bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight loss through a 12‐week weight management program improves anthropometric and clinical characteristics
Authors: Lee Ae Jin , Jeon Kyeong Jin , Han Sung Nim
Published: June 2021

Prevalence of obesity has been increasing in Korea, which contributes to health problems. We investigated the effects of a 12‐wk weight management program with nutritional counseling and behavioral modification on anthropometric and clinical characteristics of the young obese. Total of 73 subjects (50 obese and 23 normal weight) were recruited, and 64 subjects (45 obese and 19 normal weight) finished the program. Average BMI at baseline was 28.1 in obese and 21.5 in normal weight groups. Obese group had significantly higher serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared with normal weight group. HDL cholesterol level was significantly lower in obese group. Obese group tended to eat more fat (62.3 ± 4.4 g in normal weight vs. 76.7 ± 5.3 g in obese, p=0.062). Average weight loss in the obese group after the program was 2.7 ± 0.4 kg. Twenty two percent of obese group lost 3–6 kg (n=10, average 4.0 ± 0.3 kg wt loss), and 13 % lost more than 6 kg (n=6, average 8.0 ± 0.8 kg wt loss). BMI, waist and hip circumference, waist to hip ratio, fat mass, and serum triglyceride level decreased significantly with weight loss in obese group. FBS and LDL to HDL ratio improved significantly in the subgroup with larger (>6 kg) weight loss. Significant decrease in intake of energy (286.2 ± 119.5 kcal), fat (16.9 ± 5.9 g), and cholesterol (148.0 ± 38.0 mg) in obese group with behavioral modification resulted in weight loss and improvement in lipid profiles.

Supported by the Korea Research Foundation grant funded by the Korea government (KRF‐2009‐0068320).
Hyperglycemia, hyperadiposity and leukocytosis are independent risk factors for higher serum C‐reactive protein in free‐living adults
Authors: Moreto Fernando , Manda Rodrigo Minoru , Torezan Gabriel Augusto , Teixeira Okesley , Burini Roberto Carlos
Published: June 2021

Chronic inflammation directly influences the development of the chronic diseases. Systemic low‐grade inflammation is defined as two‐ to four‐fold elevations in circulating levels of acute‐phase proteins (e.g. C‐reactive protein; CRP). With the aim to identify the risk factors for elevated CRP levels we evaluated cross‐sectionally 524 adults (55 ± 10 years old; 381 women) for anthropometrics, dietetics, clinical, physical tests and blood analysis. Subjects were assigned in groups normal CRP (G1; <3.0mg/L; n=269), high CRP (G2; 3.0 – 6.0mg/L; n=139) and very high CRP (G3; >6.0mg/dL; n=116). One way ANOVA or Kruskal‐ Wallis tests were used for statistical comparisons. The G3 was discriminated by higher BMI and adiposity (%body fat and waist circumference), higher leukocytes counting, higher values of HOMA‐IR, triglycerides, HDL‐C, uric acid, homocysteine, gamma‐GT and lower VO2max. No associations with dietary intake were found. After successive adjustments for age, gender, BMI, leukocytes and metabolic syndrome or its components, only total body and abdominal fat, leukocytosis (neutrophilia) and hyperglycemia (≥100mg/dL) remained as risk factors (odds ratio) for higher CRP. Thus, body fatness, infection and insulin resistance were independently determinants for higher CRP concentrations. Supported by FUNDAP, CAPES and CNPq.
Soybean or Fish Oil Increases Adiponectin and Nitric Oxide Levels and Decreases Blood Pressure in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Dichi Isaias , Simão Andréa Name Colado , Lovozoy Marcell AB , Morimoto Helena Kaminami , Simão Tathiana Name Colado , Dichi Jane Bandeira
Published: June 2021

Sixty five women (mean age 47,9 ± 9,98 y) were studied in a 90 days parallel randomized design. A control group maintained their usual diet; the second group received 29 g/day of soy bean (kinako); the third group received 3 g/day of fish oil n‐3 fatty acids; and the fourth group received fish oil (3 g/day) and kinako (29 g/day). Anthropometric, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, anti‐inflammatory marker (adiponectin) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were evaluated. In relation to the baseline values, the group that received fish oil and kinako concomitantly presented statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p<0,05), whereas there was a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the control group (p<0,05), kinako group (p<0,01), and fish oil group (p<0,01) after 90 days, There was a significant increase in adiponectin (p<0,01) and NO values (p<0,05) after 90 days in the kinako and fish oil groups. Differences between treatment groups verified a significant decrease (p<0.05) in DBP in kinako group after 90 days when compared to the results obtained from fish oil and kinako group. In conclusion, the findings of increased serum adiponectin and NO metabolite levels after 90 days both in fish oil and soy groups reinforce the importance of the influence of adiponectin and NO levels on blood pressure decrease in patients with MetS.
Transcriptional attributes of constitutively active brown adipose tissue in nonhuman primates
Authors: Ha Jung-Heun , Gourineni Vishnupriya , Lee Mee Ae , Temel Ryan , Chung Soonkyu
Published: June 2021

