Nutrition
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It has been established that iodine prophylaxis prevents endemic goiter. In this study we reported the amount of iodized salt sold by the retailers of Cassino, a city of central Italy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of an iodine prophylaxis program started in 2005 on urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid volume (TV), and their correlation with anthropometric parameters in a population of schoolchildren. ⋯ The data reported may suggest the presence of an adequate iodine intake in the population of Cassino despite the low percentage of iodized salt sold by local retailers. This indicates that silent iodine prophylaxis through the consumption of iodine-rich or iodine-enriched food is of importance in the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders.
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The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) serum concentrations and body fat distribution in a sample of postmenopausal women. ⋯ Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common conditions. A/G ratio appeared to be associated with 25(OH)D concentrations and it is well-known that the android disposition of body fat is more closely associated with the onset of metabolic syndrome. Longitudinal studies are needed to better characterize the direction and the causal links of this association.
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Cardiovascular and metabolic traits (CMT) are influenced by complex interactive processes including diet, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition. The present study investigated the interactions of these risk factors in relation to CMTs in the Turkish population. ⋯ Our study applied a novel approach to integrate various sources of information and dissect the complex interactive processes related to CMTs. Our data indicated that complex causative networks are present: causative relationships exist among CMTs and are affected by genetic factors (with pleiotropic and non-pleiotropic effects) and dietary habits.
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Mechanisms of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity may involve ghrelin, an orexigenic and adipogenic hormone secreted by the stomach. Previous studies showed that obese subjects may display higher numbers of ghrelin-producing cells and increased affinity of plasma immunoglobulins (Ig) for ghrelin, protecting it from degradation. The aim of this study was to determine if a HFD in mice would increase the number of ghrelin-expressing cells and affinity of ghrelin-reactive IgG. ⋯ Results from the present study showed that HFD in mice induces obesogenic changes, including increased numbers of ghrelin precursor-expressing cells and increased affinity of ghrelin-reactive IgG. Such changes may contribute to the mechanisms of HFD-induced obesity.
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Previous studies suggest that low vitamin D status is associated with obesity characterized by excess lipid storage in adipocytes. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the most hormonally active form of vitamin D 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] on adipocyte fat storage and lipid metabolism in mature 3T3-L1 cells. ⋯ The observed potent inhibitory effect of 1,25(OH)2D on adipocyte fat storage in mature 3T3-L1 cells suggests that vitamin D might improve adipocyte metabolic function and protect against obesity. Increased NAD concentrations and SIRT1 activity may play a role in the mechanism of 1,25(OH)2D action.