A high-protein diet prevents weight regain

β-Cyclodextrin/resistant dextrin induced disparate gelling behaviors of high-protein liquid systems

High-protein, high-fiber foods are in the spotlight because of their health properties. Due to aggregation during heat treatment when dietary fiber is added, the amount of soy protein that can be used in the formulation of high-protein, high-fiber foods is limited. The effects of two types of soluble dietary fibers, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and resistant dextrin (RD), on the tunable thermal stability of soy proteins (SPs) and preheat-modified soy protein particles (SPPs), as well as the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Results showed that β-CD (0.5-3.0 %, w/v) weakened the gels and introduced some degree of mobility, while RD (0.5-3.0 %, w/v) increased the gel strength and viscoelastic properties of SP and SPP gels. Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that β-CD mitigated the increase in particle size of SPs and SPPs during heating, delaying gel formation at high protein concentrations. In contrast, RD promoted protein agglomeration into larger particles, speeding up the gelation process. Structural analysis revealed that β-CD preserved the integrity of protein structure, while RD promoted the unfolding of protein structure, leading to protein cross-links and aggregation formation. In summary, the effect of β-CD and RD on soy protein thermal stability provides valuable insights for developing new health-focused, high-protein, high-fiber products.

Research advances in the therapy of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome refers to the pathological state of metabolic disorder of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and other substances in the human body. It is a syndrome composed of a group of complex metabolic disorders, whose pathogenesis includes multiple genetic and acquired entities falling under the category of insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammationand. It is a risk factor for increased prevalence and mortality from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases are the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, thus it is imperative to investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome on alleviating this substantial disease burden. Despite the increasing number of scientists dedicating themselves to researching metabolic syndrome in recent decades, numerous aspects of this condition remain incompletely understood, leaving many questions unanswered. In this review, we present an epidemiological analysis of MetS, explore both traditional and novel pathogenesis, examine the pathophysiological repercussions of metabolic syndrome, summarize research advances, and elucidate the mechanisms underlying corresponding treatment approaches.

Osteocalcin has a muscle-protective effect during weight loss in men without metabolic syndrome: a multicenter, prospective, observational study

Objective

Weight reduction often accompanies muscle loss. Existing studies highlight the involvement of osteocalcin (OC) in energy metabolism and its potential to prevent age-related muscle loss. Nevertheless, these studies predominantly involve individuals with hyperglycemia, yielding conflicting research outcomes. This study investigated the protective role of OC against muscle loss during weight reduction in individuals without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Measures

We enrolled 130 overweight or obese individuals without MetS in a 4-month high-protein, energy-restricted dietary weight management program conducted at two clinic centers. Body composition and laboratory tests were assessed both before and after weight loss. Correlation and regression analysis were made between the changes in metabolic indicators and muscle mass during weight loss.

Results

Following weight loss, there was a decrease in body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), visceral fat area (VFA), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile, and increase in the percentage of skeletal muscle (PSM) and vitamin D. There was no change in osteocalcin (OC) during the intervention. Correlation analysis of the relative changes in all metabolic indicators revealed a positive correlation between OC and PSM (r=0.383, p=0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis found that OC has a significant protective effect on muscles during weight loss in males after adjusting for confounding factors (β=0.089, p=0.017).

Conclusion

High-protein, energy-restricted diets demonstrate efficacy in enhancing metabolic indicators within the weight-loss population. Furthermore, OC exhibits a protective effect on muscle mass during weight reduction in individuals without MetS, with this effect being particularly evident in males.