bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arginine or Guanidinoacetic Acid Can Serve as Precursors for Creatine Synthesis in Parenteral Nutrition, but Only with Excess Methionine to Facilitate Transmethylation
Authors: Bray Scott D. , Aljaroudi Alaa , Dinesh O. Chandani , Kankayaliyan Thillayampalam , Brunton Janet A. , Bertolo Robert F.
Published: November 2023

Creatine synthesis in neonates demands high amounts of its precursors, arginine and methionine. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is typically marginal in these amino acids and devoid in creatine. The present study investigated the effectiveness of creatine supplementation of PN compared to supplementation with arginine, methionine and the unmethylated intermediate guanidinoacetic acid (GAA). The goal of this study was to determine if PN supplementation with creatine or GAA can spare methionine and/or arginine for other functions. Yucatan miniature‐piglets (6–10 d old; n=31) were fed 1 of 5 elemental PN diets: 1) low arginine and low methionine (Low Arg&Met), 2) low arginine and methionine plus GAA, 3) low arginine and methionine plus creatine, 4) high arginine and high methionine (High Arg&Met), or 5) low arginine with high methionine plus GAA (Met&GAA). After 7 d of feeding, a primed, constant infusion of [3H‐methyl]‐methionine was intravenously infused for 4 h and label incorporation in transmethylation products (creatine, phosphatidylcholine, DNA) and protein were measured. Both High Arg&Met and Met&GAA pigs had greater daily weight gain compared to GAA‐ and creatine‐supplemented pigs (p < 0.05), indicating methionine was deficient in low methionine groups. Moreover, 72‐h nitrogen retention was significantly greater in High Met&Arg and Met&GAA pigs compared to GAA (p < 0.05). These results suggest that because methionine is heavily transmethylated in the neonatal piglet, excess methionine is needed to promote protein synthesis and increase growth. As expected, plasma methionine and arginine concentrations were significantly higher in High Met&Arg compared to Low Arg&Met, GAA and creatine treatments (p < 0.05). Plasma levels of ornithine were significantly higher and glutamine levels were significantly lower in High Met&Arg compared to all other treatments (p < 0.05) suggesting urea cycle metabolism was limited in the low arginine groups. Hepatic fractional synthetic rate of creatine was ~30–40% higher in High Met&Arg and Met&GAA pigs, suggesting creatine synthesis was limited by precursor availability. These results also suggest that PN supplementation of GAA requires excess levels of methionine to facilitate transmethylation to creatine. These results suggest that arginine or GAA is needed to adequately synthesize creatine in PN‐fed piglets, but only when sufficient methionine is fed to provide methyl groups. Moreover, it is clear that the methionine and arginine requirements during PN feeding need to accommodate creatine synthesis.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Janeway Research Foundation
Effect of β‐Hydroxy β‐methylbutyric acid on macrophage polarization
Authors: Mu Wei‐Chieh , Grant Ryan W
Published: November 2023

β‐Hydroxy β‐methylbutyric acid (HMB) is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine and can be detected in the circulation at low μM levels during fasting. HMB exerts metabolic effects by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation and it also protects skeletal muscle by promoting protein synthesis and suppressing protein degradation. Macrophages make up a crucial part of innate immune system, and growing evidence suggests that they are responsive to the metabolic environment and its dysregulation which occurs with obesity, diabetes and aging. Macrophages are often classified as being pro‐inflammatory M1‐like and anti‐inflammatory M2‐like. Here, we used THP‐1 macrophages to investigate the effect of HMB on macrophage polarization. Macrophages were differentiated with PMA (M0) and then polarized to M1 or M2. Cells were stimulated with IFNγ and LPS for M1 polarization, and were stimulated with IL‐4 for M2 polarization. TNF mRNA modestly decreased (p=0.05) in M1 macrophages and IL‐10 mRNA increased (p<0.05) in M2 macrophages after co‐treatment with 5 μM HMB for 24 hours during polarization. These results suggest that low concentrations of HMB may play a modest role in modulating macrophage gene expression in response to polarizing cytokines.
Predictive modeling of child obesity according to salt‐sensitive genes and sodium intakes in Korean children; the 3 year‐Panel Study
Authors: Park Jiae , Bak Sujeong , Park Soyoung , Lee Myoungsook
Published: November 2023

Goals

This study was performed to predict obesity in Korean children according to the sodium intake and 9 salt‐sensitive genes(GRK4 A142V, SLC12A3, CYP11β‐2, GRK4 A486V, NEDD4L, AGT M235T, GNB3 C285T, ADD1 G460W, ACE) selected from GWAS.

Methods

In 2007(n=1091) and 2009(n=1045), 2,136 Korean children aged 9 years were recruited from 8 elementary schools in Seoul, and 979(45.83%) of total subjects were followed‐up at 12 years old in 2010 and 2012. Chi‐square test, Student's unpaired t‐test and Student's paired t‐test were used to compare the differences between obesity(OB) and non‐OB or before and after 3 years. Tests for Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium for each SNPs were conducted by comparing the observed and expected genotype frequencies with Chi‐square test. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile and energy‐adjusted sodium intake was used by residual methods as sodium intake in each year.

