bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor is a repressor of colorectal cancer development induced by high‐fat diet in mice.
Authors: Garcia‐Villatoro Erika L , Davidson Laurie , Callaway Evelyn , Allred Kimberly , Hensel Martha , Jayaraman Arul , Safe Stephen , Chapkin Robert , Allred Clinton D
Published: November 2023

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in North America. A growing body of epidemiological data suggest that colon cancer risk is strongly associated with the onset of obesity. It has been shown that high‐fat diet (HFD) increases the number and function of intestinal stem cells and loss of tumor suppressor capacity, leading to the formation of colonic tumors. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor widely expressed in the intestinal epithelium and plays a major role in toxicant metabolism and mediation of gastrointestinal function. Likewise, the AhR is activated by components of the diet and congenic mouse strains for the AhR locus have shown that the AhR is involved in diet‐induced weight gain. Studies employing global AhR null mice model have exhibited increased numbers of colorectal tumors and intestinal inflammation; conversely, treatment with AhR‐agonists reversed this process. Thus, we hypothesized that loss of AhR confined to the intestinal epithelia would enhance the formation of premalignant lesions in the presence of a high‐fat diet. AhR tissue‐specific knockout mice (intestinal epithelium) were fed a high‐fat diet (60% kcal from fat) for 23 weeks. Colon carcinogenesis was chemically induced by six injections of Azoxymethane (AOM). 17 weeks post AOM treatment, risk of colon cancer was evaluated by quantifying the number and multiplicity of premalignant lesions (aberrant crypt foci‐ACF) in the colon. Additionally, tissue gene expression levels of AhR‐dependent targets and markers known to be involved in obesity and colonic carcinogenesis were measured via RNA‐Seq analysis. Our results demonstrate that deletion of AhR in the colonic epithelia significantly (P<0.05) increased the number of pre‐neoplastic lesions (ACF) compared to wild type control. Pathological analysis confirmed unique phenotypes in hepatic and spleen tissue in the presence of HFD. Gene expression levels of AhR target genes, and biomarkers of colonic carcinogenesis were assessed. Collectively, these data demonstrate the protective role of AhR against pre‐cancerous lesions in response to a high fat diet, and its role in regulation of AhR‐targets and colonic‐associated gene expression during cancer development.

Support or Funding Information

Funding provided by the NCI, NIEHS and the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas.
Food Security and International Migration: A comparative study of Asia, Middle East/North Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ebadi Narges , Ahmadi Davod , Sinclair Kate , Melgar‐Quinonez Hugo
Published: November 2023

International migration is a fast‐growing global phenomenon. It is influenced by various factors and the drivers are complex and varied. Research shows that migration can be triggered by poverty, food insecurity, inequality, poor income‐generating opportunities and increased competition for scarce land and water resources. Thus, for many, it is considered a necessary livelihood strategy. The main objective of this study was to explore the association between migration and food security status amongst various global regions, including Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Latin America Caribbean, and Sub‐Saharan Africa. Data collected face‐to‐face from the 2015 Gallup World Poll were used. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale within this dataset was used to categorize food security (food secure, mild food insecurity (FIS), moderate FIS, severe FIS). Different statistical analyses formed the basis this work. Firstly, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data for the population migration at the regional level. Secondly, logistic regression was used to explain the relationship between migration status and food security status, adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics including, gender, age, education, employment status, the area of residence (rural/urban), born in the country or not, household size, and personal health status. Results from the adjusted logistic regression revealed that food security is negatively associated with international migration. More specifically, being severely food insecure increased one's likelihood of international migration by 1.414 times. Additionally, results showed that being male (OR:1.283), being between 26 to 49 years of age (OR:2.365), being divorced/living separately (OR:1.397), being out of workforce (OR:1.303), having higher education (OR:2.133), having poor health status (OR=1.505), living in urban areas (OR:1.223) and having a large household size (OR:1.163) all significantly increased one's odds of international migration. Interestingly, being born in the country of origin decreased the likelihood of international migration (OR: 0.691). Finally, with regards to global region, the probability of being an international migrant was highest amongst individuals from Latin America Caribbean (OR: 2.101), and Sub‐Saharan Africa (OR: 1.997). It is clear that among factors contributing to international migration, food security plays a key role. The findings are consistent with previous studies concerning international migration in that gender, age, education and region (urban/rural) were all associated with migration.
The Prevalence of Food Insecurity Among Pregnant Women in a Community‐based Intervention Program
Authors: Nnakwe Nweze E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Food insecurity is practically a new approach and a more indicative measure of malnutrition. In Nigeria, despite various interventions in the past decades, malnutrition continues to be a serious public health problem and a contributing factor to high incidence of maternal and infant mortality. However, research studies on the frequency of food security in pregnant women especially in rural communities is limited.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant women who participated in a community‐based intervention program.

