bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ALIX interacts with a YPX3L motif of Protease‐Activated Receptor 1 and mediates MVB/Lysosomal sorting through an ESCRT‐III‐dependent pathway independent of ubiquitination
Authors: Dores Michael Robert , Chen Buxin , Lin Huilan , Soh Unice J.K. , Paing May M , Montagne William A , Meerloo Timo , Trejo JoAnn
Published: June 2021

The sorting of signaling receptors to lysosomes is an essential regulatory process. During degradation, receptors are modified with ubiquitin and sorted by ESCRT‐0, ‐I, ‐II and ‐III complexes into intralumenal vesicles (ILVs) of multivesicular bodies (MVBs). However, it remains unclear whether a single universal mechanism mediates MVB sorting of all receptors. We previously showed that protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR1), a G protein‐coupled receptor for thrombin, is internalized after activation and sorted to lysosomes independent of ubiquitination and the ubiquitin‐binding ESCRTs, Hrs and Tsg101. Here, we now report that PAR1 sorts to ILVs of MVBs through an ESCRT‐III‐dependent pathway independent of ubiquitination. We further demonstrate that ALIX, a CHMP4/ESCRT‐III interacting protein, mediates PAR1/ESCRT‐III interaction. ALIX binds directly to a YPXnL motif localized within the PAR1 second intracellular loop via its central V‐domain and directs the lysosomal degradation of PAR1. This study reveals a novel MVB/lysosomal sorting pathway for signaling receptors that bypasses the requirement for ubiquitination and ubiquitin‐binding ESCRTs. Supported by NIH R01 GM090689 and University of California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program 19FT0157
Chronic Exposure to Cadmium Increases in the Metastatic Phenotype of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ponce Esmeralda M , Aquino Natalie B , Louie Maggie C
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among American women in the U.S. Studies suggest that environmental factors such as heavy metal exposure may contribute to development and progression of breast cancer. Cadmium has been shown to induce malignant transformation and increase the aggressive phenotype of mammary epithelial cells. The study focuses on understanding the effects of chronic cadmium exposure on breast cancer progression. Preliminary data show an increase in the ability of MCF‐7 cells to migrate and invade through the extracellular matrix with cadmium exposure. MCF‐7 cells chronically exposed to cadmium (MCF7‐CdC) express higher levels of SDF‐1, a protein associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Additionally matrix metalloeproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activity was significantly higher in MCF7‐CdC cells. How SDF‐1 and MMP‐9 contribute to the aggressive phenotype of the cadmium exposed cells requires further research, and understanding their role in cadmium‐induced carcinogenesis will provide further insights to how heavy metals contribute to breast cancer progression.
Mutations that Affect the Directionality of Electron Transfer in Photosystem 1
Authors: Badshah Syed Lal
Published: June 2021

Photosystem 1 (PS1) is one of the two multi‐subunit, pigment‐protein complexes that drive the initial processes of light utilization in oxygenic photosynthesis. The PS1 complex has approximately 100 packed chlorophyll (Chl) molecules that form the antenna and functional redox cofactors comprising the reaction center (RC). The latter cofactors are arranged in two pseudo‐symmetric branches, starting from P700, and then split into two branches with the ec2 and ec3 chlorophylls and phylloquinone (A1) on each branch, and then rejoin at the iron‐sulfur cluster FX. All of these are bound by the heterodimer of the PsaA and PsaB subunits, while the terminal FA and FB clusters are bound by PsaC. Electron transfer (ET) along the two branches has been studied by various investigators, and it was established that both branches are active in electron transfer, but that electron transfer to FX was ~10‐fold faster from PhQB than from PhQA. Recently it was suggested that the initial charge separation event can take place independently within each ec2/ec3 pair (Holzwarth et al. 2010). In order to get a clearer picture of this phenomenon, we have generated new mutations in the PsaA and PsaB subunits near the ec2 Chls. Immunoblots and optical spectroscopy were used to estimate the amount of PS1 accumulated in each mutant. We measured nanosecond optical measurements in whole cells to probe for the directionality of electron transfer in the mutants, and identified some mutations that produce an observable effect on the relative use of the two branches. We are currently investigating these by ultra‐fast pump‐probe spectroscopy.
Sterol regulation of HMG CoA reductase in the liver
Authors: Calhoun Nicole , Deobse-Boyd Russell
Published: June 2021

HMG CoA reductase is the molecular target of statins, which are widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia and associated atherosclerosis in humans. HMG CoA reductase catalyzes the conversion of HMG CoA to mevalonate, a rate‐limiting step in the synthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. Mevalonate‐derived sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids exert tight feedback regulation on reductase by inhibiting transcription of the reductase gene, blocking translation of reductase mRNAs, and accelerating degradation of reductase protein. In this study, the sterol‐accelerated degradation of the membrane domain of HMG CoA reductase, a component of the reductase that is both necessary and sufficient for sterol‐accelerated degradation, was examined in the liver of transgenic mice overexpressing reductase. The contribution of the reaction to the overall regulation of the reductase in the organ was also determined. By focusing directly on sterol‐accelerated degradation, these studies allowed determination of protein stability in the overall regulation of reductase in the liver to be accessed. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms controlling reductase degradation in vivo will allow for the development of novel therapies that increase the effectiveness of statins in lowering blood cholesterol. Funding from Howard Hughes Medical Institute supported this research.
Intracellular fate of the non‐human sialic acid N‐glycolylneuraminic acid
Authors: Bergfeld Anne Katrin , Pearce Oliver Matthew Thomas , Diaz Sandra , Pham Tho , Varki Ajit
Published: June 2021

