Food Intake (food + intake)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Food Intake

  • daily food intake
  • decrease food intake
  • decreased food intake
  • increased food intake
  • reduced food intake
  • total food intake
  • voluntary food intake

  • Terms modified by Food Intake

  • food intake rate

  • Selected Abstracts


    Long-term Infusion of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Reduces Food Intake and Body Weight via a Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone Pathway in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 9 2010
    M. Toriya
    Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in learning, depression and energy metabolism. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying the effects of BDNF on energy metabolism remain unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the neuronal pathways by which BDNF controls feeding behaviour and energy balance. Using an osmotic mini-pump, BDNF or control artificial cerebrospinal fluid was infused i.c.v. at the lateral ventricle or into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) for 12 days. Intracerebroventricular BDNF up-regulated mRNA expression of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin in the PVN. TrkB, the receptor for BDNF, was expressed in the PVN neurones, including those containing CRH. Both i.c.v. and intra-PVN-administered BDNF decreased food intake and body weight. These effects of BDNF on food intake and body weight were counteracted by the co-administration of ,-helical-CRH, an antagonist for the CRH and urocortin receptors CRH-R1/R2, and partly attenuated by a selective antagonist for CRH-R2 but not CRH-R1. Intracerebroventricular BDNF also decreased the subcutaneous and visceral fat mass, adipocyte size and serum triglyceride levels, which were all attenuated by ,-helical-CRH. Furthermore, BDNF decreased the respiratory quotient and raised rectal temperature, which were counteracted by ,-helical-CRH. These results indicate that the CRH-urocortin-CRH-R2 pathway in the PVN and connected areas mediates the long-term effects of BDNF to depress feeding and promote lipolysis. [source]


    The Ghrelin/Obestatin Balance in the Physiological and Pathological Control of Growth Hormone Secretion, Body Composition and Food Intake

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 7 2010
    R. Hassouna
    Ghrelin and obestatin are two gastrointestinal peptides obtained by post-translational processing of a common precursor, preproghrelin. Ghrelin is an orexigenic and adipogenic peptide and a potent growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) modified by the enzyme ghrelin- O -acyl-transferase to bind and activate its receptor, the GHS-R. The ghrelin/GHS-R pathway is complex and the effects of ghrelin on GH secretion, adiposity and food intake appear to be relayed by distinct mechanisms involving different transduction signals and constitutive activity for the GH-R, different cofactors as modulators of endogenous ghrelin signalling and/or alternative ghrelin receptors. The discovery of obestatin in 2005 brought an additional level of complexity to this fascinating system. Obestatin was initially identified as an anorexigenic peptide and as the cognate ligand for GPR39, but its effect on food intake and its ability to activate GPR39 are still controversial. Although several teams failed to reproduce the anorexigenic actions of obestatin, this peptide has been shown to antagonise GH secretion and food intake induced by ghrelin and could be an interesting pharmacological tool to counteract the actions of ghrelin. Ghrelin and obestatin immunoreactivities are recovered in the blood with an ultradian pulsatility and their concentrations in plasma vary with the nutritional status of the body. It is still a matter of debate whether both hormones are regulated by independent mechanisms and whether obestatin is a physiologically relevant peptide. Nevertheless, a significant number of studies show that the ghrelin/obestatin ratio is modified in anorexia nervosa and obesity. This suggests that the ghrelin/obestatin balance could be essential to adapt the body's response to nutritional challenges. Although measuring ghrelin and obestatin in plasma is challenging because many forms of the peptides circulate, more sensitive and selective assays to detect the different preproghrelin-derived peptides are being developed and may be the key to obtaining a better understanding of their roles in different physiological and pathological conditions. [source]


    Divergent Regulation of Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Y and Agouti-Related Protein by Photoperiod in F344 rats With Differential Food Intake and Growth

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 7 2009
    A. W. Ross
    Hypothalamic genes involved in food intake and growth regulation were studied in F344 rats in response to photoperiod. Two sub-strains were identified: F344/NHsd (F344/N) and F344/NCrHsd (F344/NCr); sensitive and relatively insensitive to photoperiod respectively. In F344/N rats, marked, but opposite, changes in the genes for neuropeptide Y (NPY) (+97.5%) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) (,39.3%) expression in the arcuate nucleus were observed in response to short (8 : 16 h light/dark cycle, SD) relative to long (16 : 8 h light/dark cycle, LD) day photoperiods. Changes were associated with both reduced food intake and growth. Expression of the genes for cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the arcuate nucleus was unchanged by photoperiod. POMC in the ependymal layer around the third ventricle was markedly inhibited by SD. Parallel decreases in the genes for growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (Somatostatin) mRNA in the arcuate nucleus and Somatostatin in the periventricular nucleus were observed in SD. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and insulin were lower in F344/N rats in SD, whereas neither leptin nor corticosterone levels were affected. By contrast, F344/NCr rats that show only minor food intake and growth rate changes showed minimal responses in these genes and hormones. Thus, NPY/AgRP neurones may be pivotal to the photoperiodic regulation of food intake and growth. Potentially, the SD increase in NPY expression may inhibit growth by decreasing GHRH and Somatostatin expression, whereas the decrease in AgRP expression probably leads to reduced food intake. The present study reveals an atypical and divergent regulation of NPY and AgRP, which may relate to their separate roles with respect to growth and food intake, respectively. [source]