Results

Among the non‐OB children aged 9, the indicators such as waist, HDLc, retinol, vit B2 and cholesterol intakes were significantly different between OB and non‐OB children at 12 years old. The average differences of sodium intakes were not significant between OB and non‐OB. However, the obesity prevalence was significantly lower in lowest quintile(Q1) of sodium intake than that in group of 2nd to 5th quintile(Q2–Q5).(p=0.008) The relative frequencies of OB including overweight were significantly higher in Hetero & Mutant of NEDD4L than that in wild genotypes.(p=0.02) No other genes were found the differences in frequencies of OB or non‐OB among their genotypes.

Conclusions

The non‐OB children, aged 9 years old, sustained non‐OB at 12 years old tend to reduce sodium intake considerably and wild type of NEDD4L was profoundly frequent in those children. Wild genotype of NEDD4L and reduction of sodium intake might be associated with prevention of obesity in Korean children. In future, our panel data may be applied for the individualized obesity prediction model to reduce children obesity.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) grant funded by the Korea government(MEST) (NRF‐2015R1A2A1A11049611) and This work is supported by Korea Food Research Institute.
Consuming Iron‐Biofortified Pearl Millet Improves Measures of Free‐Living Physical Activity in Indian School Children
Authors: Luna Sarah Victoria , Denvir Brendan , Udipi Shobha A , Ghugre Padmini S , Przybyszewski Eric M , Haas Jere D
Published: November 2023

Background

Iron deficiency is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in the world and has negative effects on physical performance. The impact of iron deficiency and repletion on free‐living physical activity is less well understood due to inherent difficulties associated with its measurement.

Objective

To examine the efficacy of a six‐month iron biofortified pearl millet intervention on improving measures of free‐living physical activity in iron depleted Indian school children aged 12–16 years.

Methods

Physical activity data were collected from the children using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers for one week at baseline and endline (six months). Energy expenditure was calculated in metabolic equivalents (METs) from accelerometer counts using Crouter's refined two‐regression model after filtering out nonwear time. Mixed regression models with repeated measures were used to analyze the treatment by time interaction using data from all days at baseline and endline. Outcome variables include steps and number of minutes spent in sedentary behaviors (MET=1), light activity (MET 1–3), and moderate‐to‐vigorous activity (MET >3).

Results

Data from 134 Indian students were analyzed by gender accounting for nonwear time. For boys, significant treatment‐by‐time interactions in the expected directions were found for the minutes spent in sedentary behaviors (p<0.001), light activity (p=0.004), and moderate‐vigorous activity (p=0.012). For girls, significant treatment‐by‐time interactions were found for the number of steps taken (p=0.020), minutes spent in sedentary behaviors (p=0.009), and minutes spent in light activity (p=0.005). Additionally, girls in the biofortified pearl millet group significantly increased the average number of steps per day from 6487 at baseline to 7326 at endline (839 steps; p=0.022).

Conclusion

Consuming iron‐biofortified pearl millet improved measures of free‐living physical activity in Indian school children.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by Harvest Plus
Improvements in Electrophysiological Measures of Brain Function During Memory Processing in Rwandan Women Consuming Iron Biofortified Beans
Authors: Wenger Michael J , Rhoten Stephanie E , Scott Samuel P , Murray‐Kolb Laura E , Lung'aho Mercy G , Gahutu Jean‐Bosco , Haas Jere D
Published: November 2023

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia have been shown to have negative effects on behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) measures of cognitive function, with many of these being reversible with timely repletion. We report here results from a randomized, controlled, double‐blind efficacy feeding trial testing the hypothesis that iron repletion would produce improvements in measures of brain function during cognitive tasks. Participants (healthy females, 18–27 yrs, n = 239) screened for low iron status, were randomized to groups that consumed either a high‐iron‐biofortified (BB) or a normal‐iron bean (CN) for 20 weeks. A subsample (n = 47) performed tests of attention and memory with concurrent EEG at baseline (BL) and endline (EL). A total of 29 participants had depleted iron stores (serum ferritin < 20 mg/L) and were non‐anemic, and 18 were iron depleted and anemic (serum ferritin < 20 mg/L and hemoglobin < 12 g/dL). We focus here on the BL and EL EEG data from the recognition memory task. Participants studied a set of images and were tested with equal numbers of studied (old) and unstudied (new) images, presented at test with 2, 3, or 4 cues. Dependent measures were the amplitude and latency of the P2 component (the earliest EEG feature that distinguishes old and new items), along with power in the θ‐ (4–7 Hz) and γ‐bands (> 30 Hz), which have been shown to distinguish old and new items and to index effortful attention in recall. Data were analyzed using 2 (time: BL, EL) by 2 (condition: CN, BB) repeated‐measures analyses of variance, run separately for new and old items. In addition, each dependent measure was regressed onto number of cues and condition, separately for new and old items at BL and EL. Significant (all p < .05) time by condition interactions were obtained for P2 latencies for the new items, and for the P2 amplitudes and latencies, θ‐band power in the central electrodes, and γ‐band power in the frontal electrodes for the old items. Increases were observed for P2 amplitudes and θ‐ and γ‐band power, decreases were observed for P2 latencies, and all changes were largest for those consuming BB. Significant (all R2 > 0.15) effects of number of cues were obtained for old items at BL for γ‐band power in frontal and central electrodes, and for old items at EL for all of the dependent measures, with the effects being largest for those consuming BB. Increasing number of cues produced increases in P2 amplitudes, decreases in P2 latencies, and increases in θ‐ and γ‐band power, with those increases being largest for those consuming BB. Taken together, these results suggest that the consumption of BB improves brain function in the service of memory.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by Harvest Plus.
Impact of Processing on the Stability and Bioaccessibility of Provitamin A Carotenoids in Biofortified Cassava Roots (Manihot esculanta, Crantz)
Authors: Aragon Ingrid , Dufour Dominique , Escobar Andres Felipe , Calle Fernando , Ceballos Hernan , Ferruzzi Mario G
Published: November 2023

