Motivation: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rapidly increasing in industrialized societies. Experts believe that lifestyle, and in particular its nutritional aspects, plays a decisive role in increasing the burden of these chronic conditions. Dietary habits would, therefore, be modified to exert a positive impact on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases of lifestyle. It is believed that the state of hyperglycaemia that is observed following food intake under certain dietary regimes contributes to the development of various metabolic conditions. This is not only true for individuals with poor glycaemic control such as some diabetics, but could also be true for healthy individuals. It would, therefore, be helpful to be able to reduce the amplitude and duration of postprandial hyperglycaemia. Selecting the correct type of carbohydrate (CHO) foods may produce less postprandial hyperglycaemia, representing a possible strategy in the prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic diseases. At the same time, a key focus of sport nutrition is the optimal amount of CHO that an athlete should consume and the optimal timing of consumption. The most important nutritional goals of the athlete are to prepare body CHO stores pre-exercise, provide energy during prolonged exercise and restore glycogen stores during the recovery period. The ultimate aim of these strategies is to maintain CHO availability to the muscle and central nervous system during prolonged moderate to high intensity exercise, since these are important factors in exercise capacity and performance. However, the type of CHO has been studied less often and with less attention to practical concerns than the amount of CHO. The glycaemic index (GI) refers to the blood glucose raising potential of CHO foods and, therefore, influences secretion of insulin. In several metabolic disorders, secretion of insulin is inadequate or impossible, leading to poor glycaemic control. It has been suggested that low GI diets could potentially contribute to a significant improvement of the conditions associated with poor glycaemic control. Insulin secretion is also important to athletes since the rate of glycogen synthesis depends on insulin due to it stimulatory effect on the activity of glycogen synthase. Objectives: Three main objectives were identified for this study. The first was to conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of the GI on markers for CHO and lipid metabolism with the emphasis on randomised controlled trials (RCT's). Secondly, a systematic review was performed to determine the strength of the body of scientific evidence from epidemiological studies combined with RCT's to encourage dieticians to incorporate the GI concept in meal planning. Finally, a systematic review of the effect of the GI in sport performance was conducted on all available literature up to date to investigate whether the application of the GI in an athlete's diet can enhance physical performance. Methodology: For the meta-analysis, the search was for randomised controlled trials with a cross-over or parallel design published in English between 1981 and 2003, investigating the effect of low GI vs high GI diets on markers of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The main outcomes were serum fructosamine, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerols (TG). For the systematic review, epidemiological studies as well as RCT's investigating the effect of LGI vs HGI diets on markers for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were used. For the systematic review on the effect of the GI on sport performance, RCT's with either a cross-over or parallel design that were published in English between January 1981 and September 2004 were used. All relevant manuscripts for the systematic reviews as well as meta-analysis were obtained through a literature search on relevant databases such as the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (1981 to present), EMBASE, LILACS, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect and PubMed. This thesis is presented in the article format. Results and conclusions of the individual manuscripts: For the meta-analysis, literature searches identified 16 studies that met the strict inclusion criteria. Low GI diets significantly reduced fructosamine (p<0.05), HbA1c, (p<0.03), TC(p<0.0001) and tended to reduce LDL-c (p=0.06) compared to high GI diets. No changes were observed in HDL-c and TG concentrations. Results from this meta analysis, therefore, support the use of the GI concept in choosing CHO-containing foods to reduce TC and improve blood glucose control in diabetics. The systematic review combined the results of the preceding meta-analysis and results from epidemiological studies. Prospective epidemiological studies showed improvements in HDL-c concentrations over longer time periods with low GI diets vs. high GI diets, while the RCT's failed to show an improvement in HDL-c over the short-term. This could be attributed to the short intervention period during which the RCT's were conducted. Furthermore, epidemiological studies failed to show positive relationships between LDL-c and TC and low GI diets, while RCT's reported positive results on both these lipids with low GI diets. However, the epidemiological studies, as well as the RCT's showed positive results with low GI diets on markers of CHO metabolism. Taken together, convincing evidence from RCT's as well as epidemiological studies exists to recommend the use of low GI diets to improve markers of CHO as well as of lipid metabolism. 