The only known mammalian biosynthetic pathway generating N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is the conversion of CMP‐ N‐acetylneuraminic acid (CMP‐Neu5Ac) into CMP‐Neu5Gc, catalyzed by the CMAH (CMP‐Neu5Ac hydroxylase) enzyme. Given the irreversible nature of this reaction, there must be as yet unknown pathways for elimination or degradation of Neu5Gc to allow animal cells to adjust Neu5Gc levels to their needs. Due to an inactivated CMAH gene humans are incapable of synthesizing Neu5Gc, but exogenous Neu5Gc from dietary sources can still be metabolically incorporated in the face of an anti‐Neu5Gc antibody response. The metabolic turnover of Neu5Gc, which apparently prevents human cells from continued accumulation of this immunoreactive sialic acid, has not yet been unraveled. Here we demonstrate that murine tissue cytosolic extracts harbor the enzymatic machinery to sequentially convert Neu5Gc into N‐glycolylmannosamine, N‐glycolylglucosamine, and N‐glycolylglucosamine 6‐phosphate, whereupon irreversible de‐N‐glycolylation of the latter generates the ubiquitous metabolites glycolate and glucosamine 6‐phosphate. We substantiate this finding by demonstrating activity of recombinant human enzymes in vitro, and by studying the fate of radiolabeled pathway‐intermediates in cultured human cells, suggesting that this pathway likely occurs in vivo. This work is supported by DFG (BE 4643/1‐1).
Intracellular and extracellular human lysyl oxidase‐like 2 in metastatic breast cancer cells
Authors: Xu Li , Rebecchi Kathryn , Nightengale Roger , Mure Minae
Published: June 2021

Human lysyl oxidase‐like 2 (HLOXL2) is highly up‐regulated in metastatic breast cancer cells and tissues. Native and recombinant HLOXL2s (rHLOXL2s) are soluble and mostly secreted into the media, but also found in cytosol and nucleus. Secreted HLOXL2 (~100 kDa) was confirmed for the presence of glycosylation, proteolysis, and formation of lysine tyrosylquinone cofactor. The fourth SRCR and catalytic domains of HLOXL2 are in communication to achieve optimal activity, and N‐glycosylation at Asn455 and Asn644 is essential for protein secretion. MCF‐7 cells stably expressing rHLOXL2s show higher proliferation and invasiveness in vitro, but do not exhibit characteristic metastasis molecular markers. Addition of β‐Aminopropionitrile, the specific inhibitor of HLOXL2, significantly abolished proliferation and invasiveness, as in the case for MDA‐MB‐231. Intracellular HLOXL2 (~80 kDa) is unglycosylated, but catalytically competent. Wild type MCF‐7 cells can uptake the purified secreted rHLOXL2s, and the exogenous N‐glycosylated rHLOXL2s localize in the nucleus and induce epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Evidence supports that HLOXL2 goes beyond its traditional role of initiating collagen and elastin cross‐linking extracellularly, its intracellular accumulation leads to a dramatic increase of metastasis/invasion in breast cancer cells.
Xanthopterin‐induced apoptosis in leukemic cell lines
Authors: Metzger Robert P , Janes Matthew R , Abadi Parisa , de Peyster Ann
Published: June 2021

The pteridines xanthopterin (2‐amino‐4,6(3H,5H)‐pteridinedione) and isoxanthopterin (2‐amino‐4,7(3H,8H)‐pteridinedione) exhibit anticancer effects in mice and cytotoxicity in confluent human mammary carcinoma MCF7 cells and other transformed cell lines (Lord et al, Cancer Lett. 2005, 222, 119). We wished to study the effects of these pteridines in additional cell lines in an attempt to understand the mechanism of their cytotoxicity. We now report that xanthopterin shows a dose‐dependent cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cells as shown by the MTT assay for cellular viability (Malich et al, Toxicology 1997, 124, 179). Xanthopterin and, to a much less extent, isoxanthopterin induce apoptotic and necrotic‐like morphology in Jurkat T, 769‐P and EL‐4, but not K‐562, cell lines. Dose response curves and cytofluorometric analysis show that the two pteridines in a time and concentration‐dependent manner decrease Jurkat cell viability by inducing caspase 6 activity and rapid cellular disorganization, nuclear condensation, and fragmentation. This suggests that xanthopterin may have some potential as an apoptosis‐inducing agent in leukemia cells (Korhonen et al 2005 Current Drug Targets – Inflammation and Allergy 4, 471).
Characterization of Noni component damnacanthal in anti‐tumorigenic activity
Authors: Nualsanit Thararat , Rojanapanthu Pleumchitt , Gritsanapan Wandee , Baek Seung Joon
Published: June 2021

Damnacanthal, an anthraquinone compound, is isolated from the roots of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni), which has been used for traditional therapy in several chronic diseases including cancer. In this report, we examined systematic approaches on the cancer suppressing capability of damnacanthal in colorectal tumorigenesis. Damnacanthal exhibits cell growth arrest as well as caspase activity induction in colorectal cancer cells. We also examined several potential target proteins and found that the pro‐apoptotic protein Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory activated gene‐1 (NAG‐1) is highly induced. Subsequently, we have found that damnacanthal also enhances transcription factor C/EBPβ, which controls NAG‐1 transcriptional activity. Blocking of C/EBPβ by shRNA results in the reduction of NAG‐1 expression as well as caspase activity in the presence of damnacanthal. Taken together, these results indicate that damnacanthal increases anti‐tumorigenic activity in human colorectal cancer cells, and C/EBPβ plays a role in damnacanthal‐induced NAG‐1 expression.