Carotenoid content in cassava roots has been increased through biofortification programs as a strategy to combat vitamin A deficiency. However, incorporation of biofortified cassava into both traditional and industrial food processing has yet to be fully assessed. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of fermentation and thermal processing on the stability and bioaccessibility of pro‐vitamin A carotenoids from distinct biofortified cassava roots.

Non‐fermented (N‐F) and fermented (F) flours were produced from 10 cassava cultivars (GM4414‐5, GM4571‐3, SM3757‐75, SM3758‐43, SM3762‐15, GM5194‐5, GM5194‐13, GM5212‐6, SM3767‐84 and SM3774‐24). Non‐fermented flours were produced by washing, peeling, grating and oven‐drying roots at 40 °C during 2 days. Fermented flours were produced by pressing wet grated cassava roots and allowing for spontaneously fermentation at RT over 2 days. Two cultivars (SM3762‐15 and SM3767‐84) were selected for production of Gari (G), by toasting of ferments at 150–160 °C during 15–20 min. Test porridges were made from N‐F, F and G flours (22.2 % W/V) in boiling water for 5 min. Bioaccessibility of provitamin A carotenoids was then evaluated from finished products using an three‐stage in vitro digestion model.

Overall, cassava cultivars contained 23.1–42.7 μg β‐carotene equivalents (β‐CE) / g on dry weight bases (DW). β‐CE retention after fermentation was 72.5–96.6%; after oven‐drying were 18.3–77.5% and 45.8–80.4% for N‐F and F roots, respectively; after toasting in Gari preparation was 67.3–69.2%; after cooking in porridge preparations were 42.5–74.5%, 20.7–77.3% and 87.2–115.3% for N‐F, F and G flours, respectively. Cassava flours, which involved fermentation showed higher β‐CE retention (p=0.007) during oven‐drying compared with N‐F flours. However, no significant differences were found in β‐CE retention during porridge preparation (p=0.905).

Test porridges made from N‐F, F and G flours ranged from 39–309, 58–343 and 223–323 μg β‐CE / 100 g FW, respectively. Bioaccessibility ranged widely from 3.3–56.9 μg β‐CE / 100 g FW with bioaccessible content among the cultivars within the porridges groups ranging from 3.3–43.4, 3.66–21.4 and 20.3–56.9 μg / 100 g FW for N‐F, F and G flours, respectively. In general, bioaccessible β‐CE content from porridges prepared with N‐F and F flours were similar with levels of 14.5 ±4.2 and 12.7 ±1.8 μg / 100 g FW, (p = 0.700). Select cassava cultivars showed improved bioaccessibility of β‐CE content with the fermentation process, these results suggest that genotype factor and/or another factors in the matrix merit further investigation as they may play a significant role in facilitating bioaccessibility of carotenoids from biofortified cassava products.

Support or Funding Information

Funding provided by Colciencias and the Purdue University Agricultural Research Programs
Efficacy of Lycopene to Improve Cardiac Ionic Balance Disturbance in Mice Exposed to Atrazine
Authors: Li Jinlong , Lin Jia , Qin Lei , Xia Jun , Zhu Shiyong , Du Zhenghai , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2023

Lycopene (LYC) establishes cardiovascular disease (CVD) preventive effects. Atrazine (ATR), one of the most widely‐used herbicide in the whole world, has been demonstrated to cause circulatory disturbance in poisoned animals. We recently reported that LYC protects against ATR‐induced hepatic ionic homeostasis disturbance (J Nutr Biochem. Doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.09.009). To better understand the relationship of LYC‐chemoprevention and ATR‐induced cardiotoxicity via cardiac ionic balance disturbance, the male kunming mice were treated with ATR (50 or 200 mg/kg body weight, daily) and/or LYC (5 mg/kg body weight, daily) by intragastric administration for 7, 14, and 21 days. The histopathological and biochemical analysis, ionic concentration (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ content), ATPases (Na+‐K+‐ATPase, Ca2+‐ATPase, Mg2+‐ATPase, Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase) activities were assessed to determine their effects on isolated mice heart. The results revealed that ATR caused the decreases of creatine kinase (CK) activities and histological changes. LYC pretreatment significantly protected heart against ATR caused alternation. Serum Na+ content increased in ATR‐treated groups. K+ level significantly increased in serum but significantly decreased were observed in the heart. And Ca2+ and Mg2+ content significantly increased in the heart without significant change in serum. In the LYC+ ATR animals, the changes caused by ATR on ionic concentration were normalised to near the control values. ATR increased cardiac ATPases activities at 7 days and decreased these ATPases activities at 14, 21 days. It was not observed that significant effect of ATR and LYC on the cardiac ATPases activities. A significant change of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ content and decrease of Na+‐K+‐ATPase and Ca2+‐ATPase activity was observed in the ATR‐treated mice at 14, 21 days. Notably, LYC modulated these ATR‐induced alterations of ATPase activity. In summary, LYC at the investigated doses may protect against ATR‐induced ionic disorder and cardiac dysfunction in mice by regulates ATPases’ activities.

