The purpose of this study was to observe and compare the blood glucose response of individuals with documented noninsulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) and controls after they consumed a peanut butter and cracker snack product (Austin "Toasty" crackers). Twenty-one subjects with NIDDM (15 with current NIDDM and 6 with previously abnormal glucose tolerance [prevAGT]) and 11 controls participated. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and age of subjects were recorded and statistically compared. Subjects tested their own blood glucose using the One Touch II glucometer, and participated on two separate occasions which were designated session 1 and session 2. Blood glucose was measured before eating the test food, every 15 (+3) minutes for two hours after eating, and at 150 and 180 minutes. Mean peak blood glucose value and the time at which glucose peaked were identified and compared among the groups. Repeated measures ANOV A was used to compare blood glucose response curves of the NIDDM group, the control group, and the PrevAGT group; slope of the line after the peak was of interest. The null hypothesis was that the groups would not differ in their blood glucose responses. / Master of Science

Relationships among glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, and plasma glucagon were examined in chicks developed through selection for high (HW) and low (LW) body weight, and in F, crosses (HL) between HW males and LW females. At 21, 42, 63, and 84 days of age, chicks from each population were intubated with glucose (2 g/kg body weight) following a 24-hr fast. Blood was collected at 20-minute intervals up to 100 minutes postadministration. At all ages, the LW chicks were better able to metabolize glucose than their HW counterparts, while the HLs exhibited intermediate responses. Impaired glucose tolerance in the HWs and HLs was not associated with insulin insufficiency; the HWs and HLs, in comparison to the LWs, were hyperinsulinemic at 42 and 63 days of age and plasma insulin levels did not differ among populations at 21 or 84 days of age. Plasma glucagon responses to glucose administration were inconsistent, but plasma glucagon levels were consistently higher in the HWs and HLs than in the LWs. It was concluded that excessive fat deposition in chickens selected for rapid growth is associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. / Master of Science

Optimization of reproductive efficiency of both beef and dairy herds is critical for sustainability and profitability. Two separate experiments were performed to test the reproductive outcomes following early weaning of beef heifers and intrafollicular insemination in dairy cows. Early weaning is a proven way to induce precocious puberty in heifers. Heifers will experience more estrous cycles before breeding, which is associated with increased fertility. In this experiment, heifers were either subjected to early weaning and a high concentrate diet (EW; 106.5±3.4 days of age) or normal weaning (NW; 231.7±3.33 days of age) treatments. Despite no effect (P>0.15) of weaning treatment on age at puberty, EW heifers tended to have higher pregnancy rates than NW heifers. A progesterone clearance analysis revealed that EW heifers also have greater ability to metabolize progesterone. This altered progesterone metabolism could be a direct result of changes in metabolism caused by feeding a high concentrate diet after early weaning. Pregnancy rates in cattle are often lower than desired. New reproductive advances are constantly developed to improve reproductive function. A recently described possible technique is intrafollicular insemination (IFI). The objective of the second experiment was to investigate whether IFI can cause fertilization. Abattoir ovaries with dominant follicles injected with semen and incubated overnight displayed sperm in close association with granulosa cells. When synchronized cows were subjected to IFI, no pregnancies resulted. While other studies have demonstrated success with IFI, it is still unknown if fertilization is possible within the follicle of the ovary. / Master of Science

Flavanols are polyphenols that are known to have many beneficial effects on the body. Cocoa is a major source of these flavanols. However, research on the potential anti-obesity and anti-diabetic health benefits of cocoa flavanols is lacking in the literature. Furthermore, the effect that the size of these flavanols has on the extent of its beneficial properties is also unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary effects of cocoa flavanols on the onset of obesity, insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance and to determine the impact that the size of these compounds has on the magnitude of this effect. Cocoa extract was fractionated into a monomer-, an oligomer-, and a polymer-rich fraction. Six groups (n=9) of C57BL/6J mice were fed either a control low-fat diet, a control high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet supplemented with 25 mg/kg*BW of cocoa extract or one of the three cocoa fractions. After 12 weeks on these diets, the oligomer-rich fraction proved to be most effective in preventing weight gain, fat mass accumulation, elevated fasting blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice. This is the first long-term feeding study to examine the relative activities of cocoa constituents on diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-third of US adults are obese. In order to assess causes of and treatments for obesity, researchers have evaluated a number of processes underlying health-related behaviors, one of which is delay discounting. Delay