Obesity: Hainer V

Fried M, Hainer V, Basdevant A, Buchwald H, Dietel M, Finer N, Greve JW, Horber F, Mathus-Vliegen E, Scopinaro N, Steffen R, Tsigos C, Weiner R, Widhalm K. · Klinické centrum pro minimálne invazivní a bariatrickou chirurgii ISCARE a 1. lékarská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Praha, Cesko. · Vnitr Lek. · Pubmed #18630623 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Fried M, Hainer V, Basdevant A, Buchwald H, Deitel M, Finer N, Greve JW, Horber F, Mathus-Vliegen E, Scopinaro N, Steffen R, Tsigos C, Weiner R, Widhalm K, Anonymous00354. · Clinical Center for Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Prague, Czech Republic. · Obes Surg. · Pubmed #17476884 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Fried M, Hainer V, Basdevant A, Buchwald H, Deitel M, Finer N, Greve JW, Horber F, Mathus-Vliegen E, Scopinaro N, Steffen R, Tsigos C, Weiner R, Widhalm K. · Clinical Center for Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Int J Obes (Lond). · Pubmed #17325689 No free full text.

Abstract: In 2005, for the first time in European history, an extraordinary Expert panel named 'The BSCG' (Bariatric Scientific Collaborative Group), was appointed through joint effort of the major European Scientific Societies which are active in the field of obesity management. Societies that constituted this panel were: IFSO - International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity, IFSO-EC - International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity - European Chapter, EASO - European Association for Study of Obesity, ECOG - European Childhood Obesity Group, together with the IOTF (International Obesity Task Force) which was represented during the completion process by its representative. The BSCG was composed not only of the top officers representing the respective Scientific Societies (four acting presidents, two past presidents, one honorary president, two executive directors), but was balanced with the presence of many other key opinion leaders in the field of obesity. The BSCG composition allowed the coverage of key disciplines in comprehensive obesity management, as well as reflecting European geographical and ethnic diversity. This joint BSCG expert panel convened several meetings which were entirely focused on guidelines creation, during the past two years. There was a specific effort to develop clinical guidelines, which will reflect current knowledge, expertise and evidence based data on morbid obesity treatment.

Hainer V, Stárka L, Vondra K, Hampl R. · No affiliation provided · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #17419296 No free full text.

Abstract: This paper briefly describes the recent research, therapeutic and pedagogical activities of the Institute of Endocrinology in Prague, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its foundation in the beginning of 2007. Current research covers a broad spectrum of topics in endocrinology, which include thyroid and steroid hormone research, neuroendocrinology, immunoendocrinology, molecular endocrinology, endocrinology of aging as well as diabetes and obesity research. Not only clinical studies but also epidemiological and basic research studies are carried out at the institute. Each year approximately 25-30 research projects are conducted, financed both locally (Grant Agency of the Ministry of Health IGA, Grant Agency of the Czech Republic GACR etc.) and by foreign agencies (COST project, 6th Framework program etc.). Since the year 2000, researchers and physicians from the institute have presented 511 papers, of which 162 (32%) were published in internationally impacted journals. Almost 45 000 patients are examined each year at the three clinical departments: the Department of Clinical Endocrinology, the Obesity Management Centre and the Department of Functional Diagnostics. New diagnostic strategies such as assays of recently discovered hormones, clamp techniques, and methods of molecular biology, have been introduced into the regular clinical practice. Recent modernization of the biochemical laboratories and sampling procedures has resulted in modern facilities which offer a broad spectrum of biochemical and hormonal assessments. About 300 patients undergo laboratory investigations daily. Currently, more than half a million biochemical and hormonal assays per year are performed in the institute. The Obesity Management Centre, which was incorporated into the institute in 2002, provides a comprehensive obesity management program focused mainly on the treatment of severely obese patients and patients with high cardiometabolic risks. The institute is involved in pregraduate education at the Faculties of Medicine and at the Faculty of Science of the Charles University and at the University of Southern Bohemia. Both physicians and researchers of the institute contribute significantly to the postgraduate education in endocrinology as the institute is the seat of the Sub-Chair of Endocrinology of the Institute of the Postgraduate Education of Health Care Providers. Both the institute and the Endocrine Sub-Chair obtained the accreditation in endocrinology from the Ministry of Health. Since the acquisition of the Obesity Management Centre, the institute offers a unique one-week training program for obesity specialists organized by the Czech Society for the Study of Obesity. In the forthcoming years closer cooperation with Charles University and the Academy of Sciences is highly likely and should be reflected by a new legislative status of the Institute.

