Yoga interventions improve obesity-related outcomes including body mass index (BMI), body weight, body fat, and waist circumference, yet it is unclear whether these improvements are due to increased physical activity, increased lean muscle mass, and/or changes in eating behaviors. The purpose of this study is to expand our understanding of the experience of losing weight through yoga. Methods. Semistructured interviews were qualitatively analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Results. Two distinct groups who had lost weight through yoga responded: those who were overweight and had repeatedly struggled in their attempts to lose weight (55%, n = 11) and those who were of normal weight and had lost weight unintentionally (45%, n = 9). Five themes emerged that differed slightly by group: shift toward healthy eating, impact of the yoga community/yoga culture, physical changes, psychological changes, and the belief that the yoga weight loss experience was different than past weight loss experiences. Conclusions. These findings imply that yoga could offer diverse behavioral, physical, and psychosocial effects that may make it a useful tool for weight loss. Role modeling and social support provided by the yoga community may contribute to weight loss, particularly for individuals struggling to lose weight.

 After hind limb suspension, a remodeling of postural muscle phenotype is observed. This remodeling results in a shift of muscle profile from slow-oxidative to fast-glycolytic. These metabolic changes and fiber type shift increase muscle fatigability. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) influences the skeletal muscle phenotype of soleus muscle suggesting a positive role of dietary supplementation of ALCAR during unloading. In the present study, we applied a 2-D DIGE, mass spectrometry and biochemical assays, to assess qualitative and quantitative differences in the proteome of rat slow-twitch soleus muscle subjected to disuse. Meanwhile, the effects of ALCAR administration on muscle proteomic profile in both unloading and normal-loading conditions were evaluated. The results indicate a modulation of troponin I and tropomyosin complex to regulate fiber type transition. Associated, or induced, metabolic changes with an increment of glycolytic enzymes and a decreased capacity of fat oxidation are observed. These metabolic changes appear to be counteracted by ALCAR treatment, which restores the mitochondrial mass and decreases the glycolytic enzyme expression, suggesting a normalization of the metabolic shift observed in unloaded animals. This normalization is accompanied by a maintenance of body weight and seems to prevent a switch of fiber type.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether 14 days of supplementation with maritime pine extract leading up to and following an exercise test would increase performance and reduce biomarkers associated with muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Twenty apparently healthy young male participants ingested either 800 mg pine bark extract or placebo for 14 days prior to the first exercise trial and for 2 days postexercise. On the exercise day, participants submitted a pre-exercise blood sample then completed a VOpeak test until volitional failure. A postexercise blood sample was collected 1 hour after completion of exercise. Participants returned at 24 and 48 hours after the exercise testing for measures of muscle pain in the lower body using an algometer. Participants then had a 7-day washout period before beginning to cross over to the alternate treatment. Analysis via ordinal regression demonstrated a significant difference in oxidative stress in the maritime pine extract group compared to placebo (ChiSq = 2.63; p = 0.045). Maritime pine extract was effective at affording protection from oxidative stress postexercise. Further work should be undertaken to evaluate thefindings with other exercise modes or in participants with known metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) disrupt neuronal mitochondrial DNA synthesis, resulting in antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN). Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) enhances neurotrophic support of sensory neurones, potentially providing symptom relief and nerve regeneration. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy compared to placebo of intramuscular ALCAR in HIV-positive patients with symptomatic distal symmetrical polyneuropathy. METHODS: Ninety patients were enrolled and randomized to receive ALCAR [500 mg twice a day (bid); n=43] or placebo (n=47) intramuscularly twice daily for 14 days followed by 42 days of oral ALCAR 1000 mg bid. Assessment of pain was obtained using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Total Symptom Score (TSS), Clinical Global Impression of Change, McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and the need for rescue analgesics. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in changes in VAS over 14 days between groups for the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, but for the efficacy-evaluable (EE) population ALCAR treatment produced a significantly greater reduction in pain compared with placebo (P=0.022). The proportion of patients with an improvement in TSS over 14 days was greater in the ALCAR group compared with the placebo group, but the differences were not statistically significant. During the open-label phase, patients experienced an improvement in pain, as measured by the VAS, TSS and McGill Pain Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: ALCAR, administered twice a day intramuscularly to HIV-1-infected patients with symptomatic ATN, significantly reduced weekly mean pain ratings on the VAS compared with placebo. Treatment with oral ALCAR improved symptoms for the patient group as a whole. Intramuscular and oral ALCAR was generally safe and well tolerated.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a frequent behavioral problem in young boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS), and its treatment is critical for improving social ability. The short-term efficacy of stimulant medications like methylphenidate (MPH) is well established in children with ADHD. FXS boys treated with MPH have improved attention span and socialization skills; however their mood becomes unstable at higher doses. Therefore, alternative pharmacological treatment of ADHD symptoms is desirable. A recent study showed that carnitine has a beneficial effect on the hyperactive-impulsive behavior in boys with ADHD without side effects. Our previous placebo-controlled trial indicated that L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) reduces hyperactivity in FXS boys. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of LAC in a larger sample of FXS boys with ADHD. The study design was randomized, double blind placebo controlled, parallel, and multicenter (with eight centers involved in Italy, France, and Spain). Sixty-three FXS males with ADHD (aged 6-13 years) were enrolled; 7 patients dropped out, 56 completed the one-year treatment, and 51 were included in the statistical analysis. Both groups improved their behavior, showing that psychosocial intervention has a significant therapeutic effect. However, we observed a stronger reduction of hyperactivity and improvement of social behavior in patients treated with LAC, compared with the placebo group, as determined by the Conners' Global Index Parents and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. Our results show that LAC (20-50 mg/kg/day) represents a safe alternative to the use of stimulant drugs for the treatment of ADHD in FXS children. Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease for which there is no curative treatment available. Given that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of HD mouse models, stimulation of specific targets within this signaling system has been investigated as a promising therapeutic agent in HD. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot clinical trial with Sativex(®), a botanical extract with an equimolecular combination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Both Sativex(®) and placebo were dispensed as an oral spray, to be administered up to 12 sprays/day for 12 weeks. The primary objective was safety, assessed by the absence of more severe adverse events (SAE) and no greater deterioration of motor, cognitive, behavioral and functional scales during the phase of active treatment. Secondary objectives were clinical improvement of Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale scores. Twenty-six patients were randomized and 24 completed the trial.After ruling-out period and sequence effects, safety and tolerability were confirmed. No differences on motor (p = 0.286), cognitive (p = 0.824), behavioral (p = 1.0) and functional (p = 0.581) scores were detected during treatment with Sativex(®) as compared to placebo. No significant molecular effects were detected on the biomarker analysis. Sativex(®) is safe and well tolerated in patients with HD, with no SAE or clinical worsening. No significant symptomatic effects were detected at the prescribed dosage and for a 12-week period. Also, no significant molecular changes were observed on the biomarkers. Future study designs should consider higher doses, longer treatment periods and/or alternative cannabinoid combinations.Clincaltrals.gov identifier: NCT01502046.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the feasibility, acceptability and safety of using acupuncture to treat arm lymphoedema in women following treatment for breast cancer.

