Life Sciences Commons^™

A Polymerase Chain Reaction Method For The Detection Of Selenomonas Noxia, Arthuro Mehretu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In recent studies, periodontal health has been linked to being overweight and/or obese. Among common oral bacteria, Selenomonas noxia has been implicated in converting periodontal health to disease. Selenomonas spp. have also been found in gastric ulcers, and were misdiagnosed as Helicobacter -like organisms, but no further studies were conducted. The increasing clinical and epidemiological importance of S. noxia necessitates the development of a rapid detection method. In this study, a TaqMan 16S rRNA based real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method was developed, optimized and evaluated for the rapid and specific detection of S. noxia . The 16S PCR assay …

Effect Of A Work Site Exercise Program On Selected Fitness And Psychological Parameters, Kristen Ann Christiansen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The increasing rates of obesity continue to threaten the vitality of our nation. Health care costs are soaring and chronic diseases are reaching even the youngest populations. Physical activity is an integral component in reversing the obesity epidemic and improving the health of today's workforce. The present study sought to determine the effect of a work site exercise program on select fitness and psychological parameters. Five female employees participated in a six-week exercise program utilizing HealthBeat(TM) outdoor exercise equipment in a circuit fashion for 30 minutes, 2 days per week. Eighty percent of participants were categorized as sedentary or low-active …

C-Reactive Protein And The Disease Analog Model May Identify Predisposed Pre-Obese African-American Women, James W. Navalta, Scott Lyons, Sharon E. Whitlock, Demetrice D. Kirkwood, Scott W. Arnett, Mark A. Schafer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While the obesity rate in the Unites States has been reported to have hit a plateau, the overall percentage of obese Americans remains alarmingly high (27% self-reported, 33% population estimate). While the subgroup with the highest 2010 obesity rate is Black, non-Hispanic women (41.9%), there remains a disparity in the research with regards to this population group. The implication of an elevated obese population puts a strain on health care, overall quality of life, and is associated with a number of other co-morbidities. Given this background, pilot work to evaluate a disease analog model for obesity would be useful with …

Thrombospondin1 Deficiency Reduces Obesity-Associated Inflammation And Improves Insulin Sensitivity In A Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model, Yanzhang Li, Xiaopeng Tong, Courtney Rumala, Kate Clemons, Shuxia Wang

Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Obesity is prevalent worldwide and is associated with insulin resistance. Advanced studies suggest that obesity-associated low-grade chronic inflammation contributes to the development of insulin resistance and other metabolic complications. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a multifunctional extracellular matrix protein that is up-regulated in inflamed adipose tissue. A recent study suggests a positive correlation of TSP1 with obesity, adipose inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, the direct effect of TSP1 on obesity and insulin resistance is not known. Therefore, we investigated the role of TSP1 in mediating obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance by using TSP1 knockout mice.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Male TSP1-/- mice …

Srt1720 Improves Survival And Healthspan Of Obese Mice, Robin K. Minor, Joseph A. Baur, Ana P. Gomes, Theresa M. Ward, Anna Csiszar, Evi M. Mercken, Kotb Abdelmohsen, Yu-Kyong Shin, Carles Canto, Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, Melissa Krawczyk, Pablo M. Irusta, Alejandro Martín-Montalvo, Basil P. Hubbard, Yongqing Zhang, Elin Lehrmann, Alexa A. White, Nathan L. Price, William R. Swindell, Kevin J. Pearson, Kevin G. Becker, Vilhelm A. Bohr, Myriam Gorospe, Josephine M. Egan, Mark I. Talan, Johan Auwerx, Christoph H. Westphal, James L. Ellis, Zoltan Ungvari, George P. Vlasuk, Peter J. Elliott, David A. Sinclair, Rafael De Cabo

Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Sirt1 is an NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase that extends lifespan in lower organisms and improves metabolism and delays the onset of age-related diseases in mammals. Here we show that SRT1720, a synthetic compound that was identified for its ability to activate Sirt1 in vitro, extends both mean and maximum lifespan of adult mice fed a high-fat diet. This lifespan extension is accompanied by health benefits including reduced liver steatosis, increased insulin sensitivity, enhanced locomotor activity and normalization of gene expression profiles and markers of inflammation and apoptosis, all in the absence of any observable toxicity. Using a conditional SIRT1 knockout mouse and …

The Relationship Between Vitamin D And Calcium/Dairy Intake And Obesity In Children, Jason Barry

Nutrition Theses

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between vitamin D and calcium intake and obesity in a population of young adolescents who participated in a Vitamin D and Sunlight Exposure study in Pittsburgh, PA.

