bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Palauan Healthy Lifestyle: Steps toward Tailoring Local Resources and Health Information for Non‐Communicable Disease Prevention and Intervention
Authors: Farr Kiah J. , Cohen Zoe , Nielsen Katherine , Rahimian Amir Rombod , Appanaitis Inger , Hongu Nobuko
Published: November 2023

The Republic of Palau is a United States Freely Associated Pacific Island, located near Western Micronesia. It is a small island nation with a population of approximately 20,000. Most available materials for healthful living are not tailored to the resources of the population. In 2010, Palau declared a state of emergency concerning non‐communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this two‐year project was to create a health resource guidebook to promote healthy lifestyles and combat non‐communicable disease risk factors in the Republic of Palau. The first step included adapting the recommendations for healthy lifestyles supported by research to create a one‐page trifold brochure in English and Palauan to bridge the gap between health information and available resources. The brochure featured information on nutrition, health, and well‐being, and was disseminated through a public health booth at the bimonthly national Night Market. The second step of the project involved assessing community feedback on the health information of the brochures. Approximately 100 local families, including young working men and women, families with children, older adults, and school teachers participated in providing the feedback of the brochures. Mothers with young children were particularly interested in the brochure and requested more information relevant to the culture and resources of Palau. After examining positive and constructive feedback from the community, the third step of the project was to create a health resource guidebook including chapters on the following: National health statistics, nutrition, exercise, cardiovascular health, substance use, hygiene and sanitation, sexual, oral, mental, maternal, and child health, the aging body, and emergency care. Student interns from the University of Arizona are compiling relevant health information, while both interns and public health professionals in the Palauan Ministry of Health are developing graphics, recipes, and local information to maintain the cultural relevance of the book. After completion of the materials, the book will be printed and disseminated to every household on the island nation, at which time quantifiable data will be obtained to assess community feedback on the health resource guidebook. Further efforts should also explore the association of the cultural adaptation of the guidebook and incidence of non‐communicable disease in the population.

Support or Funding Information

University of Arizona, Honors College, Ministry of Health, Republic of Palau
Dietary quality and food group intakes of Korean elderly by chewing ability using the 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data
Authors: Lim Young Suk , Kwon Song Hee , Kim Cho Rong , Lee Young Mi , Kwon Sooyoun , Kim Ok Sun , Kim Hee Young , Park Hae‐Ryun
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research was to examine the dietary quality and food group intakes of Korean elderly according to chewing ability using data from the Korea National Health and Examination Survey 2013 (KNHANES). Through a complex sampling design, all data was analyzed using a general linear analysis at p<0.05 after adjusting for age and gender. The dietary quality was assessed using the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), KDRI (Recommended Nutrient Intake(RNI) or Adequate Intake(AI)) and food group intakes were assessed according to chewing ability for 1134 elderly. Among subjects aged 65 years and over, 48.1% of elderly people were classified as the chewing difficulty group (CD). The CD group had lower nutrients and food group intakes than those with no difficulty in chewing group (Normal group). Specifically, the CD group consumed less fruits (p<0.01), vegetables (p<0.01) and animal oil (p<0.05). In addition, except for the vitamin A intake, the percentage of RNI or Al and the NAR of all nutrients in CD group were significantly lower (p<0.001–0.03). The intake of calcium was below the KDRI in all subjects, and the intake of vitamin C, vitamin B2 and potassium were below the KDRI in CD group. These results indicate that the dietary intakes of Korean elderly is influenced by chewing ability, showing lower food group intakes and nutrient intakes overall. Among CD group, the CD group seems to need specific nutritional intervention.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the Health Promotion Fund, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (15–01)
The subjective level of stress, alcohol consumption and obesity in Koreans
Authors: Doo Miae , Yoon Seung‐Jin , Kim Hae‐Joon , Kim Yangha
Published: November 2023

Serious stress often leads to unhealthy behaviors that can have an influence on the being of obese. This study was analyzed the subjective stress, alcohol consumption habits such as alcohol consumption status, quantity, and alcohol use disorders identification test as well as the anthropometrics of 6,229 subjects from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The gender‐based differences of the effect of the subjective level of stress on alcohol consumption habits and anthropometric measurements, as well as the interaction of the subjective level of stress and alcohol consumption habits on prevalence or risk of obesity were analyzed. The subjects with high subjective level of stress showed higher proportions for unhealthy alcohol consumption habits than those with low subjective level of stress [ORs (95% CIs) = 1.354 (1.190–1.542), 1.953 (1.684–2.264), and 1.871 (1.600–2.188) for alcohol consumption status, alcohol consumption quantity, and alcohol use disorders identification test, respectively]. Men showed significant interactions between the subjective level of stress and all alcohol consumption habits with respect to obesity [ORs (95% CIs) = 1.279 (1.056–1.549), 1.812 (1.520–2.158), and 1.401 (1.172–1.675) for alcohol consumption status, alcohol consumption quantity, and alcohol use disorders identification test, respectively]. Among women, interactions between the subjective level of stress and alcohol consumption status [ORs (95% CIs) = 0.704 (0.599–0.826)] and alcohol consumption quantity [ORs (95% CIs) = 0.929 (0.537–7.36)] in relation to obesity were found to be significant. This study demonstrated that the subjective level of stress influenced alcohol consumption habits that may have impacted obesity.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and the Center for women In Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET) Grant funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning of Korea (MSIP) under the Program for Returners into R&D.
Differential Predictors of Cardiometabolic Risk Among College‐aged Males and Females
Authors: MacArthur Michael , Lofgren Ingrid E
Published: November 2023

