend was universally negative, and significant for the Womersley, Jackson, and Gallagher equations (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: The BF% generated by BIA gives significantly higher values than those calculated using the 4 predictive BMI-based equations among rural men in Guatemala. The wide LOA and significant BA trends prevent the possibility of any simple correction factor. This precludes the use of these equations in a population with a high prevalence of short stature, although studies in different populations are needed to corroborate this result. While BIA is independent of BMI, further independent body-composition methods would reinforce the strength of our conclusions.

 

Anthropometric Indicators as Predictors of Lipidic Changes in Brazilian Teens: The Loncaafs Study (P23-082)

Adélia C Pereira,¹ Dirce Marchioni,¹ and Flávia EL Ferreira²

¹University of São Paulo, Brazil; and ²Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the predictive power of the anthropometric indicators of overweight and obesity for lipidic alterations in adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 774 adolescents from both sexes (55% female), from 10 to 14 y old. The body mass index (BMI) by age was calculated by dividing the body weight by the square of the height. For the calculation of the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), we divided the waist circumference (WC) by the height. The conicity index was computed considering body mass, height or stature, and WC measurements. The changes in the lipid profile were defined according to one of the following conditions: high levels of total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides, and low levels of LDL. The predictive power of the conicity index for changes in the lipid profile, as well as its cut-off points, was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: For the altered LDL [ROC = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.82)] and hypoalphaliproteinemia [ROC = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.79)], BMI was the best predictor for male adolescents aged 10–11 y. For hypercholesterolemia in male adolescents aged 10–11 y [ROC = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.70)] and for hypoalphaliproteinemia in male adolescents aged 12–14 y [ROC = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.70)], the WC was the best predictor. WHtR was the best predictor of hypercholesterolemia [ROC = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.70)] in female adolescents aged 10–11 y and of hypoalphaliproteinemia [ROC = 0.64 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.71)] in female adolescents aged 12–14 y, and for hypertriglyceridemia in male adolescents aged 12–14 y [ROC = 0.71 (95% CI: 59, 0.82)]. The conicity index was a good predictor for hypercholesterolemia [ROC = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.70)] and altered LDL (ROC = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.75)] in male adolescents aged 12–14 y, and in female adolescents aged 10–11 y [ROC = 0.70 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.80)] and 12–14 y [ROC = 0.62 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.75)], and also for hypertriglyceridemia in male [ROC = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.85)] and female adolescents aged 10–11 y [ROC = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.79)].

Conclusions: The WHtR and the conicity index stand out from the other indicators, and can be used as predictors of lipid abnormalities in adolescents.

Funding Sources

São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).

 

Strawberry Supplementation Modifies Gut Microbiota in Obese Diabetic db/db Mice (P23-083)

Chrissa Petersen,¹ Umesh Wankhade,² Kiana Wong,¹ Sree Chintapalli,² Brian D Piccolo,² Thunder Jalili,¹ J David Symons,¹ Kartik Shankar,² and Anandh Babu Pon Velayutham¹

¹University of Utah; and ²Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

Objective: Berry anthocyanins and the gut microbiome interact to work in tandem to provide beneficial effects in humans. Emerging evidence shows that metabolites produced following berry consumption support the growth of beneficial microbes, indicating a 2-way relation between anthocyanins and microbiota. Previously we demonstrated that strawberry (SB) supplementation improves vascular dysfunction in obese diabetic db/db mice. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that SB supplementation alters gut microbial ecology in db/db mice.

Methods: Wild-type (db/+) and diabetic (db/db) mice (7 wk old) consumed standard diet (Dyets Inc., #104,087) or diet supplemented with 2.35% freeze-dried SB (db/db + SB) for 10 wk. Bacterial DNA was isolated from cecal contents. The V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene was amplified. Processing and quality filtering of reads were made by scripts in QIIME and clustering of sequences into operational taxonomic units (OTU) was performed by UCLUST. Data analyses were performed using standardized pipelines (QIIME 1.9 and R packages). Differences in predictive metagenomics function was identified by PICRUSt.

Results: Principle coordinate analysis confirmed that the microbial composition was significantly influenced by both genotype (db/db) and SB consumption. Further, α-diversity indices were significantly different at the phylum and genus levels among groups. β-Diversity, a measure of global microbial composition, was influenced by genotype and diet at the genus and OTU level. At the phylum level, taxonomic abundance indicated a significant decrease in Verrucomicrobia in db/db vs. db/+ mice, which was normalized in db/db + SB mice (P < 0.05). Further, at the genus level, SB supplementation significantly increased Bifidobacterium in db/db + SB vs. db/db. PICRUSt revealed significant differences in 45 predicted metabolic functions among the 3 groups. Specifically, lipid biosynthesis proteins, insulin signaling pathway, and the phosphatidyl inositol signaling pathway were modified (P < 0.05) in db/db + SB vs. db/db.

Conclusions: Our studies provide evidence for robust changes in the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiome with strawberry supplementation in obese diabetic db/db mice.

Funding Sources

A University of Utah (UU) Seed Grant and a UU College of Health Pilot Grant (to ABPV), a UU Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Award (to KW), and USDA CRIS 6206-51,000-010-05S (to KS).

 

Physical Activity during the Early Postweaning Period has Minimal Effects on the Mouse Gut Microbiome (P23-084)

Brian Piccolo,¹ Sree Chintapalli,¹ Anne K Bowlin,¹ Eugenia Carvahlo,² Kartik Shankar,¹ Laxmi Yeruva,¹ and Elisabet Børsheim¹

¹Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center; and ²University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if physical activity during the early postweaning period can mitigate alterations in the gut microbiota caused by later consumption of a high-fat diet.

Methods: Male C57BL6/J mice, 4 wk old, provided with (n = 36) or without (n = 36) a voluntary running wheel for 24 h/d had ad libitum access to a control diet (20%, 10%, and 70% kcal from protein, fat, and carbohydrates, respectively) for 4 wk. A subset of mice were killed at 8 wk of age (n = 12/group) and their cecal contents collected. The running wheels of the remaining mice were removed, and the mice were divided into groups with ad libitum access to either the control diet or a high-fat diet (15%, 45%, and 41% kcal from protein, fat, and carbohydrates, respectively) for 8 wk. All mice were then killed (n = 12/group) and their cecal contents collected. Microbial profiles were assessed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and expressed as percentage relative abundance. Data analyses were performed using standardized pipelines (QIIME 1.9 and R packages).

Results: The mice provided with a running wheel at 8 wk of age had similar body weights to those without a wheel, but had lower fat mass (Wheel: 1.4 ± 0.1 g; No Wheel 2.0 ± 0.2 g). There were no differences attributed to physical activity in measures of α-diversity (Chao1 & Shannon Index) or β-diversity. Ruminococcus (Wheel: 0.98% ± 0.1%; No Wheel: 0.68% ± 0.1%) and an unassigned genera from the Lachnospiraceae family (Wheel: 6.1% ± 0.7%; No Wheel: 4.3% ± 0.9%) were the only genera altered by physical activity. In the second phase of the study (i.e., no running wheels), mice that were provided a high-fat diet had greater body weight than those that continued consuming the control diet, and there was no effect of early physical activity on either the high-fat or the control diet. A main effect of diet was observed for α-diversity (Shannon Index; lower in mice with access to high-fat diet), but no remaining effect of early physical activity was observed. Similarly, β-diversity measurements showed a significant effect of diet (Bray-Curtis; P < 0.05), but no effect of early physical activity.

Conclusion: The results herein suggest that early physical activity per se does not prevent alterations of the gut microbiome associated with later periods of sustained high fat consumption.

Funding Sources

Supported by USDA-ARS Project 6026-51,000-010-05S and a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine Children's University Medical Group Fund Grant.

 

Long-Term High-Protein Diet Treatment Effects on Gut Microbiome in Mice (P23-085)

Rita M Pisegna,¹ Jieping Yang,² Partrizia M Germano,² and Zhaoping Li²

¹University of Southern California; and ²UCLA, CA

Objectives: The increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome worldwide has prompted research to identify novel therapeutic strategies. High-protein diets (HPDs) have been widely used to obtain weight loss and expand or maintain muscle mass. Gut microbiome dysbiosis has been associated with obesity; however, the effects of HPDs on the gut microbiome are unclear. In the current study we have investigated the effects of a long-term HPD treatment on the gut microbiome.

Methods: Male C57BL/6 wild-type mice (8 wk old) were fed either an isocaloric HPD (60% kcal casein, 30% carbohydrates, 10% fat) or a standard diet (SD; 20% kcal casein, 70% carbohydrates, 10% fat) for 20 wk. The diets had identical fiber content. Cecal contents were collected for DNA extraction and 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing.

