Nutrition Commons^™

Barriers And Facilitators To Health Literacy Among Black Americans With Overweight And Obesity In South Carolina: A Mini-Ethnographic Study, Shelly Campbell-Timmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative mini ethnography adapted from traditional ethnography with limited time and scope, was to explore and understand perceptions of barriers and facilitators to health literacy among Black Americans with overweight and obesity in three South Carolina counties. Population data showed that approximately 40.3% of U.S. adults are obese. Moreover, Non-Hispanic Black communities are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity despite efforts to combat the weight-related health risk. Still, limited health literacy should be the focus of public health strategies like teach-back and plain language communication, to address overweight and obesity prevalence and disparities. The study was …

Skin Carotenoid Scores Are A Valid Approximation Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among Adults With Obesity, Stephanie B Jilcott Pitts, Qiang Wu, Elizabeth Gates, Melissa N Laska, Andrew R Dinardo, Nancy E Moran

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Skin carotenoid score (SCS) as measured using pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy has been validated among adults with normal and overweight body mass index, with little validation research among adults with obesity. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the validity of SCS as an approximation of fruit and vegetable intake among adults with obesity. We used samples from adults with obesity from three prior studies: The first study examined the validity of SCS among 213 adults, 34 with obesity; the second, examined sensitivity of SCS to a β-carotene-rich juice intervention among 162 adults, 14 with obesity; the third …

The Association Between Rapid Growth In Children Under The Age Of Five And Adolescent Obesity, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Fadila Wirawan, Iche Andriyani Liberty, Nurul Husna Mohd Shukri, Siti Arifah Pujonarti, Edy Purwanto, Munaya Fauziah

Kesmas

Early-life nutrition is a critical predictor of long-term health, yet the association between rapid early-childhood growth and adolescent obesity, particularly in relation to the “double burden of malnutrition,” remains under-researched in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the association between rapid growth and adolescent obesity. Data were obtained from the 1997, 2000, and 2014 waves of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS). This study included 641 children (aged 0–23 months at baseline) with complete anthropometric measurements across all three waves. Rapid growth was defined as an increase in z-scores of >0.67 in weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), or weight-for-height (WHZ) between …

Non-Enzymatic Hepatic Abhd6 Interacts With Akt-Foxo1 Axis To Regulate Metabolic Health, Guannan Li, Laurence T Maeyens, Jiyuan Yin, Jan-Bernd Funcke, Chanmin Joung, Ruizhen Li, Ziying Xu, Ting Wu, Xin Li, Nisi Jiang, Mbolle Ekane, Maria Paula Lopez, Pengju Cao, Sijia He, Adam B Salmon, S R Murthy Madiraju, Marc Prentki, Juli Bai, James F Nelson, Xianlin Han, Yi Zhu, Shangang Zhao

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The enzymatic role of ABHD6 in insulin secretion and resistance is well documented. However, its non-enzymatic function, especially its effects on metabolic health, including selective hepatic insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is poorly understood. To define the role of ABHD6 in liver physiology, we generated liver-specific ABHD6 knockout mice, as well as liver-specific native and enzymatically inactive mutant ABHD6 overexpression mouse models. We demonstrate that non-enzymatic ABHD6 contributes to the regulation of selective hepatic insulin resistance and MASLD progression. Mechanistically, we show that ABHD6 localizes to the nucleus and interacts with Akt/FoxO1 axis to regulate insulin …

Effects Of L-Baiba Supplementation With And Without Grains Of Paradise On Changes In Resting Metabolic Rate, Body Composition, And Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Leah E. Allen, Paige J. Sutton, Alex Schrautemeier, Kevin Holley, Connor J. Gaige, Joesi M. Krieger, Anthony M. Hagele, Karenina Antequera Gutierrez, Petey Mumford, Chad Kerksick

Faculty Symposium

To evaluate the impact of 56 days of supplementing with L-BAIBA or L-BAIBA + GOP (BGOP) on resting metabolic rate, body composition, perceptual indicators of mood and affect, and cardiometabolic markers in overweight and obese men and women.