Support or Funding Information

China Special Project of International Technology Cooperation and Exchanges (2013DFG62260); China Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NECT‐1207‐02); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2012T50301); Science Foundation of the Education Department of Heilongjiang Province (12511031), Academic Backbone Project of Northeast Agricultural University (15XG16) and University Science and Technology Innovation Team Construction Projects of Heilongjiang Province (2013TD003).
Thymic involution beyond water‐soluble silicon consumption
Authors: Gordova Valentina , Sergeeva Valentina
Published: November 2023

Recently we have shown that water‐soluble silicon compounds induced functional activation of monocyte/macrophage‐ and antigen‐presenting cells in the rat thymic lobules. Long‐time consumption of silicon‐containing compounds can trigger the autoimmune disorders.

The physiological age‐dependent involution of the thymus associated with reorganization of stromal cell composition and resulted in replacement of thymic tissue with fat.

The aim of present study was to determine a possible influence of water‐soluble silicon compounds ‐ sodium metasilicate ‐ on the morphological changings of thymic cytoreticulum.

We analyzed thymus of white outbred 6 weeks old male rats. The control group (n=10) got standardized drinking water ad libitum. The experimental group received ad libitum the same water containing sodium metasilicate (10 mg/liter silicon content) for 2 months. Isolated thymic tissues were embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. Images of thymic structures were performed under ×1000 magnification using light microscope MIKMED 5 and collected for further morphometric evaluation with Sigma Scan Pro 5.0 software. The volume of fat cells and size of nuclei were measured in five identical fields of view only in those thymic lobules, which have totally loose the cortical and medullar lymphocytes.

Morphometrical analysis revealed that 15–20% of the thymic lobule size was consisting of lymphocyte‐loosed fields and was similar in both groups. The mean size of nuclei in those thymic areas of experimental animals was 10.26±0.24 μm2 and the mean size of the fat cells −95.80±7.91 μm2, while the corresponding fields in the control group were 11.19±0.23 and 73.95±6.25 μm2, respectively. The thymic lymphocyte‐loosed areas from silicon‐treated rats contained significantly (p<0.05) higher number of fat cell in comparison to the control group (88.03±10.33 versus 47.16±4.27 cells per 0.04 mm2), but the nuclei number of thymic cytoreticular cells was definitely (p<0.05) lower than in the control group (100.71±4.32 versus 118.64±4.09). These findings demonstrat that the long‐time consumption of water‐soluble silicon has impact on the redistribution of number and size of thymic adipocytes.

Overall, the present study show that silicon, delivered with drinking water contribute the thymic involution in rodent. This fact may in part explain the role of water‐soluble silicon compounds in the development of autoimmune diseases.
STUDY OF HEMATOPOIESIS IN PROTEIN RESTRICTION: CHARACTERIZATION OF BONE MARROW STROMAL CELLS
Authors: Santos Ed Wilson Batista , Dias Carolina , Silva Graziela Batista , Oliveira Dalila Cunha , Beltran Jackeline Soares Oliveira , Hastreiter Araceli Batista , Paredes‐Gamero Edgar Julian , Borelli Primavera Batista
Published: November 2023

Background

Protein Restriction (PR) results in pathological changes that are associated with bone marrow (BM) hypoplasia and alterations in the BM microenvironment, with changes of extracellular matrix components, impairing cell cycle, reducing the production of precursors both erythroid and leukocytes, leading to anemia and leukopenia. As bone marrow stroma is important for hematopoiesis we evaluated establishment of bone marrow stroma, as well the proliferation, differentiation and maturation.

Material and Methods

Bone marrow cells from C57BL/6 mice at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of culture were used. Characterization of bone marrow populations and the kinetics of stromal establishment were performed by immunophenotyping and stain of cells (oil red, alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase).

Results

Long‐term bone marrow culture (LTBMC) was altering the patern, decreasing the number of hematopoietic (erythroid, megakaryocyte and granulocyte) cells, but maintaining percentage of monocytes/macrophages, and hematopoietic stem cells. On other hand, increase of percentage of adipocytes and osteoblasts were observed.

Conclusion

PM produces changes in stromal cellularity of LTBMC, which can lead to alterations in the homeostasis and maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell.

