Study highlights obesity’s role in blood condition leading to multiple myeloma blood cancer
The possible interplay between lifestyle factors such as smoking, insufficient sleep, and obesity, and their influence on a blood condition that can lead to a specific type of blood cancer, warrants further investigation, according to experts.
Recent findings published in “Blood Advances” suggest that certain modifiable risk factors, notably smoking and obesity, might elevate the risk of developing monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). This condition often precedes multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
Dr. David Lee, an internal medicine resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and co-author of the study, emphasised the urgency of this research. He noted that despite significant advancements in multiple myeloma treatments, it remains incurable and is often diagnosed after considerable damage to the patient’s organs. He added, “Our research group is focused on investigating risk factors and aetiology of MGUS to better understand who may be at increased risk for developing MGUS and its progression to multiple myeloma.”
MGUS is characterised by abnormally high levels of a protein called M protein in the blood. While in most instances MGUS does not cause problems, there is an annual 1% risk of progression from MGUS to myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells.
Myeloma results in an accumulation of a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow, leading to tumour formation throughout the bones. The most significant risk factor for developing myeloma is age, particularly affecting those over 45. The disease is more prevalent in men and is twice as likely to occur in black individuals compared to white individuals. Furthermore, having overweight or obesity has been identified as a risk factor for myeloma.
Dr. Brian Durie, Chief Scientific Officer of the International Myeloma Foundation and a haematologist and oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who was not part of the study, highlighted a known correlation between MGUS, myeloma, and obesity. He explained, “There’s also a correlation between obesity and a lot of other things, other kinds of cancer, other kinds of issues with your immune system.”
The study indicated that obesity might be associated with a 73% higher likelihood of having MGUS compared to those without obesity. However, the researchers cautioned that while there is a notable connection, it does not definitively prove causation.
Dr. Gary Schiller, a clinical investigator in multiple myeloma and hematologic malignancies at the University of California Los Angeles, also not involved in the study, suggested alternative explanations for the presence of MGUS. He explained that MGUS is relatively common, especially in older populations, and its occurrence might coincide with other factors like increased body mass index and reduced sleep quality. Schiller cautioned against hastily interpreting these associations as causal relationships.
Schiller and others have investigated the influence of obesity on the progression of MGUS, exploring theories involving hormones with anti-inflammatory properties that might be deficient in individuals who have overweight. However, he asserts that the current evidence does not firmly support these hypotheses.
The authors of the study believe their findings could be instrumental in guiding future research into the role of modifiable risk factors in cancer risk. Lee stressed the importance of understanding the relationship between MGUS and these risk factors to develop effective preventative health strategies against diseases like multiple myeloma.
Durie pointed out the current lack of sufficient data to confirm that lifestyle modifications in response to these risk factors would significantly impact MGUS or myeloma outcomes. Nonetheless, he mentioned animal studies that suggest this area is worth future exploration.
The potential of modifiable risk factors in influencing health outcomes is significant, according to Durie. He suggested that efforts to reduce obesity could potentially improve outcomes for patients, emphasising the personal relevance and potential impact of such changes.
Both Durie and Schiller advise individuals with obesity and other risk factors not to be overly concerned about developing MGUS or myeloma. Durie noted, “The vast majority of patients with MGUS will never develop myeloma.” He stressed that for many, the risk of progression is low, and they are more likely to succumb to unrelated causes.
Schiller echoed these sentiments, highlighting the immediate and more pressing health risks associated with obesity, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. He argued that these more immediate health concerns should take precedence over the potential risk of MGUS in the context of obesity.
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Study shows early breastfeeding mitigates child obesity, regardless of maternal weight
A recent study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program at the National Institutes of Health has revealed a significant correlation between early breastfeeding and reduced childhood obesity risks. This relationship holds true irrespective of the mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).
The ECHO Cohort study delved into the impact of breastfeeding practices in women who had overweight or obesity before pregnancy and its influence on their children’s BMIz scores. BMIz scores are used to compare a child’s height and weight against their peers, whereas BMI assesses body weight relative to height.
The research discovered that any consistent breastfeeding during the first three months of an infant’s life was linked with lower BMIz scores at ages 2 to 6, regardless of the mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI. This association was particularly pronounced in children whose mothers had obesity before pregnancy, compared to those whose mothers were merely overweight.