Hainer V, Zamrazilová H, Spálová J, Hainerová I, Kunesová M, Aldhoon B, Bendlová B. · Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #18271696 links to  free full text

Abstract: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate in both developed and developing countries. Obesity is a chronic complex disease of multifactorial origin resulting from a long-term positive energy balance, in which both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Genetically prone individuals are the first to accumulate fat in the present obesogenic environment. Obesity increases the risks of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, arthritis, and several cancers and reduces the average life expectancy. Implementation of effective strategies in prevention and management of obesity should become an important target in health care systems. Weight changes throughout life depend on the interaction of behavioral, genetic and environmental factors. Weight loss in response to weight management shows a wide range of interindividual variation which is largely influenced by genetic determinants. The strong control of weight loss by genotype was confirmed by twin and family studies. Recently, special attention has been paid to nutritional, hormonal, psychobehavioral and genetic factors which can predict the response to weight reduction programme. In this article currently available data on the role of obesity candidate gene polymorphisms in weight loss and maintenance are reviewed. It is believed that an elucidation of the genetic component in the prognosis of weight management could assist in the development of more effective and individually tailored therapeutic strategies.

Hainer V, Toplak H, Mitrakou A. · Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague 1, Czech Republic. · Diabetes Care. · Pubmed #18227496 links to  free full text

Abstract: The prevalence of obesity is increasing in both developed and developing countries, with rates reaching approximately 10-35% among adults in the Euro-American region. Obesity is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and some type of cancers. Obesity significantly affects the quality of life and reduces the average life expectancy. The effective treatment of obesity should address both the medical and the social burden of this disease. Obesity needs to be treated within the health care system as any other complex disease, with empathy and without prejudice. Both health care providers and patients should know that the obesity treatment is a lifelong task. They should also set realistic goals before starting the treatment, whereas keeping in mind that even a modest weight loss of 5-15% significantly reduces obesity-related health risks. Essential treatment of obesity includes low-calorie low-fat diets, increased physical activity, and strategies contributing to the modification of lifestyle. Anti-obesity drugs facilitate weight loss and contribute to further amelioration of obesity-related health risks. A short-term weight loss, up to 6 months, is usually achieved easily. However, the long-term weight management is often associated with a lack of compliance, failures, and a high dropout rate. Regular physical activity, cognitive behavioral modification of lifestyle, and administration of anti-obesity drugs improve weight loss maintenance. Bariatric surgery is an effective strategy to treat severely obese patients. Bariatric surgery leads to a substantial improvement of comorbidities as well as to a reduction in overall mortality by 25-50% during the long-term follow-up. Obesity treatment should be individually tailored and the following factors should be taken into account: sex, the degree of obesity, individual health risks, psychobehavioral and metabolic characteristics, and the outcome of previous weight loss attempts. In the future, an evaluation of hormonal and genetic determinants of weight loss could also contribute to a better choice of individual therapy for a particular obese patient. A multilevel obesity management network of mutually collaborating facilities should be established to provide individually tailored treatment. Centers of excellence in obesity management represented by multidisciplinary teams should provide comprehensive programs for the treatment of obesity derived from evidence-based medicine.

Bendlová B, Vanková M, Lukásová P, Vcelák J, Vejrazková D, Kunesová M, Vrbíková J, Zajíková K, Zofková I, Vondra K, Hainer V. · Endokrinologický ústav, Praha. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #17419299 No free full text.

Abstract: Complex endocrinopathies, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome and osteoporosis belong to the most common diseases but their pathogenesis is still not fully explained. Environmental fadors along with genetic factors contribute to their occurrence and development. The study of genetic background is based on different strategies, mostly on linkage analysis and candidate gene approach. The common forms of these endocrinopathies do not seem to be the result of a defect of one or several major genes but the search for complex gene-gene, gene-environment interactions is needed. The article gives a short review of the recent knowledge together with our own experience in the field of study of the genetic background of polygenic diseases.

