bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Replication Kinase Cdc7 Marks Histones to Regulate Biosynthesis Genes
Authors: Grant Patrick
Published: November 2023

Post‐translational histone modifications (PTMs) play important roles in regulating various DNA‐templated cellular functions including transcription, DNA damage repair, DNA replication and telomeric silencing. Histone H3 Threonine 45 phosphorylation (H3T45ph) is a modification that is enriched during S‐phase of the cell cycle in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is carried out by the kinase Cdc7‐Dbf4 (DDK) in vivo and in vitro. To understand the function of this mark we identified the genomic H3T45ph locations by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing (ChIP‐Seq) of wild‐type budding yeast cell chromatin. Remarkably, this PTM is observed not only at origins of DNA replication, but is also uniquely distributed on the promoters of highly transcribed RNA polymerase I, II and III‐regulated genes dedicated to protein synthesis and glycolysis. Here we show that H3T45 phosphorylation, mediated by Cdc7‐Dbf4, is required for polymerase recruitment and full expression of ribosome protein (RP) and tRNA genes as well as for the regulation of cohesin loading. Collectively, we identify an unexpected gene regulatory function for the DNA‐replication kinase Cdc7‐Dbf4 and identify a novel histone modification regulating the protein biosynthesis gene machinery.

Support or Funding Information

This work is supported by NIH award R01 GM111911.
Mechanism of Neuroprotectin D1 Action after Hypoxic‐Ischemic Injury in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Zirpoli Hylde , Sosunov Sergey A. , Niatsetskaya Zoya , Mayurasakorn Korapat , Manual Denny Joseph Kollareth , Norris Paul C. , Reilly Ian R. , Serhan Charles N. , Ten Vadim S. , Deckelbaum Richard J.
Published: November 2023

Neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) brain injury remains a major contributor to neurological disorders in children. We recently reported that acute administration of triglyceride emulsions of docosahexaenoic acid (tri‐DHA) after HI injury, showed marked neuroprotection in neonatal mice decreasing infarct volume by 50%. Post‐HI tri‐DHA injection preserved Ca2+ buffering capacity and markedly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by mitochondria. We questioned whether DHA‐derived specialized pro‐resolving mediator (SPM) profiles change in ischemic brains of tri‐DHA treated mice relative to untreated mice, and if SPMs directly activate the same mechanisms of neuroprotection as tri‐DHA. After 2h reperfusion we detected a 50% increase in neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) levels in brains of tri‐DHA treated mice compared to the control group. Tri‐DHA administration also increased brain levels of total D‐ and E‐series resolvins, and LXB4, by 5.8 and 2.5‐fold respectively. Based on these observations, we examined whether NPD1, a potent bioactive mediator derived from DHA, could lead to neuroprotection immediately after HI brain injury. We found that acute intraperitoneal administration of 20ng NPD1 after HI injury reduced infarct volume by 55% compared to saline treated mice (control group). Short‐term neurofunctional outcomes were assessed at 24h after HI. Treatment with NPD1 significantly improved righting and negative geotaxis reflex performances compared to control littermates. Mitochondria from ischemic brains of NPD1 treated mice had similar Ca2+ buffering capacity compared to naïve mice, while mitochondria from the ischemic brains of control treated mice significantly reduced Ca2+ buffering capacity by 40% compared to naïve mice (p<0.05).

A number of studies by other groups have reported that dietary n‐3 fatty acids may prevent or reverse impairments in mitochondria content or function. Our findings show that acute injection of a DHA derived mediator, namely NPD1, directly provides neuroprotection after HI and this is associated, in part, by preserving mitochondrial functions.
Providers' Perceptions of Child Feeding and Activity Recommendations Related to Early Childhood Obesity Prevention
Authors: Heller Rebecca , Chiero Jesse , Trout Nancy , Mobley Amy R
Published: November 2023

Early childhood obesity prevention from birth to 24 months of age (B‐24) is a growing public health concern. However, the child feeding and activity information provided to parents is limited and inconsistent which may contribute to confusion regarding obesity prevention for their children. This is partially due to the lack of uniform dietary guidelines to promote healthy weight in children from B‐24. The objective of this qualitative study was to identify common resources and recommendations used by health and education providers and any misconceptions or barriers faced when educating parents on early childhood feeding and activity practices. One‐on‐one interviews were conducted with health and education providers (n=14) working with families of young children from a variety of demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the classic analysis approach. The study results revealed several important themes including how only healthcare providers, but not education providers, working with children B‐24 directly address childhood obesity prevention with parents. Providers reported confusion from parents about when to transition to solid foods and how much or what to feed their child as commonly perceived barriers to optimal child feeding. Parental misconceptions about feeding were often due to cultural, family and media influences, as well as lack of personal knowledge or experience. Screen time and physical activity of children B‐24 were much less of a concern to providers. Sources of child feeding information used by providers to educate parents were derived mainly from online sites and often from non‐evidence based sources. Providers indicated a need for consistent feeding and childhood obesity prevention messaging and free, non‐commercial sources of online information to provide to parents.

