Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation levels determined adipogenesis and fat accumulation in adipose tissue in pigs

Background Excessive backfat deposition lowering carcass grade is a major concern in the pig industry,especially in most breeds of obese type pigs.The mechanisms involved in adipogenesis and fat accumulation in pigs remain unclear.Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation(Khib),is a novel protein post-translational modification(PTM),which play an important role in transcription,energy metabolism and metastasis of cancer cells,but its role in adipogenesis and fat accumulation has not been shown.Results In this study,we first analyzed the modification levels of acetylation(Kac),Khib,crotonylation(Kcr)and succinylation(Ksu)of fibro-adipogenic progenitors(FAPs),myogenic precursors(Myo)and mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)with varied differentiation potential,and found that only Khib modification in FAPs was significantly higher than that in MSCs.Consistently,in parallel with its regulatory enzymes lysine acetyltransferase 5(KAT5)and histone deacetylase 2(HDAC2)protein levels,the Khib levels increased quadratically(P<0.01)during adipogenic differentiation of FAPs.KAT5 knockdown in FAPs inhibited adipogenic differentiation,while HDAC2 knockdown enhanced adipogenic differentiation.We also demonstrated that Khib modification favored to adipogenic differentiation and fat accumulation by comparing Khib levels in FAPs and backfat tissues both derived from obese-type pigs(Laiwu pigs)and lean-type pigs(Duroc pigs),respectively.Accordingly,the expression patterns of KAT5 and HDAC2 matched well to the degree of backfat accumulation in obese-and lean-type pigs.Conclusions From the perspective of protein translational modification,we are the first to reveal the role of Khib in adipogenesis and fat deposition in pigs,and provided new clues for the improvement of fat accumulation and distribution as expected via genetic selection and nutritional strategy in obese-type pigs.

Abdominal Fat Accumulation with Hyperuricemia and Hypercholesterolemia Quail Model Induced by High Fat Diet

Objective To establish abdominal fat accumulation with hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia quail model fed with high fat diet. And then to investigate the pathological characteristics of this quail model. Methods Thirty Longcheng quails were randomly divided into two groups： control group and model group （n=15）. The control group quails were fed with normal diet and model group quails were fed with high fat diet for 14 days. After a 12-hour overnight fast, liver and abdominal fat at euthanasia as well as serum were collected. The levels of serum uric acid, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）, triglyceride, free fatty acid （FFA）, and blood glucose were assayed. The activity changes of adenosine deaminase （ADA）, xanthine oxidase （XOD）, lipoprotein lipase （LPL）, hepatic lipase （HL）, and fatty acid synthetase （FAS） were analyzed. Results Compared with control group, the abdominal fat content （0.74±0.63 vs. 1.36±0.65 g, P〈0.05） and abdominal fat index （0.44%±0.30% vs. 0.85%±0.30%, P〈0.01） as well as live lipid index （3.61%±0.65% vs. 11.33%±2.14%, P〈0.01） in model group significantly increased; the levels of serum uric acid （210.61±94,76 vs. 304.25±141.94 /amol/L, P〈0.05）, total cholesterol （4.20±0.51 vs. 20.10±11.25 mmol/L, P〈0.01）, LDL-C （1.16±0.29 vs. 10.78±6.48 mmol/L, P〈0.01）, and FFA （0.39±0.14 vs. 0.55±0.15 mmol/L, P〈0.01） in model group significantly increased; HDL-C （5.85±0.95 vs. 4.14±2.03 mmol/L, P〈0.05） significantly decreased; the levels of triglyceride and blood glucose had no significant changes （P〉0.05）; the activities of ADA （9.71±3.05 vs. 17.19±5.10 U/ml, P〈0.01） and XOD （10.58±6,88 vs. 19.22＋9.44 U/L, P〈0.01） in model group significantly increased; and FAS, LPL, HL had no significant changes （P〉0.05）. Conclusions High fat diet can induce abdominal fat accumulation with hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia quail model. The changes of uric acid and lipid metabolic enzyme activities may he the pathological mechanism of abdominal fat accumulation with hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia.