Young adults are entering college with higher chronic disease risk than in previous generations. This is partially the result of excess weight gain due to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesogenic food environments. These factors have contributed to increased rates of dyslipidemia and hypertension in this population, increasing long‐term risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Because CVD develops over decades, preventative measures in young adulthood are vital to decrease the risk of cardiac events later in life. The objective of this study is to characterize food and nutrient intakes, lifestyle habits and health status of a sample of college students in order to identify diet and lifestyle predictors of cardiometabolic risk. Subjects completed three interviewer‐administered 24 hour dietary recalls, had anthropometric measures taken and had fasting blood drawn on 2 nonconsecutive days. Total cholesterol, triglycerides (TAG), HDL‐C and glucose were measured by enzymatic assay and LDL‐C was calculated using the Friedewald equation. Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was calculated using serving size outputs from the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Subjects (N=261) were 18.3±0.53 years old and 76% female. 23% of subjects were overweight or obese and 36% had at least one measure of dyslipidemia (TAG, HDL‐C or LDL‐C). The average HEI score was 59.4±11.9 with 28% having low diet quality (<51), 65% having fair diet quality (51–80) and 7% having high diet quality (>80). A logistic regression analysis was performed to predict prevalence of 2 or more metabolic syndrome criteria using HEI diet quality category (low, fair, high) and self‐reported physical activity (MET minutes) as predictors. Results showed that HEI category was a significant predictor (p=0.05, z=−1.9 OR=0.48, 95%CI [0.02, 0.99]) but self‐reported physical activity was not (p=0.17, z=−1.4 OR=0.99, 95%CI [0.99, 1.01]). Males and females showed a small but statistically significant difference in HEI scores (57.6±10.5, 60.2±12.5, p<0.01) therefore separate analysis were also performed. In the female‐only logistic model HEI category remained a significant predictor (p=0.05, z=−1.9, OR=0.44, 95%CI [0.19, 0.99]) and physical activity remained non‐significant (p=0.51. z=−0.66, OR=0.99, 95%CI [0.99, 1.01]). However, in the male‐only model HEI category was non‐significant (p=0.57, z=−0.56, OR=0.61, 95%CI [0.09, 3.57]), and physical activity was non‐significant but became the highest weighted predictor (p=0.15, z=−1.4, OR=0.99, 95%CI [0.99–1.01]). These data show that HEI category is a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risk in college age students but for males physical activity may be a more important predictor than diet quality. These results support the idea that diet and lifestyle interventions should be tailored to specific demographic groups, such as males and females.
A Vegan Diet Rich in Fats of Plant Origin May Reverse Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mejia Maximino Alfredo , Sanchez Albert , Sanchez Joanie , Runte Eric
Published: November 2023

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is currently being reversed using lifestyle interventions that includes a low‐fat plant‐based diet or a vegan diet that is restricted to 10–12% of energy as fat by restricting the use of free fats and fat‐rich foods. There is now evidence from the PREDIMED study that atherosclerosis is reversed by adding nuts to a Mediterranean diet that already had 30% of energy as fat. CAD was also reversed in a clinical case using a vegan diet with added nuts, but the fat content was not reported. Here we report a clinical case showing reversal of CAD with a vegan diet that contained 38% of total fat from nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados.

Clinical report

A 75 year‐old male that developed angina was diagnosed with moderate coronary arterial stenosis using a treadmill nuclear stress test. He chose a lifestyle intervention consisting of a vegan diet and exercise rather than taking the routinely prescribed medications and surgical interventions. The patient began consuming a customarily prescribed low‐fat vegan diet for reversing CAD for two weeks, but then he increased the total content of his vegan diet to 38% of energy as total fat while maintaining only 4% of energy from saturated fat, coming from nuts and seeds, avocados, olives, and small amounts of vegetable oils.

Results

Angina disappeared within 6 months of lifestyle intervention and no coronary arterial stenosis was detected by the same nuclear stress test 2.25 years later.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results of this clinical case are consistent with the evidence from the PREDIMED study using nuts added to the Mediterranean diet; and with a clinical case using a vegan diet with added nuts. We therefore hypothesize that a vegan diet not restricted in fats of plant origin while preserving a very low saturated fat content is effective for reversing CAD, together with exercise. This dietary approach could open the way for more people to adopt lifestyle interventions to reverse CAD by providing a more palatable diet. This new lifestyle approach could have a favorably impact on public health and the epidemic of cardiovascular disease in this country and abroad.

