Weight-gain independent effect of mirtazapine on fasting plasma lipids in healthy men

Fermented Wheat Germ Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Maternal Obesity in Rats: Insights from Microbiome and Metabolomics

Maternal obesity significantly increases the risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and fetus. Fermented wheat germ (FWG) has demonstrated the potential to improve metabolic disorders, yet its effects have not been explored in maternal obesity models. This study investigated the ameliorating impact of FWG in rats with maternal obesity, focusing on its mechanisms through biochemical, gut microbiome, and serum metabolomics analysis. The results demonstrated that FWG was more effective than wheat germ in reducing body weight gain and fat accumulation, improving glycolipid metabolism disorders, and alleviating inflammation. Specifically, FWG modulated the composition of gut microbiota by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Corynebacterium) while suppressing genera associated with maternal obesity (e.g., Blautia, Akkermansia, Dorea_A, and Faecousia). Furthermore, FWG modified high-fat diet-induced metabolites, primarily affecting pyrimidine metabolism and amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that FWG may serve as a promising dietary intervention for mitigating maternal obesity and improving pregnancy outcomes.

Drugs used in psychiatry causing an increase in body weight in children-a review

Body weight gain is a prevalent adverse effect observed in psychiatric medication therapy. With the notable increase in mental health diagnoses among children and adolescents over the last decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of medications associated with weight gain poses an additional risk for obesity development. This study aimed to identify psychiatric drugs that may induce weight gain in children as a side effect. Twenty-nine publications were included in this systematic review, investigating the effects of nineteen different drugs on children's weight. The majority of these drugs belonged to atypical antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. Nearly all included articles reported that the examined substances resulted in weight gain in children. As childhood obesity has become a significant problem with various metabolic, psychological and social consequences, it is crucial to carefully consider therapy options. In addition to evaluating effectiveness, it is important to also assess the potential for weight gain. Clinicians and nutrition specialists should individually evaluate patients' nutritional needs, evaluate obesity risk, and provide appropriate dietary guidance to minimalize the risk of weight gain.

Pharmacokinetics of a Single Transdermal Dose of Mirtazapine in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Decreased appetite is a common clinical problem in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Mirtazapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant originally developed for humans, has shown promise as a safe and effective promoter of weight gain and appetite in several veterinary species including rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. Although mirtazapine is available as oral formulations, transdermal delivery in macaques with reduced appetite would allow quick, painless, topical application. Here we describe the pharmacokinetics of a single application of a widely available veterinary transdermal mirtazapine formulation in 6 rhesus macaques. A dose of 0.5 mg/kg of transdermal mirtazapine ointment that has proven to be effective in rhesus was applied to the caudal pinnae of 3 female and 3 male young adult macaques. Serum was collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after administration. Our data indicate transdermal mirtazapine is absorbed at a lower level in rhesus as compared with published values in domestic cats (rhesus peak serum concentration: 1.2 ± 0.3 ng/mL), while drug half-life is longer than that reported in cats (rhesus: 33 ± 7 h). Mirtazapine reaches peak plasma concentrations in rhesus at 16 ± 10 h after administration; our model indicates that up to 5 d of serial dosing may be necessary to reach steady state. Our preliminary data also suggest that sex differences may contribute to efficacy and/or indicate sex-based differences, as male macaques reached Tmax more quickly than females (19 ± 2 h in females and 8 ± 3 h in males) and showed higher variation in half-life (33 ± 4 h in females and 34 ± 11 h in males). While previous work indicates clinical efficacy of the 0.5-mg/kg dosage in macaques, further investigation is warranted to determine if rhesus may benefit from higher recommended doses than companion animal species.