Participants: 252 healthy 6 to 14.9 year old young adolescents (54% male, 69% African American) were recruited between June 2006 and December 2009.

Main outcome measures: Weight status, BMI, vitamin D intake, calcium intake, vitamin D and calcium rich food intake.

Results: A significant difference by race was observed with 30.1% of African Americans and 8.5% of Caucasians being obese (P<0.01). No difference was found by gender. Median (25%, 75%) vitamin D intake in the total population was 254.9 IU (146.8, 407.3) which is below the level recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Median calcium intake in the total population was 1193.6 mg (752.8, 1161.1) which met recommended guidelines. Median vitamin D intake differed by weight status (normal, overweight, obese) in the total population (259.5 IU, 325.2 IU and 181.9 IU, respectively; P=0.015). A similar pattern was observed for calcium (1193.4 mg, 1416.3 mg and 911.6 mg, respectively; P=0.016). No correlation was found between vitamin D or calcium intake and BMI in the total population or by race and gender.

Conclusion: …

Genetic And Nutritional Studies To Elucidate The Role Of Adipose Tissue In The Pathogenesis Of Metabolic Syndrome, Nishan Sudheera Kalupahana

Doctoral Dissertations

Obesity is a major health problem in the United States and worldwide. It increases the risk for type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A chronic low-grade inflammation occurring in white adipose tissue (WAT) is causally linked to the development of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome and obesity-associated chronic diseases. The aim of this dissertation research was to elucidate the WAT function in metabolic syndrome using genetic (overexpression of an adipose pro-inflammatory hormone, angiotensinogen) and nutritional manipulations/approaches (caloric restriction and omega-3 fatty acids), with specific emphasis on the role of inflammation.

Previous research indicates that WAT renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is overactivated in …

Gene By Bmi Interactions Influencing C-Reactive Protein Levels In European-Americans, Sarah Tudor

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a biomarker indicating tissue damage, inflammation, and infection. High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is an emerging biomarker often used to estimate an individual’s risk for future coronary heart disease (CHD). hsCRP levels falling below 1.00 mg/l indicate a low risk for developing CHD, levels ranging between 1.00 mg/l and 3.00 mg/l indicate an elevated risk, and levels exceeding 3.00 mg/l indicate high risk. Multiple Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified a number of genetic polymorphisms which influence CRP levels. SNPs implicated in such studies have been found in or near genes of interest including: CRP, APOE, APOC, IL-6, …

Role Of Tyk2 In The Development Of Beige Cells, Samantha Umali

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity results from an excess of adipose tissue and is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Adipose tissue exists in two main forms: white adipose tissue (WAT), which stores energy as triglycerides, and brown adipose tissue (BAT), which dissipates stored energy as heat. White adipose tissue is composed of several subcutaneous and visceral depots, each possessing distinct molecular and functional characteristics. Brown-like adipocytes can emerge in WAT depots in response to cold or beta-adrenergic stimulation. These cells have been called “beige” or “brite” (brown-in-white) cells. The reduction of obesity in mice treated with beta-adrenergic …

Prevalensi Dan Determinan Kelebihan Berat Badan Dan Kegemukan Pada Anak Berusia 5-15 Tahun, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika

Kesmas

Kelebihan berat badan dan kegemukan, suatu keadaan lemak tubuh yang berlebihan, merupakan masalah kesehatan di negara-negara maju dan negara-negara berkembang, termasuk Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prevalensi dan determinan kelebihan berat badan dan kegemukan anak usia 5-15 tahun menggunakan data Riset Kesehatan Dasar (Riskesdas) tahun 2007. Ditemukan bahwa prevalensi kelebihan berat badan dan kegemukan pada anak berusia usia 5-15 tahun masing-masing 7,4% dan 8,3%. Jika dikontrol oleh jenis kelamin, tingkat pendidikan, riwayat kegemukan ibu, kebiasaan konsumsi buah mingguan, kebiasaan merokok, dan asupan energi, faktor paling dominan yang berhubungan dengan kelebihan berat badan (> 85% persentil) anak adalah riwayat kegemukan …

High-Density Lipoprotein Metabolism In Human Apolipoprotein B100 Transgenic/Brown Adipose Tissue Deficient Mice: A Model Of Obesity-Induced Hyperinsulinemia, Sarah J. Ehlers, Stephanie M. Larson, Heather E. Rasmussen, Young-Ki Park, Ji-Young Lee

