Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
David A. Gorelick
Summary: This comprehensive review of human adipose tissue fails to mention the role of the endocannabinoid system in fat metabolism. The endogenous cannabinoids and their receptors, found in both white and brown fat, have been recognized as key players in adipose tissue metabolism. Rimonabant, an inverse agonist of cannabinoid receptor type 1, has shown promising effects as a therapeutic target for obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, although its clinical use was discontinued due to neuropsychiatric side effects.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adela-Viviana Sitar-Taut, Angela Cozma, Adriana Fodor, Sorina-Cezara Coste, Olga Hilda Orasan, Vasile Negrean, Dana Pop, Dan-Andrei Sitar-Taut
Summary: The study aimed to assess the relationship between adipokines such as leptin and ghrelin and their ratio with obesity and diabetes. Results showed that obese patients had higher leptin values and leptin/ghrelin ratios, with significant differences found in analyses stratified by obesity and gender. Obesity and diabetes were associated with changes in the levels of adipokines, even in overweight subjects, indicating a basis for early intervention in diabetic and obese patients.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Claudia Vales-Villamarin, Olaya de Dios, Iris Perez-Nadador, Teresa Gavela-Perez, Leandro Soriano-Guillen, Carmen Garces
Summary: Obesity in childhood is associated with low-grade inflammation, which could be attributed to dysregulation in adipokines secretion. This study aimed to investigate the role of leptin levels in the association between body mass index (BMI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in healthy schoolchildren. The study found significant correlations between hs-CRP concentrations, BMI, and leptin levels in prepubertal children and adolescents. However, after adjusting for leptin concentration, the correlation between hs-CRP and BMI was not significant in prepubertal children but remained significant in adolescents. These findings suggest that leptin may play a role in low-grade inflammation in early life, while other factors may contribute to hs-CRP levels later in life.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sevdalina Nikolova Lambova, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Dzhemal Moten, Stela Stoyanova, Elenka Georgieva, Lyudmila Belenska-Todorova, Desislava Kolchakova, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The levels of leptin and resistin are higher in knee OA patients, especially those with high BMI. This study suggests a possible link between obesity, leptin, resistin, and OA pathogenesis.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Francesca Macaluso, Kathleen M. Weber, Leah H. Rubin, Elaine Dellinger, Susan Holman, Howard Minkoff, Sheila Keating, Lisa R. Merlin, Deborah R. Gustafson
Summary: This study investigated the association between changes in BMI and leptin and neuropsychological performance among middle-aged women. The results showed that increases in BMI and leptin over 10 years were associated with poorer performance in multiple domains of neuropsychological functioning among all women and women with HIV infection.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Yelei Zhang, Xiaoyue Li, Xianhu Yao, Yating Yang, Xiaoshuai Ning, Tongtong Zhao, Lei Xia, Yulong Zhang, Kai Zhang, Huanzhong Liu
Summary: The study found significant correlations between serum leptin levels and body mass index (BMI) as well as negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The increase in leptin levels may be responsible for antipsychotic-induced weight gain and improved psychopathological symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Joanne E. Sordillo, Frederique White, Sana Majid, Francois Aguet, Kristin G. Ardlie, S. Ananth Karumanchi, Jose C. Florez, Camille E. Powe, Andrea G. Edlow, Luigi Bouchard, Pierre-Etienne Jacques, Marie-France Hivert
Summary: This study found a link between elevated body mass index (BMI) in pregnancy and changes in placental gene expression, potentially explaining the impact of BMI on adverse outcomes for both mothers and fetuses.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matias C. Vieira, Marcus J. Rijken, Thorsten Braun, Frederic Chantraine, Olivier Morel, Alexander Schwickert, Vedran Stefanovic, Heleen van Beekhuizen, Sally L. Collins
Summary: A cohort study based on the IS-PAS database found that maternal obesity is not independently associated with the development or severity of PAS after adjusting for other risk factors. This suggests that obesity alone may not be a significant risk factor for PAS. These findings are crucial for healthcare providers in accurately counseling women with obesity about pregnancy-related risks.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yaqi Wang, Mei Shi, Xia Li
Summary: The effect of weight loss on cognition in patients with diabetes is unclear, and further studies are needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou, Christiane Muehle, Johannes Kornhuber, Christian Weinland, Bernd Lenz
Summary: This study found a correlation between higher BMI and binge drinking in men, and demonstrated for the first time a relationship between ObRe/BMI and binge drinking in women. These results highlight the potential role of metabolic markers in binge drinking behavior.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Congcong Zhang, Lisheng Liu, Hua Li, Jinchun Hu, Jiancheng Zhang, Han Zhou, Zhenguo Zhang, Xin Du
