bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a Mindful Eating Intervention on Biomarkers of Prognosis and Survival in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors–A Translational Pilot Study
Authors: Washington Annette Monique , Davis Melissa , Young Henry Nolan , Cobran Ewan , Hartzell Diane , Dunagan Kelli Amanda , Jenkins Brittany Denise , Sattler Elisabeth Lilian Pia
Published: November 2023

Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, who often experience significant weight gain after diagnosis, are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality than women without a history of breast cancer. There is evidence that mindfulness has positive effects on markers of cardiovascular health; however, little is known about changes in the biological mechanisms underlying this behavioral intervention. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of a mindful eating intervention on biomarkers of prognosis and survival in overweight and obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Participants were recruited through local physician's offices, cancer support centers, and newspaper advertisements in 2016. Participants completed 8 weekly 2‐hour Mindful Eating Workshop© group sessions, led by a certified mindfulness instructor. The workshop addressed mindless, stress‐related, or emotional related eating, and disordered eating patterns through mindfulness meditation and group discussion. Data were collected at the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit at 2 time points: baseline and follow‐up (12 weeks). The following data were collected: adiposin, adiponectin, leptin, PAI‐1, 6Ckine, MIP‐3b, MIG‐1, MCP‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐a. Paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare outcomes pre‐ and post‐intervention. The analytic sample included 10 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors in remission with a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 who completed the intervention. Mean age was 64.4 ± 6.0 years, 90.0% were non‐Hispanic white, 50.0% were married, and 50.0% had an annual household income of more than $80,000. At baseline, participants had a mean BMI of 33.7 ± 7.2 kg/m2, 80.0% took 1+ blood pressure medications, and 40.0% had pre/diabetes. All participants significantly lost weight (mean weight change: −0.8 ± 0.8 kg; p= 0.015). In the absence of significant changes in TNF‐a and other markers of inflammation, PAI‐1 increased (p=0.012) and there was a trend towards a decrease in adiponectin (p=0.051) post‐intervention. However, participant PAI‐1 plasma concentrations were not elevated above the reference normal concentration of 5–40 ng/ml. In addition, in 60.0% of participants adiponectin concentrations remained within normal concentrations post‐intervention. The results from this study provide preliminary evidence of the translational effects of a mindful eating intervention on biomarkers associated with prognosis and survival in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Larger, better controlled studies are needed to confirm findings and examine the long‐term impact of this intervention.

Support or Funding Information

The study was funded through the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit seed grant.
Socio‐Demographic and Disease Related Factors Associated with Diet Quality Among Adult Cancer Patients
Authors: Kane Kathleen , Ilic Sanja , Paden Holly , Lustberg Maryam , Grenade Cassandra , Mo Kevin , Hatsu Irene
Published: November 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown the consumption of higher quality diets to be significantly associated with lower risk of cancer mortality (Onvani et al., 2016; George et al., 2014). However, characteristics predictive of higher diet quality have not been well elucidated among the cancer population. The study therefore aims to determine socio‐demographic as well as disease related predictors of diet quality among cancer patients.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study that recruited 100 cancer patients from two large cancer clinics in central Ohio. After providing consent, individuals 18 years and older completed questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic variables, disease characteristics, and diet quality. Food and beverages consumed in the previous 6 months were assessed using the Block food frequency questionnaire and used in computing diet quality scores; measured as Health Eating Index 2010 (HEI 2010). Independent sample t‐test and one‐way ANOVA were used to compare mean HEI scores across characteristics. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with HEI scores.

Results

About 84% of study participants were females and over half (51%) had a breast cancer diagnosis. The average HEI score was 65.24 (SD = 10.66). Females (M = 66.19, SD = 10.50) had significantly higher mean HEI scores than males (M = 60.23, SD = 10.34, p < 0.05). Individuals who paid bills late due to medical expenses reported significantly lower diet quality (M = 60.42, SD = 10.63) than those who did not (M = 66.76, SD = 10.27, p = 0.01). Education status significantly affected HEI scores (F (3, 95) = 3.937, p = 0.01). Individuals with less than high school education (M = 60.81, SD = 10.71) had significantly lower diet quality scores than did those with a college degree (M = 69.24, SD = 7.36). Gender, education status, monthly income, marital status, smoking status, and timeliness of bill payment were included in the linear regression model. This model explained 26.2% of the variance in HEI scores (R2 = 0.26, F (8, 86) = 3.816, p < 0.01). Smoking status (current smokers) significantly predicted HEI scores (β = −8.411, p = 0.05) as did having to pay bills late due to medical expenses for cancer treatment (β = −4.637, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Diet quality is significantly lower in individuals who are current smokers or who have to pay bills late due to medical expenses from cancer treatment. These findings allow healthcare providers to identify patients at risk for consuming low diet quality and therefore in need of targeted interventions that helps improve diet quality. Improvements in diet quality have implications for mortality in this population.