This work was supported by NIH grant‐R01CA108975 and University of Tennessee Center of Excellence in Livestock Diseases and Human Health grant. Financial support for TN by the Royal Golden Jubilee PhD Program (PHD/0159/2546), Thailand.
Induction of Apoptosis by Tungsten Carbide‐Cobalt Nanoparticles in JB6 Cells Involves ROS Generation through both ‘Extrinsic’ and ‘Intrinsic’ Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Ding Min , Zhao Jinshun , Bowman Linda , Leonard Stephen , Castranova Vincent
Published: June 2021

Tungsten Carbide‐Cobalt (WC‐Co) nanoparticle composites have wide applications because of their hardness and toughness. In this study, apoptosis and related signaling induced by WC‐Co were investigated. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and fluorescent staining indicated that both WC‐Co nano‐ and fine particles stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Catalase inhibit WC‐Co‐induced ROS as well as mitochondrial membrane permeability damage, indicating that H2O2 may play an important role in the cytotoxicity induced by WC‐Co. Further studies indicated that WC‐Co nanoparticles elicited a higher cytotoxicity and apoptotic induction than fine particles. Western‐blot analysis showed an activation of proapoptotic factors including Fas, FADD, caspase 3, 8 and 9, BID, and BAX. Lamin A and beta‐actin were cleaved. Interestingly, WC‐Co particles also induced Bcl‐2, an anti‐apoptotic factor, up‐regulation. In addition, both cytochrome c and AIF were up‐regulated and released from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. The results demonstrate that apoptosis induced by WC‐Co involve both ‘extrinsic’ and ‘intrinsic’ apoptotic pathways and nanoparticles exhibit higher cytotoxicity and apoptotic induction than fine particles.
FADD/RIP1/RIP3 coregulation of apoptotic, necrotic and survival pathways in embryogenesis and lymphoid homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Jianke
Published: June 2021

Programmed cell death including apoptosis and necrosis are fundamental biological processes that play essential roles during embryonic development and postnatal homeostasis in various tissues. The extrinsic apoptotic pathways induced through death receptors (DRs) require FADD to recruit and activate the apical caspase 8. Inactivation of each DR has no effect on embryogenesis. In contrast, FADD−/− mice die at mid‐gestation stages. The molecular mechanism underlying the paradoxical functions of FADD has been a long‐standing puzzle. Our recent data indicate that FADD regulates necroptosis, a RIP1‐dependent, necrosis‐like death pathway. RIP1, a serine/threonine kinase, is also involved in NF‐kB activation for survival. We demonstrated that RIP1 deficiency fully restored normal embryogenesis in FADD−/− mice. However, loss of FADD does not prevent neonatal lethality of RIP1−/− mice. The RIP1 homologue, RIP3, is also required for DR‐induced necrosis but dispensable for NF‐kB activation. RIP3 deficiency allows normal mouse development. We recently crossed RIP3 null alleles into FADD−/− mice. Our data indicate that FADD, RIP1 and RIP3 functions in concert to regulate two cell death pathways, apoptosis and necrosis, as well as survival pathways. Further analysis was performed to help reveal insights of the regulation including the function of additional regulatory proteins.
Osmotic Stress Resistance Imparts Acquired Anti‐Apoptotic Properties in Lymphocytes via Regulatory Cell Volume Mechanisms
Authors: Bortner Carl David , Scoltock Alyson B. , Sifre Maria I. , Cidlowski John A.
Published: June 2021

Apoptosis is a physiological form of cell death characterized by unique morphological and biochemical properties. A defining feature of apoptosis is the apoptotic volume decrease or AVD. Most cells have inherent volume regulatory increase (RVI) mechanisms to contest an imposed loss in cell size, however T‐cells are unique in that they do not have a RVI response. We utilized this property to explore potential regulatory roles of a RVI response in apoptosis. Exposure of immature T‐cells to hyperosmotic stress resulted in a rapid and synchronous apoptosis. Multiple rounds of osmotic stress followed by recovery in normal media resulted in a population of cells that were resistant to osmotic stress induced apoptosis. These cells were also resistant to other intrinsic apoptotic stimuli, while remaining sensitive to extrinsic apoptotic stimuli. Interestingly, these osmotic stress resistant cells showed no increase in anti‐apoptotic proteins, and released cytochrome c from their mitochondria following intrinsic apoptotic stimuli. The osmotic stress resistant cells acquired a RVI response, and inhibition of the RVI with flufenamic acid, but not amiloride compounds, restored the sensitivity of these cells to apoptosis. These results define a critical role of volume regulation mechanisms in apoptotic resistance.
Pretreatment with morin ameliorates lipid profiles in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in wistar rats
Authors: Govindasamy Chandramohan , Alnumair Khalid S , Alsaif Mohammed A
Published: June 2021

Objective

Lipids and lipoproteins play an important role in the pathology of myocardial infarction. In the present study evaluated the flavonoid‐morin on lipid profiles in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Methods

Male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with morin at the optimum dose of 40 mg/kg daily for a period of 30 days. After the treatment period, ISO (85 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected in rats at an interval of 24 h for 2 days.

Results

Isoproterenol caused a significant increase in the activity of total, ester, free cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA) and phospholipids (PL), low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and very low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (VLDL‐C) in serum and decreased activities in heart phospholipids, serum high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels. Pretreatment with morin at 40 mg/kg dose blocked these changes to normality which proved their antihyperlipidemic action. Histopathology of heart of ISO administered rat pretreated with morin showed normal myocardium.