    Adipose Tissue Hormones and the Regulation of Food Intake

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
    B. A. Henry
    Over the past decade, adipose tissue has been shown to produce numerous factors that act as hormones. Many of these act on the brain to regulate energy balance via dual effects on food intake and energy expenditure. These include well-characterised hormones such as leptin, oestrogen and glucocorticoids and novel factors such as adiponectin and resistin. This review provides a perspective on the role of these factors as lipostats. [source]


    Gastrointestinal Regulation of Food Intake: General Aspects and Focus on Anandamide and Oleoylethanolamide

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 2008
    R. Capasso
    The gastrointestinal tract plays a pivotal role in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Signals from the gastrointestinal tract generally function to limit ingestion in the interest of efficient digestion. These signals may be released into the bloodstream or may activate afferent neurones that carry information to the brain and its cognitive centres, which regulates food intake. The rate at which nutrients become systemically available is also influenced by gastrointestinal motility: a delay in gastric emptying may evoke a satiety effect. Recent evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid anandamide and the related acylethanolamide oleoylethanolamide are produced in the intestine and might regulate feeding behaviour by engaging sensory afferent neurones that converge information to specific areas of the brain. The intestinal levels of these acylethanolamides are inversely correlated to feeding, as food deprivation increases intestinal levels of anandamide (which acts in the gut as a ,hunger signal'), while it decreases the levels of oleoylethanolamide (which acts in the gut as a ,satiety signal'). Additionally, these acylethanolamides, whose gastric levels change in response to diet-induced obesity, alter gastrointestinal motility, which might contribute to their effect on food intake and nutrient absorption. [source]


    Isolation and Characterisation of Four cDNAs Encoding Neuromedin U (NMU) From the Brain and Gut of Goldfish, and the Inhibitory Effect of a Deduced NMU on Food Intake and Locomotor Activity

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
    K. Maruyama
    In rodents, neuromedin U (NMU; U for its original effects examined in the uterus) is a multifunctional neuropeptide implicated in the regulation of the circulatory and digestive systems and energy homeostasis, especially appetite. However, there is no available information on the nature and physiological roles of NMU in fish. Therefore, we attempted to isolate and characterise transcripts encoding NMU from the brain and gut of the goldfish, and to examine the involvement of NMU in the regulation of feeding behaviour in this species. We identified four cDNAs encoding three NMU orthologs from the brain and gut. Putative peptides consisting of 21, 25 and 38 amino acid residues (NMU-21, NMU-25 and NMU-38) were deduced from their nucleotide sequences. Two mRNAs for NMU-25 were strongly expressed in the gut and weakly expressed in the brain and testis. By contrast, mRNA for NMU-21 was strongly expressed in the brain and weakly expressed in the peripheral tissues. Expression of mRNA for NMU-38 was weakly expressed only in the brain. Therefore, we examined the effect of feeding status on the expression of NMU-21 mRNA in the brain. Fasting for 7 days induced a significant decrease in the expression levels of NMU-21 mRNA in the brain. We also synthesised NMU-21 after deducing its C-terminal amide from the NMU-21 mRNA, and then investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of NMU-21 on food intake and locomotor activity in the goldfish. NMU-21, injected i.c.v., suppressed food intake and locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that NMU orthologs exist in fish, and that the NMU-21 deduced from them can potently inhibit food intake and locomotor activity in goldfish. [source]


    Changes in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Function, Body Temperature, Body Weight and Food Intake with Repeated Social Stress Exposure in Rats

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
    S. Bhatnagar
    Abstract These present studies aimed to compare changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity and body temperature in response to acute social defeat, to repeated social stress and to novel restraint after repeated stress, as well as to assess effects on metabolic parameters by measuring body weight gain and food and water intake. We found that social defeat produced a marked increase in both adrenocorticotrophic hormone and corticosterone compared to placement in a novel cage. Similarly, body temperature was also increased during social defeat and during 30 min of recovery from defeat. We then examined the effects of 6 days of repeated social stress and observed minimal HPA responses to repeated social stress compared to control rats. These neuroendocrine responses were contrasted by robust increases in body temperature during stress and during recovery from stress during 6 days of repeated stress. However, in response to novel restraint, repeatedly stressed rats displayed facilitated body temperature responses compared to controls, similar to our previous findings with HPA activity. Food intake was increased during the light period during which defeat took place, but later intake during the dark period was not affected. Repeated stress decreased body weight gain in the dark period but food intake was increased overall during the 6 days of repeated stress in the light period. As a result, repeated stress increased cumulative food intake during the light period in the stressed rats but these relatively small increases in food intake were unable to prevent the diminished total weight gain in repeatedly stressed rats. Overall, the results demonstrate that, although acute social defeat has similar effects on temperature and HPA activity, repeated exposure to social stress has divergent effects on HPA activity compared to body temperature and that dampened weight gain produced by repeated social stress cannot be fully explained by changes in food intake. [source]


    Roles of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor, Neuropeptide Y and Corticosterone in the Regulation of Food Intake In Xenopus laevis