discounting is a cognitive process that describes the phenomenon by which individuals discount the value of a future reward compared to the value of an immediate reward. Researchers have associated delay discounting with drug addiction, alcoholism, and cigarette smoking. More recently, delay discounting has been studied with regards to health-related behaviors, such as body weight management, food intake, glucose control, and physical activity. While a number of studies have concluded that obese individuals tend to be greater discounters, the relationship between delay discounting and various health-related behaviors beyond smoking and drug use remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between delay discounting and diet quality, glucose tolerance, physical activity, and fasting vs. non-fasting conditions. Methods: Sixty-five males (n=20) and females (n=45) were recruited for the present study. Participants completed two lab sessions: one under non-fasting conditions, and one under fasting conditions which involved measurements of body mass and composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, and health-related questionnaires. Delay discounting and food purchase tasks were completed at both visits. Participants were asked to complete a four-day food intake record and wear a physical activity monitor for four days. Results: Lower rates of discounting were found in those who consumed more total vegetables, and lower food reinforcement was observed in those who spent less time sedentary and more time physically active, had greater dietary Restraint, and had a lower resting heart rate. There were no significant differences between discounting rates and food reinforcement across fasting and non-fasting conditions. / Master of Science

<p>In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major cause of death. We have studied two populations with respect to the relationship between DM or related glucometabolic disturbances and AMI.</p><p>In the first population, the prevalence of DM and the importance of the glycaemic state for the long-term prognosis in non-diabetic patients were investigated in patients with AMI admitted to the Coronary Care Unite at Västerås Central Hospital.</p><p>In the second population, the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), DM and other metabolic abnormalities was investigated in patients with AMI and without known DM admitted to the Coronary Care Units at Västerås and Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm.</p><p>21% of the patients with AMI had previously known DM and 4% had newly detected DM if diagnosis is based upon fasting blood glucose (F-BG). The glycemic state, measured as HbA1c, at a 5.5 years follow-up was a risk factor for re-infarction and/or death in non-diabetic patients after AMI.</p><p>If an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is performed, 40-45% of all patients with AMI have DM and in addition about 30% have IGT. Both an OGTT and a single post-challenge blood glucose value after 60 minutes performed at hospital discharge, were independent predictors of IGT or DM at follow-up. Insulin resistance, measured by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), decreased during hospital stay, with no further decrease from hospital discharge to follow-up.</p><p>In summary, the studies in this dissertation have revealed an unexpectedly high prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance in patients with AMI. The glycaemic state, reflected by HbA1c, in non-diabetic patients after AMI has an impact on the long-term prognosis. Consequently, in all patients with AMI, HbA1c and casual blood glucose should be measured at admission and, at least, F-BG at hospital discharge.</p>

In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major cause of death. We have studied two populations with respect to the relationship between DM or related glucometabolic disturbances and AMI. In the first population, the prevalence of DM and the importance of the glycaemic state for the long-term prognosis in non-diabetic patients were investigated in patients with AMI admitted to the Coronary Care Unite at Västerås Central Hospital. In the second population, the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), DM and other metabolic abnormalities was investigated in patients with AMI and without known DM admitted to the Coronary Care Units at Västerås and Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm. 21% of the patients with AMI had previously known DM and 4% had newly detected DM if diagnosis is based upon fasting blood glucose (F-BG). The glycemic state, measured as HbA1c, at a 5.5 years follow-up was a risk factor for re-infarction and/or death in non-diabetic patients after AMI. If an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is performed, 40-45% of all patients with AMI have DM and in addition about 30% have IGT. Both an OGTT and a single post-challenge blood glucose value after 60 minutes performed at hospital discharge, were independent predictors of IGT or DM at follow-up. Insulin resistance, measured by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), decreased during hospital stay, with no further decrease from hospital discharge to follow-up. In summary, the studies in this dissertation have revealed an unexpectedly high prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance in patients with AMI. The glycaemic state, reflected by HbA1c, in non-diabetic patients after AMI has an impact on the long-term prognosis. Consequently, in all patients with AMI, HbA1c and casual blood glucose should be measured at admission and, at least, F-BG at hospital discharge.

Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν: (1) να προσδιοριστεί η συχνότητα της διαταραχής ανοχής στη γλυκόζη (IGT) και του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου II (ΣΔII) σε παχύσαρκα παιδιά και εφήβους στην Ελλάδα και (2) να καθοριστεί εάν οι συγκεντρώσεις γλυκόζης και ινσουλίνης νηστείας μπορούν να προβλέψουν τη διαταραχή ανοχής στη γλυκόζη (IGT)) στα παιδιά αυτά σε σχέση με τα επίπεδα της λεπτίνης, της γκρελίνης, της αδιπονεκτίνης και της σωματομεδίνης, και την έκκριση της αυξητικής ορμόνης (GH) και της θυρεοειδοτρόπου ορμόνης (TSH) κατά τη διάρκεια του 24ωρου μαζί με την ημερήσια έκκριση της κορτιζόλης. Έγινε καμπύλη σακχάρου (OGTT) μαζί με επίπεδα ινσουλίνης σε 117 παχύσαρκα παιδιά και εφήβους 12,1  2,7 ετών και μελετήθηκαν τα επίπεδα της λεπτίνης, της γκρελίνης, της αδιπονεκτίνης και της σωματομεδίνης (IGF-I) κατά τη δοκιμασία ανοχής στη γλυκόζη (OGTT). Επίσης, μελετήθηκαν τα επίπεδα της 24ωρης έκκρισης της GH και της TSH και της ημερήσιας έκκρισης της κορτιζόλης. Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οι δείκτες HOMA-IR και ο ινσουλινογόνος δείκτης για την εκτίμηση της αντίστασης της ινσουλίνης και της λειτουργίας των β κυττάρων, αντίστοιχα. 17 ασθενείς (14,5%) είχαν IGT και σε κανένα δε διαγνώστηκε ΣΔII. Τα ποσοστά IGT και ΣΔΙΙ ήταν χαμηλότερα από αυτά μιας πολυεθνικής Αμερικανικής μελέτης. Η διαφορά εντοπίστηκε κυρίως στα προεφηβικά παιδιά (9% έναντι 25,4%), ενώ δεν παρατηρήθηκε διαφορά στους εφήβους (18% έναντι 21%). Ωστόσο, τα ποσοστά IGT ήταν υψηλότερα από αυτά που βρέθηκαν σε άλλες μελέτες από την Ευρώπη. Η γλυκόζη νηστείας, η ινσουλίνη και ο δείκτης HOMA-IR δεν προέβλεψαν την εμφάνιση IGT, όμως, η απόλυτη τιμή της ινσουλίνης στις 2 ώρες της OGTT και ο δείκτης AUCG προέβλεψαν την εμφάνιση IGT. Τα επίπεδα λεπτίνης και γκρελίνης ήταν υψηλότερα στα κορίτσια. Υπήρχε συσχετισμός μεταξύ BMI και λεπτίνης νηστείας, BMI και αδιπονεκτίνης, σωματομεδίνης (IGF-I) και λεπτίνης νηστείας, ενώ δεν υπήρχε καμιά συσχέτιση με τα επίπεδα της κορτιζόλης ή με τα 24ωρα επίπεδα της αυξητικής ορμόνης και της θυρεοειδοτρόπου ορμόνης. Συμπερασματικά, η OGTT φαίνεται να έχει τη δυνατότητα να προβλέψει την IGT, ενώ οι τιμές γλυκόζης και ινσουλίνης νηστείας και οι τιμές του δείκτη HOMA-IR, αν και υψηλότερες στους ασθενείς με IGT και ενδεικτικές για αντίσταση στην ινσουλίνη, δεν μπορούν να προβλέψουν την IGT. / The aims of the present study were: (1) to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus II (DMII) in obese children and adolescents of Greek origin and (2) to study the concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin and IGF-I during an oral glucose tolerance test as well as the 24-hour concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and thyrotropin secreting hormone (TSH), and the diurnal secretion of cortisol in these children. A total of 117 obese children and adolescents aged 12.1  2.7 years underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin and IGF-I were studied during the duration of the OGTT in relation to the 24-hour secretion of GH and TSH and the diurnal secretion of cortisol. For the estimation of insulin resistance and beta cell function the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) and the insulinogenic index, respectively, were used. A total of 17 patients (14.5%) had IGT and none had DMII. The overall prevalence rates of both IGT and DMII observed in the obese children and adolescents were lower than those reported in a recent multiethnic US study. Nevertheless, the difference between the data of this study and those of the US study was mostly due to the prepubertal children (9% vs. 25.4%), while no difference was observed in the pubertal population (18% vs. 21%). The prevalence rates of IGT in this study though, were greater than those reported in other European studies. Fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR values were not predictive of IGT. The absolute value of insulin at 2h of the OGTT combined with the time-integrated glycemia (AUCG) strongly predicted IGT, whereas higher area under the curve for insulin (AUCI) values were found to be protective. Leptin and ghrelin concentrations were higher in the females. There was a correlation found between BMI and fasting leptin, BMI and adiponectin, IGF-I and fasting leptin although there was no correlation found with the GH, TSH or cortisol concentrations. In conclusion, the OGTT seems to be capable of predicting IGT whereas the fasting glucose and insulin concentrations are unable to predict glucose intolerance since HOMA-IR values, although higher in IGT subjects and indicative of insulin resistance, cannot accurately predict IGT.