METHODS: Healthy men and women (43.2±11.4 years, 169.4±7.6 cm, 90.3±15.6 kg, 31.4±4.4 kg∙m-2) completed a weekly exercise program and followed a calorierestrictive diet and were randomly assigned in a double-blind and blocked manner according to sex and DXA lean mass to consume daily either a placebo (PLA) (n=12 [11F, 1M]), 500 mg L-BAIBA (L-BAIBA: MitoBurn™, NNB Nutrition) (n=13 [9F, 4M]), or …

The Relationship Between Consumption Frequency And Energy Intake Of Ultra-Processed Food And Obesity Based On Body Fat Percentage Among Fph Ui Students In 2025, Sarah Keisya Budiargo, Triyanti Triyanti, Asih Setiarini, Dieta Nurrika

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is the accumulation of excessive body fat and increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases. Obesity prevalence among FPH UI students based on health examination data in 2022-2024 has reached 13.6%, exceeding the public health concern threshold and requiring more accurate measurement than Body Mass Index. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption frequency and energy intake with obesity incidence based on body fat percentage among 147 FPH UI students in 2025. This cross-sectional study utilized the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) based on NOVA classification to assess UPF intake. Body fat percentage was …

The Relationship Between Obesity Among Children And Adolescents With Dietary Intake And Physical Activity: A Scoping Review, Devi Dwi Yolani, Tania Okta Wardhani, Rani Aqilah Ni’Matul Maula, Almira Sitasari, Tri Siswati

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Childhood and adolescent obesity remain a significant public health issue worldwide. This review summarizes research on the relationship among obesity, physical activity, and diet. This study aims to investigate the relationship between children's and adolescents' obesity, their physical activity levels, and diet. A scoping review was conducted by assessing 81 research journal articles from 2014 to 2023 from electronic databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The search strategy used Boolean operators as follows: (“child*” OR “adolescent”) AND (“obesity”) AND (“diet” OR “food intake”) AND (“physical activity”), selected based on the inclusion criteria of children and adolescents aged 1-18 years …

Community Participatory Co-Design And Development Of A Digital Diabetes Prevention Education Program For Hispanic Families With Obesity: Mixed Methods Study, Sandra Mihail, Marbelly Partida, Lizette Villanueva, Debbe Thompson, Teresia M O'Connor, Salma M Musaad, Maria J Redondo, Erica G Soltero

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Digital health interventions (DHIs) can extend the reach of disease prevention interventions; however, few are evidence-based, theoretically grounded, or developed for high-risk youth and families. Co-design approaches engage end users in the design and development of the DHI, which can lead to increased accessibility and engagement.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the adaptation of an evidence-based diabetes prevention program for remote, digital delivery.

Methods: The adaptation of the in-person intervention was guided by a modified Inclusive Digital Health Intervention Design to Promote Health Equity framework and conducted in collaboration with Hispanic adolescents (n=23) with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) …

Nutritional Care For Adults With Obesity Treated With Glp-1and Dual Gip/Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Review Of Evidence, Gaps, And Clinical Implications, Carolina Mcguane

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Abstract

Background:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GIP/GLP-1 RAs) have revolutionized obesity management, producing unprecedented weight loss outcomes. Their widespread use has outpaced research on nutritional implications, adverse events, and evidence-based guidance for dietitians. Given the central role of nutrition practitioners in supporting adults with obesity, understanding the mechanisms, risks, and nutrition-related outcomes of GLP-1 therapies is critical.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles on the topic of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) use and nutrition-related …

Physical Activity Among Active-Duty Us Military Servicemembers With Overweight And Obesity, Natalie M. Yarish, Jessica L. Morse, Jennalee S. Wooldridge, Erin E. Dooley, Niloofar Afari

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Background

To examine physical activity (PA) among US military servicemembers (SM) with overweight and obesity (OW/OB) and if they meet Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG). To assess differences in PA by sex and associations between PA and body composition.

Methods

PA duration and intensity were objectively collected via accelerometers and self-reported daily average via self-report International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) among US active-duty SM (n=113, 58% female, Mean BMI = 33.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2). Sex, body mass index (BMI), and body fat % (BF% via circumference and an equation) were measured. Accelerometer PA and sedentary time were computed for IPAQ categories …

The Treatment Of Obesity In The Context Of The Obesity Paradox In Patients With Heart Failure: A Narrative Review, Pamela L. Alebna, Sarah Martey, Anurag Mehta, Carl J. Lavie, Salvatore Carbone

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Purpose of review

While excess adiposity is a known risk factor for incident heart failure ( HF), once the condition is established, observational data suggest that increased body mass index (BMI) may confer a survival advantage. This paradox has emphasized the underlying roles of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and body composition, particularly lean mass (LM), in influencing clinical outcomes.