Surplus dietary isoleucine intake enhanced monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis and fat accumulation in skeletal muscle of finishing pigs

Background: Isoleucine(Ile) has been implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis and adipogenesis.However,the impact of surplus dietary Ile intake on muscle lipogenesis remains unknown.The present study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation of extra-Ile on lipogenesis,fatty acid profile and lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle in finishing pigs.Methods: Forty-eight barrows with initial body weight of 77.0 ± 0.1 kg were allotted to one of two groups and fed diets containing 0.39%,0.53% standardized ileal digestible(SID) Ile with six replicates per treatment and four pigs per replicate for 30 d.Results: Dietary Ile intake significantly improved the intramuscular fat(IMF) content and monounsaturated fatty acid(MUFA) concentration in the skeletal muscle(P < 0.05),and decreased the drip loss and shear force(P < 0.05) without influencing the growth performance of pigs(P > 0.05).Moreover,the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α(AMPKα) and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase(ACC) proteins that monitor lipid metabolism were decreased in skeletal muscle of pigs offered extra-Ile diet(P < 0.05).The mRNA expression of adipose-specific genes adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1(ADD1),fatty acid synthase(FAS),and stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCD) were upregulated and the activity of SCD was increased as well(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Surplus dietary Ile intake could increase IMF accumulation and MUFA synthesis in skeletal muscle through depressing the phosphorylation of AMPKα-ACC and stimulating the expression and activity of SCD,and increasing the capability of lipogenesis in skeletal muscle.

Dietary Supplementation with Sea Cucumber Saponins and Exercise Can Significantly Suppress Adipose Accumulation in Mice Fed with High-Fat Diet

Dietary supplementation with sea cucumber saponins(SCS)and exercise have been confirmed to be effective in pre-venting the development of obesity and its related diseases.However,the combined effectiveness of these interventions has not been explored.Here,we studied whether the beneficial influences of exercise could be further enhanced by dietary supplementation with SCS in high-fat diet-fed KM(Kunming)mice.Mice were randomly divided into four groups,including the high-fat diet group(HF),the SCS group(HF-S),the exercise group(HF-E),and the combination of dietary SCS and exercise group(HF-S+E).There were eight mice in every group.The results demonstrated that the combination of dietary SCS and exercise could synergistically reduce fat accumulation.In particular,white adipose tissue decreased by 63%in the HF-S+E group compared with that in the HF group.SCS supplementation with exercise also improved peripheral markers,such as serum parameters and hepatic TG levels.Further mechani-cal testing indicated that the combined effects of dietary SCS and exercise on inhibiting fat accumulation might be attributed to the inhibition of lipid synthesis in the liver and the activation of lipolysis in white adipose tissue to increase energy consumption.

Reliability Analysis Based on a Nonlinear Fatigue Damage Accumulation Model

A modified nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model based on the Manson-Halford theory was presented,and the new model was developed for fatigue life prediction under constant and variable amplitude loading, which took the effects of the load interactions and the phenomenon of material's strength degradation into account. The experimental data of the 30 Cr Mn Si A and the LY-12 cz from literature were used to verify the proposed model. And from the good agreement between the experimental data and predicted results,we can see it clear that the proposed method can be applied to predicting fatigue life under different loadings.

Risk factors for small bowel angioectasia:The impact of visceral fat accumulation

AIM: To investigate visceral fat accumulation in association with the risk of small bowel angioectasia.METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 198 consecutive patients who underwent both capsule endoscopy and CT for investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) from January 2009 to September 2013. The visceral fat area(VFA) and subcutaneous fat area were measured by CT, and information on comorbidities, body mass index, and medications was obtained from their medical records.Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate associations.RESULTS: Capsule endoscopy revealed small bowel angioectasia in 18/198(9.1%) patients with OGIB.Compared to patients without small bowel angioectasia,those with small bowel angioectasia had a significantly higher VFA(96 ± 76.0 cm2 vs 63.4 ±51.5 cm2, P = 0.016) and a higher prevalence of liver cirrhosis(61% vs 22%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with chronic renal failure was higher in patients with small bowel angioectasia(22% vs 9%,P = 0.11). There were no significant differences in subcutaneous fat area or waist circumference. The prevalence of small bowel angioectasia progressively increased according to the VFA. Multivariate analysis showed that the VFA [odd ratio(OR) for each 10-cm2 increment = 1.1; [95% confidence interval(CI):1.02-1.19; P = 0.021] and liver cirrhosis(OR = 6.1,95%CI: 2.2-18.5; P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for small bowel angioectasia.CONCLUSION: VFA is positively associated with theprevalence of small bowel angioectasia, for which VFA and liver cirrhosis are independent risk factors in patients with OGIB.

