bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Dietary Scores for Diet Quality Measurement: Relation with Nutritional Status of Women in Northern Benin
Authors: Burney Jennifer , Alaofe Halimatou , Naylor Rosamond , Taren Douglas
Published: November 2023

Background

Dietary diversity is recommended to obtain good nutritional status and health. However, the association between the diversity score and nutritional status of women is unknown in Benin.

Objectives

This study's purpose was to assess dietary diversity and its relationship to the nutritional status of women of childbearing age.

Methods

In 2014, a total of 680 mothers with children below the age of 5 y were recruited from 16 villages in Kalalé district of Northern Benin. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) were assessed based on frequency of consumption of individual food items categorized into 12 individual food groups. These scores were then divided into tertile. Body mass index (BMI) was used to determine the women's nutritional status.

Results

The overall dietary quality was poor: mean DDS=5.6 (SD 1.4) food groups. Approximately 24% consumed 7 or more food groups and 9.3% consumed less than 4 food groups. Considering the diet within each category of the diversity score, women with low scores had a very basic diet and consumed only three food groups (cereals, condiments and oils/fats) at most. Women with medium scores often consumed vegetables, roots and tubers in addition to these groups, and also a little more meat, fish, legumes, nuts or seeds, and sugar. Women who had higher dietary diversity scores also ate more meat, fish, legumes, nuts or seeds, sugar as well as some fruits. Women with a DDS in the lowest tertile had a mean BMI of 20.9, while those in the highest tertile had a BMI of 22.4 (P=0.042). Those in the lowest tertile of DDS had a 15.8% prevalence of underweight vs 6.3% in the highest tertile (P=0.02). The latter relationship remained significant even when the subjects’ sociodemographic and economic characteristics were controlled (P=0.04).

Conclusion

Dietary scores measured at the individual level were a good proxy for overall dietary quality of women living in northern Benin. These scores were also shown to be linked with the nutritional status of women indicating that dietary diversity of women can also be measured to obtain information on their nutritional status.
Development of Low Glycemic Index (GI) Foods by Incorporating Pulse Ingredients into Cereal‐ based Products: Use of in vitro screening and in vivo GI determination
Authors: Fujiwara Natsuki , Hall Clifford , Jenkins Alexandra L
Published: November 2023

Pulses are environmentally sustainable, highly nutritional and energy efficient crops. Pulse ingredients (pea and lentil flour, pea protein concentrate and pea fiber) were incorporated into food products to develop low Glycemic Index (GI) products. Over 100 different products were formulated including pastas, breads, crackers, extruded snacks, cookies, cereal bars and muffins. Products were screened for estimated GI (eGI) using an in vitro method. Total starch and resistant starch content were also determined using an assay method. Based on the screening results, five products (pasta, bread, cracker, granola bar, and cookie) were selected for in vivo GI testing. For each control (containing 100 % wheat flour), a pulse variant (containing up to 50 % of pulse flour) was developed. 10 healthy subjects (5M, 5F; 36±14y, 23±4kg/m2 ) tested each test meal (5 control and 5 pulse variant) in addition to 3 control dextrose meals on separate days and blood samples were collected over 2 hours. GI values of the control and pulse variant meals were 61.3±5.1 vs. 54.6±7.6 (pasta), 61.4±5.6 vs. 53.4±4.7 (focaccia bread), 46.0±4.2 vs. 41.5±3.1 (cracker), 35.4±3.6 vs. 34.8±5.0 (granola bar), and 41.6±3.8 vs. 37.6±3.0 (cookie). Mean GI difference between control and pulse variant was 4.8±2.6 with all pulse variant falling into the low GI category. The greatest reduction occurred in pasta and bread products containing 50% and 30% of lentil flour, respectively. Resistant starch was significantly higher in the pulse variant except granola bar where a mean of control and pulse variant were 0.42±0.096 and 0.79±0.23 (p<0.05), respectively. Palatability scores showed no significant difference between control and pulse variant. The data supports that substituting wheat flour with pulse ingredients reduces the GI value without changing palatability of the products.
Eating away at climate change – substituting beans for beef to help meet US climate targets
Authors: Harwatt Helen , Sabate Joan , Eshel Gidon , Soret Sam , Ripple William
Published: November 2023

Numerous climate change analyses have highlighted the role of food consumption in achieving the required greenhouse gas reductions. We quantify an idealized example of this role, the greenhouse gas reductions from exchanging one food for another. We calculated the greenhouse gas savings from replacing beef, a popular high carbon footprint food, with a low carbon footprint food, black beans. The carbon footprint of beef was derived using total US consumption data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and greenhouse gas emissions factors from a published meta‐analysis of 52 life cycle assessments on meat and meat alternatives. The amount of replacement beans is calculated based on full energy and protein equivalency, using nutrient data from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. The results show that nationally substituting beans for beef, on an equal energy and protein basis, can achieve 25%–50% of the reductions needed to meet the US 2020 greenhouse gas target. The ‘beans for beef’ scenario illustrates that replacing animal with plant foods in the US diet offers policy makers simple, high climate change mitigation potential options. In addition to climate benefits, the substitution will offer population health benefits, starting with increasing vegetable and dietary fiber consumption, currently below government recommended levels nationwide. Other co‐benefits include reducing chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers exerted by red meat consumption.
Implantation of Insulin‐producing Cells From Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells in The Liver and Its Potential to Cure Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetes: An Animal Model Study
Authors: Eladl Mohamed Ahmed , El‐Sherbiny Mohamed , Ranade Anu Vinod , Gabr Hala
Published: November 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting people globally. To date, researchers are still in search for new therapeutic measures that could further improve patients conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic response to injected human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (HUCBMSC) in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic albino rats.