Method

Two hundred and forty eight pregnant women were recruited after they had enrolled in a community‐based prenatal intervention program. The participants gave oral consent to be in the study and received a note containing the name of trained nurses they contacted for debriefing. Data were collected for two years from participants who volunteered, using confidential questionnaire containing demographic characteristics. The participants also responded to a six‐question subscale out of the 18 question Food Security Module, developed by the USDA. The subscale addressed the following areas: (1) not having enough money to buy food for a balanced meal, (2) adults cutting the size of or skipping meals, (3) frequency of cutting or skipping meals, and (4) adults not eating for a whole day. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS computer software. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between literacy level, number of children in the household and food insecurity. Pearson Chi‐square was used to evaluate the differences between food insecurity levels.

Results

Ten percent of the respondents were marginally food secure, 20 % were food insecure and 70% were classified as very low food security at p<0.05. The participants who did not attend school were significantly food insecure than those had some education at p<0.001. In addition, participants with three or more children experienced more food insecurity than those with one of two children. This was statistically significant at p<0.05.

Conclusions

Food insecurity is prevalent among pregnant women and it is associated with those who did not attend school and the number of children in the household.
Container Gardens to Meet Vegetable Needs During Dry Season for Reproductive Age Women and Their Children in Northern Ghana
Authors: Kubuga Clement Kubreziga , Song SuJin , Kennedy Gina , Lee Kyung Won , Song Won O.
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity is very high in northern Ghana and the largest proportion of food insecure households is reported in Upper East region. The situation compounds high burden of malnutrition and notably endemic iron deficiency anemia which worsen during the prolonged dry season when staple nutrient‐rich vegetables (e.g. Hibiscus sabdariffa), cereals and legumes/pulse are limited. Inhabitants are largely subsistent farmers of low socioeconomic status; consume monotonous diets consisting of staple cereals, vegetables and legumes with no or little animal products. The Upper East region has a typical savannah woodland vegetation characterized by short scattered drought‐resistant trees and grass. It has two main seasons: a 7–8 mo dry season (October–April) and a 4–5 mo rainy season (May–September). We aimed to investigate the feasibility of producing widely consumed iron rich vegetables (Hibiscus sabdariffa) using container garden during the dry season to overcome limited irrigation capacity and access to land. We also investigated the feasibility of generating income to sustain the garden and purchasing micronutrient rich foods (dry fish and iodized salt). Fifty five women from a community based feeding trial were recruited in May 2016 and grouped by their respective communities for the garden containers: Sakaa (n=27) and Chania (n=28). Twenty containers/community were used for hibiscus sabdariffa production and 7 to 8 containers/community for income‐generating cabbage production. Containers were assembled in the respective community health centers and fenced. Each community had a small plastic water reservoir for water drawn from a community borehole for watering of vegetables. Groups were given training on container gardening by an experienced gardener. We demonstrated two harvesting cycles (4 wks and 8 wks) for hibiscus sabdariffa and one cycle (14 wks) for cabbage. Hibiscus was harvested by 48 kg and 46 kg in Sakaa (mean 2.3kg of hibiscus/container/cycle) and 34 kg and 33 kg in Chania (mean 1.7 kg of hibiscus/container/cycle). Cabbage heads were harvested by 75 pieces (Sakaa) and 58 pieces (Chania) for marketing to pre‐arranged buyers in food service sector and to the open markets. We found that one container is capable of providing mother‐child dyad at least 3 hibiscus meals/week and income from one container for cabbage could meet dyad's monthly needs for iodize salt and fish consumption. The results suggest that the container garden would be able to provide hibiscus sabdariffa in the dry season, provide dietary iron and income adequate enough to purchase iodized salt and dry fish.

Support or Funding Information

This study has been conducted with financial support from Michigan State University's Global Center for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI) and Borlaug Higher Education for Agricultural Research and Development (BHEARD).
Personal Health Index, Food Security Status and Social Capital Items: A study on women with young children (under 5) living in households with different levels of food security
Authors: Ahmadi Davod , Sinclair Kate , Melgar‐Quinonez Hugo , Helal Gabrielle , Ebadi Narges , Monteith Hiliary
Published: November 2023