METHODS:We conducted a randomised controlled trial of acupuncture compared with treatment as usual. Twenty women with stable unilateral intransient lymphoedema present for at least 6 months were recruited from Sydney, Australia. The women received 12 acupuncture treatments administered to body and arm points on the non-lymphoedematous limb over 8 weeks, twice weekly for 4 weeks then once weekly for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included an assessment of interest to participate in the trial, identification of successful recruitment strategies, the appropriateness of eligibility criteria and compliance with treatment attendance. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks and included extracellular fluid, lymphoedema symptoms, well-being and safety.

RESULTS:Acupuncture was an acceptable intervention in women with upper limb lymphoedema. Compliance with the treatment protocol was high, with nine women completing all 12 treatments. Outcome forms were completed by 17 women at 8 weeks. No major adverse occurrences, as defined by the study protocol, were reported from the acupuncture group although one woman found the needling uncomfortable, and no study participant experienced an increase in swelling of>10%. There was no change in extracellular fluid or any patient-reported outcome measurement.

CONCLUSIONS:Lymphoedema is a persistent symptom experienced by women recovering from breast cancer. Our study suggests that acupuncture may stabilise symptoms and no major safety concerns were identified, so further research is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, http://www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12612000607875.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the feasibility, acceptability and safety of using acupuncture to treat arm lymphoedema in women following treatment for breast cancer.

METHODS:We conducted a randomised controlled trial of acupuncture compared with treatment as usual. Twenty women with stable unilateral intransient lymphoedema present for at least 6 months were recruited from Sydney, Australia. The women received 12 acupuncture treatments administered to body and arm points on the non-lymphoedematous limb over 8 weeks, twice weekly for 4 weeks then once weekly for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included an assessment of interest to participate in the trial, identification of successful recruitment strategies, the appropriateness of eligibility criteria and compliance with treatment attendance. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks and included extracellular fluid, lymphoedema symptoms, well-being and safety.