3 From the systematic review regarding the GI and sport performance it does not seem that low GI pre-exercise meals provide any advantages over high GI pre-exercise meals. Although low GI pre-exercise meals may better maintain CHO availability during exercise, low GI pre-exercise meals offer no added advantage over high GI meals regarding performance. Furthermore, the exaggerated metabolic responses from high GI compared to low GI CHO seems not be detrimental to exercise performance. However, athletes who experience hypoglycaemia when consuming CHO-rich feedings in the hour prior to exercise are advised to rather consume low GI pre-exercise meals. No studies have been reported on the GI during exercise. Current evidence suggests a combination of CHO with differing Gl's such as glucose (high GI), sucrose (moderate GI) and fructose (low GI) will deliver the best results in terms of exogenous CHO oxidation due to different transport mechanisms. Although no studies are conducted on the effect of the GI on short-term recovery it is speculated that high GI CHO is most effective when the recovery period is between 0-8 hours, however, evidence suggests that when the recovery period is longer (20-24 hours), the total amount of CHO is more important than the type of CHO. Conclusion: There is an important body of evidence in support of a therapeutic and preventative potential of low GI diets to improve markers for CHO and lipid metabolism. By substituting high GI CHO-rich with low GI CHO-rich foods improved overall metabolic control. In addition, these diets reduced TC, tended to improve LDL-c and might have a positive effect over the long term on HDL-c. This confirms the place for low GI diets in disease prevention and management, particularly in populations characterised by already high incidences of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and abnormal lipid levels. For athletes it seems that low GI pre-exercise meals do not provide any advantage regarding performance over high GI pre-exercise meals. However, low GI meals can be recommended to athletes who are prone to develop hypoglycaemia after a CHO-rich meal in the hour prior to exercise. No studies have been reported on the effect of the GI during exercise. However, it has been speculated that a combination of CHO with varying Gl's deliver the best results in terms of exogenous CHO oxidation. No studies exist investigating the effect of the GI on short-term recovery, however, it is speculated that high GI CHO-rich foods are suitable when the recovery period is short (0-8 h), while the total amount rather than the type of CHO is important when the recovery period is longer (20-24 h). Therefore, the GI is a scientifically based tool to enable the selection of CHO-containing foods to improve markers for CHO and lipid metabolism as well as to help athletes to prepare optimally for competitions. Recommendations: Although a step nearer has been taken to confirm a place for the GI in human health, additional randomised, controlled, medium and long-term studies as well as more epidemiological studies are needed to investigate further the effect of low GI diets on LDL-c. HDL-c and TG. These studies are essential to investigate the effect of low GI diets on endpoints such as CVD and DM. This will also show whether low GI diets can reduce the risk of diabetic complications such as neuropathy and nephropathy. Furthermore, the public at large must be educated about the usefulness and application of the GI in meal planning. For sport nutrition, randomised controlled trials should be performed to investigate the role of the GI during exercise as well as in sports of longer duration such as cricket and tennis. More studies are needed to elucidate the short-term effect of the GI post-exercise as well as to determine the mechanism of lower glycogen storage with LGI meals post-exercise. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The prevalence of obesity is dramatically increasing and thus constitutes a major risk factor for developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer. High-caloric nutrition and a lack of physical activity are the main contributing factors for this global epidemic. Estrogen receptors (ERs) are recognized to be involved in many processes related to the control of energy homeostasis. In my studies, I investigated the impact of estrogens (17beta-estradiol (E2)) on energy homeostasis. Special emphasis was given to the effects of two synthetic ER subtype-selective agonists, 16alpha-LE2 (Alpha) and 8beta-VE2 (Beta), to determine to what extend the two distinct ER subtypes are involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms. Because of its estrogenic activity and also its widespread use as a nutritional supplement the influence of the isoflavone genistein (Gen) was examined. For this purpose two different female rat models were used: Wistar rats with nutrition-induced obesity and leptin resistant Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. In both experiments, the animals were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated with vehicle (untreated controls) or the estrogenic compounds. The most important finding was that treatment of OVX animals with Beta enlarges soleus muscle fiber sizes in both animal models compared to untreated OVX animals. This anabolic effect may in turn improve the muscle/fat ratio of the body that enhances muscular uptake and utilization of fuels. By contrast, in the gastrocnemius muscle of OVX ZDF rats substitution with Alpha increased expression and distribution of the insulin-dependent glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Consequently, systemic insulin sensitivity in both animal models was improved by treatment with estrogenic compounds compared to untreated OVX animals. The strongest effect was observed in E2-treated rats that indicate an additive effect through activation of both pathways. In all OVX rats, treatment with either ER subtype-selective agonist showed an anti-lipogenic effect in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle of nutrition-induced obese Wistar rats in comparison to OVX animals without treatment. Decreased visceral fat mass, adipocyte sizes, serum leptin levels, triglyceride accumulation in liver and muscle as well as mRNA expression of genes that are involved in lipo-/adipogenesis reflected this. Therefore, the lower visceral fat mass as well as decreased accumulation of triglycerides in non-adipose tissues such as liver and skeletal muscle most likely contributes to the improved insulin sensitivity in such