Materials and Methods

The present study was conducted on three groups of albino rats. The first group (GI, n=25), was the control group in which rats were fed with standard rat diet, Group II and III (n= 25 each) were STZ‐induced diabetic albino rats with and without differentiated HUCBMSC stem cell implantation respectively. Animals were sacrificed on the eleventh week following implantation, and liver biopsies were collected. In addition to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), liver sections were stained with Prussian blue as well as immunostain using anti‐ human insulin antibodies in order to highlight both the presence and function of the impregnated cells in the liver tissue.

Results

The H&E stained sections of the rats in GI and GII showed normal liver architecture while animals of GIII showed the presence of cell clusters inside the liver tissue and around central veins. Blue cell clusters were absent in animals of GI and GII when stained with Prussian blue. However, these cell clusters with blue cytoplasm were present in sections from GIII indicating the presence of injected differentiated UCBMSCs (Photomicrograph 1). The sections with antihuman insulin immunostaining of GIII showed clusters of cells within the liver parenchyma and around the central veins indicating that these cells are active and secreting insulin (Graph 1), while there were no such cells found inside the liver parenchyma of GI and GII (Photomicrograph 2).

Conclusion

Human UCBMSCs are capable of differentiating into insulin‐secreting cells (IPCs) in vivo when transplanted into the liver of STZ‐induced diabetic albino rats. They were able to secrete insulin and partially control the diabetic status of the rats. However, further research is needed in the field of human UCBMSCs, in the hope that it might be a promising source with potential therapeutic application in diabetics.
Autism Linked to Alcohol and Sugar Intake
Authors: Shamberger Raymond Joseph
Published: November 2023

The rate of autism is increasing 10–15% per year. The cause of autism is unknown. Autism usually appears in children ages 2 to 4. Because one cannot follow the usual nutrition over several years, nutritional epidemiology was applied from two sources. The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington published a study “Where America Drinks”. They have determined the percentage of alcohol consumed in every county of the United States except Hawaii and Alaska. In addition to the counties, an average intake was calculated for each state. They divided the alcohol consumption to one drink or less per month and the other to more than one drink per month. They also published an average amount of alcohol per state. This result was correlated to the amounts of autism among 8 year olds per state. The autism and alcohol consumption correlated r=0.519 and p<0.001. Horizontal trend lines were found for many of the states (45–48).

Alcohol consumption was also compared to multiple sclerosis among war veterans r=0.610 and p<0.0001. Horizontal trend lines between the alcohol curve and those with multiple sclerosis were also found (40–48).

The USDA has measured the B‐vitamin content of human breast milk from 279 mothers, After calculating the average amount that the babies drink, comparisons can be made to the MDR (Minimal Daily Requirement). With the exclusive breast feeding that is recommended for the first six months it is possible that there could be a B‐vitamin deficiency, All of the B‐vitamins were acceptable except thiamine which was well below the MDR for the first four months. Part of this deficiency can credited to the excess sugar intake in America, Thiamine is needed for the first step of the Krebs cycle and excess sugar could cause a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is also decreased by alcohol.

Support or Funding Information

No funding or support.
Sugary beverage and food consumption and leukocyte telomere length maintenance in pregnant women: a pilot study
Authors: Leung Cindy W , Laraia Barbara A , Coleman‐Phox Kimberly , Bush Nicole R , Lin Jue , Blackburn Elizabeth H , Adler Nancy E , Epel Elissa S
Published: November 2023

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been inversely associated with sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption in cross‐sectional studies, but its relation to other sources of added sugars is unknown. Furthermore, no studies have examined whether dietary intake influences LTL over time. This study examined longitudinal associations between sugary foods and beverages and LTL. Participants were 65 overweight and obese pregnant women, aged 18–45, in an 8‐week mindfulness intervention study conducted in early pregnancy (≤16 weeks gestation) with follow up through 9 months postpartum. During the pregnancy and postpartum periods, dietary intake was measured with two 24‐hour diet recalls and LTL was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. From baseline to 9 months postpartum, increased consumption of SSBs was associated with greater concurrent LTL shortening (β= −0.094, 95% CI −0.171, −0.016), adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics. No associations were observed between the intakes of sugary foods, including dairy desserts, sweetened yogurt, baked goods, candy, and syrups and sweet sauces, and changes in LTL. The association between SSB consumption and LTL shortening warrants investigation in large prospective cohort studies.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health grants (U01 HL097973 and K99 HD084758 to C.W. Leung).
Dairy consumption is associated with reduced plasma triglycerides and changes in body composition in overweight and obese Brazilian adults: A 12‐week intervention study
Authors: McLellan Katia , Diegoli Ana Carolina
Published: November 2023