Brown adipose tissue plays a key role in adaptive thermogenesis. There is a substantial amount of inducible‐BAT in cold acclimated adult humans. However, the presence of constitutively active BAT (cBAT) and its origin are uncertain. They are unrevealed due to the limited accessibility of human BAT. In this study, we collected cBAT from the nonhuman primates housed at room temp and investigated morphological characteristics of cBAT and developmental lineage of cBAT by examining the transcriptional attributes. cBAT was recognizable at the supraclavicular region. IHC analysis showed that cBAT abundantly expressed UCP1 and displayed a unique lipid droplet morphology rather than the classical BAT morphology. There was a predominant increase of brown adipogenic marker genes including PRDM16, PGC1a and ADRB3 in cBAT compared to WAT. In addition, expression of adipokines and proinflammatory genes was decreased in cBAT indicating reduced endocrine function. Intriguingly, miR193b‐365 which represses myogenesis and maintains BAT differentiation was markedly upregulated suggesting cBAT is likely originated from myocyte‐lineage stem cells. Collectively, our work demonstrates that metabolically active BAT exists constitutively in supraclavicular region of nonhuman primates without any adrenoceptor stimuli, and this cBAT depot may diverge from myocyte precursor rather than transdifferentiate from the WAT.

Grant Funding Source: NIH NCRR
Oxidative Stress Evaluation in Overweight Subjects with or without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Dichi Isaias , Simão Tathiana Name Colado , Venturini Danielle , Scripes Nicole A , Melo Petronio AS , Belinetti Francine M , Lovozoy Marcell AB , Simão Andréa Name Colado
Published: June 2021

This cross‐sectional study was performed with 123 subjects (50 controls and 73 overweight). The control group included 50 healthy individuals (body mass index ‐ BMI between 20 and 24.9 kg/m2) and without MetS. Overweight group consisted of 73 subjects (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2). Overweight subjects were divided into two groups: with MetS (29 subjects) and without MetS (44 subjects). Control group and overweight subjects without MetS showed no differences in oxidative stress parameters and total antioxidant capacity (TRAP). Overweight subjects with MetS had higher hydroperoxide concentrations measured by chemiluminescence compared to the control group (p < 0.05), higher hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide concentrations determined by ferrous oxidation‐xylenol orange assay compared to overweight subjects without MetS (p < 0.001), and higher advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) concentrations (p < 0.001) compared to the other groups. AOPP was directly correlated with uric acid concentrations. Overweight subjects with metabolic syndrome had lower TRAP concentrations compared to the control group (p < 0.001), when TRAP was corrected by uric acid concentration. In conclusion, this study showed that the presence of MetS is the main determinant for the redox imbalance, characterized by increased plasma oxidation and reduced antioxidant capacity, verified in overweight subjects.
Green tea polyphenols benefit bone health in obese female rats fed with high‐fat and restricted diets
Authors: Shen Chwan-Li , Cao Jay J , Dagda Raul Y , Chyu Ming-Chien , Wang Jia-Sheng
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP) on the bone health in obese rats fed with a high‐fat (HFD) diet or a restricted diet (RD). Forty‐eight 3‐month‐old SD rats were fed with a HFD at libitum for 4 months. After 4 months, the animals were assigned to a 2 (HFD vs. RD with 35% caloric deficit) × 2 (no GTP vs. 0.5% GTP in drinking water) factorial design for additional 4 months. Body composition [fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM)] was measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy. Bone parameters [femoral bone area, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD)] were measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Bone strength was determined by 3‐point bending test. Serum leptin, adiponectin and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) levels were determined. The results of two‐way ANOVA show that the RD lowered FM, BMC, BMD, bone strength, serum leptin and IGF‐I, and increased FFM and serum adiponectin. GTP supplementation resulted in an increase in FFM, BMC, BMD, and bone strength, a decrease in FM, serum letpin and IGF‐I, and no change in serum adiponectin. There was a significant interaction between caloric intake level and GTP supplementation in FM and FFM. This study demonstrates that GTP supplementation in drinking water for 4 months improved bone parameters in obese rats fed with a HFD or a RD diet through modulating fat hormones.
Deletion of adipogenin gene in mice is effected to adipogenesis and deferred to growth
Authors: KYOUNG-HA SO , Tachizaki Taisei , Aridiyanti Astrid , Suzuki Yutaka , Song Sang-Houn , Roh Sang-gun , Katoh Kazuo
Published: June 2021

Adipogenin, an adipocyte‐specific membrane protein highly expressed in adipose tissues of mice and cattle. However, the functional role of adipogenin in metabolic processes in vivo still unknown. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of adipogenesis mechanism in adipogenin null mice (ADIG KO) on normal‐fat and high‐fat fed. Compared to control mice, ADIG KO male and female mice were not significantly increase in body weight both normal‐ and high‐fat diet fed. ADIG KO mice revealed lower fat composition than control mice in body, and comparable adipocyte size confirmed to smaller than control mice. Adipogenic genes such as PPAR‐γ2 and leptin were down‐regulated in adipose tissues of ADIG KO mice. These results indicate that adipogenin null mice showed the retard of the growth and fat accumulation that adipogenin refer to adipogenesis on adipose differentiation.
Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases among Jamaican Adolescents
Authors: Barrett Sheila Claire , Huffman Fatma , Johnson Paulette , Campa Adriana , Magnus Marcia
Published: June 2021

The study examined Jamaican adolescents for risk factors of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

A descriptive epidemiological cross‐sectional study of 276 Jamaican adolescents ages 14–19 years was conducted. Subjects were randomly selected from grades 9–12 from ten high schools on the island. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, A1c, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, family history of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, low physical activity, and presence of Acanthosis Nigricans were examined.

Waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, Acanthosis Nigricans, total cholesterol, family history of T2D, and blood pressure were the strongest predictors of BMI (p =.001). Gender significantly predicted physical activity (p =.001), and total number of risk factors for T2D and CVD (p = .001). Jamaican adolescent females were less physically active and had significantly higher number of risk factors than males. Total number of risk factors ranged from 0–10, 83 % of subjects reported ≥3 risk factors.

Jamaican adolescents are at risk of T2D and CVD. Family history of disease and anthropometric measures identified more subjects at risk than did the blood measures. Jamaican adolescent females reported more risk factors for T2D and CVD when compared to the males. Intervention measures are needed to educate the adolescents to reduce the risk factors.
Incorporating biomechanics into an anatomy program with problem‐based learning
Authors: Habib Michael
Published: June 2021

Allied health professionals have a vested interest in understanding the functional aspects of human anatomy. Quantitative biomechanics provides some of the most rigorous methodologies for understanding the functional characteristics of connective tissue, vasculature, and neuromuscular systems. Few students entering graduate study in allied health sciences have a substantial background in biomechanics. However, allied health students typically receive rigorous training in traditional human gross anatomy. As a result, one method for providing allied health students with a rigorous introduction to biomechanical concepts is to incorporate biomechanics into the existing anatomy program. Problem‐based learning programs provide a unique set of challenges and opportunities for delivering a biomechanical perspective in human anatomy. Here, I present examples of how biomechanical topics such as material compliance, fluid‐static interactions, and mechanical loading have been incorporated into the anatomy curriculum for a physical therapy program that utilizes problem‐based learning. Preliminary assessment data from the past three years suggest that students who receive this biomechanical instruction experience improved retention of traditional anatomy terminology and identification in addition to gaining a working knowledge of functional anatomy.
A View Inside from the Surface: Living Anatomy for Medical Illustration Students
Authors: Lees Gary P.
Published: June 2021

Human anatomy with dissection provides an important starting point for students in medical illustration. While they do not have direct patient contact, the student‐cadaver encounter is paramount in their medical education. Cadaver dissection remains the most powerful method of teaching and learning human anatomy: it introduces the illustration student to the tissues and textures of the body; enhances their manual dexterity; emphasizes the concept of biological variation; demonstrates common pathologic changes; and establishes a dynamic foundation for understanding the biological function of the human body. However, cadaver dissection, even when amplified with visuals from advanced imaging modalities, does not enable a student to create an image of the major organs in normal living position within an outline of the human figure based on surface and skeletal anatomy alone.

Medical illustration students at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine take a unique course, taught concurrently with anatomy, which focuses on what we call ‘living anatomy.’ This method of illustrating anatomy, taught since the inception of the program in 1911, enables a student to create an illustration of major structures based on surface landmarks and skeletal references found in anatomy textbooks. With this knowledge, accurate relationships are easily preserved when creating educational visuals.
Designing gross anatomy education for athletic training students: planning for a continuum of care
Authors: Burrows Anne M , Sammarone-Turocy Paula G
Published: June 2021

Athletic trainers are employed in a wide range of clinical settings from rehabilitation clinics to professional sports teams. To address this broad continuum of care, they must be knowledgeable in not only the anatomy of the extremities and spine, but also the body cavities. Providing for this breadth of information within singular courses presents a challenge for faculty members charged with designing and delivering gross anatomy courses. Another important consideration is that most gross anatomy courses are taught at the graduate level, but 93% of the over 350 accredited athletic training education programs are still at the undergraduate level. While all athletic training curricula require some form of anatomy education, only a small minority of them offer human anatomy courses with full cadaveric dissection. Most programs either use prosected specimens, day visits to medical school anatomy labs, or no cadaveric experience at all. This presentation focuses on identifying the challenges associated with educating athletic training students, as well as strategies that faculty members can use to address those challenges.
Impact of a Combination of Various Functional Food Ingredients as TAIslim® Total Body System, Weight Management Program: Randomized, Placebo‐controlled, Double‐blind Human Clinical Studies
Authors: Amagase Harunobu , Handel Richard
Published: June 2021

We hypothesized that negative energy balance by a systematic procedure (TAIslim® System) with increasing metabolic rate through physical activity and use of dietary supplement, TAIslim (containing indigestible dietary fiber, L‐phenylalanine, N‐acetyl‐L‐tyrosine, tea extract and Lycium barbarum) b.i.d., and decreasing caloric intake by consuming fiber‐containing meal replacement (TAIslim SHAKE) b.i.d. and chew (TAIslim SKINNY) t.i.d. would be successful to lose weight in obese humans. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled human clinical studies have shown that TAIslim System significantly reduced body weight by 9.2±0.8 (SEM)% compared to pre‐intervention or placebo group (1.1±0.6%) in 2 months. Other metabolic syndrome markers, such as waist circumference, total body fat, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose level, were also significantly reduced by TAIslim System in a range of 5.8–10% compared to pre‐intervention or placebo (−0.2–1.9%). Postprandial Energy Expenditure was significantly increased by TAIslim System compared to placebo and baseline levels for more than 4 h post‐intake. TAIslim System also significantly suppressed appetite, measured by subjective visual analogue scale, by 39% compared to the baseline (11% reduction in the placebo). These results suggest that negative energy balance caused by the TAIslim System may be an effective body weight management procedure.
What data suggests that protein may be effective for weight loss?
Authors: Champagne Catherine M. , Broyles Stephanie , Myers Valerie H. , Funk Kristine L. , Brantley Phillip
Published: June 2021