Support or Funding Information

The Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut, Inc.
Using Theory to Develop an Experiential Physical Activity Curriculum
Authors: Fetter Deborah S , Scherr Rachel E , Linnell Jessica D , Bergman Jacqueline J , Byrnes Michele , Gerdes Melanie , Ruiz Lyndsey D , Zidenberg‐Cherr Sheri
Published: November 2023

Engaging in regular activity during childhood leads to better cardiorespiratory fitness and a greater likelihood of being active in adulthood. To encourage 4th–6th grade students to be more active, a physical activity curriculum, called Healthy Choices in Motion, was developed to complement the school‐based, multi‐component nutrition program, the Shaping Healthy Choices Program (SHCP). The curriculum was designed with an optional technology‐enhancement component utilizing wearable activity monitoring devices. Relying upon the principles of the Social Cognitive Theory and constructivism, the Backward Design approach was used to develop the experiential, inquiry‐based curriculum. Through this process, five primary learning objectives were identified, each to be developed into a lesson: (1) the benefits of physical activity; (2) recommendations across the lifespan; (3) the five components of physical fitness; (4) the importance of a variety of physical activity; (5) what being physically active means. A journal was created with take‐home activities for the learner to complete after each lesson. The lessons underwent an extensive development phase where the lessons were implemented among learners in the intended age group. This allowed the research team to ascertain whether children would be capable of understanding the intended concepts, if the evidence of learning was sufficient, and that the activity design was appropriate. To ensure the technology component contributed to the learning objectives, the lessons were facilitated once with pedometers and then with accelerometers. As each lesson was facilitated, two observers used a plus/delta form to record what worked well on the “plus” side and what needed to be improved on the “delta” side. The research team later met to review observations and make revisions to the lesson. To determine whether the lessons improved physical activity knowledge for future research, a 20‐item assessment tool was created. The questionnaire was assessed for content validity, internal consistency reliability, and test‐retest reliability. Analyses were conducted using STATA 14.0. Pearson's correlations were used to assess test‐retest reliability by comparing total scores and scores between the test and retest administration with significance set at P<0.05. Cronbach's α was used to determine internal consistency, with a minimum acceptable level of α>0.7. Results showed the questionnaire to have acceptable total reliability (r=0.73) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.84). Nutrition education experts reviewed the questionnaire for content validity. For future SHCP implementation, the inclusion of Healthy Choices in Motion may strengthen the improvement seen in physical activity pattern from the initial intervention.
Food Addiction and Dietary Intake in Morbidly Obese Females Before and After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Kim Ashley , Moore Carolyn , Sherman Vadim , Tariq Nabil , Maziarz Mindy
Published: November 2023

Bariatric surgery can be a successful treatment option for morbid obesity when dietary, exercise, and pharmacotherapy interventions fail. However, food addiction (FA) is a condition that can hinder the perceived value of food reward resulting in overconsumption of highly palatable food. The presence of FA not only contributes to the development of obesity but may also lessen weight loss success that occurs from bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to examine dietary intake and identify the prevalence of FA in obese women before and three months following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Obese females [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35] undergoing VSG were recruited from a bariatric surgical practice at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) questionnaire and 24‐hour dietary recall were administered by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist during the pre‐surgery and three‐month post‐surgery clinic appointments. FA was identified based on results from the YFAS questionnaire, which assessed seven diagnostic symptoms for FA and clinical impairment. Mean energy and nutrient (carbohydrate, fat, protein, fiber, and added sugar) intake were analyzed by the Nutrition Data System for Research program. Fifteen morbidly obese females (mean age of 46.5 ± 3.1 years) were enrolled in the study and 60% (n = 9) reported having FA. Prior to VSG, the mean body weight of females with FA and without FA was 134.4 ± 13.5 kg versus 135.4 ± 10.2 kg, respectively. Likewise, the females with FA had a mean BMI of 50.9 ± 3.9 kg/m2 compared to 49.5 ± 2.7 kg/m2 in the group without FA. Mean body weight, BMI, energy or nutrient intake did not differ between groups before or three months following VSG. However, the females with FA resolution post‐VSG (n = 7; 53.3%) had significant reductions in weight (−13.1%, P = 0.010), BMI (−10.9%; P = 0.037), energy (−43.4%; P = 0.011), fat (−51.9%; P = 0.013), carbohydrate (−42.7%; P = 0.014), and fiber (−45.9%; P= 0.022). The females without FA before and after VSG (n = 6; 40%) had a −7.4% reduction in weight (P = 0.049) and −11.5% reduction in BMI (P = 0.026) without significant changes in nutrient intake over time. Three months post‐VSG the prevalence of FA decreased by −72.1% with only 16.7% (n = 2) reporting FA. In conclusion, body weight and BMI are similar in morbidly obese females with and without FA. VSG resulted in significant reductions in energy, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber intake that coincided with the resolution of FA post‐surgery. VSG is an effective surgical procedure that decreases nutrient intake and assists in the resolution of FA in morbidly obese females.