Support or Funding Information

Food Innovation Center New Faculty Initiative Award. The Ohio State University.
Development of Furocoumarin Database and Intake Trend of Furocoumarins in US Health Professionals
Authors: PARK Min Kyung , Chun Ock K , Melough Melissa M , Qureshi Abrar A , Cho Eunyoung
Published: November 2023

Furocoumarins are botanical phytoalexins and found in a variety of vegetables and fruits, notably citrus fruits. Furocoumarins are phototoxic and photocarcinogenic that intercalate DNA and photochemically induce mutations. They may be responsible for the positive association between citrus fruitintake and skin cancer. However, the levels of furocoumarin intake in the US population have not been evaluated due to no furocoumain database for foods. Therefore, we aimed to develop furocoumarin food composition database and examined mean intake and intake trend of furocoumarins among participants in the two prospective cohort studies of health professionals; the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1986~1998) and the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS, 1990~1998). Food intake in the cohorts was measured by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We selected furocoumarin‐containing food items from the FFQ such as orange, orange juice, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, raw carrot, cooked carrot, carrot juice, and celery. Then, we selected three samples for each food item that were available in local markets considering market share. The concentrations of seven common furanocoumarins of grape fruits such as bergaptol, psoralen, 8‐methoxypsoralen, bergapten, 6,7‐dihydroxybergamottin, epoxybergamottin and bergamottin were determined in each food sample using UPLC‐MS/MS. Mean from the three analytical values of the food items were used for furocoumain database after excluding outliers that were not within 95% of the distribution. Number of participants who completed FFQ were 75521 in 1986, 80332 in 1990, 86365 in 1994, and 84762 in 1998 for NHS and 38781 in 1990, 37057 in 1994, and 35270 in 1998 for HPFS. Over 99% of participants who completed the FFQ consumed furocoumarin‐containing foods in both cohort studies. Mean intake of total furocoumarins among participants in NHS and HPFS were calculated by multiplying the consumption frequency of each food item with furocoumarin content per serving size. Mean intakes of total furocoumarins in NHS were 532.4μg in 1986, 420.8 μg in 1990, 487.0 μg in 1994 and 422.7 μg in 1998 showing decreasing trend from 1986 to 1998 (p<0.001). Mean intakes of total furocoumarins in HPFS were 530.4 μg in 1990, 578.1 μg in 1994, and 552.6 μg in 1998 showing increasing trend from 1990 to 1998 (p<0.001). In conclusion, furocoumarin database was developed and total furocoumarin intake was screened for about 10 years among US health professionals. This study may support further studies on intake furocoumarins and skin cancer as well as other related diseases in cohort studies using the FFQ.

Support or Funding Information

National Cancer Institute R21 (R21CA198216, PI: Dr. Eunyoung Cho)
Effects of Vitamin E Derivatives on the Proliferation of KG‐1 Leukemic Cells in Vitro
Authors: Rizk Sandra , Ghanem Paola , Zouein Annalise , Hodroj Mohammad Hassan
Published: November 2023

In nature, vitamin E derivatives can exist in eight different forms which are grouped in two main categories, namely Tocopherols (TP) and Tocotrienols (T3). Each category includes four derivatives which differ in the position of the methyl group, generating alpha, beta, gamma and delta subtypes. Even though all these subtypes possess antioxidant effects, several new studies report that tocotrienols are more potent than tocopherols in promoting cancer cell death. In addition to the known antioxidant effect of beta tocotrienol (β‐T3), gamma tocotrienol (γ‐T3) appears to have a pro‐apoptotic, anti‐proliferative, anti‐invasive and anti‐inflammatory activity in several types of cancer cells. However, the effect of the beta subtype on cancer cells is still not well studied. The present study aims to investigate and compare the effect of beta and gamma tocotrienols on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells, namely KG‐1, in vitro. Cells were grown in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI) under optimal conditions and then treated with different doses of (β‐T3) and (γ‐T3) separately for 24 hours. XTT cell viability assay, which detects the presence of metabolically active cells, was used to assess cell proliferation. A decrease in proliferation of KG‐1 cells was observed upon treatment with both forms of vitamin E derivatives; however, β‐T3 was more potent than γ‐T3 in promoting cell death with lower IC50 values. In order to determine whether the decrease in cell viability was due to apoptosis induction, Cell Death Elisa was performed to detect the degree of histone complexed DNA fragmentation, which is a hallmark of apoptosis. Cells treated with the beta subtype released more DNA fragments than the gamma form and at lower doses. Since the observed decrease in proliferation could also be due to cell cycle arrest, flow cytometry was used to quantify the number of cells in the various phases of cell cycle upon treatment with vitamin E derivatives: cells were stained with propidium iodide and DNA content quantification was performed using the C‐flow software. The results obtained confirm the effect of both forms of vitamin E derivatives in promoting cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, beta and gamma tocotrienols exhibit promising anti‐cancer therapeutic effects on KG1 leukemic cells in vitro. However, further studies are needed to determine the underlying molecular pathways involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the School Research and Development Office, Lebanese American University.
Food Security, Dietary Quality, and Use of Resources are Low among Rural U.S. Veteran Food Pantry Users in a Reaching Rural Veterans Pilot Intervention
Authors: Wright Breanne N. , Sternberg Martina , Wellnitz Andrea , Wadsworth Shelley MacDermid , Eicher‐Miller Heather A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Reaching Rural Veterans (RRV) was a “one stop” longitudinal intervention provided at rural Indiana (IN) and Kentucky (KY) food pantries to enhance resource use among rural, low‐income U.S. Veterans. Characteristics, food security, access to resources, and dietary quality were evaluated at baseline and follow‐up (approximately three months later).