RESULTS:Acupuncture was an acceptable intervention in women with upper limb lymphoedema. Compliance with the treatment protocol was high, with nine women completing all 12 treatments. Outcome forms were completed by 17 women at 8 weeks. No major adverse occurrences, as defined by the study protocol, were reported from the acupuncture group although one woman found the needling uncomfortable, and no study participant experienced an increase in swelling of>10%. There was no change in extracellular fluid or any patient-reported outcome measurement.

CONCLUSIONS:Lymphoedema is a persistent symptom experienced by women recovering from breast cancer. Our study suggests that acupuncture may stabilise symptoms and no major safety concerns were identified, so further research is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, http://www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12612000607875.

We previously reported that forest bathing trips enhanced human NK activity, number of NK cells, and intracellular anti-cancer proteins in lymphocytes, and that the increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after the trip in male subjects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of forest bathing trip on human NK activity in female subjects. Thirteen healthy nurses, age 25-43 years, professional career 4-18 years, were selected with informed consent. The subjects experienced a three-day/two-night trip to forest fields. On day 1, the subjects walked for two hours in the afternoon in a forest field; on day 2, they walked for two hours each in the morning and afternoon in two different forest fields; and on day 3, the subjects finished the trip and returned to Tokyo after drawing blood and completing a questionnaire. Blood and urine were sampled on the second and third days during the trip, and on days 7 and 30 after the trip. NK activity, numbers of NK and T cells, and granulysin, perforin, and granzymes A/B-expressing lymphocytes in the blood samples, the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in serum, and the concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine were measured. Similar control measurements were made before the trip on a normal working day. The concentrations of phytoncides in the forests were measured. The forest bathing trip significantly increased NK activity and the numbers of NK, perforin, granulysin, and granzymes A/B-expressing cells and significantly decreased the percentage of T cells, and the concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine. The increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after the trip. Phytoncides, such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene were detected in forest air. These findings indicate that a forest bathing trip also increased NK activity, number of NK cells, and levels of intracellular anti-cancer proteins in female subjects, and that this effect lasted at least 7 days after the trip. Phytoncides released from trees and decreased stress hormone levels may partially contribute to the increased NK activity.

FSK88, a forskolin derivative, was extracted and purified from cultured tropical plant roots, Coleus forskohlii. Our previous studies have demonstrated that FSK88 can inhibit HL-60 cell proliferation and induce the differentiation of HL-60 cells to monocyte macrophages. In this study, we showed that FSK88 can induce apoptotic death of human gastric cancer BGC823 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.Results showed that FSK88-induced apoptosis was accompanied by the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3 in BGC823 cells. Furthermore, treatment with caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk) was capable of preventing the FSK88-induced caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. FSK88-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer BGC823 cells was also accompanied by the up-regulation of Bax, Bad and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Theses results clearly demonstrated that the induction of apoptosis by FSK88 involved multiple cellular and molecular pathways and strongly suggest that pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family genes, mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)), cytochrome c, and caspase-3, participate in the FSK88-induced apoptotic process in human gastric cancer BGC823 cells.

BACKGROUND:Thimerosal is a preservative commonly used in ophthalmic solutions, otic drops, and vaccines because of its bactericidal property.

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of a generalized reaction to thimerosal in a patient who received an influenza vaccine.

METHODS:We describe a patient who developed a generalized maculopapular eruption after receiving a thimerosal-containing influenza vaccine. Patch testing was performed to determine if there was an allergy to thimerosal.

RESULTS:Patch testing confirmed a T-cell-mediated sensitivity to thimerosal.

CONCLUSIONS:Physicians need to be aware that thimerosal is found in many products, including vaccinations. Clinicians should also be aware that allergic reactions occur with exposure to thimerosal even in vaccines. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature of a generalized reaction to thimerosalfrom an influenza vaccine.

Coeliac disease is an inflammatory disorder of the small intestine with an autoimmune component and strong heritability. Genetic studies have confirmed strong association to HLA and identified 39 nonHLA risk genes, mostly immune-related. Over 50% of the disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms are correlated with gene expression. Most of the coeliac disease-associated regions are shared with other immune-related diseases, as well as with metabolic, haematological or neurological traits, or cancer. We review recent progress in the genetics of coeliac disease and describe the pathways these genes are in, the functional consequences of the associated markers on gene expression and the genes shared between coeliac disease and other traits.