Hainer V, Kabrnova K, Aldhoon B, Kunesova M, Wagenknecht M. · Institute of Endocrinology, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague 1, Czech Republic. · Ann N Y Acad Sci. · Pubmed #17148744 No free full text.

Abstract: Brain neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, play an important role in the central nervous control of energy balance and are involved in symptomatology related to both obesity and depression. Therefore both serotonin and norepinephrine neural pathways have been paid a special attention as targets for the antiobesity drugs, antidepressants, and drugs used in the treatment of eating disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) have been used in the treatment of depression and eating disorders but have failed to achieve sustained weight loss in the treatment of obesity. Sibutramine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which induces satiety and prevents decline in metabolic rate associated with a hypocaloric diet, is currently the sole centrally acting drug indicated for the long-term treatment of obesity. Depression, dietary disinhibition (evaluated by the Eating Inventory [EI]), and stress are associated with the accumulation of abdominal fat and the development of metabolic syndrome and related diseases. Subjects with abdominal obesity demonstrate neuroendocrine abnormalities which result in disturbances in hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function. Treatment with SSRI might interrupt the vicious circle which leads to endocrine abnormalities and the accumulation of abdominal fat. Obesity treatment with sibutramine results, not only in significant weight loss, but also in reduction of abdominal fat and in the improvement of health risks associated with metabolic syndrome (lipid profile, blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and uric acid), as well as in the decline in disinhibition score of the EI. In a 1-year sibutramine trial, only a decrease in the disinhibition score remained a significant correlate of weight loss among the psychobehavioral and nutritional factors which were taken into account.

Kabrnová K, Hainer V. · Endokrinologický ústav--Centrum pro diagnostiku a lécbu obezity, Praha. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #16173606 No free full text.

Abstract: Obesity has become one of the most serious public health problems affecting both the developed and developing countries today. Obesity develops as a result of the positive energy balance. Therefore the strategies in obesity prevention and management are targeted on the energy balance. Dietary weight management should be focussed on the reduction of fat intake as fat among the three macronutrients exhibits the highest energy density and the lowest satiating properties as well as the lowest postprandial thermogenesis. Although carbohydrate does not play such an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity as fat, the intake of simple carbohydrate should be reduced during the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Different metabolic consequences of the intake of individual fatty acids (polyunsaturated and n-3 fatty acids vs. saturated fatty acids), individual carbohydrates (low vs. high glycaemic index carbohydrates) and fibre should be considered during the weight management. Dietary protein positively affects the outcome of weight management through the enhancement of postprandial satiety and thermogenesis. Recently a role of consumption of calcium, phosphate and vitamin A in the body weight regulation and weight management has been also studied.

Nedvídková J, Smitka K, Kopský V, Hainer V. · Institute of Endocrinology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Národní 8, 11694 Prague 1, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #15544426 links to  free full text

Abstract: Adipose tissue is a hormonally active tissue, producing adipocytokines which may influence activity of other tissues. Adiponectin, abundantly present in the plasma increases insulin sensitivity by stimulating fatty acid oxidation, decreases plasma triglycerides and improves glucose metabolism. Adiponectin levels are inversely related to the degree of adiposity. Anorexia nervosa and type 1 diabetes are associated with increased plasma adiponectin levels and higher insulin sensitivity. Decreased plasma adiponectin levels were reported in insulin-resistant states, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes and in patients with coronary artery disease. Activity of adiponectin is associated with leptin, resistin and with steroid and thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, NO and others. Adiponectin suppresses expression of extracellular matrix adhesive proteins in endothelial cells and atherosclerosis potentiating cytokines. Anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of adiponectin and the ability to stimulate insulin sensitivity have made adiponectin an important object for physiological and pathophysiological studies with the aim of potential therapeutic applications.

Mikulová R, Hainer V. · Centrum pro diagnostiku a lécbu obezity III. interní kliniky 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #11507948 No free full text.