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
    E. J. Crespi
    Abstract In mammals, hypothalamic control of food intake involves counterregulation of appetite by anorexigenic peptides such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and orexigenic peptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY). Glucocorticoids also stimulate food intake by inhibiting CRF while facilitating NPY actions. To gain a better understanding of the diversity and evolution of neuroendocrine feeding controls in vertebrates, we analysed the effects of CRF, NPY and glucocorticoids on food intake in juvenile Xenopus laevis. We also analysed brain CRF and NPY mRNA content and plasma corticosterone concentrations in relation to nutritional state. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of ovine CRF suppressed food intake while CRF receptor antagonist ,helical CRF(9,41) significantly increased food intake relative to uninjected and placebo controls. By contrast, i.c.v. injection of frog NPY and short-term corticosterone treatment increased food intake. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that CRF and NPY mRNA fluctuated with food intake in the brain region containing the mid-posterior hypothalamus, pretectum, and optic tectum: CRF mRNA decreased 6 h after a meal and remained low through 31 days of food deprivation; NPY mRNA content also decreased 6 h after a meal, but increased to prefeeding levels by 24 h. Plasma corticosterone concentration increased 6 h after a meal, returned to prefeeding levels by 24 h, and did not change with prolonged food deprivation. This postprandial increase in plasma corticosterone may be related to the subsequent increase in plasma glucose and body water content that occurs 24 h postfeeding. Overall, our data support the conclusion that, similar to other vertebrates, CRF is anorexigenic while NPY is orexigenic in X. laevis, and CRF secretion modulates food intake in the absence of stress by exerting an inhibitory tone on appetite. Furthermore, the stress axis is activated in response to food intake, but in contrast to mammals and birds is not activated during periods of food deprivation. [source]


    The Effects of Exercise on Food Intake and Body Fatness: A Summary of Published Studies

    NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 1 2007
    Sonya J. Elder MS
    Exercise has well-recognized health benefits, including reduction in risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, the extent to which exercise influences energy regulation and facilitates a reduction in body fat is less clear. This review summarizes published studies on the effects of different amounts of exercise on body fatness, energy intake, and food preferences in humans. The results show consistent effects of exercise on body fatness in the absence of prescribed dietary change, with a progressive loss of body fat associated with higher exercise energy expenditures in both men and women. In part, these effects appear to be mediated by a spontaneous reduction in hunger associated with participation in exercise. Insufficient data are available on whether there are changes in food preferences and taste perception that influence energy balance through macro-nutrient selection, so further studies in this area are needed. [source]


    Snacking patterns influence energy and nutrient intakes but not body mass index

    JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 1 2003
    J. S. Hampl
    Abstract Objective To study dietary intake and body mass index (BMI) patterns among US adults, stratified by snacking patterns. Design The 1994,1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) provided the study sample. Snacking episodes were defined as a ,food and/or beverage break', and subjects were classified as morning, afternoon, evening, multiple or never snackers. Subjects/setting Our study included data from 1756 men and 1511 women who provided two nonconsecutive, multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls. Statistical analyses Mean values of each subject's two 24-h recalls were used for analyses, and data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows and SUDAAN. Results Compared with women, men were more likely to be evening, multiple or never snackers. Male multiple snackers had significantly higher energy intakes than did afternoon and never snackers, whereas female multiple snackers had higher energy intakes than did morning, evening and never snackers. At the same time, male and female multiple snackers had more prudent energy-adjusted intakes of protein, cholesterol, calcium and sodium. Coffee, cola, milk, ice cream and fruits were among the most frequently consumed snacks by men and women. The BMI did not differ significantly across snacker categories. Conclusions These data indicate that snacking patterns have some effects on energy and nutrient intakes but not on BMI. Snack food choices remain a concern, especially beverages, including those that are sweetened. Vegetables and fruits as snacks should be encouraged. [source]


    Water Consumption and Nursing Characteristics of Infants by Race and Ethnicity

    JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2000
    Keith E. Heller DDS
    Abstract Objective: The purpose of this project was to determine racial/ethnic differences in water consumption levels and nursing habits of children younger than 2 years old. Methods: Data from the 1994,96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) were used for these analyses. Water consumption and breast-feeding data on 946 children younger than 2 years old were used. Results: For black non-Hispanic children younger than 2 years old (n=121), 5.3 percent of the children were currently being breast fed. This percentage was less than that seen in other racial/ethnic groups. For white non-Hispanic children (n=620), this percentage was 10.8 percent; for Hispanic children (n=146), 12.2 percent; for "other" children, 18.5 percent (n=59). Black non-Hispanic children had the highest total water consumption (128.6 ml/kg/day) among all groups, white non-Hispanic had the lowest (113.2 ml/kg/day). These differences were not statistically significant in multivariate regression modeling. Black non-Hispanic children also drank moretap water (21.3 ml/kg/day) than white non-Hispanic children (12.7 ml/kg/day) and Hispanic children (14.9 ml/kg/day). The difference was statistically significant in multivariate regression modeling. Conclusions: The differences in breast feeding and water consumption observed among black children younger than 2 years of age could be a factor in the observed higher levels of fluorosis in black children compared to other children. [source]


    Ascorbic acid oral treatment modifies lipolytic response and behavioural activity but not glucocorticoid metabolism in cafeteria diet-fed rats

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009
    D. F. Garcia-Diaz
    Abstract Aim:, To analyse the effects of vitamin C (VC), a potent dietary antioxidant, oral supplementation on body weight gain, behavioural activity, lipolytic response and glucocorticoid metabolism in the early stages of diet-induced overweight in rats. Methods:, Food intake, locomotive activity and faecal corticosterone were assessed during the 14 day trial period. After 2 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the body composition, biochemical markers and lipolytic response from isolated adipocytes from retroperitoneal white adipose tissue were examined. Results:, The intake of a high-fat diet by rats induced a significant increase in body weight, adiposity and insulin resistance markers as well as a decrease in faecal corticosterone levels compared with standard diet-fed rats. Interestingly, the animals fed on the cafeteria diet showed a significant increase in the isoproterenol-induced lipolytic response in isolated adipocytes. Furthermore, this cafeteria-fed group showed a reduced locomotive behaviour than the control rats. On the other hand, oral VC supplementation in animals receiving the high-fat diet restored the cafeteria diet effect in some of the analysed variables such as final body weight and plasma insulin to control group levels. Remarkably, increases in locomotive behaviour and a significant decrease in the lipolytic response induced by isoproterenol on isolated adipocytes from animals treated with VC were observed. Conclusion:, This work demonstrates that an oral ascorbic acid supplementation has direct effects on behavioural activity and on adipocyte lipolysis in early obesity stages in rats, which could indicate a protective short-term role of this vitamin against adiposity induced by chronic high-fat diet consumption. [source]


