bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin B12 and Placental Expression of Transcobalamin in Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Layden Alexander J. , O'Brien Kimberly O. , Pressman Eva K. , Kent Tera R. , Finkelstein Julia L.
Published: June 2021

Background

Transcobalamin is a key placental protein involved in transport of vitamin B12 to the fetus. However, few data currently exist on the ability of the placenta to modify vitamin B12 transporter expression, particularly among high‐risk populations such as pregnant adolescents.

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the impact of maternal and neonatal vitamin B12 status on placental transcobalamin (TC) expression in a cohort of healthy pregnant adolescents in the United States.

Design

Serum total vitamin B12 concentrations were measured from maternal blood samples at mid‐gestation (26.4 ± 2.8 weeks) and delivery (39.8 ± 1.4 weeks) and infant cord blood samples at birth. Placentas were collected at delivery and TC mRNA expression (ΔΔCt) and TC protein abundance (TC:α‐actin) were determined. Linear and binomial regression models were used to examine the associations of maternal (mid‐gestation, delivery) and infant cord blood vitamin B12 status with placental TC mRNA expression and TC protein abundance (n=63).

Results

Maternal serum vitamin B12 concentrations at mid‐gestation were not associated with placental TC mRNA expression or TC protein abundance (p>0.05). Higher maternal serum vitamin B12 concentrations at delivery were associated with higher placental TC mRNA expression (p=0.03), but not TC protein abundance (p>0.05). Higher placental TC protein abundance was also associated with higher infant cord blood vitamin B12 concentrations (p=0.003).

Conclusions

Higher placental TC protein abundance was associated with higher neonatal vitamin B12 status, indicating an important role in vitamin B12 transport to the fetus.

Support or Funding Information

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): USDA 2005‐35200‐15218 and USDA 2010‐34324‐20769; and the Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
Maternal Choline Supplementation Influences Placental Glucose Uptake and Metabolism in a Manner Dependent on Fetal Sex
Authors: Kwan Sze Ting (Cecilia) , King Julia H , Yan Jian , Jiang Xinyin , Hutzler Jason S , Roberson Mark S , Caudill Marie A
Published: June 2021

The placenta is responsible for delivering nutrients such as glucose to the fetus to support its growth and development, which is especially important during late gestation when fetal growth is most rapid. The ability of the placenta to efficiently provide nutrients is dependent on its vascular development and the abundance of nutrient transporters at the maternal fetal interface. Maternal choline supplementation (MCS) was shown to improve placental vasculature, but it is still unknown if MCS affects placental transporter abundance and fetal nutrient delivery. To test the hypothesis that MCS beneficially modulates placental glucose supply, pregnant mice were fed a diet containing 1, 2 or 4 times the recommended choline level. The placentas were collected at gestational day (E) 15.5 and 18.5 for evaluating the expression of key glucose transporters and enzymes involved in glycogen metabolism as well as the glycogen concentration. Data were analyzed using a mixed linear model. At E15.5, MCS reduced the membrane protein abundance of Glut1 transporter as well as the mRNA expression of the glycogen synthesizing enzyme Gys1 (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of the glycogen catabolic enzyme Pygm in the female placentas also tended to increase (p=0.08). Consistent with these findings, histological staining of placental glycogen tended to be lower (p=0.08). At E18.5, MCS had no effect on Glut1 transporter expression in either male or female placentas. However, MCS increased the membrane protein abundance of Glut3 transporter and the mRNA abundance of Gys1 in the female placentas (p<0.05). These changes resulted in a 2‐fold increase in glycogen concentration in the female placentas, as shown by histological staining and biochemical measurement (p<0.05). No such changes were seen in the male placentas at this time point. Overall, these data indicate that MCS modulates placental glucose transporter expression and glycogen metabolism in a manner highly dependent on fetal sex. We suggest that these choline‐mediated changes in placental glucose metabolism differentially influence glucose delivery to the fetus, with potential consequences on offspring development and disease risk in later life.

Support or Funding Information

USDA and Egg Nutrition Center
ACCESS AND ADOPTION OF NUTRITION SPECIFIC AND NUTRITION SENSITIVE MESSAGES IN ETHIOPIA: A QUALITATIVE GENDERED COMPARISON
Authors: Min‐Barron Marion
Published: June 2021

The rise of multisectoralism, in conjunction with the increased interest to improve women's empowerment in the agricultural sector, has led to a dynamic and gender focused effort to improve nutrition outcomes through nutrition sensitive interventions. Questions still remain, however, on how well, at the programmatic level, nutrition education through nutrition‐sensitive platforms (such as agriculture and social safety nets) translates into adoption of nutrition‐related behavior change. This qualitative research study compares how nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific education and messaging is accessed and adopted by men and women in the Ethiopian household economy. With a sample size of 32 focus groups, 320 nutrition knowledge surveys and 10 key informant interviews, this research study was conducted in two main regions within Ethiopia, Oromia and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (SNNPR). Focus groups participated in a unique participatory ‘Gender Box’ activity in which the group was asked to identify nutrition related behaviors and then designate them to either a female, male or ‘both male and female’ box, depending on the perceived gender of responsibility. Results indicate that nutrition specific messages (such as exclusive breastfeeding and cooking) are primarily accessed by women through the health sector but perceived by women to have be the responsibility of both the male and female. Nutrition sensitive messages (such as diversification of crop production) are generally accessed by men through the agricultural sector and media. Perceptions of responsibility for these messages vary, depending on the general nutritional knowledge of the focus group and the level of gender/women's empowerment program exposure. Perhaps most interesting, however, is the message sharing and discussion process. Nutrition specific messages accessed by women are often discussed and shared with their male spouses. Nutrition sensitive messages accessed by men, however, were rarely discussed in the home after exposure. Results from this study provide great insight into the process of nutrition message access and adoption within the household. Results also point toward perhaps a necessary shift away from individual targeted nutrition education to the provision of nutrition education to the household couple, thereby fostering and promoting discussion and message sharing between both genders.