Support or Funding Information

Only institutional support from Weimar Institute and Andrews University. No external funding nor conflict of interests.
Increased Whole Body β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate Production in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Walker Dillon , Thaden John , Wierzchowska Agata , Engelen Marielle , Deutz Nicolaas
Published: November 2023

We have previously observed increased whole‐body leucine (LEU) turnover in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB), a product of LEU oxidation, has been shown to accumulate in urine in metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and isovaleric acidemia. In order to examine whether elevated LEU turnover relates to changes in HMB production, we measured fractional synthesis and absolute production rates of HMB in plasma of 12 normal weight COPD patients with moderate to severe airflow obstruction (BMI: 26.9±5.4 kg/m2, FEV1: 41.7±14.4%pred.) and 14 healthy, age‐matched controls (BMI: 27.2±0.9 kg/m2). Fractional synthesis and absolute production of HMB were assessed by IV administration of a pulse of L‐[5,5,5‐2H3]leucine followed by GC/MS/MS measurement of plasma concentration and enrichment. Data are summarized by their means ± SEM and significance‐tested using Student's t‐test for independent samples. Fractional synthesis rate of HMB was similar between groups (CON: 0.0985±0.012 vs. COPD: 0.124±0.019 per hour, P=0.279). Absolute production rates of HMB tended to be greater (P=0.08) for COPD (2.61±0.50 μmol/L/h) than for CON (1.59±0.25 μmol/L/h). In conclusion, the increase in LEU turnover in COPD tends to result in an increase in absolute production of HMB.
Differential Relationship Between Thigh and Calf Intramuscular Adipose Tissue Depots and Indices of Metabolic Health in Older Overweight and Obese Adults
Authors: Bergia Robert Emerson , Kim Jung Eun , Campbell Wayne W
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Accumulation of intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is associated with insulin resistance, but there are limited data comparing the predictive ability of different IMAT stores with markers of metabolic health.

Purpose

The purpose of this secondary analysis study was to investigate associations among thigh and calf IMAT stores and indices of metabolic health in older overweight and obese adults.

Methods

Seventy‐three subjects (25 men, 48 women, age: 58 ± 11 y, BMI: 29.9 ± 4.9 kg/m2, mean ± SD) completed dietary interventions with (n=48) or without (n=25) energy restriction‐induced weight loss and thigh and calf compositions were assessed via magnetic resonance imaging. IMAT, IMAT volume to total tissue volume (TT) ratio, and IMAT to muscle tissue volume (MT) ratio were regressed separately against fasting serum glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and lipid‐lipoprotein profile parameters. A multiple linear regression modeling procedure was performed on baseline (adjusted for age and sex) and change values (adjusted for age, sex, baseline dependent variable) and adjusted regression coefficients (β*) are reported. Significance level was set at p<0.05 and all β* values herein meet significance.

Results

Thigh IMAT is predictive of metabolic health parameters, while calf IMAT is not. Conversely, changes in calf IMAT from dietary intervention predict improvement of metabolic health indices, whereas thigh IMAT does not. Baseline thigh IMAT was associated with fasting serum insulin, HOMA‐IR, and serum triacylglycerol (TG). Baseline thigh IMAT:TT was associated with fasting serum glucose, insulin, HOMA‐IR, TG, total cholesterol (TC), and inversely associated with TC:HDL, while baseline thigh IMAT:MT was associated with TC and TG. There were no associations between baseline calf IMAT variables and metabolic health indices. No associations were detected between changes (Δ) in thigh IMAT and Δs in metabolic health indices. However, calf ΔIMAT was associated with Δ insulin, ΔHOMA‐IR, ΔTG, ΔTC and inversely associated with ΔTC:ΔHDL. Calf ΔIMAT:ΔMT was associated with Δ insulin, ΔHOMA‐IR, and ΔTC.

Conclusions

These data support the consensus that IMAT is associated with insulin resistance, and implicate IMAT to impact lipid‐lipoprotein profile. Further, improvement in metabolic health indices may be better predicted by changes in calf IMAT than by changes in thigh IMAT in older overweight and obese adults participating in weight loss and weight stability dietary interventions.

Support or Funding Information

Purdue Center for Aging and Life Course; American Egg Board‐Egg Nutrition Center; National Dairy Council; NIH UL1TR001108; Purdue Ingestive Behavior Research Center
Iodine Status Is Associated with Dyslipidemia in US Adults
Authors: Lee Kyung Won , Shin Dayeon , Cho Mi Sook , Song Won O.
Published: November 2023