    Effects of a natural extract of (,)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) and a combination of HCA-SX plus niacin-bound chromium and Gymnema sylvestre extract on weight loss

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 3 2004
    H. G. Preuss
    Aim:, The efficacy of optimal doses of highly bioavailable (,)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) alone and in combination with niacin-bound chromium (NBC) and a standardized Gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) on weight loss in moderately obese subjects was evaluated by monitoring changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), appetite, lipid profiles, serum leptin and excretion of urinary fat metabolites. HCA-SX has been shown to reduce appetite, inhibit fat synthesis and decrease body weight without stimulating the central nervous system. NBC has demonstrated its ability to maintain healthy insulin levels, while GSE has been shown to regulate weight loss and blood sugar levels. Methods:, A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study was conducted in Elluru, India for 8 weeks in 60 moderately obese subjects (ages 21,50, BMI >26 kg/m2). Subjects were randomly divided into three groups. Group A was administered HCA-SX 4667 mg, group B was administered a combination of HCA-SX 4667 mg, NBC 4 mg and GSE 400 mg, while group C was given placebo daily in three equally divided doses 30,60 min before meals. All subjects received a 2000 kcal diet/day and participated in supervised walking. Results:, At the end of 8 weeks, body weight and BMI decreased by 5,6% in both groups A and B. Food intake, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides and serum leptin levels were significantly reduced in both groups, while high-density lipoprotein levels and excretion of urinary fat metabolites increased in both groups. A marginal or non-significant effect was observed in all parameters in group C. Conclusion:, The present study shows that optimal doses of HCA-SX and, to a greater degree, the combination of HCA-SX, NBC and GSE can serve as an effective and safe weight-loss formula that can facilitate a reduction in excess body weight and BMI, while promoting healthy blood lipid levels. [source]


    Neuropeptide Y suppresses absence seizures in a genetic rat model primarily through effects on Y2 receptors

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 4 2007
    Margaret J. Morris
    Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) potently suppresses absence seizures in a model of genetic generalized epilepsy, genetic absence epilepsy rats of Strasbourg (GAERS). Here we investigated the Y-receptor subtype(s) on which NPY exerts this anti-absence effect. A dual in vivo approach was used: the cumulative duration of seizures was quantified in adult male GAERS in 90-min electroencephalogram recordings following intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of: (i) subtype-selective agonists of Y1 ([Leu31Pro34]NPY, 2.5 nmol), Y2 (Ac[Leu28,31]NPY24,36, 3 nmol), Y5 receptors [hPP1,17,Ala31,Aib32]NPY, 4 nmol), NPY (3 nmol) or vehicle; and following (ii) i.c.v. injection of antagonists of Y1 (BIBP3226, 20 nmol), Y2 (BIIE0246, 20 nmol) and Y5 (NPY5RA972, 20 nmol) receptors or vehicle, followed by NPY (3 nmol). Injection of the Y1 - and Y5 -selective agonists resulted in significantly less mean seizure suppression (37.4% and 53.9%, respectively) than NPY (83.2%; P < 0.05), while the Y2 agonist had similar effects to NPY (62.3% suppression, P = 0.57). Food intake was not increased following injection of the Y2 agonist, while significant increases in food intake were seen following NPY and the other Y-subtype agonists. Compared with vehicle, NPY injection suppressed seizures following the Y1 and Y5 antagonists (45.3% and 80.1%, respectively, P < 0.05), but not following the Y2 antagonist (5.1% suppression, P = 0.46). We conclude that NPY Y2 receptors are more important than Y1 and Y5 receptors in mediating the effect of NPY to suppress absence seizures in a genetic rat model. Y2 receptor agonists may represent targets for novel drugs against genetic generalized epilepsies without resulting in appetite stimulation. [source]


    Dietary patterns, the Alternate Healthy Eating Index and plasma sex hormone concentrations in postmenopausal women

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2007
    Teresa T. Fung
    Abstract To evaluate the association between overall diet and sex hormones concentrations, we collected blood from 578 postmenopausal women ages 43 and 69 years in 1989 or 1990. Food intake was measured in 1990 via a food frequency questionnaire. We calculated the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), and dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. The cross-sectional association between diet and estrogens, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were evaluated with linear regression and adjusted for energy and other potential confounders. We found a higher AHEI score was associated with lower concentrations of estradiol, free estradiol, and higher concentrations of SHBG. The prudent pattern, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, was not associated with any sex hormones. The Western pattern, which represents higher intakes of red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets and desserts, was associated with a higher level of estradiol and lower concentrations of SHBG. Further adjustment for BMI attenuated these results except for free estradiol (5th vs. 1st quintile = 0.09 vs. 0.11 pg/mL, p for trend = 0.03). In addition, the AHEI was inversely associated with estradiol among those with BMI > 25, and Western pattern with SHBG among those with BMI < 25. In conclusion, we observed inverse associations between the AHEI score and several estrogens, and it was positively associated with plasma levels of SHBG. In contrast, the Western pattern was positively associated with estrogen levels and inversely with SHBG. However, these associations appeared to be largely accounted for by BMI. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    The Full Stomach Test as a Novel Diagnostic Technique for Identifying Patients at Risk of Brugada Syndrome

    JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
    F.A.C.C., Ph.D., TAKANORI IKEDA M.D.
    Introduction: Autonomic modulation, particularly high vagal tone, plays an important role in the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in the Brugada syndrome. Food intake modulates vagal activity. We assessed the usefulness of a novel diagnostic technique, the "full stomach test," for identifying a high-risk group in patients with a Brugada-type electrocardiogram (ECG). Methods and Results: In 35 patients with a Brugada-type ECG, we assessed 12-lead ECGs before and after a large meal, a pilsicainide pharmacological test, spontaneous ST-segment change, late potentials by signal-averaged ECG, microvolt T-wave alternans, and four other ECG parameters. These patients were divided into two groups (i.e., high-risk group [n = 17] and indeterminate risk group [n = 18]). The full stomach test was defined as positive when augmentation of characteristic ECG abnormalities was observed after meals. Thirteen patients had a prior history of life-threatening events such as aborted sudden death and syncope, with a total of 30 episodes. These episodes had a circadian pattern, at night and after meals. The full stomach test was positive in 17 of the study patients (49%). A positive test outcome was characterized by a higher incidence of a history of life-threatening events than a negative test outcome (P = 0.015, odds ratio = 7.1). In comparison between the two groups, the incidence (82%) of positive outcomes in the high-risk group was significantly higher than that (17%) in the indeterminate risk group (P = 0.0002). Conclusions: Characteristic ECG changes diagnostic of Brugada syndrome are augmented by a large meal. These data are associated with a history of life-threatening events in Brugada syndrome. [source]


    Nutritional care: the effectiveness of actively involving older patients

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 2 2005
    Preben Ulrich Pedersen RN PhD
    Aims and objectives., The purpose of the study was to test the effectiveness of nursing care based on active involvement of patients in their nutritional care. It was hypothesized that this type of care could improve energy and protein intake in elder orthopaedic patients. Background., Protein and energy malnutrition and deterioration in nutritional status is a common but neglected problem in hospital patients. Methods., The design was quasi-experimental with an intervention and control group. The study included 253 patients aged 65 and above admitted for hip fracture, hip or knee replacement. Food intake was recorded on a daily basis during the hospital stay. Results., The daily intake of energy increased with 23% (P = 0.001) and of protein with 45% (P = 0.001). The intake increased from the very first day after the operation. The intake of energy and protein was not correlated with the patient's age, body mass index or type of surgery. Conclusions., The care based on patients' active involvement in their own nutritional care and was found to be an effective method to raise the intake of energy and protein among elder orthopaedic patients. Relevance to clinical practice., This way of organizing the care identifies patients who do not consume enough energy and protein according to their current requirements and to take appropriate actions to prevent further malnutrition. [source]


    Genetic variation in the murine lifespan response to dietary restriction: from life extension to life shortening

    AGING CELL, Issue 1 2010
    Chen-Yu Liao
    Summary Chronic dietary restriction (DR) is considered among the most robust life-extending interventions, but several reports indicate that DR does not always extend and may even shorten lifespan in some genotypes. An unbiased genetic screen of the lifespan response to DR has been lacking. Here, we measured the effect of one commonly used level of DR (40% reduction in food intake) on mean lifespan of virgin males and females in 41 recombinant inbred strains of mice. Mean strain-specific lifespan varied two to threefold under ad libitum (AL) feeding and 6- to 10-fold under DR, in males and females respectively. Notably, DR shortened lifespan in more strains than those in which it lengthened life. Food intake and female fertility varied markedly among strains under AL feeding, but neither predicted DR survival: therefore, strains in which DR shortened lifespan did not have low food intake or poor reproductive potential. Finally, strain-specific lifespans under DR and AL feeding were not correlated, indicating that the genetic determinants of lifespan under these two conditions differ. These results demonstrate that the lifespan response to a single level of DR exhibits wide variation amenable to genetic analysis. They also show that DR can shorten lifespan in inbred mice. Although strains with shortened lifespan under 40% DR may not respond negatively under less stringent DR, the results raise the possibility that life extension by DR may not be universal. [source]


    Diurnal triglyceridaemia and insulin resistance in mildly obese subjects with normal fasting plasma lipids

    JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2004
    C. J. M. Halkes
    Abstract. Objective., A novel method has been developed to study diurnal triglyceride (TG) profiles using repeated capillary self-measurements in an ,out-of-hospital' situation. We assessed the diurnal capillary TG (TGc) profile in males with mild obesity and evaluated the use of plasma and capillary TG as markers of insulin resistance. Design., Cross-sectional study. Setting and Subjects., Fifty-four lean (body mass index, BMI < 25 kg m,2) and 27 mildly obese (25 < BMI < 30 kg m,2), normolipidaemic males measured capillary TG concentrations on six fixed time-points over a 3-day period in an ,out-of-hospital' situation. Main outcome measures., The total area under the TGc curve (TGc-AUC) and incremental area under the TGc curve (TGc-IAUC) were used as estimation of diurnal triglyceridaemia. Fasting blood samples were obtained once. Food intake was recorded by all participants. Results., Obese and lean subjects had comparable fasting capillary TG concentrations (1.37 ± 0.40 mmol L,1 and 1.32 ± 0.53 mmol L,1, respectively). However, during the day, obese subjects showed a greater TG increase, resulting in significantly higher TGc-AUC (27.1 ± 8.4 and 23.0 ± 6.3 mmol h,1 l,1, respectively; P < 0.05) and TGc-IAUC (7.9 ± 5.8 and 4.6 ± 6.6 mmolh,1 L,1, respectively; P < 0.05). The total group of 81 males was divided into quartiles based on fasting plasma TG, fasting capillary TG, TGc-AUC and TGc-IAUC. Amongst these variables, TGc-AUC was the only significant discriminator of subjects with high homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) (insulin resistance) compared with low HOMA (insulin sensitive). Overall, BMI was the strongest determinant of HOMA. Conclusions., Diurnal TG profiles can be used to investigate postprandial lipaemia in both lean and mildly obese subjects and may help to detect subjects with an underlying disposition for hypertriglyceridaemia related to insulin resistance, i.e. the metabolic syndrome. [source]


    Expression of the Hypothalamic Transcription Factor Nhlh2 is Dependent on Energy Availability

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 7 2007
    K. R. Vella
    Mice with a deletion of the hypothalamic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Nhlh2 display adult onset obesity, implicating Nhlh2 in the neuronal circuits regulating energy availability. Nhlh2 colocalises with the hypothalamic thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) neurones in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones in the arcuate nucleus. We show that Nhlh2 expression is significantly reduced in response to 24-h food deprivation in the arcuate nucleus, PVN, lateral hypothalamus, ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). Food intake for 2 h following deprivation stimulates Nhlh2 expression in the arcuate nucleus and the PVN, and leptin injection following deprivation results in increased Nhlh2 expression in the arcuate nucleus, PVN, lateral hypothalamus, VMH, and DMH. Hypothalamic Nhlh2 expression in response to leptin injection is maximal by 2 h. Following leptin injection, Nhlh2 mRNA colocalises in POMC neurones in the arcuate nucleus and TRH neurones in the PVN. Nhlh2 mRNA expression in POMC neurones in the arcuate nucleus and TRH neurones in the PVN is reduced with energy deprivation and is stimulated with food intake and leptin injection. Modulation of POMC expression in response to changes in energy availability is not affected in mice with a targeted deletion of Nhlh2. However, deletion of Nhlh2 does result in loss of normal TRH mRNA expression in mice exposed to food deprivation and leptin stimulation. These data implicate Nhlh2 as a regulatory target of the leptin-mediated energy availability network of the hypothalamus, and TRH as a putative downstream target of Nhlh2. [source]


    Changes in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Function, Body Temperature, Body Weight and Food Intake with Repeated Social Stress Exposure in Rats

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
    S. Bhatnagar
    Abstract These present studies aimed to compare changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity and body temperature in response to acute social defeat, to repeated social stress and to novel restraint after repeated stress, as well as to assess effects on metabolic parameters by measuring body weight gain and food and water intake. We found that social defeat produced a marked increase in both adrenocorticotrophic hormone and corticosterone compared to placement in a novel cage. Similarly, body temperature was also increased during social defeat and during 30 min of recovery from defeat. We then examined the effects of 6 days of repeated social stress and observed minimal HPA responses to repeated social stress compared to control rats. These neuroendocrine responses were contrasted by robust increases in body temperature during stress and during recovery from stress during 6 days of repeated stress. However, in response to novel restraint, repeatedly stressed rats displayed facilitated body temperature responses compared to controls, similar to our previous findings with HPA activity. Food intake was increased during the light period during which defeat took place, but later intake during the dark period was not affected. Repeated stress decreased body weight gain in the dark period but food intake was increased overall during the 6 days of repeated stress in the light period. As a result, repeated stress increased cumulative food intake during the light period in the stressed rats but these relatively small increases in food intake were unable to prevent the diminished total weight gain in repeatedly stressed rats. Overall, the results demonstrate that, although acute social defeat has similar effects on temperature and HPA activity, repeated exposure to social stress has divergent effects on HPA activity compared to body temperature and that dampened weight gain produced by repeated social stress cannot be fully explained by changes in food intake. [source]


    Neuropeptide Y Counteracts the Anorectic and Weight Reducing Effects of Ciliary Neurotropic Factor

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 9 2000
    S. Pu
    Abstract Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a cytokine of the interleukin-6 superfamily, has been shown to induce hypophagia and weight loss. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and orexin are potent orexigenic signals in the hypothalamus. Anorexia, normally seen in response to infection, injury and inflammation, may result from diminished hypothalamic orexigenic signalling caused by persistently elevated cytokines, including CNTF. To test this hypothesis, we first examined the effects of chronic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of CNTF for 6,7 days on food intake and body weight as well as hypothalamic NPY and orexin gene expression in male rats. Subsequently, the effectiveness of NPY replacement to counteract the effects of CNTF by coinfusion of NPY and CNTF was evaluated. Chronic i.c.v. infusion of CNTF (2.5 µg/day) reduced body weight (14.3% vs control) at the end of 7 days. Food intake remained suppressed for 5 days postinfusion and subsequently gradually returned to the control range by day 7. Serum leptin concentrations in these rats were in the same range seen in control rats. Chronic i.c.v. infusion of higher doses of CNTF (5.0 µg/day) produced sustained anorexia and body weight loss (29% vs controls) through the entire duration of the experiment. This severe anorexia was accompanied by markedly suppressed serum leptin concentrations. Furthermore, CNTF infusion alone significantly reduced hypothalamic NPY gene expression (P < 0.05) without affecting orexin gene expression. As expected, in fusion of NPY alone (18 µg/day) augmented food intake (191.6% over the initial control, P < 0.05) and produced a 25.1% weight gain in conjunction with a 10-fold increase in serum leptin concentrations at the end of the 7-day period. Interestingly, coinfusion of this regimen of NPY with the highly effective anorectic and body reducing effects of CNTF (5.0 µg/day) not only prevented the CNTF-induced anorexia and weight loss, but also normalized serum leptin concentrations and hypothalamic NPY gene expression. These results demonstrate that chronic central infusion to produce a persistent elevation of the cytokine at pathophysiological levels (a situation that may normally manifest during infection, injury and inflammation) produced severe anorexia and weight loss in conjunction with reduction in both serum leptin concentrations and hypothalamic NPY gene expression. Reinstatement of hypothalamic NPY signalling by coinfusion of NPY counteracted these CNTF-induced responses. [source]