Support or Funding Information

USAID/Save the Children International
Impact of the Shaping Healthy Choices Program on Students’ Lunchtime Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multi‐Component School‐Based Nutrition Intervention
Authors: Taylor Jennifer C , Scherr Rachel E , Linnell Jessica D , Feenstra Gail , Dharmar Madan , Zidenberg‐Cherr Sheri
Published: June 2021

Most youth in the US do not consume recommended levels of fruits and vegetables. Multi‐component school‐based interventions are encouraged as a strategy to improve these dietary behaviors, but further evaluation of such programs is needed to assess their impact. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the Shaping Healthy Choices Program (SHCP) on lunchtime fruit and vegetable intake, as part of a randomized controlled trial of this multicomponent nutrition education intervention. Two Northern California elementary schools were randomly assigned to control or intervention treatments. Fruit and vegetable selection, consumption, and waste from school lunches were determined at the start (fall 2012, pre‐test) and end (spring 2013, post‐test) of the implementation year using digital imaging, a plate waste method. Each fourth‐grade classroom was observed over 2–3 days within each time point. Students were included in analyses when complete fruit (n=39 control, n=72 intervention) and/or vegetable (n=39 control, n=73 intervention) data were collected on at least two days within each time point. Exact tests examined associations between school and number of students consuming no fruits and vegetables within each time point. Changes in quantities selected, consumed, and wasted were compared between schools using t‐tests and Mann‐Whitney U‐tests. Similar percentages of students consumed no vegetables at pre‐test (49% control, 47% intervention), but fewer intervention (29%) than control (72%) students consumed no vegetables at post‐test. Vegetable consumption among intervention students significantly increased relative to changes among control students (P=0.008), and percentage waste from vegetables decreased among intervention students relative to control (P=0.020). Approximately 20% of students consumed no fruit at post‐test in both schools (ns), although more intervention (26%) than control (10%) students consumed no fruit at pre‐test (P=0.052). There were no significant differences in changes in quantities of fruit selected, consumed, or wasted. Overall, the SHCP successfully improved dietary behaviors related to vegetable, but not fruit, consumption. Given the wide variability in fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as the large proportion of students consuming no vegetables, an objective for future research should be to examine other factors that may help predict these dietary behaviors and their malleability.

Support or Funding Information

Funding was provided by UCANR competitive grant #11‐1018, USDA 2011‐38420‐20082, and USDA NIFA Hatch project 221082.
Dysfunction of Insulin‐like Growth Factor Signaling in Skeletal Muscles of Low Birth Weight Neonatal Pigs
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhu Haibo , McCauley Sydney R. , Oliver Katherine R. , Tinnesz Kacie A. , El‐Kadi Samer W.
Published: June 2021

Low birth weight (LBWT) neonates experience restricted fetal muscle development and impaired postnatal muscle growth. Our previous data suggest that protein synthesis is lower while protein degradation is not different in skeletal muscle of LBWT compared to normal birth weight (NBWT) neonatal pigs. We hypothesized that decreased protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of LBWT pigs is a consequence of dysfunction of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling cascade. Twenty four LBWT and NBWT male pigs were euthanized to collect blood and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples. Plasma IGF‐I concentration was measured using a commercial ELISA kit, mRNA expression by real‐time PCR and protein expression and phosphorylation by western blot. Plasma IGF‐I concentration and mRNA expression of IGF‐I and IGF binding protein 5 (IGFBP 5) were lower in LD muscle of LBWT pigs (P < 0.05). However, mRNA and protein expression of IGF‐I receptor was higher in the LD muscle of LBWT compared to NBWT pigs (P < 0.05). Protein expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) and phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) were lower in LD muscle of LBWT compared to their NBWT siblings (P < 0.05). These results suggest that in spite of the increased abundance of IGF‐I receptor in muscles of LBWT pigs, there is a reduction in the expression of downstream effectors of IGF‐I. As a result, IGF signaling is compromised and could contribute to impaired postnatal muscle growth in LBWT compared to NBWT neonatal pigs.