What enables people to effectively manage weight following weight loss has not been adequately identified. Changes in dietary patterns and impact on weight loss were evaluated during Phase I (P1) of the Weight Loss Maintenance (WLM) clinical trial and during Phase II (P2), the maintenance phase. Successful weight loss participants (n=828) from P1 were randomized to a control group or one of two maintenance interventions in P2 and followed for an additional 30 months. Interventions focused on long term maintenance of weight using the Dietary Approaches to Hypertension (DASH) diet. The DASH diet contains somewhat higher protein content (18% energy), mainly through the use of lower fat dairy products. Main outcome measures were changes in food group and macronutrient intake. Substitution of protein for fat (est β −0.33, −0.07), of protein for carbohydrates (est β −0.18, −0.05), of carbohydrates for fat (est β −0.19, −0.03), and increased intake of fruits/vegetables (est β −0.29, −0.04) were all associated with weight loss during both phases (P<0.01). Increasing dairy intake was associated with weight loss during P2 (est β −0.17, P=0.002). Increasing fruits, vegetables, and low‐fat dairy may be a part of a calorie controlled diet that helps to achieve weight loss and maintain it over time. Protein apparently substitutes well for both carbohydrates and fat and is reported to be a satiating factor in weight loss diets.
A nine month strength training program increases resting metabolic rate
Authors: Aristizabal Juan C , Freidenreich Daniel , Volk Brittanie , Kupchak Brian , Ballard Kevin , Kraemer William , Volek Jeff
Published: June 2021

Sixty one healthy adults (18–35 y) completed a supervised resistance training (RT) program (3 d/wk) with protein supplementation for nine months. Subjects were randomly assigned to a whey protein concentrate (WP, n=18), soy protein isolate (SP, n=21) or carbohydrate (CHO, n=22) supplementation group (20 g/d). Participants were advised to follow a diet providing adequate energy and ~1.0 g protein/kg body weight plus supplement. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), total triiodothyronine (TT3) and total thyroxine (TT4) were measured. RMR significantly increased from baseline to the end of the study (p=.002) with the largest increase observed in WP (108±177 kcal/d) followed by SP (72±109 kcal/d), and CHO (44±180 kcal/d). The RMR changes were not significant between groups. Plasma TT3 was different at three months of RT between WP and SP (0.45±0.18 ng/ml, p=.048), no other differences were observed at six or nine months. Plasma TT4 decreased from baseline to three months in CHO (−1.55±0.22 μg/dl, p=.000) and WP (−1.37±0.42 μg/dl, p=.025). TT4 values were back to baseline at six months in WP and at nine months in CHO. There were no associations between the changes in RMR and TT3 or TT4 in any group. These results suggest that a nine month progressive RT program significantly increases resting RMR. [Supported by National Dairy Council, USA].
Effects of protein quantity and source (animal versus plant) on indices of mood and fed‐state large neutral amino acids and tryptophan profile
Authors: Hogan Jacqueline Anne , Armstrong Cheryl LH , Wilson Hailey Kay , Campbell Wayne W
Published: June 2021

The balance between plasma tryptophan (Trp) and other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) from dietary protein (P) influences serotonin synthesis which may impact indices of mood. This study was designed to assess effects of P quantity and source on fed‐state (FS) LNAA and Trp and mood. 34 overweight/obese adults (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 10, 20 or 30% energy from P with beef/pork (5M:12F) or soy/pulses (6M:11F) as the predominate P source for 3 randomized 28d trials. On day 28, subjects consumed a trial‐specific test meal and completed the Profile of Mood Survey (POMS) before and 25, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after eating. Fasting and FS LNAA and Trp were measured in 5 subjects each from the two P source groups. FS LNAA (weighted averages) was higher for beef/pork vs soy/pulses (p<0.05), and progressively higher with increasing P intake (p<0.01). Independent of source, FS Trp was greater (p<0.01) and Trp:LNAA was lower (p<0.05), for 30 vs. 20 and 10% P. Protein quantity and source did not affect total mood disturbance or the six POMS subcategories (vigor, fatigue, depression, confusion, tension, anger). While protein intakes predominately from meat or plant sources that span the acceptable macronutrient distribution range affect plasma LNAA and Trp, they do not acutely impact mood.

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

Grant Funding Source: The Beef Checkoff, National Pork Board, NIH RR025761
A review of dietary energy density and obesity
Authors: Karl J. Philip , Roberts Susan B
Published: June 2021

The role of dietary energy density (ED) in energy intake regulation and weight management remains controversial. Relationships between ED, energy intake and body weight were determined in a review of pertinent studies examining the effects of ED on energy intake (EI) and/or body weight in non‐elderly adults. Sixty‐nine relevant studies in which effects of ED could be separated from other putative determinants of energy regulation including dietary fiber were identified. Observational studies generally report positive associations between dietary ED and BMI, risk for overweight/obesity or weight gain. Short‐term clinical trials consistently demonstrate that decreasing preload, individual meal or 24‐h dietary ED results in a reduction in EI proportional to the magnitude of the reduction in ED. Longer‐term (>1 mo) randomized clinical trials suggest that reducing the ED of diets consumed ad libitum may promote modest weight loss; however, based on very limited available studies, ED modification may have no additional weight loss benefit when recommended in conjunction with an energy restricted diet. In summary, a substantial body of evidence demonstrates that short‐term decreases in ED promote reductions in EI, but the extent to which low ED diets facilitate weight loss or prevent weight gain remains undetermined. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of ED in long‐term weight management.

