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
Neck adipose tissue (NAT) accumulation and neck circumference are independent predictors of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and low-grade chronic inflammation in young adults. The present study examines... Show moreNeck adipose tissue (NAT) accumulation and neck circumference are independent predictors of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and low-grade chronic inflammation in young adults. The present study examines whether a 24-week concurrent exercise intervention can reduce NAT volume and neck circumference in young adults, and whether any changes in these variables are related to changes in body composition, CMR, and the inflammatory profile. Seventy-four participants (51 women, age 22 & PLUSMN; 2 years) were included in the main analyses, after being randomly assigned to either a (a) control (n = 34), (b) moderate-intensity exercise (n = 19), or (c) vigorous-intensity exercise (n = 21) group. Participants in the exercise groups trained 3-4 days/ week (endurance + resistance exercise training). NAT volume and NAT distribution across different depots were estimated using computed tomography before and after the intervention. Anthropometric variables, body composition (determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and CMR/inflammatory markers were also recorded. The exercise intervention did not reduce the total NAT volume, nor was NAT distribution affected (p > .05). However, it did reduce neck circumference in the vigorous-intensity exercise group compared with the moderate-intensity exercise and control groups (by 0.8 and 1 cm, respectively, p <_ .05). Changes in total NAT and neck circumference were positively, albeit weakly, related (adj. R2: .05-.21, all p <_ .05) to changes in body weight and adiposity, leptin (only total NAT), and CMR (only neck circumference). Altogether 24 weeks of concurrent exercise does not appear to reduce NAT accumulation in young adults, but may slightly reduce neck circumference in those who in exercise. 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
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
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
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
Exercise modulates both brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning in murine models. Whether this is true in humans, however, has remained unknown. An unblinded... Show moreExercise modulates both brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning in murine models. Whether this is true in humans, however, has remained unknown. An unblinded randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129) was therefore conducted to study the effects of a 24-week supervised exercise intervention, combining endurance and resistance training, on BAT volume and activity (primary outcome). The study was carried out in the Sport and Health University Research Institute and the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital of the University of Granada (Spain). One hundred and forty-five young sedentary adults were assigned to either (i) a control group (no exercise, n = 54), (ii) a moderate intensity exercise group (MOD-EX, n = 48), or (iii) a vigorous intensity exercise group (VIG-EX n = 43) by unrestricted randomization. No relevant adverse events were recorded. 97 participants (34 men, 63 women) were included in the final analysis (Control; n = 35, MOD-EX; n = 31, and VIG-EX; n = 31). We observed no changes in BAT volume (Delta Control: -22.2 +/- 52.6 ml; Delta MOD-EX: -15.5 +/- 62.1 ml, Delta VIG-EX: -6.8 +/- 66.4 ml; P = 0.771) or F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake (SUVpeak Delta Control: -2.6 +/- 3.1 ml; Delta MOD-EX: -1.2 +/- 4.8, Delta VIG-EX: -2.2 +/- 5.1; p = 0.476) in either the control or the exercise groups. Thus, we did not find any evidence of an exercise-induced change on BAT volume or activity in young sedentary adults.Exercise modulates brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism in murine models. Here the authors report that there is no evidence that 24 weeks of supervised exercise training modulates BAT volume or function in young sedentary adults in the ACTIBATE randomized controlled trial. Show less
Purpose: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) increases metabolic heat production in response to cold exposure. Body size and composition are involved in the human cold response, yet the influence of BAT... Show morePurpose: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) increases metabolic heat production in response to cold exposure. Body size and composition are involved in the human cold response, yet the influence of BAT herein have not fully been explored. Here, we aimed to study the association of the cold-induced shivering threshold time with body composition, BAT, the perception of shivering and skin temperature in young adults. Methods: 110 young healthy adults (81 females; age = 21.7 +/- 2.1 years, BMI = 24.2 +/- 4.3 kg/m2) underwent 2 h of individualized cooling, followed by the quantification of BAT using a18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan. Body mass index (BMI), lean mass, fat mass and body surface area (BSA) were also measured. Shivering threshold time was defined as the time until shivering occurred using an individualized cooling protocol. Results: The shivering threshold time was on average 116.1 min for males and 125.8 min for females, and