Support or Funding Information

Faculty Research Enhancement Program from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at Texas Woman's University
The Impact of Avocado Fruit on Postprandial Satiety: an Acute Dose Response Study
Authors: Huang Yancui , Park Eunyoung , Xiao Di , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton‐Freeman Britt M
Published: November 2023

Avocado fruit contains a unique combination of monounsaturated fat and dietary fibers. Previous studies have tested the effects of fat or fiber on satiety/appetite control; however data are limited on the interaction of fat and fiber to enhance satiety. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of avocados, a fruit naturally high in healthy fat and dietary fiber, on subjective and biological indicators of satiety. Thirty‐one adults who were overweight or obese (body mass index 29.0 ± 2.4 kg/m2, age 37.9 ± 10.3 y, n = 16 female and n = 15 male) participated in this 3‐arm, single‐blinded, cross‐over clinical trial. Participants were provided a low fat high carbohydrate breakfast control meal (CON) or two energy‐matched meals containing either half an avocado (HA, 68 g) or a whole avocado (WA, 136 g) on 3 different occasions at least one week apart. Blood samples were collected at baseline (0 h) and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h after treatment to assess changes in glucagon‐like peptide‐17‐36 (GLP‐1), peptide YY3‐36 (PYY) and total ghrelin. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used to measure changes in subjective satiety (hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective consumption) and mood variables during the same 6 h time frame. Area under the curve analysis indicated the WA meal increased GLP‐1 by 17% and PYY by 21% compared to the CON meal, p < 0.05, whereas ghrelin was suppressed 25% more after the CON meal compared to WA meal, p < 0.05. Assessment of motivation to eat and mood variables indicated a significant reduction in prospective consumption after the WA and HA meals compared to CON meal, p ≤ 0.05 and increased fullness after WA meal compared to HA (P<0.05), but not compared to CON (p=0.11). The study results indicate that increasing the fat and fiber content of a breakfast meal with avocados compared to an iso‐energetic low fat meal increased feelings of fullness and reduced the amount of food subjects wanted to eat over 6 h. These data are consistent with an elevation in two known satiety peptides (GLP‐1 and PYY) and suggest that avocados may have an important role in helping individuals manage the amount they want to eat between meals and possibly at the next meal.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Hass Avocado Board, Irvine, CA
Soluble Dietary Fiber in Obesity‐Associated Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in African American Women
Authors: Nance Sierra A. , Duncan A'ja V. , Gwathmey TanYa M. , Hairston Kristen G.
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a growing epidemic afflicting 1 in every 3 adults in the U.S. and characterized by an excessive accumulation of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). VAT induces inflammation through the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and consequently promotes oxidative stress, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent studies suggest that dietary fiber induces weight loss in obese subjects; however, there is little evidence regarding the effects of fiber on inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study set out to determine if increased soluble dietary fiber intake reduced obesity‐associated inflammation and oxidative stress in a cohort of premenopausal, non‐diabetic, obese African American women. Subjects were randomized to receive 24 grams/day of Benefiber® (n=7) or placebo (n=9) over a 12‐week period. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 12‐week follow‐up visits. Changes in VAT were determined by computed tomography. At the end of the trial, a reduction in VAT was observed for both the fiber supplemented and placebo groups (−17.56 ± 5.03 vs −12.58 ± 4.29); however, the percent change in serum levels for the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐8 were significantly lower in the fiber‐treated group compared to the placebo group (−22.4 ± 13.67 vs 10.34 ± 6.47; p=0.03). There was no effect of fiber supplementation on the percent change in serum CRP expression (−87.49 ± 40.88 vs −94.54 ± 38.91); the percent change in serum levels of oxidative stress marker, 8OHdG (4.75 ± 3.98 vs −0.87 ± 3.34); or percent change in serum cortisol levels (10.53 + 12.83 vs −6.80 + 8.38). However, significant positive correlations were observed between VAT and CRP (R2=0.19; p=0.04); VAT and 8OHdG (R2=0.20; p=0.03); and cortisol and 8OHdG (R2=0.32; p=0.01). In summary, increased soluble dietary fiber intake reduced IL‐8 levels, while elevated levels of VAT were associated with increased levels of CRP and 8OHdG, suggesting that soluble dietary fiber mitigates obesity‐associated inflammation as a consequence of fat loss, accompanied by reduced levels of oxidative stress. In conclusion, increasing intake of soluble dietary fiber may be beneficial in reducing the risk for CVD, especially in high‐risk populations, such as African American women.

