bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Critical Role of Individual Trait Differences in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Outcomes: Effects in a Sample with Non Binge‐Eating Obesity
Authors: Ray Mary Katherine , Sylvester Maria Dani , Osborn Lauren , Helms Joel , Turan Bulent , Boggiano Mary
Published: November 2023

Background

Obesity is a major public health concern and effective treatments for the disease are lacking. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non‐invasive, neuromodulation technique that reduces food craving and consumption, especially when using a right‐anode/left‐cathode (RA/LC) montage targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Despite the implications of these findings to treat frank (non‐binge‐eating) obesity, no study has tested RA/LC tDCS on this population. Moreover, most tDCS studies on appetite have not considered the potential influence of sex or of individual differences in psychological traits that are under the control of the DLPFC when evaluating the efficacy of tDCS on appetite variables.

Objective

This study tested the hypothesis that tDCS reduces food consumption and craving in frank obesity and that sex and individual trait differences influence these effects.

Methods

N=18 (10F/8M) adults with frank obesity (BMI ≥ 30 with no binge‐eating) completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire‐Restraint and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Both have subscales related to cognitive inhibition, a putative functional mechanism underlying tDCS effects on appetite. Participants received 20 minutes of 2mA tDCS and a sham session. Total and preferred‐food consumption was assessed with an in‐lab eating test and craving was assessed with a food photo “wanting” test.

Results

The effect of tDCS on food consumption or craving did not differ from sham. However, significant differences emerged when sex and psychological trait scores were controlled. tDCS vs. sham reduced food craving in individuals with lower attention‐type impulsiveness (p=0.043), total kilocalories consumed in males with lower non‐planning‐type impulsiveness (p=0.009), and preferred‐food kilocalories consumed in males with lower intent to restrict calories (p=0.024).

Conclusion

This is the first study to find significant changes in food craving and consumption in a population with frank obesity with the most popular tDCS montage used in appetite studies. The findings also highlight the psychological heterogeneity of individuals with obesity and the importance of identifying these and sex differences in future tDCS studies aimed at treating obesity.

Support or Funding Information

NIH‐T32Pre‐Doctoral training grant to MKR made possible by UAB's Nutrition Obesity Research Center.
Visceral Adiposity Index in prediabetes and diabetes: The Polish Norwegian Study (PONS)
Authors: Vaidean Georgeta , Manczuk Marta , Vansal Sandeep
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Prediabetes (preDM) is associated with an increased risk for progression to diabetes (DM). Visceral adiposity has been associated with diabetes and atherosclerosis, yet controversy exists about its measurement at population level. The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) has been proposed as a surrogate marker of visceral adiposity dysfunction.

Purpose

to compare VAI score between individuals with normal, impaired and abnormal glucose levels.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data of 12636 participants, age 45 to 64 years, in an ongoing cohort study, with structured questionnaires and fasting blood samples. We classified glucose control in three categories: normal (no DM and fasting glucose <100 mg/dL), impaired fasting glucose (IFG, no DM and fasting glucose between 100–125.9 mg/dL) and diabetes (history of diabetes or antidiabetic medication or fasting glucose >= 126 mg/dL). VAI score was based on the Amato sex‐specific formulae. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted using general linear and logistic models.

Results

The prevalence of IFG and or/DM was 34.60% and 11.24% respectively in men, and 21.04% and 6.83% in women. Across the optimal‐IFG‐DM spectrum, we found a statistically significant gradual increase in age, poor education, smoking, alcohol intake, prevalent cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, statin use, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference. For the optimal‐IFG‐DM categories, VAI score averages (95% CI), adjusted for age, education, smoking, alcohol, prevalent cardiovascular disease, statin use and blood pressure were 3.36 (3.30–3.42), 4.18 (4.08–4.28) and 5.36 (5.18–5.52) respectively. Among those without diabetes, each one‐unit increase in the VAI index increased the odds of IFG by 1.13 (95% CI 1.12–1.15).

Conclusion

VAI is independently associated with IFG/prediabetes and diabetes status. Potential implications: identification of prediabetes and IFG individuals with increased VAI may guide targeted aggressive prevention interventions.