Grant Funding Source: NA
Evaluation of nutrient intake of patients on ketogenic therapy: a pilot study
Authors: Allen Hannah J. , Lennon Dylan J. , Khiyani Neeraj , Lukosaityte Jurate , Chowdhury Rowshan , Borum Peggy R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Ketogenic Therapy (KT) is prescribed as a ratio of fat to protein plus carbohydrate focusing on seizure control. KT is the only source of nutrition, but the nutrient intake at the amino acid and fatty acid level is often less of a focus.

Objective

Develop and pilot a method to evaluate the details of nutrient intake.

Methods

Nutrition Data System for Research was used to analyze 24‐hour diet recalls. Amino acid intake was compared to dietary reference intake (DRI) and individual polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake was determined.

Results

Six months of 24‐hour diet recalls of 2 oral feeders (OF) and 2 tube feeders (TF) were evaluated for percent of recommended Calories (Cal), percent of DRI for protein (Pro) and essential amino acids (EAA), and mg/kg/day of linoleic acid (LA), alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA), DHA, and EPA. Patients receiving adequate protein and Calories with a prescribed KT ratio between 3.0 and 4.0 may have intakes of individual PUFAs that vary several fold.

Parameter
OF
TF

Mean
SD
Mean
SD

Cal
115
16
82
16

Pro
134
13
123
38

EAA
231
24
205
63

LA
919
396
1376
705

ALA
215
52
213
110

DHA
6.2
9.2
0.1
0.1

EPA
4.4
6.9
0.0
0.0

Conclusion

KT with similar diet prescriptions may show different nutrient intakes and should be evaluated at the level of the amino acid and fatty acid profile.

Supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) CTSA grant 1UL 1RR029890
The Use of Environmental Cues to Reduce Obesity
Authors: Thaw Andrew Kurt , Redhead Megan
Published: June 2021

Obesity and weight loss/management research is extensive. The vast majority of studies address the physiological or psychological mechanisms involved in the regulation of appetite and eating. Recently, researchers have begun to look at environmental factors that may be playing a role in our eating behaviors. Most of this research involves examining factors that promote excess calorie intake. It is becoming clear that we are often unaware of the impact environmental cues have on our eating behavior. Visual cues in particular seem to carry potent consumption signals. Thus, visual environmental cues may be useful in reducing food consumption as well. To examine the putative effect of visual cues on weight loss 40 college age students volunteered to participte in a weight loss study at Millsaps College. All subjects received the same individual counseling. Half of the subjects (matched with controls for total body weight) also received 20 highly visible, removable stickers (5cm × 10cm)to place around their environment. Over the 6 week test period experimental subjects lost significantly more weight than the control group. We conclue that the use of environmental cues may significantly enhance weight loss in adult subjects.
The effects of low vs. higher protein yogurt consumed as afternoon snacks on appetite control and time to dinner request in healthy women
Authors: Ortinau Laura C , Culp Julie M , Hoertel Heather A , Douglas Steve M , Leidy Heather J
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To assess whether afternoon snacks of higher‐protein (14 g protein; HPY) vs. lower‐protein (5 g protein; LPY) yogurt lead to reduced hunger, increased fullness, and delayed eating vs. No Snack (NS).

Methods

Using a randomized crossover design, 46 women (age 28 ± 1 y; BMI 23.1 ± 0.4 kg/m2) 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

Snacking reduced hunger and increased fullness up to 2 h post‐snack vs. NS (p<0.001; both snacks); no differences were observed between snacks. NS led to the earliest request for dinner (2:13 ± 0:41 h post‐snack) vs. HPY (2:42 ± 0:38 h post‐snack; p<0.001) and LPY (2:37 ± 0:40 h post‐snack; p<0.001); no difference was found between snacks.

Conclusions

Although both 160 kcal afternoon yogurt snacks led to reduced hunger, increased fullness, and delayed eating vs. no snacking, no differences were found between the low vs. higher protein yogurts. These data suggest that a 9 g protein differential is insufficient to alter appetite control and delay eating in healthy women. Funded by: General Mills, Inc.
Effect of resistance training on changes in body composition and macronutrient utilization after weight loss in older women
Authors: Zhou Jing , Campbell Wayne W.
Published: June 2021

We assessed the effect of resistance training (RT) on energy restriction (ER)‐induced changes in body composition and macronutrient utilization (MU) in older, overweight women. Sixteen women (age 68 ± 1 y, BMI 29 ± 1 kg/m2) consumed controlled diets with 1.0 g protein/kg•d for 16 wk. During wk 1–3 and 15–16, energy intake matched the subject's energy need, while during wk 4–14 it was 500 kcal/d below need. Each woman either performed RT 3 d/wk (n=8) or remain sedentary (SED, n=8). Fasting and postprandial (PP) energy utilization and PP energy storage from macronutrients were determined using indirect calorimetry and 1‐[13C] leucine infusion data at wk 2 and 15. PP energy and macronutrient intakes were the same pre and post intervention. Over time, body mass (SED −5.8 ± 0.6; RT −5.0 ± 0.2 kg) and fat mass decreased (SED −4.1 ± 0.9; RT −4.7 ± 0.5 kg) with no difference between groups. Fat‐free mass (FFM) decreased in SED (−1.6 ± 0.4 kg, P ≤ 0.05) but was unchanged in RT (−0.3 ± 0.4 kg, P = 0.07). At baseline, carbohydrate (CHO), fat and protein accounted for ~10, 76, and 14% of total MU (kcal/kg FFM•h) while fasting and ~35, 43, and 22% PP. PP energy storage was ~65, 25, and 10% CHO, fat, and protein. Weight loss and RT did not influence these proportions. Resistance training is an effective way for older women to preserve fat‐free mass after weight loss without affecting macronutrient utilization and storage.

