Objective: The study objective was to investigate the effect of cold exposure on the plasma levels of five potential human brown adipokines (chemokine ligand 14 [CXCL14], growth differentiation... Show moreObjective: The study objective was to investigate the effect of cold exposure on the plasma levels of five potential human brown adipokines (chemokine ligand 14 [CXCL14], growth differentiation factor 15 [GDF15], fibroblast growth factor 21 [FGF21], interleukin 6 [IL6], and bone morphogenic protein 8b [BMP8b]) and to study whether such cold-induced effects are related to brown adipose tissue (BAT) volume, activity, or radiodensity in young humans.Methods: Plasma levels of brown adipokines were measured before and 1 h and 2 h after starting an individualized cold exposure in 30 young adults (60% women, 21.9 +/- 2.3 y; 24.9 +/- 5.1 kg/m(2)). BAT volume, F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, and radiodensity were assessed by a static positron emission tomography-computerized tomography scan after cold exposure.Results: Cold exposure increased the concentration of CXCL14 (Delta 2h = 0.58 +/- 0.98 ng/mL; p = 0.007), GDF15 (Delta 2h = 19.63 +/- 46.2 pg/mL; p = 0.013), FGF21 (Delta 2h = 33.72 +/- 55.13 pg/mL; p = 0.003), and IL6 (Delta 1h = 1.98 +/- 3.56 pg/mL; p = 0.048) and reduced BMP8b (Delta 2h = -37.12 +/- 83.53 pg/mL; p = 0.022). The cold-induced increase in plasma FGF21 was positively associated with BAT volume (Delta 2h: beta = 0.456; R-2 = 0.307; p = 0.001), but not with F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake or radiodensity. None of the changes in the other studied brown adipokines was related to BAT volume, activity, or radiodensity.Conclusions: Cold exposure modulates plasma levels of several potential brown adipokines in humans, whereas only cold-induced changes in FGF21 levels are associated with BAT volume. These findings suggest that human BAT might contribute to the circulatory pool of FGF21. Show less
ContextThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a signaling system composed of endocannabinoids (eCBs), their receptors, and the enzymes involved in their synthesis and metabolism. Alterations in the... Show moreContextThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a signaling system composed of endocannabinoids (eCBs), their receptors, and the enzymes involved in their synthesis and metabolism. Alterations in the ECS are linked to the development of cardiometabolic diseases.ObjectiveHere, we investigated the relationship between plasma levels of eCBs and their analogues with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsThe study included 133 young adults (age 22.1 ± 2.2 years, 67% women). Fasting plasma levels of eCBs and their analogues were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Body composition, brown adipose tissue (BAT) volume, glucose uptake, and traditional cardiometabolic risk factors were measured.ResultsPlasma levels of eCBs and several eCB analogues were positively correlated with adiposity and traditional cardiometabolic risk factors (eg, serum insulin and triacylglyceride levels, all r ≥ 0.17 and P ≤ .045). Plasma levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and N-pentadecenoylethanolamine were negatively correlated with BAT volume and glucose uptake (all r ≤ −0.17 and P ≤ .047). We observed that the plasma levels of eCBs and their analogues were higher in metabolically unhealthy overweight–obese participants than in metabolically healthy overweight–obese participants.ConclusionOur findings show that the plasma levels of eCBs and their analogues are related to higher levels of adiposity and worse cardiometabolic profile. Show less
Background: Infrared thermography is a growing area of interest in sports science due to the potential of skin temperature (T-sk) measurements to provide valuable information from rest to exercise.... Show moreBackground: Infrared thermography is a growing area of interest in sports science due to the potential of skin temperature (T-sk) measurements to provide valuable information from rest to exercise. However, limited research exists on T-sk in older adults and the impact of factors such as sex and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on T-sk. This study aims to investigate T-sk at rest and after acute exercise in older adults and assess whether sex or CRF influences T-sk.Methods: Ninety-two participants (41 women, 68.48 +/- 3.01 years) were examined with a thermographic camera in a conditioned room (23.02 +/- 3.01 degrees C) at rest and after a graded protocol. The T-sk of 25 regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted and analysed.Results: Men had higher overall T-sk at rest in 76% of ROIs, showing significant differences (p < 0.010) in six specific ROIs, independent of CRF. Both sexes had similar T-sk responses after graded exercise, with increases in distal parts (1.06 +/- 0.50 C-degrees), decreases in proximal parts (-0.62 +/- 0.42 degrees C), and stable central T-sk (0.23 +/- 0.59 degrees C). Increases in lower limb T-sk were significantly associated with CRF in men and women (beta = 0.438, p = 0.001, and beta = 0.535, p < 0.001, respectively), explaining 17% and 27% of the variance, respectively.Conclusions: This study demonstrates a sex-specific effect on resting T-sk in older adults, suggesting that sex-specific T-sk patterns should be considered when analysing T-sk in this population. Additionally, the association between increases in lower limb T-sk and CRF suggests that T-sk could be a promising predictor of CRF in older adults. Show less