Results: The gut microbiota study revealed that HPD-fed mice had similar species richness and evenness, but distinct microbial clusters as determined by β-diversity. At the phylum level, HPD-fed mice had a significantly increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria (P = 0.02), but decreased levels of Cyanobacteria (P = 0.02). At the genus level, HPD-fed mice had a significantly increased abundance of Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, Dorea, Lactococcus, and Clostridium (P = 0.02), but decreased S24–7_Unclassified (P = 0.02), Streptophyta_Unclassified (P = 0.02), Lachnospiraceae_Unclassified (P = 0.02), Anaeroplasma (P = 0.02), Alphaproteobacteria_Unclassified (P = 0.02), and Dialister (P = 0.04). Additionally, in the cecum of HPD-fed mice, the microbial metabolites of the protein isobutyrate (P = 0.001) were significantly increased, whereas acetate (P = 0.004) and butyrate (P = 0.006), 2 of the 3 major short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were significantly reduced compared with SD-fed mice. The HPD treatment did not change the levels of circulating SCFAs. PICRUSt was used to analyze the functional composition of a microbial community and revealed a total of 10 characterized KEGG biological pathways that were significantly affected by the HPD (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that a long-term HPD treatment significantly affected gut microbial composition and metabolism, and might explain the beneficial effects of HPDs in the treatment of obesity.

Funding Sources

VA Merit Review Grant.

 

Resting State Frontal Electroencephalography α Asymmetry Is Prominent in Obese Preadolescent Girls (P23-086)

RT Pivik,^1,2 Y Gu,² Heather Downs,² Aline Andres,^1,2 Kelly Jarratt,² Betty Bellando,¹ Mario Cleves,^1,2 Aline Andres,^1,2 Aline Andres,^1,2 Kevin B Tennal,² and Thomas M Badger^1,2

¹University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; and ²Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

Objective: The growing incidence of obesity among children has placed increased emphasis on the identification of biological markers that might aid in the development of early weight management intervention strategies. Alpha electroencephalography (EEG) activity (8–12 Hz) is inversely related to brain neural activity, and in obese adults increased α power has been reported in right hemisphere frontal regions associated with appetite and executive function regulation. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the brain function relations reported in obese adults are present in obese children.

Methods: The present study compared hemispheric levels of resting frontal α activity (6 homologous frontal sites) in healthy normal weight [body mass index (BMI) <85th percentile; n = 47; 25 boys] and obese (BMI >95th percentile; n = 48; 24 boys) 10-y-olds. The power levels of the α sub-bands (8–10 Hz, 10–12 Hz) were determined from resting EEG recordings (5 min; eyes open) obtained following a standardized breakfast and again 1 h later after completion of 2 psychophysiologic test paradigms. ANOVAs (recording session by group by sex) using differences in power scores (R-L) were conducted for each homologous set.

Results: Power difference scores did not change significantly across recording sessions, but for both sub-bands significant group-by-sex interactions were present for all sets (P < 0.05). These interactions uniformly reflected greater right than left hemisphere α power for obese girls than either normal weight girls (P < 0.05) or obese boys (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between obese boys and normal weight children. The basis for the selective effect in obese girls is unclear. This is the first study to examine frontal α asymmetry in obese children, and similar studies in obese adults have not evaluated data for sex differences. The present findings suggest that asymmetric frontal α activation observed in obese adults is present in preadolescents and may appear earlier in girls than boys. Furthermore, if this effect continues to be more characteristic of girls than boys, it could provide a meaningful index of neural processes contributing to sex differences in obesity via differential influences on frontal regulation of eating behavior.

Funding Sources

Funded by USDA-ARS Project 6026-51,000-010-05S.

 

Basal Energy Expenditure, Body Composition, and Weight Regain after Late Postoperative Bariatric Surgery (P23-087)

Isabela Rios,¹ Nathalia Pizato,¹ Gabriela Pedroso,¹ Wilson Campos Filho,² Fernando Lamarca,¹ Ricardo Lima,¹ Kenia Carvalho,¹ and Eliane Dutra¹

¹University of Brasilia, Brazil; and ²Unieuro, Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the basal energy expenditure (BEE) and body composition of patients with and without weight regain in the late postoperative (PO) period after bariatric surgery.

Methods: We undertook an observational, analytic, cross-sectional study of adult individuals of both sexes, from 18 to 60 y old, who had undergone bariatric surgery 2–7 y ago (late PO period) in the form of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was calculated. Weight gain of >10% of the lowest weight obtained in the PO period was used to define weight regain and its prevalence was investigated. BEE was measured by indirect calorimetry (InvoiceVmax29 Encore system) after 8 h of fasting for 30 min. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Lunnar, DPX-IQ). Comparison between groups was performed using the independent sample t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. The data were analyzed with the software SPSS 24.0. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee.

Results: We evaluated 22 volunteers (38.4 ± 6.4 y old, 86.4% female) with a mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) of 29.9 ± 4.5 kg/m² and a PO time of 3.9 ± 1.4 y. The mean %EWL was 73.2%, and 54.5% of the patients had regained weight in the late PO period. The group with weight regain (n = 12; 83.3% female) had a PO time of 4.7 ± 1.2 y, a BMI of 31.8 ± 4.8 kg/m², percentage body fat (%BF) of 45.8% ± 6.8%, a fat mass (FM) of 39.6 ± 11.1 kg, a fat-free mass (FFM) of 46.0 ± 8.7 kg, and a BEE of 1539.7 ± 148.3 kcal. The group without weight regain (n = 10; 90% female) had a PO time of 3.0 ± 1.2 y, a BMI of 27.6 ± 3.0 kg/m², %BF of 41.3% ± 5.6%, an FM of 31.5 ± 8.2 kg, an FFM of 43.8 ± 6.5 kg, and a BEE of 1406.0 ± 119.0 kcal. By comparison, the group with weight regain had a higher BMI (P = 0.03), BEE (P = 0.03), and PO time (P = 0.007). The other assessed parameters did not present significant differences.

Conclusion: Bariatric surgery by the RYGB method was effective for the loss of excess weight, even with the weight regain of the sample. These results suggest that the postoperative time, the current BMI, and the BEE may influence the weight regain of the patients in the late postoperative period of bariatric surgery.

Funding Sources

CNPQFAP DF.

 

Associations between Dietary Protein Intake and Body Composition among Chinese Americans Living in New York City: A Cross-Sectional Study (P23-088)

Collin Popp,¹ Jeannette Beasley,¹ Stella Yi,¹ Lu Hu,¹ and Judith Wylie-Rosett²

¹New York University; and ²Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY

Objectives: Favorable body composition changes as a result of higher dietary protein intake may help to explain the lower body mass index (BMI) of Chinese Americans compared with other ethnic groups. However, few studies have assessed the relation between dietary protein intake, fat mass, and fat-free mass in this population. We hypothesized that higher dietary protein intake would be associated with higher levels of fat-free mass and lower BMI in a cross-sectional sample of Chinese American immigrants living in New York City.

Methods: Data were from the Chinese American Cardiovascular Health Assessment (CHA CHA) 2010–2011 (n = 1707); dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire adapted and validated for Chinese Americans. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The associations between protein intake and BMI, percentage fat mass (%FM), percentage fat-free mass (%FFM), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were examined using multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, energy intake, physical activity, sedentary time, smoking status, level of acculturation, education level, and income.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 52.9 y (95% CI: 52.3, 53.6), and 54.8% were female. The average protein intake was 19.0% (95% CI: 18.9, 19.2) of total energy intake, 1.34 g/kg body wt (95% CI: 1.31, 1.37), and the average body mass index was 23.9 kg/m² (95% CI: 23.7, 24.0). After adjusting for covariates, there was a significant positive association between dietary protein (as a percentage of energy intake) and BMI (B = 0.058; 95% CI: 0.014, 0.102; P = 0.009), %FM (B = 0.108; 95% CI: 0.029, 0.188; P = 0.008), and FMI (B = 0.043; 95% CI: 0.014, 0.072; P = 0.004). There was a significant negative association between dietary protein and %FFM (B = −0.111; 95% CI: −0.191, −0.032; P = 0.006).

Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, higher dietary protein intake was associated with lower rather than higher fat-free mass and higher BMI. Whether our findings are related to the dietary protein source or the overall dietary pattern, the population characteristics remain to be determined. Future studies should examine whether these associations differed by dietary protein source, gender, or BMI category of participants.

Funding Sources

R01HL077809 (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH).

 

The Effects of Different High-Fat Diets on the Intestinal Microenvironment and on Adipose Tissue and Metabolic Dysfunction in Diet-Induced Obese C57Bl/6 male mice (P23-089)

Krista A Power,¹ Daneila Graf,² Jennifer M Monk,³ Kyle Roberton,³ Dion Lepp,⁴ and Wenqing Wu⁴

¹University of Ottawa, Canada; ²Max Rubner-Institute, Germany; ³University of Guelph, Canada; and ⁴Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

Objectives: High-fat diets (HFDs) are commonly used to induce obesity in rodent models. However, the nutritional composition (e.g., fat level) often varies dramatically, which may result in variable effects on the obese phenotype. Therefore, the objective of his study was to compare the effects of 2 commonly used HFDs on the intestinal microenvironment, and on the adipose tissue and metabolic dysfunction in mice.

Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice, 3 wk old, were fed diets comprising 17% fat (% kcal; low fat diet; LFD), 45% fat (% kcal; 45HFD), or 60% fat (% kcal; 60HFD) for 12 wk, and aspects of the obese phenotype [weight gain, body mass index (BMI), oral glucose tolerance, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adipose dysfunction] and the colonic microenvironment [microbiota community structure (16S rRNA gene sequencing), mucosal inflammation and barrier integrity] were assessed.

Results: Mice consuming 60HFD gained more weight than those consuming 45HFD or LFD, resulting in significant differences in final BMI and white adipose tissue (WAT) weights. WAT dysfunction was more severe in the 60HFD group [e.g., increased crown-like structures (macrophage infiltration) and serum adipokines (leptin and resistin)] than in the 45HFD and LFD groups. Blood glucose clearance following an oral glucose load and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the 60HFD group than in the 45HFD and LFD groups. Cecal microbial dysbiosis was also more severe in the 60HFD group than in the 45HFD and LFD groups, including reduced phylogenetic diversity, as well as reduced Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum abundances. Colon mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 2 and interleukin-6 were significantly increased by 60HFD compared with LFD and 45HFD, and tight junction protein expression (JAM-A) was decreased, whereas both HFDs increased tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression. Serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein, a biomarker of endotoxemia, was increased by the 60HFD compared with 45HFD and LFD.

Conclusions: Despite interchangeable use of HFD compositions (45% vs. 60% fat as kcal) in diet-induced obesity models, clear differences in the obese phenotype and intestinal microenvironment composition and function result, highlighting the importance of properly defining the HFD composition to accurately recapitulate the human clinical phenotype in obesity research.

Funding Sources

Ontario Research Fund: Research Excellence; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; German Research Foundation.

 

Predicting Weight-Related Activity Limitations in Individuals with Obesity (P23-090)

William R Quarles, Chanaka Kahathuduwa, Tyler Davis, and Martin Binks

Texas Tech University

Objectives: The CDC Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL-14) questionnaire assesses several facets of quality of life, including perceived activity limitations related to weight status. Previous studies have found that individuals with obesity are more likely to experience >14 d/mo with activity limitations. Therefore, the aim of this analysis was to examine predictors of self-reported weight-related activity limitations in individuals with obesity.

Methods: Baseline data from a larger clinical trial were used for these exploratory analyses. A total of 32 subjects with obesity (age: 19–60 y; body mass index: 30–39.9 kg/m²) were included. The subjects completed the BMTR Demographic, Health and Weight History Form, which includes a modified version of the CDC HRQOL-14 “Healthy Days Measure”, which was adapted for individuals with obesity, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Weight and body composition were measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Multiple imputation was used to complete missing data using the mice package in R. Feature selection was completed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method.

Results: The LASSO method selected body fat percentage and HADS Anxiety Score to be included in the model. Logistic regression analysis was then conducted using these variables to predict self-reported weight-related activity limitations. The model containing both predictors was significant (P = 0.04), but neither HADS Anxiety Score (P = 0.06) nor body fat percentage (P = 0.16) was significant individually.

Conclusion: In exploring potential contributors among a large number of readily available variables in a clinical weight loss trial, we found that self-reported weight-related activity limitations could be predicted using body fat percentage and HADS Anxiety Score. These results suggest that anxiety and body fat percentage may be salient contributors to an individual's perception of activity-related difficulties associated with obesity. Further research will be necessary to elucidate the likely multifactorial basis of perceived weight-related activity limitations.

Funding Sources

Nestlé Health Science.

 

Impact of Basal Diet on Obesity Phenotype of Host Mice following Fecal Transfer from Obese or Lean Human Donors (P23-091)

Daphne M Rodriguez, Niklas Aardema, Abby Benninghoff, Sumira Phatak, Canyon Neal, Tess Armbrust, Michaela Brubaker, Elizabeth Park, Kimberly Campbell, Robert Ward, Michael Lefevre, and Korry Hintze

Utah State University

Background: Approximately 100 trillion bacteria inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. The composition of the human gut microbiota can be affected by a variety of genetic and environmental factors, such as a poor diet. A Western dietary pattern is associated with dysbiosis and adverse health outcomes, including obesity and metabolic disorders.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to examine the contribution of gut microbiota from lean or obese human donors on development of metabolic syndrome and weight gain in recipient mice fed 1 of 3 basal diets: 1) the standard AIN93G diet, designed to promote rodent health; 2) the total Western diet (TWD), which promotes inflammation-associated colorectal carcinogenesis; and 3) a 45% high-fat diet–induced obesity (DIO) diet, which promotes excessive weight gain and symptoms of metabolic syndrome. We hypothesized that mice receiving gut bacteria from obese humans would develop an obese phenotype with symptoms of metabolic syndrome, which would be maintained by consumption of either the TWD or the DIO diet.

Methods: A 2 × 3 factorial experiment design was used, whereby mice received fecal transfer from either lean or obese human donors and were fed 1 of the 3 diets listed above for 20 wk. Prior to fecal transfer, the resident gut microbiome was depleted using an established antibiotic and antifugal oral dosing regimen. Endpoints assessed included body weight and composition, food and energy intake, glucose tolerance, and microbiota profiling of the human donor samples and fecal samples from recipient mice.

Results: Fecal transfer from obese or lean donors did not significantly differently affect the final body weight or body composition in recipient mice fed either the AIN, TWD, or DIO diet. However, β-diversity analysis showed that obese recipient mice had a significantly different microbiome compared with lean recipient mice (P = 0.01). As expected, consumption of the DIO diet did result in a significant increase in body weight, fat mass, and glucose intolerance (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: In this study, fecal transfer of bacteria from obese human donors did not alter the phenotype of recipient mice in terms of weight gain or symptoms of metabolic syndrome, despite recipient mice having distinct microbiomes.

Funding Sources

Utah Agricultural Experiment Station Project 1205USDA Project UTA-0,1178.

 

Consumption of Dietary Whole Egg Reduces Cumulative Body Weight Gain in Diet-Induced Obese Rats (P23-092)

Cassondra J Saande,¹ Caitlyn Coonts,¹ Carter H Reed,¹ Kaylee E Hahn,² Matthew J Rowling,¹ and KevinSchalinske¹

¹Iowa State University; and ²University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Objectives: We have shown that whole egg consumption reduced cumulative body weight gain in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat, a genetic model of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but was without effect on body weight gain in lean control rats. Thus, we hypothesized that whole egg consumption would reduce cumulative body weight gain in a diet-induced model of obesity (DIO) using a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet (60% and 11% total kcal from fat and sucrose, respectively).

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (5 wk of age; n = 24) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: control rats fed a casein-based diet; control rats fed a whole egg–based diet; DIO rats fed a casein-based HFHS diet; and DIO rats fed a whole egg–based HFHS diet. All rats were fed their respective diets for 33 wk, and food intake was measured for the final 3 wk of dietary treatment. Mean values from all analyses were compared using a one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05).

Results: In contrast to our previous studies using ZDF rats, DIO rats fed a casein-based HFHS diet did not exhibit metabolic characteristics of T2D, such as hyperglycemia or hypertriglyceridemia. An obese phenotype was achieved as the cumulative body weight gain in DIO rats fed the HFHS casein-based diet was ∼26% higher than the body weight gain in control rats fed the casein- and whole egg–based diets. However, whole egg consumption in DIO HFHS-fed rats reduced the body weight gain by 24% compared with the DIO rats fed the HFHS casein-based diet. Moreover, the body weight gain did not differ between the DIO rats fed the HFHS whole egg–based diet and the control rats fed the casein- and whole egg–based diets. Despite a higher body weight gain in DIO rats fed the HFHS casein-based diet, total food intake per 100 g body weight was 12% higher in the DIO rats fed the HFHS whole egg–based diet compared with the DIO rats fed the HFHS casein-based diet. In contrast, total food intake per 100 g body weight did not differ between the control rats fed the casein- or whole egg–based diet.

Conclusions: Similar to our findings in a genetic model of obesity and T2D, these data suggest that whole egg consumption reduces body weight gain in a diet-induced model of obesity, whereas body weight gain is not altered by whole egg consumption in a lean phenotype. Furthermore, the reduction in body weight gain exhibited by DIO rats appears to be independent of a diabetic state.

Funding Sources

Egg Nutrition Center, Chicago, IL.

 

Measurement of Obesity in Caucasian and African American Females: Body Mass Index or Body Fat Percentage? (P23-093)

Ahmed Chaloob Saddam, Kristen Ensor, Pradtana Tapanee, and Terezie Mosby

Mississippi State University

Objectives: The aims of the study were 1) to identify the agreement between body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of body fat (BF%) in Caucasian and African American females, and 2) to identify the effect of ethnicity on BMI and BF% in female college students.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design. All participants were healthy, between the ages of 18 and 25 y, and recruited from Mississippi State University. The participants were classified into subgroups for body mass index and body fat percentage (BF%) according to the WHO classification. BF% was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA). Basic descriptive statistics for subject data were expressed as means ± SDs. Kappa statistics were calculated to assess the agreement between BMI and BF%. Statistical analysis of data was carried out with the use of SPSS version 24.0.