Conclusion

These findings provided evidence that morin was found to be protecting the myocardium against ischemic insult and the protective effect could attribute to its antihyperlipidemic activities.

Source: The authors would like to express their gratitude to the National Nutrition Policy Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for their generous financial support.
Interactions between the ABCG2 multidrug transporter and inhibitors of the EGFR signaling pathway
Authors: Sarkadi Balazs , Hegedüs Csilla , Truta-Feles Krisztina , Özvegy-Laczka Csilla , Telbisz Agnes , Várady György
Published: June 2021

Human ABCG2 is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that provides protection against xenobiotics and causes drug resistance in cancer. ABCG2 was also found to be a key protein in the side population (SP) of normal and cancer stem cells. Since up‐regulation of the EGFR‐dependent signaling plays an important role in several types of cancer, EGFR inhibition by small molecules is by now widely applied at the clinics. We have studied the potential role of ABCG2 expression on the effects of various EGFR inhibitors and found that the presence of ABCG2 significantly modified the intracellular effects of these signaling inhibitors. On the other hand, some of these agents also inhibited ABCG2 function, thereby re‐sensitizing multidrug resistant cancer cells to other cytotoxic agents. We describe a complex interplay between clinically relevant small molecule inhibitors of the EGFR signaling pathway and ABCG2, which can influence drug resistance of cancer cells and especially of cancer stem cells.
Do mother's self‐reported reasons for introducing solid foods vary by age at introduction and socio‐demographic characteristics?
Authors: Clayton Heather Breeze , Scanlon Kelley , Perrine Cria , Li Ruowei
Published: June 2021

Early solid food introduction may shorten breastfeeding duration and increase risk of adverse health outcomes. We analyzed data from 1,117 women who participated in the Infant Feeding Practice Study II, a longitudinal study of mothers and their infants, to describe mothers’ reasons for introducing solid foods. From a 12‐ item list of reasons, we calculated the percentage of women who indicated a reason for introducing solid food as “important” and used multiple logistic regression to assess whether reasons varied by socio‐demographic characteristics and infant age at introduction.

The four most common reasons for introducing solid foods were: (1)“my baby was old enough to begin eating solid food” (91%), (2)“my baby wanted the food I ate or in other ways showed an interest in solid food” (71%), (3)“I wanted to feed my baby something in addition to breast milk or formula” (65%), and (4)“a doctor or other health care professional said my baby should begin eating solid food” (62%). In multivariable models, age at introduction to solid foods varied significantly for reasons 1,2 & 4 while socio‐demographic characteristics varied significantly for reasons 2,3 & 4. Women's reasons for introducing solid foods varied significantly by age at introduction, and by socio‐demographic characteristics.
Workplace accommodations to support breastfeeding in New Jersey
Authors: Gaits Susan , Bai Yeon , Wunderlich Shahla M.
Published: June 2021

Returning to an unsupportive work environment has been identified as a major reason for avoidance or early abandonment of breastfeeding among working mothers. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and extent of accommodations offered to breastfeeding employees among New Jersey employers (hospitals, education, and retail) since the Federal Reasonable Break Time for Nursing Mothers law enactment. Respondents (N=51) completed a 22‐item online questionnaire during Fall 2011. Level of support was measured by the amenities of the lactation room (furnishings, proximity to running water, and breast pump), then transformed to a composite “amenity score” ranging from 0 to 3 (superior). The support level was compared by type of organization: hospital (n=34) vs. non‐hospital (n=17). The amenity score of hospitals, although moderate, was higher than non‐hospitals (1.44 vs. 0.45, p=0.002). Hospitals were more likely to have separate lactation room, (62 vs. 40%, p=0.06), and higher awareness of the federal law (55 vs. 14%, p=0.06) and their own breastfeeding policy (62 vs. 21%, p=0.003). All employers need to improve the level of lactation support regardless of the type of organization.

Grant Funding Source : Montclair State University
Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive‐linguistic development of premature infants
Authors: Toro-Ramos Tatiana , Meio Maria Dalva Barbosa Baker , Morsch Denise Streit , Moreira Maria Elizabeth Lopes , do Carmo Maria Tavares , Sichieri Rosely , Hoffman Daniel J.
Published: June 2021

Premature infants skip a period of increased long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) during the last trimester of gestation, posing them at risk for developmental disabilities. This study evaluated the relationship between maternal breast milk FA composition and the cognitive, linguistic, and motor development (Bayley‐III scores) of premature infants between 9–12 months corrected age using multiple linear regression analysis. Breast milk samples from 25 low‐income mothers with premature infants were obtained the first week postpartum and analyzed for FA composition. Arachidonic acid (AA) had a significant positive relationship (β, 14.57, p = 0.05) with cognition and DHA had a positive relationship with expressive language (β, 0.62, p = 0.02) while LA had a negative relationship (β, −0.44, P = 0.005) with expressive language. The ratios LA: AA and ALA: DHA had a significant negative relationship (β, −6.54, p < 0.03 and β, −10.16, p < 0.02, respectively) with cognition, while the relationship of AA: ALA with cognition was positive (β, 6.95, p < 0.03). In conclusion, women with premature babies can provide AA and DHA breast milk levels during the first week postpartum associated to higher cognition and expressive language scores. Funding for this study was provided by The American Egg Board.
Prevalence of Folate deficiency and Folate Deficiency Anemia in REGARDS 2003–2007
Authors: odewole oluwaseun , Zakai Neil , Judd Susan , Berry Robert , Qi Yan Ping , McClellan William , Williamson Rebecca , Demilade Adedinsewo , Oakley Godfrey
Published: June 2021

Objective

We aim to determine the prevalence of folate deficiency and folate deficiency anemia within the REGARDS cohort post flour fortification.