treated animals. Gen exerted effects similar to those of the ER beta-selective agonist (except on adipose tissue in Wistar rats). Especially, the similar ability to induce anabolic activity in the soleus muscle might be highly relevant. Gen-treated animals might have a more effective utilization of fuels compared to untreated OVX animals because they showed a lower TG content in muscle and liver as well as improved glucose metabolism. In conclusion, because of my studies and the fact that ER beta signaling is not involved in proliferation of uterus and mammary gland, an effective way to treat obesity and co-morbidities in postmenopausal women might be substances that only activate ER beta. A combination with physical activity may support the therapy of obesity and co-morbidities. The isoflavone Gen is able to activate both ER-subtypes. This compound is already placed on the market for treatment of postmenopausal complaints, although adverse effects of Gen cannot be excluded so far (e.g., increased risk of breast cancer). However, Gen might be a natural alternative – not only to the conventional hormone replacement therapy, but also as a strategy for treatment of obesity and co-morbidities – that deserves further research with respect to these new data. / Die dramatisch zunehmende Prävalenz der Adipositas und das damit verbundene Risiko für Folgeerkrankungen wie Diabetes mellitus, Hypertonie, Dyslipidämie und koronare Herzkrankheiten stellt eine große Herausforderung für das Gesundheitswesen dar. Als Hauptursache wird ein chronisches Missverhältnis der Energiehomöostase aufgrund permanenter Überernährung und Bewegungsmangel postuliert. Estrogene beeinflussen den Glukose- und Lipidstoffwechsel und sind somit in die Regulation des Energiehaushaltes involviert. Estrogene vermitteln ihre Effekte über zwei Estrogenrezeptor (ER)-Subtypen, den ER alpha und den ER beta. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es mittels tierexperimentellen Studien den Einfluss von Estrogenen, speziell 17beta-Estradiol, auf den Energiehaushalt zu untersuchen. Um einen tieferen Einblick in die zugrundeliegenden molekularen Mechanismen zu erhalten, wurden zwei Subtyp-selektive ER-Agonisten, 16alpha-LE2 (Alpha) and 8beta-VE2 (Beta), synthetischer Herkunft eingesetzt. Aufgrund der estrogenen Aktivität und der Verfügbarkeit als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel wurde des Weiteren der Einfluss des Isoflavons Genistein untersucht. Für die Studien wurden zwei Tiermodelle genutzt: zum einen weibliche Wistar-Ratten mit ernährungsinduzierter Adipositas und zum anderen weibliche leptinresistente „Zucker diabetic fatty“ (ZDF)-Ratten. Die Tiere wurden ovarektomiert (OVX) und entweder mit einem Vehikel (unbehandelte Kontrolltiere) oder mit der entsprechenden estrogenen Substanz behandelt. Die interessanteste Erkenntnis war, dass im Vergleich zu unbehandelten OVX-Tieren beider Tiermodelle die Behandlung mit Beta zur Vergrößerung der Faserquerschnitte im Soleusmuskel führte. Dieser anabole Effekt könnte die muskuläre Aufnahme und Verwertung von Brennstoffmolekülen verbessern und sich insgesamt positiv auf die Körperzusammensetzung auswirken. Den stärksten Effekt hinsichtlich einer erhöhten Expression und Translokation des insulinabhängigen Glukosetransporters 4 (GLUT4) in die Zellmembran des Gastrocnemiusmuskels zeigte sich dagegen durch die Behandlung von OVX ZDF-Ratten mit Alpha. Im Endergebnis zeigten die Tiere beider Modelle durch die Behandlung mit estrogenen Substanzen eine verbesserte systemische Insulinsensitivität im Vergleich zu unbehandelten Kontrolltieren. E2-behandelte Tiere tolerierten die Glukose am besten und lassen einen additiven Effekt aufgrund der Aktivierung beider Signalwege vermuten. Im Vergleich zu unbehandelten OVX Wistar-Ratten führte die Behandlung mit E2 oder mit jeweils einem der beiden ER-Subtyp-selektiven Agonisten zu einer geringeren viszeralen Fettmasse, kleineren Fettzellen, niedrigeren Leptinspiegeln im Serum und geringeren Triglyzeridwerten in Leber und Muskel. Auf der Ebene der Genexpression waren zudem geringere mRNA-Spiegel von lipo- und adipogenen Genen messbar. Somit scheinen beide ER-Subtypen in die antilipogene Wirkung von E2 involviert zu sein. Sowohl die reduzierte viszerale Fettmasse als auch die geringere Anreicherung von Triglyzeriden in Leber und Muskel tragen sehr wahrscheinlich ebenfalls zur verbesserten Insulinsensitivität bei. Die Behandlung von OVX Tieren mit Gen führte zu ähnlichen Ergebnissen wie die Behandlung mit Beta. Eine alleinige Ausnahme stellte das Fettgewebe dar, da hier eine Gen-Behandlung keine antilipogenen/-adipogenen Effekte zeigte. Speziell die Fähigkeit von Gen ebenfalls anabol zu wirken, könnte die molekulare Grundlage sein, weshalb Gen-behandelte Tiere im Vergleich zu unbehandelten Tiere eine verbesserte Toleranz gegenüber Glukose und eine geringere Anreicherung von Triglyzeriden in Muskel und Leber zeigten. Der ER beta ist nicht in die estrogenvermittelte Proliferation von Uterus und Brustdrüse involviert. Vor diesem Hintergrund lassen meine Ergebnisse vermuten, dass eine Behandlung mit ER beta-selektiven Substanzen eine effektive Möglichkeit darstellt, um Adipositas und deren Folgeerkrankungen in postmenopausalen Frauen zu behandeln, ohne deren Risiko für estrogenabhängige Krebsformen zu erhöhen. Eine Kombination mit regelmäßiger körperlicher Aktivität könnte die Erfolge bei der Behandlung von Adipositas und deren Folgeerkrankungen noch maximieren bzw. eine geringere Dosierung der verwendeten Substanz bei gleichbleibendem Behandlungserfolg ermöglichen. Das Isoflavon Gen mit seiner Fähigkeit beide ERs zu aktivieren ist eine bereits auf dem Markt befindliche Substanz und wird zur Behandlung von postmenopausalen Beschwerden eingesetzt, obwohl mögliche negative Effekte (z.B. ein erhöhtes Brustkrebsrisiko) noch nicht abschließend geklärt sind. Falls diese Risiken von Gen ausgeräumt werden können, könnte diese Substanz eventuell eine kostengünstige Alternative darstellen, um sowohl postmenopausale Beschwerden als auch Adipositas und deren Folgekrankheiten zu behandeln.