M.Tech. / Impaired glucose tolerance, as determined by an oral glucose tolerance test, is the inability of the blood glucose regulatory mechanisms in the body to return the blood glucose levels to normal physiological levels after the ingestion of a meal (Guyton and Hall, 2006). Mollentze and Levitt (2006) report on various studies that were conducted in South Africa on the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus and they illustrate that there is an incidence of impaired glucose tolerance as high as 10.2% in certain communities and that impaired glucose tolerance may result in diabetes mellitus. A study has shown that cinnamon controls blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity resulting in better blood sugar level control (Jarvill-Taylor et al, 2001). The above research was done on cinnamon in the crude form but there is no research on Cinnamomum verum in a homoeopathic potency. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of Cinnamomum verum 1X on glucose tolerance in non-diabetic males after an oral glucose tolerance test. A double-blind pre-test post-test placebo controlled study on thirty healthy adult males between the ages of eighteen and forty years was conducted. The participants were recruited by means of an advertisement at the University of Johannesburg Health Clinic. Inclusion criteria comprised: no medication for one month prior to the study with a normal fasting blood sugar level of more than 3.0 but less than 6.0 mmol/l (Oussama, 2006); systolic blood pressure between 100 and 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 70 and 90 mmHg. At the first consultation the participant data was obtained and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. The participants were issued with 100 ml of either Cinnamomum verum 1X or a placebo and a weekly checklist to complete. After two weeks the participant data was recorded again and the oral glucose tolerance test was repeated. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyse between the group data statistically and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to perform the within-group analysis. The mean fasting blood glucose level of the experiment group changed from 4.71 mmol/l to 4.49 mmol/l. This was a statistically significant reduction, p = 0.025 (< 0.05). The reduction in the blood glucose level after the oral glucose tolerance test of the experiment group was also found to be statistically significant, p = 0.001 (< 0.05) with the mean value changing from 5.86 mmol/l to 5.40 mmol/l. It was concluded that the homoeopathic remedy, Cinnamomum verum 1X taken orally twice daily, was more effective than the placebo in reducing the fasting blood glucose level and the blood glucose level after an oral glucose tolerance test in non-diabetic males between the ages of eighteen and forty years with normal initial fasting blood glucose levels within a time period of two weeks.

A hipótese do presente estudo sugere que a baixa fertilidade de vacas Holandesas (Bos taurus) repetidoras de serviço (RS) está relacionada à baixa qualidade oocitária que, por sua vez, é associada ao quadro de resistência periférica a insulina (RPI). Ainda, a indução de lactação (IL) em vacas Holandesas (Bos taurus) RS pode reverter o quadro de RPI e, consequentemente, melhorar a qualidade oocitária e a produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE). Para testar a hipótese proposta, este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da fase da lactação e da gestação [Exp. 1], o efeito da secagem de RS [Exp. 2] e o efeito da IL [Exp. 3] sobre a RPI, a qualidade oocitária e a PIVE em vacas da raça Holandesa (Bos taurus). Nos três estudos foram realizados testes de tolerância à glicose (TTG) para avaliar a RPI através do perfil hormonal sérico de insulina e glicose. Além disso, avaliou-se o perfil bioquímico sérico e folicular e a qualidade oocitária através da PIVE. Verificou-se que, em resposta à infusão de 0,3mg glicose/kg PV, as vacas RS no final da lactação secretaram 53% mais insulina e captaram 40% menos de glicose quando comparadas as vacas no terço inicial de lactação (Exp 1). Esses achados são indicativos do estabelecimento do quadro de RPI nas vacas RS em lactação. Durante o período seco, as vacas RS secretaram 96% mais insulina e captaram 56% menos glicose que as vacas no terço inicial da lactação e as vacas RS em lactação, respectivamente (Exp. 2). Ainda, as vacas com lactação induzida secretaram 11% menos insulina e captaram a mesma quantidade de glicose que vacas paridas em fases semelhantes de lactação (Exp 3), demonstrando que o protocolo de IL foi eficiente em alterar o perfil metabólico, revertendo o quadro de RPI presente nas vacas RS. Nos Exp. 1, 2 e 3 foram verificadas maiores concentrações