Support or Funding Information

Hypertension & Vascular Research Pilot Funding (PI: Hairston)
Parabacteroides distasonis attenuates colonic inflammation and prevents tumor formation in azoxymethane‐treated high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Koh Gar Yee , Kane Anne V. , Lee Kyongbum , Xu Qiaobing , Wu Xian , Mason Joel B. , Crott Jimmy W.
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammation is thought to constitute one of the underlying mechanisms. We previously observed a depletion of Parabacteroides distasonis (PD) in the stool of tumor‐bearing mice that was inversely related to the abundance of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β in the colon. Here, we aimed to determine whether the administration of PD can suppress obesity‐driven colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis in mice. Six‐week old male A/J mice were randomly assigned to receive one of the 3 diets: 1) low fat diet with 10% calories from fat (LF), 2) high fat diet with 60% calories from fat (HF), and 3) HF+0.04% w/w of freeze‐dried P.distasonis (HF+PD). After 1 week, mice were given 4 weekly injections of the colon carcinogen azoxymethane and were maintained on their respective diet for 20 weeks after the final injection. Histologically‐confirmed colonic tumors were observed in 0% (0 of 19), 25% (5 of 20) and 0% (0 of 20) of LF, HF and HF+PD mice, respectively (Fisher's exact test = 0.0049). Compared to HF mice, HF+PD mice tended to have reduced colonic TNFα concentrations (30% lower; P = 0.08). Activations of both MyD88‐dependent innate immune signaling and Akt signaling have been implicated in inflammation and tumorigenesis. Compared to HF mice, colonic MyD88 and phosphorylated Akt protein expression were reduced by 39% (P < 0.01) and 47% (P = 0.03), respectively, in HF+PD mice. Our results indicate, for the first time, that administration of PD can prevent HF diet‐driven tumorigenesis and attenuate colonic inflammation in azoxymethane‐treated mice. Associated with PD administration was a reduction in pAkt and Myd88, suggesting that PD, to a certain extent, blunts inflammatory signaling. Further work is required to fully elucidate the mechanism and confirm our findings in alternate mouse models of CRC.

Support or Funding Information

This project is funded by Tufts Institute for Innovations
Early‐Life Iron Supplementation Alters Whole Body Iron Homeostasis, Serum Metabolites, and Social Novelty Discrimination in Pre‐Weanling Pigs
Authors: Ji Peng , McClorry Shannon , Lonnerdal Bo , Slupsky Carolyn , Kim Kwangwook , Jinno Cynthia Nanako
Published: November 2023

Iron supplementation is often practiced during infancy to prevent the potential risk of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. However, the appropriate amount of iron supplementation is still debated. We used the neonatal pig as a preclinical model to investigate the impact of various doses and forms of iron supplementation on whole body iron homeostasis, systemic metabolism, and cognitive function during suckling. On PD 1, 24 crossbred piglets were stratified by sex and litter and randomly assigned to the following treatments: 1) no iron supplementation from PD 1 to 21 (IDE), 2) intramuscular injection of 100 mg elemental iron as iron dextran on PD 1 (IIN), 3) daily oral administration of 10 mg/kg BW elemental iron as FeSO4 from PD 1 to 21 (IOL), or 4) daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg BW elemental iron as FeSO4 from PD1 to 21 (IOH). Piglets were maternally fed in farrowing crates during the study. BW was measured daily, and blood was obtained by venipuncture on PD1, 7, 14 and 21 for analysis of hematocrit and hemoglobin. Additionally, 1H‐NMR was used to assess the serum metabolome. Sociability was tested using a modified 3‐chamber arena on PD19 and 20. Tissues (liver, duodenum mucosa and brain regions) were sampled immediately after euthanasia on PD21 for analysis of tissue iron content and expression of genes encoding iron regulatory proteins. Treatment did not affect BW. In comparison with IDE, iron supplemented groups had significantly higher hematocrit on PD 7, 14, and 21, and hemoglobin on PD14 and 21. Iron supplementation increased brain iron content at PD21, but the difference was not significant between IDE and IOL. Liver iron was highest in IOH followed by IOL, and both were significantly higher than IDE and IIN. Iron supplementation decreased duodenal mucosal mRNA expression of DMT1/SLC11A2 and FPN/SLC40A1, but increased hepatic expression of HAMP in a dose‐dependent manner. Iron supplementation significantly decreased hippocampal expression of TFRC, but there was no difference among iron supplemented groups. At PD 21, the serum metabolome indicated changes in energy metabolism, 1‐carbon metabolism, and oxidative stress, particularly between IDE and IOH. Pigs from all the groups exhibited normal social exploratory behavior. Intriguingly, pigs in the IOL and IOH groups displayed deficits in social novelty discrimination, which may result from alterations in short‐term memory processing. In conclusion, iron supplementation during the pre‐weaning period enhanced iron accumulation in both periphery and CNS, whereas a feedback mechanism to inhibit excess iron uptake was achieved, at least partially, through transcriptional modulation of iron regulatory proteins in gut, liver and brain. The underlying mechanism contributing to the deficit in social novelty discrimination warrants future study.
A pilot study assessing whether the consumption of a protein‐rich breakfast improves appetite control, eating behavior, and sleep quality compared to skipping breakfast in healthy young professionals
Authors: Gwin Jess A. , Leidy Heather J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous research has documented the detrimental effects of breakfast skipping on daily appetite control, satiety, and eating behaviors and improvements in these outcomes following the daily consumption of a high‐protein (HP) breakfast in overweight/obese adolescents. While relatively unexplored, observational studies have also illustrated other health‐related detriments with breakfast skipping, including poor sleep quality. Thus, we sought to extend the current evidence to healthy young professionals and include assessments of sleep quality.

Purpose

To examine the effects of consuming a HP breakfast vs. breakfast skipping on daily appetite control, food intake, and sleep quality in healthy young professionals.