Résumé Objectifs : Le syndrome métabolique (MetS) est un ensemble de composantes (obésité, résistance à l'insuline, intolérance au glucose, dyslipidémie, hypertension) qui sont associées à une augmentation du risque de diabète de type 2 et de maladies cardiovasculaires. Aux États-Unis, la fréquence du MetS atteint des proportions épidémiques avec une prévalence de 25% de la population. Les études nutritionnelles traditionnelles se sont concentrées sur l’effet d’un nutriment alors que les études plus récentes ont déterminé l’effet global de la qualité alimentaire sur les facteurs de risque. Cependant, peu d'études ont examiné la relation entre la qualité alimentaire et le MetS. Objectif: Déterminer l'association entre la qualité alimentaire et le MetS et ses composantes. Méthodes: La présence du MetS a été déterminée chez 88 femmes post-ménopausées en surpoids ou obèses, selon la définition du National Cholesterol Education Program Adult treatment Panel III alors que la qualité alimentaire a été évaluée selon le Healthy Eating Index (HEI). La sensibilité à l’insuline, la composition corporelle et le métabolisme énergétique ont été mesurés. Résultats: Le HEI corrélait négativement avec la plupart des mesures de masse grasse et du poids mais pas avec la sensibilité à l'insuline, l’hypertension et la plupart des marqueurs lipidiques. Cependant, l’HEI corrélait positivement avec LDL-C/ApoB et négativement avec le métabolisme énergétique. Conclusion: Les résultats démontrent que l’HEI est associé avec les mesures de gras corporel et la grosseur des LDL. Mots clés: Obésité, qualité alimentaire, métabolisme lipidique, syndrome métabolique. / Abstract Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of different metabolic components including central obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure which identify individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events. In the US, the prevalence of MetS has reached epidemic proportion and up to 25% of the population is affected. Traditional nutritional studies have focused on a single nutrient. Recently, measures of overall diet quality have been proposed as an alternative to assess diet-related diseases. However, few studies have addressed the relationship between diet quality and the MetS. Objective: To investigate the association of diet quality with the MetS and its components. Methods: The presence of the MetS was determined in 88 postmenopausal overweight or obese women using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult treatment Panel III definition while diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). We also measured insulin sensitivity, body composition and energy metabolism. Results: The HEI correlated negatively with most measures of body fat and body weight but not with insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and most markers of lipid metabolism. However, HEI correlated positively with LDL-C/ApoB and negatively with energy metabolism. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that HEI is associated with fat distribution and LDL size. Key words: Obesity, diet quality, lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome.

Motivation: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rapidly increasing in industrialized societies. Experts believe that lifestyle, and in particular its nutritional aspects, plays a decisive role in increasing the burden of these chronic conditions. Dietary habits would, therefore, be modified to exert a positive impact on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases of lifestyle. It is believed that the state of hyperglycaemia that is observed following food intake under certain dietary regimes contributes to the development of various metabolic conditions. This is not only true for individuals with poor glycaemic control such as some diabetics, but could also be true for healthy individuals. It would, therefore, be helpful to be able to reduce the amplitude and duration of postprandial hyperglycaemia. Selecting the correct type of carbohydrate (CHO) foods may produce less postprandial hyperglycaemia, representing a possible strategy in the prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic diseases. At the same time, a key focus of sport nutrition is the optimal amount of CHO that an athlete should consume and the optimal timing of consumption. The most important nutritional goals of the athlete are to prepare body CHO stores pre-exercise, provide energy during prolonged exercise and restore glycogen stores during the recovery period. The ultimate aim of these strategies is to maintain CHO availability to the muscle and central nervous system during prolonged moderate to high intensity exercise, since these are important factors in exercise capacity and performance. However, the type of CHO has been studied less often and with less attention to practical concerns than the amount of CHO. The glycaemic index (GI) refers to the blood glucose raising potential of CHO foods and, therefore, influences secretion of insulin. In several metabolic disorders, secretion of insulin is inadequate or impossible, leading to poor glycaemic control. It has been suggested that low GI diets could potentially contribute to a significant improvement of the conditions associated with poor glycaemic control. Insulin secretion is also important to athletes since the rate of glycogen synthesis depends on insulin due to it stimulatory effect on the activity of glycogen synthase. Objectives: Three main objectives were identified for this study. The first was to conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of the GI on markers for CHO and lipid metabolism with the emphasis on randomised controlled trials (RCT's). Secondly, a systematic review was performed to determine the strength of the body of scientific evidence from epidemiological studies combined