Browsing by Author "Goedecke, Julia H"

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    Effects of elevated plasma adrenaline levels on substrate metabolism, effort perception and muscle activation during low-to-moderate intensity exercise
    (2005) West, Sacha J; Goedecke, Julia H; Van Niekerk, Lizl; Collins, Malcolm; St Clair Gibson, Alan; MacDonald, Ian A; Noakes, Timothy D; Lambert, Estelle V
    The aim of this study was to differentiate the role of raised plasma adrenaline (Adr) concentrations from sympathoadrenal activation associated with moderate-intensity exercise, on muscle activation, cardiopulmonary responses, fuel metabolism, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during low-intensity exercise. Two groups of subjects (MOD, n=6; LOW, n=7) cycled on two occasions for 90 min. MOD cycled at 68% VO2max with saline infusion, and at 34% VO2max with Adr infusion. LOW cycled twice at 34% VO2max, with either Adr or saline infusion. Infusions (0.015 g Adr/kg/min) started at 15 min and increased plasma [Adr] somewhat higher than during exercise at 68% VO2max (~1.9 vs. 1.4 nM, at 75 min). Mean plasma glucose and lactate concentrations during LOW were significantly higher with Adr than saline infusion (5.1±0.6 vs. 4.4±0.3 mmol/l, P<0.01 and 2.1±0.8 vs. 1.3±0.5 mmol/l, P<0.01, respectively). Elevated [Adr], without increased exercise intensity, did not alter glycogenolysis. There were also no effects of Adr infusion at 34% VO2max on heart rate, oxygen consumption, [FFA], respiratory exchange ratio, intramuscular triglyceride utilization, muscle activation or RPE. In conclusion, elevated [Adr] similar to those found during moderate-intensity exercise increased plasma glucose and lactate availability, but did not alter intramuscular fuel utilization, effort perception or muscle activation.
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    Exercise intervention alters HDL subclass distribution and function in obese women
    (BioMed Central, 2018-10-10) Woudberg, Nicholas J; Mendham, Amy E; Katz, Arieh A; Goedecke, Julia H; Lecour, Sandrine
    Background Obesity is associated with a change in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function and subclass. Exercise training reduces cardiovascular risk in obese patients. We aimed to explore the effect of an exercise training stimulus on HDL functionality and subclass in obese women. Methods Thirty-two obese black South African women were randomly assigned to exercise (combined aerobic and resistance exercise) or control (no exercise) conditions for 12-weeks. Pre- and post-testing included venous blood sampling for analysis of lipid profile and HDL functionality, by measuring cellular cholesterol efflux capacity, reduction in endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) expression (anti-inflammatory function), paraoxonase (PON) (antioxidative function) and platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activities (anti-thrombotic function). PON-1 and PAF-AH expression were determined in serum and in isolated HDL using Western blotting. Levels of large, intermediate and small HDL subclasses were measured using the Lipoprint® system. Results Exercise training resulted in a decrease in body mass index (− 1.0 ± 0.5% vs + 1.2 ± 0.6%, p = 0.010), PON activity (− 8.7 ± 2.4% vs + 1.1 ± 3.0%, p = 0.021), PAF-AH serum expression (− 22.1 ± 8.0% vs + 16.9 ± 9.8, p = 0.002), and the distribution of small HDL subclasses (− 10.1 ± 5.4% vs + 15.7 ± 6.6%, p = 0.004) compared to controls. Exercise did not alter HDL cellular cholesterol efflux capacity and anti-inflammatory function. Conclusions These results demonstrate the potential for exercise training to modify HDL subclass distribution and HDL function in obese women. Trial registration Clinical trials number: PACTR201711002789113 .
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    Factors associated with obesity in South African mothers and their pre-adolescent daughters : a cross-cultural validation and comparison study
    (2008) Mchiza, Zandile June-Rose; Lambert, Estelle Victoria; Goedecke, Julia H
    The aetiology of obesity is complex, and in addition to intrinsic factors such as the biology of individuals (presented as genetics, age, gender) that contribute to the high obesity epidemic, there are behavioural determinants, along with economic, socio-cultural and environmental factors which are largely extrinsic, that either directly or indirectly influence the development of obesity, therefore are called “obesogenic” (Swinburn et al., 2005; Egger and Swinburn, 1997). In South Africa, these “obesogenic” factors have been only partially explored, and as such, there are gaps in our knowledge. We are also not certain of the extent to which the language, culture and age influence these afore-mentioned factors. As such, this dissertation focused on finding and adapting culturallysensitive and age-appropriate instruments to better understand these obesogenic factors in South African women and girls.