There is evidence in the literature that dairy products have beneficial effects on weight, body composition and some biochemical markers. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of dairy consumption on anthropometric and biochemical variables in overweight and obese individuals that participated in a Nutritional Intervention Program focusing on lifestyle changing. 53 women between 20 and 45 years with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were screened. 51 were eligible for the study and initiated the intervention program, of these, 28 completed the 12‐week intervention program. The Intervention Program consisted of weekly group sessions of nutritional counseling (12 weeks) to discuss issues related to food, behavior and lifestyle. The participants were divided into two groups according to their consumption of dairy products. The group with adequate dairy consumption (AD, n = 16) was instructed to consume three or more daily servings a day, while the group with low dairy consumption (LD, n = 12) was instructed to consume no more than 1 serving a day. Dietary intake, anthropometric and biochemical assessments were performed at baseline and after the intervention. Results were discussed on the basis of p <0.05. One of the main results of this study was the reduction of plasma triglycerides in the AD group after the intervention (M0: 155,47+87,07; M1: 117,60+53,30; p=0,008), besides the increase of Muscle Mass (M0: 23,22+2,74 kg; M1: 25,74+2,65 kg; p=0,026) and Muscle Mass Index (M0: 8,67+0,96; M1: 9,62+1,01; p=0,024). In addition, there was a trend that an increase in calcium intake would promote weight loss. Adequate dairy consumption promoted reduction in plasma triglycerides and showed positive effects on body composition (increase/preservation of lean body mass) of overweight and obese women participants in a nutritional intervention program.
Relation of Total Sugars and Fructose‐Containing Sugars with Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Khan Tauseef Ahmad , Blanco‐Mejia Sonia , de Souza Russell , Kendall Cyril WC , Sievenpiper John L
Published: November 2023

Objective

Intake of sugars‐sweetened beverages has been associated with weight gain and risk of cardiovascular disease in adults, though, it is not known if the intake of total sugars and particularly fructose‐containing sugars is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies to quantify the relation of total sugars, sucrose, and fructose with incident CVD.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library (through October 31, 2015) were searched for relevant studies. We included prospective cohort studies in humans investigating the association between total and individual fructose‐containing sugars and incident CVD. Two independent reviewers reviewed and extracted the relevant data and assessed study quality (Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale). Risk estimates of extreme comparisons (lowest versus highest quantile) were pooled using inverse variance random effects models and expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Inter‐study heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran Q statistic and quantified with the I2 statistic.

Results

Eight prospective cohort comparisons (n = 512,343) involving 14,035 cases of CVD observed over an average of 11.9 years of follow‐up were eligible. Median total sugar intake was 55 g and 115 g in the lowest and highest quantile respectively. Total sugars intake was weakly associated with increased CVD risk (RR, 1.08 [95% CIs, 1.01 to 1.14]) with no evidence of heterogeneity (I2= 0%, p= 0.99). There was a weak positive association with total fructose intake (RR, 1.08 [95% CIs, 1.00 to 1.15]) but not total sucrose intake (RR, 0.95 [95% CIs, 0.87 to 1.04]) with no evidence of significant heterogeneity (I2<29%, P>0.24). Effect estimates were similar when stratified by sex.

Limitations

As the observed associations were weak and the 95% CIs for sucrose included potentially important benefit, measured and unmeasured residual confounding cannot be excluded.

Conclusions

Total sugars and fructose were weakly associated with increased CVD risk in eight large prospective cohort comparisons. Additional studies looking at important food sources of sugars other than sugars‐sweetened beverages may be helpful in better explaining the relationship between dietary sugars and CVD risk.

Support or Funding Information

Canadian Diabetes Association and PSI Foundation. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01608620
Despite higher n‐6 PUFAs, butter remains a reliable source of saturated fats across the world
Authors: GHOSH SANJOY , Botta Amy
Published: November 2023

Recent epidemiological data and updated meta‐analyses indicates that the saturated fat from sources like butter is not harmful in appropriate quantities. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that commercial farming, with increased incorporation of linoleic acid [LA, an n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)] containing oilseeds in animal feeds enhances LA and depletes saturated fatty acids (SFA) in animal food sources like butter. However, concrete evidence is lacking. We hypothesized that across the world, n‐6 PUFA content in butter would be inversely proportional to SFA content and directly proportional to country‐wide n‐6 PUFA rich oilseed production rates. We analyzed fatty acid compositions of commercial table butter from 7 countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, India, France and the Netherlands) via gas chromatography. A locally sourced butter from a grass‐fed cow was used as a reference. Rates of oilseed production in those countries were collected from the FAOStat 2012 database. Unsurprisingly, all commercial butter contained higher n‐6 and lower beneficial n‐3 PUFA than grass‐fed butter, except in Dutch butter where both were high. However, contrary to our hypothesis, LA content of butter was not reflective of oilseed production rates across countries. Moreover, instead of depleting SFA, LA levels were directly proportional to SFA in butter, with the highest present in Canadian butter. As, the increase of LA in commercial butter compared to our grass fed sample was only 1.17% of total fatty acids, we conclude that the issue of higher n‐6 PUFAs is minor and butter continues to be a reliable source of SFA (72–73% of all fatty acids) across the world.