Dr. Gayle Shipp from Michigan State University, who led the study, emphasised the importance of each additional month of breastfeeding, whether exclusive or combined with other foods, in contributing to lower childhood weights. This effect was notably significant for mothers who had overweight or obesity before pregnancy.
The study analysed data from 8,134 mother-child pairs across 21 sites in 16 states and Puerto Rico. It examined BMI and BMIz scores obtained from study visits, medical records, or self-reported information. The research particularly focused on two aspects of breastfeeding: whether the mother ever breastfed and if she was exclusively breastfeeding at three months. The definition of continuous breastfeeding included any breastfeeding duration with the allowance of formula or other food, and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding without formula feeding or other food.
The study found that exclusive breastfeeding at three months was linked to a lower child BMIz score primarily among women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI. Each additional month of either any or exclusive breastfeeding correlated with a significantly lower child BMIz score, especially for mothers who had overweight or obesity before pregnancy.
Dr. Shipp highlighted the significance of this research for health professionals, suggesting it as an opportunity to promote breastfeeding among all women, particularly those with obesity. The study’s findings have been published in the journal Pediatrics.
Fasting regimen proves effective against obesity-induced cognitive decline
Researchers have recently explored the beneficial effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in a study published in Nutrients. They focused on mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) and examined the impacts of IF on brain health, particularly in the context of diabetic encephalopathy.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are known for their adverse effects on cognitive functions, including memory impairment. These conditions often lead to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), worsening neuroinflammation and memory issues. The disruption in the hippocampal BBB is now seen as an early indicator of diabetes-related cognitive decline.
The study highlighted the role of two proteins, lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and galectin-3 (GAL3), in obesity and T2D-related chronic inflammation. These proteins are believed to be involved in activating harmful immune responses in the diabetic brain through BBB leakage.
The researchers used a mouse model to understand how chronic IF could counteract neuroinflammation caused by LCN2 and GAL3, as well as reduce adipose tissue inflammation. Mice were divided into three groups: normal diet, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet followed by intermittent fasting. The IF group first received an HFD for eight weeks, followed by a regimen of alternating fasting for 22 weeks.
Various tests were conducted, including EchoMRI for body fat measurement, insulin and glucose tolerance tests, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for assessing serum protein levels. Additionally, apoptosis in white adipose tissues (WATs) was measured using the TUNEL assay, and the extent of BBB leakage in the hippocampus was also examined.
The study revealed that mice on a high-fat diet showed increased body weight, body fat, impaired glucose tolerance, and adipocyte death, alongside elevated levels of LCN2 and GAL3. However, intermittent fasting led to significant weight loss, improved insulin resistance, and reduced inflammation in the adipose tissue. This intervention also decreased serum levels of LCN2 and GAL3, reducing BBB leakage, neuroinflammation, and memory deficits.
In conclusion, the study posits that IF could be an effective alternative to continuous caloric restriction. It may improve insulin resistance, reduce adipose tissue inflammation, and mitigate metabolic dysfunctions in obesity and T2D, thereby protecting against cognitive impairment and memory deficits. The findings open new avenues for research into IF as a therapeutic strategy for managing obesity and T2D-related brain health issues.
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Study confirms light exercise effectively counters childhood obesity
Childhood obesity, a growing concern worldwide, might have a surprisingly straightforward solution: light exercise. Recent research led by an international team of scientists from the Universities of Exeter, Eastern Finland, Bristol, and Colorado, underscores the profound impact of light physical activity in combating the rise of obesity in children.
Drawing from the University of Bristol’s Children of the 90s study, the research tracked 6,059 children (53% female) from age 11 to 24. Amid global reports revealing a worrying trend of inactivity among adolescents — with over 80% failing to meet the World Health Organization’s guidelines for daily physical activity — the study presents an urgent narrative. The lack of exercise is anticipated to contribute to 500 million new cases of noncommunicable diseases by 2030, costing an estimated $23 million annually.
What’s striking about the study is the revelation that light physical activity, rather than moderate-to-vigorous exertion, plays a crucial role in reducing fat mass gain in youth. Dr. Andrew Agbaje of the University of Exeter, a key contributor to the study, emphasises the overlooked benefits of light physical activities like walking, household chores, and leisurely swimming. He suggests shifting public health messages from an emphasis on 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity to encouraging at least three hours of light activity daily.