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Obese and diabetic humans display decreased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and an increased risk for coronary heart disease. However, investigation on HDL metabolism in obesity with a particular emphasis on hepatic ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), the primary factor for HDL formation, has not been well studied. Human apolipoprotein B₁₀₀ transgenic (hApoB^tg) and brown adipose tissue deficient (BATless) mice were crossed to generate hApoB^tg/BATless mice. Male and female hApoB^tg and hApoB^tg/BATless mice were maintained on either a regular rodent chow diet or a diet high …

Food Access, Availability, And Affordability In 3 Los Angeles Communities, Project Cafe, 2004-2006, Andrea Misako Azuma, Susan Gilliland, Mark Vallianatos, Robert Gottlieb

Robert Gottlieb

Introduction Racial/ethnic minority communities are at increasingly high risk for chronic diseases related to obesity. Access to stores that sell affordable, nutritious food is a prerequisite for adopting a healthful diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate food access, availability, and affordability in 3 nonoverlapping but similar low-income communities in urban Los Angeles, California. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, we trained community members to conduct a food assessment to 1) map the number and type of retail food outlets in a defined area and 2) survey a sample of stores to determine whether they sold selected …

Metformin And/Or Exercise Training Affect Metabolic Health In Men And Women With Prediabetes, Steven K. Malin

Open Access Dissertations

Prediabetes is defined by elevated blood glucose concentrations not high enough to meet criteria for type 2 diabetes. Exercise or metformin, a common “anti-diabetes” medication, may attenuate the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and cardio-metabolic health. Because each treatment has its primary action in different tissues, combining exercise (muscle) with metformin (liver) may further enhance insulin sensitivity and cardio-metabolic health. Purpose: To determine the efficacy of combining exercise training with metformin on insulin sensitivity and cardio-metabolic health in men and women with prediabetes. We hypothesized that the combined treatment would improve insulin sensitivity and …

Examining Activity Levels And Motor Proficiency: A Comparison Of Children Who Are Overweight And At A Healthy Weight To Their Parents And Peers, Aaron Copeland, Maresa Madsen, Riley Phelps, Brandon Richards

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships and differences between motor proficiency, activity level, and parental activity level in children who are at a healthy weight and children who are overweight or obese.

Methods: Forty-four children (26 children at a healthy weight and 18 children who were overweight or obese) between the ages of 8-16 (BMI: 14.3-43.6 kg/m2) and 36 parents (BMI: 18.1-44.7) participated in this study. Children and parents wore StepWatch activity monitors (SAM) to measure activity levels over a 72 hour period. Tests reflecting several determinants of motor performance were also administered to …

Associations Between Diet Quality And Perceived Quality Of Life In Overweight And Obese Older Adults, Klara Zolotnitskaya

Senior Honors Projects

Objective: To determine whether an association between health related quality of life (HRQOL) and dietary quality exists in overweight [body mass index (BMI) 25-29.9 kg/m²] and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²) older adults.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Participants and Setting: One-hundred and nine overweight and obese older adults, 20 male and 89 female, ages 55-80 years from four Rhode Island senior centers. Participants were recruited from two urban senior centers, one in Warwick and one in Cranston, and two rural senior centers, one in North Kingstown and one in South Kingstown.

Measurements: Anthropometrics (height, weight, waist …

Effect Of Alpha-Linolenic Acid On Global Fatty Oxidation In Adipocytes And Skeletal Muscle Cells, Bogdan A. Manole

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Bisphenol A On Adipose Tissue Development, Metabolism, And Endocrine Function And The Role It May Play In The Development Of Obesity, Brantley Nelson Wyatt

Masters Theses

While diet and sedentary lifestyle remain important factors in the development of obesity, recent findings have shown the possible involvement of environmental obesogens, chemicals that can disrupt homeostatic energy balance and increase adiposity. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound used in the manufacturing of plastics as a hardening agent and is ubiquitous in the environment due to its widespread use. BPA has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor through its ability to mimic estrogen, which is now known to play important roles in adipose tissue growth and metabolism. In fact, a small but compelling number of studies have shown …

Childhood Overweight Is Associated With Increased Monocyte Concentration And Altered Subset Distribution, Whitney L. Breslin, Craig A. Johnston, Kelley Strohacker, Katie C. Carpenter, Tiffany Davidson, Jennette Palic, Brian K. Mcfarlin, John P. Foreyt