Support or Funding Information

Dairy Farmers of Canada
MODELLING SUBSTITUTION OF FOODS. A TOOL TO IMPROVE DIET QUALITY
Authors: Weill Ricardo Julián , Zapata María Elisa , Domet Marine , Clerfeuille Edouard , Carmuega Esteban
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Argentinean population has low intake of calcium and dairy products. Food surveys available in the country and CESNI studies show that 68% of adults do not reach a consumption of 2 servings daily and that calcium intake decreases with age at 5 year‐old as a consequence of a reduction in the amount of dairy servings consumed. This reduction results in a high proportion of individuals with calcium intakes below recommendations (from 26% of preschoolers to 74% of elderly population). In order to effectively address these insufficiencies, the challenge is to provide acceptable and potentially impactful dietary advice best suited to the eating habits of these populations. In order to capture these habits, complex statistical tools are required in particular to take into account the dynamics of consumption, associations and substitutions in real dietary practices.

Methodology

A statistical tool was developed to determine the associations and substitutabilities of different foods and beverages in actual eating and drinking practices. Using food and drink consumption data from a 7‐day diary run on a representative sample 18‐ to 69‐year‐old Argentinian urban women, the level of substitutability is estimated as a function of amount, frequency and moment of consumption, at the individual and population level. Simulation analyses were then performed using Creme Food® software, in order to measure the potential impact on nutrient intakes of virtually substituting a given food or beverage for its main alternatives, in corresponding proportions.

Results

Our analyses show that in adult urban Argentinian women, dairy consumption could be potentially increased by replacing 23.8% of the infusions, 25.96% of cookies, and 18.1% of crackers at breakfast by fresh dairy products; or replacing 24.4% of the infusions, 25.3% of bakeries and pastries, 22.6% of crackers, and 18.15% of cookies at mid‐afternoon snacking by fresh dairy products.

If these substitutions were performed with a yogurt low in sugar and fat and fortified in calcium, our simulation analyses show that the consumption of free sugars would decrease by 10% while total and saturated fat would remain stable and calcium intake would double, with prevalence of intakes below requirements shifting from 64% to 11%.

Conclusion

This tool applied on representative samples of the population may be useful to design realistic scenarios for potential changes in dietary patterns and their impact on nutrient intakes.

Support or Funding Information

Danone Nutricia Research
Increases in the Lean and Adipose Tissues Are Not Influenced by the Speed of Body Weight Gain in Growing Rats
Authors: Okamura Koji , Tai Yuki , Kondo Emi , Maeda Megumi , Hasegawa Hiroyuki
Published: November 2023

The effects of the speed of body weight (BW) gain on increases in the lean body tissue (LBM) and adipose tissue (FAT) and on the amount of energy required to increase BW were investigated in 6‐week‐old rats who were fed ad libitum for 11 days; this group was named the rapid body weight gain group (R group; n = 5). In the slow body weight gain group (S group; n = 5) the BW of the rats increased to reach a level that was comparable to that in the rats of the R group over a 17‐day period. The daily food intake in the S group was restricted to 87% of that in the R group. The rats were fed a standard diet. Their energy intake and energy expenditure were measured daily throughout the study period. Stored energy was calculated by subtracting the energy expenditure from the energy intake. The BW gain was 90 g (SD: 9) in the R group and 88 g (SD: 7) in the S group. The final BW was comparable between the groups (S group: 303 g [SD: 16]; R group: 297 g [SD: 17]). The total energy intake (~34%, P < 0.01) and total energy expenditure (~42%, P < 0.01) in the S group were significantly greater than in the R group, while the total stored energy did not differ between the two groups. In the R and S groups, 72% and 77% of the total energy consumed was expended, respectively. Thus 28% and 23% of the energy consumed in the R and S groups was stored. These ratios did not differ between the groups. The estimated energy required to increase the BW by 1 kg was significantly greater in the S group than in the R group, both in the energy consumed (R group: 9013 kcal [SD: 493]; S group: 12,327 kcal [SD: 663], P < 0.01) and energy expended (R group: 6511 kcal [SD: 165]; S group 9418 kcal [SD: 279], P < 0.01), whereas the estimated stored energy required for a 1 kg increase in BW did not differ significantly between the two groups (R group: 2503 kcal [SD: 393]; S group: 2909 kcal [SD: 679]). The ratio of the increases in the LBM and FAT calculated from the BW gain, the estimated stored energy and the energy content of the LBM (1400 kcal/kg) and FAT (7900 kcal/kg) did not differ significantly between the two groups (ΔLBM:ΔFAT; R group: 83:17; S group: 77:23). These results suggest that a greater amount of energy is required for BW gain when BW increases slowly, while increases in the LBM and FAT are not influenced by the speed of BW gain.
Effect of stimulation to the oral cavity on diet‐induced thermogenesis and the substrate oxidation of macronutrients
Authors: Hamada Yuka , Hayashi Naoyuki
Published: November 2023