Methods

Thirteen adults (age: 23.5 ± 0.9y; BMI: 23.6 ± 0.6 kg/m2) completed the following randomized cross‐over design. The participants consumed a HP breakfast (350kcal; 30g Protein, 35g Carbohydrate, 10g Fat) or skipped breakfast (SKIP) for 7 days/pattern. On day 7 of each pattern, a tightly controlled 8 h clinical testing day was completed consisting of repeated assessments of perceived hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption (PFC). Food intake and food choice were assessed with an ad libitum packout. Sleep quality was assessed via daily actigraphy and daily sleep diaries.

Results

Daily hunger, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption were decreased (all p < 0.05) following the HP breakfast vs. SKIP. Daily fullness tended to increase (p = 0.067) following the HP breakfast vs. SKIP. The consumption of the HP breakfast tended to decrease ad libitum food intake (1831 ± 284 kcal) vs. SKIP (2251 ± 365 kcal, p = 0.087), through the reduction in ad libitum carbohydrate and fat intake. Regarding the sleep outcomes, although the consumption of a HP breakfast led to less total sleep time (TST) (actigraphy: 381±13 min) vs. SKIP (actigraphy: 417±14min, p < 0.05), no differences in sleep efficiency (TST/Sleep Period) were detected. Further, perceived sleep quality and sleep onset tended to improve following the consumption of the HP breakfast vs. SKIP (p = 0.060–0.077).

Conclusions

Collectively, the daily consumption of a HP breakfast tended to improve appetite control, reduced food intake, and may support improvements in some aspects of sleep health in healthy professionals.

Support or Funding Information

Internal Grant
Prebiotics and milk oligosaccharides affect colonic metabolome and stressor‐induced immunomodulation in mice
Authors: Bailey Michael T , Jaggers Robert M , Mackos Amy R , Chichlowski Maciej , Berg Brian
Published: November 2023

There are extensive bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system (CNS). Dietary interventions that impact the microbiota, such as prebiotics and milk oligosaccharides, have been shown to reduce risk of many deleterious effects of stressor exposure. However, the mechanisms through which the microbiota influence the host are not well understood. We tested whether exposure to a social stressor, called social disruption (SDR), results in metabolomic changes in the colon, and whether prebiotics (blend of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and polydextrose (PDX)) and/or milk oligosaccharide sialyllactose (Lacprodan SAL‐10®, SL) support a normal metabolome in the presence of stress. Male mice (postnatal day (P) 48–64) were placed on one of the experimental diets for 14d: a) SL [2.2g/kg], b) GOS+PDX [15g/kg each] + SL [2.2g/kg] or c) Control [cellulose as fiber source]. Mice were then randomly assigned to either the non‐stressed control group or to the Social Disruption Stressor (SDR Stressor) condition. SDR stressor entails repeated social defeat for 2 hrs per day on 6 consecutive days. Metabolites in the colonic contents were then assessed using LC/MS, while serum cytokine levels were assessed by ELISA. Mice fed a control diet and exposed to the stressor showed significant differences in 116 out of 529 detected metabolites, compared to control diet non‐stressed mice. This was partly due to significant reductions in dipeptides and amino acids, as well as significant increases in nucleotides and sphingolipids. Interestingly, stress‐exposed mice fed diets enriched with prebiotics (either a combination of GOS, PDX, and SL or SL alone) showed similar changes in dipeptides, nucleotides, and sphingolipids, but also showed increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids and endocannabinoids, as compared with the non‐stress groups. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and endocannabinoids can have anti‐inflammatory effects, thus we determined whether the experimental diets would attenuate stressor‐induced increases in inflammatory cytokines. Serum IL‐6 and IL‐1β were significantly increased in stressor‐exposed mice, but this effect tended to be attenuated in mice fed both treatment diets (diet × stress condition interactions, p‐values = 0.081 and 0.056, respectively). This study demonstrates that dietary prebiotics and milk oligosaccharides can impact the colonic metabolome to potentially attenuate stressor‐induced immunomodulation.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Mead Johnson Nutrition
Effects of the Food Matrix and Western Diet on the Mouse Microbiome
Authors: Hintze Korry , Hisatome Takumaru , Kellen Sara , Hunter Ashli , Aardema Nicklas , Ward Robert , Benninghoff Abby , Lefevre Michael
Published: November 2023