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    Meeting physical activity guidelines is associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease in black South African women; a 5.5-year follow-up study
    (BioMed Central, 2014-05-23) Dickie, Kasha; Micklesfield, Lisa K; Chantler, Sarah; Lambert, Estelle V; Goedecke, Julia H
    Background: Low levels of physical activity (PA) have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few studies have examined whether meeting international PA guidelines is associated with reduced risk in a black South African (SA) population. The aims of this study were to compare body composition and cardio-metabolic risk factors for CVD and T2D between active and inactive groups (part 1, cross-sectional analysis) and, to determine whether PA level predicts changes in body composition and cardio-metabolic risk factors for CVD and T2D at follow-up after 5.5-years (part 2, longitudinal analysis). Methods: Part 1 included a sample of 240 apparently healthy black SA women (26 ± 7 years) who underwent the following measurements at baseline: PA (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)), body composition and regional fat distribution (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computerised tomography), blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations. For part 2, a sub-sample of women (n = 57) underwent the same measurements after a 5.5-year period. Results: At baseline, 61% of women were classified as meeting the guidelines for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) according to GPAQ. Women who were active had significantly lower body weight (p < 0.001), body fat (BMI, fat mass, % body fat, waist circumference, central and appendicular fat mass, all p < 0.001), and measures of insulin resistance (fasting serum insulin and HOMA-IR, both p = 0.01), and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.041), compared to the inactive group. At follow-up, all body fat measures increased significantly in both groups and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in those who were active at baseline, but did not change in those who were inactive. Conclusions: Meeting PA guidelines was associated with decreased risk for CVD and T2D in black SA women, but did not prevent the increase in body fat over time. Interventions promoting physical activity to specifically address obesity in this high-risk group are recommended.
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    Relationships between physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and sedentary behaviour, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, in black South African women
    (2013) Dickie, Kasha Elizabeth; Goedecke, Julia H; Micklesfield, Lisa K
    Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), constitute the second highest cause of mortality in South Africa (SA) and seem to be exacerbated by the high prevalence of obesity, particularly amongst black SA women. Although the aetiology of obesity is complex, common antecedents for its development include a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. The overall aim of this thesis was to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and risk factors for CVD and T2D in a sample of apparently healthy black SA women. The aims of this thesis were addressed in two separate studies with the following objectives: Study 1: i) to compare body composition and metabolic risk factors for CVD and T2D between active and inactive groups classified according to international PA recommendations for health (Part 1, crosssectional analysis) and ii) to determine whether PA level predicts changes in body composition and metabolic risk factors for CVD and T2D over a 5.5-year follow-up period (Part 2, longitudinal analysis); Study 2: to examine the independent effects of PA, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and sedentary time on body composition and metabolic risk factors for CVD and T2D (cross-sectional analysis). In part 1 of study 1, a sample of 240 apparently healthy black SA women(26±7 years) underwent the following measurements in 2005/6: PA (Global PhysicalActivity Questionnaire (GPAQ)), body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computerised tomography), blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations. Thereafter (part 2), a sub-sample of women (n=57) underwent follow-up testing after a 5.5-year follow period (2010/11), which included additional measurements of objective PA (accelerometry) and CRF (VO2max, ml/kg/min) measured during a submaximal step-test. Study 2 included women from the follow-up subsample and 19 additional women (n=76). Cross-sectional comparisons of objective PA, CRF and sedentary time with body composition and metabolic risk factors for CVD and T2D were examined. Study 1: Using the GPAQ, the majority (61%) of women were sufficiently active, meeting the guidelines for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) according to international criteria. Women who were active had significantly lower body weight (p<0.001), measures of body fat (BMI, fat mass, %body fat, waist circumference, central and appendicular fat mass, p<0.001), and measures of insulin resistance (fasting serum insulin, p=0.010 and HOMA-IR, p=0.010, respectively), and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, p=0.041) compared to the inactive group. At follow-up, bodyweight increased from 82.0±19.6 kg to 89.5±19.2 kg (p<0.001) in the active group, and from 91.0±15.6 kg to 98.3±13.2 kg (p<0.001) in the inactive group, whereas serum lipid concentrations remained unchanged (p>0.05), and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in those who were active (78±7 vs. 74±14 mmHg, p=0.039). Study 2: Using accelerometry as an objective measure of PA, more than half (51.3%) of the women met international MVPA criteria and the goal of ≥10 000 steps per day (55.3%). Greater light PA and steps per day, but not MVPA, were associated with lower trunk (central) fat mass (r=-0.25, p=0.03, r=-0.31, p=0.01 and r=-0.09, p=0.42, respectively). Conversely, greater sedentary time was associated with higher TG and TG/HDL-C (r=0.36, p=0.01 and r=0.34, p=0.04, respectively), and these relationships were independent of body fat. In addition, higher CRF was associated with reduced body fat% (r=-0.34, p=0.02) and central fat mass (r=-0.31, p=0.03), as well as reduced insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; r=-0.41, p=0.01). These associations were independent of body fat and PA, but not VAT. CRF was inversely associated with sedentary time (r=-0.31, p=0.03) and not with any of the PA variables (p>0.05). Both PA and CRF level were associated with reduced total and central fat mass, and reduced metabolic risk for CVD and T2D amongst a sample of apparently healthy black SA women. Promotion of increasing daily PA, including light-intensity and MVPA, whilst reducing sedentary time, and increasing CRF should be encouraged to reduce levels of obesity and risk factors for CVD and T2D.