We recently showed that diet‐induced thermogenesis (DIT) was greater after slowly eating a test meal than when eating it rapidly (Hamada et al. 2014), but it was unclear whether this was due to the duration of eating or to mastication stimulation to the oral cavity. Changes in the substrate oxidation of macronutrients inducing DIT are also unclear. The present study examined the effect of stimulation to the oral cavity on DIT and the substrate oxidation of macronutrients. Eleven healthy normal‐weight males (mean±SD: age, 23±1 years; height, 176±4 cm; body mass, 68±5 kg; BMI, 22±1 kg/m2) participated in three trials with a randomized crossover design. A 200‐mL cocoa‐flavored drink (200 kcal) was divided into ten 20‐mL cups. After performing baseline measurements for 20 min in the overnight fasting state, the subjects swallowed the ten 20‐mL test drinks over a 5‐min experimental period in three ways on different days. In the control trial (C trial), subjects swallowed one 20‐mL test drink immediately every 30 s. In the long‐duration stimulation trial (D trial), subjects kept the 20‐mL test drink in their mouth for 30 s without mastication, and then swallowed it. In the masticatory stimulation trial (M trial), subjects masticated the 20‐mL test drink for 30 s (at a masticatory frequency of once per second), and then swallowed it. Oxygen uptake was measured until 90 min after the last test drink was swallowed, and this was converted into the energy expenditure. DIT was calculated from the body mass and increments of energy expenditure after swallowing the test drink relative to the baseline obtained before the start of each trial (Sekino et al. 2010, Toyama et al. 2015). Substrate oxidations of protein, fat, and carbohydrate were calculated from the oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output using the formulas from the previous studies (Weir 1949, Jéquire and Felber 1987). Protein oxidation was assumed to constitute 15% of the energy expenditure (Tentolouris et al. 2008). The DIT accumulated over 90 min after swallowing the test drink was significantly greater in the M trial than in the C and D trials (mean±SEM: C trial, 43±5 cal/kg; D trial, 75±9 cal/kg; M trial, 107±12 cal/kg). The substrate oxidations of protein, fat, and carbohydrate accumulated over 90 min after swallowing the test drink did not differ significantly among the three trials (C, D, and M trials: protein oxidation, 55±1, 56±1, and 57±1 mg/kg, respectively; fat oxidation, 43±2, 40±4, and 42±4 mg/kg; carbohydrate oxidation, 216±9, 228±13, and 228±15 mg/kg). These results indicate that the duration of stimulation to the oral cavity and mastication both increased DIT, while the substrate oxidation of macronutrients was not affected. Therefore, increasing the stimulation to the oral cavity can enhance DIT, implying that such stimulation can be helpful for weight management.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 15J11944.
Associations between the intake of soups and stews and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) 2013
Authors: BAE YUN JUNG
Published: November 2023

In Korea, reducing the consumption of soups and stews, both traditional Korean dishes, is recommended in order to decrease dietary salt intake. Both dishes have long been considered major contributors to dietary sodium. Some studies suggest that the metabolic syndrome is related to an increase in the sodium intake; however, the association is still not well established in Korean adults. The objective of this study was to assess the associations between the intake of soups and stews and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. Our study population consisted of adults (n= 2988) aged 19–64 among participants of the 2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had participated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and had reported change in their diet to lose weight. Dietary intake data from FFQ was used. Higher frequency of soups and stews intake was associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (OR= 1.49; 95% CI= 1.09–1.79 for highest vs. lowest; p for trend= 0.0482) after adjusting relevant factors. However, amount of soups and stews or sodium intake from soups and stews did not have a significant difference on OR for the risk of metabolic syndrome after adjusting for potential confounders. These results suggest that frequent consumption of soups and stews is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to replicate our findings.
Impact of Mitochondrial Free Fatty Acid Overload on Hepatic Ureagenesis in Mice with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Kalavalapalli Srilaxmi , Abdo Kaitlyn I , Murphy Zachary J , Fernandez Jose C , Cusi Kenneth , Sunny Nishanth E
Published: November 2023

Defects in ureagenesis are observed in several animal models with dysfunctional mitochondrial fat oxidation. The metabolic pathway of urea cycle, responsible for nitrogen disposal spans the mitochondrial and cytosolic compartments of the hepatocyte. Considering the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the etiology of fatty liver disease, we hypothesized that prolonged free fatty acid (FFA) overload and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) will impair the flux through the urea cycle. To test the impact of FFA on ureagenesis, isolated primary hepatocytes from normal mice were cultured and incubated in custom media with low (0.25mM) and high (0.8mM) FFA. Urea concentration in the custom media was measured after 30mins, 3hr and 6hr incubation periods of hepatocytes by GC‐MS. Further, mice (C57/BL6) were kept on Control diet or high fructose high trans‐fat diet (TFD) for 24‐weeks to induce NASH, which was confirmed by histology. Urea turnover rates were determined after infusion of [15N2]urea stable isotope tracer followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. Liver tissues of these mice were used to quantify mRNA expression of genes involved in urea cycle. Increasing FFA concentration resulted in higher rates of urea production in isolated hepatocytes. However, onset of NASH did not alter urea turnover rates (Controls: 1.84 ±0.07 vs. NASH: 1.83 ±0.14 μmoles/min) in mice despite an induction of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity (Controls: 2.62 ±0.47 vs. NASH: 5.39 ±0.59 μmoles/min). In spite of unaltered urea turnover, expression of genes involved in urea cycle (CPS1, ARG1, ASL, and ASS1) was significantly reduced in mice with NASH. Our results demonstrate that, while a physiological increase in FFA and TCA cycle activity could stimulate ureagenesis, onset of NASH disrupts urea cycle activity. Dysfunctional ureagenesis in animals with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis unravels a complex association between protein and FFA metabolism and may provide a snapshot into hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction.