Recent findings

In this review, we explore the multifaceted nature of the obesity paradox in HF, with a focus on emerging anti-obesity incretin-mimetic therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists. These agents …

Microplastics, Nanoplastics, And Obesity: Current Evidence And Biological Mechanisms, Maram Albandak, Sanam Rabeeah, Ahmad Mahdi Zahidi, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Obesity is a rapidly growing global health concern. The pathogenesis is complex and cannot be fully explained by lifestyle factors alone. The increasing attention towards this concern has finally been directed towards environmental contributors which may influence metabolic regulation. Microplastics and nano-plastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that have recently been detected in food, drinking water, air, and human biological samples, raising concerns about their potential role in metabolic disorders, including obesity. Chronic exposure to MNPs may interfere with metabolic homeostasis through multiple biological pathways. Emerging evidence, including both experimental and animal studies, reports alterations in lipid metabolism, body weight, …

Vitamin D Status During Pregnancy Modulates The Effect Of Pre-Pregnancy Obesity On Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk: A Birth Cohort Study, Ali H. Ziyab, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Reem Al-Sabah, Majeda S. Hammoud, Saeed Akhtar

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objective:

To determine whether gestational vitamin D status modulates the effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk while stratifying by maternal age.

Design:

Birth cohort.

Setting:

A major maternity hospital in Kuwait.

Participants:

Pregnant women in their second/third trimester of gestation were enrolled. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) was categorized as under/normal weight (< 25.0), overweight (25.0 to < 30.0), and obesity (≥30.0). Gestational 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were categorized as deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) or insufficiency/sufficiency (≥50 nmol/L). GDM status was ascertained according to international guidelines. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results:

Data from 957 pregnant women were analyzed, with GDM affecting 166 (17.4%) pregnancies. Pre-pregnancy obesity and gestational vitamin D deficiency was ascertained in 275 (28.7%) and 533 (55.7%) pregnant women, respectively. The association between pre-pregnancy obesity and GDM risk differed according …

Perceived Benefits And Side Effect Of High-Fiber, High-Protein Meal Replacements In Weight Loss Programs, Esti Nurwanti, Harry Fl Muhammad, Naufal M. Nurdin

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and early mortality. Although dietary counseling is essential in managing obesity, maintaining a calorie deficit and preventing weight regain remain difficult. Functional foods like high-protein, high-fiber meal replacements may enhance adherence and support weight loss. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the subjective outcomes of a weight loss program incorporating a protein- and fiber-enriched meal replacement among 73 overweight women aged 20–30 years. Participants were randomized to an intervention group (n=38), receiving dietary counseling plus one daily meal replacement, or a control group (n=35), receiving counseling alone. Both groups followed an 8-week …

Repeated Withdrawal Of A Glpr Agonist Induces Hyperleptinemia And Deteriorates Metabolic Health In Obese Aging Um-Het3 Mice, Nisi Jiang, Jiyuan Yin, Noah Lawrence, Jieyi Meng, Laurence T Maeyens, Ziying Xu, Xin Li, Mbolle Ekane, Ariana Chaudhary, Pengju Cao, Guannan Li, Carolina Solis-Herrera, Yi Zhu, Shangang Zhao

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

GLP-1-based therapy is highly effective in combating aging-associated metabolic diseases. However, the metabolic effects of frequent withdrawal from this therapy in aged, obese mice have not been previously studied. In this study, aged obese UM-HET3 mice were assigned to three groups: Group 1 received no liraglutide treatment (Lira OFF); Group 2 underwent 3 cycles of treatment followed by withdrawal (Lira ON/OFF); and Group 3 remained on continuous treatment (Lira ON). As expected, mice in Group 3 showed reduced body weight and food intake, along with improved metabolic health. In contrast, mice in Group 2 developed hyperleptinemia and visceral fat expansion, …

Multicenter Span Trial Of Fasudil In Ischemic Stroke, Takahiko Imai, Andreia Lopes De Morais, Xuyan Jin, Tao Qin, Jessica Lamb, Karisma A Nagarkatti, Mu-Hsun Chen, Ligia S B Boisserand, Rakesh B Patel, Mariia Kumskova, Anjali Chauhan, Krishnan M Dhandapani, Mohammad B Khan, Pradip K Kamat, Yanrong Shi, Suyi Cao, Basavaraju G Sanganahalli, Joseph B Mandeville, Patrick D Lyden, David C Hess, Enrique C Leira, Anil K Chauhan, Jaroslaw Aronowski, Louise D Mccullough, Raymond C Koehler, Lauren H Sansing, Márcio A Diniz, Cenk Ayata

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: The SPAN (Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network) is a confirmatory multicenter trial network to test cerebroprotective interventions in experimental acute stroke. In a first-of-its-kind trial, SPAN tested 6 interventions in a rodent model of transient focal ischemic stroke. Here, we report the efficacy of fasudil, an isoform-nonselective rho-associated kinase inhibitor, on primary and secondary outcomes in the SPAN trial.