Grant Funding Source : NIH R29 AG13409 and UL1 RR025761
Pterostilbene inhibits dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)‐induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Lee Ming-Fen , Liu Min-Lung , Cheng An-Chin , Pan Min-Hsiung , Huang Han , Chen Ming-Dian
Published: June 2021

Pterostilbene exhibits pleiotropic effects including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐proliferatory, and pain‐relieving pharmacological activities in various experimental settings. This study was to investigate the effect of pterostilbene on liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. SD Rats were intraperitoneally given dimethylnitrosamine (10 mg/kg) three days per week for four weeks. Pterostilbene (10 or 20 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage daily. Liver function, morphology, histochemistry, and fibrotic status were examined. Pterostilbene supplementation alleviated the DMN‐induced changes in the relative organ weights of liver, kidney, and spleen and serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (p <0.05). Fibrotic status and inactivation of hepatic stellate cells were improved upon pterostilbene supplementation as evidenced by histopathological examination and gene expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, respectively. These data demonstrated that pterostilbene exhibited hepatoprotective effects in experimental fibrosis, suggesting its potential application in clinical intervention.

This work was supported by the National Science Council grants, NSC 98‐2320‐B‐309‐002‐MY3, to M‐F Lee, and NSC 100‐2313‐B‐309‐003, to A‐C Cheng.
CTL extract, Histologic Changes in Subchondral Bone and Articular Cartilage of mono‐iodoacetate induced arthritis rat model
Authors: Nam Da-eun , Ho Jin-Nyoung , Kim Ok-Kyung , Jeon Hye-lin , Park Soo-Jeung , Jun Woojin , Lee Jeongmin
Published: June 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain and a progressive loss of articular cartilage. Injection of mono‐iodoacetate (MIA), an inhibitor of glycolysis, into the femorotibial joint of rodents promotes loss of articular cartilage similar to that noted in human OA. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of ethanol extract from CTL in mono‐iodoacetate (MIA) induced Osteoarthritis (OA) Rat model. Rat were divided into five groups: Control, MIA control, MIA+Methotrexate (MTX), MIA+CTL 200mg/kg and 500mg/kg. Oral administration CTL for 6 weeks significantly reduced clinical scores compared with MIA control group. In addition CTL dramatically reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and prevented joint destruction of the knee and paws measured by Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Micro CT. MTX, disease‐modified anti‐rheumatic drug, DMARD, also dramatically reduced clinical scores and prevented joint destruction of the knee and paws. These results suggest that supplement of CTL could be a possible applicant for ameliorating the degenerative arthritis.
Cholesterol lowering activity of soy‐derived glyceollins in golden hamster model
Authors: Huang Haiqiu , Xie Zhuohong , Yokoyama Wallace , Boue Stephen M. , Yu Liangli , Wang Thomas T.Y.
Published: June 2021

Soybean is one of the primary agricultural commodities in the United States. Consumption of soy foods is associated with lowering the risk of age‐associated diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The exact components of soy that contribute to these effects remain largely unknown. Glyceollins are major phytoalexin in soybean. We tested the potential effect of glyceollins in lowering circulating cholesterol in a golden hamster model of cardiovascular disease. Male hamsters (n=10 per group) were fed diets containing 1) 36% kcal% fat diet, 2) 36% kcal% fat diet + 25 mg/kg body weight/day glyceollins, or 3) standard chow for 28 days. We measured hepatic total and free cholesterol, hepatic total lipid content, plasma lipoproteins, fecal bile acid and total cholesterol. We found that daily feeding of glyceollins significantly reduced hepatic total and free cholesterol, but not hepatic total lipid content. This effect was associated with lower plasma VLDL, but not changes in plasma LDL and HDL, and fecal bile acid and cholesterol. These results suggested that the cholesterol lowering activity of glyceollins is associated with VLDL metabolisms and not through increased excretion.
Effects of fermented pinus densiflora extracts on body weight gains and lipid metabolism in KK‐Ay mice fed normal diet
Authors: Ahn Eun-Mi , Yoo Seon-MI , Kim Hang-Ran , Kang Min-Sook
Published: June 2021

In Korea, Instead of sugar, extracts of fruits and vegetables by sugar consumption is increasing. This study performed to investigate the effects of fermented pinus densiflora extracts (Fermented pine needle, FPN) by sugar on body weight gains and lipid profiles on KK‐Ay mice. Male KK‐Ay mice were fed normal diet only (Normall control; NC), and Normal diet with 1% pinus densiflora extracts (FPN), 3%FPN, 5%FPN for 7weeks. Feed efficacy ratio and FPN extract intake were not significantly different among groups, but it tended to drink more in higher concentration. Despite differences in energy intake due to sugar concentration, weight gains and adipose tissue weights were similar in experimental groups. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were similar to each other. Also, blood glucose levels were not significantly different among groups. From the findings, it had shown that pinus densiflora extracts did not affect weight gain and serum lipid profiles, which suggests the possibility of application to fermented fine needle extract as a beverage ingredient.
Dose‐response of ginger on indicators of oxidative stress and diabetes in STZ‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Thomson Martha , Al-Qattan Khaled , Divya J.S. , Ali Muslim
Published: June 2021