Support or Funding Information

The data collection was supported by a grant from the Polish‐Norwegian Research Fund (PNRF‐228‐AI‐1/07
Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolic pathway genes and serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Brazilian adults: the Pró‐Saúde Study
Authors: Bezerra Flávia F , da Fonseca Ana Carolina Proença , Zembrzuski Verônica Marques , Junior Mario Campos , Cabello Pedro Hernán , Faerstein Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D status is influenced by a number of factors including dietary intake, skin pigmentation and sun exposure. Serum concentration of 25(OH)D may also be under the influence of polymorphisms in genes functionally important for vitamin D metabolism. The aim of our study was to explore the association between rs12785878 (NADSYN1), rs6013897 (CYP24A1), rs10741657 (CYP2R1) and rs2282679 (GC) polymorphisms and serum concentrations of vitamin D in an adult Brazilian population. We evaluated 514 participants (33–79 yrs; 266 women, 248 men) with the Pró‐Saúde Study, a cohort of university employees in Rio de Janeiro (22°57′S), Brazil. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were analyzed by chemiluminescent enzyme‐labeled immunometric assay. Genotyping of common variants were performed by real time PCR method. Mean serum 25(OH)D was 19.4 (SD: 8.1 ng/mL) and 54% of participants had concentrations below 20ng/ml. Allele frequencies were G (54%) and T (46%) for rs12785878; T (65%) and A (35%) for rs6013897; G (71%) and A (29%) for rs10741657; and T (78%) and G (22%) for rs2282679. Both genotype and allele frequencies for rs2282679 showed statistically significant differences (p=0.001 and p=0.0003, respectively) between groups according to vitamin D sufficiency (<20ng/mL vs. ≥20ng/ml). The allelic association analysis showed that rs2282679 G allele was a risk factor for vitamin D insufficiency [serum 25(OH)D <20ng/mL, OR=1.75 (1.29–2.38)]. After adjustments for month of blood drawn, skin type, sun exposure index and vitamin D intake, participants homozygous for the ancestral allele (TT) for rs2282679 had significantly higher serum 25(OH)D than TG and GG genotypes (mean±SE: 20.5±0.5, 17.7±0.6 and 17.0±1.5, respectively, p=0.001). Our results suggest that rs2282679 polymorphisms may contribute to variability in serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Brazilian adults, and therefore should be considered when evaluating determinants of vitamin D status, as well when interpreting results on prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in this population.

Support or Funding Information

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, grant number 484636/2013‐8) and Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ, grant number 26/102.201/2013), Brazil
Prenatal exposure to a maternal LP diet decreases BDNF expression in the brains of the neonatal offspring
Authors: MARWARHA GURDEEP , Claycombe Kate , Lilek Jaclyn , Ghribi Othman
Published: November 2023

Prenatal exposure to a maternal low protein diet has been known to cause cognitive deficits in the adult progeny. Maternal low protein diets induce visual and spatial memory impairment, deficits in learning and memory, as well as a host of behavioral abnormalities in the adult progeny. However, the underlying causes and the molecular mechanisms have not been identified. Herein, we demonstrate that a maternal low protein (LP) diet causes, in the brains of the male and female neonatal rat offspring, an attenuation in the basal expression of the Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin essential for neuronal survival and indispensable for learning and memory. Sprague‐Dawley female rats were fed either a 20% normal protein diet (NP) or an 8% low protein (LP) diet inducted at three weeks before breeding and continued for the entirety of the gestation period. Maternal LP diet caused a significant reduction in the Bdnf expression in the whole brains of the male and female neonatal rat offspring. We delineated the molecular mechanisms further, and found that a maternal LP diet –1) decreases cAMP levels and the ensuing protein kinase A (PKA) activation, that 2) consequently reduces CREB activation, which 3) culminates in a significant reduction in cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) binding to the Bdnf promoters – in the brains of male and female neonatal offspring. We further show that prenatal exposure of the neonatal male and female offspring to a maternal LP diet results in a characteristic inactive or repressed exon I and exon IV promoter of the Bdnf gene in the brain, as evidenced by fluxes in signatory hallmarks in the enrichment of acetylated and trimethylated histones in the nucleosomes that envelop the exon I and exon IV promoters of the Bdnf gene. Our study shows that prenatal exposure to a maternal LP diet results in the attenuation of basal Bdnf gene expression in the brains of the neonatal progeny through reduced activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway accompanied by changes in histone modification that make the exon I and exon IV promoter of the Bdnf gene refractory to transactivation.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by National Institutes of Health, Grant # R01AG0145264, to Dr. Othman Ghribi.
Meta‐Analysis of 19,005 Individuals Identifies Interplay Between Dietary Saturated Fats and Genetic Variants of the NLRP3 Inflammasome, to Modulate Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Risk
Authors: Murphy Aoife Marie , Murphy Leanne , Smith Caren Elizabeth , Follis Jack , Tanaka Toshiko , Helminen Mika , Lemaitre Rozenn , Voortman Trudy , Dehghan Abbas , Mook‐Kanamori Dennis , Marouli Eirini , Richardson Kris , Dupuis Josee , Meigs James , Gaora Peadar O' , Ordovas Jose , Roche Helen
Published: November 2023

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a multi‐factorial disease, caused by a complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors. Dietary fats represent an important environmental factor. Our previous research has demonstrated that the ‘nod like receptor pyrin domain containing‐3’ (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a critical role in obesity associated insulin resistance (IR) and has a specific sensitivity to saturated fatty acids (SFA) (*Finucane et al, 2014). We investigated genetic variants related to NLRP3 and potential interactions with SFA, which may modulate T2D risk.

Using METAL software, a cross‐sectional meta‐analyses of 6 Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium (n=19,005), tested interactions (linear regression effects) between dietary saturated fats and candidate NLRP3 related SNP's, to determine if these interactions could modulate three glycemic traits, fasting insulin, fasting glucose and Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR).

