Insulin degradation by adipose tissue is increased in human obesity

White adipose tissue samples from obese and lean patients were used for the estimation ofinsulin protease and insulin:glutathione transhydrogenase using 1251-labeled insulin. There was no activity detected in the absence of reduced glutathione, which indicates that insulin is cleaved in human adipose "tissue through reduction of the disulfide bridge between the chains. O bese patients showed higher transhydrogenase activity (per U tissue protein wt, per U tissue wt, and in the total adipose tissue mass) than the lean group. There is a significant correlation between the activity per U tissue wt, and protein and total activity in the whole adipose tissue with respect to body mass index, with a higher activity in obese patients. The potential ofinsulin cleavage by adipose tissue in obese patients was a mean 5.6-fold higher than that in controla. The coexistence of high insulinemia and high cleavage capability implies that insulin secretion and turnover are increased in the o bese. Thus, white adipose tissue may be crucial in the control of energy availability through modulation ofinsulin cleavage

Prevention of overweight and obesity: a Spanish approach

Background. Obesity is considered a major public health issue in most developed countries nowadays. This paper provides an overview of current population data available in Spain and the approach to develop preventive strategies in the country. Methods. Review of population data available is based on individually measured weight and height as well as determinants. On this basis, the approach used in the country to develop preventive strategies is discussed. Results. According to the DORICA study, the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg m−2) is 15.5% in Spanish adults aged 25–60 years (13.2% in men and 17.5% in women). Obesity rates are higher among women aged 45 years and older, low social class, living in semi-urban places. Population estimates for the prevalence of obesity in Spanish children and young people based on the enKid study are 13.9% for the whole group. In this study, overweight and obesity is related to absence of breastfeeding, low consumption of fruit and vegetables, high consumption of cakes, buns, softdrinks and butchery products, low physical activity levels and a positive association with time spent watching TV. In 2005, the Spanish Ministry of Health jointly with the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition launched the multifaceted NAOS strategy for nutrition, physical activity and the prevention of obesity. The important role of the family and the school setting as well as the responsibility of the Health Administration and Pediatric Care in the prevention of obesity is highlighted in the document. The need for environmental actions is recognised. The PERSEO programme, a multicomponent school-based intervention project is part of the strategy currently in place. Conclusion. Obesity is a public health issue in Spain. A national multifaceted strategy was launched to counteract the problem. Environmental and policy actions are a priority. Young children and their families are among the main target groups.Ye

Insulin degradation by adipose tissue is increased in human obesity

White adipose tissue samples from obese and lean patients were used for the estimation ofinsulin protease and insulin:glutathione transhydrogenase using 1251-labeled insulin. There was no activity detected in the absence of reduced glutathione, which indicates that insulin is cleaved in human adipose "tissue through reduction of the disulfide bridge between the chains. O bese patients showed higher transhydrogenase activity (per U tissue protein wt, per U tissue wt, and in the total adipose tissue mass) than the lean group. There is a significant correlation between the activity per U tissue wt, and protein and total activity in the whole adipose tissue with respect to body mass index, with a higher activity in obese patients. The potential ofinsulin cleavage by adipose tissue in obese patients was a mean 5.6-fold higher than that in controla. The coexistence of high insulinemia and high cleavage capability implies that insulin secretion and turnover are increased in the o bese. Thus, white adipose tissue may be crucial in the control of energy availability through modulation ofinsulin cleavage

[The CARMEN trial: increased intake of carbohydrates--simple or complex--and unchanged blood lipids in overweight subjects].

INTRODUCTION: The purpose was to investigate the long-term effect of ad libitum low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets with mainly simple or complex carbohydrates on body weight and blood lipids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A six-months controlled randomised multicentre trial with the participation of five European centres. A total of 398 moderately obese subjects (BMI: 30.4 +/- 2.7 kg/m2, mean +/- SD) were randomised to four groups: Control diet group with normal macronutrient intake, a low-fat/high simple carbohydrate group, a low-fat/high complex carbohydrate group and a seasonal control group. RESULTS: After six months we found a drop in body weight of 1.7 kg (p < 0.05) in the simple and of 2.6 kg (p < 0.001) in the complex carbohydrate group compared with the control diet group. Fat mass decreased by 1.9 kg (p < 0.05) and 2.4 kg (p < 0.001) in the simple and complex carbohydrate group, respectively, compared with the control diet group. There were no significant changes or group differences in fasting blood lipids, glucose, insulin, or leptin. DISCUSSION: The results show that it is favourable to replace dietary fat by carbohydrates (simple or complex) in relation to body weight regulation. No detrimental effects were seen on blood lipids in contrast to previous contentions. Our results underline the importance of a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet in the management of obesity and the ensuing health problems