Rodent studies that measure effects of dietary components on the microbiome generally use basal diets such as the AIN diet series which is formulated with purified ingredients and has nutrient profile that optimizes growth and fertility and poorly models human intakes. Previously, we used NHANES data to formulate the Total Western Diet (TWD), a rodent diet that emulates average American intake levels for macro and micronutrients using nutrient density. However, the TWD is comprised of purified ingredients and does not recapitulate the complex food matrix consumed by Americans. Using the latest version of the USDA Food Intakes Converted to Retail Commodities Database, we modified the TWD by using the most commonly consumed whole foods as dietary ingredients. The TWD2 has the same micro and macronutrient content as the previous TWD but contains 25 food ingredients including: sweeteners (sucrose and high fructose corn syrup); flours (wheat, potato, corn, rice and oat); meats (beef, poultry, pork, eggs and fish); dairy (lactose, whey and casein); fruits/vegetables (oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, strawberries, soy, snap beans, peanuts and cashews). To test whether the Western dietary pattern and/or the food matrix affected the microbiome, mice were fed for 15 weeks either: AIN93‐G, TWD, TWD2 or TWD‐F (TWD matched for total fiber to TWD2). Bacterial DNA from fecal samples harvested at sacrifice was extracted and microbiome composition was determined by 16s sequencing. Bacteriodetes was the majority phylum in mice fed the whole food TWD2 while Firmicutes was the majority phylum in all other treatments formulated with purified ingredients. Other notable phylum level differences included a significant increase in Proteobacteria (P < 0.05) in TWD2 fed mice compared to the other treatments and increased Tenericutes in AIN93‐G fed mice compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). TWD2 fed mice had a significantly more diverse microbiome compared to all treatments except the TWDF (observed operational taxonomic units, P < 0.05). Lastly, beta diversity analysis revealed that TWD2 fed mice clustered apart from all other treatments as measured by principle coordinates analysis. Our data suggests that a diet with a complex food matrix, compared to purified diets induces profound changes in the microbiome even when macro and micronutrient contents are the same.

Support or Funding Information

Funding provided by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station
High Prevalence of Asthma and Its Determinants among Hispanic/Latino Children enrolled in Michigan Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs
Authors: Farabi Nabila , Song SuJin , Crockett Elahé T , Song Won O
Published: November 2023

Increasing prevalence of asthma in the US children is a major public health issue. Children of Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker (MSFW) families are one of the most vulnerable populations in the US with high rates of health disparities. Little is known about the prevalence, comorbidity, and determinants of asthma in children enrolled in Michigan Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and determinants of asthma among Hispanic/Latino children enrolled in Michigan MSHS programs. Sociodemographic and health information of 905 children aged 0–5 years were obtained from the 2012–2013 ChildPlus dataset collected by Michigan Telamon Corporation. Data were collected through interviews with parents by Telamon's family service specialists and health specialists at each of the 18 Michigan MSHS centers. Health specialists at each center asked parents if their child/children have ever received asthma treatment (Y/N) and measured children's height and weight. Weight status of children was categorized into “underweight,” “normal weight,” “overweight,” and “obese” according to age‐and sex‐specific WHO growth chart standards for children 0–23 months and CDC growth chart standards for children ≥24 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify asthma determinants. The overall prevalence of asthma among Michigan MSHS children was 5.5%, which was higher than those of general US (4.3%) and Hispanic (4.0%) children of similar age group. Obese children had a higher odds ratio of asthma compared to non‐obese children (OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.29–4.84). Sociodemographic determinants of asthma in this group were children's age and health insurance status; parents' employment statuses; annual household income from agriculture, number of children in household, and participation in federal government nutrition programs (WIC and SNAP). Children's gender, parents' age, parents' English proficiency level, parents' education level, total annual income of households, annual income of households from non‐agriculture, number of people living in households, and primary language at home did not show any significant association with asthma. MSHS children are vulnerable to asthma and their sociodemographic status as well as obesity status are key determinants of asthma. Our study suggests that implementing appropriate public health programs for combating high prevalence of asthma and obesity among MSFW's children should be prioritized.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the REPID (Research Education Program to Increase Diversity in Health Researchers) of Michigan State University (5‐R25‐HL108864) which is funded by the National Institutes of Health ‐ National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NIH‐NHLBI).
A Traditional Korean Diet Reduced Total Blood Cholesterol And Increased Telomere Length of Peripheral Blood Cells in Perimenopausal Korean Women
Authors: Shin Phil‐Kyung , Kim Myung Sunny , Lee Hae‐Jeung , Park Seon‐Joo , Kwon Dae Young , Choi Sang‐Woon
Published: November 2023

A traditional Korean diet (K‐diet), which can be represented as high consumption of vegetables and multigrain rice, moderate to high consumption of legumes, fish and fermented foods, and low consumption of red meat, has been regarded as a healthy diet. Telomere is a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at each end of a chromosome and plays a critical role in cell senescence. Recent studies have suggested that telomere length can be an indicator of healthy lifestyles and cardiovascular disease risk. We, therefore, investigated the healthy aging effect of K‐diet by measuring telomere length. Ten obese perimenopausal women were recruited and randomly divided into either K‐diet group (n = 5) or control diet group (n = 5). The K‐diet is a traditional Korean diet, while the control diet is a Westernized Korean diet, which is commonly consumed in Korea nowadays. Subjects were housed at a metabolic unit condition during the 2 weeks of dietary intervention. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 2‐week, and 6‐month. DNA was extracted from buffy coats. Telomere length, assessed by a ratio of telomere/single copy gene (T/S), was determined by a quantitative real‐time PCR method. The 36B4 gene and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells were used as a single copy gene and a positive control, respectively. T/S value (dCt) was calculated by subtracting the Ct of 36B4 from the Ct of telomere. Relative quantification of telomere length (ddCt) was adjusted by Ct of HEK 293 cell. Total blood cholesterol levels and blood CRP levels were measured by conventional methods. Comparison between groups was performed using t‐test, 2‐way repeated measure ANOVA and spearman's correlation. Two weeks of K‐diet significantly reduced blood total cholesterol levels (239.40±15.14 vs 198.20±13.25, p=0.0163) but not control diet. A significant interaction between time and diet group was observed in the total blood cholesterol (p interaction=0.0034). At the six months follow up K‐diet group still demonstrated the reduced cholesterol levels (p=0.0028), but not control diet. Between 0 and 2 weeks, telomere lengths were not significantly different in both groups. However, at the 6 months follow‐up K‐diet group, who continued consuming K‐diet, showed significantly longer telomere length than controls (6.53±0.19 vs 5.95±0.05, p=0.0396). In the K‐diet group there was an increasing trend of telomere length during the 3 check points (p‐trend=0.0961) but not in controls. Interestingly, the level of telomere length is negatively correlated with BMI and CRP. The K‐diet, which reduced total blood cholesterol level, can influence telomere length of peripheral blood cells. It appears that telomere length, which is also well correlated with BMI and CRP, could be a good biomarker for healthy diet and cardiovascular disease risk.