NLRP3 variant rs12143966 interacted with SFA intake (β ± SE = 0.0068 ± 0.002, p= 0.001), suggesting that each 1% increase SFA intake, in the presence of the minor A allele (MAF 0.38), increased fasting insulin by 0.0068 units. Olfactory Receptor Family 2, Subfamily B member 11 (OR2B11) variant rs4925663, minor allele T (MAF 0.4), also interacted with SFA (β ± SE = −0.0068 ± 0.002, p= 0.0001), suggesting a 0.0068 uIU/ml reduction in fasting insulin with each additional 1% SFA intake. Both SNP's are located on Chromosome 1 q44. In Silico functional analysis describes OR2B11 variant rs4925663 as a non‐synonymous missense SNP with highly significant eQTL hits with NLRP3 expression in whole blood and liver tissue.

Two inflammatory SNPs show a novel interaction with dietary SFA to modulate fasting insulin. Altering SFA intake may modulate T2D risk depending on the genotype of inflammasome related variants.

Support or Funding Information

Science Foundation Ireland Principal Investigator Programme awarded to Prof Helen Roche (11/PI/1119)
Nutrient transporter expression in bovine utero‐placental tissue is altered by the supply of dietary methionine during late‐gestation
Authors: Batistel Fernanda , Alharthi Abdulrahman Salem M , Parys Claudia , Saremi Behnam , Loor Juan
Published: November 2023

The placenta performs an indispensable function delivering essential nutrients for fetal growth. In humans, evidence indicates that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) acts as a placental nutrient sensor that could alter the activity of placental amino acid (AA) transporters. We hypothesized that increasing methionine supply during late pregnancy improves placental nutrient transport in dairy cows through the mTOR pathway. To test our hypothesis, sixty‐one multiparous cows were fed the experimental treatments consisting of a basal control [CON; n=31; 1.47 Mcal/kg dry matter (DM) and 15.3% crude protein (CP)] diet with no added methionine or the basal diet plus rumen‐protected methionine (MET; Mepron®, Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Germany; n=30). Placentome samples were collected from 15 cows per treatment based on body condition score of the cows at −30 days before parturition (3.64 ± 0.3; scale 1 to 5), number of days that the cows received the treatments (27 ± 1.8), calf sex (eight females and seven males per treatment) and calf birthweight (94 kg ± 10). Methionine was supplied from −28 days to parturition at a rate of 0.09% of diet DM. From −45 to −29 days before expected parturition, all cows received the same diet (1.33 Mcal/kg DM and 13.9% CP) with no MET. mTOR and RPS6KB1 (ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta‐1) had greater (P ≤ 0.07) mRNA expression in cows that received MET compared with CON, whereas AKT1, EIF4EBP1, EIF4EBP2, EEF1A1, ELF2 and IRS expression was not altered (P > 0.10). Cows supplemented with MET had greater (P ≤ 0.10) mRNA expression of heavy chain AA transporter (SLC3A2), branched‐chain and aromatic AA (SLC7A5), neutral AA transporter (SLC38A1, SLC38A2), sodium‐dependent AA transporter (SLC38A10), and System L transporter (SLC43A2). In contrast, expression of the betaine transporter (SLC6A12) was lower (P = 0.06) in cows fed MET. The genes SLC1A1, SLC1A5, SLC6A6, SLC7A8, SLC38A6 and SLC38A7 that encode amino acid transporters were not affected (P > 0.10) by methionine supply. Among glucose transporters analyzed, both facilitated transporters SLC2A1 and SLC2A3 had greater (P = 0.06) mRNA expression in MET cows, while SLC2A8 was lower (P = 0.07). The other glucose transporters (SLC2A5, SLC2A6, SLC2A9, SLC2A10, SLC2A11, SLC2A12, SLC2A13 and SLC5A11) analyzed were not affected (P > 0.10) by methionine supply. Regarding the fatty acid transporters, MET cows had lower (P = 0.06) expression of SLC27A1, while SLC27A2 and SLC27A3 were not affected (P > 0.10). The sodium/multivitamin and iodine cotransporter (SLC5A6) had greater expression (P = 0.09) in MET cows. The vitamin transporters SLC19A2, SLC19A3, SLC44A1 and SLC44A3 were not affected (P > 0.10) by methionine supply. Overall, our results indicate that increasing methionine supply during late gestation increases utero‐placental transport of nutrients and it is mediated, at least in part, by the mTOR pathway.
LCT Gene Variant (−13910C>T) and the Plasma Proteome: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Alharbi Ohood , El‐Sohemy Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Background

The impact of dairy consumptions on risk of cardiometabolic disease remains controversial. Individuals with lactose intolerance (LI) tend to avoid dairy, which is rich in lactose. The LCT −13910C>T variant has been associated with LI and dairy intake in European populations. Mendelian randomization is an approach that examines the association between an exposure and an outcome using a gene variant that is robustly associated with the exposure. The objective of this study was to determine the association between dairy consumption and 54‐plasma proteins implicated in the development of various chronic diseases using the Mendelian randomization approach.