Support or Funding Information

This work was financially supported by the Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP 2012/24505‐1). E.W.S. was supported by a fellowship from CNPq (160959/2015‐2).
Effects of obesity and soy protein diet on feed intake and serum leptin level in Female Zucker rats
Authors: Hakkak Reza , Bell Andrea , Korourian Soheila
Published: November 2023

The obesity epidemic in the United States grows as the number of overweight and obese adults continues to rise. Several studies suggest health benefits from soy consumption that reduce cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. However, we previously reported that obese rats fed a soy protein diet had greater body weight gain than obese casein fed rats. To understand the physiologic mechanisms responsible, this study's objective was to assess the effects of a soy protein diet on feed intake and serum leptin levels. Lean and obese 5‐week old female Zucker rats (n=34) were randomly assigned to a semi‐purified diet similar to AIN93G containing 18.8% kcal as 1) casein or 2) soy protein for 8 weeks. Ad libitum feed intake and body weight gain were measured once a week for 8 weeks. Serum leptin level was measured by ELISA at the end of the experiment. Our results show obesity caused a significant (p<0.001) increase in body weight for both diets, and furthermore, obese soy fed rats had higher weight gain than obese casein fed rats (p<0.001; obese soy =56.8% increase from baseline; obese casein=47.5% increase from baseline). The average feed intakes (kcal/kg of body weight/day) at the beginning of the experiment were: 1) lean casein, 346 kcal/kg; 2) lean soy, 344 kcal/kg; 3) obese casein, 344 kcal/kg; and 4) obese soy, 333 kcal/kg. At the end of the experiment the average kcal/kg/day for both lean casein and lean soy fed rats was the same (232 kcal/kg); averages for obese casein and obese soy fed rats were 178 kcal/kg and 184 kcal/kg respectively. There were no significant differences between kcal/kg/day at the beginning and the end of the experiment for obese casein compared to obese soy fed rats. Overall, obesity caused a significantly different (p<0.05) overall 8‐week average kcal/kg intake between lean casein rats (272 ± 53) and obese casein rats (241± 61). The 8‐week average kcal/kg intake between lean casein (272 ± 53) and lean soy (279 ± 46) was not significantly different (p=0.21), but the overall 8‐week average kcal/kg intake between obese casein (241± 61) and obese soy (267 ±71) was significantly different (p<0.05). Obesity increased serum leptin levels (p<0.001) for both diets. However the serum leptin level for obese casein fed rats was not significantly (p<0.06) different than of obese soy fed rats. In summary, while our results show there were no significant differences between kcal/kg intake at the beginning or end of the experiment for both diets, the obese soy group had a significantly higher overall kcal/kg intake compared to the obese casein group, which can account for the increased body weight by obese soy fed rats.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by CUMG and ABI to RH.
Multiple vitamins, not glutamine‐supplemented resuscitation fluid improves intestinal integrity and alters systemic inflammatory mediators in rats with trauma‐hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Lin Yu Hsin , Lo Hui‐Chen , Su Tzu‐Cheng
Published: November 2023

Hemorrhagic shock is the major cause of death in trauma for the extensive blood loss may result in systemic and local deficits of energy and oxygen. Stop bleeding and resuscitation is the major life saving strategy; however, resuscitation may augment oxidative stress which leads to systemic inflammation, multiple organ failure, and even death. Recent studies indicated that antioxidant vitamins and energy metabolism‐associated vitamins may alleviate oxidative stress and elevate energy synthesis. In addition, glutamine is a major source of energy for immune cells and enterocytes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of single and combined supplementations of multiple vitamins and glutamine on systemic inflammation and intestinal damage in rats with trauma‐hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (THR). Male SD rats were divided into 7 groups including a normal control group, an intubation sham‐operated group, and 5 groups with 5 cm midline laparotomy and catheterization in the left carotid artery and right jugular vein (i.e., THR rats). In THR rats, the blood was withdrawn from the carotid artery within 10 min until a mean arterial pressure was 30 to 35 mmHg. After maintained with low blood pressure for 60 minutes, THR rats were resuscitated with shed blood plus 3‐fold volume of lactate Ringer's (LR) solution or plus equal volume of LR solutions with or without L‐alanyl‐L‐glutamine, multiple vitamins, or L‐alanyl‐L‐glutamine plus multiple vitamins within 10 min. The sham‐operated rats and THR rats that resuscitated with equal volume of LR solutions were further infused with continuous, slow rate of different LR solutions for 42 hours. The results showed that THR rats with equal volume of LR had significantly increased glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase and decreased complete blood counts and plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity; and those with 3‐fold volume of LR had significantly increased serum cholesterol and plasma nitrate/nitrite and decreased plasma MPO activity compared to the normal control and sham‐operated rats. In THR rats, vitamins and/or glutamine supplementations significantly decreased plasma interferon‐gamma; vitamins significantly decreased serum albumin and increased plasma interleukin‐10 and improved plasma MPO activity; and vitamins with or without glutamine significantly increased crypt depth and muscularis thickness in the jejunum and decreased thymus weight. Taken together, supplementation of vitamins, not glutamine, in the resuscitation fluids may improve intestinal integrity and alter systemic inflammatory mediators but not improve nutrition status in THR rats. In conclusion, multiple vitamins may be a clinical useful therapy for patients suffered with trauma‐hemorrhagic shock.