Women's health and food security status are important issues, as they influence many aspects of not only the women's life but also that of her children and family. Despite many indicatives in recent decades many factors influencing health remain unknown. The main objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of the relationship between social capital, personal health and food security status among women with children under five around the world. Globally representative data from the 2014 Gallup World Poll was used. Descriptive, bivariate and a logistic regression were conducted. Results show that severely food insecure women were significantly more likely to live in rural areas and have lower education levels. Even when controlling for well‐established determinants of personal health, such as income, women with low social support and those who were food insecure were significantly more susceptible to and having poor health status. A more comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with food security and personal health will facilitate the development and implementation of effective policies around the world as we strive to eliminate hunger.
Association of Food insecurity and the nutritional status of Mexican mother‐child pairs
Authors: Shamah‐Levy Teresa , Mundo‐Rosas Verónica , Morales‐Ruan Carmen , Cuevas‐Nasu Lucia , Gómez–Humarán Ignacio Méndez , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: November 2023

Background

Household Food Insecurity (HFI) has been associated with overweight mothers and underweight children living in the same households. Adult obesity has been linked to both obesity and undernutrition in children.

Objective

to examine the association between HFI and child stunting risk and to determine if maternal‐child overweight/obesity modifies the relationship between HFI and stunting risk.

Methods

We assessed the association of HFI with the nutritional status of mothers and their <11‐year‐old children based on data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey in (ENSANUT 2012). The study included 5,087 mother‐preschool child pairs and 7,181 mother‐school aged child pairs. HFI was measured with the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). A multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the associations of interest adjusting for pertinent covariates.

Results

There was a higher prevalence of stunting among preschool children with moderate HFI (16.2%) or severe (16.8%) (p=0.036 and p=0.007, respectively), compared with mild or no HFI (13.2 and 10.7%). A significant interaction was found between maternal obesity status and HFI on stunting among preschoolers (p<0.05). Specifically, HFI severity increased the risk of child stunting among non‐obese mothers but not among obese mothers. Among school aged children.

Conclusion

A novel interaction between HFI and maternal obesity status on child stunting risk was uncovered. However this was not the case if their mothers were obese. Food security government policies and programs need to take into account these complex relationships in the context of an advanced nutrition transition.

Support or Funding Information

Support by The Ministery Of Health in Mexico
Inter‐relationship between Food Security Status, Money Spending, and Availability of Fruits and Vegetables at Home
Authors: Armah Seth , Dharod Jigna M.
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity is a major public health concern due to its negative effects on nutritional health status among adults. However, it is not clear the mechanisms by which food insecurity is associated with poor dietary behaviors and increased risk of excess weight gain among adults. In this study, we investigated the relationships among food security status, money spending behavior and home food environment of households with children using data from the 2009/2010 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data was analyzed using R software accounting for the complex study design. We included only 18 years and older participants in the analyses (n= 6,527). Independent t‐test and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationships among food security status, money spent on food at supermarket/grocery stores, and availability of fruits and vegetables at home. Food security status was classified as secure if they were fully food secure or marginally food secure, while food insecurity comprised of households having a low or very low food security. Availability of fruits and dark green vegetables at home were also categorized as available (always or most of the time) or unavailable (all other response categories, i.e., sometimes, rarely or never) in the past month. Estimates of mean with the standard error (SE) and, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), were analyzed. Results indicated that, 14% of households were food insecure. In case of home food environment, 87% had fruits and 79% had dark green vegetables, available at home. After adjusting for participant age, family income to poverty ratio, gender, household size, and ethnicity, food secure household had higher odds of having fruits available at home (OR = 2.4; CI = 1.7–3.3; P = 0.001) or dark green vegetable available at home (OR =1.5; CI =1.2–2.0; P = 0.02) than food insecure households. Overall, the average amount of money spent at supermarket/grocery store over the past 30 days before the survey was $ 411 (± $11). In comparison, food insecure households spent significantly lower amount of money at supermarket/grocery store than their secure counterparts ($368 ± $15 vs. $418 ± 11, respectively‐P = 0.004). In estimating relationship between money spending at grocery store and availability of fruits and vegetables at home, after controlling for key socio‐demographic variables, it was found that every additional dollar spent on food at supermarket/grocery store was associated with a 0.15% (0.07%, 0.23%) increase in the odds of having fruits at home, and a 0.12% (0.08%, 0.17%) increase in the odds of having dark green vegetables at home. Preliminary results of this study indicates that food insecure households spend less money on food at grocery stores, which in turn, is a strong predictor of poor availability of fruits and dark green vegetables at home.
Metabolite Changes in the Zebrafish Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Associated with Established Neural Abnormalities
Authors: Keller Christine E.M. , Sepúlveda Maria S , Jannasch Amber Hopf , Roumani Ali M , Zhou Feng C , Brown Paul B
Published: November 2023