Support or Funding Information

Research Opportunity Seed Fund Award, UF (N.S.)
Intaken CHO/Fiber as Diagnostic Tool for Diet Quality and Prognostics of Insulin Resistance in Free‐living Adults
Authors: Bernardino Caroline , Corrente José Eduardo , Burini Roberto Carlos
Published: November 2023

Insulin resistance is closely associated with ingested single sugars and refined cereal products, all evaluated as carbohydrate (CHO) intake. In the same category are the dietary fiber and its sources, with different impact on insulin resistance. The CHO/Fiber ratio would provide an indirect form to check the actual sugar consumption. This study aimed to establish the relationship of CHO/Fiber with the plasma HOMA‐IR, metabolic syndrome and dietary quality of adults enrolled in a Lifestyle Modification Program. In a cross‐sectional study, baseline data from 600 subjects (80% females) over 35 yrs old (54.6 ± 11) participants of an ongoing dynamic cohort study (“Move for Health”) were retrospectively collected (2007–2014). They were analyzed for their diet quality (Health Eating Index‐HEI) and food intake (24h recall) in relation to the co‐variables gender, age, anthropometry, plasma biochemistry, blood pressure and presence of Metabolic syndrome (ATP III‐NCEP). Data were divided in quartiles. ANOVA one way, Tukey's post hoc and Linear multiple regression were applied to analyze the influence of co‐variables in the CHO/Fiber ratio (p<0.05). The calculated quartiles for CHO/Fibers were Q1 <9.75(23.7±10.8g/d fibers); Q2 = 9.75–13.05(17.9±8.2g/d fibers); Q3=13.05–18.97(13.1±6.0g/d fibers) and Q4 >18.97(8.3±3.8g/d fibers). CHO/Fiber ratio showed a significant positive linear regression with the daily serving sugars (r=1.74, p=<0.001) and cereals (r=0.72, p=0.03) and negative with body weight (r= −0.08, p=0.017), serving legumes (r= −0.79, p= 0.01) and HEI (r= −0.20, p=<0.001). When adjusted by age, gender, BMI and kcal/day, Q1 was discriminated by the fewer servings of sugar, higher servings of legumes and higher HEI score. Q1 showed also lower HOMA‐IR than the other quartiles. However, with any other significant relationship of Q1 with the presence of metabolic syndrome and neither with its components. Thus, from the found results the CHO/Fiber ratio seems a single tool suitable for diagnosing poor quality CHO‐diets associated with insulin resistance marker.

Support or Funding Information

Supported partially by CAPES and CNPq.
Association between obesity and amino acids: a metabolomics approach
Authors: Marchioni Dirce , Carioca Augusto Antonio , Miranda Andreia Alexandra , Carvalho Aline Martins , Steluti Josiane , Cotrim Ismael Dale , Silva Alexsandro Macedo , Fisberg Regina Mara
Published: November 2023

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many countries around the world and is strongly linked to a number of chronic diseases. Some amino acids, such as three branched amino acids and glutamine, are associated with metabolic disorders. The interaction between obesity and amino acids is complex and not yet fully elucidated. The metabolomics can be a useful tool for solving some of these metabolic disorders. The aim was to investigate the association between amino acids and obesity.

Methods

Data came from a population based cross‐sectional survey in Sao Paulo among 169 adults. A trained research nurse measured body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) using a standardized protocol. BMI was calculated by dividing weight (kilograms) by the square of height (meters). Obesity was determined based on BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. The branch chain amino acids (BCAA) are the sum of the valine, leucine, and isoleucine. The glutaminolysis ratio (Gluta Ratio) is (alanina+ aspartate + glutamate)/glutamine. Quantification of the metabolites was performed by mass spectrometry of the type targeted. Multiple linear regression models were performed to verify the association between amino acids (BCAA and Gluta ratio) and BMI or WC, adjusted for age, sex, energy intake, race, smoking, physical activity.

Results

The sample was comprised of 52% men, 60% adults and mostly of white race (57%). The BMI was associated with BCAA (β=8.57; p<0.001) and Gluta Ratio (β=0.02; p<0.001). The WC was associated with BCAA (β=3.92; p<0.001) and Gluta Ratio (β=0.01; p<0.001). The concentration of BCAA (β = 82.67, p <0.001) and Gluta ratio (β = 0.211, p <0.001) were higher in obese subjects compared with non‐obese.

Conclusion

Obesity was associated with three branched amino acids and glutamine metabolism.

Support or Funding Information

CNPq grant 473778/2010‐6 and FAPESP grant 2011/19788‐1
Determination of NAT2 Activity in the US Population by Use of Caffeine Metabolite Ratios in Spot Urine Samples: NHANES 2009–2010
Authors: Pao Ching‐I , Sternberg Maya R. , Rybak Michael , Pfeiffer Christine M.
Published: November 2023

