bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent imaging allows identification of organelle specific signaling in individual vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Nimlamool Wutigri , Slee Joshua B , Lowe‐Krentz Linda
Published: June 2021

We aimed to develop and exploit a method to visualize molecular changes in individual vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Progressive proliferation of VSMC is involved in inflammatory responses which eventually cause vascular disease. Inhibitory effects of heparin signaling on proliferation of VSMC have been studied using DNA synthesis and Western blotting. However, cell responses are variable, protein activation in the nucleus is not determined, and data on Elk‐1 activation in heparin treated cells did not identify heparin effects using these techniques. Results from immunofluorescent staining of VSMC treated with PDGF alone, heparin alone, and PDGF/heparin showed the highest activation of ERK and Elk‐1 proteins in the nucleus at 10 min of PDGF activation, and this effect was significantly reduced when heparin was present. Significant ERK activation was also observed in the cytoplasm. Heparin alone could also reduce the basal level of ERK and Elk‐1 activation throughout the time course. This technique also allows evaluation of cells where specific signaling molecules are knocked down to varying extents in different cells. For example, knockdown of protein kinase G altered heparin effects on ERK activity with specific activation conditions. Additional studies using this technique will facilitate cell‐specific and location specific signaling in populations of cells. Funded by NIH grant HL54269
High resolution de‐novo folding of hyperstable RNA tetraloops using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Chen Alan Austin , Garcia Angel E
Published: June 2021

RNA's biochemical versatility arises from its ability to form tertiary structures, which are governed by the intrinsic flexibility of single‐stranded loops, weak stacking interactions, and non‐canonical hydrogen bonding patterns. However, in contrast to the numerous documented successes in protein folding, there has been no successful reports to‐date of Angstrom‐resolution folding of RNA from the unfolded state. This is caused by intrinsic errors in the force‐field parameters themselves, which have not been significantly improved in 20 years.

We present preliminary results of an improved RNA force‐field which has been extensively calibrated against vapor‐pressure osmometry, ultrasonic absorption, NMR, and circular dichroism experiments on short oligonucleotides. Using replica‐exchange molecular dynamics, we are able to reversibly fold all three hyperstable tetraloop motifs (UUCG, GCAA, and CUUG) from the unfolded state. All of the unique non‐canonical interactions observed in high‐resolution structures are recapitulated by the folding simulations with an all‐atom RMSD of 1 to 3 Å. By accurately capturing the balance between the key driving forces for RNA tertiary folding, we anticipate that large‐scale RNA tertiary folding via molecular dynamics simulations will become feasible in the near future.
Pet309 is a pentatricopeptide repeat protein that interacts with the COX1 mRNA and with the ribosome in yeast mitochondria
Authors: Perez‐Martinez Xochitl , Zamudio‐Ochoa Angelica , Camacho‐Villasana Yolanda , Garcia‐Guerrero Aldo
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria have the machinery to translate the mRNAs produced inside the organelle, however very little is understood about how mitochondrial ribosomes locate the initiation codon. In yeast mitochondria a group of proteins known as translational activators recognize specific mRNAs and are thought to assist the ribosome to locate the start codon, however the mechanism of action of these proteins remains unknown. Pet309 is a translational activator specific for the COX1 mRNA (1). It acts on the COX1 5′ untranslated region (UTR) to induce translation. The protein is predicted to contain up to 23 pentatricopeptide repeats (PPR) in the sequence, with 12 repeats more strongly predicted on the central portion of the protein (2,3). These repeats are found in mitochondrial and chloroplast proteins and are involved in RNA metabolism. Through immunoprecipitation of Pet309 and reverse transcription PCR we found that Pet309 interacts with the COX1 mRNA, and that this interaction remained when the 12 central PPR motifs were eliminated. We also demonstrated that Pet309 interacts with the mitochondrial ribosome, and that this interaction is independent of the presence of the COX1 mRNA or the deletion of the 12 central PPR motifs. We conclude that Pet309 physically interacts with the COX1 mRNA and with the mitochondrial ribosomes to allow COX1 mRNA translation.

Research support: CONACyT (179387), PAPIIT‐UNAM (IN208711), Fundacion Miguel Aleman, AC.
Efficiency of homemade buffers and regenerated silica spincolumns for plasmid DNA purification
Authors: Chudapongse Nuannoi , Nantapong Nawarat , Kumkrai Pakarang
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, silica membrane column is very popular for extraction of nucleic acid because of purity and high yield. However, disadvantage of the disposable extraction kits is that they are quite expensive. The aim of this study was to establish a line of evidence to support the practical use of regenerated silica spin‐columns. All the buffers needed were prepared and tested. The results showed that after soaked in 1 N HCl for 4 hours and centrifuged at 13000 rpm followed by rinsing with distilled water for three times, the columns were reusable. There were no DNA from the previous extract contaminated and efficiency of the columns was not significantly decreased. There are 5 solutions that are needed in this method including (1) Resuspension buffer, (2) Lysis buffer, (3) Neutralization buffer, (4) Washing buffer, and (5) Elution buffer, sequentially. Usually, the formula of the third solution is a proprietary of the company and kept it confidential. The results from this research showed that our homemade buffer with potassium acetate solution plus 5.5 M guanidine HCl could be used as a neutralization buffer. The data support that regenerated silica spin‐columns can be used efficiently and practically.
Heterogeneity of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Binding Sites in Hut‐78 T‐Lymphocytes
Authors: Bains Manpreet , Dorsam Glenn
Published: June 2021

