|
The role of voltage-gated calcium channels in mammalian adipose cells
Pěknicová, Zuzana ; Ryšková, Lucie (advisor) ; Vlachová, Viktorie (referee)
Fat cells (adipocytes) are important regulators of adipose tissue and the whole organism. These cells are actively involved in whole-body energy homeostasis and changes in their function and metabolism have a far-reaching impact on an individual's health. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate the proper functioning of adipocyte cellular processes can significantly aid in the treatment of a number of diseases including obesity, type II diabetes, and others. Therefore, considerable effort is currently being devoted to investigating the various signaling pathways involved in the life of a healthy adipocyte. Calcium, or its active form Ca2+, is an essential tool for cellular signal transduction and triggers a several biologically important processes in most cell types, including adipocytes. This bachelor thesis focuses on the regulation of calcium homeostasis by voltage-gated calcium channels, which appear to be active in the adipocyte, even though it is generally a non-excitable tissue. This paper summarizes current knowledge on the type, structure and function of calcium channels and their effects on adipocyte (patho)physiology. Possible therapeutic benefits based on the regulation of selected calcium channels as potential targets for the treatment of metabolic disorders are also...
|
|
Amylase gene variability in human populations
Vosmíková, Veronika ; Černý, Viktor (advisor) ; Daňková, Pavlína (referee)
Amylase is a starch-digesting enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands in humans. Genes for the salivary isoenzyme (AMY1), located on chromosome 1p21.1, show remarkable variability in their copy numbers (CNV). Their count is positively correlated with the final amount of the produced enzyme. This variability could be the result of positive selection during human evolution, depending on the amount of starch consumed by various populations. Starch pre-digested by salivary α-amylase is absorbed more effectively, resulting in a greater gain of energy in later stages of the metabolizing process. Thus, it could have been one of the factors for rapid brain growth in humans and, significantly later, even for the agricultural transition. It could belong to a group of other known subsistence-based evolutionary changes in the human genome, such as those resulting in lactase persistence or slow acetylation of xenobiotics. Nowadays, the number of copies and the amount of produced α-amylase can influence the glucose level in the blood and insulin production after consumption, as well as the incidence of certain civilization diseases, such as obesity or type II diabetes. The influence of salivary α-amylase on the composition of the microbiome, cardiovascular diseases, and the pro-inflammatory profile...
|
|
Eating Habits of Adolescents, Difference in Approach Between Genders
Černíková, Lucie ; Kalinová, Nelly (advisor) ; Kaiserová, Iveta (referee)
This bachelor thesis focuses on eating behaviour of adolescents and differences between genders. With concern to examine this behaviour a survey was conducted with respondents of defined age. Questions were put together from two different official questionnaires. First was The Adolescent Food Habit Checklist which is used to evaluate adolescents' eating habits and the second one was Stunkard's Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire which is used regulary in psychiatric practise. This form covers three areas: restriction, disinhibition and hunger. Results didn't show that girls have healtier eating habits than boys nor higher tendency for restriction or disinhibition in case of eating behaviour. Study shown that boys in general tend to feel more hungry. To support or disprove these results more research is needed. keywords: eating behaviours, eating disorders, adolescents, restriction, disinhibition, hunger, body image, obesity
|
|
Neurobiology of food addiction
Cíbiková, Sofia Anna ; Novotný, Jiří (advisor) ; Petríková, Ivana (referee)
This work deals with food addiction, mainly its neurobiological basis. The fact that highly processed food high in calories can have effects similar to those of addictive substances has been known for decades, however with the rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity in the last few years, there is more and more research being done in this area. Food addiction very often correlates with obesity and eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, and naturally has a negative impact on the health of an increasing number of people. Excessive consumption of highly caloric foods causes changes in the neural pathways in the brain, especially those connected to dopamine and the reward system which, similarly to substance use disorders, leads to addiction, which manifests itself in loss of control over the consumption, developed tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Stress together with various mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are often factors contributing to the development of addiction. Understanding the similarities between food addiction and substance use disorders can be beneficial for finding an appropriate treatment. Cognitive intervention and therapeutic methods seem to be the most effective, on the other hand strict diets and efforts to make major lifestyle changes often bring...
|
|
Assessment of body composition and physical fitness using the ALPHA test battery
Husovská, Andrea ; Jandová, Soňa (advisor) ; Bunc, Václav (referee)
The present thesis deals with the influence of body composition on physical fitness. The thesis deals with the issue of increasing prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. The aim of the thesis is to assess physical fitness in older school-aged children using a validated test battery and to determine the association of physical fitness in these children with their body composition. A total of 52 pupils aged 12-14 years were tested, of whom 34 were girls and 18 were boys. We used a modified Assessing levels of physical activity (ALPHA) test battery to determine the physical fitness of the children and adolescents. We also used a questionnaire survey to determine anthropometric parameters relevant to body composition. For the actual measurement, we used three skinfold measurements, dynamometry, Unifittest (6-60). F-test was used to calculate statistical significance of differences and Cohen's d was calculated to calculate substantive significance. The results showed that girls had higher amount of subcutaneous fat than boys. There was no difference in body weight and body height between girls and boys. Compared to boys, girls had a lower mean time spent in physical activity outside physical education. In conclusion, body composition has a great influence on physical fitness in older...
|
|
Nutrition as one tool in obesity therapy.