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a completely preventable disease, that has profound effects on life‐long health and function of the affected individual. FASD is caused by maternal ethanol intake during pregnancy. The relationship between ethanol dose, consumption frequency, and the effects on the offspring are altered by the woman's health, fasted or non‐fasted state, and individual metabolism differences. Further, many women consume alcohol in early pregnancy, before they know they are pregnant, and the social stigma surrounding alcohol consumption during pregnancy may make self‐reporting less accurate. Because of the need for early intervention to minimize the effects of alcohol on the offspring, especially until a consensus on recommended limits on alcohol is achieved, early detection and improved characterization of the mechanisms involved in FASD etiology is key. To that end, we pursued a non‐targeted metabolomics approach to develop a more comprehensive profile of small molecule changes in FASD and found many metabolites that broaden the existing theories of neural modifications. AB strain zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0—3% ethanol from 2—24 hours post fertilization. After washing with media, the embryos were incubated an additional 24 hours, at which time they were flash frozen, and whole embryos were extracted. Non‐polar metabolites were separated using Agilent 1100 liquid chromatography with Thermo Fisher LTQ Orbitrap detection, and polar metabolites were analyzed using an Agilent 6220 TOF LC‐MS. From this data, we generated a profile of significantly altered metabolites changed with ethanol. Glycerophospholipids, including phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanol, and phosphatidylinositol, are modified with ethanol exposure and showed varied directional and magnitudinal changes in our model. Similarly, ethanol‐induced changes occurred in ceramides and sphingolipids, as well as bile acids. These metabolite changes have known implications to astroglial proliferation and alterations to myelin and axon structure and development, and cell death. Together, these metabolite alterations provide an important broadening of molecules associated with well‐established neural abnormalities present in FASD, underscoring the vast and complicated nature of FASD. These changes in neural‐related metabolites have important implications for our understanding and development of interventions of FASD.

Support or Funding Information

Support was provided by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute to PB, MSS, and FCZ.
Modulation of Nutrient Sensing Networks by Anti‐nutritional Factors in Fish
Authors: He Gen , Bian Fuyun , Tian Juan , Wang Kaidi , Zhou Huihui
Published: November 2023

Nutrient sensing is composed of intervened signaling pathways that respond to the availability of nutrients (amino acids, glucose, lipids, etc.) and modulate metabolism. Contrast to previous efforts on the understanding of the effects of nutritional components, much less was known on the molecular responses generated by anti‐nutritional factors (ANFs), which could exert significant influence on the dietary performances and animal health. Therefore, the present study was designed to screen and characterize the influences of ANFs on the nutrient sensing networks and metabolism in fish. The dose‐responses of ANFs on target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling, integrated stress response (ISR) pathway, insulin/IGF signaling, and major metabolism pathways were characterized in both fish cell lines and animal studies. Among ANFs, gossypol and soybean saponins were found to suppress TOR and activate ISR signaling, while promote catabolism. Concanavalin A was found to cause inhibited insulin/IGF1/Akt signaling and consequently lead to apoptosis. These results should provide new explanation on the profound physiological effects of these anti‐nutritional factors.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation to G.H. (31572627)
Maternal obesity during pregnancy uniquely programs offspring aortic and perivascular adipose tissue transcriptomes
Authors: Thakali Keshari M. , Wahl Elizabeth C , Wankhade Umesh D. , Zhong Ying , Shankar Kartik
Published: November 2023

Maternal obesity and high‐fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy increase offspring's cardiovascular disease risk. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an adipose depot surrounding blood vessels and is an important paracrine regulator of vascular function. To determine if maternal‐HFD associated obesity during pregnancy and lactation programs offspring arterial and PVAT gene expression, female C57BL/6J mice were fed a control (17% fat, TD95092) or HFD (45% fat, TD8811) ad libitum for 12 weeks, and bred with lean males at 17 weeks of age. At weaning, the male offspring from control and HFD‐dams were randomized to control or HFD, and provided diets ad libitum until 15 weeks of age. RNA sequencing was used to determine transcriptomic changes in offspring aorta and surrounding PVAT. Differentially expressed genes were identified using EdgeR (p<0.05, ±1.4‐fold). In aorta, mRNA expression of 133 genes were differentially expressed in response to maternal HFD compared to maternal control diet, expression of 15 genes were affected by offspring HFD, and 265 genes were affected by the combination of maternal and offspring HFD. In PVAT, mRNA expression of 29 genes were differentially expressed in response to maternal HFD, expression of 127 genes were affected by offspring HFD, and 407 genes were affected by the combination of maternal and offspring HFD. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed transcripts in offspring aortic tissue revealed that maternal HFD altered expression of genes involved in axon guidance, angiogenesis, and endothelial migration, whereas offspring HFD altered genes involved in adaptive immune response, and the combination of maternal and offspring HFD affected expression of genes involved in inflammatory response, Erk1/2 signaling, and TLR signaling in offspring aortic tissue. In offspring PVAT, maternal HFD altered expression of genes involved in caspase activity, PKC activity and protein folding, while offspring HFD altered expression of genes involved in blood vessel development, vasoconstriction, and fatty acid biosynthesis, and the combination of maternal and offspring HFD altered expression of genes involved in neurotransmitter secretion, blood pressure regulation and apoptosis. In summary, in both aorta and PVAT, the combination of maternal and offspring HFD had the greatest effect on gene expression. These data indicate that exposure to maternal obesity during pregnancy and lactation programs unique gene expression patterns in both PVAT and aorta, and provides a set of candidate genes that may play a role in the development of vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease risk.