Methods

Fasting blood samples were drawn from a total of 508 non‐smoking Caucasians aged 20–29 years from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study for genotyping of the −13910C>T variant in the LCT gene. Fifty‐four plasma proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography/multiple‐reaction‐monitoring mass spectrometry. Dairy intake was assessed using a one‐month, 196‐item food frequency questionnaire. Using the instrumental variable analysis, a Mendelian randomization approach was applied to examine the association between LCT genotypes and 54‐plasma proteins.

Results

The CC genotype, associated with lactose intolerance, was associated with higher levels of circulating fibrinogen alpha chain (p= 0.02) compared to the TT genotype. This association was due, at least in part, to lower total dairy intake (p=0.002), particularly skim milk in this population (p=0.004).

Conclusion

The LCT genotype that associated with LI is associated with higher levels of fibrinogen alpha chain, which suggests that dairy intake might be associated with a reduced risk of thrombosis.

Support or Funding Information

King Abdulaziz University
Supplementation with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreases fasting insulin and hemoglobin A1c levels in healthy Mexican adults: the role of PPARγ2 P12A
Authors: Binia Aristea , Gosoniu Laura Maria , Martínez‐Soria Diana , Vadillo‐Ortega Felipe , Valet Philippe , Kussmann Martin , Zolezzi Irma Silva , Tejero Maria Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

The effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contained in fish oil (FO) in glycemic control are not clear and perhaps are influenced by genetic variation in Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor (PPAR) genes. The study aimed to analyze the effect of FO supplementation on glucose metabolism and inflammation according to PPARγ2 P12A genotypes in young Mexican adults. 191 apparently healthy, non‐smoking subjects between 18 and 40 years were included in a one‐arm study. Participants were supplemented with 2.7g/day of EPA+DHA, during six weeks. Dietary analysis, indicators for glucose metabolism, and markers for inflammation were analyzed before and after intervention. An overall increase in relative concentration of ω3 fatty acids in red blood cells (HS‐ω3 index) was observed in all subjects [2.6, (SD:±1.2), P<0.001]. Mean fasting insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) were significantly decreased in all subjects [−0.547mlU/L,(SD:±10.29), P=0.034 and −0.07%,(SD:±0.3), P<0.001 respectively], whereas there was no change in fasting glucose, adiponectin, apelin and inflammatory markers. Subjects carrying the minor allele of PPARγ2 P12A had higher responses in the reduction of fasting insulin (−19.8%, −2.3mlU/L, ±8.4). Interestingly, in subjects with lower supplementation than 2.7g/day (~1.8g/day) reductions in fasting insulin and HbA1c% from baseline remained significant (P=0.019 and P<0.001). The observed responses in fasting insulin and HbA1c% in the Mexican population give further evidence of the importance to FO supplementation in young people as an early step towards the prevention of cardiometabolic disease.

Support or Funding Information

The study was funded by Nestec.
Regular Apple Consumption Improves Lipid Profiles in Overweight Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Navaei Negin , Pourafshar Shirin , Johnson Sarah A. , Hooshmand Shirin , Chai Sheau C. , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States despite scientific advances in the prevention, treatment, and management of CVD. Although the incidence of CVD is higher in men, the onset of menopause in women places them at a greater risk for CVD. Postmenopausal women experience an unfavorable shift in lipid metabolism leading to increased concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), total cholesterol (TC), and reduced high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations, as well as increased body fat. Although medications are available, compliance with them is low and they are often associated with side effects. An increasing number of women are seeking natural and alternative therapies, such as foods, that effectively improve their lipid profiles and reduce their risk for developing CVD. Animal and observational studies suggest that apple consumption reduces fat mass and modulates lipid profiles; however, there is a paucity of clinical research investigating the effects of apple on lipid profiles in overweight postmenopausal women. Thus, the objective of this 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial was to examine the efficacy of daily consumption of 75 grams of dried apples or a macronutrient‐matched control regimen in improving lipid profiles in fifty‐eight overweight postmenopausal women. Fasting plasma and serum blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks. Serum samples were analyzed for TC, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and apolipoprotein A (Apo A) in duplicates using Chemistry Analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA). Anthropometric measurements including height and weight were measured during each visit and body fat percentage was assessed using bioelectrical impedance. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance methods with PROC MIXED in PC SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Cary, NC). The findings of this study indicated that 12 weeks of dried apple consumption lowered LDL‐C by 5.6% (P<0.05) and tended to decrease TC by 2.9% (P<0.07) while HDL‐C significantly increased by 9.6% (P<0.05). Additionally, apple consumption significantly reduced body fat by 2.4% (P<0.05). Other parameters including Apo A, Apo B, triglycerides, and weight were not altered by treatment. Our results suggest that daily apple consumption improves lipid profiles and body fat in overweight postmenopausal women.
Protein Fortification of a Typical Biscuit Recipe
Authors: Johnson Michelle Eileen , Cress Eileen M. , Riddle Kailey , Webb Kaitlyn , Clark William Andrew
Published: November 2023