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    The association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and metabolic risk factors in black and white South African women: a cross-sectional study
    (BioMed Central, 2018-05-07) George, Cindy; Evans, Juliet; Micklesfield, Lisa K; Olsson, Tommy; Goedecke, Julia H
    Background High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is associated with metabolic risk, however it is unclear whether the relationship is confounded by racial/ethnic differences in socioeconomic status (SES), lifestyle factors or central adiposity. The aims of the study was, (1) to investigate whether hsCRP levels differ by race/ethnicity; (2) to examine the race/ethnic-specific associations between hsCRP, HOMA-IR and serum lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C)]; and (3) to determine whether race/ethnic-specific associations are explained by SES, lifestyle factors or waist circumference (WC). Methods The convenience sample comprised 195 black and 153 white apparently health women, aged 18–45 years. SES (education, assets and housing density) and lifestyle factors (alcohol use, physical activity and contraceptive use) were collected by questionnaire. Weight, height and WC were measured, and fasting blood samples collected for hsCRP, glucose, insulin, and lipids. Results Black women had higher age- and BMI-adjusted hsCRP levels than white women (p = 0.047). hsCRP was associated with HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), TG (p < 0.001), TC (p < 0.05), HDL-C (p < 0.05), and LDL-C (p < 0.05), independent of age and race/ethnicity. The association between hsCRP and lipids differed by race/ethnicity, such that hsCRP was positively associated with TG and LDL-C in white women, and inversely associated with HDL-C in black women. Higher hsCRP was also associated with higher TC in white women and lower TC in black women. Furthermore, when adjusting for SES and lifestyle factors, the associations between hsCRP, and TC and TG, remained, however the associations between hsCRP, and HDL-C and LDL-C, were no longer significant. Conclusion Although circulating hsCRP may identify individuals at increased metabolic risk, the heterogeneity in these associations between racial/ethnic groups highlights the need for prospective studies investigating the role of hsCRP for risk prediction in different populations.