Support or Funding Information

USDA‐ARS Project 6026‐51000‐010‐05S.
Effects of dietary isoflavone daidzein on fecal short‐chain‐fatty‐acid and serum cytokines in obese Female Zucker rats
Authors: Hakkak Reza , Bell Andrea
Published: November 2023

The obesity epidemic in the United States grows as the number of overweight and obese adults continues to rise. Obesity changes gut microbiota and is associated with a state of chronic inflammation characterized by increasing inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Soy foods are gaining popularity due to their reported health promoting effects against obesity. Daidzein is one of the isoflavones in most soy foods that can be transformed to equol (an estrogen mimetic) by gut microbiota. Recent studies have identified that gut commensal microbes exert beneficial effects partially through the production of bioactive compounds such as short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). We previously reported that a diet containing high‐isoflavone soy protein isolate (HISPI) compared to a diet containing casein can increase body weight gain and change the gut microbiota in the obese Zucker rat model. The effects of high daidzein diet on fecal short‐chain fatty acids and serum cytokines in obese animal model are less known. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects a casein‐based diet containing high‐daidzein (HD) compared low‐daidzein (LD) on fecal SCFA levels, serum TNF‐α, IL‐6, MCP‐1 and body weight gain in obese female Zucker rats. In the present study, a total of 19 five‐week‐old obese female Zucker rats (fa/fa) were used. After one week of acclimation on an AIN‐93G diet, rats were randomly assigned to a modified AIN‐93G diet containing either HD (0.121g/kg feed) or LD (0.01g/kg feed) ad libitum for 8 weeks. Rats were weighed twice weekly and fecal samples were collected at the end of the experiment. With gas chromatographic analysis, we determined fecal SCFAs concentrations, mmol / (fecal)g : (1) acetic acid, (50.03 ± 15.51) in LD group and (54.25 ± 14.31) in HD group; (2) propionic acid, (8.42 ± 1.74) in LD group and (8.42 ± 1.77) in HD group; (3) Butyric acid, (4.52 ± 1.21) in LD group and (4.84 ± 2.34) in HD group. We used ELISA to measure the different serum cytokines: (1) TNF‐α, (3.68 ± 1.23) in LD group and (3.80 ± 0.73) in HD group; (2) IL‐6, (32.90 ± 12.67) in LD group and (33.73 ± 13.60) in HD group; (3) MCP‐1, (3012.58 ± 415) in LD group and (3593.67 ± 388.52) in HD group. Our results did not show a significant difference in mean fecal SCFA contents and serum cytokines between diet groups. Furthermore, mean body weights between groups were not significantly different (HD 475.8±24.2g vs. LD 486.4±30.4g; p=0.4). In conclusion, daidzein may not be the main component of HISPI to alter gut SCFA contents and serum cytokines or increase body weight gain in obese female Zucker rats.

Support or Funding Information

Arkansas BioSience Institute and The College of Medicine's University Medical Group to RH.
Impact of piceatannol and resveratrol on the proteomic profile of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Oshiro Jordan M. K. I. , Shen Peiyi , Wang Ou , Park Yeonhwa , Kim Kee‐Hong
Published: November 2023

Background

Resveratrol, a natural, polyphenolic stilbene, is reported to be a potential promoter of metabolic health and longevity. Piceatannol is a natural, structural analog of resveratrol that putatively shares a similar function. Previous studies on piceatannol provide evidence of anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer properties. However, the distinct functional role of piceatannol in cell and energy metabolism is unclear.

Objective

We hypothesized that piceatannol and resveratrol would exhibit differential proteomic profiles. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify potential target proteins of piceatannol and resveratrol within the proteomic profile of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Methods

C. elegans were treated with piceatannol, resveratrol, or a vehicle for 3 days. Samples were digested with trypsin to be separated on a strong cation exchange column, concentrated on a C18 enrichment column, separated on an analytical C18 reversed‐phase column, and eluted through nanoelectrospray ion trap for MS/MS analysis. Resulting MS/MS data were analyzed using MaxQuant. Proteins were identified using the Uniprot database. To account for otherwise excluded proteins in statistical analyses, we set inclusion parameters for absent data points. We used STRING and DAVID databases to perform functional enrichment analysis on identified proteins.