N‐acetyltransferase‐2 (NAT2) is a phase II enzyme which is involved in the metabolism of many xenobiotics. The genetic polymorphisms of NAT2 gene, yielding either slow or faster acetylation phenotypes, usually influence individual variations in response to medication and detoxification. A slow NAT2activity has been associated with increased cancer risk. NAT2 is involved in the formation of 5‐acetyl‐amino‐6‐formylamino‐3‐methyluracil (AFMU) from a series of intermediates of caffeine metabolism. A metabolic ratio (MR) of urine AFMU and other caffeine metabolites, resulting from either a test dose or regular dietary intake of caffeine, can be used to assess NAT2 activity. In this study we described NAT2 activity in the US population ≥6 y by selected demographic, lifestyle and physiologic variables. We used spot urine concentrations of 5‐acetylamino‐6‐amino‐3‐methyluracil (AAMU; the stable breakdown product of AFMU), 1‐methylxanthine (1X), and 1‐methyluric acid (1U)from the cross‐sectional NHANES 2009–2010 to calculate NAT2 activity by use of the MR [AAMU/(AAMU+1X+1U)]. We excluded individuals taking prescription medications known to interfere with caffeine metabolism and individuals with evidence of insufficient caffeine exposure to reliably calculate the NAT2 MR (n = 2197). We used Spearman correlation to examine the relation of NAT2 MR with continuous variables, and performed bivariate comparisons of unadjusted geometric mean (GM) NAT2 MR for categorical variables. We observed a weak correlation of NAT2 MR with age (Spearman ρ= 0.14, P <0.0001). NAT2 activity was highest in Hispanics and lowest in non‐Hispanic blacks (Wald F, P = 0.005). No statistically significant differences in NAT2activity were observed among sexes. NAT2 activity was higher in individuals who fasted >8 h vs. ≤8 h (Wald F, P =0.0056). No trend in GM NAT2 MR was observed with alcohol consumption (limited to individuals ≥20 y) and no significant difference was observed among smokers vs. non‐smokers as categorized by serum cotinine concentration. NAT2 activity was significantly higher in individuals with evidence of impaired liver function (i.e. AST or ALT>70 U/L vs. ≤70 U/L) (Wald F P =0.0096), but no difference was observed among diabetes status (yes vs. no basedon a physician's diagnosis) or inflammation status (serum CRP ≥5 mg/L vs. <5mg/L). The GM of MR was significantly higher in the urine samples collected in the morning vs. in the evening (Wald F, P trend = 0.013). Our observations withNAT2 activity and race‐ethnicity appeared to be consistent with what is known regarding race‐associated polymorphisms. We believe our study is the first report of using urine caffeine MRs in spot urine samples to estimate NAT2 activity in a representative sample of the US population.
A Minimal Compartmental Model for the Assessment of Net Whole Body Protein Breakdown, Using a Pulse of Phenylalanine and Tyrosine Stable Isotopes in Humans
Authors: Mason Alvise , Engelen Marielle , Toffolo Gianna , Deutz Nicolaas
Published: November 2023

Rationale

We recently developed a novel and easy‐to‐use approach to measure net whole body protein breakdown (netPB), using non‐compartmental modelling after single pulse injection of the stable isotopes phenylalanine (PHE) and tyrosine (TYR). We further fine‐tuned this approach by developing a minimal compartmental model to add structural information to amino acids kinetics in PB with high precision.

Method

Healthy human subjects (8 male, 6 female, age: 59.6 ± 9.0 years) were given in the post absorptive state a single pulse (8ml) injection of L‐[ring‐13C6]PHE (6.44 mg/ml) and L[ring‐2H4]TYR (0.46 mg/ml). Multiple plasma samples were collected for 120 min and tracer‐tracee ratio of PHE (mass 6) and TYR (mass 4 and 6) were measured by LC‐MS/MS. A four compartment model was developed to describe the kinetics of PHE and TYR and the PHE to TYR hydroxylation. The model is a priori identifiable from the PHE‐6 and TYR‐6 data measured following the PHE‐6 injection, provided that the TYR‐6 accessible pool size is known. Since this pool represents plasma and rapidly equilibrating tissues (mainly the liver) where the PHE to TYR interconversion takes place, its pool size was assumed to be equal to 25% of the whole body TYR pool size, estimated from the TYR‐4 decay curve. The model, identified by using SAAM, was able to reproduce the experimental data of all individuals, and all its parameters were estimated with high precision (VC%: 14.78 ± 7.77). Our model provides estimates of compartmental fluxes, including the plasma appearance of PHE and TYR, and the PHE to TYR interconversion. These fluxes were compared to their counterparts, estimated via non‐compartmental analysis in order to assess the physiological relevance of the estimated variables.

Results

The following data were obtained by non‐compartmental versus compartmental analysis for Net‐PB (6.998 ± 2.237 umol/FFM kg/h, versus 6.475 ± 1.899 umol/FFM kg/h, resp.), rate of appearance of PHE (53.626 ± 7.479 umol/FFM kg/h versus 49.675 ± 5.137 umol/FFM kg/h, resp.), rate of appearance of TYR in plasma (44.686 ± 9.012 umol/FFM kg/h versus 45.879 ± 9.110 umol/FFM kg/h, resp.). These data suggest that our model is physiologically meaningful.