Support or Funding Information

Korean Food Research Institute
Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Food Sensitization at 12 months in the CHILD Cohort
Authors: Azad Meghan B , Robertson Bianca , Sharma Atul K , Subbarao Padmaja , Becker Allan B , Mandhane Piushkumar J , Turvey Stuart E , Lefebvre Diana L , Sears Malcolm R , Bode Lars
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) provide selective substrates for infant gut microbiota and influence immune system maturation. HMOs appear to modify allergic disease development in rodent models, but this has not been confirmed in humans.

Methods

We studied a representative subset of 421 mother‐infant dyads from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort. Milk samples were collected at 4 months postpartum (median 16 weeks, interquartile range 14 – 19) and analyzed by rapid high‐throughput HPLC to quantify the 20 most abundant HMOs. Skin prick testing was performed at 12 months to determine sensitization (≥2mm wheal) to egg, milk, soy and peanut. Associations were examined for total and individual HMO levels (univariate analysis: Wilcoxon rank‐sum test) and overall HMO profiles (multivariable classifier: partial least squares discriminant analysis tested for significance by leave‐one‐out‐cross‐validation). Discriminant scores were examined in regression models with adjustment for potential confounders and known allergy risk factors.

Results

Overall, 59/421 infants (14.0%) were sensitized to one or more food allergen by 12 months. Total HMO levels were similar in milk consumed by sensitized vs. non‐sensitized infants (14,010 ± 3,510 vs. 13,937 ± 4,085 nmol/mL; p=0.96) and individual HMO levels were not significantly associated with food sensitization (all p>0.09). However, overall HMO profiles differed significantly (mean discriminant score: 0.129 vs. 0.209, p<0.001; area‐under‐the‐curve: 0.73, 95%CI 0.66–0.79). This association was robust to cross‐validation and remained significant in adjusted models, where each 0.1‐unit increase in HMO discriminant score was associated with a 2.5‐fold increased odds of food sensitization (adjusted OR 2.46, 95%CI 1.78–3.41, p<0.001), independent of maternal food allergy, ethnicity, household pets, and lactation time postpartum. HMO profiles associated with higher odds of food sensitization were characterized by lower concentrations of fucosyl‐disialyllacto‐N‐hexaose (FDSLNH), lacto‐N‐fucopentaose‐I (LNFPI), LNFPII, and higher concentrations of lacto‐N‐hexaose (LNH) and lacto‐N‐tetraose (LNT).

Conclusion

HMO composition is associated with food sensitization in the first year of life. Ongoing research in the CHILD study will seek to confirm these findings in a larger sample of mother‐infant dyads, and evaluate associations with confirmed food allergy at 3 and 5 years of age.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by Research Manitoba and supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Allergy, Genes and Environment Network of Centres of Excellence.
A Combination of Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Prebiotics Modulate Pain Hypersensitivity and Cognitive Responses to Maternal Separation Stress
Authors: Waworuntu Rosaline V , Neufeld Karen‐Anne McVey , O'Mahony Siobhain M , Pusceddu Matteo , Berg Brian M , Dinan Ted G , Cryan John F
Published: November 2023