Mushrooms have become popular sources of natural antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory agents. Golden oyster mushroom, Pleurotus citrinopileatus , is a common mushroom in oriental countries for human consumption. We isolated a functional protein (PCP-3A) from the fresh fruiting body of this mushroom. The isolation procedure included ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B ion exchange chromatography, and Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration. Electrophoresis demonstrated that PCP-3A is a glycoprotein composed of 10 subunits, each approximately 45.0 kDa in size. In vitro cell study showed that PCP-3A at a concentration about 12.5 microg/mL inhibits the proliferation of human tumor cell line U937, in a time- dependent manner (24, 48, and 72 h). It failed to agglutinate rabbit and human erythrocytes, excluding its possibility from being a lectin. Flow cytometry revealed that it is capable of inhibiting the growth of U937 cells by way of S phase arrest and apoptotic induction. We suggest that PCP-3A is worth further investigating for antitumor use.

BACKGROUND: The 'Mediterranean diet' is considered to exert protective effects on cardiovascular disease, although a wide range of dietary patterns exists among subjects living even in the same Mediterranean country.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between specific dietary patterns and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Italian Type 2 diabetes patients.

DESIGN: From a cohort of 944 patients with Type 2 diabetes, 144 patients with PAD were selected, and matched for age and sex with 288 Type 2 diabetic control patients without macrovascular complications. A dietary score was elaborated from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The higher the final score, the healthier the eating habit.

RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, a higher score was independently associated with a significant reduction in PAD risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24, 0.83]. Diabetes duration (OR>15 years = 2.49; 95% CI 1.45, 4.25), hypertension (OR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.31, 3.45) and butter consumption (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.15, 3.68) were also significantly associated with PAD. The dietary score significantly improved the predictive value of models based on duration of diabetes and hypertension. (LSR = 2.19, DF = 7, P<0.001). The effect of a high dietary score on the risk of PAD was independent of diabetes duration and hypertension.

CONCLUSION: In Italian Type 2 diabetics, a higher dietary score has a protective role against PAD. The use of butter increases the risk of PAD even in patients regularly consuming olive oil. Dietary advice may be helpful for the prevention of PAD in diabetics even in populations traditionally accustomed to a Mediterranean dietary habit.

CONTEXT: The incidence of tendon injuries and tendinopathy has risen substantially in the past decades. OBJECTIVE: To assess the noninferiority of therapy based on the homeopathic preparation Traumeel S ointment (Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany) compared with treatment based on diclofenac 1% gel in patients with tendinopathies of varying etiology. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, observational study. SETTING: Ninety-five homeopathy and conventional medical practices in Germany. PATIENTS: Three hundred fifty-seven patients aged 18 to 93 years with tendinopathy of varying etiology based on excessive tendon load rather than inflammation. INTERVENTIONS: Traumeel S ointment or diclofenac 1% gel for a maximum of 28 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy was measured on a four-degree scale on pain-related variables, on variables related to motility, and on overall treatment outcome. Tolerability was monitored as adverse events. Compliance was assessed by practitioner and patient on a four-degree scale. RESULTS: The patients groups were comparable at baseline. The changes in summary score of all pain-related variables were -5.3 +/- 2.7 (all values means +/- SD) in the Traumeel group and -5.0 +/- 2.7 in the control group. Changes for all motility-related variables were -4.2 +/- 3.8 with Traumeel and -3.7 +/- 3.4 with control therapy. The summary scores for all clinical variables were reduced by -9.5 +/- 5.7 with Traumeel therapy and by -8.7 +/- 5.4 with diclofenac-based treatment. Homeopathic therapy was noninferior to diclofenac therapy on all variables. For motility-related variables, there was a trend toward superiority of Traumeel. Treatments were well tolerated with no treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that Traumeel ointment is an effective alternative to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs therapy for the acute symptomatic treatment of patients with tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND:Coconut oil has been widely used to improve health because there is much information available by word of mouth, in books, and on the internet. However, researchers still continue to search for the best diets to improve the quality of life, especially for people with cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this review is to develop a novel dietary approach, the Keto-Mediet, which may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS:Evidence gained through literature review from 1982 to 2015 on gene-by-diet interaction and lipid and glucose metabolism in the brains of Alzheimer's patients is converted into the new Keto-Mediet approach.

DESIGN:The Keto-Mediet approach combines the benefits of a Ketogenic diet and a Mediterranean diet into a pyramidal model that is rich in various types of vitamins and substitutes coconuts for saturated animal fats. Limited glucose intake is intended to delay brain degeneration. A revised adult food pyramid was created to illustrate the principles of the Keto-Mediet approach.