Support or Funding Information

Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Hatch Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture (S.W. El‐Kadi)
Gestational Exposure to Maternal Obesity Influences β3‐Adrenergic Agonist Induced Beiging of White Adipose Tissue in Offspring
Authors: Shankar Kartik , Kang Ping , Zhong Ying , Thakali Keshari M , Wankhade Umesh D
Published: June 2021

Maternal obesity is now recognized as an important contributing factor to the currently unfolding epidemic of obesity. In animal models, maternal obesity and exposure to high‐fat diets in utero, unequivocally predisposes the offspring to greater weight gain, metabolic dysfunction and a host of other related comorbidities, such as fatty liver disease. Our previous work in both rat and mouse models of obesity showed that offspring of obese dams are hyper‐responsive to an obesogenic challenge post‐weaning, and gain greater weight and fat mass. In part this is associated with decreased energy expenditure, impaired expression of mitochondrial OXPHOS and lipid oxidative genes and lower expression uncoupling proteins in liver, skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue. Nonetheless, the consequences of maternal obesity on programming of adipose tissue development, especially brown/beige adipose tissue development are unknown. In this report, we investigated role of maternal obesity on beige fat development in offspring following β3‐adrenergic agonist. Female C57BL6/J mice were fed diets with either low (10%) or HFD (45% of calories) for 12 wk starting at 5 wk of age. Dams were mated with males on control diets and provided access to respective diets during pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, offspring were weaned onto control and HFD, creating four groups (CC, CH, HC, HH, denoting maternal and offspring diets respectively). Male offspring from the four groups were followed till 20 wk of age. HFD‐fed offspring from HF dams (HH) gained significantly (p<0.05) greater body weights than offspring from lean dams (CH). At 20 wk of age, offspring were treated with either vehicle or β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist CL‐316,243 (1 mg/kg, ip) for one week (N=4–5 each). CL‐316,243 is a well established activator of beige adipocyte formation. Twenty weeks of diet intervention lead to significantly consistent increased weight gain in HH compared to other groups. One week of CL injection towards to end of study did not affect the weight gain. There were no significant differences in overall body weight between vehicle and CL treated animals. Gene expression analysis of inguinal adipose tissue depot (iWAT) revealed significant differences in vehicle and CL treated groups. Expression of brown‐fat specific genes such as Ucp1, Cidea and Pgc1a was affected by maternal HF diet feeding in both vehicle and CL treated group. Moreover, maternal obesity hampered the response to CL‐316,243 consistent with programming defect in adipose tissue. Further analysis of developmental aspects of beiging of adipose tissue is under investigation. Our findings indicate that maternal obesity influences beige cell formation in response to classical beiging inducers which might influence modulation of energy expenditure, metabolism and overall risk of obesity.

Support or Funding Information

Support USDA CRIS 6206‐51000‐010‐05S
Formula diet driven microbial diversity and immunological consequence in small intestine of neonatal porcine model
Authors: Yeruva V.Laxmi , Spencer Nicole , Bowlin Anne K , Chintapalli Sree V , Shankar Kartik , Hennings Leah , Cleves Mario A , Saraf Manish , Badger Thomas M , Ronis Martin J
Published: June 2021

Several studies have shown that the development and function of the neonatal immune system is enhanced by breast feeding compared to formula feeding. It is important to understand the interaction between infant feeding regimens and the developing GI tract, to identify the protective components of breast milk and mechanisms attributed in immune system development. We used the neonatal piglet model in which piglets were exclusively fed cow's milk formula (n=12) or sow fed (n = 12) from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 21 to study the microbiome and GI immune system development. Microbial richness and diversity were assessed from small intestinal contents (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) via 16sRNA amplicon sequencing using V4 variable primers. Data analyses was carried out by using QIIME 1.9.1. Principal component analyses (PCoA) indicated clear separation of the diet groups in all three regions of small intestine. The duodenum showed a significantly more diverse microbial population than jejunum and ileum (FDR corrected, P<0.001) in both sow‐ and formula‐fed groups. However, formula feeding was associated with more microbial diversity in comparison to sow‐diet (FDR corrected, P<0.01). In sow‐fed piglets, Lactobacillus spp was the most abundant and Clostridia spp was the next abundant (FDR corrected, P<0.01) with 3 to 5‐fold higher amounts observed in comparison to formula fed piglets; whereas, Gamma proteobacteria was observed to be 3 to 5‐fold greater in formula fed piglets (FDR corrected, P<0.01) in comparison to sow‐diet. We also assessed histomorphometric changes of Peyer's patches, surface area and inflammatory responses of ileum. In formula‐fed piglets, the lymphoid follicle size (P<0.01) and germinal centers (P <0.01) within the Peyer's patch were significantly decreased compared to to sow‐fed, suggesting less‐developed immune system. The surface area of the ileum mucosa significantly increased in formula group compared to sow‐fed pigs (P <0.01) with no significant differences in growth rate or body weights between the diet groups. However, sow‐fed piglets had relatively longer small intestine than formula‐fed piglets (P<0.05). The decrease in small intestine length in the formula group corresponds to 14%, suggesting compensation for surface area and possibly for nutrient absorption. Furthermore, in ileum, formula diet induced significant down‐regulation of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 (P <0.01) at protein level, indicating that formula diet impacts the immune response. We conclude that feeding a milk formula diet alters the microbiome, small intestine morphology and gut‐associated lymphoid tissue development and immune response.

Funding: USDA‐ARS Project 6026‐51000‐010‐05S.