Nutritional interventions targeting the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis may be able to modulate stress‐induced dysfunction of physiological processes and brain development. Maternal separation (MS) stress of rat pups is a robust model of early life stress that induces long‐term alterations to behavior and brain neurochemistry. In this study the effects of milk fat globule membrane (Lacprodan MFGM‐10®, 15 g/kg) and a polydextrose / galactooligosaccharide (7 g/kg each) prebiotic blend were evaluated on early life stress induced alterations. The maternal separation protocol was conducted as described in O'Mahony et al., 2009. Rats were separated from their mothers for 3 h /day from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 12. Starting at weaning (PND 21), both non‐separated (NS) and maternally separated (MS) offspring were randomized into separate experimental groups and were provided drinking water with or without supplementation of MFGM, prebiotic blend or a combination of both. Visceral sensitivity was assessed using the colorectal distension test conducted at PND 79. MS rats demonstrated visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension reflected by a lower pain threshold and a higher number of pain behaviours when compared to NS rats. This increase in sensitivity in MS rats was ameliorated by MFGM (p=0.01) and also the combination of MFGM and the prebiotic blend (p=0.045). Furthermore, MS rats showed significant impairments in spatial and reference memory in the Morris water maze, which was carried out between PND 61–65. Cognitive performance in this test was improved by the prebiotic blend (p=0.007) and MFGM alone (p=0.019) as well as the combination of both (p<0.0001). Interestingly, the combination of MFGM and prebiotic reversed the impact of early life stress on the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression in the hippocampus, which is associated with negative feedback of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. In conclusion, feeding MFGM and prebiotics to rats ameliorated the visceral pain sensitivity and cognitive impairment caused by MS. The changes to MR expression indicate that regulation of the negative feedback of the HPA axis may be partially involved. Further studies are needed to confirm this as well as elaborate on the specific mechanism of actions related to gut and brain neurochemistry.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Science Foundation Ireland and Mead Johnson Nutrition.
Disparities in Healthy Food Access: Are We Improving?
Authors: DeWeese Robin , Ohri‐Vachaspati Punam
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Evidence suggests that residents with greater access to supermarkets may consume more fruits and vegetables, whereas greater convenience store availability is associated with less nutritious food intake. In cross‐sectional national and regional data, lower supermarket availability and higher convenience store availability has been observed in low‐income, high‐minority neighborhoods compared to higher income and white neighborhoods. The objective of this study is to longitudinally examine food store availability by census tract characteristics.

Methods

Lists of retail food outlets within a one‐mile radius of four New Jersey cities were obtained from commercial databases for 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Using a standardized protocol, outlets were classified as supermarkets, small grocery stores, convenience stores, meat markets, and vegetables markets. Census tracts were categorized by income, race/ethnicity, and education levels. Descriptive statistics examined trends in prevalence of store types by neighborhood characteristics.

Results

Communities with a majority of non‐Hispanic black residents had fewer supermarkets compared to communities with no majority race across all four years. The difference was significant in 2012 (0.10±0.31 vs 0.30±0.56, p=.014) and 2013 (0.12±0.35 vs 0.28±0.55, p=0.046). In contrast, majority non‐Hispanic white communities had significantly fewer convenience stores (range: 0.92–1.12) compared to majority Hispanic (range: 3.38–4.19) and non‐Hispanic black (range: 2.54–3.38) communities in all four years.

Conclusions

Disparities in access to healthy foods remain, and may contribute to the health disparities observed among minorities. Interventions that increase the amount of healthy foods in corner stores could ensure minority neighborhoods have access to nutritious foods, even in the absence of supermarkets.

Support or Funding Information

Funding was provided by grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1R01HD071583‐01A1)
Nutrition Resilience in the Seattle Obesity Study: How to Eat Better for Less
Authors: Aggarwal Anju , Delaney Joseph A.C. , Drewnowski Adam
Published: November 2023

Socioeconomic factors may pose a barrier to adopting higher quality diets, lower body weights and better health. However, some population sub‐groups appear to consume higher quality diets despite multiple socioeconomic constraints. In prior research based on NHANES data, we identified this phenomenon as “nutrition resilience”. The Seattle Obesity Study (SOS) is an ongoing exploration of socioeconomic, psychosocial, and environmental determinants of diet quality, body weights and health. The SOS is based on a stratified sample of adult male and female residents of Seattle‐King County. In the present analyses, based on 1,700 participants, nutrition resilience (NR) was defined as the intersection of higher quality diets and lower diet costs. Data on socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral and environmental variables, and body weights were collected using telephone and in‐person surveys. Diet quality was measured using Healthy Eating Index (HEI‐2010) scores obtained using the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ). Daily diet cost estimate for each participant was also obtained using the FHCRC FFQ. Median splits of diet quality (HEI‐2010) and estimated diet cost were used to categorize participants into four quadrants. The NR participants i.e. high quality low cost quadrant accounted for 20% of the sample. The NR diets were comparable in quality to “high quality high cost” quadrant (HEI score = 78 for both) but at significantly lower diet cost ($7.7/1800kcal/d vs. $10.8/1800kcal/d respectively). A series of regression analyses examined the potential contributions of age, gender, race/ethnicity, incomes and education, food‐related attitudes and behaviors to nutrition resilience. The NR group did not differ by demographics or income. However, the NR group was more likely to be college educated, prioritized the importance of eating healthy, had fewer meals away from home, and was more likely to cook dinner meals at home (p‐value <0.05 for each). The NR diets were characterized by HEI scores reflecting more whole grains, more dairy, more total proteins foods, more seafood and plant proteins, but less saturated fats, less sodium and significantly less empty calories as compared to the other three groups. Adjusted analyses showed that the NR group had the lowest BMI of all the four quadrants. In particular, the NR group had significantly lower BMI than the “low cost low quality” group (β=−2.1, 95% CI: −3.2, −1.1). Exploring the mechanisms underlying the NR phenomenon may offer unique insights into targeted dietary interventions aimed at minorities and other vulnerable populations.

Support or Funding Information

The study was supported by NIH grant NIDDK R01DK076608.