Participants were observed over 13 years, with physical activity levels and health markers meticulously monitored using waist-worn accelerometers and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The results were startling: each additional minute of sedentary behaviour correlated with a 1.3-gram increase in total body fat mass. In contrast, each minute of light physical activity corresponded to a 3.6-gram decrease in total body fat mass, amounting to a significant reduction of 950 grams to 1.5 kilograms over the study period.
In comparison, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity showed a minimal effect, reducing total body fat mass by only about 0.7 to 1.7 percent. This finding challenges the prevailing public health guidelines, which predominantly advocate for higher-intensity exercise.
The study, published in Nature Communications, calls for a reevaluation of health guidelines and policy statements, urging public health experts, policymakers, and parents alike to promote light physical activity as a key strategy in preventing childhood obesity. As Dr. Agbaje concludes, sustaining light physical activity can be the much-needed antidote to the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle in young populations.
Rates of severe obesity in young American children are escalating, study reveals
A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics presents alarming evidence that severe obesity is on the rise among young children in the United States.
This concerning trend was initially hoped to be an exception for children participating in a government food programme, as earlier research indicated a slight decline in obesity rates about a decade ago among these children. However, the updated findings from 2020 show a rebound in the rate, countering the previous optimism.
National data align with these findings, suggesting that approximately 2.5% of preschool-aged children across the U.S. were classified as having severe obesity during the same period.
“We were doing well and now we see this upward trend,” stated Heidi Blanck of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the authors of the study. “We are dismayed at seeing these findings.”
The study focused on children aged 2 to 4 who were enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programme, which offers healthy food and additional services to preschool-aged children from low-income families. Measurements and weights of the children were recorded for the study.
The researchers observed that 2.1% of children in the WIC programme had severe obesity in 2010. By 2016, this percentage had decreased slightly to 1.8%. However, by 2020, the rate had risen to 2%, equating to about 33,000 of the more than 1.6 million children in the WIC programme.
Twenty states recorded significant increases, with California exhibiting the highest rate at 2.8%. Notable rises were also seen in certain racial and ethnic groups, with the highest rate of approximately 2.8% found among Hispanic children.
Experts warn that severe obesity in early childhood is almost irreversible and is closely linked to chronic health issues and premature mortality.
The reasons for the increase in obesity rates remain unclear, according to Blanck. Some experts had previously attributed the decline in WIC obesity rates to policy changes in 2009, which included adjustments to food packages such as the removal of juice for infants, reduced saturated fat, and increased accessibility to fruits and vegetables.
Despite these policy changes remaining in effect, “the daily hardships that families living in poverty are facing may be harder today than they were 10 years ago, and the slight increases in the WIC package just weren’t enough,” suggested Dr. Sarah Armstrong, a Duke University childhood obesity researcher.
The study faced several challenges, including a decline in the number of children participating in the WIC programme over the past decade. Furthermore, the study period encompassed 2020, the year the COVID-19 pandemic began, leading to fewer parents taking their children for doctor visits and thus a reduction in the amount of complete data available.
Deanna Hoelscher, a childhood obesity researcher at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, commended the study despite its limitations, noting that “it gives you a hint of what’s going on.”
Post-2020 developments in childhood obesity rates are yet to be fully understood. Some smaller studies have indicated a significant increase in childhood obesity, particularly during the pandemic, when children were homebound from schools, experiencing disrupted eating and bedtime routines, and reduced physical activity.
“We are thinking it’s going to get worse,” Hoelscher added, highlighting concerns about the trajectory of childhood obesity in the wake of the pandemic.
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NHS reports over 3,000 daily admissions linked to obesity
NHS figures have alarmingly revealed that hospital admissions related to obesity in the UK have doubled in the past six years, now exceeding 3,000 cases daily. This alarming statistic underscores the growing weight problem in the UK, with obesity increasingly exacerbating illnesses and complicating treatments for a diverse group of patients, including expectant mothers, arthritis sufferers, and cancer patients. Notably, hospital admissions due to obesity now outnumber those linked to smoking by threefold. Furthermore, over 20 children are admitted each day due to obesity-related issues, a figure that has also seen a significant rise in recent years.