Circulating bile acids (BA) are signaling molecules that control glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the effects of acute exercise on plasma levels of BA in humans remain poorly understood. Here... Show moreCirculating bile acids (BA) are signaling molecules that control glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the effects of acute exercise on plasma levels of BA in humans remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluate the effects of a bout of maximal endurance exercise (EE) and resistance exercise (RE) on plasma levels of BA in young, sedentary adults. Concentration of eight plasma BA was measured by liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry before and 3, 30, 60, and 120 min after each exercise bout. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed in 14 young adults (21.8 +/- 2.5 yo, 12 women); muscle strength was assessed in 17 young adults (22.4 +/- 2.5 yo, 11 women). EE transiently decreased plasma levels of total, primary, and secondary BA at 3 and 30 min after exercise. RE exerted a prolonged reduction in plasma levels of secondary BA (p < 0.001) that lasted until 120 min. Primary BA levels of cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) were different across individuals with low/high CRF levels after EE (p = 0.044); CA levels were different across individuals with low/high handgrip strength levels. High CRF individuals presented higher levels of CA and CDCA 120 min after exercise vs baseline (+77% and +65%) vs the low CRF group (-5% and -39%). High handgrip strength levels individuals presented higher levels of CA 120 min after exercise versus baseline (+63%) versus the low handgrip strength group (+6%). The study findings indicate that an individual's level of physical fitness can influence how circulating BA respond to both endurance and resistance exercise. Additionally, the study suggests that changes in plasma BA levels after exercising could be related to the control of glucose homeostasis in humans. Show less
Background: Gut bacteria play a crucial role in the metabolism of bile acids (BA). Whether an association exists between the fecal microbiota composition and circulating BA levels in humans is... Show moreBackground: Gut bacteria play a crucial role in the metabolism of bile acids (BA). Whether an association exists between the fecal microbiota composition and circulating BA levels in humans is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the relationship between fecal microbiota diversity and composition with plasma levels of BA in young adults. Methods: Fecal microbiota diversity/composition was analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing in 80 young adults (74% women; 21.9 +/- 2.2 years old). Plasma levels of BA were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PERMANOVA and Spearman correlation analyses were used to investigate the association between fecal microbiota parameters and plasma levels of BA. Results: Fecal microbiota beta (P = 0.025) and alpha diversity indexes of evenness (rho = 0.237, P = 0.033), Shannon (rho = 0.313, P = 0.004), and inverse Simpson (rho = 0.283, P = 0.010) were positively associated with plasma levels of the secondary BA glycolithocholic acid (GLCA). The relative abundance of genera belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla was positively correlated with plasma levels of GLCA (all rho = 0.225, P = 0.049). However, the relative abundance of species from Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla were negatively correlated with plasma levels of primary and secondary BA (all rho = - 0.220, P = 0.045), except for the relative abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus, Alistipes onderdonkii, and Bacteroides xylanisolvens species (Bacteroidetes phylum) that were positively correlated with the plasma levels of GLCA. Conclusions:The relative abundance of specific fecal bacteria species is associated with plasma levels of BA in young adults. However, further investigations are required to validate whether the composition of the gut microbiota can regulate the plasma concentrations of BA in humans. Show less
