Nutrition
-
Central obesity is implicated in the development of insulin resistance by increasing insulin demand and eventually leading to hyperinsulinemia. Anthropometric measurements have been helpful in determining the risk factors in developing diabetes mellitus type 2. In this study we investigated whether anthropometric measurements differ among diabetics of different races. We also evaluated whether nutrient intake of these individuals was related to anthropometric measurement changes. ⋯ The type of fat consumed may be as important as the total fat consumption in the development of insulin resistance. The diet analysis can provide valuable information about the dietary habits of an individual and the possible causes of metabolic problems leading to a disease state. However, genetic factors must be considered when looking at diabetes incidence in different ethnic groups. For example, even though the black diabetic group consumed less fat in comparison with the other groups, their body fat percentages were higher. Therefore, we cannot conclude that high fat intake is primarily responsible for increased body fat percentage. Although anthropometric measurements are a useful tool in risk assessment, researchers should consider anatomic differences among different racial groups as covariables. Diet analysis when used in conjunction with anthropometric measurements can serve as a useful tool to detect whether metabolic alterations are related to dietary habits.
-
The present study investigated the effects of phytosterols (PS) in combination with diacylglycerol (DAG) versus PS in combination with triacylglycerol (TAG) on serum lipids and atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. ⋯ These findings suggested that PS in combination with DAG as opposed to TAG prevents the development of atherosclerosis via a decrease in total cholesterol exposure level and might be useful as a dietary oil for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
-
Exercise markedly increases oxygen uptake by active muscles and consequently increases generation of reactive oxygen species. A dietary deficiency in selenium (Se) can increase the sensitivity of the living system to oxidative stress. delta-Aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are sulfhydryl-containing enzymes, and their activities are sensitive to the presence of oxidizing agents. We investigated the effect of Se deficiency and supplementation on delta-ALA-D, SDH, and LDH activities in mice subjected to swim training for 8 wk. ⋯ These results indicated that exercise associated with dietary Se deficiency can inhibit the production of thiol-containing enzymes, delta-ALA-D and SDH, from different tissues; however, LDH activity was not changed. The decrease in enzyme activities can be tentatively attributed to oxidation of thiol groups by the reactive oxygen species produced by exercise.
-
We investigated the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on energy metabolism in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. ⋯ These results demonstrated that the hypolipidemic effect and the enhancement of energy metabolism by CLA can be attributed to the effect of the 10t,12c-CLA isomer.
-
This study investigated the effects of a Taiwanese yam, Dioscorea japonica Thunb var. pseudojaponica Yamamoto, on upper gut function and lipid metabolism in adult Balb/c mice. ⋯ A 25% uncooked yam diet may benefit upper gut function and prevent hypercholesterolemia in humans, but the 50% yam diet negatively affected protein absorption.