The anti‐diabetic and anti‐oxidant effects of 3 doses of an aqueous extract of raw ginger (Zingiber officinale) were studied in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by IP injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and a fasting blood sugar >300 mg/dl indicated diabetes. Diabetic rats were divided into 4 groups: control and 3 ginger‐treated groups. Ginger extract doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg were administered daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose and serum cholesterol, triglycerides, fructosamine, creatinine, uric acid, LDH and ALP were significantly elevated in diabetic rats, and significantly lowered by ginger dose‐dependently. Serum protein, albumin, total antioxidants and catalase (CAT) activity decreased significantly in diabetic rats, with 250 and 500 mg/kg ginger doses resulting in dose‐dependent increases. Liver and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) and LDH, and liver ALP levels were significantly elevated in diabetic rats, and decreased by ginger dose‐dependently with the lowest dose having variable effects. In contrast, liver and kidney total antioxidants, protein and CAT activity were significantly decreased in diabetic rats, and were increased by the highest dose of ginger. Urine output, albumin, creatinine, and protein were significantly elevated in diabetic rats, and decreased by 250 and 500 mg/kg ginger doses. Thus, ginger exhibits a dose‐dependent effect in diabetic rats with the 500 mg/kg dose most potent in ameliorating oxidative stress and other indicators of diabetes in STZ‐induced diabetic rats.

The study was supported by KFAS grant # 2007‐1302‐04.
The effect of beta‐carotene on neuroblastoma stemness
Authors: Lee Hyun-Ah , Kim Yoo-Sun , Kim Yuri
Published: June 2021

Beta‐carotene, the most active vitamin A precursor, has been shown to possess anticancer potential in various cancers. Although anticancer mechanisms of beta‐carotene including antioxidants, anti‐proliferation, and anti‐angiogenesis have been demonstrated, the efficacy of beta‐carotene toward cancer stem cells remains unclear. Emerging evidence supports that most cancers originate from a rare subpopulation of cells namely cancer stem cells that give rise to tumor bulk through continuous self‐renewal and differentiation. In this present study, we investigated whether betac‐arotene had preventive effects on neuroblastoma stemness. Beta‐carotene inhibited cell growth in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner and elongated neurites, a hallmark of neuronal differentiation. Beta‐carotene treatment not only down‐regulated the expression of stem cell markers such as DLK1, Notch1 and Sox2, but also increased ERK phosphorylation which is an active pathway in neuronal differentiation. In addition, beta‐carotene inhibited colony formation and nonadherent sphere formation which are characteristics of cancer stem cells. We further tested the efficacy of the combination treatment with beta‐carotene and cisplatin for targeting cancer stem cells. The result showed that the combination treatment increased the effectiveness of each treatment against cancer stem cells. In conclusion, beta‐carotene has an important role in regulating stemness of neuroblastoma by inducing differentiation and hampering self‐renewal potential, thereby contributes to the overall inhibition of cancer cell growth.

[This research was financially supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (Project Number is 2011‐0008169)].

Grant Funding Source : The National Research Foundation of Korea (Project Number is 2011‐0008169)
1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D regulation of energy metabolism in MCF10 human breast epithelial cells
Authors: Zheng Wei , Tayyari Fariba , Gowda Nagana , Raftery Daniel , Shi Jin , Porterfield Marshall , Bequette Brian , Donkin Shawn , Teegarden Dorothy
Published: June 2021

These studies were designed to investigate the impact of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) on the metabolic reprogramming during cancer progression towards increased glycolysis and lactate production, and reduced oxidative metabolism (Warburg effect). The ras‐oncogene transfected MCF10 human breast epithelial cells were used to study early breast cancer progression. Metabolite fluxes at the cell membrane were measured by a selective micro biosensor (mFlux), [13C6]glucose flux by 13C‐mass isotopomer distribution analysis of media metabolites (gFlux), and intracellular metabolite levels by NMR following four day 1,25D treatment. Flux of glucose to 3‐phosphoglycerate (gFlux) was reduced 32% by 1,25D, supporting a reduction in glycolysis by 1,25D. 1,25D‐induced reduction in the citric acid (TCA) cycle activity was supported by a 41% reduced flux of glucose to acetyl‐coA (gFlux), a 20% reduced oxygen uptake (mFlux) and a 29% reduced intracellular succinate (NMR). Moreover, 1,25D reduced the flux of glucose to lactate by 10% (gFlux) and reduced intracellular lactate by 55% (NMR), which is consistent with a 15% reduction in lactate dehydrogenase activity, the enzyme converting pyruvate to lactate. These studies suggest 1,25D regulates energy metabolism in early cancer progression, shifting glucose utilization towards reduced glycolysis and lactate production as well as reduced flux through the TCA cycle.