BackgroundGut bacteria play a crucial role in the metabolism of bile acids (BA). Whether an association exists between the fecal microbiota composition and circulating BA levels in humans is poorly... Show moreBackgroundGut bacteria play a crucial role in the metabolism of bile acids (BA). Whether an association exists between the fecal microbiota composition and circulating BA levels in humans is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the relationship between fecal microbiota diversity and composition with plasma levels of BA in young adults.MethodsFecal microbiota diversity/composition was analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing in 80 young adults (74% women; 21.9 ± 2.2 years old). Plasma levels of BA were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PERMANOVA and Spearman correlation analyses were used to investigate the association between fecal microbiota parameters and plasma levels of BA.ResultsFecal microbiota beta (P = 0.025) and alpha diversity indexes of evenness (rho = 0.237, P = 0.033), Shannon (rho = 0.313, P = 0.004), and inverse Simpson (rho = 0.283, P = 0.010) were positively associated with plasma levels of the secondary BA glycolithocholic acid (GLCA). The relative abundance of genera belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla was positively correlated with plasma levels of GLCA (all rho ≥ 0.225, P ≤ 0.049). However, the relative abundance of species from Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla were negatively correlated with plasma levels of primary and secondary BA (all rho ≤ − 0.220, P ≤ 0.045), except for the relative abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus, Alistipes onderdonkii, and Bacteroides xylanisolvens species (Bacteroidetes phylum) that were positively correlated with the plasma levels of GLCA.ConclusionsThe relative abundance of specific fecal bacteria species is associated with plasma levels of BA in young adults. However, further investigations are required to validate whether the composition of the gut microbiota can regulate the plasma concentrations of BA in humans. Show less
Background Gut bacteria play a crucial role in the metabolism of bile acids (BA). Whether an association exists between the fecal microbiota composition and circulating BA levels in humans is... Show moreBackground Gut bacteria play a crucial role in the metabolism of bile acids (BA). Whether an association exists between the fecal microbiota composition and circulating BA levels in humans is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the relationship between fecal microbiota diversity and composition with plasma levels of BA in young adults.Methods Fecal microbiota diversity/composition was analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing in 80 young adults (74% women; 21.9 +/- 2.2 years old). Plasma levels of BA were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PERMANOVA and Spearman correlation analyses were used to investigate the association between fecal microbiota parameters and plasma levels of BA.Results Fecal microbiota beta (P = 0.025) and alpha diversity indexes of evenness (rho = 0.237, P = 0.033), Shannon (rho = 0.313, P = 0.004), and inverse Simpson (rho = 0.283, P = 0.010) were positively associated with plasma levels of the secondary BA glycolithocholic acid (GLCA). The relative abundance of genera belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla was positively correlated with plasma levels of GLCA (all rho = 0.225, P = 0.049). However, the relative abundance of species from Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla were negatively correlated with plasma levels of primary and secondary BA (all rho = - 0.220, P = 0.045), except for the relative abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus, Alistipes onderdonkii, and Bacteroides xylanisolvens species (Bacteroidetes phylum) that were positively correlated with the plasma levels of GLCA.Conclusions The relative abundance of specific fecal bacteria species is associated with plasma levels of BA in young adults. However, further investigations are required to validate whether the composition of the gut microbiota can regulate the plasma concentrations of BA in humans. Show less
Purpose: Activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) enhances lipid catabolism and improves cardiometabolic health. Quantitative MRI of the fat fraction (FF) of supraclavicular BAT (scBAT) is a promising... Show morePurpose: Activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) enhances lipid catabolism and improves cardiometabolic health. Quantitative MRI of the fat fraction (FF) of supraclavicular BAT (scBAT) is a promising noninvasive measure to assess BAT activity but suffers from high scan variability. We aimed to test the effects of coregistration and mutual thresholding on the scan variability in a fast (1 min) time-resolution MRI protocol for assessing scBAT FF changes during cold exposure. Methods: Ten volunteers (age 24.8 +/- 3.0 years; body mass index 21.2 +/- 2.1 kg/m(2)) were scanned during thermoneutrality (32 degrees C; 10 min) and mild cold exposure (18 degrees C; 60 min) using a 12-point gradient-echo sequence (70 consecutive scans with breath-holds, 1.03 min per dynamic). Dynamics were coregistered to the first thermoneutral scan, which enabled drawing of single regions of interest in the scBAT depot. Voxel-wise FF changes were calculated at each time point and averaged across regions of interest. We applied mutual FF thresholding, in which voxels were included if their FF was greater than 30% FF in the reference scan and the registered dynamic. The efficacy of the coregistration was determined by using a moving average and comparing the mean squared error of residuals between registered and nonregistered data. Registered scBAT Delta FF was compared with single-scan thresholding using the moving average method. Results: Registered scBAT Delta FF had lower mean square error values than nonregistered data (0.07 +/- 0.05% vs. 0.16 +/- 0.14%; p<0.05), and mutual thresholding reduced the scBAT Delta FF variability by 30%. Conclusion: We demonstrate that coregistration and mutual thresholding improve stability of the data 2-fold, enabling assessment of small changes in FF following cold exposure. Show less
