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Adiposity-independent sympathetic activity in black men
Aamer Abbas1, Lidia S Szczepaniak, Meryem Tuncel
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., U9.400, Dallas, TX 75390-8586, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|March 20, 2010
Summary
In obese Black men, weight loss did not alter sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). However, obese Black women showed reduced SNA after weight loss, indicating adiposity-related sympathetic activity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is linked to sympathetic overactivity, but evidence primarily comes from White populations.
- Previous studies suggest sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) correlates with body mass index in Black women but not men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if total and regional adiposity influence SNA in Black individuals.
- To assess the impact of weight loss on SNA in obese Black men and women.
Main Methods:
- Prospective weight loss study involving 12 normotensive obese Black men and 9 obese Black women.
- Measurements included SNA, body mass index, and abdominal fat mass before and after a 16-week hypocaloric diet.
Main Results:
- Weight loss in Black men reduced leptin, insulin, and visceral fat but did not affect SNA.
- Weight loss in Black women reduced leptin, insulin, and visceral fat, and decreased SNA by 40%.
Conclusions:
- Obese Black men exhibit adiposity-independent sympathetic activity.
- Obese Black women demonstrate adiposity-related sympathetic activity, suggesting sex-specific mechanisms in Black populations.
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