Government ministers are facing criticism for their perceived inaction on a problem that is not only detrimentally impacting public health but also stunting economic progress. This is after the government decided to postpone stringent anti-obesity measures. The impact of obesity is disproportionately felt in poorer areas, where hospital admissions are twice as likely compared to the wealthiest regions, thus impeding efforts to rejuvenate the labour market.
Luton, in particular, has emerged as the area in England most affected by health issues related to obesity, with one in every 20 residents admitted to hospital due to weight-related problems last year. This rate is more than tenfold higher than that in Bracknell Forest, which recorded the lowest rate.
Recent data estimates the annual cost of obesity to the UK economy at a staggering £98 billion, encompassing both NHS treatment costs of £19 billion and economic productivity losses amounting to £15 billion. NHS Digital’s latest figures for England reveal a record 1.2 million admissions where obesity was a factor in 2022-23, a significant increase from 617,000 in 2016-17. These admissions include cases where obesity was the primary reason for hospitalisation, often for bariatric surgery, as well as numerous instances where obesity was a secondary diagnosis, either contributing to hospital stays or complicating treatments.
Among those most affected are pregnant women, with 147,143 maternity admissions where obesity was a complicating factor for either the mother or child. Other conditions such as arthritis, gallstones, breast cancer, heart disease, and general pain also contributed to more than 10,000 admissions annually.
Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticised the government for missing multiple opportunities to foster a healthier living environment in the UK. She stressed that investing in public health would alleviate the burden on the NHS and bolster the economy by enabling more people to work.
The figures reveal a concerning trend among the younger population, with 8,261 admissions among under-16s, a significant increase from 4,062 in 2016-17. In the ten most deprived areas, there were 3,393 admissions per 100,000 people for obesity, more than double the rate in the wealthiest tenth.
Areas such as Gloucestershire, Southampton, Salford, Rotherham, Bradford, and much of east London have recorded rates above 4,000 per 100,000 people. In contrast, Bracknell Forest reported a rate of 420 per 100,000, with Windsor, Wokingham, Slough, Oxfordshire, Reading, and Brighton all reporting rates below 1,000.
In response to its high obesity rate, Luton has recently implemented a ban on advertising unhealthy food on council-owned properties. The rise in obesity-related admissions is partly attributed to increased medical awareness of the conditions excess weight can cause. However, local differences in how obesity is recorded also influence these statistics.
Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, has expressed a preference for focusing on healthy-living advice over measures she has termed “nanny-statish”, a stance that has disappointed health campaigners. Cooper has called for the revival of delayed plans for a 9pm watershed on junk food advertising and a ban on buy-one-get-one-free deals on unhealthy food. She also advocated for increased funding for public health initiatives at the council level.
Admissions for weight-loss surgery have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 5,099 admissions last year compared to over 6,000 five years ago. This decline in admissions where obesity is the primary reason is attributed to pressures on the NHS.
Despite this, 638 children under 16 were admitted primarily for obesity, nearly matching pre-pandemic figures. In response to these concerning trends, a government spokesman highlighted measures like compulsory calorie labelling and healthy food vouchers for low-income households. The spokesman emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling obesity across all socio-economic groups and in deprived areas, recognising it as a major cause of cancer.
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US panel of health experts advocate early interventions for childhood obesity from age 6
A panel of U.S. health experts has put forth a draft recommendation advocating for children with obesity to begin receiving comprehensive counselling aimed at fostering healthy eating and exercise habits, starting at the age of 6. This guidance, issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), builds upon their 2017 recommendation which suggested that obesity screening should commence from the same age.
Recent research underscores the value of intensive behavioural interventions, defined as a minimum of 26 hours of counselling with one or more health professionals, in aiding children and adolescents to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and enhance their overall quality of life. However, the recommendation does not set a specific timeframe for these interventions.
The USPSTF’s updated advice does not delve into the use of weight-loss medications like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, approved for use in children aged 12 and above, nor does it address surgical options. The Task Force reviewed evidence surrounding weight-loss medications but noted that further research is needed to fully grasp the long-term health impacts of such treatments.