Results: Out of 291 female participants, 34.5% were African American and 65.5% were Caucasian. The overall mean age of the female groups was 20.62 ± 2.75 y, BMI was 25.10 ± 5.20 kg/m², and BF% was 23.79% ± 8.26%. According to the BMI classification, 11 (14%) of the African American female subjects were underweight, 50 (64%) were normal, 10 (13%) were overweight, and 7 (9%) were obese, whereas according to the BF% classification, 9 (12%) subjects were underfat, 26 (33%) were healthy, 19 (24%) were overfat, and 24 (31%) were obese. Of the Caucasian female subjects, 39 (18%) were underweight, 163 (77%) were normal, 8 (4%) were overweight, and 3 (1%) were obese, whereas according to the BF% classification, 41 (19%) of the subjects were underfat, 116 (54%) were healthy, 35 (16%) were overfat, and 24 (10%) were obese. There was a fair agreement between BMI and BF% for African American females and slight agreement for BMI and BF% for Caucasian females according to the κ analysis (κ = 0.339 vs. κ = 0.204, P < 0.001). The effect of ethnicity on BMI and BF% was significant (P < 0.001). The linear association between BMI and BF% was very strong (τ² = 0.57).

Conclusions: The agreement between BMI and BF% was poor for both African American and Caucasian females. This study suggests that BMI is not an accurate measurement of obesity in female students, so other techniques, such as BIA, should be used.

 

Presence of Salad Bars in Baltimore City School Cafeterias Is Associated with Lower Body Mass Index-for-Age z score among Youth 10–14 Years Old (P23-094)

Alexandria M Schmall, Angela Trude, Kripa Rajagopalan, Kristen Hurley, Lisa Poirier, and Joel Gittelsohn

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association between the presence of salad bars in Baltimore City schools and body mass index z score (BMIZ) among youth aged 10–14 y.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data collected during the second round of the B'More Healthy Communities for Children (BHCK) childhood obesity prevention intervention (July 2015–November 2015). We interviewed youth aged 10–14 y (n = 166) about their age, caregiver education level, gender, race or ethnicity, school name, and school food environment. We measured the youth's height and weight, and calculated their age- and sex-specific BMIZ. They self-reported the presence of a salad bar in their school cafeterias and their frequency of use of the bar within the previous week. Multiple linear regressions examined the association between the presence of a salad bar, the frequency of salad bar use, and BMIZ, adjusting for the youth's age and gender, and caregiver education.

Results: Youth attended 70 unique Baltimore City schools (n = 55 elementary, 12 middle, and 3 high schools), and most were classified as overweight or obese (52.3%). More than half (56%) of the youth reported having a salad bar available in their school cafeteria at lunchtime. The presence of a salad bar in the school cafeteria was associated with a lower youth BMIZ (mean ± SD β: −0.32 ± 0.16, P = 0.04), compared with youth from schools without salad bars, after adjusting for the youth's age and gender, and caregiver education. We found no association between frequency of salad bar use and youth BMIZ.

Conclusions: The presence of salad bars in school cafeterias may be associated with lower youth BMIZ. School nutrition programs that encourage youth to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, by introducing salad bars in schools, may also promote improved diets among youth and healthier BMIs. As we found no association between frequency of salad bar use and youth BMIZ, future research should examine how the presence of salad bars may directly influence youth BMIZ, perhaps by gathering detailed information on youth dietary intake and food preferences, or by directly observing youth utilization of school salad bars at lunchtime throughout the school week.

Funding Sources

The research reported in this publication was supported by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Global Obesity Prevention Center (GOPC) at Johns Hopkins and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (OD), under award number U54HD070725.

 

Adiposity Coassociates with Insufficient Vitamin D Status at 1 Month Postpartum in Healthy Mothers from the Montreal Region (P23-095)

Nora Shero,¹ Kristina Mullahoo,¹ Olusola F Sotunde,¹ Shuqin Wei,² Catherine A Vanstone,¹ and Hope Weiler¹

¹McGill University, Canada; and ²University of Montreal, Canada

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess adiposity across lactation in healthy postpartum women with insufficient vitamin D status.

Methods: Healthy mothers (n = 93) who delivered healthy term babies at the Lakeshore General Hospital, Montreal, QC from March 2016 to December 2017 were studied within 1 mo postpartum (baseline), with repeated measures at 3 and 6 mo. Maternal ethnicity, family income, lifestyle, and supplement use were surveyed. Obstetric history was collected from medical charts. Maternal blood was sampled only at baseline for measurement of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D; Liaison, Diasorin Inc.). At each visit, weight and height were measured and body composition analyzed with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was used to estimate total body water. Statistical analyses included mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures comparing mothers categorized using 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L (Insufficient) and ≥50 nmol/L (Sufficient) at baseline, with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc testing (p

Results: The mean ± SD age of the mothers was 31.8 ± 4.6 y. Postpartum, women with vitamin D insufficiency had a higher body mass index at baseline (Insufficient: 29.1 ± 2.3 vs. Sufficient: 26.0 ± 2.1 kg/m², P = 0.006). Overall, the proportion of breastfeeding (97% to 85%) and supplement intake (74% to 58%) declined from 1 to 6 mo postpartum. At baseline, the total body mass was lower in the Sufficient mothers (Insufficient: 70.7 ± 6.4 vs. Sufficient: 58.8 ± 6.4 kg, P = 0.043), whereas by 6 mo postpartum the Insufficient mothers had the greater total (Insufficient: 35.4% ± 2.1% vs. Sufficient: 31.1% ± 2.1%, P = 0.003), android (Insufficient: 35.5% ± 2.7% vs. Sufficient: 30.8% ± 2.8%, P = 0.009), and gynoid (Insufficient: 40.3% ± 1.5% vs. Sufficient: 37.1% ± 1.5%, P = 0.015) fat percentage. Total body water, and android-to-gynoid and fat trunk-to-fat legs percentage ratios were not different between the groups.

Conclusions: These data suggest that mothers with sufficient vitamin D status early in the postpartum period are leaner during the first 6 mo of lactation, whereas their counterparts have consistently higher body fat. Future research should investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation in mothers at the beginning of lactation to help further understand these observations.

Funding Sources

Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canada Foundation for Innovation Canada Research Chairs Program.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE P23-095-1.

Fat%, android and gynoid fat % in lactating women from 1 to 6 mo postpartum, n=93.

 

Effects of Dietary Fatty Acids with 18 Carbons on Metabolic and Inflammatory Response to Lipopolysaccharide Treatment (P23-096)

Sunhye Shin and Kolapo Ajuwon

Purdue University, IN

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary fatty acids with different degrees of saturation on LPS-induced inflammation and metabolic/thermogenic markers in vivo.

Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet containing 5.6% kcal fat from lard and 4.4% kcal fat from soybean oil (CON) or high-fat diets (HFD) containing 25% kcal fat from lard and 20% kcal fat from shea butter (saturated fatty acid–rich fat; SHB), olive oil (n–9 monounsaturated fatty acid–rich oil; OO), or soybean oil (n–6 polyunsaturated fatty acid–rich oil; SBO) ad libitum for 4 wk with or without a terminal 4-h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Compared with CON, HFD-fed mice had a higher weight gain (P = 0.0058). Mice fed the OO diet had the highest BAT mass (P = 0.0400) and hypothalamic Lepr expression (P = 0.0045), whereas those fed the SBO diet had higher Il6 and lower Cpt1a expression in subcutaneous WAT than the other HFD groups (P = 0.0629, P = 0.0316, respectively). Injection of LPS significantly upregulated Il6, Mcp1, and Tnfa expression in BAT, WAT, liver, skeletal muscle, and hypothalamus, induced a higher glucose:insulin ratio (pUcp1 expression in subcutaneous WAT, P = 0.0930), and significantly downregulated Pgc1a expression in both subcutaneous and epididymal WAT (P = 0.0053, P = 0.0003, respectively) and Cpt2 expression in the liver (P = 0.0196).

Conclusions: These data indicate that LPS-induced inflammation may suppress thermogenesis and reduce insulin sensitivity. The higher expression of Il6 in subcutaneous WAT with SBO consumption and LPS injection indicates that excessive SBO consumption may worsen the inflammatory response to LPS.

Funding Sources

Purdue University.