with RCT's to encourage dieticians to incorporate the GI concept in meal planning. Finally, a systematic review of the effect of the GI in sport performance was conducted on all available literature up to date to investigate whether the application of the GI in an athlete's diet can enhance physical performance. Methodology: For the meta-analysis, the search was for randomised controlled trials with a cross-over or parallel design published in English between 1981 and 2003, investigating the effect of low GI vs high GI diets on markers of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The main outcomes were serum fructosamine, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerols (TG). For the systematic review, epidemiological studies as well as RCT's investigating the effect of LGI vs HGI diets on markers for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were used. For the systematic review on the effect of the GI on sport performance, RCT's with either a cross-over or parallel design that were published in English between January 1981 and September 2004 were used. All relevant manuscripts for the systematic reviews as well as meta-analysis were obtained through a literature search on relevant databases such as the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (1981 to present), EMBASE, LILACS, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect and PubMed. This thesis is presented in the article format. Results and conclusions of the individual manuscripts: For the meta-analysis, literature searches identified 16 studies that met the strict inclusion criteria. Low GI diets significantly reduced fructosamine (p<0.05), HbA1c, (p<0.03), TC(p<0.0001) and tended to reduce LDL-c (p=0.06) compared to high GI diets. No changes were observed in HDL-c and TG concentrations. Results from this meta analysis, therefore, support the use of the GI concept in choosing CHO-containing foods to reduce TC and improve blood glucose control in diabetics. The systematic review combined the results of the preceding meta-analysis and results from epidemiological studies. Prospective epidemiological studies showed improvements in HDL-c concentrations over longer time periods with low GI diets vs. high GI diets, while the RCT's failed to show an improvement in HDL-c over the short-term. This could be attributed to the short intervention period during which the RCT's were conducted. Furthermore, epidemiological studies failed to show positive relationships between LDL-c and TC and low GI diets, while RCT's reported positive results on both these lipids with low GI diets. However, the epidemiological studies, as well as the RCT's showed positive results with low GI diets on markers of CHO metabolism. Taken together, convincing evidence from RCT's as well as epidemiological studies exists to recommend the use of low GI diets to improve markers of CHO as well as of lipid metabolism. 3 From the systematic review regarding the GI and sport performance it does not seem that low GI pre-exercise meals provide any advantages over high GI pre-exercise meals. Although low GI pre-exercise meals may better maintain CHO availability during exercise, low GI pre-exercise meals offer no added advantage over high GI meals regarding performance. Furthermore, the exaggerated metabolic responses from high GI compared to low GI CHO seems not be detrimental to exercise performance. However, athletes who experience hypoglycaemia when consuming CHO-rich feedings in the hour prior to exercise are advised to rather consume low GI pre-exercise meals. No studies have been reported on the GI during exercise. Current evidence suggests a combination of CHO with differing Gl's such as glucose (high GI), sucrose (moderate GI) and fructose (low GI) will deliver the best results in terms of exogenous CHO oxidation due to different transport mechanisms. Although no studies are conducted on the effect of the GI on short-term recovery it is speculated that high GI CHO is most effective when the recovery period is between 0-8 hours, however, evidence suggests that when the recovery period is longer (20-24 hours), the total amount of CHO is more important than the type of CHO. Conclusion: There is an important body of evidence in support of a therapeutic and preventative potential of low GI diets to improve markers for CHO and lipid metabolism. By substituting high GI CHO-rich with low GI CHO-rich foods improved overall metabolic control. In addition, these diets reduced TC, tended to improve LDL-c and might have a positive effect over the long term on HDL-c. This confirms the place for low GI diets in disease prevention and management, particularly in populations characterised by already high incidences of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and abnormal lipid levels. For athletes it seems that low GI pre-exercise meals do not provide any advantage regarding performance over high GI pre-exercise meals. However, low GI meals can be recommended to athletes who are prone to develop hypoglycaemia after a CHO-rich meal in the hour prior to exercise. No studies have been reported on the effect of the GI during exercise. However, it has been speculated that a combination of CHO with varying Gl's deliver the best results in terms of exogenous CHO oxidation. No studies exist investigating the effect of the GI on short-term recovery, however, it is speculated that high GI CHO-rich foods are suitable when the recovery period is short (0-8 h), while the total amount rather than the type of CHO is important when the recovery period is longer (20-24 h). Therefore, the GI is a scientifically based tool to enable the selection of CHO-containing foods to improve markers for CHO and lipid metabolism as well as to help athletes to prepare optimally for competitions. Recommendations: Although a step nearer has been taken to confirm a place for the GI in