Malnutrition is prevalent in the geriatric population, as well as age‐related decline in skeletal muscle mass. Studies indicate optimal protein‐energy intake increases the quality and length of life. However, as protein needs increase, skilled nursing facilities struggle to meet patient protein needs as appetite, amino acid metabolism, chewing, and swallowing capacity decline. Nutrient‐dense foods are essential in promoting geriatric health with an emphasis on protein supplementation. Fortification of foods is a common, cost‐effective approach to enhance nutrient status in this setting. The objective of this research was to modify a typical biscuit recipe to increase the protein and calorie content of this popular Southern food, and to compare the effects of adding two different protein sources, a whey protein modular or instant dry milk powder, on nutrient composition and sensory acceptance among adults (N=97). Three recipes were made, a typical biscuit (C), and two variations with similar grams of added protein (whey protein: V1) and (milk powder: V2). Subjects were given 3 blind‐labeled samples for sensory analysis utilizing a 5 point Likert scale for appearance, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability. Analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant effect when adding protein sources on acceptability, texture, and flavor (P<.05). Post‐hoc testing (Tukey HSD) determined that while V2 was similar to C across sensory characteristics including overall acceptance, V1 biscuits rated significantly worse in acceptance, flavor, and texture. Proximate analysis of biscuits demonstrated similar dry matter (DM) percent (70.9 (C), 73.4 (V1), 73.8 (V2)), kilocalorie/g of DM (4.67 (C), 4.81 (V1), 4.70 (V2)), ether extract (% of DM) (35.6 (C), 33.3 (V1), 33.4 (V2)), crude protein (% of DM) (12.4 (C), 18.0 (V1), 16.7 (V2)) and inorganic content (% of DM) (5.2 (C), 4.2 (V1), 5.6 (V2)). All analyses were run in duplicate with minimum 95% agreement between duplicate samples. Results indicate that the addition of instant dry milk powder to a popular biscuit recipe is a cost‐effective method of improving its nutrient composition, while maintaining acceptability. This versatile food could be utilized in a number of savory and sweet applications. Utilizing whey protein powder would not be a feasible approach due to cost and poor acceptance of the end product.
Effect of Long‐Term Supplementation Lactobacillus paracasei on Body Composition in senescence‐accelerated mouse P8 (SAMP8)
Authors: Li Lin‐Ai , Chan Ching‐Hung , Kuo Ching‐YI , Chen Wen‐Lin , Ku Hui‐Hsuan , Lian Yu‐Zhi , Huang Hui‐Yu
Published: November 2023

Aging is associated with a redistribution of both fat and muscle within the body. Past research has found that long term supplementation of probiotics regulate energy metabolism. In this study, we aimed to bridge the gap by investigating the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei F3.15.1 (LPF) on muscle mass, fat mass, and bone density following long‐term supplementation. In this experiment, 16‐week‐old male SAMP8 mice (n=30) were randomly divided into the following 3 groups: the control group (Aging C, n=10), the group receiving LPF in a dose of 108 CFU/day/per mice (Aging 1X, n=10) and the group receiving LPF in a dose of 109 CFU/day/per mice (Aging 10X, n=10). We evaluated body weight, food intake, and measured bone density, muscle mass and fat mass using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. The results showed that the aging 1× and 10× groups had higher body weight than the control group. Furthermore, LPF supplementation significantly improved body composition, increased muscle mass, and decreased body fat percentage in the 10× group. These results suggest that long term LPF supplementation can change body composition in aging mice.
Male and Female Sex Hormones Modulate the Effects of Hepatic Rictor Deletion on Glucose Metabolism and Lifespan
Authors: Apelo Sebastian I Arriola , Pumper Cassidy P , Morrison Mark T , Meyer Emma J , Cummings Nicole E , Lin Amy , Baar Emma L , Lamming Dudley W
Published: November 2023

Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant and anticancer drug that extends lifespan in model organisms including mice, but side effects including metabolic disruption may limit its wide‐scale use for diseases of aging. We have previously found that many side effects of rapamycin may be mediated by “off‐target” disruption of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), and that deletion of Rictor, an essential protein component of mTORC2, specifically in the liver results in hepatic insulin resistance, disrupted glucose homeostasis and decreased male, but not female, lifespan. Here, we investigated the interaction of sex hormones and hepatic mTORC2 with respect to metabolic health and lifespan. We gonadectomized pre‐pubertal male and female mice in which Rictor is specifically deleted in the liver (LRKO) and their wild‐type littermates. Ovariectomy impaired glucose and pyruvate tolerance, while castration had no effect on glucose homeostasis. Deletion of Rictor strongly impaired glucose and pyruvate tolerance in male mice, regardless of surgery treatment. Intriguingly, Rictor deletion impaired glucose and pyruvate tolerance in female mice undergoing sham surgery, but had no further effect on ovariectomized mice. As expected, we observe that intact LRKO male mice die at a faster rate than wild type male mice; however, castrated LRKO mice die at similar rate than castrated wild type mice. These results suggest that female sex hormones are required for mTORC2 modulation of hepatic insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis, and that testosterone sensitizes male mice to loss of hepatic Rictor on lifespan.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health (R00 AG041765 to D.W.L.); American Federation for Aging Research (A15057 to D.W.L.); the UW‐Madison School of Medicine and Public Health; and the UW‐Madison Department of Medicine. S.I.A.A is supported by a fellowship from the American Diabetes Association (1‐16‐PMF‐001). This work was supported using facilities and resources at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. This work does not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.
Prevalence of Lactose Intolerance in Patients on Proton‐pump inhibitors
Authors: Rana SatyaVati , Pruthvi CR , Malik Aastha , Sinha Saroj Kant , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) are most effective drugs available to reduce gastric acid secretion. Their administration provokes dysbiosis of small intestinal bacterial flora, which exacerbates non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced small intestinal injury. This injury to small intestine may cause secondary lactase deficiency leading to lactose intolerance.