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormone which plays crucial roles in healthy thyroid function and affects lipid metabolism. The association between iodine status and dyslipidemia has not been well established at a population level. We aimed to test the association between iodine status and the prevalence of dyslipidemia including elevated total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, and lowered HDL cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratio. National representative data of 2,495 US adults (≥20 years) in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012 were used. Iodine status, assessed by urinary iodine concentration criteria of WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD, and dyslipidemia defined based on NCEP ATP III guidelines were associated by chi‐square test and linear and multiple logistic regression. Serum lipids biomarkers were significantly associated with iodine status when controlling for sociodemographic covariates (all, P <.05). Those with <50 μg/L UIC (moderate‐to‐severe iodine deficiency) were more likely to be at risks for elevated total cholesterol (>200 mg/dL) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.52, 95% CI: 1.03–2.25) and LDL cholesterol (>130 mg/dL) (AOR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.11–2.23) and lowered HDL/LDL ratio (<0.4) (AOR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.01–1.96), compared to those with 100–199 μg/L UIC (iodine adequacy). In US adults, moderate‐to‐severe iodine deficiency was associated with increased odds for dyslipidemia. Our findings of association between iodine status and serum lipids may provide insight into efficient way to decrease risks of dyslipidemia before thyroid dysfunction due to insufficient iodine intake produce serum lipid abnormalities. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the causal relationship and the potential mechanism of the interaction between iodine status and serum lipid profiles.
Pre‐meal Low‐fat Yogurt Consumption Reduces Postprandial Hyperglycemia and IL‐6 in Apparently Healthy Obese Women
Authors: Pei Ruisong , DiMarco Diana , Putt Kelley , Martin Derek , Bruno Richard , Bolling Bradley
Published: November 2023

We hypothesized that pre‐meal low‐fat yogurt consumption would reduce postprandial inflammation by improving intestinal barrier function and glycemic responses in lean and obese women. Lean and otherwise healthy obese premenopausal women (18.5–27 vs. 30–40 kg/m2) were randomized to consume 12 oz low‐fat yogurt (YL, yogurt lean; YO, yogurt obese) or soy pudding (CL, control lean; CO, control obese; n = 30/group) for 9 wk while maintaining their usual energy intake. At wk 0 and 9, participants ingested 8 oz yogurt or soy pudding immediately prior to a high‐fat, high‐carbohydrate challenge meal. Plasma concentrations of lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP), soluble CD14 (sCD14), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), glucose, triglyceride (TG), and insulin were measured at hourly intervals to 4 h postprandially. At baseline, obese women had higher fasting plasma LBP, LBP/sCD14 ratio, IL‐6, glucose, TG, and insulin than lean women. Postprandial LBP/sCD14 ratio, a marker of impaired intestinal barrier function, increased by an average of 10% in CO within 2 h, but was unaltered by the challenge meal in YO. At 4 h postprandially, IL‐6 increased by 80% in CO and 34% in YO. At 1 h postprandially, CO plasma glucose increased by 16%, but was unchanged in YO. In lean individual, postprandial glucose decreased by 14–21% in CL compared to 8% – 13% in YL within 2 h. YL also tended to have less postprandial insulin over‐secretion than CL as indicated by the smaller area under the curve of postprandial insulin, while postprandial insulin was similar in YO and CO. Consumption of 12 oz yogurt daily for 9 wk did not further improve the beneficial effects of yogurt on selected biomarkers of postprandial response. In conclusion, yogurt consumption before a high‐fat, high‐calorie challenge meal improved biomarkers of intestinal barrier function and reduced postprandial IL‐6 in obese participants. Yogurt consumption also improved the glycemic responses in both lean and obese women.

Support or Funding Information

Dairy Research Institute
Environmental Cues Assist in Weight Management
Authors: Thaw Andrew Kurt
Published: November 2023

Weight management and obesity research is extensive. Previously, our lab demonstrated enhanced weight loss for participants using a simple environmental cue. Specifically, participants placed brightly colored stickers with motivating weight loss sayings around their rooms, in their cars, and even on their wallets (participants were allowed to place the stickers wherever they liked). Participants that placed the cues in locations that they frequently encountered had significantly more weight loss compared to participants that had no such cues. In this follow up study, we employed a multiple baseline design whereby participants in the experimental group received the cues at various times during the experiment. If the cues were in fact impacting weight loss then we hypothesized that weight loss would be significantly enhanced only after the participants received their cues. Using this procedure we were able to confirm that weight loss across all participants was similar up until the introduction of the cues. Each week, a new group of participants received the cues and were allowed to use them for the remainder of the study. Results show that the introduction of the cues enhanced weight loss, regardless of which week the cues were introduced. Motivational factors may also play a role in these findings, however this study further supports the use of simple visual cues as a method of enhancing weight loss in adults.

Support or Funding Information

This research would not have been possible without the assistance of my undergraduate research team: Taz Watson, Martha Williams, Andrew DelCastillo, Scotty Dennis, & Shelley Rae Edwards.

Special thanks to Millsaps College for supporting this research.
Energy Balance Teaching Tool for Community Use: What University Nutrition Faculty and Community Nutrition Educators Want
Authors: Hongu Nobuko , Lindsay Anne , Larson‐Meyer Enette , Houtkooper Linda B. , Gallaway Patrick J. , Manore Melinda M.
Published: November 2023