Results

We identified 1292 total proteins in the C. elegans proteome. Compared to the vehicle‐treated control, piceatannol treatment produced 40 differentially expressed proteins while resveratrol treatment altered 37 proteins (paired t‐test, p<0.05). These proteins were further subjected to functional enrichment analysis on KEGG pathways to identify potential cellular function. Metabolic pathways and oxidative phosphorylation were common to both treatments. In addition, piceatannol treatment modulated proteasome proteins while resveratrol treatment modulated proteins involved carbon metabolism, propanoate metabolism, and citrate cycle. Using the Tukey method for paired comparisons (alpha=.05) in one‐way ANOVA, we found that 10 proteins were expressed differently by piceatannol and 4 proteins were expressed differently by resveratrol.

Conclusion

These results provide evidence that piceatannol induces a distinct functional response from resveratrol in C. elegans. These results also suggest that piceatannol modulates proteasome function while resveratrol imparts more influence on energy and substrate metabolism, although further study is necessary to confirm these findings. Identification of differentially expressed proteins provides new insights into the potential mechanistic actions of piceatannol on regulating metabolism.

Support or Funding Information

Core Pilot Funding from Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (UL1TR001108)
Development and validation of a new prediction equation for energy expenditure in Mexican adults with overweight and obesity
Authors: Orozco‐Ruiz Ximena , Guevara‐Cruz Martha , Ontiveros Edgar Pichardo , Torres Nimbe , Medina‐Vera Isabel , Villanueva‐Luna Priscila , Lafortuna Claudio L , Prinelli Federica , Tovar Armando R
Published: November 2023

Background

Accurate predictive equations of resting energy expenditure (REE) are crucial in devising nutritional strategies to fight overweight/obesity, especially in countries where these are highly prevalent.

Objective

To develop and validate a new equation for predicting REE in Mexican adults with overweight and obesity. A second objective was to compare the impact of the use of urea nitrogen (UN) to measure REE.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study, including 410 men and women with overweight and obesity (age range: 20–60 yrs.). Participants were randomly assigned to the development or validation groups; the development group included 200 subjects (Body Mass Index (BMI) = 31.6 ± 5.4 kg/m2, mean ± SD) and the validation group 210 subjects (BMI = 31.7 ± 4.78 kg/m2). The new predictive equation was derived by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis in the development group and then, validated in the other group. The accuracy of the new equation was compared to several predictive existing equations. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry (IC) and body composition by bioimpedance analysis.

For the second objective, 30 subjects (10 normal weight, 10 with overweight and 10 with obesity) were involved to measure UN in a 24‐hour urine collection. The value of UN was used in the Weir equation to obtain REE and it was compared with the REE obtained by the simplified Weir equation.

Results

Two predictive equations were developed in this study. The first equation (EQ1) included LBM, weight, sex and age variables in the model (R2= 0.518, bias= 0.014 kJ/day), since lean body mass (LBM) was the best single variable to predict REE (R2= 0.440). When LBM is not an available parameter, a second equation was developed (EQ2) based on only weight, sex and age (R2= 0.513, bias= −0.025 kJ/day). Compared with others predictive equations, the new developed equations showed the lowest bias (Kj/day): EQ1= 9.92, EQ2= 25.7, Harris‐Benedict= −67.4, Valencia= 130, WHO/FAO/UNU= 270, Mifflin‐St Jeor= 309, Owen= −808, Carrasco= −1097. When we compared REE by Weir equations, using or not UN, there was not statistical significant differences.

Conclusion

The present equations had the highest predictive accuracy in subjects with overweight or obesity compared with the other equations previously derived from different populations. Also when body composition is not available, the alternative equation demonstrated a comparably predictive accuracy for its use in nutritional treatment in subjects with overweight/obesity.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Teccnología. Grant s CONACyT 181685 to MGC, 261843 to ATP and Medix to NT
Consumption of an EPA and DHA Rich Diet Rescues Changes in White Adipose Tissue Lipid Metabolism and Oxylipin Production Induced in Fads2‐null Mice
Authors: Sarr Ousseynou , Payne George W. , Abdelmagid Salma , Nakamura Manabu T. , Ma David W.L. , Mutch David M.
Published: November 2023

Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influence lipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling pathways in white adipose tissue (WAT). Alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the three primary dietary omega‐3 PUFAs that have wide‐ranging functions in humans. There is currently a limited understanding of the independent effects of individual omega‐3 PUFAs because ALA is continuously converted endogenously into EPA and DHA via the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) pathway. The fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (Fads2) encodes the rate‐limiting delta‐6 desaturase enzyme in this pathway. This study examined the role of Fads2 on WAT omega‐3 PUFA metabolism and whether the consumption of a diet supplemented with menhaden oil (MD), which is rich in EPA and DHA, could rescue changes in WAT associated with a Fads2 deficiency. Weaned Fads2 knockout (Fads2−/−) and wild type (WT) mice were fed one of two low fat (7% w/w) AIN93G diets for 9 weeks containing either flaxseed oil + ARASCO (FD, 55% ALA) or menhaden oil (MD, 30% EPA/DHA). RT‐qPCR was used to analyze expression of genes related to PUFA metabolism. Thin‐layer and gas chromatography were used to measure fatty acid content in the phospholipid and triacylglycerol fractions in WAT. Analysis of oxylipins was undertaken using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Western blotting was performed for delta‐5‐desaturase (D5D) protein quantification. Fads2−/− mice fed FD had increased expression of Fads1 and Elovl2, and decreased expression of Elovl5 genes (p<0.05). These changes were abrogated with MD feeding. Estimated D5D activity (arachidonic acid: dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid ratio) was increased in Fads2−/− mice fed FD in WAT (p<0.05), but this change was not mirrored in FADS1 protein content. EPA and DHA levels were depleted in WAT of Fads2−/− mice fed FD, as were their derived oxylipins; however, feeding Fads2−/− mice MD restored both omega‐3 PUFA and oxylipin profiles. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Fads2 has an important role regulating omega‐3 PUFA and oxylipin content in WAT. Moreover, changes in WAT associated with a Fads2 deficiency can be rescued with a nutritional intervention containing EPA and DHA.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Postprandial variations in gut incretins associated with obesity status and race
Authors: Langdon Sarah Marie , Randolph Jody , Edirisinghe Indika , Steinberg Francene , Burton‐Freeman Britt
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a complex condition of uncertain etiology with certain racial groups disproportionally affected. One area of intense research interest is the contribution of gut hormones in regulating ingestive behavior and energy balance, and whether differences in these hormones might explain higher rates of obesity in certain populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study aimed to assess fasting and postprandial gut hormone responses in healthy weight and obese African American (AA) and Caucasian (CAU) women, and further, to determine if these responses were associated with subjective satiety and mid‐afternoon snack intake. The working hypothesis is that obese compared to healthy weight women and AA compared to CAU women will exhibit blunted gut hormone responses, with the latter independent of weight status. Furthermore, these blunted responses are expected to be associated with greater desire to eat and increased snack intake. 16 CAU and 22 AA women, with half of each group obese (BMI 33.4 ± 3.0 kg/m2), consumed a standardized lunch meal followed by blood sampling and appetite rating assessment every 30 min for 4 hrs. At 3 hrs, varied sweet and savory snacks were provided ad libitum. Total ghrelin, GLP‐1, and PYY3‐36 were measured by ELISA, following a solid‐phase column extraction. Statistical analyses were performed using total AUC for postprandial conditions followed by a 2‐tailed t‐test. Preliminary data from 8 subjects (4 obese and 4 healthy weight), suggested no significant differences in fasting ghrelin between obese and healthy weight women; however, obese women had significantly less total postprandial ghrelin than healthy weight women (p<0.05). PYY3‐36 concentrations were significantly reduced in obese compared to healthy weight (p=0.01), with no remarkable postprandial rise seen in either group. GLP‐1 did not significantly vary between weight classes in this preliminary analysis. Appetite rating assessments revealed that AA women had a significantly greater change in the desire to eat post‐meal than CAU (p<0.05), which was associated with consuming more ad libitum snack calories. Results from analyses on all subjects are expected to clarify gut hormone responses between healthy weight and obese, and AA and CAU women, providing additional knowledge and insight about the physiologic determinants of appetite and energy intake regulation.