Purpose: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the acute effects of different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols on counter-movement jump (CMJ) height, velocity loss (VL), and skin temperature ... Show morePurpose: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the acute effects of different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols on counter-movement jump (CMJ) height, velocity loss (VL), and skin temperature (Tsk) and (2) determine whether the VL, the changes in Tsk, or the individual strength level is associated with the change in CMJ height. Methods: Sixteen resistance-trained men randomly performed 3 squat protocols at maximal intended velocity with 60% of the 1-repetition maximum (sets x repetitions [interrepetition rest]): traditional (2 x 6 [0 s]), cluster 2 (2 x 6 [30 s every 2 repetitions]), and cluster 1 (1 x 12; [36 s every repetition]), plus a control session. CMJ height was assessed before and 2, 4, and 8 minutes after the protocols. Results: There was a significant main effect of protocol for the VL (F = 20.54, P < .001) and loss in mean power (F =12.85, P < .001; traditional > cluster 2 > cluster 1). However, we found a comparable reduction of CMJ height after 8 minutes: traditional (-3.4% [4.2%]), cluster 2 (-5.3% [4.9%]), cluster 1 (-5.4% [2.9%]), and control (-4.2% [3.6%]). Overall, mean Tsk acutely decreased after all the protocols. Higher individual strength level (but not VL or the changes in Tsk) was associated with lower CMJ-height loss (P < .05). Conclusions: Although different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols may alter the loss in velocity and power, they result in a similar decrease in Tsk and CMJ height, which could be more influenced by individual strength level than VL or changes in Tsk. Show less
Omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins may be surrogate markers of systemic inflammation, which is one of the triggers for the development of cardiometabolic disorders. In the current study, we investigated... Show moreOmega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins may be surrogate markers of systemic inflammation, which is one of the triggers for the development of cardiometabolic disorders. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between plasma levels of omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in middle-aged adults. Seventy-two 72 middle-aged adults (39 women; 53.6±5.1 years old; 26.7±3.8 kg/m2) were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and oxylipins were determined using targeted lipidomic. Body composition, dietary intake, and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed with standard methods. The plasma levels of the omega-6 fatty acids and derived oxylipins, the hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs; arachidonic acid (AA)-derived oxylipins) and dihydroxy-eicosatrienoic acids (DiHETrEs; AA-derived oxylipins), were positively associated with glucose metabolism parameters (i.e., insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA); all r≥0.21, P<.05). In contrast, plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids and derived oxylipins, specifically hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acids (HEPEs; eicosapentaenoic acid-derived oxylipins), as well as series-3 prostaglandins, were negatively associated with plasma glucose metabolism parameters (i.e., insulin levels, HOMA; all r≤0.20, P<.05). The plasma levels of omega-6 fatty acids and derived oxylipins, HETEs and DiHETrEs were also positively correlated with liver function parameters (i.e., glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and fatty liver index; all r≥0.22 and P<.05). In addition, individuals with higher omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid and oxylipin ratio showed higher levels of HOMA, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteincholesterol, triglycerides, and GGT (on average +36%), as well as lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-13%) (all P<.05). In conclusion, the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid and oxylipin ratio, as well as specific omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins plasma levels, reflect an adverse cardiometabolic profile in terms of higher insulin resistance and impaired liver function in middle-aged adults. Show less