Design

RRV included monthly outreach events where food, ancillary services, and education were provided to U.S. Veterans and their families. At baseline (n=234) and follow‐up (n=122) participants completed a characteristics questionnaire and the 18‐item U.S. Household Food Security Module. Up to two Automated Self‐Administered 24‐hour dietary recalls (ASA24s) at baseline (n=28) and follow‐up (n=16) were also completed to quantify dietary intake using the Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010).

Setting

Participants were recruited at ten participating faith‐based food pantries in IN or KY.

Subjects

Subjects were U.S. Veteran pantry‐users ≥18 years.

Results

Adult food insecurity was significantly improved at follow‐up compared to baseline (McNemar's test probability: 0.02). The proportion of participants receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, General Assistance, or Assistance from the Township Trustee was significantly greater at follow‐up compared with baseline (McNemar's test probability: 0.02). Mean HEI‐2010 component score for the “Green and Bean” group was also significantly improved (Paired t‐test probability: 0.03) despite no change in total HEI‐2010.

Conclusions

The RRV intervention was delivered to a highly food insecure, rural U.S. Veteran sub‐population. Food security, access to resources, and a component of diet quality improved over the study period.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by contract VA251‐15‐C‐0041 from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health and the Veterans Affairs Office of Faith‐Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
The Impact of Soci‐economic and Cultural Factors on Refugee Households' Food Insecurity: a Snapshot of the Food security Status of Afghan Refugees in Switzerland
Authors: Khakpour Mahasti , Sadeghi Leila , Jenzer Helena , Martins Sofia , Farag Marwa , Koc Mustafa , Garcea Joseph , Henry Carol , Engler‐Stringer Rachel , Vatanparast Hassan
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Despite the efforts of international institutions and host countries, refugees struggle to meet their basic needs throughout their displacement. Among all needs, food is one of the basics of livelihood. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the prevalence of household food insecurity of the Afghan asylum‐seekers, and identify the barriers and facilitators toward their food security.

Methodology

25 residents of a refugee camp, and 4 key informants participated in the study. We used a mixed methods design to allow triangulation for more reliability and credibility. Within the quantitative section of the study, a standard tool from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food security questionnaire are used. To address the second objective we conducted a series of in‐depth interviews with semi‐structured questions.

Results

We found severe food insecurity exists among families due to economic and cultural barriers. More than 74% of the adults, and 72% of the children are food insecure. Cultural differences, unemployment, lack of social interaction, language barriers, were indicated as the main post migration challenges. Financial struggle, lack of access to culturally accepted food, and lack of knowledge in food utilization came up as the main themes in food security related interview questions. Emerging common themes from both the family in‐depth, and key informant interviews showed lack of information and resources associated with health services and food literacy, cross cultural training, and food utilization skills.

Conclusion

As a result identifying the responsible organization in the area, and further assistant and support in providing orientation, nutritional workshops, assimilation to life in Switzerland, and cross cultural training may help to improve the food security status of the asylum‐seekers. Our findings warrant further investigation in a representative sample of asylum‐seekers in Switzerland to determine the magnitude of food insecurity and associated factors, and to clarify the role of stakeholders who are involved in providing services, as well as the level of coordination and collaboration among them.

Support or Funding Information

Funding for this project is provided by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) under the initiative of Culture, Migration, and Food Security (CMF) international research group.
Food insecurity during pregnancy and the early postpartum period is associated with reduced exclusive breastfeeding at four months postpartum in a cohort of women in Western Kenya
Authors: Bates Marlana , Hartman Terryl , Grant Frederick , Girard Amy Webb
Published: November 2023

Background

Household food insecurity (FIS) is a global public health issue in both developed and developing countries with consequences for maternal physical and mental health and women's capacity to care for young children. Research on whether FIS influences breastfeeding practices is limited and inconsistent.

Objective

We assessed the effects of household FIS experienced during pregnancy and the early postpartum period on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first four months of life.

Methods

Data were from 399 mother‐child dyads residing in Western Kenya and participating in a nested cohort study examining the impacts of an integrated agriculture, nutrition, and health intervention on maternal and child nutrition. Data on FIS were collected with the FANTA household food insecurity access scale at three time points: enrollment in early pregnancy, one month prior to delivery and at four months postpartum. Breastfeeding practices were assessed by maternal recall at 4 months postpartum and included timing of breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity of breastfeeding in the first week postpartum, exclusivity from birth to four months, and EBF in the previous 24‐hours. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the associations of these exposures with the four outcomes.