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    Understanding factors associated with sarcopenic obesity in older African women from a low-income setting: a cross-sectional analysis
    (2021-04-14) Mendham, Amy E; Goedecke, Julia H; Micklesfield, Lisa K; Brooks, Naomi E; Faber, Mieke; Christensen, Dirk L; Gallagher, Iain J; Lundin-Olsson, Lillemor; Myburgh, Kathryn H; Odunitan-Wayas, Feyisayo A; Lambert, Estelle V; Kalula, Sebastiana; Hunter, Angus M
    Abstract Background High rates of food insecurity, obesity and obesity-related comorbidities in ageing South African (SA) women may amplify the risk of developing sarcopenic obesity. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of sarcopenic obesity and its diagnostic components [grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and body mass index (BMI)] in older SA women from a low-income setting. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited black SA women between the ages of 60–85 years (n = 122) from a low-income community. Testing included a fasting blood sample (markers of cardiometabolic risk, HIV), whole body and regional muscle and fat mass (dual-energy absorptiometry x-ray), anthropometry, blood pressure, functional movement tests, current medication use, demographic and health questionnaires, physical activity (PA; accelerometery), household food insecurity access scale, and a one-week quantified food frequency questionnaire. Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) criteria (grip strength and ASM, adjusted for BMI) were used to classify sarcopenia. Participants with sarcopenia alongside a BMI of > 30.0 kg/m2 were classified as having sarcopenic obesity. Prevalence using other criteria (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia and the International Working Group for Sarcopenia) were also explored. Results The prevalence of sarcopenia was 27.9%, which comprised of sarcopenia without obesity (3.3%) and sarcopenic obesity (24.6%). Other classification criteria showed that sarcopenia ranged from 0.8–14.7%, including 0.8–9.8% without obesity and 0–4.9% with sarcopenic obesity. Using multivariate-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) those with sarcopenic obesity presented with a descriptive profile of higher C-reactive protein, waist circumference, food security and sedentary time than women without sarcopenic obesity (p = 0.046). A similar profile described women with low BMI-adjusted grip strength (p < 0.001). Conclusions The majority of women with sarcopenia were also obese (88%). We show a large discrepancy in the diagnostic criteria and the potential for significantly underestimating the prevalence of sarcopenia if BMI is not adjusted for. The main variables common to women with sarcopenic obesity were higher food security, lower PA and chronic inflammation. Our data highlights the importance of addressing obesity within these low-income communities to ensure the prevention of sarcopenic obesity and that quality of life is maintained with ageing.
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    Understanding the relationship between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution and functionality in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease
    (2017) Woudberg, Nicholas; Lecour, Sandrine; Goedecke, Julia H; Frias, Miguel
    Background: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) include obesity, ethnicity and hypertension. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has traditionally served as a marker for CVD risk. Latest studies, however, propose that the composition and subclass distribution and the anti-atherogenic function of HDL are more accurate predictors of CVD risk. We therefore explored whether obesity, ethnicity, exercise and hypertension may modulate HDL composition, subclass and function in three different sample populations of patients affected with these CVD risk factors. Methods: The first study sample population consisted of black and white obese and normal-weight South African women (n=40). In the second sample population, obese black South African women were randomly assigned to exercise (combined aerobic and resistance exercise 4 times/week) or control (sedentary) conditions for 12-weeks (n=32). The third sample population included Nigerian out-patients, divided into healthy controls, hypertensive patients and hypertensive patients with heart failure (HF) (n=80). HDL composition measurements included apolipoproteins A1 and M (ApoA1 and ApoM), paraoxonase (PON1) and platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) expression (using Western blotting) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) content (using mass spectometry). Levels of large, intermediate and small HDL subclasses were measured using the Lipoprint® system. HDL functionality was assessed by measuring PON1 activity, PAF-AH activity, reverse cholesterol efflux capacity, HDL-mediated activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and quantification of the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule in endothelial cells. Results: In all sample populations, HDL-cholesterol concentration was not different between groups. PON1 activity was lower in white compared to black women (0.49±0.09 U/L vs 0.78±0.10 U/L, p<0.05). Obese black women had lower PAF-AH activity compared to obese white women (9.34±1.15 U/L vs 13.89±1.21 U/L, p<0.05). Compared to normal-weight women, obese women had lower large HDL, greater intermediate and small HDL. Compared to the sedentary control condition, exercise training was associated with a decrease in PON1 activity (-8.7±2.4% vs +1.1±3.0%, p<0.05), PAF-AH serum expression (-22.1±8.0% vs +16.9±9.8, p<0.005) and small HDL subclasses (-10.1±5.4% vs +15.7±6.6%, p<0.005). S1P content in HDL was lower in hypertensive and HF patients compared to controls (165 ± 55 vs 201 ± 73 pmol/mg, p < 0.05). HDL subclass distribution was different in hypertensive and HF patients with lower large HDL (48 ± 15 vs 63 ± 7%, p<0.005), higher intermediate (45 ± 7 vs 34 ± 5%, p<0.005) and small HDL (7 ± 9 vs 2 ± 4%, p<0.05). In contrast to HDL from control patients, HDL from all hypertensive patients failed to activate eNOS. Conclusions: In all three sample populations, there were associations between CVD risk factors and measures of HDL quality. HDL subclass distribution differences were associated with obesity and hypertensive heart failure, both in cross-sectional studies and in an exercise intervention study. In African sample populations, consideration of HDL quality rather than total HDL quantity may be a more sensitive marker to assess CVD risk.