AIM

To study the prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Lactose Intolerance (LI) in patients taking PPIs

MATERIALS & METHODS

132 patients taking PPI only for more than 3 months and attending Gastroenterology Clinic at PGIMER, Chandigarh were enrolled.135 age & sex matched healthy controls who gave consent for study were also enrolled. Non‐invasive glucose & lactose hydrogen breath tests were done after overnight fast for measurement of SIBO and LI respectively. SIBO was measured by analysis of end‐expiratory breath for 2 hours after giving 75g glucose dissolved in 450ml water. LI was measured by analysis of end‐expiratory breath for 4 hours after giving 25g lactose dissolved in 250 ml water.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD of age in patients and controls was 42.1 ± 12.9 & 41.7 ± 10.2 years respectively. %age of SIBO in patients, 18/132(13.6%) was significantly higher (<0.05) as compared to controls 1/135 (0.74%). LI was also higher (p<0.05) in patients (62.8%) as compared to controls (34.8%). Moreover, prevalence of LI was higher among SIBO+ve patients (12/18; 66.7%) as compared to SIBO−ve patients (6/18 : 33.3%)

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that lactose intolerance is in more number of patients taking PPIs and this would have been due to increased small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in these patients

Support or Funding Information

Department of Gastroenterology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
Association between Dietary Protein Intake and Grip Strength among Adults Aged 51 Years and Over: What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014
Authors: Mishra Suruchi , Goldman Joseph D , Sahyoun Nadine R , Moshfegh Alanna J
Published: November 2023

Objective

Distributing daily protein intake evenly across meals (□25–30g/meal) has been suggested to improve muscle mass. The aim of this research is to examine the association between grip strength, total protein intake and its distribution across the day's meals in older adults.

Methods

Nationally representative dietary intake data of adults aged 51 years and older (n=4012) from What We Eat in America, NHANES 2011–2014 were analyzed. Protein intake per day and per meal type (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) were determined from a single in‐person 24‐hr dietary recall collected using the USDA Automated Multiple‐Pass Method. Grip strength (kg) was calculated as the sum of the largest readings per hand from the grip dynamometer. Grip strength of individuals consuming ≥25g protein at 1 meal type was compared with those consuming same level of protein at 2 and 3–4 meal types. Grip strength of individuals in quartile 1 of mean daily protein intake was compared with those in the other quartiles. All associations were examined without and with adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, physical activity, health status, and smoking status. The comparison involving meal types was further adjusted for daily protein intake. The comparison between protein intake quartiles was further adjusted for energy intake.

Results

Only 33% of men and 19% of women had protein intake of ≥25 g at 2 or more meal types. These individuals also had higher grip strength and mean daily protein intake. Grip strength was positively associated with consumption of ≥25 g protein at 2 meal types as compared to consumption of same level of protein at 1 meal type (p<0.0001) in unadjusted model, but not when adjusted. Grip strength was positively associated with mean daily protein intake among women in quartiles 3 (p<0.02) and 4 (p<0.001) of protein intake in both unadjusted and adjusted models. Among men, grip strength was associated with mean daily protein intake in quartile 4 (p<0.001) in the unadjusted model, but not when adjusted.

Conclusion

In a nationally representative sample of older adults, consuming ≥25 g protein at 2 or more meal types is not associated with grip strength. However, higher daily protein intake is positively associated with grip strength in women.

Support or Funding Information

None
Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Umbelliferae plants
Authors: Lee Je‐Hyuk , DIng Yu , Kim Jin‐Sun
Published: November 2023

