Skipping Breakfast Is Associated with an Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Overweight and Obese Prepubertal Children
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
Authors: Blasetti, A.; Franchini, S.; Castorani, V.; Comegna, L.; Fornari, E.; Daniele, F.; Prezioso, G.; Piona, C.; Federico, V.; Zona, D.; Bresadola, I.; Chiarelli, F.; Maffeis, C.
Abstract
Background. Skipping breakfast has been associated with a higher risk of obesity and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. However, it is not known if skipping breakfast is also correlated with CV risk factors independently from obesity. The mechanisms explaining the role of skipping breakfast on promoting fat accumulation as well as CV risk are not known. Hormones, in particular, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), may potentially play a role in the metabolic profile of breakfast skippers.Aim. This cross-sectional study aims to test, in a sample of overweight/obese children, the hypotheses that skipping breakfast is associated with a worse metabolic profile and that IGF-1 levels are associated with this unfavorable metabolic profile.Methods and Results. We enrolled 112 overweight/obese prepubertal children (3-12 years). Anthropometric characteristics (height SDS, weight SDS, and body mass index (BMI)z-score) were measured. Blood samples were collected to evaluate glucose and lipid metabolisms and hormone profile (growth hormone (GH), IGF-1, insulin, and cortisol). The triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio was calculated as a predictor of cardiovascular risk. Children were divided into two groups according to breakfast habits: consumers (>= 5 weekly;N = 76) and skippers (<= 4 weekly;N = 36). Glycaemia, total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (p<0.05), and triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio (p<0.001) were higher, while HDL cholesterol was lower (p<0.01) in skippers as compared to consumers. IGF-1 concentrations were inversely correlated with LDL cholesterol (r = -0.279,p=0.013) and directly correlated with HDL cholesterol (r = 0.226,p=0.047). IGF-1 correlated positively with HDL cholesterol (r = 0.266,p=0.045) in consumers and correlated negatively with LDL cholesterol (r = -0.442,p=0.024) in skippers. Breakfast consumption among prepubertal overweight/obese children showed a better lipid profile in comparison with those who skipped breakfast [OR: 0.165 (95% CI: 0.053-0.518),p=0.001]; these latter odds of the increased triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio was 6.1-fold higher.Conclusions. Breakfast skippers show a worse lipid profile when compared to breakfast consumers. IGF-1 might play a role as an independent modulator of lipid metabolism.
Effect of 8-week n-3 fatty-acid supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation in middle- and long-distance running athletes: a pilot study
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF SPORTS NUTRITION
Authors: Buonocore, Daniela; Verri, Manuela; Giolitto, Andrea; Doria, Enrico; Ghitti, Michele; Dossena, Maurizia
Abstract
Background Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may alter oxidative status and immune function after exercise. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the probable association between n-3 supplementation and physical exercise, observing the variations in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods Thirty-nine subjects of both sexes aged 17-30 years were divided into two groups: 1) (n = 21) trained Athletes; 2) (n = 18) Sedentary subjects. All subjects were given about 4 g/day of n-3 supplementation, rich in EPA and DHA, for 8 weeks. Blood, saliva and urine samples were collected pre- (T0) and post- (T1) supplementation. Hematological parameters (tryglicerides, total cholesterol, HDL, CPK, LDH, HGH, IGF-1), oxidative markers (MDA, 8-OHdG, PCc), antioxidant parameters (GPx, SOD, CAT, DPPH scavenger), exercise-induced stress markers (testosterone and cortisol) and an inflammatory marker (TNF-alpha) were measured. All tests were two-sided and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The results showed that MDA and TNF-alpha mean values significantly decreased after supplementation in both Athletes and Sedentary subjects: variation was greater in Athletes than in Sedentary control subjects. Generally, our results suggested that supplementation with n-3 PUFAs created a synergic variation in the parameters from a baseline state (T0) to a treated state after supplementation (T1), in terms of size and modality, which was significantly different in Athletes compared to Sedentary subjects. Conclusion In conclusion, supplementation with about 4 g/day of n-3 PUFAs, rich in EPA and DHA, for 8 weeks, seemed to be effective in counteracting some parameters involved in oxidative stress and inflammation, induced by acute strenuous physical exercise.