Support or Funding Information

USDA‐ARS Project 6026‐51000‐010‐05S.
Effects of a Randomized, Controlled Trial of Daily Vitamin D3 Supplementation During Pregnancy on Regulatory Immunity and Inflammation
Authors: Zerofsky Melissa , Jacoby Bryon , Pedersen Theresa L , Stephensen Charles B
Published: June 2021

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in pregnancy and has been associated with adverse health conditions for mothers and infants. Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy may support maintenance of pregnancy by its effects on adaptive and innate immunity.

Objective

We assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on vitamin D status, regulatory and inflammatory T cells, markers of innate immunity, and systemic inflammation.

Design

We conducted a randomized, controlled, double‐blind intervention of two doses of vitamin D3 (400 IU/d vs. 2,000 IU/d) from <20 weeks through delivery in fifty‐seven pregnant women at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D status, immune function, and clinical endpoints were assessed in mid‐ and late pregnancy.

Results

Supplementation with 2,000 IU vitamin D had a greater effect on increasing vitamin D status than 400 IU (p<0.05). The percent IL‐10+ CD4+ regulatory cells increased significantly with the 2,000 IU treatment relative to the 400 IU control (p<0.05). FoxP3+ regulatory T‐cells and inflammatory T‐cells were not affected, nor were other immunologic endpoints. Pregnancy progression was associated with decreased percentage of Th1 (CD4+ IFNg+), Th17 (CD4+ IL− 17+), and FoxP3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood (p<0.05), decreased ex vivo production of T cell cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10), and increased plasma markers of inflammation (IL‐6, TNF‐a, neopterin).

Conclusions

Daily supplementation with 2,000 IU is more effective at increasing vitamin D status in pregnant women than 400 IU and is associated with increased regulatory immunity that may prevent adverse outcomes caused by excess inflammation.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the USDA‐ARS and UCDMC CTSC Vision Grant (UL1 TR000002).
Astaxanthin Attenuated the Expression of Fibrogenic Genes Induced by High Glucose Alone and in Combination with Transforming Growth Factor 1β in Hepatic Stellate Cells.
Authors: Bae Minkyung , Lee Ji‐Young
Published: June 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disease in the U. S. with ~10% of the U.S. adults being diabetic. Diabetes mellitus causes serious health complications. In particular, studies have shown that type II diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is characterized by increased accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver due to injury. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are primarily responsible for ECM production upon their activation by liver injury and therefore they play major roles in the development of liver fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that astaxanthin (ASTX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, prevented the activation of HSCs and attenuated the expression of fibrogenic markers, such as α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and procollagen type I α1 (COL1A1) in LX‐2 (a human HSC cell line) as well as primary mouse and human HSCs. The objective of this study was to determine if astaxanthin can ameliorate the expression of fibrogenic genes induced by glucose alone or in combination with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), a potent fibrogenic cytokine, in LX‐2 and primary human HSCs. LX‐2 cells were pretreated with either low glucose (1 g/L) or high glucose (4.5 g/L) in the absence or presence of 25 μM ASTX for 24h, followed by additional treatment with 4 ng/mL of TGFβ1. Compared with low glucose, high glucose increased mRNA of α‐SMA by ~2‐fold and the combination of high glucose and TGFβ1 further increased α‐SMA expression in LX‐2 cells. ASTX attenuated the induction of α‐SMA by glucose alone or in combination with TGFβ1 by ~60%. Consistently, we also observed the induction of α‐SMA and COL1A1 expression by high glucose alone and in combination with TGFβ1 to a more extent, which was significantly attenuated by ASTX more than 70%. We also confirmed that high glucose and high glucose/TGFβ1‐induced protein levels of α‐SMA and COL1A1 were noticeably decreased by ASTX in human primary HSCs. In conclusion, ASTX inhibits high glucose and TGFβ1‐induced fibrogenic gene expression in HSCs, suggesting that it may be used as a preventive/therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis in diabetic population.

Support or Funding Information

United States Department of Agriculture, AFRI (2012‐67018‐19290)
All‐trans‐Retinoic Acid Inhibits Adipogenesis by Interrupting Gadd45α Induced Zfp423
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhu Meijun , Du Min
Published: June 2021

Retinoic acid (RA) is known to maintain the preadipocyte phenotype and inhibit adipocyte differentiation and maturation. Although RA has been showed to induce epigenetic changes during embryonic stem cell differentiation, the effect of RA on epigenetic modifications of adipogenic genes are unknown. C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal progenitor cells were induced adipogenesis with/without 1mM all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and epigenetic changes in the zfp423 promoter, a critical transcription factor initiating adipogenesis, were analyzed. We found that Growth arrest and DNA‐damage‐inducible protein GADD45 alpha (gadd45α) is involved in adipogenesis of C3H10T1/2 by inducing DNA demethylation in the zfp423 promoter. During adipogenesis, both gadd45α and zfp423 expression was upregulated. Gadd45α overexpression upregulated zfp423 expression and enhanced adipogenesis whereas gadd45α knock down had opposite effects. RA strongly inhibited the expression of zfp423 and down‐stream adipogenic genes in both control and gadd45α overexpressing cells and completely blocked lipid accumulation, which was associated with a reduction in gadd45α expression and binding to the zfp423 promoter. Consistently, in vivo, we found that 30 IU/mL vitamin A supplementation (through water) prevented high fat diet (60 kcal% fat) induced obesity, which was correlated with attenuated zfp423 and pparg expression in the adipose tissue of mice. After one month of high fat diet challenge, vitamin A supplemented mice had lower body weight gain, less white fat deposition, smaller adipocytes size and higher insulin sensitivity compared with control mice. These data demonstrate that GADD45α mediated zfp423 promoter demethylation is required for adipogenesis. RA inhibits adipogenesis by preventing DNA demethylation of the zfp423 promoter and lipid accumulation. Thus, RA is beneficial for the prevention of high fat diet induced obesity.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NIH R01HD067449 and USDA‐NIFA 2015‐67015‐23219
13C Natural Abundance of Serum Retinol is a Novel Biomarker for Evaluating Effectiveness of Provitamin A Biofortified Maize and Carrots in Male Mongolian Gerbils
Authors: Gannon Bryan M , Pungarcher India , Mourao Luciana , Davis Christopher R , Simon Phillip M , Pixley Kevin V , Tanumihardjo Sherry A
Published: June 2021