 

Pilot Study: Impact of a Short-Term Gluten-Free Diet in Body Composition and Metabolism in Nonceliac Overweight or Obese Women (P23-097)

Rachel Bacha Silva,¹ Rachel Freire,² Érica Rodrigues,¹ Bruna S Laignier Coelho,³ Karine Andrade,³ Luana Fonseca,³ Adaliene VM Ferreira,³ and Jacqueline Alvarez-Leite³

¹Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil; ²Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School; and ³Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil

Objective: Our previous studies showed that gluten intake reduces thermogenesis and increases low-grade inflammation in obese mice. There is no controlled study evaluating these effects in humans. Our aim was to study the effects of gluten-free (GF) and gluten-containing diets on body weight, body composition, and basal metabolism in nonceliac overweight or obese women.

Methods: We undertook a crossover, placebo-controlled, single-masked study including 28 premenopausal women, with a body mass index (BMI) between 24.9 and 34.1 kg/m² and without any chronic diseases. Volunteers were oriented to maintain their usual diet and lifestyle, except by excluding any source of gluten. They were divided into 2 groups matched by age and BMI. In the first intervention (weeks 1–4), they received gluten-free corn muffins with or without 18 g of gluten. At the second intervention (weeks 4–8), the gluten muffins were replaced by gluten-free ones, and vice versa. Body weight, body composition, and rest metabolism were evaluated at weeks 1, 4, and 8. Food intake, physical activity, and undesirable side effects were investigated weekly.

Results: There was no significant difference in body weight, body composition, or basal metabolism between the beginning and the end of the gluten or gluten-free period. Similarly, there was no difference in those parameters when the gluten and gluten-free interventions were compared. However, after adjustment for age, BMI, and dietary nutrients, we found that weight loss was positively associated with gluten-free intake (P = 0.003). This association was stronger in the first intervention, showing a strong tendency toward increased weight loss in the gluten-free group (P = 0.057). In the second intervention, this trend disappeared.

Conclusions: The presence or exclusion of gluten protein does not significantly interfere in body weight evolution, probably owing to the diversity of the diet composition over the weeks. However, when adjusted for dietary nutrients, weight loss is positively associated with the gluten-free diet.

Funding Sources

CNPQ Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoFapemig- Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa de Minas Gerais.

 

Reverse Weight Change after Weight Gain Immediately after Kidney Transplantation (P23-098)

Ekamol Tantisattamo,^1,2 Possawat Vutthikraivit,³ Praveen Ratanasrimetha,⁴ and Rungwasee Rattanavich⁵

¹University of California, Irvine School of Medicine; ²Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, MI; ³Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand; ⁴Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; and ⁵Washington University School of Medicine

Background: Weight gain after kidney transplantation is common and can lead to unfavorable outcomes. However, the association between immediate weight gain during the perioperative period and subsequent weight change post-transplantation is unknown.

Method: Seventy kidney transplant recipients were divided into 3 groups (normal weight, overweight, and obese) at the time of kidney transplantation. Their weight changes during the perioperative period were correlated with subsequent weight changes between 4 and 48 wk post-transplantation by using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

Results: The mean ± SEM age of the transplant recipients was 52.66 ± 1.43 y, and more than half of them were male. The mean body mass index was 27.64 ± 0.67 kg/m², and the proportions of patients with normal weight, overweight, and obese were 30%, 38.6%, and 31.4%, respectively. Up to 77.1% gained weight during the immediate peritransplant period and the mean overall weight change was 3.21 ± 0.79 kg. There was no association between immediate weight gain after transplantation and subsequent weight within 48 wk post-transplantation. However, overweight patients who gained weight during the immediate post-transplant period had a 62.7% lower risk of weight gain (HR: 0.373; 95% CI: 0.139, 0.996; P = 0.049), whereas the normal weight and obese patients appeared to lose and gain weight, respectively (HR: 0.687; 95% CI: 0.242, 1.927’ P = 0.472; and HR: 6.183; 95% CI: 0.795, 48.097; P = 0.082). With multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression, the overweight patients with increased weight during the peritransplant period, but not the normal weight or obese patients, remained at lower risk for subsequent weight gain throughout the 48-wk post-transplantation period (HR: 0.232; 95% CI: 0.072, 0.750; P = 0.015) after adjusting for age, gender, type of transplantation, and type of induction immunosuppressive medication.

Conclusions: Nonobese, especially overweight, patients with weight gain during the immediate peritransplant period tend to lose weight during a subsequent post-transplant period; however, obese patients appear to gain weight. Weight control and weight loss during the peritransplant period should be main components to maximize kidney transplant outcomes, particularly in obese patients.

Funding Sources

N/A.

Supporting Images/Graphs

FIGURE P23-098-1.

Simple (A) and multivariate (B)* Cox proportional hazard regression of time to develop weight gain compared to weight at the time of kidney transplantation between overweight patients (pre-transplant BMI ≥25 and <30 kg/m²) without and with weight gain at the immediate post-transplant period. * Adjusted for gender, type of kidney transplantation, and type of induction immunosuppressive medication. BMI, body mass index.

FIGURE P23-098-2.

Simple Cox proportional hazard regresion of time to develop weight gain compared to weight at the time of kidney transplantation between patients without and with weight gain at the immediate post-transplant period. A. BMI < 25 kg/m² B. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²BMI, body mass index.

Figure P23-098-3.

Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression of time to develop weight gain compared to weight at the time of kidney transplantation between patients without and with weight gain at the immediate post-transplant period adjusted for age, gender, type of kidney transplantation, and type of induction immunosuppressive medication. A. BMI < 25 kg/m² B. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² BMI, body mass index.

 

Two-Year Changes in Prediabetes Measured by Acanthosis Nigricans in 2- to 8-Year-Old Pacific Children (P23-099)

Douglas Taren,¹ Rachel Novotny,² Lynne Wilkens,² James Davis,² Elise Dela Cruz-Talbert,³ Rachel Leon Guerrero,⁴ Patricia Coleman,⁵ Travis Fleming,⁶ and Joshua Greenberg⁷

¹University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health; ²University of Hawaii at Manoa; ³University of Hawaii at West Oahu; ⁴University of Guam; ⁵Northern Marianas College; ⁶American Samoa Community College; and ⁷University of Alaska at Fairbanks

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine nutritional factors associated with changes in prediabetes over a 2-y period as measured by the presence or remission of acanthosis nigricans (AN) in young Pacific children who were 2–8 y of age at the start of the study.

Methods: Data are from 2 cross-sectional surveys that were conducted as part of an evaluation of the Children's Healthy Living Program (CHL). We identified a subset of 898 children who participated in both surveys, and 607 children of those were examined for the presence and severity of AN on a 1–4 scale at both time periods according to the CHL study design. Demographic, anthropometric, and 2 d of dietary data (randomized by child and weighted for day of week) were collected at each time point. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with the changes in the AN status compared with no change in status, and multiple regression was used to determine factors associated with changes in the severity scores for AN. Predictor variables considered for both analyses were sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) z score at baseline, changes in BMI z score, weighted average diet records for total energy intake and energy intake from carbohydrates and fat, and the cups of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumed per kilogram of body weight. Sex was not associated with AN status and was removed from the analyses.

Results: The baseline AN prevalence was 4.7% (n = 29). There were 565 children who had no change in AN status, 24 children acquired AN, and 18 children had complete remission in AN. Of the children, 34.6% had an initial BMI >85th percentile and 17.4% had a BMI >95th percentile. Development of AN was significantly directly associated with baseline age (p

Conclusion: These results reinforce the importance of interventions early in life for children to moderate their BMI z scores. Minimizing SSB intake shows promise as an important strategy to decrease the prevalence of prediabetes in Pacific children.

Funding Sources

US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant 2011-68,001-30,335.

 

Validation of a Novel Body Figure Scale to Assess Body Figure Awareness among a Multiracial, Pediatric Population (P23-100)

Cassandra Vanderwall,¹ Christy Tangney,² and Aaron Carrel³

¹UW Health Dietetic Internship Program, WI; ²Rush University, IL; and ³UW Health, American Family Children's Hospital, WI

Objective: Body figure awareness has proven to be a strong determinant of weight management practices among youth, and the accuracy of an individual's body figure awareness has clinical implications. Thus, a valid and reliable BFS for multiracial pediatric populations is needed. The objective of this study was to validate a modified Collins Body Figure Scale (mCBFS) against the original Collins Body Figure Scale within a multiracial pediatric patient population.

Methods: Subjects were composed of a multiracial, pediatric patient sample (9–18 y) enrolled within the ambulatory care setting (n = 134). Construct, concurrent (parallel forms), and criterion-related validity and test-retest reliability were established for the mCBFS compared with the original Collins body figure scale. A trained rater with sufficient intrarater reliability established the standard to measure the subjects’ body figure awareness and criterion-related validity for the mCBFS.

Results: In preliminary concurrent validity analyses, the mCBFS was deemed a valid tool for assessing body figure awareness within a pediatric population (Kendall's Tau, τ = 0.90, P < 0.001). The trained rater exemplified strong intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.81), and criterion-related validity was justified using the rater's assessment compared with the subjects’ percentage body fat and body mass index-for-age percentile. Discrepancy was observed between the rater's figure selections and the subjects’ (Kendall's Tau, τ = 0.33, P = 0.002). It is possible that the mCBFS will need to be further altered to add a larger body figure at the right end of the scale because figure preference selections were concentrated between the fifth and sixth figures, to make the measure more sensitive.