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide that possesses potent cell cycle arrest activity in primary healthy T‐Lymphocytes. Transformed T‐cells from human cancer patients and over 25 cell lines (human, mouse, and rat) have consistently shown reduced VIP receptor expression, suggesting that cancer cells obtain a growth advance with reduced VIP receptor signaling. Utilizing the human Hut‐78 T‐lymphoblastic T‐cell line that has reduced levels but functional VIP binding sites, we carried out growth curves +/‐ VIP utilizing alamar blue. Surprisingly, these results were inconclusive as they showed opposite effects of growth from exogenous addition of VIP ligand. To better understand the discrepancy in growth rates by VIP we measured the homogeneity of VIP binding sites in Hut‐78s by VIP‐FAM labeling and flow cytometry analysis. Curiously, three definable subpopulations possessing varying levels of VIP binding sites were observed. These three populations were sorted, cultured, and showed a stable homogenous population with intermediate levels of VIP binding sites. Collectively, we conclude that the heterogeneity of VIP binding sites in HUT‐78s may explain the disparate growth results collected above. Future studies will utilize the stable sorted homogenous VIP binding site sorted populations to investigate the cell cycle arresting abilities of VIP.
Gene organizations of two types of the flounder warm temperature acclimation‐related 65 kDa protein Wap65, and their gene expression profiles
Authors: Kim Young‐Ok , Nam Bo‐Hye , Kong Hee Jeong , Kim Woo‐Jin , Kim Dong‐Gyun , Kim Bong‐Seok , Jee Young‐Ju , Lee Sang‐Jun
Published: June 2021

We isolated two types of cDNA clone encoding warm temperature acclimation‐related 65 kDa protein, referred to as PoWap65–1 and PoWap65–2, from olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, respectively. The 5¡‐flanking regions of both PoWap65s contained various putative transcriptional elements, including Cdx 1, GATA‐1, C/EBP¥â and SRY. While PoWap65–1 and PoWap65–2 are both structurally similar, they exhibit highly differential patterns of expression. PoWap65–1 was only expressed in the liver, whereas PoWap65–2 transcripts were detected in a wide range of tissues. The accumulation of PoWAP65s mRNA in early stage of development was differentially expressed with development. Their expression under warm temperature was also different in flounder embryonic cells: PoWap65–1 was increase in temperature stimulation, whereas PoWap65–2 was not detected. The mRNA expression of PoWap65s is highly regulated by E. tarda infection and hypoxia. Pathogen challenge induced PoWap65–2 expression in the liver of juvenile fish, whereas PoWap65–1 was down regulated. Hypoxia induced PoWap65s expression in the stomach, intestine, brain, spleen, liver and gill of juvenile fish. Taken together, these results suggest that PoWap65 genes are not only important for a warm temperature acclimation protein but also have potential roles in the hypoxia response mechanism as well as in defense.
Genetic Variation Assessment of the Killer Toxin Gene of Debaryomyces hansenii Strains, as Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Penicillium digitatum in Citrus Crops.
Authors: Rodriguez‐Santiago Ronald Enrique , Colon‐Mercado Luis A. , Arroyo‐Gonzalez Nancy
Published: June 2021

Citrus crops are affected post harvest by Penicillium spp. infections. This infection represents a loss of millions of dollars to the citrus industry. A killer toxin produced by Debaryomyces hansenii has the potential as a bio‐control agent against this fungus. Some strains of D. hansenii have shown a more stable antagonistic activity against the pathogen. A library of twenty‐four strains of D. hansenii is being studied to assess genetic variation of the killer toxin gene and correlate this variation to the effectiveness of the killer toxin. The 807bp PCR products corresponding to the killer toxin gene were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism to detect genetic variability. The amplicons were sequenced and compared using sequence alignment.
A Novel inhibitor of Lipoxygenase: a Patatin‐like Phospholipase Domain‐containing 2 (PNPLA2) Protein
Authors: Subramanian Preeti , Becerra S. Patricia
Published: June 2021

Lipoxygenases (LOX) are enzymes responsible for the metabolism of arachidonic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids, thereby contributing to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under oxidative stress. Pigment epithelium‐derived factor receptor (PEDF‐R), a PNPLA2 protein, contains two peptide regions E5b (I193–L232) and P1 (T210‐L249) that bind PEDF. Preliminary experiments showed that these peptides inhibited the coupled PLA/LOX enzymatic reaction and protected ARPE‐19 cells from oxidative damage. Here we investigated whether the above observation was due to direct binding and inhibition of lipoxygenase activity by the peptides. Peptide affinity chromatography demonstrated that soybean lipoxygenase V specifically bound to synthetic peptides E5b and P1 immobilized to agarose. Among several different buffers, optimal binding was observed with the LOX enzymatic reaction buffer. Spectrophotometric assays showed that E5b or P1 inhibited LOX activity in a concentration dependent manner. Interestingly, this inhibition was blocked when E5b was mixed with Fl‐PEDF, suggesting that Fl‐PEDF captures the peptide making it unavailable for LOX inhibition. Our results support the idea that the PEDF‐R via binding and inhibiting a mamalian lipoxygenase has protective effect from oxidative damage. Supported by NIHNEI‐IRP.
Cascading into the Thrombin‐Thrombomodulin Complex
Authors: Tidemann Cole , Beekman Brady , Leichtfuss Amanda , Parsons Alex , Opheim Jonathan , Garb Ashley , Henke Noah , Garb Jodie , Sood Rashmi
Published: June 2021