Abstract: Uncoupling proteins are located in the inner mitochondria membrane. Their name is derived from their function: they uncouple oxidative procesess of the respiratory chain from ATP synthesis. Hitherto several members of the family have been described, the best known being UCP1. UCP1 can be expressed exclusively in brown adipose tissue and it is responsible for the heat production. In humans the brown fat disappears during the early childhood. In adults another members of the UCP family can be found--UCP2 and UCP3. It is widely accepted that these proteins affect lipid metabolism and energy expenditure. They are intensively studied owing to their possible use in the therapy of obesity. However, their physiological function has not been yet fully established.

Suljkovicoyá H, Viguerie N, Kunesová M, Millet L, Avizou S, Hejnová J, Hainer V, Barbe P, Vecka M, Tvrzická E, Langin D, Stich V. · Centrum preventivního lékarství 3. LF UK. · Cesk Fysiol. · Pubmed #11409350 No free full text.

Abstract: Lipolysis in adipose tissue and balance between energy intake and expenditure are involved in the regulation of adipose tissue mass. Several recent findings suggest that alterations in the regulation of lipolysis and/or energy balance might contribute to the development of obesity. Hormone-sensitive lipase and uncoupling proteins play important role in regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue as well as in the regulation of energy balance of various tissues. Mechanisms of the control of expression of genes coding synthesis of these proteins are poorly known. A brief overview of the present knowledge of the effects of nutritional intervention on the regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue and on the expression of genes of hormone-sensitive lipase and that of uncoupling proteins is given in this article. Results of the authors' studies on the effect of calorie restriction on gene expression in adipose tissue are presented.

Hainer V. · Obesity Management Centre, General Faculty Hospital, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. · Pubmed #10385275 No free full text.

Abstract: There is clearly a need for novel approaches to obesity and its management. This has been addressed by the Czech Society for the Study of Obesity, which established a multi-level obesity management network in response to the increasing prevalence of obesity in the Czech Republic. This network includes obesity management centres attached to major teaching hospitals, combined with input from obesity specialists, other specialists, primary healthcare physicians and weight reduction groups. Such an obesity management system aims to provide appropriate diagnostic and treatment facilities for various degrees of obesity throughout the country. The proposed density of the obesity management network takes into account the limited resources in the healthcare system. The network is designed to overcome the current poor level of understanding of obesity and the lack of time and financial resources which have been the most significant barriers to more involvement of primary care physicians in obesity management. In order to implement this system, a comprehensive education programme on obesity was initiated with postgraduate courses for obesity specialists and with training for counsellors of weight reduction groups.

Hainer V, Hlavatá K, Gojová M, Kunesová M, Wagenknecht M, Kopský V, Parízková J, Hill M, Nedvídková J. · Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #18271695 links to  free full text

Abstract: Among the factors influencing weight loss and maintenance, psychobehavioral, nutritional, metabolic, hormonal and hereditary predictors play an important role. Psychobehavioral factors influence adherence to lifestyle changes and thus weight loss maintenance. The outcome of short-term weight reduction treatment is mainly affected by changes in energy and nutrient intake and physical activity and thus the impact of hormones can possibly be obscured. In order to reveal hormonal determinants of weight loss, a 4-week in-patient comprehensive weight reduction program was introduced in which food intake and physical activity were under the strict control. Women (n = 67, BMI: 32.4+/-4.4 kg; age: 48.7+/-12.2 years) who exhibited stable weight on a 7 MJ/day diet during the first week of weight management were given a hypocaloric diet yielding daily energy deficit 2.5 MJ over the subsequent 3-week period. This treatment resulted in a mean weight loss of 3.80+/-1.64 kg. Correlation analysis revealed that baseline concentrations of several hormones were significantly associated either with a higher (free triiodothyronine, C-peptide, growth hormone, pancreatic polypeptide) or with a lower (insulin-like growth factor-I, cortisol, adiponectin, neuropeptide Y) reduction of anthropometric parameters in response to weight management. In a backward stepwise regression model age, initial BMI together with baseline levels of growth hormone, peptide YY, neuropetide Y and C-reactive protein predicted 49.8 % of the variability in weight loss. Psychobehavioral factors (items of the Eating Inventory, Beck Depression score) did not contribute to weight change induced by a well-controlled short-term weight reduction program.