Background

Crops, such as maize, rice, sorghum, and millet, are being biofortified with provitamin A carotenoids to sustainably ensure adequate vitamin A (VA) intakes. VA assessment can be challenging because serum retinol is homeostatically controlled and more sensitive techniques are resource intensive.

Objectives

This study investigated serum retinol 13C abundance changes due to natural 13C fractionation in C3 vs. C4 plants as a biomarker to detect provitamin A efficacy from biofortified (orange) maize and carrots.

Methods

The design was a 2×2×2 maize (orange vs. white) by carrot (orange vs. white) by VA fortificant (VA+ vs. VA−) in Mongolian gerbils (n=55), which included a 14‐d VA‐depletion period followed by eight 62‐d treatments (n=5–7/treatment). VA from liver and serum was quantified and purified by HPLC and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography‐combustion‐ isotope ratio mass spectrometry for 13C abundance.

Results

Treatments significantly affected liver VA concentrations (P<0.0001), but did not affect serum VA concentrations (P=0.64). Serum retinol and liver VA 13C abundance correlated well (R2=0.92, P<0.0001). Serum retinol 13C abundance differentiated control groups consuming white maize and white carrots (−27.1±1.2 δ 13C‰) from those consuming orange maize and white carrots (−21.6±1.4 δ 13C‰, P<0.0001) and those consuming white maize and orange carrots (−30.6±0.7 δ 13C‰, P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Provitamin A adoption effectiveness can be evaluated using serum retinol 13C abundance shifts after consumption of provitamin A maize and could likely be used for other C4 plants being biofortified with provitamin A carotenoids (e.g. millet and sorghum). Advantages of this include no extrinsic tracer dose, a single blood sample, and high sensitivity compared with serum retinol.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by an endowment to SAT entitled “Friday Chair for Vegetable Processing Research”, USDA Hatch WIS01528 (SAT), California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board (PWS), and HarvestPlus Agreement 5204 (KVP).
Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Stalk Extract, a Byproduct of Biofuel Production, Ameliorates Systemic Oxidative Stress in a Murine Model of High‐Caloric Diet‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Reddivari Lavanya , Bhatnagar Rohil , Massey Aaron , Vanamala Jairam
Published: June 2021

Humans are exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) through internal metabolic processes and environmental toxicants. An imbalance between oxidants and anti‐oxidants occur due to either an impaired anti‐oxidant system, or due to increased ROS production leading to oxidative stress. Dietary and lifestyle factors have been attributed as key causal agents in the onset and progression of chronic oxidative stress. Accumulating scientific evidence has implicated stress in the etiology of various chronic disorders, such as cancer, aging, metabolic syndrome and many others. 8‐isoprostane is a prostaglandin like compound that is considered as a sensitive marker to quantitate oxidative stress, with elevated levels associated with an increased oxidative stress response. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been considered as an effective strategy to both strengthen the antioxidant system of the body, and scavenge excess ROS. Sweet Sorghum (SS) possesses a unique array of phenolic compounds, including 3‐deoxyflavonoids. SS stalk, an inexpensive by‐product of the biofuels industry, can be used to develop science‐based standardized extracts with potential anti‐oxidant properties. We investigated the potential of phenolic rich extract of the dermal layer of SS stalk in alleviating oxidative stress in an animal model of diet‐induced obesity. A/J mice were fed a low‐caloric diet (LCD), high‐caloric diet (HCD) with 40% kcal from dietary fat and HCD supplemented with 1% w/w SS (HCD + SS) for 10 weeks. Our results show that SS was well tolerated by the mice consuming the experimental diets, as indicated by normal body weight, vital organ weights, feed intake and water intake. SS administration blunted systemic oxidative stress by suppressing plasma 8‐isoprostane levels. SS was also able to suppress the high‐calorie diet‐induced elevation of TNF‐α levels in the HFC + SS group. These results support the effectiveness of SS stalk as a potential source of bioactive compounds with potent in vivo anti‐oxidant and potential anti‐inflammatory activity.

