Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is an obesity-related disorder that predisposes an individual to several life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is based on the presence of at least 3 of the following 5 risk factors: elevated triglycerides, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, low HDL cholesterol and central adiposity. However, the biochemical mechanisms underlying the contribution of these irregularities are not fully understood. Currently, there is a need to better characterize MetS. Irregularity of lipid abundances, dyslipidemia, is known to be associated with MetS. However, little is known about the link between plasma phospholipids and human metabolic syndrome. In this study, mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approaches were employed using ultrahigh-resolution FTICR mass spectrometry to qualitatively analyze human plasma phospholipids and high-resolution QTOF mass spectrometry to quantitatively detect differences in the human plasma phospholipid profiles from 10 clinically-diagnosed metabolic syndrome patients and 8 lean healthy controls. The results point to the existence of a phospholipid signature of MetS. Five of the top twenty phospholipids contributing most to the difference in phospholipid abundance between the MetS and control group were identified using accurate mass-based database searching and MS/MS for structural confirmation. Relative differences in phospholipid abundances between MetS and controls for all top 20 phospholipids were shown to be statistically significant. These results may aid biomarker discovery and the accurate evaluation and prevention of diseases associated with dyslipidemia including human metabolic syndrome. / Graduate

Class of 2014 Abstract / Specific Aims: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients treated in an outpatient clinic that were taking atypical antipsychotics. Methods: This retrospective chart review included 822 adults diagnosed with various personality/mood disorders. Age, gender, ethnicity, blood pressure, height, weight, lipid panels, fasting blood glucose, and second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) used and treatment length were obtained. Patients were separated into two groups: those who were not taking an SGA in/for the past three months (group 1), and those taking at least one SGA for a minimum of three months (group 2). MetS was determined using NCEP ATP III guidelines. The primary outcome measured was the difference in the prevalence of MetS between each group. Main Results: At baseline, 753 patients were in group 1 and 69 patients were in group 2, there was a higher percentage of females in group 1 (p<0.0001), and a higher percentage of males in group 2 (p<0.0001). No difference was seen with age, and weight, (p=0.294, p=0.625, respectively). There were more patients reported as Caucasian in group 2 (p=0.0001) and more reported as Caucasian/Hispanic in group 1 (p=0.0001). The rate of MetS between group 1 (54.45%) and group 2 (59.42%) was not statistically different (p = 0.427). Conclusion: No statistical difference was found in the rate of MetS between the two groups. Removing confounding drugs known to cause weight gain did not change these results.

Obese people with insulin resistance are at high risk of developing disease-related complications like heart attack and stroke. Recently, a significant amount of data has been published linking chronic inflammation with obesity and the etiology of the Metabolic syndrome (MetS). Scientists have found many of the same inflammatory pathways and pro-inflammatory molecules are involved in both conditions. In particular, recent studies have elucidated an important role for the inflammasome in the etiology of these diseases. Interfering with these chronic inflammatory processes may provide a new way to treat obesity. Pilot studies in animals and humans have shown positive outcomes using anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of both obesity and MetS. One advantage to using anti-inflammatory drugs is that many are already clinically approved with known risk/benefit profiles. Trials to test their efficacy in MetS and obesity are thus feasible. If proven beneficial, these drugs could help treat a huge number of patients who do not currently have other safe options. In this thesis I propose that new drugs targeting the inflammasome components, such as caspase 1, may also show clinical benefit in the treatment of MetS and obesity. Also drugs that reduce activation of a subset of macrophages such as the M1 class may also prove useful in treatment of these conditions.

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the energy demand of heavy metal drummers during rehearsal in order to understand the physiological responses. This information may lead to a better understanding of energy expenditure and add to the compendium of physical activity. The investigation consisted of eight apparently healthy 20 to 37-year-old males were recruited for this investigation. Information gathered during the drum test was average VO2, VO2peak, HR in beats per minute (bpm), metabolic equivalents (METs), and energy expenditure (EE) expressed in calories (kcals) per minute and per hour. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was used in addition to VO2 and HR values to assess physical demand. The Bruce Protocol maximal treadmill test was administered to compare the participants VO2max to their VO2peak while drumming. The EE during the 40-minute drum test was 387.05 + 83 kcals with an estimated hourly EE of 567.33 + 111.7 kcals. VO2, VO2peak, VE, and HR was 21.4 + 4.1 ml/kg/min, 33.9 + 8.1 ml/kg/min, 63.5 + 19 L/min, and 150.4 + 13.6 bpm respectively. The average MET level reached was six. RPE was 13.8 + 1.2 and is expressed as “somewhat hard” in difficulty according to the ACSM. Those categorized as having an average level of fitness reached 50-59% of their VO2max while the two individuals categorized as having an excellent level of fitness reached 42-45% of their VO2max. In conclusion, heavy metal drumming is a form of physical activity that is of moderate intensity and can be compared to other forms of recreational and work related physical activity.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Population health data suggests that the development of metabolic disease is influenced by early life events. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy, but its effects on the offspring are poorly understood. It is hypothesized that a diet high in fat and sucrose will cause excessive weight gain and obesity during pregnancy accompanied by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia that are characteristic of GDM. It is also hypothesized that gestational exposure to GDM will cause obesity, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in the offspring when compared to the offspring from metabolically healthy, lean mothers.