According to the Centers for Disease Control every year more than 60,000 Americans die of excessive blood clots or thrombophilia, and many more suffer from this disorder. Clotting disorders pose unique problems for women because of their impact on reproductive health and pregnancy. Thrombin, a protease that cleaves fibrinogen and activates platelets, plays a key role in the generation of blood clots. Several mechanisms prevent excessive thrombin activity. Thrombin that diffuses away from the clot binds to its receptor, thrombomodulin. Thrombomodulin‐bound thrombin can no longer generate blood clots. Instead, it cleaves and activates Protein C which shuts down further thrombin generation. The substitution Gln387Pro in thrombomodulin inhibits Protein C activation and interferes with this feed‐back inhibition. The Laconia SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) Team used 3D printing technology to model thrombin in association with thrombomodulin. Amino acid residues within the catalytic site (Ser195, His57, and Asp102) and the two substrate binding sites, exosite I (Lys36‐Arg77), and exosite II (Arg 93‐Lys240 of thrombin, involved in these interactions are highlighted. Understanding the relation between structure and function of the thrombin‐thrombomodulin complex may lead to new therapeutics for clotting disorders. This work was supported by a grant from NIH‐CTSA UL1RR031973.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in young adult males
Authors: Black Lucinda J , Jacoby Peter , Allen Karina L , Mori Trevor A , Beilin Lawrence J , Adams Leon A , Oddy Wendy H
Published: June 2021

Objective

Results from epidemiological studies examining associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and depression are equivocal. We investigated the relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in a population‐based cohort of young adults.

Methods

The Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study is a prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were assessed at the 20 year follow‐up using the 21‐item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21). Associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and DASS‐21 scores were explored using multiple linear regression, adjusting for potential confounders (n = 693).

Results

In males, low serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly associated with symptoms of depression (β = −0.20, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = −0.12, p = 0.041) and stress (β = −0.13, p = 0.022). No significant associations were seen in females.

Conclusions

We found that low serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in males. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the relationship between vitamin D status and these mental health symptoms in young adults. This work was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Project #1022134 (2012–2014).
Plasma metabolome analysis during human zinc depletion and repletion
Authors: Nkrumah‐Elie Yasmeen , Kirkwood Jay , Stevens Jan Fred , Tanguay Robert L , Chung Carolyn , King Janet C. , Brown Kenneth H. , Ho Emily
Published: June 2021

Zinc deficiency has an estimated prevalence of 31% globally, and can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes, immune dysfunction, and increased risk for chronic disorders. A barrier to elucidating the exact role of zinc in human health is a lack of reliable clinical biomarkers for zinc status in humans. Currently used plasma zinc levels, lack both sensitivity and specificity to zinc status. To probe for novel biomarkers, metabolome profiles were studied in healthy, adult male subjects that underwent dietary zinc depletion and repletion. Plasma samples were analyzed following baseline (2 wk, 11mg Zn/d), zinc‐depletion (0.6mg Zn/d for 1 wk and 4mg Zn/d for 5 wk), and zinc‐repletion (4 wk, 11mg Zn/d) phases using untargeted, unbiased metabolomic LC‐MS/MS. Principle component analysis demonstrated metabolite clustering during each dietary phase of the study. A total of 12 different metabolites were significantly (P<0.05) up or down regulated (log2 fold change) during dietary zinc depletion relative to baseline and were reversed with zinc repletion. Methylhistidine was identified as the most significantly altered metabolite (8.59‐fold change) and may indicate protein degradation to replenish plasma zinc. This research is a significant first step in utilizing metabolomics to establish novel consequences and biomarkers of zinc deficiency. Funding: USANA Health Sciences, T32 ES007060 & P30 ES000210
Diet high in omega‐3 fatty acids alters the fatty acid composition of bioactive lipids: a lipidomic approach
Authors: Balogun Kayode Adeniyi , Albert Carolyn J , Ford David A , Brown Robert J , Cheema Sukhinder Kaur
Published: June 2021

Omega (n)‐3polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are converted to bioactive lipid components that are important mediators in metabolic and physiological pathways; however, which bioactive compounds are metabolically active, and their mechanisms of action are still not clear. We investigated using lipidomics techniques, the effects of diets high in n‐3 PUFA on the fatty acid composition of various bioactive lipids in plasma and liver. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed semi‐purified diets (20% w/w fat) containing varying amounts of n‐3 PUFA before mating, during pregnancy, and until weaning. Male offspring (n=6) were continued on their mothers’ diets for four months. Hepatic and plasma lipids were extracted and tandem electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods were used to measure the fatty acid compositions. There was a higher concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid containing phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (p < 0.05) in the high n‐3 PUFA group compared to the low n‐3 PUFA group. Plasma and liver from the high n‐3 PUFA group also had higher concentration of free n‐3 PUFA (p < 0.05). Our findings reveal for the first time that diet high in n‐3 PUFA caused enrichment of n‐3 PUFA in PC, LPC and free fatty acids in the offspring. PC and LPC are important bioactive lipids, thus altering their fatty acyl composition will likely have important metabolic and physiological roles.