Grant Funding Source : NIH R25CA128770
Combination of Polymethoxyflavones and Atorvastatin for Colon Cancer Inhibition
Authors: Song Mingyue , Qiu Peiju , Zheng Jinkai , Charoensinphon Noppawat , Xiao Hang
Published: June 2021

Combining different agents to synergistically inhibit cancer progression is a promising strategy to decrease cancer mortality. We investigated the combination of nobiletin (NBT, a citrus polymethoxyflavone) and 4′‐hydroxy nobiletin (4′HN, a major colonic metabolite of NBT) with atorvastatin (ATST, a lipid‐lowering drug) in human colon cancer cells. Both NBT/ATST and 4′HN/ATST combinations at low doses produced much stronger inhibitory effect on cancer cell viability in comparison to those produced by NBT, 4′HN or ATST alone at much higher concentrations. These enhanced inhibitory effects were confirmed to be highly synergistic by Isobologram analysis. Flow cytometry analysis showed NBT/ATST and 4′HN/ATST combinations induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest at 24 hr, while the prolonged treatments for 48hr caused extensive apoptosis. Western blotting showed that both NBT/ATST and 4′HN/ATST combinations activated caspase‐3, increased the levels of cleaved PARP and p21 (Cip1/Waf1), and decreased the levels of Cyclin D1 and Akt. Furthermore, expression levels of EGFR in plasma membrane were decreased by both NBT/ATST and 4′HN/ATST combinations. In summary, our results demonstrated the strong synergy produced by NBT/ATST and 4′HN/ATST combinations in inhibiting human colon cancer cell growth, which provided a basis for using NBT and ATST in combination for colon cancer inhibition.

Grant Funding Source : NIH:CA139174, AICR:#10A044
Inhibitory mechanisms of wheat germ and wheat/soy germ extract fermented with Aspergillus oryzae on human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells
Authors: Jang Hae-Dong , Song Ji-Hye , Choi So-Jin , Kim Eui-Su , Choi Hyung-Taek
Published: June 2021

In this study, anti‐carcinogenic mechanism of wheat germ (WG) and mixed wheat and soy germ (WSG) extract fermented with Aspergillus oryzae were investigated in human colorectal cancer HCT116 cell model. The fermented WG and WSG extract reduced cell viability and increased the chromatin condensation, representing the characteristic of apoptosis death. The treatment of fermented WG and WSG extract increased the expression of apoptosis signals such as p53 accompanied with a marked increase in Bax, caspase‐3, and cleaved‐PARP. The fermented WG and WSG extract showed the invasion inhibitory effect of HCT116 cell model in matrigel invasion assay by crystal violet staining. The fermented WG and WSG extract decreased the expression of metastasis signals such as p‐Akt1, VEGF, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9. These results indicate that one of the plausible mechanisms underlying anti‐carcinogenic activity of fermented WG and WSG extract may involve the regulation of apoptosis and metastasis signals. The fermented WG and WSG could be used for the development of anti‐carcinogenic nutraceutical and pharmaceutical food.

Grant Funding Source : ASN
Cinnamon extract inhibits angiogenesis in zebrafish and human endothelial cells by suppressing VEGF and PKC‐mediated MAP kinase
Authors: Bansode Rishipal R , Randolph Priscilla , Ahmedna Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Current study is focused on the effects of cinnamon extract in modulating the pathway involved in angiogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with cinnamon extract at a concentration of 100 μg/ml for 1, 3, or 6 hours (h) followed by treatment with phorbol ester (TPA) at a concentration of 10 nM to induce MAPK expression. Results show that cinnamon extract inhibited TPA‐induced phosphorylation of MAPK in a dose‐dependent manner. Gene expression results in HUVEC showed that cinnamon extract treatment inhibited TPA induction of PKC alpha mRNA expression in a dose‐dependent manner along with suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1/Flt1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2/KDR/Flk1) mRNA expression.

Cinnamon extract was administered to zebrafish embryos during gastrulation at 6–8 h‐post‐fertilization (hpf). The embryos were observed for changes in morphology, toxicity, and blood vessel development. The intersegmental vessels (ISVs) in the zebrafish embryos were attenuated and under‐developed at an effective cinnamon extract dose of 250 μg/ml compared to the DMSO‐treated control. Exposure to cinnamon extract for 36 h resulted in gross morphological deformities. The results suggest the effect of cinnamon extract on angiogenesis is mediated by PKC‐dependent phosphorylation of MAP kinase.
Anti‐inflammatory Effects of Cocoa Procyanidins
Authors: Gu Yeyi , Yu Shan , Lambert Joshua
Published: June 2021

Inflammation, as evaluated by increased inflammatory cytokines and other markers, represents a link between obesity and its comorbidities. Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is a procyanidin‐rich food with putative anti‐inflammatory effects; however, the mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of cocoa procyanidins (CPs) with varying degree of polymerization (DP) on inflammatory markers related to eicosanoid metabolism and cytokine production using purified enzymes and cultured RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. CPs with DP ≥7 dose‐dependently inhibited purified phospholipase A2 (IC50 =3.2 μg/mL) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (IC50= 57.7 μg/mL) in vitro, and significantly decreased prostaglandin E2 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages. Pre‐treatment of macrophages with CP octamer (50 μM) significantly suppressed secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (70%), interleukin‐6 (100%), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (50%) compared to LPS‐stimulated controls. These results demonstrate the anti‐inflammatory effects of CPs and provide potential mechanistic biomarkers to be further tested in obese subjects under inflammatory conditions. This study was supported in part by a grant from Hershey Foods and by NIH Grant AT004678.

Grant Funding Source: NIH Grant AT004678 and Hershey Foods