While brown adipose tissue (BAT) is activated by the beta-3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) in rodents, in human brown adipocytes, the ADRB2 is dominantly present and responsible for noradrenergic... Show moreWhile brown adipose tissue (BAT) is activated by the beta-3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) in rodents, in human brown adipocytes, the ADRB2 is dominantly present and responsible for noradrenergic activation. Therefore, we performed a randomized double-blinded crossover trial in young lean men to compare the effects of single intravenous bolus of the ADRB2 agonist salbutamol without and with the ADRB1/2 antago-nist propranolol on glucose uptake by BAT, assessed by dynamic 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan (i.e., primary outcome). Salbutamol, compared with salbutamol with propranolol, increases glucose uptake by BAT, without affecting the glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue. The salbutamol-induced glucose uptake by BAT positively asso-ciates with the increase in energy expenditure. Notably, participants with high salbutamol-induced glucose uptake by BAT have lower body fat mass, waist-hip ratio, and serum LDL-cholesterol concentration. In conclusion, specific ADRB2 agonism activates human BAT, which warrants investigation of ADRB2 activation in long-term studies (EudraCT: 2020-004059-34). Show less
Pre-clinical studies suggest that circulating oxylipins, i.e., the oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), modulate gut microbiota composition in mice, but there is no... Show morePre-clinical studies suggest that circulating oxylipins, i.e., the oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), modulate gut microbiota composition in mice, but there is no information available in humans. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 derived oxylipins plasma levels and fecal microbiota composition in a cohort of young adults. 80 young adults (74% women; 21.9 +/- 2.2 years old) were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma levels of oxylipins were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by V3-V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We observed that plasma levels of omega-3 derived oxylipins were positively associated with the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV genus (Firmicutes phylum; rho >= 0.415, p <= 0.009) and negatively associated with the relative abundance of Sutterella genus (Proteobacteria phylum; rho >= -0.270, p <= 0.041), respectively. Moreover, plasma levels of omega-6 derived oxylipins were negatively associated with the relative abundance of Acidaminococcus and Phascolarctobacterium genera (Firmicutes phylum; all rho >= -0.263, p <= 0.024), as well as Sutterella, Succinivibrio, and Gemmiger genera (Proteobacteria phylum; all rho >= -0.263, p <= 0.024). Lastly, the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins plasma levels was negatively associated with the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV genus (Firmicutes phylum; rho = -0.334, p = 0.004) and Butyricimonas genus (Bacteroidetes phylum; rho = -0.292, p = 0.014). In conclusion, our results show that the plasma levels of omega-3 and omega-6 derived oxylipins are associated with the relative abundance of specific fecal bacteria genera. Show less
Borup, A.; Donkin, I.; Boon, M.R.; Frydland, M.; Martinez-Tellez, B.; Loft, A.; ... ; Christoffersen, C. 2022
The HDL-associated apolipoprotein M (apoM) and its ligand sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) may control energy metabolism. ApoM deficiency in mice is associated with increased vascular permeability,... Show moreThe HDL-associated apolipoprotein M (apoM) and its ligand sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) may control energy metabolism. ApoM deficiency in mice is associated with increased vascular permeability, brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass and activity, and protection against obesity. In the current study, we explored the connection between plasma apoM/S1P levels and parameters of BAT as measured via F-18-FDG PET/CT after cold exposure in humans. Fixed (n = 15) vs personalized (n = 20) short-term cooling protocols decreased and increased apoM (- 8.4%, P = 0.032 vs 15.7%, P < 0.0005) and S1P (- 41.0%, P < 0.0005 vs 19.1%, P < 0.005) plasma levels, respectively. Long-term cooling (n = 44) did not affect plasma apoM or S1P levels. Plasma apoM and S1P did not correlate significantly to BAT volume and activity in the individual studies. However, short-term studies combined, showed that increased changes in plasma apoM correlated with BAT metabolic activity (beta: 0.44, 95% CI [0.06-0.81], P = 0.024) after adjusting for study design but not BAT volume (beta: 0.39, 95% CI [- 0.01-0.78], P = 0.054). In conclusion, plasma apoM and S1P levels are altered in response to cold exposure and may be linked to changes in BAT metabolic activity but not BAT volume in humans. This contrasts partly with observations in animals and highlights the need for further studies to understand the biological role of apoM/S1P complex in human adipose tissue and lipid metabolism. Show less