Supported by NSERC
Effects of participation in popular weight loss and fitness programs on markers of health and fitness in women
Authors: Simbo S. , Lockard B , Baetge C , Levers K , Galvan E , Jagim A , Byrd M , Jung YP , Oliver JM , Koozehchian M , Dalton R , Khanna D , Sanchez B , Kresta JY , Horrell K , Leopold T , Cho M , Springer S , Rivera A , Cerda C , Rasmussen C , Kreider R
Published: June 2021

125 sedentary women (46±12 yr, 45.5±5% body fat, 35.0±5 kg/m2) were randomized to participate in a control group (C) or Curves Complete® (CC), Weight Watchers® (WW), Jenny Craig® (JC), or Nutrisystem® (NS) weight loss programs for 12‐ wks. Participants in the diet groups were encouraged to exercise (WW, JC, NS) while those in the CC group participated in a structured exercise program. Data were analyzed by MANOVA or ANOVA and are presented as changes from baseline after 12‐wks. Participants in the diet groups had greater changes in waist (C 2.1±6.9; CC −4.7±3.2; WW −4.1±5.7; JC −3.7±3.6; NS −3.3±6.4 %, p=0.001) and hip circumference (C 0.7±2.5; CC −4.0±2.6; WW − 2.5±2.4; JC −4.2±3.5; NS −3.6±3.5 %, p=0.001). Resting HR (− 2.5±9 %, p=0.005) and SBP (−4.0±12 %, p=0.005) decreased over time with no change in DBP. SBP decreased more in some diet and exercise groups compared C (p<0.05). Changes in PAC (C − 2.2±10; CC 14.4±10; WW 7.9±19; JC 8.1±11; NS 3.8±7 %, p=0.001) and 1 RM bench press (C −1.2±14; CC 6.0±12; WW 4.9±15; JC 5.4±14; NS −3.7±15 %, p=0.06). Results indicate diet and exercise programs promote improvements in fitness and the CC program promotes greater changes in aerobic capacity.
Regulation of branched‐chain alpha‐ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) kinase by a Mn2+‐dependent factor in rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Katayama Takahiro , Itami Yuya , Hongmin Zhen , Toyota Takanari , Kitaura Yasuyuki , Shimomura Yoshiharu
Published: June 2021

The metabolism of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine, valine) is regulated by the enzyme, BCKDH complex, which is located at the second step of the catabolic pathway. The BCKDH complex is regulated by a covalent modefication. BCKDH kinase (BDK) is responsible for inactivation of the complex by phosphorylation, and BCKDH phosphatase (BDP) is for activation of the complex by dephosphorylation. In the present study, we found that the BDK activity was significantly decreased by the incubation of BCKDH‐BDK complex in the extract of rat liver mitochondria in the presence of 2 mM Mn2+ but not by the incubation of purified complex under the same conditions, suggesting that the BDK was inactivated by the Mn2+ dependent factor in the mitochondria. Very recently, it has been reported that the BDP is a Mn2+ dependent enzyme and can be bound to the BCKDH complex (Zhou et al. J Biol Chem. 2012;287:23397–406). We examined the effect of supplementation of recombinant BDP (rBDP) on the BDK activity in the mitochondrial extract and found that the BDK activity was not affected by the supplementation. These results suggest that the binding of BDK to the complex is stronger than that of BDP.
In vivo assessment of skeletal biomechanical properties reveals beneficial effects of combination anti‐remodeling drug treatment
Authors: Organ Jason M. , Gallant Maxime A. , Aref Mohammad , Wallace Joseph M. , Burr David B. , Newman Christopher L. , Brown Drew M. , Allen Matthew R.
Published: June 2021

Pharmaceutical agents used to treat osteoporosis significantly reduce fracture risk via different mechanisms. Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (ALN), increase bone volume and density, whereas raloxifene (RAL) improves material properties by increasing skeletal hydration. This study was designed to assess whether combination treatment improves mechanical properties more than either monotherapy. Skeletally mature female dogs (n=24) were treated with vehicle, ALN, RAL, or ALN+RAL at clinical doses used for treating post‐menopausal osteoporosis. After 6 months of daily treatment, all animals underwent in vivo biomechanical assessment using reference point indentation (RPI) on the anterior tibia cortex. The main outcome variable of RPI is indentation distance increase (IDI), a measure of cyclic indentation resistance of the bone, which is inversely related to bone toughness. IDI was significantly lower in animals treated with RAL monotherapy (−15%) and ALN+RAL (−24%) compared to vehicle‐treated animals, whereas ALN alone had no significant effect. Data suggest that RAL, and its combination with ALN, makes bone more resistant to damage initiation and propagation. Results also indicate that RPI can detect treatment‐induced alterations in skeletal mechanical properties in vivo – something previously restricted to ex vivo assessment. Funded by NIH (AR062002) and Active Life Scientific.
Food Choice And Nutrient Intake Amongst Homeless People
Authors: Sprake Eleanor F , Russell Jean M , Barker Margo E
Published: June 2021

Homeless people in the UK and elsewhere have typically been found to consume a nutritionally inadequate diet. The current study aimed to provide an insight into the nutrient intake and food choice of a sample of homeless adults. In this mixed‐methods study, twenty‐four homeless individuals accessing two charitable meal services in Sheffield, UK participated in up to four 24‐hour dietary recalls between April and August 2012. Twelve individuals took part in a semi‐structured interview focusing on food choice. Energy intake was significantly lower than the Estimated Average Requirement. Median intakes of vitamin A, zinc, magnesium, potassium and selenium were significantly lower than Reference Nutrient Intakes. Contributions of saturated fat and non‐milk extrinsic sugars to total energy intake were significantly higher, whilst dietary fibre was significantly lower, than population average intakes. Charitable meals made an important contribution to intakes of energy and most micronutrients. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed three major themes: food aspirations; constraints over food choice; and food representing survival. This study highlights a risk of dietary inadequacies amongst homeless people alongside a lack of control over food choices. Charitable meal services are suggested as a vehicle for improving the dietary intake and nutritional health of homeless people.
Prior cooking experience of 4th graders drives fruit and vegetable preferences and cooking attitudes and self‐efficacy
Authors: Cunningham‐Sabo Leslie , Lohse Barbara
Published: June 2021

Objective

Examine link between cooking/food prep experience (CKG) and gender on 4th‐grade self‐efficacy (SE), attitudes (AT) toward cooking, and fruit and vegetable preferences (FP, VP).