According to Dr. Katrina Donahue from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and a member of the Task Force, the proposed behavioural interventions encompass a combination of physical activity, behaviour change support, and education on healthy eating. Recognising that available resources vary by location, Donahue acknowledged that the implementation of these interventions might differ across cities.
The recommendation is backed by data from 58 randomised controlled trials involving over 10,000 children, which demonstrated the effectiveness of these interventions when a child engages in at least 26 hours of professional contact. The evidence for these intensive interventions received a “grade B” from the USPSTF, indicating high certainty of at least moderate benefit. The children in these trials lost an average of 4 to 6.5 pounds (approximately 2 to 3 kilograms), with the reductions being sustained for at least a year.
Childhood and adolescent obesity, through the age of 19, is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) – a weight-to-height ratio – higher than that of 95% of peers of the same age and gender. Nearly one in five U.S. children and teenagers are categorised as having obesity, based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines also endorse lifestyle support, including over 26 hours of face-to-face, family-based, multicomponent treatment spanning 3 to 12 months. Additionally, the AAP recommends paediatricians consider weight-loss drugs for children with obesity aged 12 and over and to refer adolescents aged 13 and older with severe obesity for metabolic and bariatric surgery evaluation.
The USPSTF’s draft recommendation is open for public comment until the 16th of January 2023, inviting a wider discourse on the proposed approach to tackle childhood obesity.
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US study uncovers key gut metabolite’s role in combating obesity
Vanderbilt University researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of gut microbiota in obesity prevention. Published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, their study reveals that bacteria in the small intestines produce a compound crucial for guarding against obesity. This finding sheds light on how disruptions in the microbiota, such as those caused by early-life antibiotic exposure, can increase childhood obesity risks.
One of the study’s key insights is the potential for probiotic bacteria, or the compounds they produce, to serve as preventive measures against antibiotic-associated childhood obesity. “Previous studies have indicated that either antibiotics or a high-fat diet can lead to obesity later in life by disturbing the microbiota,” explained Mariana Byndloss, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt. “Our aim was to investigate the combined effect of these risk factors, which children often face simultaneously.”
Under the guidance of graduate student Catherine Shelton, who is the first author of the paper, the research team developed a model using young mice exposed both to antibiotics and a high-fat diet. This dual exposure led to increased weight gain, adiposity, and metabolic dysfunction in the mice.
The team’s investigation pinpointed a disruption in the small intestine microbiota caused by the combination of antibiotics and a high-fat diet. This disruption led to decreased levels of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria and a corresponding reduction in a metabolite they produce, known as phenyllactic acid. The researchers identified phenyllactic acid as a regulator of a fat metabolism pathway in intestinal epithelial cells — the cells lining the intestines.
Byndloss noted, “The absence of this specific microbe and its metabolite changes how intestinal epithelial cells process fat, leading to increased fat in the bloodstream. Normally, phenyllactic acid instructs these cells to limit fat packaging and secretion. When this microbial signal is lost, the cells behave differently, resulting in increased obesity in mice.”
This discovery opens up the possibility of using phenyllactic acid or Lactobacillus bacteria as interventions for obesity, particularly in children undergoing antibiotic treatment. Lactobacillus is commonly found in probiotic supplements and in fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, and probiotic milk products popular in Asia.
“Some cultures already have a practice of giving children fermented milk, which might be inadvertently providing this protective compound,” added Byndloss.
In the study’s mouse model, exposure to antibiotics alone did not lead to weight gain; it was the combination of antibiotics and a high-fat diet that heightened obesity risk. Byndloss suggests a healthy diet with limited excess dietary fats as a way to mitigate the negative impact of antibiotics on the microbiota.
Surprisingly, the researchers found that intestinal epithelial cells play a significant role in weight gain. “We usually associate obesity with adipose tissue and the liver, not intestinal cells. It was unexpected that a single metabolite acting on these cells could have such a profound effect in preventing weight gain,” Byndloss remarked.
Ongoing studies by Byndloss and her colleagues are exploring the role of Lactobacillus and phenyllactic acid in early life, particularly during breastfeeding. Given the high fat content in breast milk, the team is investigating whether this pathway offers protective benefits against obesity from a very early age.