Results

47.9% of infants initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. While 64.4% reported EBF in the 24 hours prior to the four month postpartum visit, only 34.8% reported EBF from birth through to the four months postpartum visit. During at least two study visits, 62.4% of women reported household FIS; only 19.3% were food secure during all three study visits. In adjusted analyses, household FIS was not associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding. Compared to women who were never FIS during the follow‐up period, women reporting household FIS for at least two of three follow‐up visits had a 45% lower odds of EBF from birth through four months of life (aOR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.30–0.99]), and a 61% lower odds of EBF in the previous 24 hours (0.39 [0.20–0.76]). Compared to never FIS, those who reported FIS only once during the follow‐up period had 55% lower odds of EBF from birth through 4 months (0.45 [0.22–0.94]) and 60% lower odds of EBF in the previous 24 hours (0.40 [0.18, 0.87]).

Conclusions

Both chronic and acute household FIS were each associated with reduced EBF at four months postpartum in Western Kenya. FIS should be considered when devising strategies to improve exclusive breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.

Support or Funding Information

This project was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Emory University.
Experiences of Household Food Insecurity in Rural Colombia: Qualitative Analysis of Women Smallholder Farmers
Authors: Burkhardsmeier Britni , Rhodes Elizabeth , Girard Amy Webb , Yount Kathryn M. , Hines Deborah
Published: November 2023

Women's views on the consequences of household food insecurity (FIS) are underexplored in Colombia. This study explored women's perspectives on the influence of household FIS on their family's health and dietary diversity.

We carried out qualitative research in two departments in Colombia (Cauca and Caquetá). We recruited women from 14 smallholder farmers associations and conducted 22 in‐depth interviews (IDIs) (11 in each department). IDIs were conducted in Spanish using a semi‐structured, pilot tested, in‐depth interview guide. All IDIs were digitally recorded. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim into Spanish, translated into English, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

In a preliminary analysis, we identified key themes around women's experiences with FIS. Most of the 22 women indicated that they could provide food for their families. However, they struggled to purchase nutritious and diverse foods because of the high cost of fruits and vegetables. Women emphasized the importance of eating fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet. They worried that not having these foods available in their households limited their children's consumption of healthy foods and negatively impacted their children's health. Many women indicated that, while it was not the main worry, accessing healthy foods was also a concern for their partners. They described how the worries around access to food contributed to stress in the household. Women coped with difficulties in food access in a variety of ways, such as obtaining loans from family, friends, and neighbors, using a store's layaway service, or consuming products from their own farms. Together, these initial findings provide insights on the range of adverse consequences of FIS from the perspectives of women.

A rich understanding of how women smallholder farmers in Cauca and Caquetá experience FIS can help agriculture programs be responsive to the needs articulated by women in these departments. The results of this study provide in‐depth knowledge of the food security challenges that women smallholder farmers in two departments face, enabling appropriate planning of future interventions targeting this population.

Support or Funding Information

Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University; UN WFP Colombia (country office, sub‐offices of Pasto, Florencia, and Cali); Universidad Nacional de Colombia; and UN Women
Predicting weight gain in adults – results from a multi‐center cohort approach
Authors: Boeing Heiner , Steffen Annika
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to develop a risk score for substantial weight gain among German adults. Substantial weight gain was defined as gaining ≥10% of weight between baseline and end of follow‐up. Information on 15 variables (age, sex, baseline weight, education, sport smoking, alcohol, sleep disorders, fruits and vegetable, meat, fish, whole‐grain, cake and cookies, chocolate, soft drinks) from 32,204 participants of five population‐based German cohort studies was used for the prediction model. All participants had a follow‐up time of more than 6 years. The cohort‐specific background survival probabilities at 5 years were estimated based on the average value of each predictor over all individuals of the five cohorts and subsequently meta‐analytically combined. The meta‐analysed beta‐coefficients of the predictors were transformed into score points. Cross‐validation was used to evaluate the score's discriminatory accuracy. On average, study participants gained 299g to 429g weight per year, depending on the cohort. With the 15 variables, a cross‐validated c index (95% CI) was 0.71 (0.67 to 0.75) obtained. Baseline age and weight most strongly determined risk. A cut‐off value of ≥475 score points yielded a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 63%. The corresponding positive and negative predictive values were 10.4% and 97.6%, respectively. The study showed that substantial weight gain can moderately be predicted. In view of the low prediction ability, the rate of false positives could be high if a high sensitivity is aspired. Nevertheless, the proposed risk score could support health care providers in a proper decision‐making and also facilitate an efficient selection of subjects into intervention trials.