Method

Tested survey with 4 scales administered in 22 classrooms in 8 schools. Scores possible: 8–40 (SE), 6–30 (AT), 7–35 (FP), 11–55 (VP).

Results

Scores, not different among schools, were completed by 409 students (47% boys; 76% white). Mean scores differed significantly by gender (boys, girls respectively) for SE (33.3 ± 5.8 vs 35.7 ± 4.1); AT (25.0 ± 3.9 vs 27.4 ± 2.4) and FP (28.7 ± 5.2 vs 29.7 ± 4.6). VP was similar between genders (35.0 ± 8.6 vs 35.9 ± 8.4). For all measures, CKG was associated with higher scores (P < .003). Proportion reporting prior CKG was 3:1 girls. Those reporting none were 3:1 boys. Controlling for gender revealed all scores continued significantly higher for CKG students. Also, SE and AT gender and CKG interactions were significant. CKG Boys scored 3.5 to 4.2 AT points higher; this difference was < 2.5 for girls. Difference in SE scores of those with and without participation in family food prep was 6.5 for boys and 3.7 for girls.

Conclusion

SE, AT, FP and VP were greater in 4th graders who cook, with some gender influence for SE and AT. Inclusion of these factors in evaluation of school‐based cooking interventions appears valid. Funding: AFRI Grant 2012–68001‐19603 USDA NIFA Childhood Obesity Prevention Program.
Evaluation of Dietary Knowledge and Accordance to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Evidence‐Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines for Disorders of Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Thomas Megan , Rasmussen Heather , Gregoire Mary , Holland Sarah , Volgman Annabelle
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge of and accordance with practices recommended by the AND for disorders of lipid metabolism. Knowledge and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) were completed by adults with dyslipidemia from an outpatient cardiology clinic at a large, urban medical center (n=51). Mean knowledge score was 53.1±13.4% correct, with participants most knowledgeable about the ability of antioxidant‐rich foods to reduce heart disease risk (98.0% correct). They were least knowledgeable about omega‐3 use, with 90.2% incorrectly believing that omega‐3 supplementation is recommended for those without heart disease. Accordance was determined by comparing actual intake (from FFQ data) to AND guideline recommendations. Mean accordance score was 35.4±13.0%. Participants were most accordant with non‐use of supplemental B vitamins (80.4% accordant) and were least accordant with fish intake (2.6±4.1 oz/week versus recommended 8 oz/week). Using chi‐square and Spearman correlation analyses, there were no significant associations between knowledge and accordance variables; however, relationships were seen within variables with high knowledge yet low accordance. Results indicate that participants had moderate knowledge, but were not accordant with a heart healthy diet. Clinicians should use counseling strategies focusing on behavior modification to increase accordance.
Factors influencing breakfast consumption among young office workers in Korea
Authors: Lee Soo‐Kyung , Lee Huyn‐jin
Published: June 2021

Breakfast has been promoted to be the first step to healthy dietary behaviors, however breakfast skipping rate has been very much high among young adults in Korea. This study aimed to examine factors influencing breakfast consumption among young office workers in Korea. A pre‐tested questionnaires were self‐administered by 260 young (20 ~ 39 year‐old) office workers. Only 23.8% answered having breakfast regularly every day, while 23.1% reported not having breakfast at all. No differences by sex were found. Contrary to common beliefs, most young office workers preferred and ate Korean traditional style breakfast. Almost half of the respondents ate their breakfast at home regularly, and when they ate non‐Korean style breakfast outside home with low satisfactory level. When they ate breakfast outside home Most respondents pointed not having enough time in the morning as a reason for skipping breakfast. Breakfast consumers tended to believe that having breakfast were important to maintain good nutritional status and health (p<0.05). It seemed the most important factor to breakfast consumption was having someone to prepare the meal for them. This information would be useful to public health nutritionists promoting regular dietary patterns.
Three distinct clustering patterns of metabolic risk factors and its association with dietary factors in Korean adults
Authors: Song SuJin , Paik Hee‐Young , Song YoonJu
Published: June 2021

This study explored to identify clustering patterns of metabolic risk factors and its association with dietary factors in Korean adults. The 156 subjects were recruited through family medicine department of a general hospital in Seoul. Subjects who had all the information of blood glucose, lipid indicators, blood pressure, and waist circumference were used. Dietary data was obtained from multiple 24‐hour recalls (2 to 4 days) through on‐site or telephone interview. To identify clustering patterns of metabolic risk factors, factor analysis was used for waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, and HDL‐cholesterol. Three patterns were identified: 1) High blood pressure, 2) Dyslipidemia, and 3) Glucose abnormalities. High blood pressure pattern was significantly associated with lower carbohydrate intake (percent of energy) but higher alcohol intake. Dyslipidemia pattern was significantly associated with higher intakes of dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, total grains, white rice, and kimchi (traditional fermented cabbage). Glucose abnormalities pattern was significantly associated with lower carbohydrate (percent of energy) and fruit juice intake but higher alcohol and vegetable intake. In conclusion, metabolic risk factors have three distinct clustering patterns that are independently associated with dietary factors in Korean adults.
Insights into infants’ development readiness at time of solid food introduction
Authors: Trabulsi Jillian Christine , Finkbeiner Susana , Mennella Julie A.
Published: June 2021

