Introduction

Boisvert

2011

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The recent pandemic prevalence of obesity, not only in adults but also in children, together with the rising awareness of the burden of this condition on population health and health costs, have considerably contributed to intensify our efforts to understand obesity, which is now at the forefront of biochemical, biomolecular and neurobiological research.In morbidly obese subjects, physiological disturbances are amplified and their extreme manifestations are more easily measured. The significant and predictable effects of bariatric surgery present a striking contrast to preoperative morbid conditions. Bariatric surgery in humans offers a window of opportunity to further understand obesity and associated diseases.Bariatric/metabolic surgeries are being performed increasingly in response to the epidemic of obesity. Their widespread acceptance stems in part from their remarkable success in reducing weight over a sustained period of time, and for having marked metabolic effects on glucose homeostasis, essentially curing Type 2 diabetes in as many as 80% of patients following surgery. In fact, the metabolic benefits of these surgeries often occur before significant weight loss, and their magnitude is far greater than can be explained by the loss of weight alone. This accounts for their long-term benefits and low rates of recidivism. Given these findings, it is perhaps not surprising that one of the big unanswered questions in obesity research is how does bariatric/metabolic surgery work? Establishing these mechanisms will offer new insights into the physiology of energy balance and the control of metabolism.The Merck Frosst/CIHR Research Chair held in October 2010 its 13 th Annual International Symposium, which focused on mechanisms whereby bariatric/metabolic surgery influences energy balance regulation. The meeting was divided into two sessions and involved eight speakers among the most renowned researchers in the field of bariatric surgery. Karine Clément (Paris), who had the task of speaking on morbid obesity and the pathophysiology of obesity, stressed the importance of the gene-environment interaction in the development of massive obesity. Philip Schauer (Cleveland) presented a comprehensive description of the various procedures used in bariatric surgery. Blandine Laferrère (New York) reported on the major role of incretins in diabetes remission after bariatric surgery. Paul R. Burton (Melbourne) made a comprehensive exposé on laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Carel Leroux (London) emphasized the stimulating effects of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on energy expenditure. Hans Berthoud (Baton Rouge) summarized the effects of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the functions of food reward. Darleen Sandoval (Cincinnati) focused on the metabolic effects of the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Finally, Lee Kaplan (Boston) presented his latest results obtained in his mouse model of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, demonstrating the positive effects of the surgery on brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.Altogether, the speakers ...

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Section: Com/ijomentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Com/ijomentioning

confidence: 99%

The 13th Annual International Symposium in obesity: bariatric/metabolic surgery: how it influences energy balance regulation

Boisvert

2011

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“…1 The second symposium, which was organized the following year, was oriented toward Recent advances in adipose tissue biology and their implications for obesity. 2 In 2000, the third symposium, entitled The Ponderostat: from behavior to neural substrates, 3 focused on the mechanisms whereby energy balance is regulated. The fourth symposium, which was organized in November 2002 and entitled Complications of obesity: the inflammatory link, summarized the latest and most important findings in the mechanisms underlying the link between obesity and its complications, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

11th Annual International Symposium in Obesity: ‘Obesity in a modern world: when pleasure meets homeostasis’

Boisvert

2009

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“…The fourth symposium, organized in November 2002, and entitled Complications of Obesity: The Inflammatory Link, summarized the latest most important findings in the mechanisms underlying the link between obesity and its complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. 4 In 2003, the fifth symposium brought a comprehensive view on The Role of Gene Regulation in Obesity and its Complications, 5 and specifically, on the regulation of PPARs, PGC-1, FOXO1 and SIR2. In 2004, the sixth symposium focused on the understanding of The Endocannabinoid System and its Role in Energy Homeostasis and Abdominal Obesity Management.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 The second symposium, organized the following year, was oriented toward Recent Advances in Adipose Tissue Biology and their Implications for Obesity. 2 In 2000, the third symposium, entitled The Ponderostat: From Behavior to Neural Substrates, 3 focused on the mechanisms whereby energy balance is regulated. The fourth symposium, organized in November 2002, and entitled Complications of Obesity: The Inflammatory Link, summarized the latest most important findings in the mechanisms underlying the link between obesity and its complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.…”

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confidence: 99%

9th and 10th annual international symposia in obesity from the Merck Frosst/CIHR Research Chair in Obesity at Université Laval

Boisvert²

2009

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