Support or Funding Information

National Research Initiative Grant 2009‐55200‐05197 and fellowship grant 2011‐67012‐22951 from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (2009–2012).
A new commercial behavioral weight loss program: effect of program location, delivery mode and participant factors on weight loss
Authors: Das Sai Krupa , Brown Carrie , Toole Jim O’ , Roberts Susan Barbara
Published: June 2021

Rates of obesity are continuing to increase in adult Americans, and intensive behavioral programs are recommended to facilitate success in losing weight. However, among commercial programs that are currently offered to the public, very few have published statistics on their results.

We analyzed data for the commercial iDiet program (www.myidiet.com), a new group behavioral program based on novel principles. Specifically, this new program emphasizes hunger control and retraining food preferences through adherence to provided menu plans, in contrast to traditional programs that are built on self‐monitoring and accountability for calorie balance with self‐directed food choices. Self‐reported weights by individuals enrolled in a 12‐week program were analyzed. The data were collected by the iDiet company between January 2013 and June 2015 and provided to Tufts University to conduct independent analyses. The company also gave Tufts direct access to the company participant‐entered weight data for verification of the numbers via random auditing.

Results presented are for 498 adult men and women who completed the program and also provided at least one weight per week for ≥10 of 12 program weeks. The mean ± SD age of participants was 51.6±11.6, BMI was 32.3±7.1, and 87% of participants were female. 51% of individuals received their weight loss program in their worksite and 49% enrolled in a community program. 73% received the program via videoconferencing and 27% received it in‐person. Mean weight loss was 7.5±3.6% of starting weight for participants, and 75% of these participants lost ≥5% weight. Predictors of percent weight loss were analyzed using an ANCOVA model including all predictors and adjusting for age and baseline weight. There was no effect of gender, BMI, program location (worksite or community group) delivery mode (live or videoconference) or program payment (full payment by the individual versus no payment or incentivised participation) on percent weight loss. However, program year influenced results, with LS mean percent weight loss increasing from 5.9% in 2013 to 8.6% in 2015 (p =<.0001).

These weight loss values are substantial by comparison with data reported for other commercial weight loss programs, and indicate broadly successful results in a variety of settings by either live or videoconference delivery.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by USDA HNRCA grant: H150001 DA9611
Diet Quality of a Pregnant Primarily African American Cohort Residing in the Mississippi Delta: Delta Healthy Sprouts
Authors: Goodman Melissa Hall , Thomson Jessica L , Tussing‐Humphreys Lisa M
Published: June 2021

At no point during a woman's life is good nutrition more important than during her reproductive years as her dietary choices affect not only her health but also that of her child. Delta Healthy Sprouts is a randomized, controlled, comparative trial testing the impact of two Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting programs on health behaviors of mothers and their infants residing in the rural Mississippi Delta. This region of the US is characterized by high rates of poverty, obesity, and chronic diseases, low educational attainment, high proportion minority, poor nutrition, as well as poor pregnancy, delivery, and birth outcomes. We examined the impact of in‐home one‐on‐one nutrition education starting in the 5th gestational month (GM) on diet quality during pregnancy. The experimental arm (PATE) received monthly home visits using the Parents as Teachers curriculum enhanced with nutrition and physical activity education. Gestational intervention components of the PATE arm included healthy weight gain during pregnancy, nutrition and physical activity, and breastfeeding. Lessons included hands‐on activities, instructional DVDs, and goal setting for both diet and exercise. The control (PAT) arm received monthly home visits using the Parents as Teachers curriculum only. For both arms, maternal dietary intake during the gestational period was based on 24‐hour dietary recalls at GM4 (baseline), GM6, and GM8. Diet quality was computed using the Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010; total score range 0–100 points). HEI‐2010 mean scores for PAT participants at GM4, GM6, and GM8 were 41, 41, and 43 points, respectively; corresponding scores for PATE participants were 46, 44, and 45 points, respectively, reflecting overall poor diet quality for all participants at all time points. In particular, HEI‐2010 component mean scores were low for greens and beans, whole grains, seafood and plant protein foods, and sodium for both treatment arms at all 3 time points. Significant effects were not found for time, treatment, or time by treatment for the HEI‐2010 total or component scores. Results indicate that 3 months of nutrition education had no apparent effect on diet quality during pregnancy in this cohort of rural Southern primarily African American women. Explanations for this lack of effect are discussed.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the USDA Agricultural Research Service with in kind support from the Delta Health Alliance.
Dietary Intake and Diet Quality of Low‐income Adult Georgians Participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‐Ed)
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Hibbs Judy , Moore Jessica , Olubajo Babatunde , White Alice , Bailey Claudette , Lewis Markita
Published: June 2021