Conclusion: The mCBFS is a valid and reliable tool for measuring body figure awareness within a multiracial, pediatric patient sample between the ages of 9 and 18 y compared with the original Collins body figure scale.

Funding Sources

N/A.

 

High-Fat Diet Reduces Browning Owing to the Impairment of the Angiotensin-(1–7)/Receptor Mas Axis in the Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of C57BL/6 mice (P23-101)

Ariana Vargas,¹ Leonardo Del Valle-Mondragon,² Enrique Hong,³ Nimbe Torres,¹ Michael Bader,⁴ and Armando Tovar¹

¹Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion SZ, Mexico; ²Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Mexico; ³CINVESTAV, Nexico; and ⁴Max-Delbrück Center, Germany

Objectives: The subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is a fat depot that contains cells capable of generating heat through diverse stimuli, such as cold. This phenomenon is called browning, and has recently gained attention as a possible new strategy for the treatment of obesity because it is associated with beneficial metabolic effects. Experiments in humans and mice have shown that obesity impairs browning, but the mechanisms involved are not clear yet. Recently, the peptide angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang1–7) and its target, the Mas receptor, have been reported as a new mechanism for the induction of browning. We therefore decided to study the Ang-1–7/Receptor Mas axis to see if it is altered in obese mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFSD).

Methods/Results: Mice were fed with a control diet (CD), based on the recommendations of the American Institute of Nutrition (AIN93 Diet), or an HFSD for 16 wk. The HFSD mice gained more weight and more fat mass than the CD mice. The HFSD mice also had reduced glucose tolerance and less lean mass, and expended less energy than the CD mice. Additionally, the HFSD mice had a lower Ang1–7 concentration in plasma. Other groups of mice were implanted with osmotic pumps in order to infuse Ang1–7 and saline for 3 d. In the CD mice, treatment with 300 mg · kg^–1 · min^–1 of Ang1–7 induced browning based on 2 parameters: Ang1–7 increased the oxygen consumption (VO₂) measured by indirect calorimetry and increased the gene expression of the uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), the gold standard of browning, as well as some specific beige gene markers, such as Cited1 and Tbx1, in the subcutaneous adipose tissue compared with the saline-treated group. In the HFSD mice, the treatment of 600 mg · kg^–1 · min^–1 of Ang1–7 (a double dose compared with the CD mice) also increased the VO₂, but the effect was moderate compared with the CD mice, and the gene expression of the browning markers did not change compared with the saline-treated group. This suggests that obesity impairs the Mas receptor pathway because exogenous Ang1–7 at a double dose was not able to reproduce the effect observed in lean mice.

Conclusions: Obesity induced by an HFSD reduces the concentration of Ang1–7 and also impairs the Mas receptor pathway that activates the browning program. This suggests that the Ang1–7/Mas receptor axis could be an attractive target for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Funding Sources

CONACYT, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion SZ.

 

Appetite Level and Desire for Specific Foods Were Not Associated with Weight Regain in Long-Term Bariatric Patients (P23-102)

Flávio T Vieira, Anna Souza, Silvia LCM Faria, Eliane S Dutra, Marina K Ito, and Kêniade Carvalho

University of Brasilia, Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the level of appetite and desire for specific foods in long-term bariatric patients with weight regain (WR), weight maintenance (WM), and obese non-operated control subjects (CON).

Methods: The method we used was an analytical cross-sectional study with adult women. All bariatric patients had undergone a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure >24 mo previously. The WR group (n = 20) presented a WR of ≥10% in relation to the minimum postsurgical weight. The WM group (n = 20) presented loss of ≥50% of the preoperative excess weight and maintenance after this. Patients who had not been operated on but had clinically severe obesity comprised the CON group (n = 20). Pregnant women and women who became pregnant in the postoperative period were excluded. The level of appetite and desire for specific foods, such as sweet, fatty, and savory, were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), which consisted of a horizontal line of 100 mm, with the ends representing the 2 maximum response points. The VAS evaluations were applied during the study at fasting, immediately after the test meal (a 270-kcal meal with mixed solid and liquid foods), and at 180 min. The incremental area under the curve was calculated and the Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to compare between the groups. The Friedman test was performed to verify the effect of time on the variables. For statistical significance, we adopted P < 0.05.

Results: The mean ± SD age of all subjects was 40.0 ± 9.3 y. Among the bariatric groups, the mean postoperative time was 67.1 ± 37.5 mo (WR = 52.3 ± 33 and WM = 81.9 ± 36.6 mo; P = 0.003). There were no statistical differences in VAS appetite perception between groups (WR = 707.7 ± 84.1; WM = 517.3 ± 112.7 and CON = 542.0 ± 98.7; P = 0.21), or desire for sweet (P = 0.57), fatty (P = 0.14), or savory food (P = 0.41). The temporal effect of the test meal was similar between groups, with values reaching a peak in the immediate postprandial test (P < 0.05 within groups) and returning to the basal levels after 180 min. Regarding the desire for sweet and fatty food, the CON had no temporal effect (P = 0.2 and P = 0.14, respectively), although there were no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions: Weight regain is not associated with appetite level and desire for specific foods in long-term bariatric patients.

Funding Sources

Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Distrito Federal.

 

The Effects of Weight and Associated Perceptions on the Mental Health of College Students (P23-103)

Rebecca Hagedorn, Timothy Waanders, and Melissa D Olfert

West Virginia University

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine body mass index (BMI) and perceptions of weight status on mental health among college students.

Methods: Students at a large Appalachian university completed an online questionnaire on their perceptions of health. Poor mental health (MH) was self-reported in days per month. The BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Analyses included bivariate and Kruskal-Wallis tests, owing to lack of normality.

Results: Respondents (n = 1169) were predominantly Appalachian (64.5%) and female (67.4%), with a mean ± SD BMI of 25.23 ± 5.46 kg/m², who averaged 12 ± 9.37 d with poor MH in the previous month. Weight impacted the number of days students reported poor MH, with a positive correlation between BMI and MH status (P = 0.0060), representing the higher an individual's BMI, the more poor MH days incurred. Self-perceptions and actions regarding their weight also influenced the number of days of poor MH individuals incurred. When asked about weight, the majority reported being either about right (46.15%) or slightly overweight (36.64%), yet reported being upset about their weight (44.55%) or trying to lose weight (57.81%). These variables increased the number of poor MH days, with differences in the number of days in those who reported being very or slightly overweight, being upset about their weight, and trying to lose weight (p

Conclusion: There is evidence to suggest that weight and self-perceptions can impact mental health among college students, since increased BMI, reporting being overweight, being upset about weight, and attempting weight loss were all associated with increased poor MH days experienced. This research demonstrates the need for campus resources to aid students in healthy weight loss strategies and healthy weight perceptions.

Funding Sources

Funding was from West Virginia University Experimental Station Hatch WVA00641.

 

Testing the Effectiveness of a Size Acceptance Intervention on Weight Bias (P23-104)

Heather A Wemhoener and Nancy Cohen

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Background: Prejudice about body weight is highly prevalent, even among health care professionals. Patients experiencing weight bias report poorer psychological well-being and eating habits, affecting quality of life and health. Efforts to reduce weight bias have yielded mixed results. Two recent reviews of weight bias call for interventions targeting stigma. Size acceptance (SA) reduces stigma by removing the focus on weight as a health indicator. Despite this benefit, no known studies have tested the effects of teaching SA on weight bias.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare an SA intervention with a control group using a randomized control design among university students in health majors.

Methods: Participants (n = 63) were recruited from health-related undergraduate courses. Students completed a demographic survey, then watched a video and read a passage for their assigned group. The SA video and reading focused on size acceptance, whereas the control intervention related to food safety. Immediately after the intervention, participants read a case study about an obese female complaining of headache with a treatment plan provided, and rated how likely they believed the patient would be to follow the treatment, how interested they would be in working with the patient, and the extent to which they believed weight contributes to health.

Results: Preliminary analysis using paired t tests between mean scores for each question in the SA and control groups indicated no significant differences in response to case study questions. For the questions of how likely the patient would be to follow the treatment plan and how interested participants would be in working with the patients, the results were near significance (P = 0.064 and P = 0.062, respectively), with SA participants rating the patient higher in likelihood of adherence and reporting higher desire to work with the patient than controls. The beliefs about weight and overall health did not differ between the groups (P = 0.36).

Conclusions: Results thus far indicate that a video- and reading-based SA intervention does not significantly change attitudes toward an obese case patient, but there is a trend toward improved attitudes regarding working with obese patients and belief in patient adherence to treatment. Further analysis is needed to examine the effect on other indicators of weight bias in students.

Funding Sources

This is a currently unfunded research project.

