Browsing by Author "Senkus, Katelyn E."
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Item Changes in adiponectin:leptin ratio among older adults with obesity following a 12-month exercise and diet intervention(Springer Nature, 2022) Senkus, Katelyn E.; Crowe-White, Kristi M.; Bolland, Anneliese C.; Locher, Julie L.; Ard, Jamy D.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; University of Alabama Birmingham; Wake Forest University; Wake Forest Baptist Medical CenterBackground Excess adiposity is characterized by alterations in adipokine secretion such that circulating leptin concentrations are increased with reductions in adiponectin. An emerging biomarker for the assessment of this adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction is the adiponectin:leptin (AL) ratio. A low AL ratio may be suggestive of dysfunctional AT and, consequently, a heightened cardiometabolic disease risk. This ancillary study investigated the relationship between the AL ratio and cardiometabolic health among community-dwelling older adults with obesity, as well as the effects of a 12-month exercise and diet intervention on changes in the AL ratio. Methods Participants (n = 163, 70.2 +/- 4.7 years, 38.0% male) were randomized to the exercise only group, exercise + nutrient-dense weight maintenance group (exercise + weight maintenance), or exercise + nutrient-dense caloric restriction of 500 kcal/d group (exercise + intentional weight loss) (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT00955903). Total and regional adiposity as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), anthropometrics, and cardiometabolic biomarkers were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Results The AL ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) inversely correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, measures of adiposity, and insulin among all participants at baseline. Among females only, significant positive and inverse correlations were also observed between this ratio and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the inflammatory biomarkers high sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, respectively. While controlling for biological sex, a significant time by intervention group interaction effect (p < 0.05) was observed such that the AL ratio significantly increased from baseline to study completion among participants in the exercise + weight maintenance group and exercise + intentional weight loss group. Post hoc analysis revealed that the exercise + intentional weight loss group exhibited a significantly greater AL ratio at study completion compared to other groups (p < 0.05 all). Conclusions Results are in support of the AL ratio as a measure of AT dysfunction among older adults. Furthermore, results suggest that a 12-month exercise and diet intervention with intentional weight loss assists in improving the AL ratio in this population.Item Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever Dietary Bioactive Guideline(Elsevier, 2022) Crowe-White, Kristi M.; Evans, Levi W.; Kuhnle, Gunter G. C.; Milenkovic, Dragan; Stote, Kim; Wallace, Taylor; Handu, Deepa; Senkus, Katelyn E.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); University of Reading; University of California Davis; SUNY Empire State College; George Mason UniversityGuideline recommendation for a plant bioactive such as flavan-3-ols is a departure from previous recommendations because it is not based on deficiencies but rather improvement in health outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a rapidly growing body of clinical data reflecting benefits of flavan-3-ol intake that outweigh potential harms. Thus, the objective of the Expert Panel was to develop an intake recommendation for flavan-3-ols and cardiometabolic outcomes to inform multiple stakeholders including clinicians, policymakers, public health entities, and consumers. Guideline development followed the process set forth by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which includes use of the Evidence to Decision Framework. Studies informing this guideline (157 randomized controlled trials and 15 cohort studies) were previously reviewed in a recently published systematic review and meta-analysis. Quality and strength-of-evidence along with risk-of-bias in reporting was reviewed. In drafting the guideline, data assessments and opinions by authoritative scientific bodies providing guidance on the safety of flavan-3-ols were considered. Moderate evidence supporting cardiometabolic protection resulting from flavan-3-ol intake in the range of 400-600 mg/d was supported in the literature. Further, increasing consumption of dietary flavan-3-ols can help improve blood pressure, cholesterol concentrations, and blood sugar. Strength of evidence was strongest for some biomarkers (i.e., systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and insulin/glucose dynamics). It should be noted that this is a food-based guideline and not a recommendation for flavan-3-ol supplements. This guideline was based on beneficial effects observed across a range of disease biomarkers and endpoints. Although a comprehensive assessment of available data has been reviewed, evidence gaps identified herein can inform scientists in guiding future randomized clinical trials. Statement of Significance: The Expert Panel found moderate evidence supporting cardiometabolic protection resulting from flavan-3-ol intake such that we are proposing the first dietary recommendation for a bioactive food compound.Item Functional sugar-free chewing gum infused with spices bolsters antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of saliva(Nature Portfolio, 2023) Crowe-White, Kristi M.; Jung, Seung Eun; Bragg, Anna; Senkus, Katelyn E.