The concept of energy balance is used by dietitians/nutritionists to educate individuals of all ages about healthy weight management. However, energy balance concept is more complex than subtracting energy intake from energy expenditure. It is often‐overlooked at the variety of known and unknown factors influencing dynamic energy balance, such as increasing in resting metabolic rate results in increases in energy expenditure in a healthy individual. Currently, limited research has examined how nutrition professionals assess a participants’ understanding of energy balance when teaching community weight management classes. This pilot study explored the professional's perception of the energy balance concept as a teaching tool for clients/patients. University nutrition faculty members and community nutrition educators with experience teaching weight management classes (n=11) participated in individual qualitative face‐to‐face interviews (30–45 min). The interview covered five main topics related to their perceptions of the energy balance model for teaching, which included discussions on dynamic vs. static energy balance; factors that change energy intake, physical activity, body weight, and appetite during weight loss and maintenance. All participants reported that teaching energy balance concepts were crucial for helping clients/patients understand the role of diet and physical activity in weight maintenance. They emphasize the need for energy balance teaching tools and communicating the importance of physical activity for maintaining a high energy flux. Future studies should include focus groups with participants in community nutrition and weight management programs and the testing of new and different energy balance teaching tools to improve the understanding of dynamic energy balance, and the role of diet and physical activity in energy flux.

Support or Funding Information

None
Dietary supplementation with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) oil reduces the complications caused by high fat diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Citelli Marta , Fonte‐Faria Thaís , Vargas‐Silva Simone , Barja‐Fidalgo Christina
Published: November 2023

Changes in insulin sensitivity may be promoted by non‐esterified fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines, commonly present in obesity. Because they are directly related to adipogenesis and energy metabolism, various fatty acids have been correlated to the consequences of obesity, especially some of the polyunsaturated omega‐3, which may be substrates for the synthesis of inflammatory mediators such as resolvins and neuroprotectinas. Recently, it was reported that chia seed oil (ChO) is the richest vegetable source of fatty acid alpha‐linolenic (ALA, 18: 3 n‐3).

Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ChO dietary supplementation on an animal model of high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic syndrome. For this, C57BL/6 mice were fed a HFD from weaning. They received the ChO supplementation from 90 to 135 days of life. Every 2 days the diet was replaced to prevent the oxidation of lipids. Plasma insulin, leptin and TNF‐alpha levels were assessed by ELISA. The insulin signaling pathways within muscle tissue was assessed by Western blotting analyses. Fatty acids and lipid profiles were determined by gas chromatography. Our data demonstrated that ChO supplementation did not change the total weight, but changed the lipid profile in liver and adipose tissue, decreased leptin, triglycerides, insulin and hepatic cholesterol. It also improved insulin resistance through activation of the signaling cascade. Although ChO supplementation promoted positive effects, it appears that these were not mediated by inflammation resolution, since no changes in the systemic inflammatory parameters were observed.
Effects of melatonin on lipid metabolism and circulating irisin in diet‐induced obese Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Chiang Pei‐Chin , Lo Chung‐Cheng , Lin Chih‐Yi , Chien Yi‐wen
Published: November 2023

Globesity refers to the worldwide increase of excess weight and obesity according to World Health Organization. Previous studies indicated melatonin, master clock controlling circadian rhythm, may halt body weight gain by increasing recruitment of brown adipose tissues. In light of the pressing need to check the progression of obesity, our study was aimed at investigating effects of oral melatonin administration on body fat accumulation and lipid parameters. Especially, we analyzed irisin, a novel myokine associated with browning effect of white adipose tissues, as the biomarker of brite/beige adipocytes. Forty 8‐wk‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: vehicle control (VC), positive control (PC), MEL10 (10 mg melatonin/kg BW), MEL20 (20 mg melatonin/kg BW) and MEL50 (50 mg melatonin/kg BW). Vehicle control group was fed control diet, and the other groups were fed high fat and high calorie diet for 6 weeks before melatonin treatment to induce obesity. Melatonin was dissolved in ethanol and diluted in drinking water with aluminum foil covering water bottle. Rats were treated for 8 weeks and sacrificed. We found that there is no deference in food and water intake, and melatonin administration can halt body weight gain, decrease accumulation and distribution of white adipose tissues, increase brown adipose tissue and brite/beige adipocytes, and lipid parameters were improved. Serum irisin concentration was significantly increased in melatonin‐treated groups.
Using Untargeted Metabolomics to Elucidate Metabolic Changes in Murine Skin Following Tomato Supplementation
Authors: Cooperstone Jessica L , Teegarden Matthew D , Cichon Morgan J , Tober Kathleen A , Oberyszyn Tatiana M , Schwartz Steven J
Published: November 2023

Data from human studies suggests tomato supplementation can modulate erythema and inflammation in skin resulting from ultraviolet light exposure. Carotenoids from tomatoes have received the most attention for this photoprotective effect; however, purified carotenoids appear less effective than whole foods. This suggests other phytochemicals may play a role. Our group has observed that tomato supplementation can decrease tumor number in a murine model of ultraviolet light‐induced keratinocyte carcinoma, suggesting modulation of skin biochemistry by tomato bioactives. The objective of this study was to use untargeted metabolomics to profile and compare the global skin metabolomes of mice fed control and tomato‐containing diets. Male immunocompetent SKH‐1 hairless mice were fed an AIN‐93G diet, an AIN‐93G diet + 10% red tomato powder or a 10% tangerine tomato (a unique tomato variety high in cis‐lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene that we have shown to be a more bioavailable source of lycopene) powder for 35 weeks. Polar extracts of skin were analyzed to compare differences in both endogenous and exogenous metabolites between the control and tomato fed mice. By employing UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS‐based untargeted metabolomics, we were able to detect over 10,000 compounds in skin, and distinguish metabolite profiles based on diet using multivariate statistics. An understanding of the metabolomic changes in skin with tomato supplementation can elucidate the mechanisms by which this fruit may be exerting protective effects.