Despite recommendations to delay weaning until infants are 4–6 months, many mothers introduce solid foods at an earlier age. To gain insights into what aspects of behavioral development precede as well as follow weaning, we conducted an 8‐month longitudinal study of formula‐fed infants (n=79) and their mothers. Each month, beginning when the infant was 0.5 months of age, dyads visited the Monell Center whereupon we measured specific domains of infant development via the Mullen's scale and queried mothers about what foods if any were introduced to their infants’ diet. The age at which solid foods were routinely (>;4 times/month) introduced ranged from 1.3 to 8.6 months. Infants were stratified by age (month) of solid food introduction: <4 (n=20; early‐weaners), 4–6 (n=40), and >;6 months (n=8). Early weaners, at the 3.5 month visit, scored significantly higher in the domains of gross motor, visual reception, receptive language, expressive language and early learning than the other infants. By 6.5 months of age, when the majority (96.2%) of infants were routinely eating solid foods, there were no significant differences in any of the developmental measures among groups. These data suggest an association between both cognitive and motor development and the timing of which mothers begin complementing their infants’ diets with solid foods. More findings will be presented to understand the temporality of this relationship.

This research was supported by grants R01HD37119 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Low Level of Serum Vitamin D is Associated with Elevated Fasting Glucose and Prediabetes in Kuwait Adults
Authors: Zhang Fang Fang , Al Hooti Suad , Rao Aravinda , Al Jahmah Nasser , Saltzman Edward , Ausman Lynne M
Published: June 2021

The incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly in countries of the Arabian Gulf, possibly due to changes in lifestyle and food intake patterns. Recent evidence from some trials in non‐Gulf regions suggests vitamin D homeostasis may play an important role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes. New data that have recently become available from the Kuwait National Nutrition Survey (KNNS) provide further evidence for a role of vitamin D in glucose homeostasis. Here we examined serum levels of 25‐ hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in association with fasting glucose and diabetes in 1,021 adults from KNNS. Vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) and insufficiency (10–19.9 ng/ml) was observed in 27% and 56% respectively (median serum 25 (OH)D = 13.8 ng/ml). Low serum level of 25(OH)D was associated with high levels of fasting glucose (log‐transformed) (ß=0.02, 95%CI: −0.01, 0.06 for 25 (OH)D 10–19.9 vs. =20ng/ml; ß=0.05, 95%CI: 0.003, 0.09 for 25(OH)D <10 vs. =20ng/ml; P trend =0.04). Low 25(OH)D levels were not associated with high prevalence of diabetes but with 60–80% increased prevalence of prediabetes (OR=1.6, 95%CI: 1.0, 2.6 for 25(OH)D 10–19 vs. =20ng/ml; OR=1.8, 95%CI: 1.0, 3.0 for 25(OH)D <10 vs. =20ng/ml; P trend =0.05). Our findings suggest that a large proportion of Kuwaiti adults have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, and low vitamin D status is associated with high levels of fasting glucose and high prevalence of prediabetes.
Direct modulation of goblet cell function by galacto‐oligosaccharides
Authors: Ponnuraj Nagendra Prabhu , Bhatia Shikha , Chow JoMay , Davis Steven , Miller Michael J. , Gaskins H. Rex
Published: June 2021

Prebiotic galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) are non‐digestible food ingredients that are thought to benefit the host indirectly by stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Herein, human adenocarcinoma derived LS174T cells, which exhibit a goblet cell like phenotype, were used to examine possible direct effects of prebiotic GOS on goblet cell function. LS174T cells were treated with GOS and the expression of goblet cell secretory product genes mucin 2 (MUC2), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), resistin like molecule beta (RETNLB) and Golgi sulfotransferase genes, carbohydrate (N‐acetylglucosamine 6‐O) sulfotransferase 5 (CHST5) and galactose 3‐O‐sulfotransferase 2 (GAL3ST2), was determined by qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. QRT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that MUC2 and CHST5 expression was upregulated 2–4 fold while RETNLB and TFF3 expression were upregulated 6–8 fold at 72h. Immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot data revealed that GOS treatment increased the level of RETNLB, TFF3 and CHST5 at 96h treatment. In addition, IL‐13 with GOS resulted in synergistic induction of RETNLB and CHST5. GOS treatment did not alter IL‐8 secretion. Collectively, the data indicate that GOS may directly enhance mucosal barrier function by modulating the expression of goblet cell products independent of an inflammatory response.
Effects of cholesterol carrier proteins on fibroblast cell migration
Authors: Telgenhoff Dale , Prajapati Manashree , Adhikari Rabin , Taylor Sara
Published: June 2021