SNAP‐Ed provides nutrition education to low‐income Americans to help them make healthy choices within a limited budget. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of SNAP‐Ed participation on dietary intake and diet quality in a sample of low‐income Georgians who participated in the face‐to‐face nutrition education program delivered by trained paraprofessionals, titled Food Talk. This study includes 273 adult Georgians who completed both pre‐ and post‐surveys as well as consented to participate in the study (n=273, mean age 53.1±19.6 years, 80.2% female, 59.5% non‐Hispanic black; 38.5% of total Food Talk participants). Pre‐and post‐dietary recalls were collected by paraprofessionals to assess dietary intake and diet quality as measured by Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI‐2005) score. Sociodemographic characteristics and food resource management, food safety, and nutrition practices were also assessed using self‐administered paper surveys. About 47% of participants received at least one public assistance program including SNAP (37.1%), and 51.1% reported sometimes running out of food before the end of the month. On average, participants completed 5.68±0.92 out of 6 lessons, and 81.4% of the sample completed all 6 lessons. At entry, participants met on average 29% of 19 recommended dietary guidelines. The mean total HEI‐2005 score of the sample at entry was 50.2±13.7 (out of 100). Most participants reported poor (49.8%) or needs improvement (49.47%) diet quality categories. After receiving the Food Talk lessons, the mean total HEI‐2005 score at exit (50.9±15.0) was not significantly different from that at entry, but 17.7% and 63.7% of the sample showed improved or maintained diet quality categories, respectively. At exit, participants met on average 49% of 19 recommended dietary guidelines. Those who reported improved diet quality showed significant increases in 8 of the HEI‐2005 component scores (except total grains, dairy, vegetables, and protein food consumption) and were more likely to have ≥ 12 years of education and to receive SNAP after controlling for other confounders. The findings of this study showed that overall diet quality of SNAP‐Ed participants in Georgia is poor. Although the Food Talk program helped to improve diet quality of vulnerable participants (i.e., SNAP recipients) more than others, still the diet quality of the majority of participants needs major improvement. This study suggests the need to identify strategies to tailor the SNAP‐Ed program to best support improvement of dietary quality among target audiences.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by USDA SNAP‐Ed.
General Control Nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) Kinase Regulates Body Composition and Antioxidant Defenses during Dietary Methionine Restriction.
Authors: Pettit Ashley P. , Bargoud Albert , Mirek Emily T. , Anthony Tracy G.
Published: June 2021

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) produces physiological responses associated with resistance to metabolic disease and increased lifespan, but the sensing mechanism remains to be established. As a part of the integrated stress response pathway (ISR), the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) kinase GCN2 is a sensor of amino acid insufficiency by diet, drug or genetics. We hypothesized that phosphorylation of eIF2 (eIF2~P) by GCN2 mediates the metabolic phenotype by dietary MR. C57Bl/6J wildtype mice (WT) or mice deleted for Gcn2 (KO) were fed an obesity‐promoting diet (60% kcal fat) sufficient in methionine (0.86% kcal met, CON) for 1 week. Mice then remained on CON or were switched to an obesity‐promoting diet restricted in methionine (0.12% kcal met, MR) for an additional 5 weeks (n=6–8 per group). Results were evaluated by 2 factor ANOVA and Tukey post hoc with a significance level set at p<0.05. MR reduced body weight in WT and KO mice similarly (↓22%) even though MR mice consumed more energy (↑13%) than CON mice. WTMR mice also lost a significant amount of body fat (↓15%) as compared to WTCON but surprisingly, KOMR mice lost an insignificant amount of body fat as compared to KOCON (↓4%). Consistent with this difference in body composition, subcutaneous fat weights were decreased ~60% in WTMR as compared to WTCON but unchanged in KOMR as compared to KOCON. In the liver, activation of the ISR was indicated in both WTMR and KOMR via eIF2~P. MR also induced ISR genes Atf5, Atf3, Asns, Fgf21 and a profile of antioxidant genes including Ho1 and Nqo1 regardless of GCN2 status. On the other hand, MR reduced expression of fatty acid synthesis genes Fasn and Scd1 to a greater extent in the liver of WT versus KO mice. Furthermore, expression of the hepatic antioxidant defense gene Sod2 was increased in WTMR but not KOMR. These results indicate that GCN2 contributes to but is not a primary sensor of MR because activation of the ISR in the liver and reduction of body weight occurred largely independent of GCN2. However, certain physiological outcomes such as body composition and mitochondrial oxidative defenses in the liver were influenced by GCN2 status. Our study provides new insights into the GCN2 dependent and independent mechanisms by which MR alters metabolism and cellular defenses.

Support or Funding Information

NIH HD070487, USDA NIFA NC1184, INSPIRE at Rutgers, Rutgers University
Impact of Imposed Exercise on Children's Ad Libitum Energy Intake
Authors: Fearnbach Stephanie Nicole , Masterson Travis D , Schlechter Haley A , Downs Danielle Symons , Thivel David , Keller Kathleen L
Published: June 2021