    Effects of postoperative ketamine infusion on pain control and feeding behaviour in bitches undergoing mastectomy

    JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 12 2007
    S. Sarrau
    Objectives: To determine if ketamine administered to bitches at the end of a mastectomy, followed by a six-hour constant rate infusion (CRI), improved postoperative opioid analgesia and feeding behaviour. Methods: The bitches were randomised into three groups: the placebo group received 0·09 ml/kg isotonic saline intravenously followed by a six-hour CRI of 0·5 ml/kg/hour, the low-dose ketamine received 150 ,g/kg ketamine intravenously followed by a six-hour CRI of 2 ,g/kg/minute and the high-dose ketamine group received 700 ,g/kg ketamine intravenously followed by a six-hour CRI of 10 ,g/kg/minute. Any additional opioids given were recorded at the time of extubation and at intervals after extubation. Food intake was evaluated eight (T8) and 20 (T20) hours after extubation by measuring the per cent coverage of basal energy requirements (BER). Results: No significant difference was observed for opioid requirements between the three groups. The mean percentages of BER coverage did not differ significantly at T8 but the difference between the high-dose and low-dose ketamine groups (P=0·014), and the high-dose ketamine and placebo groups (P=0·038) was significant at T20. Clinical Significance: This study demonstrated that 700 ,g/kg ketamine given intravenously postoperatively followed by a six-hour ketamine CRI of 10 ,g/kg/minute improved patient feeding behaviour. [source]


    Nutrigenomics,new approaches for human nutrition research

    JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 8 2006
    Helen M Roche
    Abstract Food intake and nutrient exposure are key environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis and progression of the common polygenic, diet-related diseases. An individual's phenotype represents a complex interaction between the human genome and environmental factors during an individual's lifetime. This review explores the concept that there is a dynamic, two-way interaction between nutrition and the human genome which determines gene expression, the metabolic response and an individual's health status. It addresses the relevance of new high-throughput genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic technologies within human nutrition research. Common, polygenic, diet-related diseases (CVD, obesity, T2DM, etc.) reflect multiple genetic variants interacting with numerous environmental factors, each combination making a relatively small contribution to overall cellular homeostasis, whole body metabolism and health. This review highlights the value of a nutrigenomics-based systems biology approach to understanding human nutrition and identifying new biomarkers of nutrition and health. The challenge will be to develop and apply robust nutritional genomics research initiatives that are sensitive enough to take account of both human genetic heterogeneity and diverse nutrient exposure. If nutrigenomic approaches enhance our understanding of human nutrition at the molecular level, then it may be possible to apply a more targeted and effective personalized nutrition approach to attenuate the effect of risk factors associated with diet-related diseases. Indeed it could be proposed that a personalized nutrition approach may assist in improving the effectiveness of dietary guidelines/recommendations in general. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Changes in calcium absorption and subsequent tissue distribution induced by Maillard reaction products: in vitro and in vivo assays,

    JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 2 2006
    Cristina Delgado-Andrade
    Abstract The effects of Maillard reaction products (MRP) from glucose,lysine and glucose,methionine on calcium bioavailability were studied by in vivo (rats) and in vitro (Caco-2 cells) assays. Equimolar glucose/lysine and glucose/methionine mixtures (40% moisture) were heated (150 °C, 30 min) to prepare samples (GL30 and GM30, respectively). For 21 days, rats were fed a control diet (control group) or diets containing separately 3% of the heated mixtures (GL30 and GM30 groups, respectively). In the last week a calcium balance was performed, after which the animals were sacrificed and some organs and serum were removed to analyze calcium levels. A second balance was carried out throughout the experimental period to calculate global calcium retention (retained calcium during the entire 21 days). Unheated and heated samples were used for calcium transport experiments in Caco-2 cells. Food intake and final body weight were lower in the GM30 group. Calcium fecal excretion decreased and digestibility increased in this group. Accordingly, increased calcium transport in Caco-2 cells was found in the presence of the GM30 sample, when compared with the unheated sample. However, global calcium retention tended to decrease in the GM30 group, mainly owing to the lower food intake. Bone calcium concentrations decreased in the animals fed the MRP diets. The possible long-term effects of MRP intake on calcium digestibility and bone calcium should be taken into account to avoid related diseases. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Continuous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effects on the Gut-Brain Axis in Swine