Korean endemic Umbelliferae plants Angelicajaulana, Bupleurum euphorbioides, Peucedanum coreana, Peucedanum terebinthaceum, Bupleurum falcatum, Anthriscus sylvestris HOFFM., and Pimpinella brachycarpa have been used as materials in various Korean traditional foods. Aim of this study is to evaluate anti‐oxidant activity of Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) plants, which are used as a salad materials in Korean traditional diets. Total phenolic contents (TPC) of Sanicula chinensis was approximately 54.6 mg GAE/g DW, and Angelica fallax, Bupleurum longeradiatum, Cryptotaenia japonica, Glehnia littoralis, Ostericum koreanum, Sanicula rubiflora, and Torilis japonica extract had more than 30 mg GAE/g DW of TPC. Glehnia littoralis, Angelica fallax, Bupleurum longeradiatum, Ostericum koreanum, Sanicula rubiflora, Torilis japonica, and Torilis scabra extract (300 μg/ml) showed more than 80 % (%control) against 100 mM DPPH free radical. ABTS radical scavenging activity of Umbelliferae plants showed approximately 239.8–888.8 μm TE/g DW, and more than 700 μg TE/g DW of ABTS radical scavenging activity showed in Sanicula chinensis, Sanicula rubiflora, Bupleurum longeradiatum, Torilis japonica, Ostericum koreanum, Cryptotaenia japonica, Angelica fallax extract. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of Umbelliferae plants showed approximately 11.44–42.88 (μg TE/ml), and Sanicula chinensis and Sanicula chinensis had the highest ORAC value. TPC of Umbelliferae plants and their ABTS/ORAC values had the linear correlations (r=0.778 and r=0.579, respectively). Linear correlation between ABTS radical scavenging activities and ORAC values of Umbelliferae plants (r=0.876) indicate that the total phenolic compounds in Umbelliferae plants are the major component for their antioxidant activity and the credence of various antioxidant results in this study. Taken together, Umbelliferae plant Sanicula chinensis, Sanicula rubiflora, Bupleurum longeradiatum, Torilis japonica, Ostericum koreanum, Cryptotaenia japonica, and Angelica fallax had the abundant TPC and potent antioxidant activity, and these results support for superiority of traditional Korean diets using several Umbelliferae plants.
Genistein in Combination with Fructooligosaccharides Prevents Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Pourafshar Shirin , Navaei Negin , Johnson Sarah A. , Chai Sheau C. , Hooshmand Shirin , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: November 2023

Osteoporosis is an age‐related chronic condition characterized by low bone mineral density, especially in postmenopausal women. Certain nutritional factors can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and thereby reduce the risk of fractures. Isoflavones are compounds found in plants such as soy that are structurally similar to estrogen. Geniestein and daidzein are the two important soy isoflavones which may play a role in prevention of bone loss. These isoflavones may have superior health benefits in presence of prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The current study was designed to examine the bone protective effects of genistein and daidzein in the presence and absence of FOS in an ovariectomized (Ovx) rat model of osteoporosis. For this purpose, three month‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were either sham‐operated (Sham) or Ovx to induce bone loss. Rats were divided into seven groups with 12 rats per group: group 1 (Sham, control diet), group 2 (Ovx, control diet), group 3 (Ovx, daidzein‐rich isoflavones; 5 μg/g body weight), group 4 (Ovx, genistein‐rich isoflavones; 5 μg/g body weight), group 5 (Ovx, genistein‐rich isoflavones + FOS; 5 μg/g body weight), group 6 (Ovx, daidzein‐rich isoflavones; 10 μg/g body weight), and group 7 (Ovx, genistein‐rich isoflavones; 10 μg/g body weight). Animals were fed a semi‐synthetic‐powdered AIN‐93M diet. The dietary treatments began immediately after surgery and continued for 50 days, a period sufficient to detect treatment effects. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of whole body, tibia, femur, and 4th lumbar vertebra were measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Additionally, serum osteocalcin, serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and urinary deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) were assessed. As expected, Ovx resulted in significant bone loss compared to the Sham. Ovx rats that received genistein plus FOS had significantly higher whole body BMD (P<0.05) in comparison to Ovx control rats. Additionally, genistein plus FOS completely prevented loss of 4th lumbar vertebral and left tibial BMD (P<0.05). The results suggest that genistein plus FOS prevented bone loss, in part, by maintaining high rate of bone formation as evidenced by higher serum levels of ALP and osteocalcin. The overall findings of this study suggest that beneficial effect of genistein on bone is profoundly affected by FOS; however, the mechanism of action needs further investigation.
Ingested Walnut Oil Can Prevent Low‐Fat/High‐Carbohydrate diet and High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity by Modulating Metabolic Health Markers and Regulating the Expression of Genes for Metabolism
Authors: Juturu Vijaya , Sahin Kazim , Orhan Cemal , Tuzcu Mehmet , Sahin Nurhan
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

We previously found that ingested Walnut oil (WO), has antioxidant properties and reduces coronary heart disease risks, inflammation, and is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the WO effects on regulating the gene protein levels in low fat/high carbohydrate diet (LF/HCD) and high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in rats.

METHODS

Eight week male Wistar rats were fed on a LF/HCD and HFD with and without WO compared with control group (Gr I & Gr II, CTL, +/− 20 mg/kg BW WO), LF/HCD (Gr III & Gr IV, +/−20 mg/kg BW WO) and HFD (Gr V & Gr VI, HFD +/− 20 mg/kg BW WO) for 10 weeks. Glucose, lipid profile, leptin and free fatty acids were analyzed. Changes in the gene protein levels of gp91phox (NOX2), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor NF‐κB, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), NFkB, p22phox Protein (CYBA) and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) were analyzed. Visceral fat and liver weight assessed. Serum and liver TBARS and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed in all treatments.

RESULTS

Serum glucose, insulin, FFA, total‐C, and visceral fat decreased in HFD+WO. Experimental diets supplemented with WO lowered the levels of gp91phox (NOX2), NFkB, p22phox Protein (CYBA) and increased Nrf2 and eNOS levels. HSD+WO treated groups had significant decrease in insulin, FFA, leptin, TBARS in serum and liver tissue were observed.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that WO effectively reduces oxidative stress, improved thermogenic genes and increased antioxidant capacity. These effects might be at least partially mediated via regulation of the gene proteins involved in energy metabolism, oxidative stress and vasoprotection.