Determining strategies to decrease energy intake (EI) and promote energy expenditure (EE) is of utmost importance to prevent childhood obesity. Exercise not only has a direct effect on energy balance through EE, but also has an indirect effect through its impact on EI. Previous studies in adolescents with obesity have demonstrated that exercise, relative to rest, is effective in reducing subsequent EI and overall energy balance. From a prevention standpoint, it is vital to determine the effectiveness of exercise‐related strategies to reduce overeating in children who are healthy weight, but are at risk for developing obesity due to family history. This study examined the effects of acute exercise on EI in 18 healthy‐weight children (ages 9–12 years, n = 11 male) with at least 1 overweight biological parent (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2). Children reported to the laboratory for 1 baseline and 2 experimental visits (EX = exercise, SED = sedentary) each separated by 1 week in a randomized crossover design. Two hours into the EX day session, children exercised at 70% estimated VO2peak for 30 minutes on a cycle ergometer. Objective EI (kcal) was measured at a standard breakfast (285 kcal) and ad libitum lunch, snack, and dinner. Meals were identical on the EX and SED days. Activity‐related EE (kcal) was estimated with ActiGraph GT3X‐BT accelerometers worn on the non‐dominant wrist and ankle, scored using ActiLife 6 software. Relative EI (kcal) was computed as the difference between total EI and activity‐related EE for each testing day. Paired t‐tests were performed to test differences in total EI, activity‐related EE, and relative EI between the EX and SED days, analyzed using SPSS. Across all meals, total EI was not statistically different between the EX and SED days (t = 0.47, p = 0.64). Total intake on the two days was highly correlated (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Activity‐related EE was greater on the EX day compared to the SED day (t = 9.18, p < 0.001). By design, this difference was predominantly driven by activity during the morning (t = 18.20, p < 0.001). Because children ate a similar number of kcal on each day, but had greater activity‐related EE on the EX day, relative EI was lower (t = −5.37, p < 0.001) for the EX day (1429 ± 354 kcal) relative to the SED day (1714 ± 296 kcal). Children did not adjust their daily EI to reflect differences in activity‐related EE between the two days, resulting in over‐consumption on the SED day compared to the EX day. Imposed exercise may help at‐risk children to better regulate their food intake within the course of a day.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by USDA/NIFA Grant #2011‐67001‐30117 Program A2121.
Effects of dietary protein and fiber at breakfast on postprandial appetite, neural responses to visual food stimuli, and ad libitum energy intake at lunch in overweight adults
Authors: Sayer R Drew , Amankwaah Akua , Tamer Gregory , Chen Ningning , Wright Amy , Tregellas Jason , Cornier Marc , Kareken David , Talavage Thomas , McCrory Megan , Campbell Wayne
Published: June 2021

Increasing either protein or fiber at mealtimes has relatively modest effects on satiety and ingestive behavior. Whether increasing protein and fiber in the same meal has additive or interactive effects on ingestive behavior is not known. Five female and 10 male overweight (BMI: 27.1 ± 0.2 kg/m2) young adults (26 ± 1 y) were provided with breakfast meals of varying protein and fiber amounts (normal protein [12.5 g] + normal fiber [3 g], normal protein [12.5 g] + high fiber [8 g], high protein [25 g] + normal fiber [3 g], high protein [25 g] + high fiber [8 g]) during 4, 2‐week interventions in a randomized crossover manner. At the end of each intervention, fasting and postprandial appetite ratings, neural responses to visual food stimuli, and ad libitum energy intake at lunch were collected. A priori reward‐related brain regions of interest included bilateral insula, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, caudate, and putamen. Fiber intake at breakfast did not affect ingestive behavior outcomes. Higher protein intake at breakfast transiently decreased desire to eat 60 minutes after breakfast, but did not influence hunger, fullness, or energy intake at lunch. Compared to fasting‐state, right insula responses to visual food stimuli were decreased 180 min after consuming normal protein, but not high protein, breakfasts. In conclusion, these data do not support increasing dietary protein and fiber at breakfast as effective strategies for modulating neural reward processing and ingestive behavior in overweight adults.

Support or Funding Information

American Egg Board, NIH UL1 TR001108, USDA‐NIFA 2011‐38420‐20038, Purdue University Ingestive Behavior Research Center
Reversal Effects of Genistein and (−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate on Repression of BRCA‐1 Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells with Activated AhR
Authors: Selmin Ornella I , Papoutsis Andreas J , Romagnolo Donato F
Published: June 2021

Sporadic breast cancers, which represent the vast majority (~90%) of breast tumor cases, do not have mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, BRCA‐1 but have absent or markedly reduced levels of BRCA‐1 similar to those observed in hereditary BRCA‐1 tumors. Therefore, understanding the non‐mutational mechanisms that contribute to silencing of BRCA‐1 has important implications for the prevention of both hereditary and sporadic breast tumors. Agonists of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) are ubiquitous in the environment and include dietary compounds, metabolites of fatty acids, industrial pollution, and photoproducts generated in the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In cultured estrogen‐receptor (ER)α‐positive MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, we found that the BRCA‐1 gene is a molecular target for activation by estradiol. In contrast, the cotreatment with equimolar (10 nM) concentrations of the prototype AhR‐ligand 2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) repressed by 50% estrogen‐induced BRCA‐1 protein expression. The post‐treatment with the soy isoflavone genistein and tea (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) at physiological doses (1 μM) rescued within 24 to 48 h BRCA‐1 protein expression to levels ~2.0 to 3.0‐fold higher than those measured in cells treated with estradiol. In ERα‐negative/AhR‐overexpressing UACC‐3199 breast cancer cells, genistein increased BRCA‐1 expression in a dose‐dependent fashion (1nM to 1μM). In chromatin immunoprecipitation assays with MCF‐7 cells, the post‐treatment with genistein and EGCG antagonized the TCDD‐induced recruitment of DNA‐methyl transferase‐1 (DNMT‐1) enzyme at the BRCA‐1 gene. These results suggest the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the reactivation of BRCA‐1 expression and preventative effects of genistein and EGCG against breast tumorigenesis associated with exposure to AhR carcinogens.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by grants from the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission (QSR14082995), the US Department of Defense Breast Cancer Program (BC134119), and Soy Health Research Foundation.