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Fatty Acids and Obesity

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Lipids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2022) | Viewed by 19092

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Interests: obesity; beta cells; obesity complications; insulin resistance; impaired glucose metabolism; metabolic syndrome; NAFLD

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The prevalence of childhood obesity is constantly increasing, representing a world-wide health issue described, indeed, as a global pandemic.

According to the WHO, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 increased to 18% in 2016. This rise occurred similarly among both boys and girls: in 2016, 18% of girls and 19% of boys were overweight, and in that year, the total number of obese children and adolescents reached 124 million. These alarming statistics have been drastically affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused disruption to routines, contributing to a worsening  prevalence of obesity in youths of all ages.

The rising incidence of this condition is also correlated with the increasing prevalence of its comorbidities: conditions such as T2DM, hypertension (and other CV complications), dyslipidaemia, and ectopic deposition of fatty acids (in liver and muscle) have all increased in frequency among the paediatric population.

Circulating fatty acids play a key role in the development of this condition, therefore, it is important to define their metabolic role and the consequent occurrence of complications.

This Special Issue of Nutrients aims to take stock of state-of-the-art research on this topic by exploring the latest research, including up to date investigations and developments evaluating the role of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Dr. Cosimo Giannini
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • pediatrics
  • obesity
  • overweight
  • fatty acids
  • lipids
  • metabolism
  • nutrition
  • diabetes
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • intestinal microbiota

Published Papers (8 papers)