Support or Funding Information

NCI R21CA158625
1H NMR‐Based Metabolomics Reveals Urinary Metabolome Modifications in Female Sprague‐Dawley Rats by Cranberry Procyanidins
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Tayyari Fariba , Su Zhihua , Gu Liwei
Published: November 2023

A 1H NMR global metabolomics approach was used to investigate the urinary metabolome changes in female rats gavaged with partially purified cranberry procyanidins (PPCP) or partially purified apple procyanidins (PPAP). After collecting 24‐hour baseline urine, 24 female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly separated into two groups and gavaged with PPCP or PPAP twice using a 250 mg extracts/kg body weight dose. The 24‐hour urine samples were collected after the gavage. Urine samples were analyzed using 1H NMR. Multivariate analyses showed that the urinary metabolome in rats were modified after administering PPCP or PPAP compared to baseline urine metabolic profiles. 2D 1H‐13C HSQC NMR experiments were conducted to assist identification of metabolites. An increase of hippuric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, and a decrease of citric acid and α‐ketoglutaric acid were observed in rat urine after administering PPCP. Urinary level of α‐D‐glucose, D‐maltose, 3‐(3′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3‐hydroxypropanoic acid, p‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid and phenol increased but citric acid, α‐ketoglutaric acid and creatinine decreased in rat urine after administering PPAP. Furthermore, the NMR analysis showed metabolome in the urine of rats administered PPCP differed from those gavaged with PPAP. Compared with PPAP, PPCP caused a greater urinary increase of hippuric acid and a decrease in 3‐(3′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3‐hydroxypropanoic acid, p‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and phenol. These metabolome changes caused by cranberry procyanidins may help to explain its health benefits against urinary tract infections and identify biomarkers of cranberry procyanidin intake.
Dietary protein source at breakfast influences subsequent learning and memory performance
Authors: Du Kristy , Dailey Megan J , Rhodes Justin S , Beverly J. Lee
Published: November 2023

The rapid growth and development of the brains of children and adolescents make them more reliant on regular intake of nutrients and more susceptible to impairments of cognitive performance if the first meal of the day is skipped. Additionally, it is important to understand how breakfast components can be manipulated to maximize benefits from the breakfast meal. Dietary protein provides amino acid precursors to neurotransmitter that may potentially modulate brain function. However, studies looking at the impact of breakfast on subsequent cognitive performance have given limited attention to the protein source of the breakfast meal. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of protein level and protein composition at breakfast on spatial learning and memory performance. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were entrained to a meal‐feeding schedule consisting of a 30 min meal, equivalent to 20% of average daily intake, one hour into the dark phase then ad libitum access to food the last 5 hours of the dark phase. Rats were divided into one of four treatment groups in which the first meal of the day was manipulated: Egg white (EW) providing 35% energy from protein; Wheat gluten (WG) providing 35% energy from protein, Basal diet providing 20% energy from protein containing equal amounts of EW and WG proteins, or ‘no breakfast’. Shortly following the testing meal period, rats were evaluated for spatial learning and memory performance in the Barnes maze. Rats provided ‘ no breakfast’ were less active and displayed compromised short‐term recall compared to rats fed Basal diet (P<0.05). The higher dietary protein meals (35% energy from protein) resulted in improved learning, with the EW group exhibiting significantly faster learning (P<0.05) and improved short‐term recall in comparison to rats fed the WG diet (P<0.05). Together, these results suggest that EW protein as a part of the breakfast meal may enhance cognitive performance in comparison to WG diet. This highlights the importance of the protein component at breakfast on cognitive performance.

Support or Funding Information

Various donors
Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation through Capped Clay Nanotubes
Authors: Karnik Sonali Jayant , Robinson Darrell
Published: November 2023

Stem cells can be coaxed to grow into new bone or new cartilage better and faster when given the right molecular cues. The challenge is inducing how and where stem cells grow and into the right kind of cell in a three‐dimension environment. Such a system requires a means to regulate cell proliferation, cell‐specific differentiation leading to bone‐like or cartilage‐like cells, tissue specific matrix formation and functional tissues. Furthermore, depending on the target tissue, control over the physical, chemical and mechanical influences is key to directing cell behavior in three‐dimensions, and, ultimately, as a method to grow tissues for regenerative medicine applications. Hydrogels are hydrophilic three‐dimensional networks of water‐soluble polymers whose composition, structure and material properties can be easily tuned. We designed a hydrogel that provides control over local biomaterial properties and that permits guidance over the process of development leading to extracellular matrix and tissue development. Our hydrogel nanocomposite consisting of alginate or chitosan, growth factor (BMP‐2, 4 or 6, VEGF) doped halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) creates tunable cross‐links that provide structure within the gel. Results demonstrate that the addition of HNTs improved the material properties of the nanocomposites and created a cell supportive environment. Pre‐osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells cultured with the nanocomposites differentiated into osteoblasts, proliferated and then synthesized a type I collagen‐rich matrix that was subsequent mineralized. Overall protein synthesis increased in growth factor doped nanocomposites, as did synthesis of bone specific proteins, osteocalcin, osteonectin, and osteopontin. While the focus in this study was on osteoblast differentiation this approach may permit local control over behavior of varied cell types and, ultimately, allow the engineering of complex tissues composed of multiple cell types using a single stem cell source.
Strategies for Inducing Spatially Defined Stem Cell Differentiation for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Alsberg Eben
Published: November 2023