Support or Funding Information

NSC 102‐2320‐B‐030‐005‐MY3
Prebiotics and β‐Glucan Affect Jejunal and Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Affinity in Weanling Pigs
Authors: Hayhoe Mychal‐Ann N , Archbold Tania , Fan Ming Z
Published: November 2023

Biological mechanisms of dietary supplementation of prebiotics and β‐glucan in modulation of health status need further clarification. Given the recognized role of alkaline phosphatases (AP) in detoxification of endotoxin lipopolysaccharides (LPS), we hypothesized that dietary supplementation of three prebiotics and β‐glucan in modulation of health status was mediated through affecting alkaline phosphatase functionality such as maximal enzyme activity (Vmax) and enzyme affinity (Km). This study was conducted to determine effects of dietary supplementation of three prebiotics and β‐glucan at 0.75% instead of feed antibiotics on growth performance, blood urea concentration, fecal scores, jejunal and serum AP kinetics and large intestinal fermentation in weanling piglets fed corn and soybean meal (SBM)‐based diets. Six experimental diets were formulated with corn, SBM and fishmeal as the bulk ingredients. This includes Diet 1, a negative control (NC) of the basal diet with no supplemental feed antibiotics and no tested supplements; Diet 2, a positive control (PC) of the basal diet with supplemental feed antibiotics but no other tested supplements; Diet 3, a retrograded resistant corn starch supplementation of the basal diet with no supplemental feed antibiotics; Diet 4, an oat β‐glucan supplementation of the basal diet with no supplemental feed antibiotics; Diet 5, a Fibersol‐2 supplementation of the basal diet with no supplemental feed antibiotics; and Diet 6, an inulin supplementation of the basal diet with no supplemental feed antibiotics. A total of 216 piglets, 21 d old, with an initial body weight of 7.0 kg, were fed 1 of the 6 diets for 21 d in three study blocks according to a completely randomized block design. Dietary supplementation of the three prebiotics and β‐glucan did not significantly affect growth performance and main intestinal fermentation endpoints. Dietary supplementation of β‐glucan in Diet 4 increased (P<0.05) the wk 1–3 overall fecal score compared with the NC diet. Fibersol‐2 in Diet 5 and inulin in Diet 6 reduced (P<0.05) the Vmax of the proximal jejunal AP compared with the NC diet. The Vmax of serum AP was different (P<0.05) between the β‐glucan Diet 4 and the PC diet. Dietary supplementation of Fibersol‐2 in Diet 5 and β‐glucan in Diet 4 increased the AP affinity by about 1 fold compared with the NC diet. Serum AP affinity Km values were at least 10‐fold higher than the Km values of the jejunal AP, suggesting that the proximal jejunal AP is potentially much more efficient than the serum AP in detoxification of endotoxin LPS. Dietary supplementation of the three prebiotics and oat β‐glucan at 0.75% had little effects on growth performance but might affect the gut and whole body health status via influencing the AP detoxification kinetics in the weanling pig.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the NSERC Discovery and the OMAFRA‐University Partnership Programs.
Intrauterine Nutrient Restriction Programs Impaired Endothelial Function Associated With Functional Dysfunction in Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: de Oliveira Vanessa Aparecida , Silva Sebastião Donato , de Souza Livia Victorino , Fernandes Tiago , Akamine Eliana Hiromi , de Carvalho Maria Helena Catelli , de Oliveira Edilamar Menezes , Michelini Lisete Compagno , do Carmo Pinho Franco Maria
Published: November 2023

Objective

This investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of intrauterine nutrient restriction in both, vascular reactivity and functional capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in adult male offspring.

Methods

The procedures bellow were approved by Ethics Committee of Federal University of São Paulo (836880). Pregnant Wistar Rats received to Ad libitum or 50% of Ad libitum diet throughout gestation. At birth, pups were weighted. Adult male offspring from both groups (20 weeks of age) were submitted to femoral artery cannulation to register arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Vascular reactivity were performed by concentration‐response curves to Acetylcholine (ACh: 10−9M‐3×10−5M) and to Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP: 10−9M‐10−6M) in thoracic aorta rings. In addition, protein expression of eNOS phosphorylated in serine1177 by western blotting, and Nitric oxide concentration by NO Analyzer were investigated in thoracic aorta. Circulating EPCs number were characterized as CD34+VEGFR2+ cells in flow cytometer. The functional capacity of circulating EPCs was assessed in vitro by the colony‐forming unit assays. Results are show as mean ± EPM, test t de student were used.

Results

Body weight at birth (Control: 7.01±0.34g vs. Restricted: 4.3±0.08g), confirmed that Intrauterine nutrient restriction leads to intrauterine growth restriction. Intrauterine nutrient restriction did not programed alterations neither in mean arterial blood pressure (Control: 118±3mmHg vs. Restricted: 109±2mmHg), nor in heart rate (Control: 355±13 bpm vs. Restricted: 343±4 bpm). Restricted group exhibited reduction in maximal vascular response to ACh (Control: 92.18±2.7% vs. Restricted: 65.04±4.4%), but normal NPS‐induced vasodilation (Control: 98.45±2.38% vs Restricted: 93.97±2.64%) in aorta rings. Thoracic aorta from restricted offspring showed similar levels in protein expression of eNOS phosphorylated compared to control group (Control: 1.16±0.05 vs. Restricted: 1.05±0.01), on the order hand a reduction in NO concentration were observed (Control: 426.2±63.03μM/mg vs Restricted: 217.8±18.22 μM/mg). In addition, we found that circulating EPCs number was not altered by intrauterine nutrient restriction (Control: 0.008±0.0019 % vs. Restricted: 0.007± 0.0009%), but the number of colony‐forming unit was reduced (Control: 7.75±0.97 vs. Restricted: 3.80±0.82).

Conclusion

Our data suggests that intrauterine nutrient restriction programs endothelial dysfunction in adult offspring, which can be associated in part with reduction in NO concentration and impairment in EPCs functional capacity.