    NEUROMODULATION, Issue 1 2007
    Idoia Díaz-Güemes DVM
    ABSTRACT Objectives., This study was designed to assess vagus nerve stimulation effects on the food intake pattern in swine and determine the electrical stimulus direction. Material and Methods., Fifteen Large White pigs were randomly divided into three groups, groups A,C. All animals underwent implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator at the gastro-esophogeal junction. In group A, the stimulation was switched off, whereas stimulation was switched on in groups B and C. Food intake and body weight were registered in groups A and B, but not in group C, which was used to measure direction of stimulation in the vagus and effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Variables measured in group C included the bispectral index, blood pressure, and heart rate. A Student's t -test and one-way analysis of variance were used to detect differences between groups. All animals were sacrificed to identify effects of implantation and stimulation on the vagus nerve. Results., With respect to food intake, there was no difference between groups A and B; however, body weight did register a continuous increase. During stimulation, in group C arterial pressures decreased significantly, whereas the heart rate and bispectral index increased. Conclusion., The stimulation protocol applied in this study was insufficient to cause changes in the feeding behavior of swine; however, it did increase central nervous system activity. [source]


    An experimental analysis of ingestion rates in an omnivorous species

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    M. Stammati
    Abstract Food intake is difficult to estimate under natural conditions. We investigated ingestion rates of 14 different food types in 26 captive capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). The procedure consisted in weighing a piece of food and using a two alternative choice tests to present food to the subject, alone in its cage. We recorded the food chosen and the time it took the subject to consume the food entirely. Consumption time was converted into ingestion rates (g/s) for each food type. Ingestion rates of food types significantly differed, and the difference was significantly higher among foods than among subjects. In particular, ingestion rates of the fruits were higher than those of human-processed food. Interestingly, food preferences were significantly related to energy intake rate, i.e., to the amount of energy ingested per unit of time, but not with ingestion rates or energy content alone. The energy acquired by eating different types of food cannot be calculated on the basis of the time spent eating unless a correction factor for each given food (or similar ones) is applied. Future controlled studies should provide field researchers with such corrections factors, possibly using foods collected in the wild. Am. J. Primatol. 70:510,513, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Sex differences in stress responses to transportation in goats: Effects of gonadal hormones

    ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2003
    Masato AOYAMA
    ABSTRACT The present study examined sex differences and the involvement of gonadal hormones in stress responses caused by road transportation in Shiba goats. In experiment 1, we investigated the stress responses of males and females to transportation. Plasma levels of cortisol (Cor) significantly increased during 1 h of transportation, and those in females were significantly higher than those in males. Plasma glucose (Glu) and free fatty acid (FFA) levels also increased similarly in both females and males by transportation, and there were no sex differences. Food intake following transportation decreased only in males compared with that in the basal session, in which the animals were not transported. Experiment 2 examined the involvement of gonadal hormones in stress responses to transportation using castrated males. Goats were given cholesterol (Cho), 5,-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or 17,-estradiol (Es). The plasma Cor levels increased during transportation regardless of hormone treatment, and those in DHT treated goats were significantly lower than those in Cho or Es treated animals. Plasma Glu and FFA levels also increased during transportation, regardless of hormone treatment, and there were no differences between treatments. Food intake following transportation was significantly lower than that in the basal session only in goats given DHT. In conclusion, gender affects Cor secretion that is increased by transportation and the decrease of food intake following transportation in Shiba goats, and the major cause of these differences is androgen. [source]


    Growth and feeding in juvenile triploid and diploid blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra (Leach, 1814), at two temperatures

    AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 6 2006
    W. LIU
    Abstract Growth and feeding of juvenile triploid and diploid blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra (Leach, 1814) were investigated at two temperatures of 17 and 21 °C over a 50-day period. There were no differences in growth between triploid and diploid abalone as measured by shell length and body weight. Both triploid and diploid abalone increased in length but not in weight at 21 °C. Condition indices were similar for triploid abalone maintained at both temperatures; however, those for diploid abalone were significantly higher at 17 °C than at 21 °C. Food intake was significantly greater yet feed conversion efficiency was significantly lower in triploid than in diploid abalone. Both the feeding variables were independent of temperature. On average, diploid abalone were able to convert 1 g of dry food ingested to 0.58 g of body weight, but triploid abalone only 0.44 g. [source]


    Pharmacokinetics of E-6087, a new anti-inflammatory agent, in rats and dogs

    BIOPHARMACEUTICS AND DRUG DISPOSITION, Issue 6 2001
    Raquel F. Reinoso
    Abstract The pharmacokinetics of E-6087, a newly developed cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, was studied in rats and dogs after single oral and intravenous doses. In both animal species, E-6087 was characterized by a long elimination half-life (20,35 h), a low plasma clearance (0.10,0.22 l h,1 kg,1) and a relatively large volume of distribution (2,6 l kg,1). Oral bioavailability was lower in dogs than in rats whereas a faster elimination was found in rats. Multiple peaks were present regardless of administration route and animal species, suggesting the existence of enterohepatic circulation. Gender effect on the pharmacokinetics of E-6087 was only found in rats, with greater exposure and longer elimination in females than in males. Food intake reduced the bioavailability (,22%) with no apparent changes in the absorption rate. After oral dosing of 1, 5 and 25 mg kg,1 to rats, linearity was lost at the highest dose due to the low aqueous solubility of E-6087. Drug absorption was improved by micronization. E-6087 and E-6132, (a pharmacologically active metabolite), showed different pharmacokinetics. The higher percentage of E-6087 at early times suggests that E-6087 is the main compound responsible for in vivo activity, although E-6132 would contribute to the activity at later times. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]