was positively associated to BMI (beta = 3.106; R2 = 0.141; p = 0.001), lean mass (beta = 2.295; R2 = 0.128; p = 0.001) and fat mass (beta = 1.492; R2 = 0.121; p = 0.001) in females, but not in males (all p >= 0.409). The shivering threshold time was positively associated with BSA in males (p = 0.047) and females (p = 0.001), but it was not associated with BAT volume or [18F]FDG uptake nor with the perception of shivering and skin temperature perception in both sexes. Conclusion: The shivering threshold time is positively associated with whole-body adiposity and lean mass in females, but not in males. The shivering threshold time was positively associated with BSA, but no association was observed with BAT nor with the perception of shivering or skin temperature. Future research should consider the influence of body composition when applying cooling protocols among individuals with different phenotypical features. Show less
Objectives: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is important in the maintenance of cardiometabolic health in rodents. Recent reports appear to suggest the same in humans, although if this is true remains... Show moreObjectives: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is important in the maintenance of cardiometabolic health in rodents. Recent reports appear to suggest the same in humans, although if this is true remains elusive partly because of the methodological bias that affected previous research. This cross-sectional work reports the relationships of cold-induced BAT volume, activity (peak standardized uptake, SUVpeak), and mean radiodensity (an inverse proxy of the triacylglycerols content) with the cardiometabolic and inflammatory profile of 131 young adults, and how these relationships are influenced by sex and body weight.Design: This is a cross-sectional study.Methods: Subjects underwent personalized cold exposure for 2 h to activate BAT, followed by static F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT scanning to determine BAT variables. Information on cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and inflammatory markers was gathered, and a CMR score and fatty liver index (FLI) were calculated.Results: In men, BAT volume was positively related to homocysteine and liver damage markers concentrations (independently of BMI and seasonality) and the FLI (all P <= 0.05). In men, BAT mean radiodensity was negatively related to the glucose and insulin concentrations, alanine aminotransfe rase activity, insulin resistance, total cholesterol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, the CMR score, and the FLI (all P <= 0.02). In women, it was only negatively related to the FLI (P < 0.001). These associations were driven by the results for the overweight and obese subjects. No relationship was seen between BAT and inflammatory markers (P > 0.05).Conclusions: A larger BAT volume and a lower BAT mean radiodensity are related to a higher CMR, especially in young men, which may support that BAT acts as a compensatory organ in states of metabolic disruption. Show less
Objective: To investigate the association of plasma levels of endocannabinoids with fecal microbiota. Methods: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG),... Show moreObjective: To investigate the association of plasma levels of endocannabinoids with fecal microbiota. Methods: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), as well as their eleven analogues, and arachidonic acid (AA), were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 92 young adults. DNA extracted from stool samples was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Lipopolysaccharide levels were measured in plasma samples. Results: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues were not related to beta or alpha diversity indexes. Plasma levels of AEA and related N-acylethanolamines correlated positively with the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium genus (all rho ≥ 0.26, p ≤ 0.012) and Akkermansia genus (all rho ≥ 0.22, p ≤ 0.036), and negatively with the relative abundance of Bilophila genus (all rho ≤ −0.23, p ≤ 0.031). Moreover, plasma levels of 2-AG and other acylglycerols correlated positively with the relative abundance of Parasutterella (all rho ≥ 0.24, p ≤ 0.020) and Odoribacter genera (all rho ≥ 0.27, p ≤ 0.011), and negatively with the relative abundance of Prevotella genus (all rho ≤ −0.24, p ≤ 0.023). In participants with high lipopolysaccharide values, the plasma levels of AEA and related N-acylethanolamines, as well as AA and 2-AG, were negatively correlated with plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (all rho ≤ −0.24, p ≤ 0.020). Conclusion: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues are correlated to specific fecal bacterial genera involved in maintaining gut barrier integrity in young adults. This suggests that plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues may play a role in the gut barrier integrity in young adults. Show less