Methods

The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) is a prospective population‐based cohort that is comprised of half African‐American and half white participants aged ≥50. We measured serum folate levels of 1547 REGARDS participants, we defined serum folate concentrations <3 ng/mL as deficient, anemia by WHO and age, sex, race specific criteria; Folate deficiency anemia as the presence of folate deficiency and anemia as previously defined.

Results

We found a mean hemoglobin level of 13.6g/dL; prevalence of anemia was 15.9%; mean serum folate of 14.6ng/mL and two (0.13%) participants were folate deficient. Both participants are African American females with markedly elevated C reactive protein levels, but normal serum B12 levels. The prevalence of folate deficiency anemia in the sample was 0.06%.

Conclusion

There is negligible folate deficiency anemia in the post fortification era. Thus, in addition to being instrumental in the decline of neural tube defects, folic acid fortification has also resulted in diminishing the prevalence of folate deficiency anemia in the US.

Grant Funding Source: none
Body composition of 6 to 8.5 year old overweight and obese children: 12‐week follow‐up from an eating and exercise behaviour family‐centered lifestyle intervention in Quebec (Canada)
Authors: Cohen Tamara Rebecca , Hazell Tom , Vanstone Catherine A , Moore Marilyn , Plourde Hugues , Rodd Celia , Weiler Hope A
Published: June 2021

Assessment of body fat mass using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in obese children is scarce. The objective of this study was to examine body composition changes from baseline to 12‐wk in overweight and obese children participating in a lifestyle intervention. Overweight (n= 3) and obese (n= 11) children (mean age 7.7 ± 0.7 y) were randomized to three groups: control (Con); standard intervention (SInt); and an intense intervention (IInt) group. DXA scans were performed at baseline and 12‐wk. Although none of the results presented are statistically significant, Con appeared to gain more mass (2.0 ± 0.8 kg) vs. SInt (0.3 ± 2.5 kg) vs. IInt (0.1 ± 1.1 kg) (p=0.13). Concomitantly BMI z‐scores demonstrated minor alterations, IInt (0.0± 0.2) SInt (−0.2 ± 0.3) and (−0.1 ± 0.2) (p=0.19). By week 12, our results suggested that the SInt group had a slightly greater % fat loss (−2.4 %) vs. control (+0.5 %) vs. IInt (−1.7 %). However, the IIntr appeared to present with a greater changes in whole body bone mineral content (BMC) (46.5 g) and % trunk fat loss (FL) (−1.6%) compared to SInt (BMC: 44.4 g; % FL: −0.2) and control (BMC: 43.9 g; % FL: 0.8). These preliminary results suggest that obese children who attend a family intervention may lower fat mass and improve BMC, through adoption of weight‐bearing activity and a focus on nutrient dense foods. Our continued study will confirm these results. Funded by Dairy Farmers of Canada.
Sources of sodium according to income levels in the Brazilian National Dietary Survey
Authors: de Moura Souza Amanda , Bezerra Ilana Nogueira , Pereira Rosangela Alves , Sichieri Rosely
Published: June 2021

In order to evaluate major food sources of sodium according to income levels in Brazil, day‐1 food records from 34,003 individuals (¡Ã10yrs) investigated in the 2008–2009 Brazilian National Dietary Survey were analyzed. Sodium density (mg/100g) was estimated by dividing the average daily intake of sodium by the daily per capita intake within 31 food groups, according to income quartiles. Weighted analyses were performed and accounted for the complex sampling design. Overall, salty preserved meats (997mg/100), processed meats (974mg/100g), cheeses (883mg/100g), crackers (832mg/100g), oils and condiments (804mg/100g), sandwiches (800 mg/100g), pizzas (729mg/100g), and breads (646mg/100g) presented the highest sodium density. Analysis according to income quartiles showed similar contributions of these food groups to sodium intake among the 2nd and 3rd income quartiles. The most important difference was observed between the 1st and 4th income quartiles. Sodium density of salty preserved meats was twice greater in the 1st income quartile (1017mg/100g) when compared to the 4th quartile (585mg/100g). Processed foods were important source of sodium in Brazilian diet and must be focus of public health policies in an effort to reduce total sodium intake. Founding: CAPES‐Brazil (PDEE 4544‐11‐0).
Child feeding practices among Mexican mothers from rural communities and WHO guiding principles
Authors: Lozada Ana Lilia , Fernández-Gaxiola Ana Cecilia , García-Guerra Armando , Neufeld Lynnette
Published: June 2021

Poor compliance with complementary feeding practices (CPF) has been reported previously in Mexico, but surveys have not included information on all WHO feeding recommendations. Mothers of infants <2 years old (n = 5219) were surveyed as part of the external evaluation of the Oportunidades program. CPF were assessed by questionnaire designed to solicit information in relation to the WHO guiding principles. The prevalence of malnutrition was high in the population. 61.7% infants were breastfed until 2 y of age, but the average age of introduction of foods was very young. 74.1% used fortified complementary foods, but only half of the children were receiving an adequate amount of complementary food. Only 28% of women used feeding practices considered being sensitive and responsive and 11.2% used appropriate food storage and preparation methods. Younger mothers and beneficiaries of Oportunidades are more likely to comply (p<0.05) better than the other mothers. Inadequate feeding practices were positively associated with stunting and anemia. Poor compliance with WHO recommendations is associated with poor nutritional status.
Evaluating the impact of Farm to School programs on vegetable preference and consumption patterns among school‐aged children
Authors: Miller Rachel J , Scherr Rachel E , Rittenhouse Thea , Feenstra Gail , Ohmart Jeri , Hillhouse Carol , Farfan-Ramirez Lucrecia , Zidenberg-Cherr Sheri
Published: June 2021