Factors associated with visceral fat accumulation in the general population in Okinawa, Japan

AIM:To investigate the clinical and biochemical factors associated with visceral fat accumulation in the general population.METHODS:We enrolled 1004 subjects who underwent a medical health checkup between April 2008 and March 2009.The medical health checkup included the following tests:Height,body weight,waist circumference(WC),systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,urinalysis,blood-cell counts,blood chemistry,electrocardiography,chest radiography,and abdominal computed tomography(CT)for visceral fat accumulation.The patients’medical history and lifestyle factors were collected privately by nurses using a selfadministered questionnaire,and they included questions regarding physical activity,sleep duration,dietary habits,smoking,and alcohol consumption.visceral fat area(VFA)was defined as the sum of the intraperitoneal fat area at the level of the umbilicus with CT density in the range of-150 to-50 Hounsfield units.RESULTS:The mean age and body mass index(BMI)of the study subjects were 57.0 years and 24.4 kg/m2.In both male and females,v FA was significantly andpositively correlated with WC(r=0.532,P<0.01;r=0.612,P<0.01).Subjects with high levels of v FA were primarily male with significantly higher age,height,body weight,BMI,systolic blood pressure(BP),diastolic BP,and hemoglobin in all subjects(P<0.05).A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that vF A had a positive relationship with age≥56,BMI≥25 kg/m2,and triglyceride level≥149 in males(P<0.05),whereas it had a positive relationship with age≥58,BMI≥24.4 kg/m2,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level<40 mg/d L,and current drinking in females(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:These results suggest that gender differences exist in the clinical and biochemical parameters associated with visceral fat accumulation.

Liver fat accumulation measured by high-speed T2-corrected multiecho magnetic resonance spectroscopy can predict risk of cholelithiasis

BACKGROUND Liver fat accumulation is associated with increased cholesterol synthesis and hypersecretion of biliary cholesterol,which may be related to the development of cholelithiasis.AIM To investigate whether liver fat accumulation measured by high-speed T2-corrected multi-echo magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)is a risk factor for cholelithiasis.METHODS Forty patients with cholelithiasis and thirty-one healthy controls were retrospectively enrolled.The participants underwent high-speed T2-corrected multi-echo single-voxel MRS of the liver at a 3T MR scanner.The proton density fat fraction(PDFF)and R2 value were calculated.Serum parameters and waist circumference(WC)were recorded.Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between PDFF,R2,and WC values.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the significant predictors of the risk of cholelithiasis.Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)analysis was used to evaluate the discriminative performance of significant predictors.RESULTS Patients with cholelithiasis had higher PDFF,R2,and WC values compared with healthy controls(5.8%±4.2%vs 3.3%±2.4%,P=0.001;50.4±24.8/s vs 38.3±8.8/s,P=0.034;85.3±9.0 cm vs 81.0±6.9 cm,P=0.030;respectively).Liver iron concentration extrapolated from R2 values was significantly higher in the cholelithiasis group(2.21±2.17 mg/g dry tissue vs 1.22±0.49 mg/g dry tissue,P=0.034)than in the healthy group.PDFF was positively correlated with WC(r=0.502,P<0.001)and R2(r=0.425,P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only PDFF was an independent risk factor for cholelithiasis(odds ratio=1.79,95%CI:1.22-2.62,P=0.003).ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve of PDFF was 0.723 for discriminating cholelithiasis from healthy controls,with a sensitivity of 55.0%and specificity of 83.9%when the cut-off value of PDFF was 4.4%.CONCLUSION PDFF derived from high speed T2-corrected multi-echo MRS can predict the risk of cholelithiasis.

Fatigue Damage Accumulation of Steel/rubber Composite

The fatigue damage accumulation of [±20°] laminated steel cord reinforced rubber composite under T-T loading was studied. Results indicate that the increase in the cyclic maximum strain exhibits three-stage tendency in the process of fatigue. The macroscopic fatigue damage initiates from the ends of steel cords in the form of cylindrical crack. Damage propagates along with the increase in crack numbers, the cord/matrix interface debonding and the growth of interply cracks. By using the dynamic creep as parameter, a linear fatigue damage accumulation model was established. This model can be used under dual loading conditions to estimate the residual fatigue life of the specimen.