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11 pages, 283 KiB  
Article
Association between Omega-3 Index and Hyperglycemia Depending on Body Mass Index among Adults in the United States
by Sunyoung Jo, William S. Harris, Nathan L. Tintle and Yongsoon Park
Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4407; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204407 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1715
Abstract
There is inconsistency regarding the association between long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n3) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the Omega-3 Index [...] Read more.
There is inconsistency regarding the association between long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n3) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the Omega-3 Index (erythrocyte EPA + DHA) and glycemic status as a function of body mass index (BMI). Cross-sectional data from routine clinical laboratory testing with a total of 100,572 people aged over 18 years and BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 were included. Of the patients, 10% were hyperglycemic (fasting plasma glucose levels ≥ 126 mg/dL) and 24.7% were of normal weight, 35.0% were overweight, and 40.3% were obese. Odds ratios (ORs) of being hyperglycemic were inversely associated with the Omega-3 Index, but weakened as BMI increased. Thus, ORs (95% CI) comparing quintile 5 with quintile 1 were 0.54 (0.44–0.66) in the normal weight group, 0.70 (0.61–0.79) in the overweight group, and 0.74 (0.67–0.81) in the obese group. Similar patterns were seen for EPA and DHA separately. The present study suggested that a low Omega-3 Index is associated with a greater risk of disordered glucose metabolism and this is independent of BMI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
19 pages, 1696 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Human Milk Fatty Acids and Associations with Infant Growth in a Norwegian Birth Cohort
by Rachel L. Criswell, Nina Iszatt, Hans Demmelmair, Talat Bashir Ahmed, Berthold V. Koletzko, Virissa C. Lenters and Merete Å. Eggesbø
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3858; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183858 - 17 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2148
Abstract
Triglyceride-bound fatty acids constitute the majority of lipids in human milk and may affect infant growth. We describe the composition of fatty acids in human milk, identify predictors, and investigate associations between fatty acids and infant growth using data from the Norwegian Human [...] Read more.
Triglyceride-bound fatty acids constitute the majority of lipids in human milk and may affect infant growth. We describe the composition of fatty acids in human milk, identify predictors, and investigate associations between fatty acids and infant growth using data from the Norwegian Human Milk Study birth cohort. In a subset of participants (n = 789, 30% of cohort), oversampled for overweight and obesity, we analyzed milk concentrations of detectable fatty acids. We modelled percent composition of fatty acids in relation to maternal body mass index, pregnancy weight gain, parity, smoking, delivery mode, gestational age, fish intake, and cod liver oil intake. We assessed the relation between fatty acids and infant growth from 0 to 6 months. Of the factors tested, excess pregnancy weight gain was positively associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and inversely associated with stearic acid. Multiparity was negatively associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids while positively associated with stearic acid. Gestational age was inversely associated with myristic acid. Medium-chain saturated fatty acids were inversely associated with infant growth, and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, were associated with an increased odds of rapid growth. Notably, excessive maternal weight gain was associated with cis-vaccenic acid, which was further associated with a threefold increased risk of rapid infant growth (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.6), suggesting that monounsaturated fatty acids in milk may play a role in the intergenerational transmission of obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
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14 pages, 3022 KiB  
Article
Early and Long-Term Effects of Abdominal Fat Reduction Using Ultrasound and Radiofrequency Treatments
by Magdalena Kiedrowicz, Ewa Duchnik, Jolanta Wesołowska, Beata Bania, Małgorzata Peregud-Pogorzelska, Dominika Maciejewska-Markiewicz, Ewa Stachowska, Joanna Kruk and Mariola Marchlewicz
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3498; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173498 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5776
Abstract
Background: Abdominal obesity, together with atherogenic dyslipidemia, increased blood pressure and impaired glucose tolerance, was included in the components of metabolic syndrome identifying patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a buffer for dietary fatty acids (FAs). It was [...] Read more.
Background: Abdominal obesity, together with atherogenic dyslipidemia, increased blood pressure and impaired glucose tolerance, was included in the components of metabolic syndrome identifying patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a buffer for dietary fatty acids (FAs). It was reported that the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue reflects the dietary intake of FAs in the previous 6 to 9 months. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the early and long-term metabolic effects of lipocavitation and/or thermolipolysis on abdominal fat reduction. Material and Methods: The study population comprised 60 women. Subjects were randomly allocated into one of three subgroups, 20 women per subgroup, and each subgroup received 10 treatments with ultrasound (U group), radiofrequency (RF group), or combined radiofrequency and ultrasound (RF/U group) for the abdominal region. Treatments were provided three times a week using the multifunctional device (Professional Beauty Equipment, HEBE, Warsaw, Poland). Each treatment to reduce adipose tissue, regardless of the method used, involved 20 min of massage with the dedicated applicator head on a rectangular 20 cm × 10 cm area of the abdominal region. Fatty acid composition and biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured before the first, after 10 treatments and 6 months after the last treatment. Results and discussion: The series of 10 treatments to reduce abdominal adipose tissue using ultrasound, radiofrequency or both methods resulted in a cosmetic effect which was reflected in weight loss and BMI reduction. Reduced waist circumference was also found in patients who received radiofrequency or two types of intervention (RF + U) but not ultrasound treatments. The long-term cosmetic effect (lasting for at least 6 months) was achieved only with RF treatment and was reflected in reduced body weight, BMI and waist circumference. None of the treatments had a direct, short or long-term effect on the lipid profile, insulin resistance markers, inflammation markers, or blood pressure. Consequently, did not modify the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
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15 pages, 1694 KiB  
Article
Docosahexaenoic Acid as the Bidirectional Biomarker of Dietary and Metabolic Risk Patterns in Chinese Children: A Comparison with Plasma and Erythrocyte
by Zhi Huang, Ping Guo, Ying Wang, Ziming Li, Xiaochen Yin, Ming Chen, Yong Liu, Yuming Hu and Bo Chen
Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3095; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153095 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1542
Abstract