Research evaluating the impact of Farm to School (FTS) programs on vegetable (V) consumption is limited. The goals of this study are to establish methodologies and determine the feasibility of assessing dietary outcomes resulting from FTS. A subset of 4th grade children in Winters Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OSUD) participated in assessments using a pre‐post‐test design. Student V preferences were measured using a food preference questionnaire. Acceptance and consumption of V from school lunch was measured by plate waste. Dietary behaviors outside of school were measured with a parent questionnaire. At pre‐test, 3.7% of WJUSD students chose and ate V at lunch. Of participating OUSD students, 45.8% chose V at lunch, but only 29.7% ate any of the V taken. V preference, measured on a scale of 0–5 (5 indicating a high level of preference) was 3.3 among WJUSD students and 3.0 among OUSD students. Of surveyed parents, 50% in WJUSD and 34% in OUSD reported that their child asks them to buy selected California specialty crop vegetables. When asked if their child receives a healthy school lunch 61.5% of WJUSD parents and 42.1% of OUSD parents replied “yes”. Districts were encouraged to use baseline results in developing strategies for FTS implementation. Post‐test data will be collected approximately one year post‐implementation. (Supported by CDFA, project #SCB10030)
Differential dietary intake patterns among 2–6 year olds in the US across race/ethnicity, parental education, and poverty levels
Authors: Butler Jennie Lauren , Miles Donna R , Slining Meghan M , Popkin Barry M
Published: June 2021

Preschoolers are one of the least studied US subpopulations, especially regarding differential dietary intake patterns. Our objective was to investigate food and beverage consumption by race/ethnicity, parental education, and household poverty levels (PL) in a nationally representative sample of 2–6 year olds (N= 2,216). One day of 24‐hr dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–08 was combined and examined. Mean daily energy intake (1658 kcal/day) did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity or parental education, but was greater among lower income children (households ≤ 185% PL) as compared to higher income children (households >185% PL;1743 kcal vs. 1579 kcal, respectively). The top five contributors to mean kcal/day among all children were Milk, Grain‐based desserts, Savory snacks, Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB), and Fruit juice; however, intakes of Pasta dishes, Processed meats, and Corn‐based dishes differed by race/ethnicity. Lower income children consumed double the Pizza and SSB as compared to children in higher income households. Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic differentials in young child diet are pronounced and require serious attention in childhood obesity prevention and management strategies.
Genotype‐based hierarchical clustering reveals a panel of polymorphisms in one carbon metabolism that are associated with obesity
Authors: Corbin Karen D , Spencer Melanie D , da Costa Kerry-Ann , Sha Wei , Abdelmalek Manal F , Pan Yiping , Suzuki Ayako , Guy Cynthia D , Cardona Diana M , Torquati Alfonso , Diehl Anna Mae , Zeisel Steven H
Published: June 2021

We previously demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) flippase ABCB4 were associated with obesity and proposed that PtdCho metabolism is a key player in energy metabolism. We sought to identify patterns of SNPs in one carbon metabolism, and related pathways, that are associated with obesity by utilizing hierarchical clustering to group people by genotype rather than phenotype [n = 720; body mass index (BMI) range 17–76]. Clusters were generated by selecting the top SNPs associated with BMI based on a linear regression model (n = 99 out of 260; cutoff raw p‐value < 0.1) and removing highly correlated SNPs (R2 ≥ 0.95). The final list included 67 SNPs. The 9 clusters generated were characterized as related to BMI, gender, ethnicity, diabetes diagnosis, hepatic steatosis, and age. We found 3 high and 1 low BMI clusters. We identified SNPs in ABCB4, BHMT, PEMT, FADS2, MTHFD1, MTHFR, SCD, and SLC44A1 that were significantly different in the heavy versus lean clusters. Additional phenotypes were different in the heavy versus lean clusters, particularly gender and ethnicity. This methodology may expand our understanding of the concurrent genetic patterns associated with the diverse obese phenotype and allow us to find relevant genetic factors in specific groups of people that may be missed with standard statistical approaches. This work is supported by NIH grant DK055865.
BOLD (Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet) effects on metabolic syndrome: a preliminary analysis
Authors: Hill Alison Marie , Roussell Michael , West Sheila , Kris-Etherton Penny
Published: June 2021

Primary treatment for Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is weight loss; yet dietary weight loss interventions emphasizing different types and amounts of PRO may elicit different effects on the MS risk profile. Volunteers (n=62) with MS (ATP III criteria) completed a 25‐week randomized parallel dietary intervention involving three phases: controlled weight maintenance, controlled weight loss and free living weight loss. All subjects were fed an Average American Diet (AAD) [13% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 17% protein (PRO), ~1.4 oz beef/d] for 2 weeks (baseline) before consuming one of three cholesterol‐lowering diets: Modified‐DASH [ <7% SFA, 18% PRO (2/3 plant sources), ~0.4 oz beef/d], BOLD [<7% SFA, 19% PRO (2/3 animal sources), ~5.0 oz beef/d], and BOLD+ ( <7% SFA, 27% PRO, ~7.0 oz beef/d). Criteria for MS were assessed at baseline, at the end of the controlled feeding periods and after free living. Significant equivalent improvements in MS criteria were observed for all experimental diets compared with baseline (P<0.05); the greatest benefit was seen in the controlled weight loss phase, with regression toward baseline during free living. These data suggest that heart‐healthy dietary patterns that emphasize animal or plant protein can improve criteria for MS when SFA is controlled. Supported by: National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
Choline metabolism biomarkers predict the risk of metabolic unfitness among young men
Authors: Yan Jian , Winter Lilia B. , Burns-Whitmore Bonny , Vermeylen Francoise , Caudill Marie A.
Published: June 2021