Conclusion

Our data reveal that after single pulse injection of PHE and TYR stable isotopes, a minimal compartmental model analysis estimates net PB with low variability when the physiology of PHE to TYR conversion is included in the model estimations. Furthermore, our model may provide more detailed insight in the metabolism of these amino acids.
The Increase in Liver Polyamine Concentration Contributes to the Tryptophan‐induced Stimulation of Hepatic Protein Synthesis
Authors: Yoshizawa Fumiaki , Koike Shinichiro , Sugahara Kunio
Published: November 2023

Tryptophan has a unique role as a nutritional signaling molecule that regulates protein synthesis in mice and rat liver. However, the mechanism of the stimulating actions of tryptophan on hepatic protein synthesis has not been clearly elucidated. Tryptophan has been suggested to stimulate protein synthesis at the translational level, because polysome aggregation was observed in a short time after oral administration of tryptophan. Therefore, we focused on the acute effects of tryptophan on protein synthesis. In the present study, proteomic and metabolomic analysis was performed to identify candidate proteins and metabolites, which are likely to play a role in stimulation of protein synthesis by tryptophan. Eighteen hours fasted Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups. One group of animals was sacrificed without any treatment as a control. Remaining two groups of animals were administered 135mg/100g body weight L‐tryptophan by oral gavage and then sacrificed after 1h or 3h after administration. With two‐dimensional electrophoresis and image analysis, four differentially expressed protein spots were detected at 3h after administration of tryptophan, and one of which was identified as key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of ornithine, ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) precursor. OAT is the main catabolic enzyme of ornithine and its expression was significantly decreased by tryptophan administration. The concentration of ornithine was increased in both serum and liver at 3h after administration of tryptophan. Ornithine is a precursor for polyamine biosynthesis. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) catalyzes the first step in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway forming putrescine, which is then converted into the polyamines spermidine and spermine. It has been reported that oral administration of tryptophan to overnight‐fasted rats exhibited increase in the hepatic ODC activity. Significantly increased concentrations of polyamines, as well as ornithine were found in the liver at 3h after administration of tryptophan. Based on these results, we speculate that the increase in ornithine level through suppression of OAT expression and stimulation of ODC activity by tryptophan administration may lead to accelerated polyamine synthesis and thereby promote protein synthesis in the liver.
Whole Body Protein Turnover in Overweight/Obese Adults in Response to Whole Grain and Refined Grain Diets – A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Kirwan John P , Ross Alastair B. , Kullman Emily L , Malin Steve K , Scelsi Amanda , Kochhar Sunil , Godin Jean‐Philippe
Published: November 2023

Data from several intervention studies suggest that whole grains (WG) lead to increased fat loss and enhanced metabolic function compared to control diets. Abnormalities in energy balance and protein metabolism, including protein flux, protein synthesis and protein breakdown, are part of the obesity phenotype and may be amenable to change by altering nutrient intake using a WG enriched diet. We hypothesized that a whole grain enriched diet would alter protein metabolism and total energy expenditure (TEE), and thus contribute to increased muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass. We performed a double‐blind crossover diet intervention study to examine the effects of a WG‐based diet on protein kinetics, TEE and body composition, compared to a calorie matched control diet (refined grain (RG)). Complete diets were provided to subjects, based on nutritional guidelines for fat, protein (1.05 g/kg/day) and carbohydrate, with either WG (50g/1000 kcal) or equivalent RG. Fourteen overweight/obese (BMI 32.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2) adults (age 39 ± 7 years) participated in the trial. Each diet was provided for 8 weeks, with a 10‐week washout between diet arms. TEE was assessed by doubly labeled water (2H218O), whole body protein turnover was assessed using a stable isotope approach (oral dose of 15N‐Glycine), and body composition was determined from DEXA measures. After 8 weeks of WG and RG diet, changes in body weight and fat free mass were similar for both diets. Likewise, TEE did not differ between the diets (~2147 ± 291 kcal/day). Protein synthesis was 3.7 ± 0.5 g protein/kg/day for both diets (P>0.05), while protein breakdown was 4.7 ± 0.5 and 4.9 ± 0.4 g protein/kg/day for WG and RG diets, respectively. For protein balance the values were −1.03 ± 0.05 and −1.1 ± 0.1 g, protein/kg/day for WG and RG diets (P>0.05), respectively. Rates of protein synthesis, breakdown and nitrogen balance were higher after the WG diet when expressed relative to FFM, but protein turnover was similar for effects between diets. We conclude that 8 weeks on a WG diet does not produce significantly different changes in body composition, TEE, or whole body protein metabolism, when compared to a calorie matched control diet.

Support or Funding Information

Investigator‐initiated grant, Nestlé; NIH UL1RR024989 and T32 DK007319.
Microfluidic Systems for Stem Cell Studies
Authors: Tayebi Lobat
Published: November 2023

Stem‐cell therapies have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare. Microfluidic‐assisted systems can be used for cell‐based assays to provide unique information about the cellular behavior of stem cells. The significance of microfluidic platforms is their ability to mimic the in vivo microenvironment. Moreover, using microfluidic systems, the quantity and level of different agents and cell stimulator factors can be controlled. Such precise controlling is highly important for stem cell culturing and differentiation.

It is known that to employ stem cells in clinical applications, the key challenge is scaling up the cultures in large bioreactors for master banking of stem cells to be used for treatment of patients. Thus, small microfluidics system is useless for this purpose. However, many technical problems in the important task of controlling stem cell growth and differentiation can be answered using the precise microfluidic systems.

In this talk, after presenting a discussion on the application of microfluidic platforms in stem cell culturing and differentiation, the latest developed microfluidic systems for stem cell study will be introduced. This includes our group's recent innovation in designing a microfluidic platform for regulating the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).