Support or Funding Information

FAPESP
Anti‐inflammatory Effect of Black Adzuki Bean in High Fat Diet Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Yook Jin‐Seon , Kim Mina , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Cha Youn‐Soo
Published: November 2023

High‐fat diet induced obesity promotes low‐grade inflammation and becomes root cause for several metabolic diseases. Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis), has been reported to possess several health benefits including anti‐obesity and anti‐inflammatory effects. Our recent study elucidated that black adzuki bean (BAB) was effective in inhibiting adipogenic process in cell lines and regulating appetite in rodents. Hyperphagia triggers hypertrophy of adipocytes leading to inflammation. As our previous study suggested that BAB regulate appetite in rodents; therefore, we hypothesized that the intake of black adzuki bean may improve obesity induced inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory role of BAB on high fat diet induced obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups: Normal Diet (ND), High‐fat Diet (HD), High‐fat diet with 1% BAB extract (BAB), High‐fat diet with 0.08% Kaempferol (Kfr). After the completion of 12 weeks of treatment, several parameters including body composition and inflammatory markers were examined. The body weight, fat and liver weight were significantly lower in BAB and Kfr treated groups compared to HD group. In addition, parameters related to the inflammation were also improved in BAB and Kfr treated groups. Alterations of body composition and lowered pro‐inflammatory cytokines suggested that BAB might have anti‐inflammatory effects against high‐fat induced obesity in mice.
Prevalence of Staphylococcal Diarrhea in some Developing African Countries
Authors: Einstein George P , Tulp Orien L , Oyesile T C , Obidi O F
Published: November 2023

Background

Staphylococcal diarrhea is a common gastro intestinal illness caused majorly by poor water supply and unhygienic food preparation. Although, about 70% of diarrheal cases per year have been attributed to the consumption of contaminated foods, in Africa, few studies have reported the incidence of Staphylococcus‐related diarrhea and the implicated virulence factors.

Objectives

To investigate the implications of common factors such as enterotoxin production, enzyme production, inadequate sanitary conditions, type of food and use of antibiotics on the burden of staphylococcal diarrhea.

Methods

A literature search was performed using Pubmed, Googlescholar, American society for microbiology (ASM) journals and other sources. The quality of studies was assessed. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the occurrence of staphylococcus aureus amongst other causes were extracted. For each study, a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the adjusted odds ratio was performed to identify the risk factors on the burden of staphylococcal diarrhea.

Findings

Seven case‐control studies were included in the meta–analysis. Quality of individual studies rages from 0.57–0.84 (median, 0.69). Meta‐analysis based on burden of staphylococcal diarrhea gave pooled odds ratios 3.27 (95% CI; 2.88–4.17). The results identified inadequate sanitary conditions and type of foods as the risk factors for the burden of staphylococcal diarrhea in Africa.

Conclusion

Improved personal and environmental hygiene should be intensified through health education to enhance good living conditions.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Institutional Resources of USAT, the Einstein Institute and the University of Lagos
Effect of Vitamin D Fortified Cheese on Oral Glucose Tolerance in Individuals Exhibiting Marginal Vitamin D Status and an Increased Risk for Developing Type 2 Diabetes: A Double‐Blind, Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Moreira‐Lucas Tracy S , Duncan Alison M , Rabasa‐Lhoret Remi , Vieth Reinhold , Gibbs Alison , Badawi Alaa , Wolever Thomas MS
Published: November 2023

Epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D may play a role in glucose metabolism and homeostasis, and that it maybe particularly important for individuals at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

We conducted a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial to examine the effects of 28,000 IU of vitamin D3 given in cheese once per week versus placebo on the 2hr oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and measures of insulin sensitivity, secretion and β‐cell function.

Study Design

Potential participants were identified as being at an increased risk for developing diabetes using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire. Participants who were vitamin D deficient (serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin‐D [25(OH)D] ≤65nmol/L) and who had elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between 5.4 and 6.4% and/or fasting glucose between 5.6 and 6.9 mmol/L were randomized to receive 28,000 IU of vitamin D3 or placebo (20 IU) once weekly for a period of 24 weeks. The primary outcome of interest was the difference in plasma glucose 2hr after an OGTT between baseline and 24 wks. Secondary outcomes include fasting glucose, fasting and postprandial insulin and indices of insulin sensitivity (Matsuda Index), secretion (insulinogenic index), β–cell function (ISSI‐2) and long‐term glycemic status (HbA1c). Data were analyzed by intention‐to‐treat.

Results

Seventy‐one participants (mean age 47.4) were randomized and sixty‐three completed the trial. Supplementation produced a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D in the vitamin D group (n= 35) versus placebo (n=36) (103.6±36.5 vs. 46.4±18.9 nmol/ L, p <0.0001). After 24 wks of supplementation 74% of participants in the vitamin D group achieved 25(OH)D levels ≥75nmol/Lvs6% in the placebo group. Supplementation produced no significant improvements in fasting (p=0.89) and glucose 2hr after the OGTT (p= 0.88), fasting (p= 0.28) and postprandial (p= 0.77) insulin, HbA1c (p=0.34), HOMA‐IR (p= 0.32), Matsuda Index (p=0.72), and ISS1‐2 (p=0.86).