Oil and fatty acid accumulation during coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) fruit ripening under organic cultivation

To evaluate the accumulation of oil and fatty acids in coriander during fruit ripening, a field experiment was conducted under organic cultivation conditions in Auch(near Toulouse,southwestern France) during the 2009 cropping season. The percentage and composition of the fatty acids of coriander were determined by gas chromatography. Our results showed that rapid oil accumulation started in early stages(two days after flowering, DAF). Twelve fatty acids were identified. Saturated and polyunsaturated acids were the dominant fatty acids at earlier stages(2–12 DAF), but decreased after this date. After this stage,petroselinic acid increased to its highest amount at 18 DAF. In contrast, palmitic acid followed the opposite trend. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased markedly and monounsaturated fatty acids increased during fruit maturation. It appears that the fruit of coriander may be harvested before full maturity.

Fatty Acid Accumulation in Seeds of Three Seed Pumpkin Cultivars

In the literature there are many reports on the composition and properties of pumpkin seed oil; however, few is known about the effect of different stages of seed development on various fatty acid profiles in developing seeds. The objective of this study was to provide the changes of various fatty acid accumulations in seed oil obtained from the seeds of three pumpkin varieties belonging to the species Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo. Unsaturated acids(oleic and linoleic) were dominant in various fatty acids, which constituted 38.9%-49.1% and 29.4%-42.7% of the total fatty acids at seed maturity for three pumpkin varieties, respectively, while other fatty acid concentrations except for palmitic acid all did not reach 10%. Different varieties exhibited greater effect on various fatty acid contents and the total fatty acid contents in the seeds of pumpkin rather than the species. On the whole, palmitic acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties all followed the fluctuant decrease during all the stages of seed development, but palmitoleic acid and the total fatty acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties were just the opposite. Stearic, oleic and linoleic acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties all experienced the third pattern that fluctuated during all the stages of seed development, but no significant differences in these three fatty acid concentrations were found from the beginning to the end. Linolenic acid concentrations of three varieties were on the decline and ultimately close to zero. Myristic and arachidic acid profiles of the seed oil followed different trends in three varieties. Among them, myristic and arachidic acid profiles of the seed oil of Yinhui-1 fluctuated downward all the time until seed maturity, but those of 0238-1 and Jinhui-2 completely changed oppositely.

Iron deposition and fat accumulation in dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rat

AIM： To investigate if iron deposition and fat accumulation in the liver play a pathogenetic role in dimethylnitrosamine （DMN）-induced liver fibrosis in rat.METHODS： Thirty rats were treated with DMN at does consecutive days of 10 μL/kg daily, i.p., for 3 consecutive day each week for 4 wk. Rats （n = 30） were sacrificed on the first day （model group A） and 21st d （model group B） after cessation of DMN injection. The control group （n = 10） received an equivalent amount of saline. Liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin ＆ eosin （HE） and Masson and Prussian blue assay and oberserved under electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT）and liver tissue hydroxyproline （Hyp） content were tested.RESULTS： The liver fibrosis did not automaticallyreverse, which was similar to previous reports, the perilobular deposition of iron accompanied with collagen showed marked characteristics at both the first and 21st d after cessation of DMN injection. However, fat accumulation in hepatocytes occurred only at the 21^st d after cessation of DMN injection.CONCLUSION： Iron deposition and fat accumulation may play important roles in pathological changes in DMN-induced rat liver fibrosis. The detailed mechanisms of these characteristics need further research.

Effect of Homogenization Temperature and Pressure on Lipoprotein Lipase Activity and Free Fatty Acids Accumulation in Milk

This study demonstrated that homogenization did not increase the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in spite of a fast accumulation of free fatty acids (FFA). Two homogenization pressures (100 and 170 bar) and two temperatures (40℃and 50℃) were examined. The activity of LPL was analyzed and the formation of FFA was measured with two different methods, the B.D.I.-method and a nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) method. A homogenization temperature of 50℃ resulted in a decreased LPL activity compared to 40℃. No effect of homogenization pressure was found. Analyzing FFA concentration with the B.D.I.-method resulted in significant effect of homogenization temperature and no effect of pressure. The largest formation of FFA was found in milk homogenized at 40℃. Using the NEFA method, another result was obtained, indicating no effect of homogenization temperature and a larger FFA accumulation at 100 bar than at 170 bar. Both analytic methods demonstrated significant production of FFA during 60 min incubation at homogenization temperature after treatment. The level of FFA in the milk samples immediately after homogenization was very high, demonstrating that LPL cleaves the triglycerides very rapidly when the native membrane was damaged. The regression between the B.D.I.-method and the NEFA was fair in the interval between 4 and 14 mmol/100 g fat, whereas at higher concentrations, the correlation was poor.