 

Zyflamend Alleviates High Fat Diet–Induced Metabolic Alterations in Mice (P23-105)

Jay Whelan, Dina Alani, Samah Chahed, Victoria Frankel, and Ahmed Bettaieb

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Background: Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, affecting more than one-third of all adults. There is also a growing body of evidence highlighting the contribution of adipose tissue to the systemic inflammatory state, which plays a potent role in obesity-associated metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Zyflamend is a polyherbal supplement, derived from the extracts of 10 different herbs, which effectively activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vitro in several cell lines. When activated, AMPK is instrumental in inhibiting anabolic pathways that consume ATP, such as lipogenesis and protein synthesis, and enhances catabolic pathways that generate ATP, such as fatty acid oxidation. The effects of Zyflamend on adipogenesis remain largely unknown.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Zyflamend treatment on adipogenesis and glucose homeostasis.

Results: We report decreased adipogenesis of mouse and human adipocytes in vitro. Moreover, mice treated with Zyflamend exhibited improved glycemic control and enhanced insulin signaling in the muscle and adipose tissue compared with control mice. Further, Zyflamend treatment attenuated chronic high-fat diet–induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in adipose and muscle tissues.

Conclusions: Together, these studies identify Zyflamend as a potential treatment for obesity and metabolic syndrome, and warrant additional investigation into the mechanism(s) of Zyflamend's metabolic actions.

 

Clinical Indicators of Sarcopenia in Normal-Weight Obesity (P23-106)

Nadeeja N Wijayatunga, Kelcey Mumbower, Matt Short, Kim Youngdeok, and Emily J Dhurandhar

Texas Tech University

Objective: Normal-weight obesity (NWO) is a relatively new diagnosis, and is defined as normal body mass index (BMI) with increased body fat percentage (body fat%). Even though these individuals are apparently healthy, they are at a higher risk of negative health outcomes. According to past studies, physical inactivity is related to NWO, which may contribute to muscle loss and decreased muscle function. Sarcopenia is generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. We hypothesized that individuals with NWO have increased risk of sarcopenia.

Methods: We conducted an exploratory, cross-sectional study of 20 adults (mean ± SD age: 32.2 ± 10.4 y) with a normal BMI of between 18.5 and 23 kg/m² for Asians and between 18.5 and 25 kg/m² for Caucasians. Height, weight, waist, hip, arm, and calf circumferences were measured. Body fat and muscle mass were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. We categorized as NWO if total body fat% was > 23.1% and 33.3% for males and females, respectively. Grip strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer (Lafayette) and the maximum value out of 6 readings from both hands was considered as the maximal grip strength. Anthropometric measurements were compared between normal-weight lean (NWL) and NWO using a general linear model.

Results: After controlling for age, sex, and ethnicity, the total body fat mass was significantly higher (P = 0.016) in NWO (mean ± SE: 18.80 ± 1.20 kg, n = 8) than NWL (14.80 ± 1.20 kg, n = 12). The lean mass was higher in NWL (47.95 ± 1.7 kg) than NWO (43.29 ± 1.75 kg, P = 0.056). Maximal grip strength was also higher in NWL (41.04 ± 1.86 kg) than NWO (36.29 ± 1.94 kg, P = 0.077). We did not observe any significant differences in other anthropometric measurements between the 2 groups when controlled for age, sex, and ethnicity.

Conclusion: NWO may be associated with sarcopenia, since lean muscle mass and maximal grip strength were lower in NWO in our preliminary analysis. A future larger study to confirm this is warranted.

Funding Sources

Texas Tech University.

 

Snack Consumption and Percentage of Body Fat in Chinese Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study (P23-107)

Renying Xu,¹ Yiquan Zhou,¹ Yun Li,² Xiaomin Zhang,¹ Zhiqi Chen,¹ Yanping Wan,¹ and Xiang Gao³

¹Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; ²North China University of Science and Technology, Tang Shan, China; and ³The Pennsylvania State University

Objective: Only a few studies have examined the relation between snack consumption and change in percentage of body fat in children. We thus conducted a longitudinal study to investigate whether greater snack consumption was associated with a faster increase in percentage of body fat in Chinese children.

Methods: The study included 2368 children (1126 girls and 1242 boys, aged 6–14 y). Percentage of body fat was repeatedly assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in 2014 (baseline), 2015, and 2016. Snack consumption in 2014 was estimated by self-reported cost associated with purchasing snacks, and was classified into lower, middle, and higher groups. Association between snack consumption and repeated percentage of body fat was analyzed with linear mixed models, adjusting for demographic factors, diet, physical activity, parenteral body mass index (BMI), and education.

Results: Greater snack consumption was significantly associated with a faster increase in percentage of body fat over time (P-trend = 0.04). The adjusted difference in the annual rate of increase in percentage of body fat between the higher and lower snack consumption groups was 0.31 points (95% CI: 0.04, 0.58), after adjusting for potential confounders. The impact of snack consumption on change in percentage of body fat was more pronounced in boys, younger participants, and those with a higher BMI z score at the baseline, relative to their counterparts (p interaction

Conclusions: Greater snack consumption was associated with greater gain of body fat in Chinese school-aged children.

Funding Sources

The study was supported by the Project HOPE (a US-based health education charity organization) AFINS (the Abbot Fund Institute of Nutrition Science) Program (AFINS-HOPE-2013-06), and by grants from the Pu Dong Medical Bureau (PW2016D-05).

 

Effects of a Common Variant of the µ-Opioid Receptor on Binge-Like Feeding, Body Weight Gain, and Lipid Preference in Male Mice (P23-108)

Bryn Yeomans, Gina Giunta, Aditi Badrinath, and Nicholas Bello

Rutgers University, NJ

Objectives: A common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the µ-opioid receptor gene (Oprm1 A118G) results in a functional amino acid substitution (N40D) at a putative N-glycosylation site. The A118G variant is estimated to have a global allele frequency of 10%, is as high as 60% in individuals of Asian descent, and incurs a predisposition to alcohol and drug abuse, as well as altered nociception and analgesia efficacy. In addition, the GG variant has been associated with binge eating disorder (BED) in an obese population. The primary objective of our study was to determine whether the A118G polymorphism influences binge-like eating in mice.

Methods: Transgenic mice with an equivalent substitution in Exon 1 (A112G) were exposed to an established rodent model of dietary-induced binge eating. Homozygous AA/GG male mice, 6 wk old, were randomized to 1 of 4 feeding schedules, comprising Restrict-Binge, Binge, Restrict, and Naive groups (n = 8/group). They were provided with intermittent access (30 min) to a highly palatable “binge” food (vegetable shortening plus 10% sucrose) twice weekly, with or without food restriction (24 h prior) for 12 binges. Following 12 binges, male AA/GG mice underwent 2-bottle preference testing using an intralipid emulsion (2.5%, 5%, 10%).

Results: For the 30-min feeding access, there was a significant genotype × group effect [F(3, 51) = 3.1, P < 0.05]. For lipid preference, there was a significant concentration effect and group effect [F(3, 32) = 2.8, P = 0.05]. Planned comparisons revealed lower fat preference in the Restrict (P < 0.01) and Restrict-Binge (P < 0.05) groups compared with Naive males.

Conclusion: Our emerging results indicate that the A118G mouse equivalent polymorphism influences binge eating–related outcomes. In addition, 2-bottle preference scores in male mice suggest that a dietary history of intermittent restriction reduces lipid preference.

Funding Sources

USDA-NIFA NJ06180.

 

C-Reactive Protein as Predictor of Cardiometabolic Risk in an Overweight or Obese Population (P23-109)

Liliana Zago,¹ Natalia Presner,² Marcela Pandolfo,² Hernán Dupraz,¹ Adriana Weisstaub,¹ Ana Lía Felipoff,¹ Clara Perdomo,¹ and Carlos González Infantino²

¹Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica and ²Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Objectives: The aim of this study was to select risk factors of development of obesity-associated complications, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke, death), that occurred over a period of 3 y in an overweight or obese adult population that had been evaluated by metabolic and nutritional biochemical markers.

Methods: In the framework of a research project on the relation between nutritional deficiencies and obesity, 175 overweight or obese adults of both genders (mean ± SD age: 52.3 ± 13.8 y) were studied. We evaluated, among a wide set of variables, parameters of metabolic syndrome (MS), as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and the IDF, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). These patients then entered a weight loss program characterized by healthy eating and exercise guidelines for 6 mo. After 3 y, 109 of the patients were contacted again by telephone and major events they suffered during that period were recorded.