Summary: An electrochemical biosensor for detecting leptin was developed with low detection limit and high selectivity. The sensor showed accurate detection of leptin in mouse models and human samples, indicating potential applications in assessing obesity diseases.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Anurag Mehta, Qi Meng, Xiaona Li, Shivang R. Desai, Melroy S. D'Souza, Annie H. Ho, Shabatun J. Islam, Devinder S. Dhindsa, Zakaria Almuwaqqat, Aditi Nayak, Ayman A. Alkhoder, Ananya Hooda, Anil Varughese, Syed F. Ahmad, Ali Mokhtari, Iraj Hesaroieh, Laurence S. Sperling, Yi-An Ko, Edmund K. Waller, Arshed A. Quyyumi
Summary: The study found an association between obesity and circulating progenitor cell counts, with obesity being independently associated with higher CPC counts in both asymptomatic individuals and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In patients with CAD, obesity was associated with higher CPC counts and a lower risk of adverse outcomes. Obese patients with high CPC counts were found to have a lower risk compared to nonobese patients.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shaza B. Zaghlool, Sapna Sharma, Megan Molnar, Pamela R. Matias-Garcia, Mohamed A. Elhadad, Melanie Waldenberger, Annette Peters, Wolfgang Rathmann, Johannes Graumann, Christian Gieger, Harald Grallert, Karsten Suhre
Summary: The study reveals associations between blood circulating proteins and BMI, showing widespread proteome changes and causal relationships between BMI and specific proteins.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ou Wu, Jian Hang Leng, Xingyu Zhang, Wei Liu, Fen Fang Yang, Hu Zhang, Jia Jia Li, Guo Zhong Zhang, Xi Lu
Summary: Leptin may not be essential but play an additive effect in the development of obesity-associated hypertension. Leptin may only play an additive effect role in the intricate interwoven network of regulators contributing to the development of hypertension in obese patients.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HYPERTENSION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Lee Smith, Jae Il Shin, Hans Oh, Christina Carmichael, Louis Jacob, Sinisa Stefanac, Rosie K. Lindsay, Pinar Soysal, Nicola Veronese, Mark A. Tully, Laurie Butler, Yvonne Barnett, Ai Koyanagi
Summary: This study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) status and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in middle-aged and older adults in six low- and middle-income countries. The results showed that underweight, overweight, and obesity were all significantly associated with higher odds for MCI among those aged 50-64 years. However, in individuals aged >= 65 years, underweight and overweight were associated with significantly lower odds for MCI, while obesity was not significantly associated with MCI.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
T. A. Mills, E. Ayebare, R. Mukhwana, J. Mweteise, A. Nabisere, A. Nendela, P. Ndungu, M. Okello, G. Omoni, S. Wakasiaka, R. Wood, T. Lavender
Summary: The study reveals that parents who have experienced stillbirth in urban and rural health facilities lack necessary care and support, and often face stigma and blame in their communities. Health workers play a crucial role in supporting bereaved parents, and there is an urgent need for culturally appropriate interventions to improve the situation in Kenya and Uganda.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tina Lavender, Carol Bedwell, Chowa Tembo Kasengele, Debora Kimaro, Flora Kuzenza, Kutemba Lyangenda, Tracey A. Mills, Livuka Nsemwa, Happiness Shayo, Khuzuet Tuwele, Sabina Wakasiaka, Rose Laisser
Summary: The study found that disrespectful care led to care inequity, healthcare providers often tried to provide care in challenging environments, and respectful care was not seen as a component of good quality care but rather a luxury.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elizabeth Ayebare, Tina Lavender, Jonan Mweteise, Allen Nabisere, Anne Nendela, Raheli Mukhwana, Rebecca Wood, Sabina Wakasiaka, Grace Omoni, Birungi Susan Kagoda, Tracey A. Mills
Summary: This study explored the influence of cultural beliefs and practices on stillbirth experiences in urban and rural settings in Kenya and Uganda. Commonalities in cultural beliefs and practices were found across the two countries, with three main themes identified. The study highlights the importance of kinship and social support in helping parents cope with stillbirth, while also addressing the challenges and stress caused by certain cultural practices and beliefs.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Kylie Watson, Tracey A. Mills, Tina Lavender
Summary: This study aims to gain in-depth knowledge about the experiences of women and midwives using telemetry and to assess any impact that its use may have on clinical outcomes, mobility in labor, control, or satisfaction. The findings show that women using telemetry were more mobile during labor and adopted more upright positions. Telemetry use can increase women's feelings of control, autonomy, normality, and dignity. There was no difference in control or satisfaction between the cohorts using telemetry and wired CEFM.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tracey A. Mills, Sabina Wakasiaka, Elizabeth Ayebare, Valentina Actis Danna, Tina Lavender, Carol Bedwell