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Childhood obesity rates have nearly tripled in the last 30 years. Obesity increases risk for chronic disease. While monocytes, cells of the innate immune system that are altered with obesity, are purported to play an integral role in the development of these chronic diseases, no research has focused on early phenotypic changes in monocytes of overweight children. Two monocytes subsets exist, classic and pro-inflammatory; alterations in number and distribution may be implicated in disease development in obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the concentration and relative distribution of monocytes among “normal weight” (N=66) and “at risk for …

Sleep Duration, Sleep Regularity, Body Weight, And Metabolic Homeostasis In School-Aged Children, Karen Spruyt, Dennis L. Molfese, David Gozal

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty and Staff Publications

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to explore the effects of duration and regularity of sleep schedules on BMI and the impact on metabolic regulation in children.

METHODS: Sleep patterns of 308 community-recruited children 4 to 10 years of age were assessed with wrist actigraphs for 1 week in a cross-sectional study, along with BMI assessment. Fasting morning plasma levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein also were measured for a subsample.

RESULTS: Children slept 8 hours per night, on average, regardless of their weight categorization. A nonlinear trend between sleep and weight emerged. For obese children, …

Vitamin D Levels And Risk Of Dyslipidemia Among Us Children With Diabetes And Obesity, Elsina E. Hagan

Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014

Dyslipidemia is increasing among U.S. children, and the prevalence is highest among children with diabetes and obesity. Recently, vitamin D deficiency has been suggested as a possible dietary risk factor for dyslipidemia. Despite the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency amongst children, virtually no studies have evaluated the association between vitamin D and dyslipidemia among children. We evaluated the vitamin D and dyslipidemia relationship among 240 children and adolescents aged 2 through 21 years who were outpatients of a pediatric endocrinology unit at a large tertiary care facility in Western Massachusetts from April 2008 to April 2010. Eligible children were …

From Atheoretical To Motivation Theory-Based Youth Discretionary-Time Physical Activity Promotion: Current And Future Directions, Megan Babkes Stellino, Christina Sinclair

Faculty Publications

This article describes the importance of promoting children’s discretionary-time physical activity (DTPA) in connection with the rising international obesity epidemic. School based recess is highlighted as exemplar of an opportunity for children to obtain more DTPA. Brief review of the extant research focused on efforts to increase children’s recess physical activity (RPA) is provided. Literature from the field of sports psychology that has established a strong foundation of evidence regarding factors that increase youth motivation in various physical domain contexts will guide the proposed expansion to theoretical examination of predictors of youth DTPA. Three relevant motivation theory frameworks will be …

Does Caffeine Consumption Effect Exercise Performance In Healthy Adults?, Meaghan E. Jones

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not caffeine ingestion prior to exercise effects exercise performance in healthy adults.

Big Five Personality Factors, Obesity And 2-Year Weight Gain In Australian Adults, Christopher A. Magee, Patrick C. L Heaven

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The objective of this paper was to examine whether the Big-Five Personality factors were associated with obesity and 2-year weight gain in Australian adults. The sample included 5265 Australian adults aged 25– 65 years. Binary logistic regression models indicated that Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism were cross-sectionally associated with obesity, with Conscientiousness inversely associated with obesity. The longitudinal analyses indicated that Extraversion predicted 2-year weight gain. The relationships between personality and obesity/weight gain were not moderated by age or sex. These results have potentially important implications for developing more effective treatment and prevention strategies for obesity.

The Absence Of Abcd2 Reveals A Novel Role For Peroxisomes In The Protection From Metabolic Syndrome, Jingjing Liu

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

ABCD2 (D2) is a peroxisomal ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter that is expressed in brain, adrenal and liver. D2 is transcriptionally regulated by key transcriptional factors that control lipid and glucose metabolism. Therefore, we examined its role in adipose tissue. These studies revealed that D2 is highly abundant in adipose tissue and upregulated during adipogenesis. However, D2 deficiency does not affect either adipogenesis or lipid accumulation. An examination of the lipid profile of adipose tissue revealed the accumulation of C20 and C22 fatty acids in D2 deficient (D2‐/‐) mice. When challenged with a diet enriched in erucic acid (C22:1, 10% …

Histamine H1 Receptor Agonist And Control Of Olanzapine-Induced Obesity, Jiamei Lian, Xu-Feng Huang, N Pai, C Deng

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.