Kunesová M, Braunerová R, Hlavatý P, Tvrzická E, Stanková B, Skrha J, Hilgertová J, Hill M, Kopecký J, Wagenknecht M, Hainer V, Matoulek M, Parízková J, Zák A, Svacina S. · Obesity Management Centre, Institute of Endocrinology, Charles University, Prague 1, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #15857162 links to  free full text

Abstract: Polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 series (n-3 PUFA) were shown to increase basal fat oxidation in humans. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of n-3 PUFA added to a very low calorie diet (VLCD), with VLCD only during three-week inpatient weight reduction. Twenty severely obese women were randomly assigned to VLCD with n-3 PUFA or with placebo. Fatty acids in serum lipid fractions were quantified by gas chromatography. Differences between the groups were determined using ANOVA. Higher weight (7.55+/-1.77 vs. 6.07+/-2.16 kg, NS), BMI (2.82+/-0.62 vs. 2.22+/-0.74, p<0.05) and hip circumference losses (4.8+/-1.81 vs. 2.5+/-2.51 cm, p<0.05) were found in the n-3 group as compared to the control group. Significantly higher increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate was found in the n-3 group showing higher ketogenesis and possible higher fatty acid oxidation. The increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate significantly correlated with the increase in serum phospholipid arachidonic acid (20:4n-6; r = 0.91, p<0.001). In the n-3 group significantly higher increase was found in n-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3, docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3) in triglycerides and phospholipids. The significant decrease of palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) and vaccenic acid (18:1n-7) in triglycerides probably reflected lower lipogenesis. A significant negative correlation between BMI change and phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid change was found (r = -0.595, p<0.008). The results suggest that long chain n-3 PUFA enhance weight loss in obese females treated by VLCD. Docosahexaenoate (22:6n-3) seems to be the active component.

Payer J, Hainer V, Ondrejka P, Kajtor Z. · Interné oddelenie, FNsP, Ruzinov, Bratislava, Slovenská republika. · Vnitr Lek. · Pubmed #15648961 No free full text.

Abstract: Obesity presents a significant medical and socio-economic problem due its prevalence exceeding 20% of adult population. Body weight reduction significantly decreases both morbidity from numerous complications and total mortality. Nonpharmacological measures are the first step in weight reduction, however an effective pharmacotherapy is also needed in some of the patients. In a 12-month-long study 50 obese female patients were treated with Sibutramin doses of 10 mg or 15 mg. Sibutramin is a drug with a dual effect: it reduces intake of energy by simultaneous bringing on a sense of satiety and inhibiting reduction of the energy release which usually accompanies low energy diets. Medication accompanied with a diet therapy and physical activity led to a reduction of body weight by 14.9 kg and an important weight loss by 5% have reached nearly 95% of patients. The treatment was well tolerated and no significant side effects have been indicated.

Hainer V, Kunesova M, Bellisle F, Hill M, Braunerova R, Wagenknecht M. · Institute of Endocrinology, Obesity Management Centre, Prague, Czech Republic. · Int J Obes (Lond). · Pubmed #15583700 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To reveal whether baseline body mass index (BMI), and psychobehavioral and nutritional markers were significant predictors of the change in BMI observed after 4 and 12 months in obese women enrolled in a weight reduction program, including low-energy diet, increased physical activity, cognitive behavior therapy and sibutramine. The impact of changes in psychobehavioral and nutritional markers observed after 4 and 12 months of treatment on BMI changes was also investigated. DESIGN: During a double-blind placebo-controlled 4-month period, subjects received either sibutramine (10 mg/day) or placebo. Then, an open phase with sibutramine administered to all patients continued until month 12. SUBJECTS: In total, 80 obese women (age: 43.9+/-10.6 y, BMI: 36.7+/-4.8 kg/m(2)). MEASUREMENTS: The dependent variable was change in BMI while baseline BMI, mode of treatment, the Beck depression score, the three items (dietary restraint, disinhibition and perceived hunger) of the Eating Inventory (EI), energy and macronutrient intakes were independent variables. At 1-week dietary records were analyzed using a computer software for assessing energy and macronutrient intake. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis revealed that the BMI loss at month 4 was significantly influenced by mode of treatment and initial BMI, whereas a borderline negative relationship was observed with the baseline restraint score. Baseline BMI, depression score, restraint score and total energy intake predicted weight loss at month 12. These predictive variables accounted for 43.8% of the variance in BMI loss at 12 months. When relationships between the BMI loss and changes in all included psychobehavioral and nutritional parameters were considered after 12 months of treatment, a drop in the disinhibition score of the EI appeared the only significant factor affecting the BMI decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that psychobehavioral and nutritional characteristics can be used as predictors of weight loss in response to a comprehensive weight management program including pharmacological treatment with sibutramine.