Effects of palm fat powder and coated folic acid on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility and hepatic fat accumulation of Holstein dairy bulls

This study evaluated the effects of palm fat powder(PFP) and coated folic acid(CFA) on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, microbial enzyme activity, microflora, hepatic lipid content and gene expression in dairy bulls. Forty-eight Chinese Holstein bulls((362±12.4) days of age and(483±27.1) kg of body weight(BW)) were assigned to four groups in a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangements. Supplemental PFP(0 or 30 g PFP kg-1 dietary dry matter(DM)) and CFA(0 or 120 mg FA d-1 as CFA) were mixed into the top one-third of a total mixed ration. The study included a 20-day adaptation period and followed by a 90-day collection period. The lower(P<0.01) feed conversion ratio with PFP or CFA addition resulted from the constant DM intake and the higher(P<0.05) average daily gain. The higher(P<0.05) ruminal p H, ether extract digestibility, microbial α-amylase activity, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens copy, and expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1(CPT1), and lower ruminal total volatile fatty acids(VFA) concentration, acetate to propionate ratio, neutral detergent fibre(NDF) digestibility, copies of total protozoa and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1(SREBP1) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase α(ACACA) were observed for PFP addition. Supplementation with CFA increased(P<0.05) ruminal total VFA concentration, acetate to propionate ratio, digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein and NDF, activity of cellobiase, pectinase and α-amylase, copies of selected microbial except for total protozoa, as well as expression of PPARα, but decreased(P<0.05) ruminal p H, and expression of SREBP1 and ACACA. The PFP×CFA interaction(P<0.05) was observed for ammonia N, hepatic TG content, and m RNA expression of CPT1 and FAS. There had no significant difference in hepatic TG content when CFA was supplemented in the diet without PFP addition, the lower(P=0.001) hepatic TG content was observed when CFA was supplemented in the diet with PFP addition. The higher(P<0.05) m RNA expression of CPT1, and the lower(P<0.05) m RNA expression of FAS and ammonia N concentration were observed when CFA was supplemented in diet either without or with PFP addition. The results indicated that supplementation of CFA in PFP diet was more effective on increasing hepatic CPT1 expression, and decreasing ammonia N, hepatic TG content and FAS expression than in diet without PFP. Supplementation with PFP or CFA improved growth performance of dairy bulls by promoting nutrient utilization, microbial enzyme activity, microflora, and hepatic gene expression.

Polysaccharide-rich extract of Potentilla anserina ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in free fatty acid-induced HepG2 cells and high-fat/sugar diet-fed mice

Potentilla anserina L.(PA)belongs to the Rosaceae family,is a common edible plant in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau areas of China.This study elucidates the mechanism upon which crude polysaccharide of PA(PAP)on fat accumulation in HepG2 cells stimulated by oleic acid(OA)and high fat high sugar induced mice.The result revealed that PAP inhibited lipid accumulation in obese mice and ameliorated the degree of damage in OA-induced HepG2 cells.Specifically,compared to the control group,the TG and TC levels were decreased in cells and mice serum,the aspartate transaminase and alamine aminotransferase contents were declined in liver of obese mice by PAP treatment.The expressions of adipogenic genes of SREBP-1c,C/EBPα,PPARγ,and FAS were inhibited after PAP treatment.Moreover,PAP increased the mRNA levels of CPT-1 and PPARα,which were involved in fatty acid oxidation.The present results indicated the PAP could alleviate the damage of liver associated with obesity and PAP treatment might provide a dietary therapeutic option for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Dietary calcium supplementation promotes the accumulation of intramuscular fat