Support or Funding Information

Omni Active Health Technologies Ltd. India
Targeting inflammation and synaptic plasticity with bioactive polyphenol metabolites promotes resilience against stress disorder and depression
Authors: Pasinetti Giulio Maria
Published: November 2023

It is estimated that current pharmacological treatments for depression produce temporary remission in less than 50% of patients. Given the multifaceted nature of mood‐related disorders, there is a long‐standing need for innovative strategies to treat depression. Stress‐mediated synaptic maladaptations of nucleus accumbens (NAc) medium spiny neurons and induction of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in the periphery contribute to depression‐like behaviors both in humans and in experimental models. We report for the first time that dietary supplementation with a polyphenol‐rich preparation significantly promotes resilience to stress‐induced depression phenotypes in a repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) model of depression. We identified two phytochemicals, malvidin‐3′‐O‐glucoside (Mal‐gluc) and dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA), as the bioactive compounds from the polyphenol‐rich preparation. We demonstrated that oral supplementation with combined Mal‐gluc/DHCA can prophylactically and therapeutically promote resilience against RSDS‐mediated depression‐like phenotypes through structural and functional normalization of stress‐induced synaptic maladaptation in the NAc, and attenuation of stress‐mediated induction of IL‐6 in the periphery. Moreover, Mal‐gluc/DHCA is also therapeutically effective in treating depression‐like phenotypes in a model of increased systemic inflammation where mice were transplanted with hematopoietic progenitor cells from stress‐susceptible mice. Our studies provide novel experimental evidence that Mal‐gluc/DHCA can modulate stress‐induced depression‐like phenotypes by simultaneously targeting multiple underlying pathogenic mechanisms that are not addressed by currently available antidepressants. Given their excellent safety, drug‐like properties and their lack of interaction with monoamine receptors/transporters, our study can immediately translate into human clinical studies for the treatment of stress disorders and depression either alone or in combination with currently available antidepressants.

Support or Funding Information

Funding was provided by the P50 AT008661‐01 from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH R01 MH090264, NIH R01 MH104559 and NSF81200862.
Comparative Effect of an Anthocyanin‐Rich Extract from Purple Corn and Pure Anthocyanins on 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes under Different Physiological Conditions
Authors: Luna‐Vital Diego Armando , Weiss Matthew , De Mejia Elvira Gonzalez
Published: November 2023

The prevention of obesity and its related inflammatory effects using natural compounds has gained attention. The aim was to compare the effect of an anthocyanin‐rich extract from purple corn pericarp (PCW) and pure anthocyanins on 3T3‐L1 adipocytes on basal and inflammatory conditions. PCW had mainly cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) and in a lesser proportion pelargonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (Pg3G), and peonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (P3G). Preadipocytes (3T3‐L1) were treated during differentiation with or without PCW (0.125 to 1.0 mg/mL) for ten days. Lipid concentration and expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) were determined throughout differentiation. Differentiated adipocytes were treated either individually or in combination with 1 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), with 0.4 mg/mL of PCW, 50 μM of either pure C3G, Pg3G, or P3G for 24 h, and the concentration of triglycerides and free glycerol was quantified. A dose‐response inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation due to PCW (IC50 = 0.4 mg/mL) was observed and these results correlated with PPAR‐γ reduction in expression (IC50 = 0.28 mg/mL) (p < 0.05) compared to untreated adipocytes. PCW reduced triglyceride concentration by 45% (p < 0.05) in basal conditions, whereas pure anthocyanins did not exert effects at the concentrations used. Only pure C3G reduced TNF‐α‐dependent triglyceride concentration by 43%. PCW increased 2‐fold glycerol concentration in culture media of adipocytes in basal conditions (p < 0.05), while pure anthocyanins increased 2.8‐fold, compared to untreated adipocytes. In contrast, PCW reduced TNF‐α‐dependent free glycerol concentration by 52%. The contrast of the effects on lipolysis could be due to expression/activity rate of lipogenic and lipolytic enzymes. According to the molecular docking analysis, C3G can bind (−8.9 kcal/mol) to the Ser‐Asp‐His conserved motif of lipoprotein lipase and also to the thioesterase (−9.3 kcal/mol), and β‐ketoacyl reductase (−8.7 kcal/mol) domains of fatty acid synthase. PCW reduced TNF‐α‐dependent inflammatory status increasing adiponectin (39%), leukemia inhibition factor (80%), vascular‐endothelial growth factor (46%), and decreasing leptin (−88%), endocan (−80%), among others. The results suggest that PCW has potential to prevent adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation and to act as antagonist of PPAR‐γ on adipocytes in basal conditions. Moreover, PCW reduced the inflammatory status of differentiated adipocytes suggesting that it may be used to combat hyperglycemia associated with the metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.

Support or Funding Information

Office of Research, University of Illinois