Results: Major events were recorded in 13 patients: 9 developed diabetes and 4 had cardiovascular events, 2 of whom died. The profiles of patients who suffered events were compared with those who did not. Of all the parameters performed (shown or not shown), the one that best discriminated between the 2 groups was hs-CRP. The MS did not predict the risk (46% vs. 44% according to ATP III and 46% vs. 42% according to IDF). The groups presented significant differences in fasting glucose (103.8 ± 13.2 vs. 97.0 ± 11.1; P = 0.0476, t test) and HbA1c (5.68 ± 0.47 vs. 5.36 ± 0.47; P = 0.0279, t test), but not as much as in CRP (9.29 ± 10.64 vs. 4.38 ± 4.24; P = 0.0064, Mann-Whitney U test). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CRP was 0.734. Analyzing the cut-off points, it was found that a CRP concentration ≥5 mg/L significantly predicted the appearance of events (P = 0.0095, RR: 4.378, Fisher's exact test), with a sensitivity of 69.2% and a specificity of 70.8%. Events developed in 24.3% of those with CRP ≥5 mg/L and in only 5.5% of CRP <5 mg/L.

Conclusions: In this study, hs-CRP, a marker of inflammation, was the one most closely associated with the development of cardiometabolic events, such as diabetes and cardiovascular events, so its inclusion as a prognostic marker is recommended. hs-CRP values ≥5 mg/L presented the best relation between sensitivity and specificity.

Funding Sources

Supported by University of Buenos Aires UBACyT 20720130100006BA.

 

Influence of Body Mass Index on the Levels of Serum Osteocalcin and the C-Telopeptide of Collagen in Overweight or Obese Women (P23-110)

Liliana Zago,¹ Adriana Weisstaub,¹ Ana Lía Felipoff,¹ Hernán Dupraz,¹ Natalia Presner,² Susana Zeni,² and Carlos González Infantino²

¹Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica and ²Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Objectives: Obesity and osteoporosis are 2 of the most relevant chronic diseases in women, and their relation has been controversial. In order to study the influence of obesity on the state of bone, a bone formation and a bone resorption marker were analyzed in 109 adult women, overweight (OW, n = 37) or obese I (OI, n = 37), II (OII, n = 18), or III (OIII, n = 17).

Methods: Serum levels of osteocalcin (OC; Human OC ELISA Kit, MyBioSource) and C-telopeptide of collagen (CTX; Human CTX ELISA Kit, MyBioSource) were determined as markers of bone formation and bone resorption, respectively. The group was divided into categories according to age and menopausal status: premenopausal (≤45 y; n = 34), perimenopausal (46–54 y; n = 20), postmenopausal (55–65 y; n = 38), and late postmenopausal (>65 y; n = 17).

Results: The results (means ± SDs) obtained in the 4 menopausal groups, respectively, were as follows: OC: 29.7 ± 13.5, 25.4 ± 13.8, 32.4 ± 16.2, and 28.5 ± 12.9 ng/mL; CTX: 463.1 ± 60.3, 491.9 ± 48.7, 460.2 ± 103.9, and 483.9 ± 36.2 ng/mL. No significant differences were observed between the menopausal groups for the analyzed parameters.

Given that no significant differences were found between the menopausal groups, the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the total group was analyzed. OC levels in OW, OI, OII, and OIII were 34.3 ± 12.0, 27.8 ± 15.8, 28.6 ± 12.4, and 24.7 ± 17.0 ng/mL. CTX levels were 449.8 ± 111.6, 475.3 ± 53.1, 499.9 ± 27.3, and 483.4 ± 57.7 ng/mL. There is a general tendency toward a decrease in OC and an increase in CTX with increasing BMI. Significant differences between overweight and obesity (all degrees) were found in OC concentrations (34.3 ± 12.0 vs. 27.3 ± 15.2 ng/mL; P = 0.0157), and a strong trend was found in CTX concentrations (449.8 ± 111.6 vs. 483.0 ± 49.32 ng/mL; P = 0.0799).

Conclusions: It can be concluded that in this study, regardless of the menopausal status, obesity was associated with a worsening of the state of the bone, decreasing the formation and increasing its resorption.

Funding Sources

Supported by University of Buenos Aires UBACyT 20720130100006BA.

 

Wheat Bran By-Product or Prowashonupana Barley Altered Intestinal Fat Deposition, Healthspan, and Gut Microbiota in Caenorhabditis elegans (P23-111)

Jolene Zheng,¹ Chenfei Gao,² Anne Raggio,¹ Frederick Enright,¹ John Finley,¹ Roy Martin,¹ Marlene Janes,¹ Michael Keenan,¹ and Frank L Greenway¹

¹Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University; and ²Louisiana State University

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Prowashonupana barley (PWB) high in β-glucan and moderately resistant starch on the gut microbiota and intestinal fat deposition (IFD) in Caenorhabditis elegans versus wheat bran (WB).

Methods: Wild-type C. elegans (N2), null strains of sir-2.1(ok434)IV (sir-2.1), daf-16(mgDf50)I (daf-16), and double null mutants daf-16(mgDf50)I; daf-2(m65)III (daf-16/daf-2) were fed Escherichia coli OP50 alone or with WB (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 3%); WB plus glucose (2%); PWB (0.5%, 1. 0%, or 3.0%); PWB plus glucose (2%); or OP50 + PWB (1%). After 1 wk, total genomic DNA (colony-forming units/ml) was extracted. Bacterial DNA was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: WB reduced IFD dose-dependently in N2 but not in sir-2.1, and increased pharyngeal pumping rate (PPR), a measure of health span, in N2, daf-16, daf-16/daf-2,and sir-2.1. ckr-1 mRNA was decreased in N2 and sir-2.1, but increased in daf-16 and daf-16/daf-2. The ckr-1 mRNA was decreased in all strains by hyperglycemia.

PWB reduced IFD in N2, sir-2.1, and daf-16, and sustained PPR in N2, sir-2.1, and daf-16/daf-2. Hyperglycemia limited the reduction in IFD in N2 and daf-16/daf-2 with a sustained PPR. mRNA of cpt-1, cpt-2, ckr-1, and gcy-8 were dose-dependently reduced in N2 or daf-16, elevated in daf-16/daf-2 except for a reduction in cpt-1, and unchanged in sir-2.1. mRNA expression of the 4 genes increased with hyperglycemia in N2 and daf-16/daf-2, but decreased in sir-2.1 and daf-16.

Lactobacillus spp. were 7.16 × 10⁸-fold higher than the Bacteroides-Prevotella group, 2.86 × 10⁸ fold greater than Bifidobacterium, and 6.4 × 10³ fold greater than Clostridium clusters XIVa and XIVb. PWB increased Clostridium clusters XIVa and XIVb (633%, P = 0.0353), Bacteroides-Prevotella group (472%, P = 0.007), and Bifidobacterium (250%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: 1) The ability of WB to reduce IFD was inversely related to the daf-16 and/or daf-2 pathways, was sir-2.1 pathway dependent, and independent of PPR. 2) PWB benefits hyperglycemia-impaired lipid metabolism and was mediated by sir-2.1, daf-16, and daf-16/daf-2. 3) PWB increased total anaerobic bacteria of intestinal origin, and showed for the first time that C. elegans intestinal bacteria ferment carbohydrates.

Funding Sources

The NIH Caenorhabditis Genetics Center (University of Minnesota, MN) (NCRR) provided the nematode strains. Other funding was from Con Agra and the Louisiana Board of Regents Grant number LEQSF(2012–13)-RD-B-09.

 

Evaluation of 4- and 8-Electrode Bioimpedance Analysis Research Grade Systems that Differ in Cost and Potential Applications (P23-112)

Jolene Zheng and Brianna Bourgeois

Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University

Objective: Accurate measures of body composition are often expensive to acquire and may require ionizing radiation. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) devices offer a safe, inexpensive, and rapid method for predicting body composition. Standing BIA devices for application in research settings range from large 8-electrode devices to heavy-duty mobile 4-electrode systems. The current study aims to compare the accuracy of 2 different BIA systems (Tanita Corp, Tokyo, Japan): the upright MC-980Uplus, which is a stationary 8-electrode system that operates with 6 frequencies; and the DC-430U, which is a potentially portable 4-electrode BIA system that operates with 2 frequencies.

Method: A sample of 77 subjects (41 female) completed measures of height, weight, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Hologic Discovery A) weight and percentage fat (%fat), and BIA system weight and %fat. Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 76 y, and in body mass index from 16.5 to 40.8 kg/m². Linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses were used to determine correlations and biases of the BIA systems in reference to DXA.

Results: Both the DC-430U and the MC-980Uplus weight measurements were highly correlated with DXA total body mass (r = 0.99, p2 for the DC-430U correlation with DXA was lower but still good (r = 0.89, P < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analyses revealed nonsignificant slopes for both BIA devices, with small biases of 4.4% and 3.8% lower for the DC-430U and MC-980Uplus, respectively.

Conclusion: The small, portable, heavy-duty DC-430U BIA system offers a potentially research-grade body composition device that can be used in settings with limited resources and in studies that do not require extensive regional measurements as provided by DXA and the 8-electrode MC-980Uplus systems.

Funding Sources

This work was partially supported by 2 National Institutes of Health NORC Center Grants, P30DK072476 (Pennington, LA) and P30DK040561 (Harvard), and R01DK109008, Shape UP! Adults.