Methods: Fasudil was administered at 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally every 12 hours for 6 doses starting 5 minutes before reperfusion in a 60-minute endovascular filament middle cerebral artery occlusion model. The active treatment arm (n=345) was compared with the pooled intraperitoneal and …

Family-Level Factors That Influence Physical Activity Among Hispanic Adolescents At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes, Sandra Mihail, Ayleen A Hernandez, Erica G Soltero

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objective: Family-based health promotion and disease prevention strategies are recommended as best practice; however, there is limited knowledge regarding the family-level factors that influence modifiable behavior risk factors like physical activity (PA) among Latinx adolescents. This study addressed this knowledge gap by using qualitative methods to identify perceptions of family-level factors that influence PA among Hispanic youth.

Methods: We conducted semistructured, open-ended interviews with 20 Latinx adolescents (14-16 years) with obesity (body mass index ≥95th percentile) to identify their perceptions of how family influences PA. Content analysis was used to identify emergent themes, which were then compared across demographic factors, …

Food Noise: Definition, Measurement, And Future Research Directions, Emily J Dhurandhar, Kevin C Maki, Nikhil V Dhurandhar, Theodore K Kyle, Sydney Yurkow, Misty A W Hawkins, Jon Agley, Emily H Ho, Lawrence J Cheskin, Thorkild I A Sørensen, Xi Rita Wang, David B Allison

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The term food noise has been recently popularized by individuals managing their weight or adhering to specific diets for health reasons. Anecdotal evidence from patients and clinical observations suggests that food noise involves constant preoccupation with food-related decisions-such as which foods to eat, caloric intake, macronutrient balance, and meal timing-which can become intrusive and unpleasant. Food noise also appears to affect cognitive burden and quality of life, and is being cited as one reason weight-loss attempts fail. The increase in public discourse about food noise has highlighted its potential significance, yet a formal clinical definition and method of measurement of …

Metabolic Clearance Rate Of Insulin Across The Glucose Tolerance Spectrum By Race And Ethnicity In Youth With Obesity, Wonhee Cho, Fida Bacha, Hala Tfayli, Sojung Lee, Sara F Michaliszyn, Joon Young Kim, Silva Arslanian

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objective: Despite β-cell failure in youth with dysglycemia (i.e., impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] and type 2 diabetes), fasting insulin (FI) concentrations are elevated. Herein, we examined the following: 1) metabolic clearance rate of insulin (MCRI) in youth with obesity and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) versus those with IGT versus those with type 2 diabetes; 2) racial and ethnic differences in insulin dynamics; and 3) metabolic/adiposity correlates of MCRI.

Methods: A total of 206 youth underwent assessment of fasting glucose, FI, MCRI and peripheral insulin sensitivity (PIS), first-phase insulin secretion, disposition index, body composition, and abdominal adiposity.

Results: In type 2 …

“Non-Markovian” And “Directional” Errors Inhibit Scientific Self-Correction And Can Lead Fields Of Study Astray: An Illustration Using Gardening And Obesity-Related Outcomes, Jon Agley, Sarah E Deemer, David B Allison

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Herein we coin the terms non-Markovian error and biased Markovian error to describe categories of scientific errors for which general progress within a field of study may be unlikely to result in scientific self-correction. We provide examples of such errors and show their impact on studies about gardening and obesity.

Antimicrobial Eats: How Food Additives Are Contributing To Obesity Via The Gut Microbiome, Olivia Mankos

Senior Honors Theses

The typical modern diet is brimming with food additives used in food processing. Additives such as antibiotic residues, GMOs, pesticide residues, anti-caking agents, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. Most of these additives seem to shift the gut microbiome towards more pro-inflammatory signals. When all these additives are considered as an amalgam, such as with the modern processed diet, the ramifications on the gut microbiome are concerning. Obesity, which is characterized by low-level chronic inflammation, is likely exacerbated by these food additives. Consequently, most of these additives should be avoided or banned for optimal health.