Infrared thermography (IRT) is widely used to assess skin temperature in response to physiological changes. Yet, it remains challenging to standardize skin temperature measurements over repeated... Show moreInfrared thermography (IRT) is widely used to assess skin temperature in response to physiological changes. Yet, it remains challenging to standardize skin temperature measurements over repeated datasets. We developed an open-access semi-automated segmentation tool (the IRT-toolbox) for measuring skin temperatures in the thoracic area to estimate supraclavicular brown adipose tissue (scBAT) activity, and compared it to manual segmentations. The IRT-toolbox, designed in Python, consisted of image pre-alignment and non-rigid image registration. The toolbox was tested using datasets of 10 individuals (BMI = 22.1 +/- 2.1 kg/m(2), age = 22.0 +/- 3.7 years) who underwent two cooling procedures, yielding four images per individual. Regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated by two raters in the scBAT and deltoid areas on baseline images. The toolbox enabled direct transfer of baseline ROIs to the registered follow-up images. For comparison, both raters also manually drew ROIs in all follow-up images. Spatial ROI overlap between methods and raters was determined using the Dice coefficient. Mean bias and 95% limits of agreement in mean skin temperature between methods and raters were assessed using Bland-Altman analyses. ROI delineation time was four times faster with the IRT-toolbox (01:04 min) than with manual delineations (04:12 min). In both anatomical areas, there was a large variability in ROI placement between methods. Yet, relatively small skin temperature differences were found between methods (scBAT: 0.10 degrees C, 95%LoA[-0.13 to 0.33 degrees C] and deltoid: 0.05 degrees C, 95%LoA[-0.46 to 0.55 degrees C]). The variability in skin temperature between raters was comparable between methods. The IRT-toolbox enables faster ROI delineations, while maintaining inter-user reliability compared to manual delineations. (Trial registration number (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT04406922, [May 29, 2020]). Show less
BackgroundFatty acid-derived lipid mediators including oxylipins, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and their analogues, have emerged as key metabolites in the inflammatory and immune response to... Show moreBackgroundFatty acid-derived lipid mediators including oxylipins, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and their analogues, have emerged as key metabolites in the inflammatory and immune response to physiological stressors.MethodsThis report was based on a sub-study and secondary analyses the ACTIBATE single-center unblinded randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129). The study was performed in the Sport and Health University Research Institute and the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital of the University of Granada. Eligible participants were young, sedentary adults with no chronic diseases. Here, we performed both an acute endurance and resistance exercise sub-studies (n = 14 and 17 respectively), and a 24-week supervised exercise intervention, combining endurance and resistance exercise training at moderate-intensity (MOD-EX) or vigorous-intensity (VIG-EX) exercise groups, in young sedentary adults. Randomization was performed by unrestricted randomization. Plasma levels of oxylipins, eCBs, and their analogues were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.FindingsBoth endurance and resistance exercise increased by +50% the plasma levels of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) omega-6 derived oxylipins, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid omega-3 derived after 3 and 120 min of the bout of exercise (all η2 ≥ 0.219 and P ≤ 0.039). These exercise modalities also increased the levels of anandamide and eCBs analogues (+25%). 145 young sedentary adults were assigned to a control (CON, n = 54), a MOD-EX (n = 48) or a VIG-EX (n = 43). 102 participants were included in the final long-term analyses (CON, n = 36; MOD-EX, n = 33; and VIG-EX, n = 33) of the trial. After 24-week of supervised exercise, MOD-EX decreased plasma levels of omega-6 oxylipins, concretely linoleic acid (LA) and adrenic acid derived oxylipins, and the eCBs analogues OEA and LEA in comparison to the CON (all P ≤ 0.021). VIG-EX decreased LA-derived oxylipins and LEA compared to CON. No relevant adverse events were recorded.InterpretationEndurance and resistance exercises acutely increased plasma levels of oxylipins, eCBs, and their analogues, whereas 24 weeks of exercise training decreased fasting plasma levels of omega-6 oxylipins, and eCBs analogues in young, sedentary adults. Show less