Support or Funding Information

“Kompetenznetz Adipositas (Competence Network Obesity)” funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (FKZ: 01GI1121B).
Maternal Diet‐Induced Hypercholesterolemia Programs Lipoprotein Metabolism by Increasing VLDL Particle Number and Size in C57BL6/J Mouse Progeny
Authors: Mathew Joyce , Dumolt Jerad H , Raslawsky Amy , Rideout Todd C
Published: November 2023

Early exposure to excessive cholesterol, in utero or in the early postnatal life, may program lipid metabolism in later life and predispose adult offspring to cardiovascular disease risk. However, little is known regarding the influence of maternal hypercholesterolemia on blood lipids and lipoprotein distribution throughout the life course. To better understand the influence of maternal hypercholesterolemia on blood lipids and lipoprotein distribution in offspring, blood lipid phenotyping was performed on newly‐weaned offspring (postnatal day 21) and chow‐fed adult offspring (postnatal day 84) born to mothers fed a chow diet or a chow diet supplemented with 0.15% cholesterol throughout gestation and lactation (n=6/group). Blood lipids including total‐C, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C were measured with enzymatic assay, and blood lipoprotein particle number and size were determined through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Maternal serum total‐C during gestation (week 2) was higher (p≤0.05) in cholesterol‐supplemented dams compared with chow‐fed dams (87.5 ± 3.7 vs. 67.0 ± 3.5 mg/dL). Newly‐weaned and adult pups from chow or cholesterol‐supplemented mothers did not differ (p≥0.05) in serum lipid profile (total‐C, LDL‐C, or HDL‐C) or LDL and HDL particle number and size. However, both newly‐weaned pups and adult offspring born to cholesterol‐supplemented mothers demonstrated an increase (p≤0.05) in VLDL particle number and VLDL size compared with offspring from chow‐fed mothers. These results suggest that early exposure to cholesterol through maternal diet‐induced hypercholesterolemia influences VLDL distribution and size in newly‐weaned mouse offspring that persists into adulthood.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Hypercaloric Diet Does Not Induce Metabolic Syndrome in Wistar Rats
Authors: Medeiros Alessandra , Moura Elizabeth O. C. , Gomes Moisés F. P. , Cardoso Naiara Magalhães , Santos Ana Carolina C. , Kubota Melina C. , Estadella Débora
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that metabolic syndrome (MS) is an important predictor of cardiovascular events. Although genetic susceptibility is essential, the MS components generally arise as a result of a sedentary lifestyle and diet rich in carbohydrates and lipids. To better understand the pathophysiological process of the disease becomes necessary to establish experimental models that have the same characteristics of the disease in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a hypercaloric diet (HFFD 25% fructose and 25% saturated fat) in the induction of MS.

METHODS

Young (5 weeks old) or adult rats (12 weeks old) were randomly assigned into control or HFFD groups: control young (CTL‐Y, n=10) and HFFD young (HFFD‐Y, n=10); control adult (CTL‐A, n=10) and HFFD adult (HFFD‐A, n=10). All groups were subjected to analysis of blood glucose, triacylglycerol (TAG), body mass (BM) and blood pressure (BP) by tail plethysmography weekly, for 14 weeks. Furthermore, in the 13th week were performed ITT and GTT tests.

RESULTS

Even though the animals presented BM difference in the last week of the protocol (CTL‐Y=380.8 g vs. HFFD‐Y=451.7 g, p<0.001) and (CTL‐A=423.7 g vs. HFFD‐A=495.4 g, p<0.05), there were no significant changes in systolic BP (CTL‐Y=134 mmHg vs. HFFD‐Y=150 mmHg, p>0.05) and (CTL‐A=137 mmHg vs. HFFD‐A=127 mmHg, p>0.05) or diastolic BP (CTL‐Y=74 mmHg vs. HFFD‐Y=77 mmHg, p>0.05) and (CTL‐A=79 mmHg vs. HFFD‐A=64 mmHg, p>0.05). The TAG profile did not change, except in adult rats, when we performed t test only with the data from the last week (CTL‐Y=97 mg/dL vs. HFFD‐Y=95 mg/dL, p>0.05) and (CTL‐A=88 mg/dL vs. HFFD‐A=137 mg/dL, p<0.001; F=2.90). However, there was no difference in the two‐way analysis of variance in this variable in both groups. Finally, HFFD‐Y showed glucose tolerance, GTT (CTL‐Y=82 mg/dL vs. HFFD‐Y=92 mg/dL, p<0.001; F=6.94), but insulin tolerance ITT (CTL‐Y= 66 mg/dL vs. HFFD‐Y=63 mg/dL, p> 0.05, F=0.43). While HFFD‐A was not significantly different from CTL‐A in GTT (CTL‐A=78 mg/dL vs. HFFD‐A=79 mg/dL, p>0.05, F=0.06) and ITT (CTL‐A=78 mg/dL vs. HFFD‐A=79 mg/dL, p>0.05, F=0.07).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that the hypercaloric diet used in our study was ineffective for the development of MS components in young and adult rats.