Tissue engineering holds the promise of producing functional biological replacements to repair damaged and diseased tissues in the body. The complex signals that are implicated in tissue morphogenesis, repair and homeostasis can be used as a guide for the development of innovative biomaterial systems for tissue regeneration. Through the precise temporal and spatial presentation of soluble bioactive factors, mechanical forces, and biomaterial physical and biochemical properties, we aspire to create biomaterials and microenvironments that regulate cell gene expression and new tissue formation. Today's talk will explore two strategies to pattern some of these signals to spatially guide the differentation of human mesenchymalstem cells (hMSCs), which are capable of giving rise to connective tissue cells such as those necessary for bone and cartilage formation. First, a biodegradable biomaterial system will be introduced that has been engineered with the capacity for independent modulation of the soluble (e.g., growth factors) and insoluble (e.g., cell adhesion signals)biochemical signaling environment and biomaterial physical properties (e.g., the elastic moduli). The ability to independently control and spatially pattern these environmental parameters will be demonstrated to be a powerful tool for elucidating their individual and combined effects on hMSC function. Then a new scaffold‐freehMSC system will be described that has been used to engineer biphasicosteochondral constructs incorporated with two different types of bioactivemicroparticles enabling spatially organized cell differentiation. Using incorporated bioactive microparticles to drive the formation of complex, stem cell‐derived osteochondral tissues could enable earlier in vivo implantation, and potentially improve the rate and quality of osteochondral defect repair.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (AR063194; AR007505; AR066193) and the AO Foundation.
DNA Methylation and microRNA Expression are Altered by Choline Deficiency During Mouse Brain Development
Authors: Trujillo Isis , Surzenko Natalia , Wang Yanyan , Zeisel Steven H
Published: November 2023

Choline is an essential nutrient that is obtained from the diet and through de novo synthesis. During fetal development, the embryo's source of choline is obtained form its mother. Our group demonstrated in mice that maternal choline deficiency (CD) during embryo development changes the proliferation rates and differentiation patterns of neural progenitor cells (NPC), leading to altered layer architecture in the cerebral cortex. This outcome is due to premature differentiation and depletion of NPCs in the developing brain, and is in part mediated through the downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein expression in NPCs. In this study we test the hypothesis that epigenetic changes in DNA methylation and histone marks in CD NPCs lead to aberrant expression of miRNAs, causing the phenotypes observed in CD brains. Consistent with the increase in DNA methylation during priming for differentiation, and an increase in differentiating cells in the developing cortex of CD embryos, we found an increase in DNA methylation in CD brains at embryonic day 17 (E17). To extend these findings, we are currently evaluating the expression of histone marks, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, in CD NPCs. Our preliminary data indicates that expression of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) is changed in CD NPCs, including miR‐129‐5p, which targets Egfr and is upregulated in CD brains. Next, we will determine whether aberrant expression of miR‐129‐5p or other candidate miRNAs in CD E17 brains in vivo, alters NPC proliferative and differentiation properties. This approach will allow us to characterize the molecular mechanisms whereby choline regulates NPC behavior and brain development.

Support or Funding Information

This research was funded by University of North Carolina, Nutrition Research Institute, NIH (DK056350) and in collaboration with Nestlé.
Lutein Protects the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Against Hypoxic and Oxidative Stress: In Vitro Studies
Authors: Allison Geoffrey , Draper Christian , Soekamto Christa , Gong Xiaoming , Rubin Lewis P
Published: November 2023

Background

Oxidative stress‐induced damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) occurs as part of the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and neovascular retinopathies (e.g., retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] and diabetic retinopathy [DR]). The xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin are selectively taken up by the RPE, preferentially accumulated in the human macula, and transferred to photoreceptors. The retinal/macular xanthophylls are presumed to protect retinal integrity via their antioxidant, antiactinic, and photoprotective activities. We have investigated effects of various carotenoids (beta‐carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin) on RPE cells subjected to hypoxia or oxidative stress in order to determine effect specificity for the retinal xanthophylls.

Methods

Human RPE‐derived ARPE‐19 and hTERT‐1 cells were exposed to graded concentrations of specific carotenoids, then subjected to oxidative stress using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). Hypoxia chambers were used for graded hypoxia to 2% FiO2. Carotenoid effects on RPE cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays; 2′,7′‐dichloro‐dihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) fluorescence; and flow cytometry.