Intermittent Fasting And Cardiometabolic Health In Adults With Obesity: A Scoping Review, Tri Siswati, Lathifa Zahra Putri Nugroho, Natasya Nurul Gina, Almira Sitasari, Agus Wijanarka

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with adverse impacts on cardiometabolic health such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. One promising intervention in obesity management is intermittent fasting (PI). However, scientific evidence on the impact of IF on cardiometabolic health is still limited. This study used a scoping review design to evaluate the association between IF and cardiometabolic health in obese adults. Reference sources are available in English at least abstract between 2015–2023 as well as from PubMed and Google Scholar web sources. The search keywords on PubMed are "Adult AND intermittent fasting AND cardiometabolic" and on Google Scholar …

Exploring The Non-Communicable Disease Burden In Indonesia – Findings From The 2023 Health Survey, Akifa Laila Rusyda

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

The present study rigorously examines the correlation between obesity, high-risk dietary consumption, and unhealthy lifestyles with the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indonesia. The study employed a cross-sectional study design using secondary data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, analyzing 38 units (n) representing Indonesia's provinces in 2023. The correlation analysis, conducted using Pearson's test with a significance level of 95% (α<0.05), revealed significant regional disparities in the prevalence of NCDs, dietary consumption, and lifestyle factors across Indonesia. Moreover, the findings reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between obesity, high-risk food consumption, and lifestyle risk factors with the prevalence of several NCDs, including diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. These results underscore the potential impact of our research on public health in Indonesia. The results highlight also the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives, such as policies promoting healthier food choices, controlling the food environment, encouraging physical activity, and supporting smoking cessation to mitigate the growing burden of NCDs in Indonesia.

Exploring The Acute Effects Of Sedentary Behaviors On Cardiometabolic Risk In Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: A Randomized Crossover Study, Erica G Soltero, Osamah Salim, Yiming Mirabile, Salma M Musaad

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background/Objectives: Time spent in sedentary pursuits is associated with adverse metabolic profiles. Adolescents spend 65-75% of their day in sedentary pursuits; however, evidence among youth is less conclusive. This study examined the effects of an acute 4 h bout of sedentary behaviors on cardiometabolic outcomes and energy expenditure in Hispanic adolescents (12-16 years old) with obesity (BMI% ≥ 95th).

Methods: This study used a randomized cross-over design to engage participants (N = 12) in two sedentary conditions, an active condition where youth were engaged in two hours of 'active' sitting activities (e.g., reading and puzzles) and two hours …

The Impact Of Paternal Obesity On Placental Development And Function During Pregnancy, Delaney G. Wolfe, Delaney G. Wiolfe

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Paternal obesity is a rising concern in conception and reproductive health, with increasing evidence suggesting its impact on pregnancy outcomes. While maternal obesity's effects on fetal development and placental function are well-documented, the role of paternal obesity remains less understood. The placenta, crucial for nutrient exchange and fetal development, can be disrupted by inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications, potentially leading to long-term health implications for both maternal and fetal health. Understanding the paternal influence on placental development is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes and offspring
health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between paternal obesity on placental function …

Vestibular Neurons Link Motion Sickness, Behavioural Thermoregulation And Metabolic Balance In Mice, Longlong Tu, Xing Fang, Yongjie Yang, Meng Yu, Hailan Liu, Hesong Liu, Na Yin, Jonathan C Bean, Kristine M Conde, Mengjie Wang, Yongxiang Li, Olivia Z Ginnard, Qingzhuo Liu, Yuhan Shi, Junying Han, Yi Zhu, Makoto Fukuda, Qingchun Tong, Benjamin Arenkiel, Mingshan Xue, Yang He, Chunmei Wang, Yong Xu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Motion sickness is associated with thermoregulation and metabolic control, but the underlying neural circuitry remains largely unknown. Here we show that neurons in the medial vestibular nuclei parvocellular part (MVePC) mediate the hypothermic responses induced by motion. Reactivation of motion-sensitive MVePC neurons recapitulates motion sickness in mice. We show that motion-activated neurons in the MVePC are glutamatergic (MVePCGlu), and that optogenetic stimulation of MVePCGlu neurons mimics motion-induced hypothermia by signalling to the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN). Acute inhibition of MVePC-LPBN circuitry abrogates motion-induced hypothermia. Finally, we show that chronic inhibition of MVePCGlu neurons prevents diet-induced obesity and improves glucose homeostasis …