JEŘÁBKOVÁ, Simona
The topic of this thesis is "Nutrition as one of the tools in obesity therapy". Obesity reduces the quality of life and shortens its duration. It is therefore important to pay attention to its prevention and treatment.The first aim of the bachelor thesis was to chart the dietary changes of obese subjects in the context of nutritional intervention. The second aim was to determine the weight change of obese subjects under nutritional intervention. The research was carried out using a qualitative method using a nutritional intervention and by analyzing the diet plans from the selected respondents. The diets were calculated using Nutriservis application. The study population consisted of 8 obese respondents with a BMI of 30+ kg/m2, of whom 3 were males and 5 females in the age range of 33-62 years.The obtained data shows that most respondents have changed their eating habits, except for 2 respondents. Five respondents managed to reduce body weight, mostly adipose tissue, because of dietary change. The remaining 3 respondents failed to reduce body weight, but instead experienced weight gain, as 2 respondents did not change their dietary habits and 1 respondent was an exception due to unhealthy low energy intake. Incorrect eating habits before the nutritional intervention were present in all respondents. The biggest problem was irregular and high energy intake in the form of high fat and simple carbohydrates. The respondents were mostly deficient in protein and fiber in their diet. The diets contained no whole grains, fish, legumes, or fresh vegetables. Processed food sweetened full-fat dairy products, and sweetened fizzy drinks, tea or coffee featured heavily in the diets. The biggest dietary changes after the nutrition intervention were an increase in protein, whole grains, and a reduction in sweetened dairy products and sweets. There was a substitution of full-fat dairy products for low-fat options and an increase in unsweetened drinks. All respondents took away from the nutrition intervention new knowledge about nutrition and the principles of good nutrition. Successful respondents who were able to reduce their body weight promoted their health and reduced obesity-related health complications.
|
|
Proposal to Introduce a Tax on Sugar in the Czech Republic
Lamačová, Markéta ; Brychta, Karel (referee) ; Semerád, Pavel (advisor)
This thesis focuses on the implementation of a sugar tax in the Czech Republic and evaluates the tax from the perspective of expected profitability. Attention is paid to the arguments for taxing sugar, specifically its negative impact on public health. The introduction of a sugar tax in the Czech Republic is based on the experience of selected countries, which have introduced a sugar tax. The effects and impacts of this tax have been compared and analysed. The result of the thesis is a proposal of sugar taxation under our conditions and the shortcomings occurring in the observed countries are eliminated.
|
|
Monitoring fiber and protein intake in obese clients of a nutrition counseling center
Kekrtová, Magdaléna ; Pejšová, Hana (advisor) ; Weidenthalerová, Edita (referee)
The obesity epidemic is still a very topical problem and requires a comprehensive therapy that includes nutritional counselling. In my practical experience, the topic of protein and fibre tends to be very common with obese clients and I often observe less than appropriate choices in terms of protein sources. Fibre is not given much importance and therefore its adequate intake is not optimal. Therefore, the theoretical part aimed to summarize the current knowledge about obesity, protein and fibre. However, nutrition in obesity is summarised in a comprehensive way, taking into account other nutrients, but also micronutrients or drinking, which may also be significantly related to obesity. The theoretical summary of obesity was summarized rather marginally. In terms of treatment approaches, diet therapy, physical activity or psychotherapy are more approached. The importance of the nutritional therapist is not neglected. The practical part was quite comprehensive. The aim of the study was to assess dietary habits (qualitatively and quantitatively, focusing mainly on protein and fibre), body composition before and after the nutritional intervention and thus to evaluate the effect of the therapy. It was also intended to provide information on the original dietary habits of obese individuals in terms of...
|
| |
|
Measurement of thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue in B-mode ultrasound image
Moldříková, Zuzana ; Štohanzlová, Petra (referee) ; Šrámek, Jaromír (advisor)
In the first part this bachelor thesis deals with theoretical analysis of terms, which are needed for understanding and algorithm proposition for skin thickness and subcutaneous tissue direct measurement. Second part of this thesis deals with implementation of algorithm. In six chapters there are described terms like skin and subcutaneous tissue, adiposity, Body Composition Analysis, ultrasound, B-mode and basics of image processing, which are going to be needed for processing of ultrasound image and algorithm creation. Chapter seven includes description of algorithm implementation and description of its structure. There is also analyzed clinical verification of functionality on phantom and some volunteers. The chapter is concluded with evaluation and discussion of gained results.
|