Conclusion

Weekly doses of 28,0000 IU of vitamin D3 for 24 wks in a group of multi‐ethnic, vitaminD–deficient individuals identified as being at high risk for developing T2DMdid not improve oral glucose tolerance, insulinsensitivity, β–cell function or HbA1c.

Support or Funding Information

Research funded by the Dairy Farmers of Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 Modulate the Expression of Myosin Heavy Chain Isoforms in C2C12 Cells during Early Differentiation Stage
Authors: Park Min Young , Kim Jonggun , Whang Kwang‐Youn
Published: November 2023

In our previous study, dietary 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) supplementation changed the composition of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms in rat skeletal muscle. To confirm the same effect of 25OHD3 in vitro, an experiment was conducted using C2C12 mouse myoblast. C2C12 cells were seeded at a density of 3×105 cells/mL. When the cells reached at 90 % confluence, myoblast was differentiated into myotube by switching to differentiation media (2% horse serum) containing 0.1 % ethanol (control), 10 nM vitamin D3 (D3), 10 nM 25OHD3, or 0.1 nM 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) for 48 hours. Relative gene expression levels of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, the genes related to oxidative metabolism, and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were determined. The number of viable cells did not differ among treatments. Relative gene expression level of MHC I was increased 2.7, 5.7, and 7.5 times in the D3, 25OHD3, and 1,25(OH)2D3‐treated cells, respectively (p<0.05). Transcript level of MHC IIx was comparable to that of MHC I as 2.4, 3.8, or 4.4 times increased in each of D3, 25OHD3, or 1,25(OH)2D3‐treated cells (p<0.05). In order to examine whether the changes of MHC I expression are related to the genes related to oxidative metabolism, transcript levels of NFATc1, PGC‐1α, and PPAR‐δ were also determined. D3 had no effects on the NFATc1, PGC‐1α, and PPAR‐δ expression. Fold changes of NFATc1 and PGC‐1α transcript level were significantly decreased in 1,25(OH)2D3 group compared to control group (0.5 and 0.3, p<0.05). PGC‐1α transcript level was also decreased in 25OHD3 group compared to control group (0.25, p<0.05), but NFATc1 was not affected. Gene expression level of PPAR‐δ did not differ among the treatments. Relative gene expression level of VDR was not affected by vitamin D treatments. For further analysis, transcript levels of 25OHD3 1α‐hydroxylase and vitamin D3 24‐hydroxylase transcript level were also determined. Transcript level of 25OHD3 1α‐hydroxylase, an enzyme to produce 1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D, was significantly diminished in 1,25(OH)2D3 group compared to other treatments. However, relative gene expression level of vitamin D3 24‐hydroxylase, which hydroxylates the active form of vitamin D to an inactive form, was significantly increased in both 25OHD3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 groups compared to control group (40.2 and 61.2, p<0.05). The present study demonstrate that 25OHD3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 affect the expression of MHC isoforms in C2C12 cells during early differentiation stage and possibly via mediating 25OHD3 1α‐hydroxylase and vitamin D3 24‐hydroxylase. Also, 25OHD3‐ and 1,25(OH)2D3‐mediated modulation of the genes related to oxidative metabolism in C2C12 cells during early differentiation might affect energy metabolism in fully differentiated myotubes.
Evaluating the Effect of Seizure Induction on Top of HFCD and/or Vitamin E Administration on the Levels of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Hippocampus
Authors: Hasan Zuheir A , Alzoubi Karem H
Published: November 2023

There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is a casual factor in different neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease and epilepsy. We have previously shown that consumption of High‐fat high‐carbohydrate diet (HFCD) induces oxidative stress, which results in hippocampal neuronal damage hence impairment of learning and memory, which was reversed by the antioxidant Vitamin E. The reported damage in the hippocampus caused by oxidative stress following consumption of HFCD could alter synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and may increase susceptibility to seizures. Recently, we showed that chronic consumption of HFCD increases, whereas Vitamin E decreases susceptibility to chemically induced seizures using the PTZ seizure threshold model in rats. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of seizure induction on top of HFCD and/or Vitamin E consumption on the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in the hippocampus. Male Wistar rats (250–300 gms) were randomly assigned into four groups: control, high‐fat high‐carbohydrate diet (HFCD), vitamin E (Vit E), and high‐fat high‐carbohydrate diet with vitamin E (HFCD + Vit E). Vitamin E and/or HFCD were concurrently administered to animals for 6 weeks. Thereafter, PTZ seizures were induced in half of the animals from each group, whereas the rest of the animals were kept as a control without seizure induction. Thirty minutes later, all animals were killed and hippocampus tissues were extracted for molecular analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers (GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG ratio, GPx, SOD, and catalase) using ELISA technique. Results revealed that PTZ seizures were associated with significant increases in oxidative stress biomarkers. These increases were amplified in rats consuming HFCD, whereas they were reduced in rats concurrently administered vitamin E. In rats chronically consuming HFCD and concurrently treated with vitamin E, PTZ seizures induced changes in oxidative stress biomarkers were similar to that in control animals. These data suggest that during the course of PTZ‐induced seizure, prolonged consumption of HFCD increases susceptibility to oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Such an effect is being normalized by concurrent administration of vitamin E.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Grants from Jordan University of Science and Technology and Arabian Gulf University