Hainer V, Kunesová M, Stunkard AJ, Parízková J, Stich V, Mikulová R, Stárka L. · Obesity Management Centre, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, The First Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. · Horm Metab Res. · Pubmed #11507679 No free full text.

Abstract: The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in serum levels of cortisol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in response to weight loss induced by one month of treatment with a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) in twelve pairs of female obese monozygotic twins. The second aim of the study was to investigate any within-pair resemblance in serum levels of steroids and SHBG before and after a negative balance protocol, as well as the resemblance in changes in response to therapeutic weight loss. VLCD-induced weight loss of 8.7+2.9 kg was associated with significant increases in serum testosterone (p<0.05) and SHBG (p<0.001) levels, whereas no significant changes in serum levels of cortisol, DHEA and DHEA-S were observed. Significant within-pair resemblances for both pre-treatment and post-treatment concentrations were revealed for DHEA-S (pre-treatment ICC = 0.795, p < 0.01, post-treatment ICC = 0.712, p < 0.01) and for testosterone (pre-treatment ICC = 0.594, p <0.05, post-treatment ICC = 0.735, p < 0.01). The baseline within-twin-pair resemblance in serum cortisol level at 7 a.m. (ICC=0.747, p < 0.05) was lost with VLCD treatment, while its concentration at 9 p.m. developed a within-pair similarity with weight loss (ICC = 0.824, p < 0.001). Similarly, VLCD treatment led to a significant within-pair resemblance in post-treatment level of DHEA (ICC = 0.755, p < 0.01), while no within-twin-pair resemblance was shown for either pre-treatment or post-treatment SHBG levels. None of the hormones measured exhibited any within-pair resemblance in response to VLCD-induced energy deficit, except for serum cortisol levels. A significant within-twin-pair resemblance in the changes in serum cortisol levels at 7 a. m. (ICC = 0.789, F = 8.5, p < 0.001), at 1 p.m. (ICC = 0.660, F = 4.9, p <0.01) and at 9 p.m. (ICC = 0.795, F = 8.8, p <0.001) were demonstrated even after adjustment for fat mass loss. An absence of any within-pair similarity was observed in both pretreatment and post-treatment levels of SHBG, while a significant within-pair resemblance in SHBG response to VLCD treatment (ICC = 0.658, p < 0.05) was recorded. We conclude that the significant within-twin-pair resemblance demonstrated for androgens and cortisol might suggest an important role for genetic factors in the regulation of their serum levels. Our results also suggest that the mechanisms controlling baseline levels of cortisol and SHBG differ from those influencing their responses to energy deficit induced by VLCD.

Hainer V, Kunesová M, Stich V. · Endokrinologický, ústav, Praha. · Cas Lek Cesk. · Pubmed #19514627 No free full text.

Abstract: The first Obesity Unit in former Czechoslovakia was established at the Fourth Department of Internal Medicine of the Faculty of General Medicine and Faculty Hospital I twenty years ago. Both personal resources (physicians specialized in metabolism and obesity, psychologist, dietician, physiatrist and medical nurses trained in the care of obese patients) and diagnostic tools (body composition assessment by hydrodensitometry, determination of energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry, evaluation of energy and nutrient intake by PC assessment of dietary records, hormonal and biochemical examinations etc.) enabled comprehensive examinations of obese patients. Obesity unit included a specialized in-patient department where the patients with severe and complicated obesity underwent a comprehensive treatment programme which consisted of very low energy diet developed in collaboration with the Obesity Unit. The article summarizes not only clinical experiences of the unit but also its engagement in education on obesity, in research projects and international collaboration over the past 20-years period. Obesity unit succeeded to keep its continuity in spite of repeated moving between 1997-2002. Since 2002 Obesity Unit has been a part of the Institute of Endocrinology which provided additional modern facilities for hormonal and molecular genetic examinations.