To test the hypothesis that plasma choline metabolism biomarkers, alone and together with genetic determinants of one carbon (1‐C) metabolism, predict metabolic unfitness associated with a lipid overload (i.e. obesity), a cross‐sectional analysis was conducted involving 249 Mexican American men with a median age of 22 y. Circulating concentrations of choline, betaine, folate, metabolic unfitness indicators (i.e. lipid panel and liver enzymes), and polymorphisms of 1‐C metabolizing genes (i.e. MTHFD1 G1958A) were assessed. Bivariate partial correlation tests and multivariate regression models were performed in data analysis. Plasma choline positively and plasma betaine negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) with lower plasma betaine observed in men whose BMI > 25.8 kg/m2 (cohort median). In age‐ and BMI‐adjusted regression models, plasma betaine associated positively with serum HDL‐cholesterol. Further, plasma betaine associated negatively with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) among men with serum folate < 14.5 ng/mL (cohort median) or among men with at least one copy of MTHFD1 1958A allele. In sum, these data demonstrate that choline metabolism markers predict the risk of metabolic unfitness and support the need to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of choline/betaine on metabolic fitness.

Grant Funding Source : NIH Grant #S06GM053933 and California Agriculture Research Initiative
Hepatoprotective Activities of Black Soybean in High Cholesterol Diet‐induced Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: jung ji-hye , cho hyun-sook , liu yanan , kim hyun-sook
Published: June 2021

Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD) is characterized by an increase in intra‐hepatocellular triglycerides, which is not due to alcohol. This study investigated the effect of black soybean supplementation on high cholesterol diet induced NAFLD. Mice were divided into five groups: normal control(NCD), high cholesterol control(HCD), and the high cholesterol diet supplemented with black soybean powder(1B‐HCD:1%, 2BHCD: 2%, 4B‐HCD:4%). Blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, adiponectin, and malondialdehyde(MDA) were determined. Blood glucose and insulin in HCD(163.2mg/dl, 3.07μIU/ml) were higher than in NCD(100.0mg/dl, 1.62μIU/ml), reducing in all experimental groups(129.2mg/dl, 1.76μIU/ml; 98.6mg/dl, 2.30μIU/ml; 113.7mg/dl, 2.29μIU/ml). Total cholesterol and triglyceride were only decreased in 4B‐HCD compared to HCD. Adiponectin was significantly decreased in HCD(6.68ng/ml), while increased in experimental groups(8.13ng/ml; 8.89ng/ml; 9.12ng/ml). MDA was dropped in all experimental groups(20.04μM; 33.89μM; 15.89μM), compared to HCD(35.96μM). The results indicate that supplementation of black soybean may improve lipid profiles and oxidative damage in NAFLD. This work was supported by SRC and BK 21.

Grant Funding Source: Brain Korea 21
Inhibition of HO‐Adiponectin‐Dependent Pathways Contributes to Metabolic Syndrome like Phenotype in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats on a High Fat Diet
Authors: Puri Nitin , Sodhi Komal , Abraham Nader
Published: June 2021

We examined the effects of a high fat (HF) diet on renal and cardiac function in hypertensive animals (SHR) with preexisting systemic pathologies. That upregulation of heme oxygenase (HO) abates cardiovascular abnormalities in SHR was the basis for examining the status of this system, and effects of its induction, in SHRs on HF diet. SHRs were fed lean (L, 11% fat) or HF diet (58% fat) for 8 weeks with and without weekly injections of HO inducer, cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP, 5mg/kg). HF diet induced a metabolic syndrome‐like phenotype in SHRs with increased (p<0.05) BP, body weight, blood glucose and lipids. Renal and cardiac function deteriorated in these animals including, increased coronary resistance (p<0.05), end diastolic pressure (p<0.05) with reduced left ventricular developed pressure (p<0.05) during ischemia, in cardiac langendorff preparations. These pathophysiological alterations were accompanied by reduced tissue expression (p<0.05) of HO‐1, adiponectin, p‐eNOS and p‐AMPK; whose restoration by CoPP (p<0.05), along with recovery of cardio‐renal homeostasis (p<0.05), implicates the role of inhibition of HO‐adiponectin axis during the development of metabolic syndrome. Thus HF diet exacerbated cardiovascular‐renal dysfunction in SHR which is amenable to rescue by increases in HO‐1‐ and adiponectin‐dependent pathways, including activation of tissue p‐AKT, p‐AMPK and p‐eNOS. NIH‐ DK056601
Adipose tissue gene expression in adult rats fed with highfructose diet. Effects of EPA supplementation
Authors: Leray Véronique , Jonchère Camille , Zaman Muhammad-Quaid , Nguyen Patrick
Published: June 2021

The study of the expression of genes involved in obesity‐related disorders has been promising for a better understanding of the links between components of the metabolic syndrome.

Our aim was to measure the effects of a high‐fructose diet on metabolic status and on the mRNA expression of several genes involved in insulin‐signaling pathway, and glucido‐lipid metabolism in rats, and to assess the effects of EPA supplementation.