Results

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, but not beta‐carotene or astaxanthin, decreased RPE cell proliferation under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Pre‐treating ARPE‐19 cells with lutein, but not with other carotenoids, tielded modest protection from H2O2‐ or tBHP‐induced cell loss. However, cell co‐exposure to lutein and tBHP significantly decreased intracellular ROS production and essentially neutralized tBHP‐dependent cell death at tBHP concentrations up to 500 μM (see Figure).

Conclusion

Lutein inhibits proliferation (and promotes differentiation) of human RPE cells. In this in vitro model, lutein significantly protects the RPE from oxidative stress. These findings contribute to the understanding of protective mechanisms attributable to retinal xanthophylls in eye health and retinopathies.

Support or Funding Information

Partially funded by TTUHSC El Paso Seed Grants (LPR, XG) and Scholarly Activity & Research Program student awards (GA, CD).
Tomato based supplement supports cardiovascular health
Authors: Hermoni Karin Linnewiel , Shefer Irit , Raz Golan
Published: November 2023

Tomato rich diet is linked to favorable effects on cardiovascular health. The effects of tomato carotenoids on various parameters related to cardiovascular health such as blood pressure, endothelial function, inflammation and oxidative stress have been the subject of extensive research. The Aim of the current clinical study was to investigated the effects of tomato extract consumption on the management of post prandial lipid and sugar profiles.

Consumption of a high fat meal causes a stress reaction that includes transient rise in triglycerides as well as an elevation in glucose and insulin levels. Oxidative stress associated with the high‐fat meal has been suggested as a major contributor to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis along with other chronic disease states such as diabetes and obesity. One mechanism is the increased oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which promotes plaque formation and increases cardiovascular risk.

The current clinical trial included 150 healthy men and women that were supplemented for 2 weeks with Cardi‐O‐Mato (tomato based product) or placebo. At the end of supplementation period, subjects consumed a high fat meal and parameters related to lipid and sugar profile as well as oxLDL levels were evaluated. Interestingly, volunteers who consumed the tomato supplement had significantly reduced levels of oxidized LDL compared to placebo group. Moreover, insulin levels were reduced following supplementation. A beneficial trend was also observed for post‐meal glucose levels.

This study suggests that tomato phytonutrients possess a favorable effect on various aspects related to cardiovascular health and management of high fat meal‐induced stress.

Support or Funding Information

This study was founded by Lycored Ltd
Supplementation with Choline Chloride in a Liquid Rodent Diet: Recipe Development for Differing Caloric Intake in a Fetal Alcohol Model
Authors: Jackson Thomas W , Canipe L Grant , Cheatham Carol L
Published: November 2023

Objective

Choline supplementation of maternal diet during preconception and gestational periods has been shown to ameliorate fetal alcohol effects on offspring. Researchers generally provide alcohol and choline to pregnant dams via gavage, but this is not physiologically relevant. An alternative method of choline supplementation is to supplement saccharine‐sweetened drinking water with choline, but this still requires ethanol gavage. These limitations necessitate a palatable novel method of choline delivery to ethanol‐exposed dams. The objective of this study was to devise a physiologically relevant means of delivering choline and ethanol to rat dams throughout gestation by developing a novel choline‐supplemented liquid ethanol diet that replicated previous choline supplementation doses of 250 mg choline per kg body weight per day (250 mg/kg/day).

Methods

Twelve Wistar rats were purchased from Charles River and bred at 100–120 days. Dams consumed diets in a 2 × 2 model: (Ethanol, No Ethanol) x (Choline, No Choline). Ethanol‐exposed animals also had a pair‐fed, calorie‐restricted group. Thus, 5 recipes were designed: 3 with choline supplementation and 2 without. Each diet was developed by analyzing consumption relative to weight after different treatments and increasing the choline chloride content in recipes until approximately 250 mg/kg/day choline was supplemented across groups. Blood was taken at gestational day 18 (GD18) for assay of choline and its metabolites. ANOVAs were run to analyze group differences in consumption and plasma choline metabolites.

Results

A set of recipes was formulated that achieved a 258.38 mg/kg/day mean choline dose with no significant differences between groups (means = 269.85, 251.71, 237.35, p<0.05). Importantly, the supplemented dams consumed the same amount of diet as the unsupplemented (p<0.05). Significantly higher concentrations of choline and its metabolites were found in blood taken at GD18 from choline‐supplemented dams compared to control dams (p<0.05).

Discussion

We successfully devised recipes that allow us to achieve a 250 mg/kg/day choline dose in choline‐supplemented groups. Separate recipes are required for Ethanol versus No Ethanol choline‐supplemented groups, because dams consuming an ethanol diet consume fewer calories than dams on a No Ethanol diet. Findings in choline metabolite concentrations in blood demonstrate that we have provided biologically active choline to pregnant dams.

Conclusion

It is feasible to supplement rodent liquid diet with choline chloride to achieve a more physiologically relevant model while accounting for non‐isocaloric intake in a fetal alcohol model.

Support or Funding Information

NIAAA K01‐AA021134 to last author