human health, additional randomised, controlled, medium and long-term studies as well as more epidemiological studies are needed to investigate further the effect of low GI diets on LDL-c. HDL-c and TG. These studies are essential to investigate the effect of low GI diets on endpoints such as CVD and DM. This will also show whether low GI diets can reduce the risk of diabetic complications such as neuropathy and nephropathy. Furthermore, the public at large must be educated about the usefulness and application of the GI in meal planning. For sport nutrition, randomised controlled trials should be performed to investigate the role of the GI during exercise as well as in sports of longer duration such as cricket and tennis. More studies are needed to elucidate the short-term effect of the GI post-exercise as well as to determine the mechanism of lower glycogen storage with LGI meals post-exercise. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Orientador: Antônio Carlos Cicogna / Resumo: Introdução: Embora existam contradições, de uma maneira geral, os dados da literatura mostram que em modelos experimentais de hipertrofia cardíaca por sobrecarga pressórica com disfunção ventricular e fração de ejeção preservada, o metabolismo de carboidratos e ácidos graxos está normal. Na fase em que há redução da capacidade de ejeção, com ou sem insuficiência cardíaca, ocorre um desvio para a programação fetal, aumento na utilização de glicose e diminuição na oxidação de ácidos graxos, por redução da expressão e atividade de proteínas envolvidas no metabolismo de lipídios. Não foram encontrados trabalhos que avaliaram o efeito de dieta hiperlipídica no metabolismo energético e função cardíaca após o estabelecimento da hipertrofia ventricular com disfunção diastólica isolada. Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que o aumento na oferta de ácidos graxos insaturados, proveniente de dieta hiperlipídica, atenua a queda no metabolismo lipídico e a piora do desempenho cardíaco em ratos com hipertrofia ventricular e disfunção diastólica por sobrecarga pressórica. O mecanismo responsável seria o estímulo do PPARα pelos ácidos graxos, atenuando a queda na expressão de genes e proteínas envolvidas na regulação do metabolismo energético lipídico. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos (80g) foram separados em dois grupos: controle operado (Sham) e estenose aórtica supravalvar (EAo). Após 6 semanas do procedimento cirúrgico, os animais Sham e EAo foram redistribuídos em novos grupos: tratados com diet... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor

Plusieurs maladies entraînent soit une augmentation soit une diminution du taux des acides gras (AG) et de leurs dérivés circulants, notamment les acyl-carnitines (AC). Ce changement a été soupçonné comme étant la cause de importants dérangements électriques. Nous avons montré que les AC à chaine longue (LCAC) du côté extracellulaire modulent le canal hERG de façon spécifique, modulant sa amplitude de courant et sa cinétique. Aucun AC testé n’a eu d’effet en intracellulaire. La CAR et les MCAC n’ont eu aucun effet. Les AC ne modulent pas les courants IKS et IK1. Le canal Cav1.2 est modulé par C16-CAR et le C16 dans la lignée HEK293-ICaL et dans des cardiomyocytes de rat. En condition physiologique il existe donc un lien strict entre le métabolisme énergétique et activité électrique cardiaque qui entraine une modulation permanente du canal hERG par les LCAC. La régulation par les LCAC du canal hERG et peut être celle du canal ICaL, pourraient participer au dérangement électrique à l’origine du déclenchement de troubles du rythme cardiaque retrouvé dans certaines maladies. / Several diseases can cause either an increase or a decrease in the rate of fatty acids (FAs) and their derivatives circulating, including acyl-carnitines (AC). This change is suspected as being the cause of major cardiac electrical perturbations. We have shown that long-chain AC (LCAC) modulate specifically by the extracellular side the hERG channel, regulating its current amplitude and kinetics. All AC tested had no effect when applied intracellularly. Carnitine and medium chain AC had no effect on hERG. LCAC does not modulate IK1 and IKS. Cav1.2 channel is modulated by C16 and C16-CAR in line HEK293-ICaL and rat cardiomyocytes. In physiological conditions there exists a strict link between energy metabolism and cardiac electrical activity which causes a permanent modulation of hERG channel by the LCAC. Regulation by the LCAC of the hERG channel and maybe ICaL, could participate in the electrical disturbance causing the onset of cardiac arrhythmia found in certain diseases.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:49:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-02-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:26:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 Publico-13210a.pdf: 2089186 bytes, checksum: 4bd9af1812c538db03b2120cffdc516f (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:26:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 2 Publico-13210a.pdf: 2089186 bytes, checksum: 4bd9af1812c538db03b2120cffdc516f (MD5) Publico-13210b.pdf: 2054432 bytes, checksum: c717885187f0d071e0c0fb8d4bbfe281 (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:26:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 3 Publico-13210a.pdf: 2089186 bytes, checksum: 4bd9af1812c538db03b2120cffdc516f (MD5) Publico-13210b.pdf: 2054432 bytes, checksum: c717885187f0d071e0c0fb8d4bbfe281 (MD5) Publico-13210c.pdf: 540730 bytes, checksum: fba8c62dcb0177a09d2fde3ef4bace9d (MD5) / A lípase hepática (HL) é uma enzima presente nos sinusoides hepáticos, responsável pela lipólise de lipoproteínas. Contém quatro sítios polimórficos: G-250A, T-710C, 763G-A, e C-514T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). O último polimorfismo é o foco do presente estudo. Os