Support or Funding Information

FAPESP e CNPq
Maternal Obesity Increases Sweet Taste Response and Sweet Taste Receptor mRNA Expression in Adult Offspring
Authors: Choo Ezen , Dando Robin
Published: November 2023

Maternal body mass index and gestational weight gain predict future over‐weight/obese status in children and adolescents. Based on animal studies, in both rodents and non‐human primates, maternal obesity predicts a preference for palatable foods in the offspring, suggesting an increased preference for foods rich in fat, sugar, and/or salt. In this study, we investigate whether the underlying basis for an increase in palatable food consumption in the offspring of maternally obese mice is due to a change in taste. Mice were fed a control or high fat diet before and during gestation/lactation, with all offspring subsequently maintained on control diet after weaning; thus, the only experience with high fat diet for the offspring was through maternal exposure during early development. Taste response was assessed in offspring after reaching maturity, using brief‐access taste testing. The female offspring of maternal obesity showed an enhanced response to sucrose (F4,146=3.986, p=0.004), whereas the males did not (F4,118=0.512, p=0.7271). We hypothesize that this enhanced response results from changes in the expression profile of taste buds for sweet taste receptors. We performed qPCR to assay taste receptor expression, and found that both subunits composing the sweet receptor heterodimer, T1R2 and T1R3, to be increased in the female offspring of obese dams compared to lean (T1R2 p=0.035, T1R3 p=0.00053). In male offspring of obese dams, T1R2 (p=0.000091) expression was also increased compared to lean, but not T1R3 (p=0.21). The results indicate that behavioral changes in the adult offspring induced by maternal obesity correlate with increased expression of sweet taste receptors in the taste buds, which may drive the increased preference for palatable foods reported in offspring of maternally obese mice. These findings highlight the importance of maternal health and the long‐term impacts of maternal obesity on offspring health.

Support or Funding Information

Center for Vertebrate Genomics
Root Bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Ameliorates Alcohol‐induced Hepatic Steatosis in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress‐mediated MAPK Activation
Authors: Pan Jeong‐Hoon , Lim Yejin , Shin Hyeji , Kim Jun Ho , Lee Ki Yong , Kim Jae Kyeom , Lee Jinhyup , Kim Young Jun
Published: November 2023

Alcohol‐induced hepatic steatosis and apoptosis are key drivers of alcohol‐induced liver injury which is mainly caused by oxidative stress. Roots bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica has been known for its strong anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory potency. In the present study, we examined if this plant is able to ameliorate alcohol‐induced liver injuries due to their anti‐oxidative capacity. C57BL/6J mice were treated with 100 mg/kg bodyweight root bark extract of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (RUE) and 1 g ethanol for 5 days. Alcohol‐induced liver injury markers were evaluated and putative molecular mechanisms responsible for protection of RUE were investigated. As results, in histological analysis, mice treated with RUE exhibited noticeable protection against alcohol‐induced hepatic steatosis. Oxidative stress‐induced p38 and JNK MAPK activation increased lipogenic signaling genes (e.g. SREBP‐1c, FAS, ACC) whereas the RUE significantly reduced reactive oxygen species level which in turn, reduced activation of p38, JNK MAPK, and its down‐stream genes expression. The results herein indicate that RUE counteracts alcoholic liver injury in mice possibly through suppressing MAPK signaling‐mediated steatosis.

Support or Funding Information

The research was supported by the International Science and Business Belt Program through the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (Grant Number: 2015K000388).
Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia) or Wine Supplement Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation in a Chronic Colitis Mice Model
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Zhao Shaomin , Yagiz Yavuz , Gu Liwei
Published: November 2023

Our previous study showed that phytochemicals extracted from muscadine grapes or wine attenuated the intestinal inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced acute colitis in mice. The objective of this study was to determine whether whole muscadine grapes or dealcoholized muscadine wine had similar protective effects against chronic colitis in mice. Forty‐eight mice (C57BL/6J, female, 6‐week‐old) were randomized into four groups: healthy control, disease control, muscadine grape powder (MGP, 7% w/w in diet), and dealcoholized muscadine wine (DMW, 3.5% w/w in diet). After 4 weeks of feeding, mice in the disease control, MGP, and DMW feeding groups were given 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Following DSS removal, mice developed chronic colitis in week 6–8. The severity of colonic inflammation was evaluated using disease activity index, colon length, histopathological analysis, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), and levels of cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α) in the colon. Short chain fatty acids in fecal samples were determined at the beginning of week 1, 4, 5, and 8. The results showed that a diet supplemented with MGP or DMW alleviated chronic colitis symptoms by preventing weight loss, reducing disease activity index, and preserving colonic length. The MGP or DMW diets also significantly decreased the MPO activity and levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α in colon tissues (P < 0.05). Histological analysis showed significant (P < 0.05) protective effects on the colon structure integrity in mice fed MGP or DMW diets. These were in accordance with significantly (P < 0.05) increased levels of butyric acid in feces of mice fed MGP or DMW diets. These results suggested that muscadine grapes or wine are promising dietary strategy in mitigating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Support or Funding Information This research was funded in part by Florida Viticulture Advisory Council and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Service.
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) improves gut health in animal model of colon cancer
Authors: Costa Neuza MB , Grancieri Mariana MB , Viana Mirelle L , Tostes Maria GV , Ignacchiti Mariana DC
Published: November 2023