CONCLUSION:The Keto-Mediet approach represents and interprets food groups according to the revised adult food pyramid. This approach also encourages adherence to this healthy diet and lifestyle changes including exercise for people whose age ranges from 40 to 75 years. Those who comply with this approach will significantly enhance their knowledge and adopt a healthier lifestyle, as compared to those whose modern eating patterns are typically less healthy. Therefore, the Keto-Mediet approach can be applied in hopes of preventing and decreasing Alzheimer's disease in different ethnicities and cultural groups.

Abnormal metabolism serves a critical role in the development and progression of different types of malignancies including glioblastoma (GBM), and may therefore serve as a promising target for treatment of cancer. Preclinical studies have indicated that a ketogenic diet (KD) may exhibit beneficial effects in patients with GBM; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a KD on glioma stem‑like cells (GSCs), by culturing patient‑derived primary GSCs as well as a GSC cell line in glucose‑restricted, β‑hydroxybutyrate‑containing medium (BHB‑Glow) which was used to mimic clinical KD treatment. GSCs cultured in BHB‑Glow medium exhibited reduced proliferation and increasedapoptosis compared with cells grown in the control medium. Furthermore, decreased expression of stem cell markers, diminished self‑renewal in vitro, and reduced tumorigenic capacity in vivo, providing evidence that the stemness of GSCs was compromised. Mechanistically, culturing in BHB‑Glow medium reduced glucose uptake and inhibited glycolysis in GSCs. Furthermore, culturing in the BHB‑Glow medium resulted in morphological and functional disturbances to the mitochondria of GSCs. These metabolic changes may have reduced ATP production, promoted lactic acid accumulation, and thus, increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GSCs. The expression levels and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin, hypoxia‑inducible factor 1 and B‑cell lymphoma 2 were decreased, consistent with the reduced proliferation of GSCs in BHB‑Glow medium. ROS scavenging reversed the inhibitory effects of a KD on GSCs. Taken together, the results demonstrate that treatment with KD inhibited proliferation of GSCs, increased apoptosis and attenuated the stemness in GSCs by increasing ROS production.

OBJECTIVES:Chemotherapy is one of the major treatments of cancer. However, the emergence of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is still a major obstacle in the successful management of resistant tumors. Therefore, development of new mechanisms to overcome drug resistance is essential and may be further developed into effective therapies that can flip the switch from drug resistance to susceptibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate a combination consisting of a ketogenic diet and melatonin to determine whether it would inhibit cisplatin- and vincristine-resistant breast cancer.

METHODS:In the in vitro part of the study, drug-resistant cell lines were treated with melatonin and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure levels of gene expression involved in apoptosis and resistance. On the protein level, the activity of caspase-3 and the level of vascular endothelin growth factor protein were determined. In the in vivo part, tumor-bearing mice received one of the following treatments: ketogenic diet, melatonin, combination of melatonin and ketogenic diet, vehicle, or chemotherapy.

RESULTS:Successful inhibition of resistant cell lines was achieved by melatonin. This inhibition was mediated by induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and downregulation of resistance genes. A synergistic anticancer effect was observed between melatonin and the ketogenic diet against resistant breast tumors inoculated in mice with a cure rate of 70%.

CONCLUSIONS:The combination of melatonin and a ketogenic diet represents a promising option to overcome drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. However, further testing on the protein level using flow cytometry is important to better understand the mechanisms of action.

Ketogenic diets are high in fat and low in carbohydrates, and have long been used as an anticonvulsant therapy for drug-intractable and pediatric epilepsy. Additionally, ketogenic diets have been shown to provide neuroprotective effects against acute and chronic brain injury, including beneficial effects in various rodent models of neurodegeneration. Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neurological, behavioral and metabolic dysfunction, and ketogenic diets have been shown to increase energy molecules and mitochondrial function. We tested the effects of a ketogenic diet in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease (R6/2 1J), with a focus on life-long behavioral and physiological effects. Matched male and female wild-type and transgenic mice were maintained on a control diet or were switched to a ketogenic diet fed ad libitum starting at six weeks of age. We found no negative effects of the ketogenic diet on any behavioral parameter tested (locomotor activity and coordination, working memory) and no significant change in lifespan. Progressive weight loss is a hallmark feature of Huntington's disease, yet we found that the ketogenic diet-which generally causes weight loss in normal animals-delayed the reduction in body weight of the transgenic mice. These results suggest that metabolic therapies could offer important benefits for Huntington's disease without negative behavioral or physiological consequences.