Context: South Asian individuals are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) coinciding with earlier complications than Europids. While inflammation plays a central role in the development and... Show moreContext: South Asian individuals are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) coinciding with earlier complications than Europids. While inflammation plays a central role in the development and progression of T2D, this factor is still underexplored in South Asians. Objective: This work aimed to study whether circulating messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts of immune genes are different between South Asian compared with Europid patients with T2D. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted of 2 randomized controlled trials of Dutch South Asian (n = 45; age: 55 +/- 10 years, body mass index [BMI]: 29 +/- 4 kg/m(2)) and Dutch Europid (n = 44; age: 60 +/- 7 years, BMI: 32 +/- 4 kg/m(2)) patients with T2D. Main outcome measures included mRNA transcripts of 182 immune genes (microfluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction; Fluidigm Inc) in fasted whole-blood, ingenuity pathway analyses (Qiagen). Results: South Asians, compared to Europids, had higher mRNA levels of B-cell markers (CD19, CD79A, CD79B, CR2, CXCR5, IGHD, MS4A1, PAX5; all fold change > 1.3, false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.008) and interferon (IFN)-signaling genes (CD274, GBP1, GBP2, GBP5, FCGR1A/B/CP, IFI16, IFIT3, IFITM1, IFITM3, TAP1; all FC > 1.2, FDR < 0.05). In South Asians, the IFN signaling pathway was the top canonical pathway (z score 2.6; P < .001) and this was accompanied by higher plasma IFN-gamma levels (FC = 1.5, FDR = 0.01). Notably, the ethnic difference in gene expression was larger for women (20/182 [11%]) than men (2/182 [1%]). Conclusion: South Asian patients with T2D show a more activated IFN-signaling pathway compared to Europid patients with T2D, which is more pronounced in women than men. We speculate that a more activated IFN-signaling pathway may contribute to the more rapid progression of T2D in South Asian compared with Europid individuals. Show less
Objective: Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and its related cardiometabolic diseases; however, whether the gut... Show moreObjective: Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and its related cardiometabolic diseases; however, whether the gut microbiota might be an efficient stimulus to activate BAT metabolism remains to be ascertained. We aimed to investigate the association of fecal microbiota composition with BAT volume and activity and mean radiodensity in young adults. Methods: 82 young adults (58 women, 21.8 +/- 2.2 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyse the fecal microbiota composition. BAT was determined via a static F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan (PET/CT) after a 2 h personalized cooling protocol. F-18-FDG uptake was also quantified in white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscles. Results: The relative abundance of Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae sp. and Ruminococcus genera was negatively correlated with BAT volume, BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho <= - 0.232, P <= 0.027), whereas the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium genus was positively correlated with BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho >= 0.262, P <= 0.012). On the other hand, the relative abundance of Sutterellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae families was positively correlated with F-18-FDG uptake by WAT and skeletal muscles (all rho >= 0.213, P <= 0.042). All the analyses were adjusted for the PET/CT scan date as a proxy of seasonality. Conclusion: Our results suggest that fecal microbiota composition is involved in the regulation of BAT and glucose uptake by other tissues in young adults. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Show less
ObjectiveHuman brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and its related cardiometabolic diseases; however, whether the gut... Show moreObjectiveHuman brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and its related cardiometabolic diseases; however, whether the gut microbiota might be an efficient stimulus to activate BAT metabolism remains to be ascertained. We aimed to investigate the association of fecal microbiota composition with BAT volume and activity and mean radiodensity in young adults.Methods82 young adults (58 women, 21.8 ± 2.2 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyse the fecal microbiota composition. BAT was determined via a static 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan (PET/CT) after a 2 h personalized cooling protocol. 18F-FDG uptake was also quantified in white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscles.ResultsThe relative abundance of Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae sp. and Ruminococcus genera was negatively correlated with BAT volume, BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho ≤ − 0.232, P ≤ 0.027), whereas the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium genus was positively correlated with BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho ≥ 0.262, P ≤ 0.012). On the other hand, the relative abundance of Sutterellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae families was positively correlated with 18F-FDG uptake by WAT and skeletal muscles (all rho ≥ 0.213, P ≤ 0.042). All the analyses were adjusted for the PET/CT scan date as a proxy of seasonality.ConclusionOur results suggest that fecal microbiota composition is involved in the regulation of BAT and glucose uptake by other tissues in young adults. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Show less