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Pomegranate proves potent in metabolic health management
A comprehensive study featured in Nutrients journal has cast a spotlight on pomegranate (Punica granatum l., PG) and its polyphenolic compounds, scrutinising their potential to modulate metabolic irregularities. Historically embraced for its therapeutic properties against bacterial infections, diabetes, and various metabolic syndromes, pomegranate’s efficacy is being re-evaluated amidst concerns over the side effects of conventional pharmacological treatments.
The review delves into pomegranate’s pharmacokinetic profiles, safety, and bioavailability, particularly focusing on its capacity to combat metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. It outlines how PG’s consumption could attenuate insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokines, redox gene expression, blood pressure elevation, vascular damage, and lipoprotein oxidation.
In animal models, pomegranate seed oil has been found to reduce fat mass and enhance insulin sensitivity, corroborating previous research indicating significant reductions in lipid levels. The study further explains how enzymes and nuclear receptors involved in lipid metabolism are positively influenced by PG’s floral components.
Despite some contradictory findings regarding PG’s impact on food intake and weight gain, the review suggests genetic differences may account for varied physiological reactions to phytochemicals. PG polyphenols are also being explored for their anti-diabetic properties through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of PPAR-γ activity and adiponectin gene expression.
The review also evaluates the pharmacodynamics and safety of PG’s ellagitannin compounds, noting individual differences in urolithin production and absorption, which are influenced by factors such as gut microbiota composition and pH. Although high doses of PG have shown cellular and nuclear alterations in toxicological studies, conventional uses of PG and its compounds appear safe, with adverse effects only predicted at dosages exceeding those traditionally used in ethnomedicine.
In conclusion, the research indicates that PG could play a beneficial role in preventing metabolic disorders. However, the outcomes of clinical and pharmacokinetic studies remain variable, attributed to factors like plant part selection, cultivar differences, environmental conditions, bioavailability, organ accessibility, and individual genetic profiles. Despite these discrepancies, the therapeutic potential of PG in addressing components of metabolic syndrome highlights the need for integrated treatment strategies.
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Obesity triggers neurodegeneration by inducing brain insulin resistance
In a pivotal study conducted by Mroj Alassaf and colleagues at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the United States, a novel connection between obesity and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, has been uncovered.
The research, employing the biological model of the common fruit fly, indicates that diets high in sugar, which are commonly associated with obesity, lead to insulin resistance within the brain. This resistance hampers the brain’s capacity to eliminate cellular waste, which in turn elevates the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
The findings, released on November 7 in the open-access publication PLOS Biology, promise to be influential in the development of medical interventions aimed at mitigating the chances of neurodegenerative disease onset.
While the correlation between obesity and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s has been acknowledged in scientific circles, the causal mechanisms at play have eluded researchers until now.
The team’s research delved into this conundrum by leveraging the genetic and physiological parallels between fruit flies and humans. Building on prior knowledge that a diet rich in sugar instigates insulin resistance in the peripheral tissues of fruit flies, the focus now shifted to their neural tissues. The study zoomed in on glial cells, as abnormalities in microglia are recognised contributors to neuronal decay.
The study measured the protein PI3k—a biomarker for insulin sensitivity in cells. The high-sugar diet was found to diminish PI3k levels in glial cells, suggesting a state of insulin resistance. The team also examined the fruit fly’s version of microglia, known as ensheathing glia, responsible for clearing out neuronal waste, including deteriorating axons.
These glial cells exhibited depleted levels of Draper, a protein integral to their waste-removal function, indicating a compromised ability. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that artificially reducing PI3k levels not only caused insulin resistance but also led to decreased Draper levels in the ensheathing glia. Moreover, when the team inflicted damage on olfactory neurons, the ensheathing glia of sugar-fed flies failed to clear the resulting neuronal debris due to their unresponsive Draper levels.
The researchers conclude by stating that their work with fruit flies has established that high-sugar diets induce insulin resistance in glial cells, which disrupts their neuronal cleanup role. This study sheds light on the potential pathways through which diets leading to obesity may elevate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
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New study finds obesity in pregnancy raises risk of future heart disease
The link between maternal obesity and the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease has been further solidified by new research findings. A study led by Northwestern University in the United States has shone a light on the significant health risks faced by women who enter pregnancy with obesity.