Objective: The present study aims to measure docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in both the plasma and erythrocyte of a child population and compares them with respect to their associations with dietary and metabolic risk patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a total [...] Read more.
Objective: The present study aims to measure docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in both the plasma and erythrocyte of a child population and compares them with respect to their associations with dietary and metabolic risk patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a total of 435 children ages 5–7 years old were recruited. Diet information was collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The physical indicators, blood pressure, and glycolipid metabolic indicators were determined. The plasma and erythrocyte DHA were analyzed using a gas chromatography mass spectrometer. Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary and metabolic risk patterns. Multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate the associations of DHA status with dietary and metabolic risk patterns. Results: A significant correlation between plasma and the erythrocyte DHA concentration was found (r = 0.232, p < 0.001). A diversified dietary pattern characterized that a high intake of diversified foods had a positive association with the plasma DHA level (β = 0.145, 95% CI: 0.045~0.244, p = 0.004). Children of obesity risk patterns with a high weight, pelvis breadth, BMI, upper arm circumference, and chest circumference had lower plasma DHA concentrations (OR = 0.873, 95% CI: 0.786~0.969, p = 0.011). Children with higher plasma and erythrocyte DHA concentrations were adhered to blood lipid risk patterns with high CHOL and LDL-C levels. The plasma DHA (OR = 1.271, 95% CI: 1.142~1.415, p < 0.001) had a stronger association with a blood lipid risk pattern than erythrocyte (OR = 1.043, 95% CI: 1.002~1.086, p = 0.040). Conclusions: The diversified dietary pattern had a higher plasma DHA concentration. Lower levels of plasma DHA were positively associated with obesity in children. DHA in plasma appears to be more strongly associated with blood lipid metabolism than erythrocyte. Plasma DHA may be a more sensitive bidirectional biomarker to evaluate the recently comprehensive diet intake and metabolic risk of children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
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8 pages, 430 KiB  
Article
Circulating Lipoproteins in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery with Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy
by Jan O. Aaseth, Helge Rootwelt, Kjetil Retterstøl, Knut Hestad and Per G. Farup
Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122381 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1558
Abstract
The efficacy of various bariatric procedures on the mitigation of the obese dyslipidemia remains debated, and the impact of these measures on lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels is unknown. In this study we aimed to compare the two most commonly used procedures: gastric bypass (RYGB) [...] Read more.
The efficacy of various bariatric procedures on the mitigation of the obese dyslipidemia remains debated, and the impact of these measures on lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels is unknown. In this study we aimed to compare the two most commonly used procedures: gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Adult patients with morbid obesity were assigned to receive either RYGB or SG. The levels of non-HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL-ratio and Lp(a) at examinations conducted 6 and 12 months postoperatively were determined and compared to preoperative levels to estimate the efficacy of the two surgical methods. All results 6 and 12 months after surgery were used in the comparisons with the preoperative results. A linear mixed regression model for repeated analyses was used. The Lp(a) and the non-HDL cholesterol levels were considerably reduced in the RYGB group, in contrast to the minor changes in the SG group. In addition, the LDL/HDL ratio was significantly more reduced in the RYGB group when compared to the SG group. Conclusively, RYGB was found to be more efficient than SG for the mitigation of obese dyslipidemia, including preoperative high Lp(a)-levels. This might have important individual and societal implications, especially regarding the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and the related societal costs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
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9 pages, 2766 KiB  
Communication
Branched-Chain Fatty Acids Alter the Expression of Genes Responsible for Lipid Synthesis and Inflammation in Human Adipose Cells
by Aleksandra Czumaj, Tomasz Śledziński and Adriana Mika
Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112310 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2494
Abstract
Recently, we have demonstrated a decreased level of iso-branched-chain fatty acids (iso-BCFAs) in patients with excessive weight. However, it is still unclear whether BCFAs may influence lipid metabolism and inflammation in lipogenic tissues. To verify this, human visceral adipocytes were cultured with three [...] Read more.
Recently, we have demonstrated a decreased level of iso-branched-chain fatty acids (iso-BCFAs) in patients with excessive weight. However, it is still unclear whether BCFAs may influence lipid metabolism and inflammation in lipogenic tissues. To verify this, human visceral adipocytes were cultured with three different concentrations of selected iso-BCFA (14-methylpentadecanoic acid) and anteiso-BCFA (12-methyltetradecanoic acid), and then the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism (FASN—fatty acid synthase; SREBP1—sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1; SCD1—stearoyl-CoA desaturase; ELOVL4—fatty acid elongase 4; ELOVL6—fatty acid elongase 6; FADS2—fatty acid desaturase 2; FADS1–fatty acid desaturase 1) and inflammation (COX-2—cyclooxygenase 2; ALOX-15—lipoxygenase 15; IL-6—interleukin 6) were determined. This study demonstrates for the first time that incubation with iso-BCFA decreases the expression of adipocyte genes that are associated with lipid metabolism (except FASN) and inflammation. These findings suggest that changes in the iso-BCFA profile in obese patients may contribute to adipose inflammation and dyslipidemia. Further studies should evaluate whether iso-BCFA supplementation in obese patients would be beneficial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
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2 pages, 196 KiB  
Reply
Reply to Paredes et al. Comment on “Aaseth et al. Circulating Lipoproteins in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery with Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy. Nutrients 2022, 14, 2381”
by Jan O. Aaseth, Helge Rootwelt, Kjetil Retterstøl, Knut Hestad and Per G. Farup
Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010053 - 22 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1414
Abstract
Hereby, we thank Silvia Paredes et al. [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
3 pages, 227 KiB  
Comment
Comment on Aaseth et al. Circulating Lipoproteins in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery with Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy. Nutrients 2022, 14, 2381
by Sílvia Paredes, Jonatas Barbosa Garcez and Laura Ribeiro
Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010041 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1735
Abstract
We read with great interest the paper by Jan O. Aaseth et al. entitled “Circulating Lipoproteins in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery with Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy” where changes in lipid profile after bariatric surgery were reported [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acids and Obesity)
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