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a research partnership led by midwives between Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK, Zambia, and Zimbabwe sustained and enhanced capacity strengthening activities remotely. Despite facing challenges, they gained new insights and important learning that will impact the future design and delivery of learning programs.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Suzanne Thomas, Louise Stephens, Tracey A. Mills, Christine Hughes, Alan Kerby, Debbie M. Smith, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: The study found that women experience heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as elevated cortisol levels during pregnancies after perinatal death, which decrease as the pregnancy progresses. Their health status also improves over time. Further research is needed to determine the best care for addressing these negative psychological consequences.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Tracey A. Mills, Elizabeth Ayebare, Jonan Mweteise, Allen Nabisere, Raheli Mukhwana, Anne Nendela, Grace Omoni, Sabina Wakasiaka, Tina Lavender
Summary: This study aims to explore the lived experiences of healthcare workers in Kenya and Uganda caring for women after stillbirth. It was found that healthcare workers lacked preparation and gained skills through experience and often without adequate support. The emotional and psychological impacts on healthcare workers were significant, and deficiencies in organizational culture and support were also identified.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael P. Rimmer, Ian Henderson, William Parry-Smith, Olivia Raglan, Jennifer Tamblyn, Alexander E. P. Heazell, Lucy E. Higgins
Summary: A multicentre evaluation in the UK revealed widespread major errors in the completion of Medical Certificates of Stillbirth (MCS). MCS should only be filled out following structured case-note review, with particular attention on fetal growth trajectory.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Debbie M. Smith, Suzanne Thomas, Louise Stephens, Tracey A. Mills, Christine Hughes, Joanna Beaumont, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: Pregnancy after the death of a baby poses psychological challenges for pregnant women. This study explores women's experiences during pregnancy and highlights the increased awareness of risk and the need for tailored antenatal and postnatal support.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tracey A. Mills, Stephen A. Roberts, Elizabeth Camacho, Alexander E. P. Heazell, Rachael N. Massey, Cathie Melvin, Rachel Newport, Debbie M. Smith, Claire O. Storey, Wendy Taylor, Tina Lavender
Summary: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a new care package improving midwifery continuity and emotional support during subsequent pregnancies in the UK. The results showed that most participants appreciated the new care model with increased midwifery continuity, although the anticipated increase in direct midwife contacts was not observed in practice.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Omotewa Kuforiji, Tracey A. Mills, Karina Lovell
Summary: The experiences of women in low and middle-income countries following perinatal death remains difficult and challenging, thereby increasing their susceptibility to negative psychological impact particularly with insufficient bereavement care and support.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Isabelle Greatholder, Emma Tomlinson, Jack Wilkinson, Lucy E. Higgins, Mark D. Kilby, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of an observational study to identify modifiable factors associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. The results showed that twin pregnancies have different frequencies of exposures compared to singleton pregnancies, highlighting the need for twin-specific studies to identify modifiable factors and develop preventative strategies for morbidity and mortality in twin pregnancies.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Z. Foyston, L. Higgins, D. M. Smith, A. Wittkowski
Summary: This review examines the psychological, social, and health needs of parents during pregnancy and early parenting following medicalised conception. The findings highlight parents' lack of safety during pregnancy, their protective behavior towards the unborn child, and the complex and non-linear nature of their identity transition during parenting. It suggests the need for consistent, holistic care integrating psychological services.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dexter J. L. Hayes, Jo C. Dumville, Tanya Walsh, Lucy E. Higgins, Margaret Fisher, Anna Akselsson, Melissa Whitworth, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether interventions aimed at encouraging awareness of reduced fetal movement and/or improving its subsequent clinical management reduce the frequency of stillbirth or other important secondary outcomes. The results indicate that encouraging awareness of fetal movement may be associated with reduced neonatal intensive care unit admissions and Apgar scores of <7 at 5 minutes of age, but the effect on reducing stillbirth remains uncertain. The analysis was limited by variations in interventions, outcome reporting, and definitions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paschal Mdoe, Tracey A. Mills, Robert Chasweka, Livuka Nsemwa, Chisomo Petross, Rose Laisser, Angela Chimwaza, Tina Lavender
Summary: The study explored positive experiences and visions of respectful care among service users, families, and healthcare providers in maternity facilities in Tanzania and Malawi. Interventions targeting improved environment and privacy, healthcare provider communication, and developing positive leadership structures could provide a basis for sustained improvement in respectful maternal and newborn care in LMICs.