The research team discovered that women with obesity before conception are more susceptible to complications during pregnancy than their counterparts with healthier pre-pregnancy weights. These complications include conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, which have previously been associated with an increased risk of heart disease later in life.
The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Sadiya Khan, emphasised that while these pregnancy-related issues can indeed signal future cardiovascular problems, they are not the underlying cause of heart disease. Instead, they merely highlight pre-existing risk factors that become apparent during the metabolic and physical demands of pregnancy.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analysed health data from 4,216 women who were giving birth for the first time. They observed that those with higher body mass indices (BMIs) in the first trimester had an elevated risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy than those with BMIs within the normal range.
Dr. Khan explained that the study approached pregnancy as a ‘natural stress test’ for the heart, which could expose pre-existing health concerns. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of addressing pre-pregnancy obesity with proactive health interventions rather than waiting for cardiovascular events to occur.
The research team is advocating for healthcare providers to emphasise the importance of a nutritious diet and regular physical activity during prenatal visits. While weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, guidance and support for maintaining an appropriate weight gain during this period are crucial.
The study also presented quantitative insights, revealing that among the participants, 4% had gestational diabetes and 15% encountered complications due to high blood pressure.
These findings, which align with prior research advocating for weight management during pregnancy through diet and exercise, have been published in the journal Circulation Research, providing valuable insights for expectant mothers and healthcare professionals alike.
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Obesity’s role in severe flu outcomes unveiled by new study
Researchers in a pivotal study recently featured in Nature Communications have uncovered vital insights into why individuals with obesity are at an elevated risk for severe influenza. This comprehensive investigation combines both human clinical data and animal model analysis to unravel the complexities of immune response in obesity that heighten the vulnerability to influenza.
The global health landscape is facing a critical challenge with the rising prevalence of obesity, affecting over 13% of adults worldwide. The risks associated with obesity have been underscored during viral pandemics, such as the H1N1 outbreak and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where obesity has been consistently linked with worse outcomes and heightened severity of respiratory infections.
This latest study seeks to bridge the knowledge gap in understanding how obesity mechanistically contributes to increased susceptibility to viral infections, beyond the recognised impacts of altered lung function, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic disturbances.
Researchers embarked on a meticulous study design, sampling blood and airway cells from individuals with obesity —those with a BMI over 35 kg/m^2—undergoing bariatric surgery. The study meticulously matched these participants with control subjects of normal weight, ensuring parity in age, gender, and ethnicity.
The investigative team conducted thorough clinical sampling using state-of-the-art techniques, including blood analysis, nasal synthetic absorptive matrix (SAM) sampling, and bronchoscopy.
A suite of laboratory experiments followed. These involved exposing various cell types, including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), to different strains of influenza viruses. The response of these cells was measured through advanced techniques like RNA extraction, protein quantification, and a range of assays including flow cytometry and metabolomics.
In vivo studies also played a role, with mice models used to examine the effects of administering recombinant mouse leptin followed by influenza virus infection. This holistic approach aimed to dissect the immune response in both the peripheral and airway-specific compartments.
The study’s findings are eye-opening. Contrary to initial assumptions, the researchers found no significant difference in the response of bronchial epithelial cells between individuals with obesity and individuals of a normal-weight, suggesting that epithelial inflammation is not inherently altered in those with obesity during influenza infection.
However, the study did identify a significant compromise in the antiviral responses of BAL macrophages from patients with obesity. These cells displayed a reduced induction of critical interferons, such as IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-λ, which are vital components of the body’s antiviral defence system. Moreover, the production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-8, and TNF was found to be less effective in individuals with obesity.
Metabolomic analysis of the BAL fluid identified significant changes in metabolite levels in patients with obesity, providing a clue to altered biochemical pathways in the lungs due to obesity.
The data from the MOSAIC cohort added a further layer of understanding, highlighting that immune dysregulation in patients with obesity was confined to the airway mucosa, with no significant systemic immune disturbances.
The study’s revelations pave the way for potential therapeutic strategies, including the manipulation of leptin pathways, which may be pivotal in mitigating the risk of severe influenza infections in populations with obesity.
By casting light on the molecular and immunological shifts that occur in the context of obesity, this research could form the foundation for developing tailored interventions that bolster the immune response in this high-risk group, enhancing their resilience to influenza and other viral respiratory infections.
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