2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1) To assess the ability of barley and barley fractions to improve glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity in acute and chronic studies of normal-weight and overweight adults, and individuals with the metabolic syndrome. To assess the role of soluble fiber in improving glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity in acute and longer-term studies in normal-weight and overweight/obese adults with the metabolic syndrome. . 2)To assess the ability of barley and barley fractions to improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease in chronic studies of normal-weight and overweight/obese adults. To assess the role of soluble fiber in improving risk factors for cardiovascular disease in normal-weight and overweight/obese adults with the metabolic syndrome.. 3)To test the effectiveness of foods high in soluble fiber, including barley, in inducing and maintaining weight-loss in weight-reduced subjects. To determine if chronic consumption of food supplements high in soluble fiber affects ability to maintain a 10% weight loss. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Acute and long-term controlled human studies will evaluate reducing risk factors observed with excess weight and the metabolic syndrome by consumption of grains such as barley or oats or grain components. Overweight/obese (body mass index [BMI] >27) and control (normal weight, BMI <25) individuals will be chosen from the diverse population with special interest in groups identified to be at high risk for obesity. Samples would be collected periodically throughout the study. Measurements would be made during weight loss and weight maintenance periods in overweight subjects. Measurements will be made for markers of glycemic control, energy regulation, and lipid metabolism, blood pressure, body composition, measures of satiety, nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy, and energy expenditure. 3.Progress Report No new research was undertaken due to the retirement of two key scientists other than the continued monitoring of the in-house associated project with the University of Maryland. Manuscripts were completed in preparation for the retirement of the principal investigators on this project. The associated reimbursable agreement with the University of Maryland was terminated during this year. University of Maryland students completed body composition measurements of volunteers and findings reported to date are given in the list of publications associated with this project. 5.Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations None 6.Technology Transfer Review Publications Delmonico, M.J., Kostek, M.C., Doldo, N.A., Hand, B.D., Walsh, S., Conway, J.M., Carignan, C.R., Roth, S.M., Hurley, B.F. 2007. Alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) R577X polymorphism influences knee extensor peak power response to strength training in older men and women. Journal of Gerontology A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 62(2):206-212. Delmonico, M.J., Kostek, M.C., Johns, J.R., Hurley, B.F., Conway, J.M. 2007. Can dual energy x-ray absorptiometry provide a valid assessment of changes in thigh muscle mass with strength training in older adults? European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Available: doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602880. Yao, L., Delmonico, M., Roth, S., Hand, B., Johns, J., Conway, J.M., Douglass, L., Hurley, B. 2007. Adrenergic receptor genotype influences the effects of strength training on mid-thigh inter-muscular fat. Journal of Gerontology A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 62A (6):658-663. Blanck, H.M., Serdula, M.K., Gillespie, C., Galuska, D.A., Sharpe, P.A., Conway, J.M., Khan, L., Ainsworth, B.A. 2007. Use of dietary supplements for weight loss are common among Americans. Journal Of The American Dietetic Association. 107(3):441-447. Behall, K.M., Scholfield, D.J., Hallfrisch, J. 2006. Whole-grain diets reduce blood pressure in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. Journal of The American Dietetic Association. 106(9):1445-9.