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaOral and vascular diseases are seemingly disparate conditions, yet individuals with poor oral health are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Spice-derived bioactive polyphenols with antioxidant functionality may attenuate mechanisms linking the diseases, namely oxidative stress and inflammation. Acknowledging that novel approaches to increase antioxidant intake are warranted, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of two functional sugar-free gums infused with spices on antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of saliva using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and Folin-Ciocalteu assays, respectively. Unstimulated followed by stimulated saliva was collected according to a validated method across a prescribed five minute chewing period. Both gums significantly increased hydrophilic, lipophilic, and total antioxidant capacity of saliva (p < 0.05) yet to varying extents. Phenolic content of saliva was significantly higher (p < 0.001) post-chew for both gums. Results suggest spices infused into sugar-free chewing gum bolster the antioxidant capacity of saliva, thereby promoting oral health. Research evaluating the sublingual absorption of spice-derived antioxidants in functional gums and their influence on systemic oxidative stress is warranted.Item Lycopene and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature(Elsevier, 2019) Senkus, Katelyn E.; Tan, Libo; Crowe-White, Kristi M.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaCardiometabolic risk factors increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease development by 2-fold. Lycopene, a potent lipophilic antioxidant, may be able to mediate oxidative stress, a mechanism underpinning metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its risk factors. This is, to our knowledge, the first systematic review of the literature with the purpose of investigating the relation between circulating lycopene or dietary intake of lycopene and MetS as well as its risk factors. The review was conducted using PubMed and EBSCOhost databases with the search terms "lycopene" and "metabolic syndrome." Inclusion criteria included human studies published in English in a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal and evaluation of lycopene in relation to >= 3 of the 5 MetS risk factors as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) report. The process identified 11 studies, including 8 cross-sectional and 3 intervention studies. Cross-sectional studies were grouped into 3 categories, with several studies falling into>1 category, based on results reporting associations of lycopene with the prevalence and outcomes of MetS (5 studies), presence of ATP III risk factors (4 studies), and variables mediating lycopene's influence on MetS risk (3 studies). All studies in each category reported significant protective associations. Of the 3 intervention studies, all reported significant protective effects from a lycopene-rich beverage, despite varying doses and durations of intake. Although a protective relation between lycopene and MetS was generally supported, different MetS components appeared to be influenced by lycopene rather than demonstrating consistent improvement in a single component. Thus, additional research is needed to elucidate the mechanistic effects of lycopene on MetS, as well as to determine evidence-based recommendations concerning dose-durational effects of lycopene and MetS risk reduction. In conclusion, the evidence of lycopene's benefit exists such that lycopene status or lycopene consumption may be associated with favorable alterations to the components of MetS.Item Lycopene supplementation of maternal and weanling high-fat diets influences adipose tissue development and metabolic outcomes of Sprague-Dawley offspring(Cambridge University Press, 2021) Senkus, Katelyn E.; Zhang, Yanqi; Wang, Hui; Tan, Libo; Crowe-White, Kristi M.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaDietary patterns high in fat contribute to the onset of cardiometabolic disease through the accrual of adipose tissue (AT). Lycopene, a carotenoid shown to exert multiple health benefits, may disrupt these metabolic perturbations. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate AT development and obesity-associated metabolic outcomes in the neonate and weanling offspring of Sprague-Dawley mothers fed a high-fat diet (HFD = 50 % fat) with and without lycopene supplementation. Sprague-Dawley rats consumed either a normal fat diet (NFD; 25 % fat) or HFD throughout gestation. Upon delivery, half of HFD mothers were transitioned to an HFD supplemented with 1 % lycopene (HFDL). At postnatal day 14 (P14), P25, and P35, pups were euthanised, body weight was recorded, and visceral white AT (WAT) and brown AT (BAT) mass were determined. Serum redox status, adipokines, glucose and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated, as well as BAT mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The HFD was effective in inducing weight gain as evident by significantly greater BW and WAT in the HFD group compared to the NFD group across all time points. Compared to HFD, the HFDL group exhibited significantly greater BAT with concomitant reductions in WAT mass, serum lipid peroxides and serum glucose. No significant differences were observed in serum adipokines, inflammatory markers or UCP1 expression despite the aforementioned alterations in AT development. Results suggest that dietary lycopene supplementation may influence metabolic outcomes during the weaning and post-weaning periods. Additional research is warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which lycopene influences AT biology.Item Relative fat mass assessment estimates changes in adiposity among female older adults with obesity after a 12-month exercise and diet intervention(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Senkus, Katelyn E.; Crowe-White, Kristi M.; Locher, Julie L.; Ard, Jamy D.