Fried M, Hainer V, Basdevant A, Buchwald H, Dietel M, Finer N, Greve JW, Horber F, Mathus-Vliegen E, Scopinaro N, Steffen R, Tsigos C, Weiner R, Widhalm K. · Klinické centrum pro minimálne invazivní a bariatrickou chirurgii ISCARE a Univerzita Karlova--1.lékarská fakulta, Praha, Ceská republika. · Rozhl Chir. · Pubmed #19174948 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Spálová J, Zamrazilová H, Vcelák J, Vanková M, Lukásová P, Hill M, Hlavatá K, Srámková P, Fried M, Aldhoon B, Kunesová M, Bendlová B, Hainer V. · Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #18271693 links to  free full text

Abstract: Neuromedin beta (NMB) is a member of the bombesin-like peptide family expressed in brain, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, adrenals and adipose tissue. The aim of our study was to compare the frequency of P73T polymorphism in overweight and obese patients (37 men: age 50.6+/-11.7 years, BMI 41.1+/-7.8 kg/m(2); 255 women: age 49.0+/-11.9 years, BMI 37.9+/-6.8 kg/m(2)) with that of healthy normal weight subjects (51 men: age 28.2+/-7.1 years, BMI 22.3+/-2.0 kg/m(2); 104 women: age 29.1+/-9.1 years, BMI 21.5+/-1.9 kg/m(2)) and to investigate the polymorphism's influence on anthropometric, nutritional and psychobehavioral parameters in overweight/obese patients both at the baseline examination and at a control visit carried out 2.5 years later, regardless of the patient s compliance with the weight reduction program. No significant differences in the genotype distribution were demonstrated between normal weight and overweight/obese subjects. Male T allele non-carriers compared to T allele carriers had higher energy (p=0.009), protein (p=0.018) and fat (p=0.002) intakes and hunger score (p=0.015) at the beginning of treatment. Male T allele non-carriers had a more favorable response to weight management at the follow-up, as they exhibited a significant reduction in waist circumference, energy intake and depression score as well as a significant increase in dietary restraint. No significant differences between carriers and non-carriers were demonstrated in women at the baseline examination. Both female T allele carriers and non-carriers demonstrated similar significant changes in nutritional parameters and in restraint score at the follow-up. Nevertheless, only female non-carriers showed a significant decrease in the hunger score.

Zamrazilová H, Hainer V, Sedlácková D, Papezová H, Kunesová M, Bellisle F, Hill M, Nedvídková J. · Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #18271692 links to  free full text

Abstract: Obestatin is a recently discovered peptide produced in the stomach, which was originally described to suppress food intake and decrease body weight in experimental animals. We investigated fasting plasma obestatin levels in normal weight, obese and anorectic women and associations of plasma obestatin levels with anthropometric and hormonal parameters. Hormonal (obestatin, ghrelin, leptin, insulin) and anthropometric parameters and body composition were examined in 15 normal weight, 21 obese and 15 anorectic women. Fasting obestatin levels were significantly lower in obese than in normal weight and anorectic women, whereas ghrelin to obestatin ratio was increased in anorectic women. Compared to leptin, only minor differences in plasma obestatin levels were observed in women who greatly differed in the amount of fat stores. However, a negative correlation of fasting obestatin level with body fat indexes might suggest a certain role of obestatin in the regulation of energy homeostasis. A significant relationship between plasma obestatin and ghrelin levels, independent of anthropometric parameters, supports simultaneous secretion of both hormones from the common precursor. Lower plasma obestatin levels in obese women compared to normal weight and anorectic women as well as increased ghrelin to obestatin ratio in anorectic women might play a role in body weight regulation in these pathologies.