Background:In the livestock industry,intramuscular fat content is a key factor affecting meat quality.Many studies have shown that dietary calcium supplementation is closely related to lipid metabolism.However,few studies have examined the relationship between dietary calcium supplementation and intramuscular fat accumulation.Methods:Here,we used C2C12 cells,C57BL/6 mice(n=8)and three-way cross-breeding pigs(Duroc×Landrace×Large white)(n=10)to study the effect of calcium addition on intramuscular fat accumulation.In vitro,we used calcium chloride to adjust the calcium levels in the medium(2 mmol/L or 3 mmol/L).Then we measured various indicators.In vivo,calcium carbonate was used to regulate calcium levels in feeds(Mice:0.5%calcium or 1.2%calcium)(Pigs:0.9%calcium or 1.5%calcium).Then we tested the mice gastrocnemius muscle triglyceride content,pig longissimus dorsi muscle meat quality and lipidomics.Results:In vitro,calcium addition(3 mmol/L)had no significant effect on cell proliferation,but promoted the differentiation of C2C12 cells into slow-twitch fibers.Calcium supplementation increased triglyceride accumulation in C2C12 cells.Calcium addition increased the number of mitochondria and also increased the calcium level in the mitochondria and reduced the of key enzymes activity involved inβ-oxidation such as acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase.Decreasing mitochondrial calcium level can alleviate lipid accumulation induced by calcium addition.In addition,calcium addition also reduced the glycolytic capacity and glycolytic conversion rate of C2C12 cells.In vivo,dietary calcium supplementation(1.2%)promoted the accumulation of triglycerides in the gastrocnemius muscle of mice.Dietary calcium supplementation(1.5%)had no effect on pig weight,but significantly improved the flesh color of the longissimus dorsi muscle,reduced the backfat thickness and increased intramuscular fat content in pigs.Besides,calcium addition had no effect on longissimus dorsi pH,electrical conductivity and shear force.Conclusions:These results suggest that calcium addition promotes intramuscular fat accumulation by inhibiting the oxidation of fatty acids.These findings provide a new tool for increasing intramuscular fat content and an economical strategy for improving meat quality.

The Accumulation of Visceral Fat and Preventive Measures among the Elderly

Visceral fat is a specifi c fat that is produced in the body,transformed into cholesterol,and circulated in the blood to other parts of the body.The circulated cholesterol usually in the form of low-density lipoproteins forms plaque on the walls of the arteries,thereby constricting and blocking them and preventing the free fl ow of nutrients to various vital organs in the body.Visceral fat is deleterious to the health of elderly people because it is mostly found in the region of the abdomen that houses vital organs such as the pancreas,liver,and digestive tract,and it further affects the normal functioning of hormones in the body.Globally,15 million people die of a noncommunicable disease(NCD)annually between the age of 30 years and the age of 69 years,and there is an increase in NCD morbidity among people older than 70 years.Accumulated visceral fat in elderly people could have deleterious health consequences,as it is a predisposing factor for many other NCDs and chronic health conditions.Sedentary lifestyle,unhealthy eating,stress,and inactivity are the major causes of excessive visceral fat.However,measures to prevent the accumulation of visceral fat are straightforward,and impressive results are achieved with regular physical exercise,healthy diet choices,and proper stress management.

Monascus pilosus-fermented black soybean inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes and in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Objective:To explore the anti-obesity effects and the mechanism of action of Monascus pilosus(M.pilosus)-fermented black soybean(MFBS)extracts(MFBSE)and MFBS powders(MFBSP)in adipocytes and high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice,respectively.Methods:Black soybean was fermented with M.pilosus,and the main constituents in MFBS were analyzed by HPLC analysis.In vitro,MFBSE were examined for anti-adipogenic effects using Oil-Red O staining.In vivo,mice were fed a normal-fat diet(NFD)control,HFD control or HFD containing 1 g/kg MFBSP for 12 weeks,and then body weight gain and tissues weight measured.Real-time PCR and western blot assay were used to determine the mechanism of anti-adipogenic effects.Results:MFBSE inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without exerting cell cytotoxicity.MFBSP treatment in HFD-fed mice significantly decreased the body weight gain compared with the HFD control mice.MFBSE and MFBSP treatment resulted in significantly lower mRNA levels of adipogenesis-related genes,such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ),fatty acid-binding protein 4(FABP4),and fatty acid synthase(FAS),in adipocytes and in white adipose tissue(WAT)of HFD-induced obese mice.Conclusions:These results suggest that the anti-obesity effects of MFBS are elicited by regulating the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in adipocytes and WAT of HFDinduced obese mice.

Current perspectives on mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapeutic strategy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as a significant health challenge,characterized by its widespread prevalence,intricate natural progression and multifaceted pathogenesis.Although NAFLD initially presents as benign fat accumulation,it may progress to steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are recognized for their intrinsic self-renewal,superior biocompatibility,and minimal immunogenicity,positioning them as a therapeutic innovation for liver diseases.Therefore,this review aims to elucidate the potential roles of MSCs in alleviating the progression of NAFLD by alteration of underlying molecular pathways,including glycolipid metabolism,inflammation,oxidative stress,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and fibrosis.The insights are expected to provide further understanding of the potential of MSCs in NAFLD therapeutics,and support the development of MSC-based therapy in the treatment of NAFLD.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.