Gastroesophageal Reflux And Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery In Adolescents: An 8-Year Follow-Up Analysis, John B Rode, Suhail A Zeineddin, Jane C Khoury, Todd M Jenkins, Stephanie R Sisley, Anita P Courcoulas, Justin R Ryder, Marc P Michalsky, Thomas H Inge

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Importance: Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most commonly performed metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) procedures in adolescents and adults. Despite their safety and effectiveness, there is concern over postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), especially gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS), in those undergoing VSG.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term prevalence of GIS in adolescents who underwent RYGB or VSG.

Design, setting, and participants: This is a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study at five academic referral centers in the United States. Patients were enrolled from February 28, 2007, through December 30, 2011. The analysis included 228 adolescents: 161 …

Adipose Progenitor Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Suppress Macrophage M1 Program To Alleviate Midlife Obesity, Qing Zhou, Jia Gao, Guorao Wu, Chenwei Wang, Yan Yang, Teng Huang, Yi Wang, Tiantian Yue, Zhichao Gao, Hao Xie, Fei Xiong, Ke Xiang, Tuying Yong, Wanguang Zhang, Tongtong Zhang, Wen Kong, Cai Chen, Shu Zhang, Qilin Yu, Xuemei Fan, Shiwei Liu, Yanjun Liu, Cong-Yi Wang

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Among different age groups, middle-aged individuals are particularly susceptible to obesity, with a 22% higher risk of all-cause mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we identify adipose progenitor cells (APCs) in the white adipose tissue (WAT) of middle-aged subjects as potential causes of midlife obesity. Specifically, the extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from APCs display an impaired ability to mitigate the inflammaging of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) in middle-aged individuals. Mechanistically, these EVs, lacking miR-145-5p, fail to suppress the expression of L-selectin in ATMs, thereby facilitating their M1 program via the NF-κB signaling pathway. In contrast, EVs …

Insulin Clearance At Randomisation And In Response To Treatment In Youth With Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis Of The Today Randomised Clinical Trial, Kristen J Nadeau, Silva A Arslanian, Fida Bacha, Sonia Caprio, Lily C Chao, Ryan Farrell, Kara S Hughan, Maria Rayas, Melinda Tung, Kaitlyn Cross, Laure El Ghormli

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Aims/hypothesis: Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia are core features leading to beta cell failure in youth-onset type 2 diabetes. Insulin clearance (IC) is also a key regulator of insulin concentrations, but few data exist on IC in youth-onset type 2 diabetes. In a secondary analysis of our Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) randomised clinical trial, we investigated potential sex-, race-, ethnicity- and treatment-related differences in IC in youth-onset type 2 diabetes and aimed to identify metabolic phenotypes associated with IC at baseline and in response to metformin, metformin plus a lifestyle intervention, and metformin …

A Β-Hydroxybutyrate Shunt Pathway Generates Anti-Obesity Ketone Metabolites, Maria Dolores Moya-Garzon, Mengjie Wang, Veronica L Li, Xuchao Lyu, Wei Wei, Alan Sheng-Hwa Tung, Steffen H Raun, Meng Zhao, Laetitia Coassolo, Hashim Islam, Barbara Oliveira, Yuqin Dai, Jan Spaas, Antonio Delgado-Gonzalez, Kenyi Donoso, Aurora Alvarez-Buylla, Francisco Franco-Montalban, Anudari Letian, Catherine P Ward, Lichao Liu, Katrin J Svensson, Emily L Goldberg, Christopher D Gardner, Jonathan P Little, Steven M Banik, Yong Xu, Jonathan Z Long

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is an abundant ketone body. To date, all known pathways of BHB metabolism involve the interconversion of BHB and primary energy intermediates. Here, we identify a previously undescribed BHB secondary metabolic pathway via CNDP2-dependent enzymatic conjugation of BHB and free amino acids. This BHB shunt pathway generates a family of anti-obesity ketone metabolites, the BHB-amino acids. Genetic ablation of CNDP2 in mice eliminates tissue amino acid BHB-ylation activity and reduces BHB-amino acid levels. The most abundant BHB-amino acid, BHB-Phe, is a ketosis-inducible congener of Lac-Phe that activates hypothalamic and brainstem neurons and suppresses feeding. Conversely, CNDP2-KO mice exhibit …