Hlavatý P, Kunesová M, Gojová M, Tvrzická E, Vecka M, Roubal P, Hill M, Hlavatá K, Kalousková P, Hainer V, Zák A, Drbohlav J. · Obesity Management Centre, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #18271691 links to  free full text

Abstract: Short-term weight-reducing regimens were shown to influence fatty acid composition of serum lipids unfavorably. Adding long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA) to a low-calorie diet (LCD) could avoid these changes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a short-term in-patient weight-reducing regimen including LCD with yogurt enriched by low doses of n-3 PUFA (n-3 LCD). The enriched yogurt contained 790 mg of fish oil, predominantly eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3; DHA). Forty obese women were randomly assigned to the group consuming LCD and joghurt either with or without n-3 enrichment. Following the 3-week diet in the n-3 LCD group a significantly higher increase in the proportion of n-3 LC PUFA (sum of n-3 FA, EPA and DHA) in serum lipids was confirmed. In phospholipids (PL) a significant difference in the sum of n-6 fatty acids was found, a decrease in the n-3 LCD group and an increase in LCD group. Significantly higher increase in the PL palmitate (16:0) was shown in the LCD group. The results suggest that low doses of n-3 fatty acid enrichment can help to avoid unfavorable changes in fatty acid composition in serum lipids after a short-term weight-reducing regimen.

Hainerová I, Larsen LH, Holst B, Finková M, Hainer V, Lebl J, Hansen T, Pedersen O. · Department of Pediatrics and Center for Research of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic. · J Clin Endocrinol Metab. · Pubmed #17579204 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) represent the most common known cause of monogenic human obesity. AIMS: The aims of this study were the following: 1) to estimate the prevalence of MC4R mutations in obese Czech children; 2) to evaluate phenotypic features of the mutation carriers; 3) to compare weight, height, and body mass index of MC4R mutation carriers with noncarriers in longitudinal studies; 4) to determine the effect of a weight management program among MC4R mutation carriers; and 5) to perform a functional analysis of a novel variant. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the coding region of MC4R in a cohort of 289 Czech children and adolescents with early-onset obesity by direct sequencing. Information on weight, height, body mass index, baseline biochemical data, and a weight loss follow-up study was obtained. In vitro functional analysis of one novel variant was performed. RESULTS: We identified six different mutations in seven probands: one novel missense mutation Cys84Arg and five previously reported variants, Arg7Cys, Ser19fsdelA, Phe51Leu, Ser127Leu, and Gly181Asp. The Gly181Asp variant was detected in one homozygous carrier from unrelated parents. None of the mutation carriers fulfilled the MC4R syndrome criteria. A comparison of anthropometrics in mutation carriers and noncarriers during 13 yr of follow-up did not reveal any significant differences. MC4R mutation carriers exhibited a similar ability to lose weight as obese noncarriers. The novel variant Cys84Arg showed a significant reduction in cAMP signal properties of the MC4R. CONCLUSIONS: Among obese Czech children, we found a prevalence of 2.4% of MC4R homozygous and heterozygous mutations and showed a similar response to diet management of MC4R mutation carriers and noncarriers.

Kabrnová-Hlavatá K, Hainer V, Gojová M, Hlavatý P, Kopský V, Nedvídková J, Kunesová M, Parízková J, Wagenknecht M, Hill M, Drbohlav J. · Institute of Endocrinology, Obesity Management Centre, Prague, Czech Republic. · Physiol Res. · Pubmed #17552880 links to  free full text

Abstract: Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that calcium intake is inversely related to weight gain. Calcium of dairy origin has been shown to be more effective in promoting weight loss. However, clinical studies yielded controversial results concerning the role of calcium intake in weight change. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the addition of calcium can affect the outcome of 3-week weight management (WM) with a hypocaloric diet characterized by a decreased calcium intake. Overweight/ obese women (n=67; BMI 32.2+/-4.1 kg/m(2); age 49.1+/-12.1 years) underwent a 4-week comprehensive WM program. WM included a 7 MJ/day diet resulting in a stable weight during the first week and a 4.5 MJ/day diet with mean daily calcium intake 350 mg during the second to fourth week. Participants were divided into three age- and BMI-matched groups who received placebo or calcium (500 mg/day). Calcium was administered either as carbonate or calcium of dairy origin (Lactoval). There was no significant difference in weight loss in response to WM between the placebo-treated and calcium-treated groups. However, addition of calcium to the diet resulted in a lower hunger score in the Eating Inventory as well as a decrease in plasma resistin levels. Body composition measured by bioimpedance demonstrated that added calcium leads to preservation of fat-free mass. Nevertheless, a greater loss of fat-free mass in the placebo group might be partly due to a greater loss of water.