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; University of Alabama Birmingham; Wake Forest UniversityBackground/objectives/introduction It is imperative to accurately estimate whole body fat percentage (%fat) to understand the deleterious nature of excess adiposity on cardiometabolic disease risk. Cost and accessibility often preclude the use of advanced imaging methods like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Relative fat mass (RFM) is an emerging estimator of whole body %fat based on waist circumference, height, and biological sex. The purpose of this ancillary study was to examine the relationship between RFM and gold-standard measures of adiposity among community-dwelling older adults with obesity and to evaluate if changes in RFM reflect changes in %fat following a 12-month lifestyle intervention (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT00955903). Patients/materials and methods Participants (N = 163, 37.4% male, 70.3 +/- 4.7 years) were randomized to the exercise only group, exercise + nutrient-dense weight maintenance group, or exercise + nutrient-dense energy restriction of 500 kcal/d group. Total and regional adiposity assessed by DXA and MRI, as well as anthropometrics, were evaluated at baseline and 12 months. Results RFM was significantly positively correlated with DXA whole body %fat and DXA trunk %fat at baseline. Equivalence testing revealed that RFM was considered equivalent to DXA whole body %fat for females only. Additionally, from baseline to 12 months, a significant reduction in RFM was observed among female participants in the exercise + energy restriction group only. Changes in RFM were significantly correlated with changes in DXA whole body %fat, DXA trunk fat, and total abdominal fat tissue determined by MRI. Conclusion Results support the use of RFM as an estimate of whole body %fat where advanced imaging techniques are not feasible. Furthermore, results suggest that this index is sensitive to changes in fat mass over 12 months in female older adults with obesity. KEY MESSAGES Relative fat mass (RFM), an emerging estimator of whole body %fat based on waist circumference, height, and biological sex, was intentionally developed to be a simple estimate of adiposity that overcomes limitations of measures like body mass index. In the current study, results from correlations and agreement analyses support the use of RFM to estimate whole-body fat percentage in a community-dwelling older adult population with obesity when advanced methods, namely dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, are not feasible. Significant reductions in RFM were also observed over a 12-month period that was significantly correlated with changes in whole body fat percentage; thus, supporting the sensitivity of RFM to lifestyle changes.Item Vitamin A Supplementation during Suckling and Postweaning Periods Attenuates the Adverse Metabolic Effects of Maternal High-Fat Diet Consumption in Sprague-Dawley Rats(Oxford University Press, 2020) Tan, Libo; Zhang, Yanqi; Crowe-White, Kristi M.; Senkus, Katelyn E.; Erwin, Maddy E.; Wang, Hui; University of Alabama TuscaloosaBackground: Vitamin A (VA) has been demonstrated to be a regulator of adipose tissue (AT) development in adult obese models. However, little is known about the effect of VA on obesity-associated developmental and metabolic conditions in early life. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of dietary VA supplementation during suckling and postweaning periods on the adiposity and metabolic health of neonatal and weanling rats from mothers consuming a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal-fat diet (NFD; 25% fat; n = 2) or an HFD (50% fat; n = 2), both with 2.6 mg VA/kg. Upon delivery, half of the rat mothers were switched to diets with supplemented VA at 129 mg/kg, whereas the other half remained at 2.6 mg VA/kg. Four groups of rat pups were designated as NFD, NFD + VA, HFD, and HFD + VA, respectively. At postnatal day (P)14, P25, and P35, pups (n = 4 or 3/group) were killed. Body weight (BW), visceral white AT (WAT) mass, brown AT (BAT) mass, uncoupling protein 1 mRNA expression in BAT, serum glucose, lipids, adipokines, and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as serum and AT redox status were assessed. Results: Rat pups in the HFD group exhibited significantly higher BW, WAT mass, and serum glucose and leptin but reduced BAT mass compared with the NFD group. Without affecting the dietary intake, supplementing the HFD with VA significantly reduced the BW and WAT mass of pups but increased the BAT mass, significantly lowered the systemic and WAT oxidative stress, and modulated serum adipokines and lipids to some extent. Conclusions: VA supplementation during suckling and postweaning periods attenuated metabolic perturbations caused by excessive fat intake. Supplementing maternal or infant obesogenic diets with VA or establishing a higher RDA of VA for specific populations should be studied further for managing overweight/obesity in early life.