plasmática de triglicérides (TG; P &lt; 0,05), colesterol total (COL; P < 0,05) e LDL (P < 0,05) no soro sanguíneo em vacas RS quando comparadas com vacas no terço inicial de lactação. Durante o período seco (Exp. 2 e 3), observou-se incremento desses metabólitos, destacando aumento na concentração de TG (P < 0,05), COL (P < 0,05) e LDL (P < 0,05) plasmático em vacas secas quando comparadas as vacas em lactação [início e final (RS) da lactação]. No liquido folicular foram observadas variações no perfil bioquímico para COL e TG. Nos Exp. 1, 2 e 3, verificou-se que vacas RS possuem maior concentração de TG (P < 0,05) e COL (P < 0,05) no fluido folicular do que vacas no terço inicial de lactação. Contrariando a hipótese inicialmente proposta, as vacas RS em lactação e as vacas secas apresentaram maior taxa de blastocisto (P < 0,05) e número de blastocistos por OPU (P < 0,05) que as vacas no terço inicial de lactação (Exp. 1, 2 e 3). Através do perfil de insulina circulante em resposta ao TTG foi possível demonstrar o estabelecimento do quadro de RPI em vacas RS (P < 0,05). Além disso, constatou-se agravamento da RPI em vacas secas (P < 0,05). Esse quadro foi associado ao aumento do escore de condição corporal (P < 0,05) e do peso vivo (kg; P < 0,05) nas vacas RS. Em conclusão, não foi verificada associação negativa entre RPI, qualidade oocitária e PIVE em vacas Holandesas (Bos taurus) RS. Apesar da indução de lactação em vacas Holandesas (Bos taurus) RS alterar o metabolismo e diminuir o quadro de RPI, não foi verificado efetivo positivo na qualidade oocitária e na PIVE. / The hypothesis of the present study suggests that low fertility of repeat breeders (RB) Holstein (Bos taurus) cows is related to low oocyte quality, which is associated with peripheral insulin resistance (PIR). Also, induction of lactation (IL) in RB Holstein (Bos taurus) cows can revert PIR and, consequently, improve oocyte quality and in vitro embryo production (IVEP). In order to test the proposed hypothesis, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phase of lactation and gestation [Exp. 1], effect of drying RB [Exp. 2] and effect of IL [Exp. 3] on PIR, oocyte quality and IVEP of Holstein (Bos taurus) cows. In all three studies, glucose tolerance tests (GTT) were performed to evaluate PIR through the serum hormonal insulin and glucose profile. In addition, we evaluated the serum and follicular biochemical profile and oocyte quality through IVEP. It was verified that, in response to a 0.3mg glucose/kg of body weight (BW), RB cows at the end of lactation secreted 53% more insulin and captured 40% less glucose when compared to cows in the initial third of their lactation (Exp. 1). These findings are indicative of the establishment of PIR in RB lactating cows. During the dry period, RB cows secreted 96% more insulin and captured 56% less glucose than cows in the initial third of their lactation and RB lactating cows, respectively (Exp. 2). Also, cows with induced lactation secreted 11% less insulin and captured the same amount of glucose than calved cows in similar lactation phase (Exp. 3), demonstrating that the IL protocol was efficient to alter the metabolic profile, reverting PIR present in RB cows. In Exp. 1, 2 and 3 higher plasmatic concentrations of triglycerides (TG; P<0.05), total cholesterol (COL; P<0.05) and LDL (P<0.05) were verified in the blood serum in RB cows when compared to cows in the initial third of their lactation. During the dry period (Exp. 2 and 3), we observed the increment of these metabolites, and a notable elevation of the plasmatic TG (P < 0.05), COL (P < 0.05) and LDL (P < 0.05) in dry cows when compared to lactating cows [beginning and end (RB) of lactation]. In the follicular fluid, it was possible to observe variations in the biochemical profile for COL and TG. In Exp. 1, 2 and 3, it was verified that RB cows have higher concentration of TG (P < 0.05) and COL (P < 0.05) in the follicular fluid than cows in the initial third of their lactation. Contrary to the initially proposed hypothesis, RB lactating cows and dry cows presented higher blastocyst rate (P<0.05) than cows in the initial third of lactation (Exp. 1, 2 and 3). Through the circulating insulin profile in response to the GTT it was possible to demonstrate the establishment of PIR in RB cows (P<0.05). Also, it was observed worsening of the PIR in dry cows (P<0.05). This condition was associated with an increase in body condition score (P<0.05) and BW (kg; P<0.05) in RB cows. In conclusion, no negative association between PIR, oocyte quality and IVEP was observed in RB Holstein (Bos taurus) cows. Although induction of lactation in RB Holstein (Bos taurus) cows altered the metabolism and reduced PIR, no positive effect was observed in oocyte quality and IVEP.