Rats were given for 10 wk either a control or a high‐fructose diet (65% fructose cal), supplemented or not with EPA (120 mg/d). At the end of the 10‐wk period, body composition and IS were assessed, lipid plasma were assayed, and mRNA expression of insulin receptor, IRS1, perilipin, leptin, ACC, FAS, HSL, LPL, GLUT, TNFα, SREBP‐1c, PPARγ was semi‐quantified from adipose tissue biopsies.

In high‐fructose rats, IS tended to be lower, plasma triglyceride level tended to be higher, and Glut4 expression was lower than in control rats. In rats fed with high‐fructose diet plus EPA, plasma NEFA concentration was lower, and PPARγ and FAS mRNA levels were higher than in rats fed with unsupplemented high fructose diet.

Our results show change in Glut4 expression in rats fed highfructose diet that could reflect an alteration of glucose uptake, and impair systemic IS. They also show that EPA could stimulate transcription of PPARγ and its target gene FAS that could account for its beneficial effect on lipidemia.
Comparison of a higher protein yogurt vs. other commonly consumed afternoon snacks on time to meal request
Authors: Ortinau Laura C , Culp Julie M , Hoertel Heather A , Douglas Steve M , Leidy Heather J
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To determine whether an afternoon snack of higher‐protein yogurt, (14 g protein, HPY) delays the onset of eating vs. other commonly consumed eucaloric snacks varying in macronutrient content, including Pretzels (P), Crackers (Cr), Chocolate (Ch), and No Snack (NS).

Methods

Using a randomized crossover design, 23 women (age 27 ± 1y; BMI 23.4 ± 0.6) were acclimated to each snack for 3 consecutive days. On day 4, the participants consumed a standard breakfast, at home, and came to our facility 1 hr prior to their habitual lunch time. A standard lunch was provided followed by their respective snack (160 kcal) consumed 3 h post‐lunch. Subjective appetite was assessed by VAS completed every 30 min throughout the afternoon until dinner was voluntarily requested.

Results

NS led to an earlier dinner request time (2:09 ± 0:37 h) vs. HPY (2:43 ± 0:39 h; p<0.001), P (2:40 ± 0:31 h, p<0.001), and Cr (2:24 ± 0:38 h p=0.08), but not Ch (2:18 ± 0:39 h post‐snack). Between snacks, HPY and P had a greater delay in eating vs. Ch (p<0.05, both); HPY also led to a greater delay vs. Cr (p=0.09).

Conclusions

A higher‐protein afternoon yogurt snack delayed subsequent eating vs. crackers and chocolate while a pretzel snack delayed subsequent eating longer than chocolate, suggesting that macronutrient content and sensory characteristics of snacks influence energy intake regulation. Funded by: General Mills, Inc.
Effects of protein quantity and source (animal versus plant) on appetite and plasma amino acid responses in energy‐restricted subjects
Authors: Wilson Hailey Kay , Armstrong Cheryl LH , Hogan Jacqueline A , Campbell Wayne W
Published: June 2021

This study was designed to assess appetitive and plasma amino acid (AA) responses to protein (P) intakes that span the acceptable macronutrient distribution range and predominantly from meat vs. plant sources. Thirty‐four overweight/obese subjects (53±12 y, BMI 30.8±2.6 kg/m2 mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to consume diets with 750 kcal/d below energy need and beef/pork (5M:12F) or soy/pulses (6M:11F). All subjects randomly completed 3, 28d trials with the diets containing 10, 20 or 30% energy from P. On day 28 of each trial, subjects consumed a trial‐specific test meal and rated hunger and fullness before and 25, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after eating. AAs were measured in 5 subjects each from the two P source groups. Postprandial (PP) branched chain, essential, and large neutral AA and leucine (weighted averages) were higher for beef/pork vs. soy/pulses (p<0.05) and progressively higher with increasing P intake (p<0.01). PP hunger was lower and fullness was higher than fasting (p<0.001). The hunger response was greater for 30 vs. 20 and 10 % P, whereas P quantity did not affect fullness. Protein source did not affect hunger or fullness. PP hunger and fullness responses were not related to PP AA responses. Higher protein intake from meat or plant sources promotes reduced hunger, unrelated to differential plasma amino acid responses to feeding.

Support: The Beef Checkoff, National Pork Board, and NIH RR025761

Grant Funding Source: The Beef Checkoff, National Pork Board, and NIH RR025761
The Impact of Dietary Glycemic Load and Physical Activity on Weight status of Healthy College‐Aged Female Students in Oman
Authors: Waly Mostafa , Ali Amanat , Al-Nassri Amira , Kilani Hashem A.
Published: June 2021

Background

The dietary glycemic load (GL) score for an entire day is calculated as the sum of the GL for all consumed food servings.

Objective

The following study was conducted to correlate the GL of all meals served for female students and physical activity, with their weight gain/loss status for an entire period of 3 months.

Methods

200 female students with the same age (18–25 years) living in campus at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), were randomly recruited for this study. They were all healthy and free of any chronic diseases, as confirmed by biochemical analysis and medical history. The dietary food intake data was measured using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires through a personal interview with the investigators. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist, hip circumferences) and physical activity level were also evaluated.

Results

Our results show that the study subjects are consuming low glycemic load foods and maintain a normal body mass index (BMI) (<25). Waist to hip ratios values were <1. They were having a comparable moderate level of physical activity.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the meals served inside the SQU campus are of low GL and it was a major determinate of the weight status for the female students attending SQU independent of their dietary habits, physical activity and cultural differences.