Migration of the fibroblast, as occurs during wounding, requires an increase in cholesterol. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of the LDL receptor (LDLr) in cell migration using small interfering RNA (siRNA). We also examined the cleavage‐activation of the cholesterol sensing protein sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP‐2) and the expression of cholesterol efflux pump ATP Binding Cassette Reporter A1 (ABCA1). Fibroblast cultures were grown to 100% confluence and treated with either no treatment, LDL, LDL with wound (scratch test assay), and/or siRNA. Isolation of mRNA from cell lysate was performed, followed by one step cDNA synthesis and real time PCR. Protein from replicate experiments was obtained in lysis buffer containing protease inhibitor and probed for LDLr, ABCA1, SREBP‐2, and b‐actin via Western blot. LDLr was increased in fibroblasts treated with LDL and wounded cultures, and was further enhanced by LDL treatment. LDLr siRNA had a significant effect on inhibition of fibroblast migration compared to control. The treatments had a minor effect on SREBP‐2 cleavage; ABCA1 expression was increased after wounding, but was decreased in all treatments. These results indicate an important role for LDL and the LDLr in fibroblast migration. Support for this project was provided by the Tarleton State University Organized Research Committee.
Effects of typical Western meal on postprandial arterial stiffness and vasoactive chemicals in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type II Diabetes
Authors: Lombard Joel Robert , Gregory Sara , Laro Bree , Schwarzkopf Cory , Moraitis Ann Marie , Hatch Cherise , Ayvazian Laurel , Joubert Jyovani , Matthews Tracey , Headley Samuel , Wood Richard J.
Published: June 2021

The purpose was to evaluate the effect of an 800 kcal meal (carbohydrate:fat:protein = 41:46:13) on postprandial arterial stiffness in patients with CKD and Type II Diabetes (CKD&T2DM) (n=7). Comparisons were made to patients with T2DM only (n=7) and healthy controls (CON) (n=8).

Methods

Under fasting conditions, arterial stiffness was measured, then an indwelling catheter was inserted and a blood sample was collected. Stiffness was measured/blood collected immediately after the meal and every hour (h) for 4h. Augmentation index normalized to 75 heart beats per minute (Aix75) was used to estimate arterial stiffness.

Results

Aix75: Decreased from baseline (bl) (17.3 ± 2.5) to 1h (9.3 ± 2.3) returned at h4 p < .05 (pooled time effect). CKD&T2DM and T2DM differed from the CON (26.7 ± 4.1; 17.7± 9.7 vs. −3.65 ± 3.6) p < .05 but not each other (pooled group effect). SBP: CKD&T2DM (131.5 ± 4.8) differed from the CON (114.5 + 3.4) p < .05. The CON and T2DM (121.8 ± 3.7) did not differ, nor did CKD&T2DM and T2DM. DBP: Decreased from bl (74.8 ± 2.2) in h1 and 2 (67.5 ± 2.5; 68.0 ± 2.5) and returned at h4 (73.0 + 2.4) p < .05 in all groups. Nitric oxide: No time or group effect. Endothelin: Was lower in all groups at h3 than at h0, h1, and 2 p < .05.

Discussion

CKD&T2DM and T2DM patients experience a smaller postprandial reduction in arterial stiffness when compared to healthy CON. Hemodyamics may be a main contributor as illustrated by the trend seen in DBP.
Effects of PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone on hepatic steatosis in obese and diabetic mouse model
Authors: Chang Eugene , Choi Jung‐Mook , Kim Lisa , Park Cheol‐Young
Published: June 2021

There are alarming data to show increased incidence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), paralleling to burgeoning epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Given this positive relationship, pharmacological insulin sensitizing agent, thiazolidinedione pioglitazone exerts positive hepatic effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of pioglitazone on hepatic fat deposition. Male KK/H1J mice were fed ad libitum with either a normal chow (AIN‐93G) or a 45% high fat diet supplemented with or without pioglitazone (30 mg/kg/day). 6 week pioglitazone treatment significantly improved glycemic control and hepatic steatosis indicated as decreased blood glucose level, insulin tolerance test, liver weight and TG amounts in both serum and liver tissue in high fat fed obese and diabetic KK/H1J mice. Pioglitazone significantly upregulated liver mRNA expression involved in fatty acid oxidation and antiinflamatory cytokine, however decreased gene expression related to lipogenesis and ER stress markers. Interestingly, pioglitazone in high fat diet significantly increased liver mRNA expression of adiponectin and G protein coupled receptor (GPCR). These observations demonstrate that pioglitazone ameliorated hepatic fat accumulation and insulin resistance through adiponectin and GPCR. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea grant 2012R1A1A2009143.
Impact of maternal high saturated fat diet on bone lipid content in weanling and 3 month old female offspring
Authors: Amoye Foyinsola , Castelli Laura M , Miotto Paula M , MacPherson Rebecca EK , Johnston Bryan D , Basic Admir , Trojanowski Natalie , Roy Brian D , Ward Wendy E , LeBlanc Paul J
Published: June 2021

High saturated fat (HSFA) diets in rodent models can have adverse effects on healthy bone development. Past studies have focused on bone development of the primary consumer (parent) and did not examine indirect (in utero programming) or direct (fat consumption through milk) diet‐mediated effects in offspring. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if maternal consumption of HSFA diet influences bone lipid content in female rat offspring at weaning (19 days) and young adulthood (3 months). Female Wistar rats (28 days old) were fed control (CON; AIN93G, 7% soybean oil) or HSFA (HF; AIN93G, 20% lard) diet for 10 weeks, bred, and remained on the same diet throughout gestation and lactation. After weaning, female offspring from both treatments were fed CON. Femur lipids of mothers and their 19 day and 3 month old offspring were analyzed. After 16 weeks on HSFA, maternal femurs had 12 and 34% more saturates (SFA) and monoenes (MUFA), respectively, and 45% less polyenes (PUFA) compared to CON. Similar effects were seen with 19 day olds (2 and 35% less SFA and PUFA, respectively, and 51% higher MUFA). However, after 9 weeks of CON, 3 month olds from mothers fed HF became more similar to CON (3 and 11% lower MUFA and PUFA, respectively, and 14% higher SFA). These results suggest that maternal diet can influence offspring bone lipids and the effects are somewhat reversible by early adulthood. The project was funded by NSERC (PJL & WEW).
Dietary DHA promotes an anti‐oxidant response in mice exposed to environmental pollutants
Authors: Eske Katryn , Murphy Margaret , Petriello Michael , Newsome Bradley , Han Sung Gu , Hennig Bernhard
Published: June 2021