Colorectal cancer (CC) affects the integrity, permeability and the barrier function of the intestinal cells. Yacon flour (YF) (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a rich source of prebiotics, fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS), with potential benefits to intestinal health. Its effect on the CC, however, is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the intestinal effects of YF supplementation in animal model of induced colon cancer. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into groups S (without CC and without YF, n=10), C (with CC and without YF, n=12), Y (without CC and with YF, n=10) and CY (with CC and YF, n=12). Groups C and CY received, subcutaneously, a weekly dose of 25 mg/kg body weight of 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH) for 5 weeks, followed by eight weeks for CC development. During this period of 13 weeks, all groups received commercial chow. Thereafter, the AIN‐93 M diet was provided, and the Y and CY groups consumed YF in amounts sufficient to provide 7.5% of FOS. After 8 weeks, were determined: intestinal permeability, intraluminal pH, endotoxemia (Lipopolysaccharides ‐ LPS), aberrant crypt foci (ACF), qualitative histology (apical diameter, baseline diameter and crypt depth, beyond the crypts count per field), Secretory IgA (SIgA), and butirate. The data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA (analysis of variance) followed by Newman‐Keuls test (p <0.05) to evaluate the effect of the CC, YF and the interaction between them. The protocol was approved by the Ethic Committee (CEUA‐UFES#004/2014). Yacon flour exerted beneficial and significant effect on intestinal permeability, given that the urinary excretion of lactulose and mannitol was lower in Y and CY groups compared to control groups (S and C). Furthermore, there was a positive action in reducing the intraluminal pH, the percentage of ACF levels, in addition to increased number and depth of the colonic crypts. There was also a significant increase in butyrate and SIgA secretion in the groups fed YF. However, it was not observed effectiveness of YF on the number of ACF and in LPS. In conclusion, the YF was effective in the modulation of gut health in animal model of colorectal cancer.

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CNPq ‐ Brazil
Systemic Metabolomic Changes in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet and Supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Martinic Alice , Mishchuk Darya , Barouei Javad , Bendiks Zach , Heeney Dustin , Kieffer Dorothy , Martin Roy , Marco Maria , Slupsky Carolyn
Published: November 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in developed nations and is characterized by a group of factors that raise the risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It has previously been shown that ingestion of certain strains of Lactobacillus are associated with improvement in MetS risk factors, however the mechanisms of these beneficial effects are largely unknown. In this study, C57BL/6J male mice were fed a lard‐based high fat diet (45% of calories from fat) for nine weeks followed by supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 (Lp) for six weeks (n=10 per group). NMR metabolomics, gene expression, and microbiota composition were analyzed to assess the systemic effects of probiotic supplementation. Significant differences in metabolite concentrations (including amino acids in serum and colon contents) and gene expression (including tight junctions in intestine and inflammation in adipose) were observed between groups. No significant differences were found in body or organ weight with Lp supplementation and no global microbiota structure changes were observed in the cecum; however, a significantly greater abundance of OTUs aligning to Lactobacillus plantarum were observed in the treatment group. These results indicate Lp supplementation impacts systemic phenotype without broad changes to the microbiome. Furthermore, this study supports the notion that consumption of Lp may be beneficial in the context of a high fat diet.

Support or Funding Information

Funding was provided by the American Diabetes Association.
Alacalase‐Hydrolyzed Camellia Seed Hull Inhibited Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Activity and Lowered Blood Pressure in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Pan Jeong‐Hoon , Lim Ho‐Jeong , Shin Eui‐Cheol , Kim Jae Kyeom
Published: November 2023

High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for various diseases and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) plays a critical role in the renin‐angiotensin‐aldesterone system; specifically, ACE can elevate blood pressure by converting decapeptide angiotensin I to oxtapeptide angiotensin II, a potent vasopressor. In our study, the responsive surface methodology was adopted to establish optimal Alcalase‐hydrolysis conditions of camellia seed hull against ACE activity. The optimum conditions are hydrolysis temperature of 50.98°C, Enzyme/Substrate ratio of 2.85%, and hydrolysis pH of 7.12. In an animal feeding study, SHRs were treated with either a low or high dose of hydrolysed C. japonica seed cake over 5 weeks. Even though SBP was not statistically different, the high dose of C. japonica hydrolysate lowered DBP (106±4.4 mmHg vs. 145±5.9 mmHg) at 5th week. A similar trend was also observed in serum ACE activity. Lipid markers, (total plasma cholesterol, total plasma triacylglycerol, and plasma HDL cholesterol) were not influenced by the C. japonica hydrolysate. Considering that this camellia seed hull is a major resource of this plant, our study provides interesting preliminary data to utilize this plant for both academic and industrial applications.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF‐2014R1A1A2058119).
The effects of Methionine restriction on thyroid hormones and mitochondrial changes in skeletal muscle
Authors: Zhang Jiahong , Wang Yanan , Guo Haitao , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei
Published: November 2023