Vinyasa yoga, also known as power flow yoga, is growing in popularity in western cultures. Vinyasa yoga is characterized by moving with the breath and connecting the postures by a series of dynamic movement in between traditional yoga poses. The purpose of this thesis was to determine the intensity and metabolic costs of a typical Vinyasa yoga routine by measuring respiratory gas exchange, heart rate, and perceived rating of exertion. Secondary purposes were to determine whether there were differences between beginner and advanced practitioners and between males and females. Eight beginner (4 males and 4 females) and eight advanced (4 males and 4 females) yoga practitioners were tested while completing a Vinyasa yoga routine. Participants first completed a maximal aerobic test on a treadmill to determine maximal aerobic capacity, and to allow the assessment of relative workload during a subsequent yoga session. After adequate rest, the participant completed a 90-minute familiarization of the Vinyasa yoga session at his or her own skill level. After 4 – 7 days the participants returned, where the beginners completed the beginner routine and the advanced practitioners were randomly assigned to do either the beginner or advanced routine. The advanced practitioners came back on a separate day to complete the routine they had not yet completed. To allow participants to move freely, a portable system (Cosmed K4b2) was used to measure respiratory gas exchange (i.e. oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide output). A heart rate monitor was worn to collect heart rate data. Rating of perceived exertion was measured at set times throughout the session. The mean metabolic equivalents (METs) of Vinyasa yoga (4.7) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the 3.0 METs needed to achieve a moderate intensity based on the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. During the yoga session, 68 ± 10 minutes were spent above 3.0 METs (moderate intensity) and of those minutes, 16 ± 16 were spent above 6.0 METs (vigorous intensity). Based on the Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity of 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity, three 90-minute Vinyasa yoga sessions a week can meet the recommendations for adults.

abstract: Among its many roles in the body, ascorbic acid functions as a cofactor in carnitine and catecholamine synthesis, metabolites involved in fat oxidation and mood regulation, respectively. Given that fat oxidation and mood affect one's feelings of vigor, I hypothesized that those with lower levels of plasma ascorbic acid would be less likely to exercise at high levels than individuals with adequate or high levels of vitamin C. To test this, I conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention. A group of healthy, non-smoking males between the ages of 18 and 40 were put on a vitamin C-restricted diet for two weeks and then randomized to a control group that received placebo capsules for six weeks or an intervention group that received 500 mg of vitamin C daily for six weeks. The men were restricted from eating foods high in vitamin C, instructed to wear a pedometer daily and to record their step counts, and to take a pill daily (either the placebo or vitamin C supplement). Unexpectedly, the subjects receiving the intervention had lower step counts than the control group; the control group, rather than the vitamin C group, significantly (p=0.017) increased their steps at week 8 compared to week 2. However, I also estimated daily Metabolic Equivalent Tasks (METs), and subjects receiving the placebo had lower MET outputs than subjects receiving vitamin C at the end of the trial, in spite of having higher step counts. This means the intensity of their activity was higher, based on METs expenditure. Additionally, depression scores (POMS-D) as measured by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire were significantly higher (p=0.041) among subjects receiving the placebo at the end of the study. These latter results are consistent with my expectations that subjects with higher levels of plasma vitamin C would have improved mood and higher energy output than subjects with low levels of vitamin C. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Nutrition 2011

No description available.

Abstract: It is believed that Flag Rugby may produce physical activity (PA) in middle school students that is more vigorous than other sports. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of different sports on physical activity in middle school students. METHODS: 101 (55 M; 46 F, ages 11-14, grades 6-8 ) middle schoolers were randomly selected to participate in three different sports on three separate days during their regular scheduled PE class. The participants engaged in flag football on day one, basketball on day two and flag rugby on day three of the research study. These days were not consecutive. All physiological-related variables were collected using the Stayhealthy RT3TM accelerometer (Monrovia, USA). Enjoyment and competence were measured using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) (McAuley et. al., 1989; Ryan, 1982). The research design utilized a repeated measure analysis of variance (RMANOVA) followed by dependent t-tests. RESULTS: Flag football mean MET values were 4.93 + 1.35(SD). Basketball mean MET values were 5.51 + 2.02. Flag rugby mean MET values were 6.02 + 1.52. These results indicate a significant difference between flag football vs. basketball (p = 0.023) and flag rugby vs. flag football (p < 0.000), but no significant difference between basketball vs. flag rugby (p = 0.109). The results from the enjoyment and competence paired samples t-test found a significant difference between play of flag rugby (6.24 + 1.59, enjoyment; 6.00 + 1.46, competence) and flag football (5.38 + 1.69, enjoyment; 5.26 + 1.56) at (p < 0.000) for both scales. There was a significant difference between flag rugby and basketball (5.21 + 1.80 enjoyment; 5.21 + 1.68) at (p < 0.000) enjoyment and (p< 0.001) competence. However, there was no significant difference between basketball and flag football (p = 0.481) enjoyment and (p = 0.827) competence. DISCUSSION: There is, in fact, a significant difference in physical activity intensities and durations between flag rugby and that of flag football and/or basketball (p < 0.001) F, 7.66. Results from this study suggest that there is not a significant difference in between flag rugby and basketball but there is a significant difference in enjoyment and competence between flag rugby and flag football.