Consumption of fish oil is associated with improved coronary health outcomes, but the mechanism of protection is not well understood. Environmental stressors, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. We study the protective benefits of nutrients such as the omega‐3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), from fish oil in reducing PCB inflammatory response. To understand the protective mechanism of DHA, we fed C57BL/6 mice DHA‐enriched or safflower oil control diet for 4 weeks before administering PCB 126. Liver samples were analyzed to examine the interactive effects of PCBs and DHA on the nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf‐2) antioxidant response pathway. Microarray data revealed that animals exposed to DHA and PCBs had decreased expression of kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1), an inhibitor of Nrf‐2 activity. In addition, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), an Nrf‐2 co‐activator, and its chaperone PPARγ co‐activator 1a (PPARγc1a) had increased expression. Real‐time PCR showed increased expression of Nrf‐2 activated antioxidant enzymes, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1) (NQO1) and hemeoxygenase 1 (HO‐1) in PCB treated, DHA fed mice. Data suggest that DHA promotes an antioxidant response in mice exposed to environmental pollutants such as PCBs. Supported by NIEHS, NIH P42ES007380 and the UK AES.
Effects of a high‐fat diet on the cardiac dysfunction and energy metabolism in rats with supravalvar aortic stenosis
Authors: De Tomasi Loreta Casquel , Campos Dijon Henrique Salomé , da Silva Danielle Cristina Tomaz , do Nascimento André Ferreira , Okoshi Katashi , Fernandes Ana Angélica Henrique , Padovani Carlos Roberto , Cicogna Antonio Carlos
Published: June 2021

Aims

To study the effects of unsaturated high‐fat diet on myocardial structure, contractile function and energy metabolism in rats with supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS), diastolic dysfunction and improved systolic function. We hypothesized that increased energy supply attenuates hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and preserves systolic function in SVAS.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (80g) underwent SVAS or Sham surgery (n=24/group); after 6 weeks were redistributed into four groups (n=12/group): normolipidic (Sham‐N and SVAS‐N) or hyperlipidic chow (Sham‐H and SVAS‐H) for 12 weeks. Cardiac remodeling was evaluated by echocardiogram in the 6th and 18th week; macroscopy and glycolysis and beta oxidation enzymes were evaluated in the 18th week.

Results

In the 6th week, echocardiogram showed that SVAS had hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, evidenced by increased left atrium (LA), and improved systolic function. In the 18th week, atrium weight (AT) and AT/tibia ratio were lower in SVAS‐H vs SVAS‐N. Echocardiogram showed preserved systolic function in SVAS groups; LA/BW ratio was lower in SVAS‐H vs SVAS‐N; LA (p=0.10) and LA/AO (p<0.06) tended to be lower in SVAS‐H vs SVAS‐N. Metabolic enzymes were similar among groups.

Conclusion

High‐fat diet attenuated diastolic dysfunction, evidenced by decreased atrial hypertrophy; it did not involve energy metabolism alterations.

Financial support: FAPESP
EFFICACY OF INULIN ENRICHED YOGURT ON BOWEL HABITS IN PATIENTS WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WITH CONSTIPATION: A PILOT STUDY.
Authors: Isakov Vasily , Pilipenko Vladimir , Shakhovskaya Alla , Tutelyan Viktor
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION

The regular consumption of fermented milk beverages gives some beneficial effects in patients with constipation. Inulin is considered as prebiotic agent with therapeutic properties. Fermented milk products are a good‐vehicle to deliver the prebiotic to consumers and may enhance their effects on a bowel motor function.

AIMS & METHODS

The aim of this study to assess the effects of the yogurt, enriched by inulin (1.23g/100g) on symptoms and stool indices in subjects with IBS with constipation (IBS‐C). Forty patients with IBS‐C according to the Rome III criteria were enrolled into the open randomized parallel group study. These patients were randomly assigned to either inulin yogurt therapy group (125 ml enriched yogurt twice a day for 2 wk) or a standard yogurt control group. Pre‐and post treatment measurements included 5‐items Likert scale of complaints (abdominal pain, bloating, uncompleted bowel emptying), stool frequency and Bristol Stool Form Scale for assessing stool consistency. Orocecal transit time were assessed using lactulose H2‐breath test. Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used for assessing changes from baseline.

RESULTS

Inulin enriched yogurt demonstrated a consistent benefit quantitatively in stool frequency as well as a significant improvement in Bristol Stool Form Scale, satisfaction with bowel habits and reduce main complaints (table 1). The transit time significantly redused only in inulin group. All patients tolerated this yogurt well.

CONCLUSION

The inulin enriched yogurt reduces bowel transit time and increase Bristol Stool Form Scale score in patients with IBS‐C in compare to traditional yogurt. These data warrants the need to perform large double‐blinded randomized controlled study.