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) limits fat deposition and reduces adiposity without food restriction, despite increasing total food intake. Recent reports have shown that MR have an effect on generating thyroid hormones, which are associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the effect of thyroid hormones on skeletal muscle mitochondria content and function is unknown when MR in a high‐fat diet (HFD). This study investigated the potential mechanisms of THs on mitochondrial content and function in mice skeletal muscle induced by MR administration with HFD. C57Bl/6 male mice were randomly divided into three groups: a low‐fat diet (LFD) group, a HFD group and a MR‐HFD group. In the 12th week, half of the mice were sacrificed and the remaining mice were kept on feeding and sacrificed in the 23th week. Indices about THs, mitochondria, oxidative stress, relative gene expression and protein expression in mice skeletal muscle were assayed. In the 12th week, HFD mice showed a significant body weight gain, high circulating THs levels and activated HPT axis, whereas MR‐HFD mice had normal body weight although with high THs levels and activated HPT axis. In the 23th week, HFD mice had low THs levels, whereas MR‐HFD mice maintained TH levels. Genes involved in THs production were downregulated in HFD and up‐regulated in MR‐HFD mice. An increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP generation, mitochondrial DNA copy number was observed in skeletal muscle MR‐HFD mice, all these were downregulated in HFD mice, however. Furthermore, MR‐HFD enhanced gene expression involved in mitochondrial function and protein expression of mitochondrial complex□. The results indicate that persistent increased THs in methionine‐restricted mice is associated with boosted mitochondrial content and function in skeletal muscle.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by program of “Collaborative innovation center of food safety and quality control in Jiangsu Province”, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31571841), State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology of Jiangnan University in China (SKLF‐ZZB‐201609).
Bone mass and nutrient intake of female collegiate athletes by exercise type
Authors: Shin Juyoung , Okhee Lee
Published: November 2023

To prevent osteoporosis, it is essential to extend the peak bone mass of the growth period as well as to decrease the reasons risking bone. The nutrient intake and exercise are major factors determining the bone metabolism. Nutrient intake such as vitamin D, Ca and protein promotes bone formation and increase bone density. Ca intake in Korean young women have been known to be low. Especially, the vitamin D level are very low compared with those of other countries because of its low intake and use of sunlight blocking agent. Furthermore, high physical activity influence bone mass through increasing as well as stopping decrease of bone density. Also the type of exercise may affect bone mineral density. People performing only indoor exercise may be prone to have lower body vitamin D level, which can influence negatively bone health. The resistant exercise stimulates the increase of bone mineral density. This study was proposed to evaluate the bone mineral density of lumbar spine and femur and nutrient intake in young females by comparing the judo and Taekkun players with collegiate females. The BMD of L1, L2 and L3 was highest in judo players and higher BMD in both player groups compared to sedentary female. But the BMD of L4 and femur were highest in Taekkun players. The intake of energy, Ca and vitamin D intake were lower than KDRI in both players. The Ca and protein intake were higher in both player groups than sedentary group, but lower intakes of Se, Zn, vitamin D, folic acid, B1, B2. Although the association of BMD with intake of Ca, protein, vitamin D were shown in total subjects, among athletes, they wasn't appeared in any part of lumbar spine femur. Conclusively, the female players with high physical activity have higher BMD in lumbar spine and femur, although the essential nutrient intake for bone formation are low. The BMD showed differ by exercise type and body part.
Body Composition and Dietary Assessment and Its Relationship with Knowledge of Nutrition in Young Athletes
Authors: Hernandez Alma Nubia Mendoza , Castillo Maria Jose , Nnuñez‐Guzman Ada Esmeralda
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Energy and protein intake is relate to increase the muscle mass (MM), thus this approach prevent the loose of muscle glycogen and to avoid fatigue. A sport‐nutritional knowledge's allows dietary intake with specific recommendations in order to increase the quality of their food choices. The nutritional intake recommendation has to be monitored by sports specialist using validated instruments.

Objective

To determine the nutritional knowledge in young athletes, the Healthy Eating Index and the relation with body muscle mass in young athletes

Method and Materials

The dietary intake was obtained by 24‐hours recall the nutriment amount was used US Department of Agriculture database to obtain Healthy Eating Index. Electrical Bioimpedance was used to determinate Fat Mass(FM) and Muscle Mass(MM) kilograms. The Nutritional knowledge was evaluated by a questionnaire of General Knowledge for Adults. Statistical analysis included a paired t test, to determinate the differences between the intake amount and the suggested; and linear regression analysis to determinate the effect of the Strength in the MM.

Results

68 athletes were evaluated (39 men and 29 women). The mean of energy, fat, protein and carbohydrates were: 2015.6 kcal/day (±769.5SD), 69.6 gr/day (±33.4SD), 100 gr/day (±38.7SD), 225.4 gr (±88.4SD)respectively. The MM was 35.29% which indicate a normal status. The analysis of HEI shows 61.6% of athletes need diet modifications and 33.3% is healthy. The questionnaire shows that 36% ignore topics about general nutrition knowledge. The protein and lipid intake were lower than the requirement for sports competitors (p=0.85 and p=0.026) Fig 1. MM was entered into the linear regression model as a continuous variable, the Strength‐kg were significant (p<0.05) Fig 2.

Conclusion

The synthesis of MM was adequate when the body composition was analyzed, thus makes available a poor protein degradation. The nutritional dietary analysis indicates a high lipids deficit. The analysis of HEI shows 61.6% of athletes need diet modifications and 33.3% is healthy.