genótipos associados com o polimorfismo C-514T são CC (homozigoto normal - W), CT (heterozigoto - H) e TT (alelo homozigoto menor - M). A atividade da HL é, significativamente, diminuída nos indivíduos dos genótipos TT e CT. Um total de 58 mulheres pós-menopausas foi estudado. As participantes eram histerectomizadas e submetidas à terapia de reposição hormonal, consistindo de 0,625 mg de estrogênio equino conjugado, uma vez ao dia. Os critérios de inclusão foram: menopausa de até há três anos, resultados de exames de sangue, radiografias, citologia cérvico-vaginal e densitometria óssea normais. O DNA foi extraído a partir de células da mucosa bucal e de células de sangue periférico de todas as pacientes, utilizando-se um conjunto comercialmente disponível (GFX ® - Amersham-Pharmacia, EUA). Resultados: foram encontradas reduções estatisticamente significativas nos triglicérides (t = 2,16; n = 58, p = 0,03), mas não nos níveis de colesterol total (t = 0,14; n = 58, p = 0,89) após o tratamento. Este grupo de bons respondedores eram portadores do alelo T; os genótipos CT e TT estavam presentes com frequência significativamente maior do que no grupo de nãorespondedores (p = 0,02 ou p = 0,07, respectivamente). No entanto, nenhuma diferença significativa nos níveis de HDL-C (t = 0,94; n = 58, p = 0,35) ou LDL-C (t =- 0,83; n = 58, p = 0,41) foi encontrada nestas pacientes. Conclusões: as variações no perfil lipídico associadas ao polimorfismo C-514T são significativas e o alelo T é associado à melhor resposta à TRE. / Background: Hepatic lipase (HL), an enzyme present in the hepatic sinusoids, is responsible for the lipolysis of lipoproteins. Human HL contains four polymorphic sites: G-250A, T-710C, A-763G, and C-514T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). The last polymorphism is the focus of the current study. The genotypes associated with the C-514T polymorphism are CC (normal homozygous – W), CT (heterozygous – H), and TT (minor-allele homozygous – M). HL activity is significantly impaired in individuals of the TT and CT genotypes. A total of 58 postmenopausal women were studied. The subjects were hysterectomized women receiving hormone replacement therapy consisting of 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen once a day. The inclusion criteria were menopause of up to three years and normal blood tests, radiographs, cervical-vaginal cytology, and densitometry. DNA was extracted from the buccal and blood cells of all 58 patients using a commercially available kit (GFX® - Amersham-Pharmacia, USA). Results: Statistically significant reductions in triglycerides (t=2.16; n=58; p=0.03) but not in total cholesterol (t=0.14; n=58; p=0.89) were found after treatment. This group of good responders were carriers of the T allele; the CT and TT genotypes were present significantly more frequently than in the group of non-responders (p=0.02 or p=0.07, respectively). However, no significant difference in HDL-C (t=0.94; n=58; p=0.35) or LDL-C (t=- 0.83; n=58; p=0.41) was found in these patients. Conclusions: The variation in lipid profile associated with the C-514T polymorphism is significant, and the T allele is associated with the best response to ERT. / TEDE

Submitted by Loreta Casquel de Tomasi null (loretacasquel@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-15T21:44:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 tese doutorado final.pdf: 1729009 bytes, checksum: a58f06348f3ca04d50ce35f533fd920a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Monique Sasaki (sayumi_sasaki@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-19T17:57:56Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 tomasi_lc_dr_bot.pdf: 1729009 bytes, checksum: a58f06348f3ca04d50ce35f533fd920a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-19T17:57:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tomasi_lc_dr_bot.pdf: 1729009 bytes, checksum: a58f06348f3ca04d50ce35f533fd920a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-17 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Introdução: Embora existam contradições, de uma maneira geral, os dados da literatura mostram que em modelos experimentais de hipertrofia cardíaca por sobrecarga pressórica com disfunção ventricular e fração de ejeção preservada, o metabolismo de carboidratos e ácidos graxos está normal. Na fase em que há redução da capacidade de ejeção, com ou sem insuficiência cardíaca, ocorre um desvio para a programação fetal, aumento na utilização de glicose e diminuição na oxidação de ácidos graxos, por redução da expressão e atividade de proteínas envolvidas no metabolismo de lipídios. Não foram encontrados trabalhos que avaliaram o efeito de dieta hiperlipídica no metabolismo energético e função cardíaca após o estabelecimento da hipertrofia ventricular com disfunção diastólica isolada. Objetivo: Testar a hipótese de que o aumento na oferta de ácidos graxos insaturados, proveniente de dieta hiperlipídica, atenua a queda no metabolismo lipídico e a piora do desempenho cardíaco em ratos com hipertrofia ventricular e disfunção diastólica por sobrecarga pressórica. O mecanismo responsável seria o estímulo do PPARα pelos ácidos graxos, atenuando a queda na expressão de genes e proteínas envolvidas na regulação do metabolismo energético lipídico. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos (80g) foram separados em dois grupos: controle operado (Sham) e estenose aórtica supravalvar (EAo). Após 6 semanas do procedimento cirúrgico, os animais Sham e EAo foram redistribuídos em novos grupos: tratados com dieta normolipídica insaturada (Sham-N, n=13 e EAo-N, n=11) ou com dieta hiperlipídica insaturada (Sham-H, n=12 e EAo-H, n=14) por 12 semanas, até a 18ª semana. A remodelação cardíaca foi caracterizada pelas análises estrutural e funcional por ecocardiograma na 6ª e 18ª semana e estudo macroscópico post mortem. O metabolismo energético lipídico cardíaco foi analisado pela expressão gênica e proteica do PPARα, PGC1α, FAT/CD36, CPT1β, MCAD, pela atividade da beta-hidroxiacilCoA desidrogenase (OHADH) e pelo conteúdo de triacilglicerol (TAG). Foi analisada a atividade da hexoquinase (HK) e da fosfofrutoquinase (PFK), envolvidas na via glicolítica, e da citrato sintase (CS), referente ao ciclo de Krebs. A expressão proteica da lactato desidrogenase (LDH), da piruvato desidrogenase (PDH) e dos sensores metabólicos, AMPK total, AMPK fosforilada na treonina 172 e SIRT1 foram também analisadas, bem como as relações intracelulares AMP/ATP e NAD+/NADH. Resultados: Na 6ª semana, ao iniciar o tratamento dietético, os animais EAo apresentavam hipertrofia ventricular esquerda concêntrica, disfunção diastólica e melhoria da função sistólica. Na 18ª semana os grupos EAo mantiveram a disfunção diastólica e melhoria do desempenho sistólico, ou seja, não houve piora da performance cardíaca durante o período experimental de 12 semanas. Não houve diferença na estrutura e função cardíaca entre os grupos EAo-N e EAo-H. Houve diminuição da expressão dos genes relacionados à captura e oxidação de lipídios (CD36, CPT1β, MCAD) nos grupos EAo em comparação com os Sham, e não houve diferença entre os grupos EAo. A atividade da hexoquinase e fosfofrutoquinase foi maior nos EAo comparado com os Sham, e foi semelhante entre EAo-N e EAo-H. A atividade da OHADH não foi diferente entre EAo-N e Sham-N e também não diferiu entre EAo-N e EAo-H. O conteúdo de TAG miocárdico foi menor no grupo EAo-N vs Sham-N e não foi diferente entre os grupos EAo. A expressão das proteínas PGC1α, PPARα, CPT1β, MCAD, LDH, PDH, dos sensores SIRT1, AMPK, pAMPK Thr172, e a relação NAD+/NADH não foram diferentes entre os quatro grupos. Conclusão: Em contraste com a nossa hipótese, durante a evolução da remodelação cardíaca, os animais com estenose aórtica apresentaram alteração parcial no metabolismo lipídico miocárdico e não tiveram piora da função cardíaca. A dieta hiperlipídica insaturada não teve efeito no processo metabólico e na função cardíaca desses animais. Os mecanismos no qual a dieta hiperlipídica não foi capaz estimular o PPARα nos animais com estenose aórtica são desconhecidos. / Introduction: Although controversial, in general, data from literature show that in experimental models with ventricular dysfunction and preserved ejection fraction, the carbohydrates and fatty acids metabolism is normal. At the stage of reduced ejection capacity, with or without heart failure, there is a switch for fetal programming, increased glucose utilization, and decrease in fatty acid oxidation due to downregulation of proteins involved in lipids uptake and oxidation. There are no studies that evaluated the effects of high-fat diet on energy metabolism and cardiac function after the establishment of ventricular hypertrophy with isolated diastolic dysfunction. Objective: To test the hypothesis that increased unsaturated fatty acid supply, from a high-fat diet, attenuate the downregulation of lipid metabolism and the impairment of cardiac function in rats with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction by stimulating genes and proteins involved in the regulation of lipid energy metabolism. Methods: Male Wistar rats (80g) underwent aortic stenosis (AS) or Sham surgery. After 6 weeks, rats received either normolipid diet (N, 17% calories from fat) or high-fat diet (H, 40% calories from fat) for 12 weeks yielding 4 groups: Sham-N (n=13), AS-N (n=11), Sham-H (n=12), AS-H (n=14). Cardiac structure and function was assessed by echocardiography at 6 and 18 weeks after surgery. Cardiac lipid energy metabolism was analyzed by gene and protein expression of PPARα, PGC1α, FAT/CD36, CPT1β, MCAD, the activity of beta-hydroxy-acyl CoA dehydrogenase (OHADH) and TAG content. We analysed the activities of hexokinase (HK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK), involved in the glycolytic pathway, and citrate synthase (CS), from Krebs cycle. The protein expression of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and the metabolic sensors, total AMPK, AMPK phosphorylated on threonine 172 and SIRT1 were also evaluated, as well as the intracellular AMP/ATP and NAD+ /NADH ratios. Results: In the 6th week, prior to dietary treatment, the AS animals had left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and improved systolic function. In the 18th week, AS animals kept diastolic dysfunction and improved systolic function, that is, there was no worsening of cardiac performance. There was no difference in cardiac structure and function between the AS-N and AS-H groups. There was a decrease in the expression of genes related to lipid uptake and oxidation (CD36, CPT1β, MCAD) in the AS groups compared to the Sham, and there was no difference between the AS groups. The activity of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase was higher in AS compared to Sham, and was similar between AS-N and AS-H. The activity of OHADH was not different between AS-N and Sham-N and also did not differ between AS-N and AS-H. TAG content was reduced in AS-N vs Sham-N and was not different between AS groups. Expression of the proteins PGC1α, PPARα, CPT1β, MCAD, LDH, PDH, the sensors SIRT1, AMPK, pAMPK Thr172, and the NAD+ /NADH ratio were not different among the four groups. Conclusion: In contrast to our hypothesis, during the progression of cardiac remodeling, animals with aortic stenosis showed partial alterations in myocardial lipid metabolism and did not present worsening of cardiac function. The high-unsaturated fat diet had no effect on the metabolic process and cardiac function of these animals. The mechanisms in which the high-fat diet was unable to stimulate PPARα in animals with aortic stenosis is unknown. / FAPESP: 2012/19679-0

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