Objective: To investigate the association of plasma levels of endocannabinoids with fecal microbiota. Methods: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG),... Show moreObjective: To investigate the association of plasma levels of endocannabinoids with fecal microbiota. Methods: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), as well as their eleven analogues, and arachidonic acid (AA), were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 92 young adults. DNA extracted from stool samples was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Lipopolysaccharide levels were measured in plasma samples. Results: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues were not related to beta or alpha diversity indexes. Plasma levels of AEA and related N-acylethanolamines correlated positively with the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium genus (all rho >= 0.26, p <= 0.012) and Akkermansia genus (all rho >= 0.22, p <= 0.036), and negatively with the relative abundance of Bilophila genus (all rho <= -0.23, p <= 0.031). Moreover, plasma levels of 2-AG and other acylglycerols correlated positively with the relative abundance of Parasutterella (all rho >= 0.24, p <= 0.020) and Odoribacter genera (all rho >= 0.27, p <= 0.011), and negatively with the relative abundance of Prevotella genus (all rho <= -0.24, p <= 0.023). In participants with high lipopolysaccharide values, the plasma levels of AEA and related N-acylethanolamines, as well as AA and 2-AG, were negatively correlated with plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (all rho <= -0.24, p <= 0.020). Conclusion: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues are correlated to specific fecal bacterial genera involved in maintaining gut barrier integrity in young adults. This suggests that plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues may play a role in the gut barrier integrity in young adults. Show less
Objective: To investigate the association of plasma levels of endocannabinoids with fecal microbiota. Methods: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)... Show moreObjective: To investigate the association of plasma levels of endocannabinoids with fecal microbiota. Methods: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), as well as their eleven analogues, and arachidonic acid (AA), were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 92 young adults. DNA extracted from stool samples was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Lipopolysaccharide levels were measured in plasma samples. Results: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues were not related to beta or alpha diversity indexes. Plasma levels of AEA and related N-acylethanolamines correlated positively with the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium genus (all rho ≥ 0.26, p ≤ 0.012) and Akkermansia genus (all rho ≥ 0.22, p ≤ 0.036), and negatively with the relative abundance of Bilophila genus (all rho ≤ −0.23, p ≤ 0.031). Moreover, plasma levels of 2-AG and other acylglycerols correlated positively with the relative abundance of Parasutterella (all rho ≥ 0.24, p ≤ 0.020) and Odoribacter genera (all rho ≥ 0.27, p ≤ 0.011), and negatively with the relative abundance of Prevotella genus (all rho ≤ −0.24, p ≤ 0.023). In participants with high lipopolysaccharide values, the plasma levels of AEA and related N-acylethanolamines, as well as AA and 2-AG, were negatively correlated with plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (all rho ≤ −0.24, p ≤ 0.020). Conclusion: Plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues are correlated to specific fecal bacterial genera involved in maintaining gut barrier integrity in young adults. This suggests that plasma levels of endocannabinoids and their analogues may play a role in the gut barrier integrity in young adults. Show less
In rodents, exercise alters the plasma concentration of exerkines that regulate white adipose tissue (WAT) browning or brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism. This study aims to analyse the acute... Show moreIn rodents, exercise alters the plasma concentration of exerkines that regulate white adipose tissue (WAT) browning or brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism. This study aims to analyse the acute and chronic effect of exercise on the circulating concentrations of 16 of these exerkines in humans. Ten young sedentary adults (6 female) performed a maximum walking effort test and a resistance exercise session. The plasma concentration of 16 exerkines was assessed before, and 3, 30, 60, and 120 min after exercise. Those exerkines modified by exercise were additionally measured in another 28 subjects (22 women). We also measured the plasma concentrations of the exerkines before and after a 24-week exercise programme (endurance + resistance; 3-groups: control, moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity) in 110 subjects (75 women). Endurance exercise acutely increased the plasma concentration of lactate, norepinephrine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, interleukin 6, and follistatin-like protein 1 (3 min after exercise), and musclin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (30 and 60 min after exercise), decreasing the plasma concentration of leptin (30 min after exercise). Adiponectin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), beta-aminoisobutyric acid, meteorin-like, follistatin, pro-ANP, irisin and myostatin were not modified or not detectable. The resistance exercise session increased the plasma concentration of lactate 3 min after exercise. Chronic exercise did not alter the plasma concentration of these exerkines. In sedentary young adults, acute endurance exercise releases to the bloodstream exerkines that regulate BAT metabolism and WAT browning. In contrast, neither a low-volume resistance exercise session nor a 24-week training programme modified plasma levels of these molecules. Show less