Support or Funding Information

Subset analyses from larger study funded by Wm Wrigley Jr Co. (Mars Inc.), Chicago, IL (Burton‐Freeman). Additional funding by UC Davis Graduate Studies JASTRO grant (Langdon) and unrestricted research funds (Steinberg, Burton‐Freeman/Edirisinghe).
VIA Instant Coffee Enhances the Effect of Post‐Activation Potentiation in the Counter Movement Jump
Authors: Trivisonno Abbie , Ruffner Kayla , DiFiore Brittany , Smith Bridget , Slack Grant , Harris Matt , Mendel Ronald , Lowery Lonnie
Published: November 2023

Post‐activation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon known to enhance neuromuscular power output. However, research is conflicted on the most effective protocol to illicit PAP. One suggestion for improving protocol effectiveness is through the addition of dietary stimulants. Coffee is the most widely consumed caffeinated beverage and has been shown to possess ergogenic effects during power exercise (Astorino and Roberson, 2009). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Via instant coffee (VIA) on a basic potentiation protocol. It was hypothesized that VIA would augment the subjects' ability to potentiate and enhance explosive performance compared to decaffeinated control drinks. In a double blind, placebo controlled crossover design, 12 resistance trained (2 y) male and female college aged students completed three treatment conditions: water (WTR), two packets of Via decaffeinated coffee (DCF), and two packets of VIA. Following a 60 minute absorption period, subjects completed a standardized warm up followed by three counter movement jumps on a force plate (Fitness Technology, Inc.), a 10 second maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and three further counter movement jumps separated by one minute of rest. Data were analyzed via dependent t‐tests. After WTR there was a trend for potentiation in flight time (529.5 ± 74.95 ms vs. 536.33 ± 78.71 ms; p=0.06) and jump height (0.3518 ± 0.10 m vs. 0.3596 ± 0.11 m; p=0.09). After consuming DCF, there was also a trend for potentiation in flight time (530.57 ± 77.42 ms vs. 537.64 ± 85.54 ms; p=0.086) and jump height (0.3521 ± 0.11 m vs. 0.3628 ± 0.12 m; p=0.06). However after consuming VIA there was a significant increase in flight time (530.26 ± 83.25 ms vs. 541.8 ± 85.02 ms; p=0.002) and jump height (0.3527 ± 0.11 m vs. 0.3682 ± 0.12 m; p=0.0024). We conclude that VIA may enhance potentiation using an MVC‐based potentiation protocol.

Support or Funding Information

This research was not dependent on external funding.
Acute Effects of Dried Apple Consumption on Metabolic and Cognitive Responses in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Zimmerman Kara , Kern Mark , Hong Mee Young , Liu Changqi , Hooshmand Shirin
Published: November 2023

The health‐protective effects of fruits and vegetables may be at least partly attributed to phytochemicals. Apples are known to be especially high in free phenolic compounds. Apples and apple products are associated with reduced risk of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is likely due to their rich content of fiber, nutrients and various phytochemicals. Insufficient evidence is available regarding the acute dietary effects apple intake on postprandial metabolic responses. We assessed the potential for dried apple to regulate blood glucose and insulin responses as well as satiety and total plasma antioxidant levels in an acute feeding study with healthy individuals and explored the acute effect of dried apple on cognitive responses using eight neurocognitive tests. A randomized crossover design with repeated measures and a minimum of one week washout period between tests was used. On each test day after a fast of 10 hours, a standardized serving size of either diced dried apple or two muffins, each providing 55 g carbohydrate, was consumed by the participants. Blood glucose, insulin and antioxidant concentrations were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes and satiety was assessed on 100 mm visual analog scales every 15 minutes for two hours. Cognitive tests were administered before and 2 hours after consumption of the test food. Twenty‐one healthy, normal weight subjects completed the study. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance evaluated the effects of dietary condition and time on blood glucose, insulin, satiety and total antioxidant levels. Paired t‐tests were used to compare the effects of diet at individual time points. Main effects for time (p ≤ 0.01) and dietary trial (p ≤ 0.01) were detected for plasma glucose responses. Dried apple produced lower (p ≤ 0.02) glucose concentrations at the 30, 45, 60 and 120‐minute time points than muffins. Main effects for time (p ≤ 0.01) were detected for insulin responses, and dried apple produced lower (p ≤ 0.03) insulin concentrations at the 30‐minute time point than muffins. No differences were detected for total plasma antioxidant capacity; however, the percent change from baseline for total plasma antioxidant levels was higher throughout the 120 minutes post food consumption for the dried apples versus muffins. Subjects reported that they could eat more food during the apple trial compared to the muffin trial; however, no differences in hunger, fullness or desire to eat were detected. Apple intake resulted in better post‐test performance (p ≤ 0.03) for psychomotor speed, and muffin intake resulted in better post‐test performance for executive function (p ≤ 0.01) and cognitive flexibility (p ≤ 0.02). These findings suggested that dried apple intake could reduce postprandial blood glucose and serum insulin responses in healthy individuals but little consistent difference antioxidant status, satiety and cognitive function.

Support or Funding Information

None
Effect of Snack Choice on Pre‐Meal Hunger and Post‐Meal Satiety in College Freshmen
Authors: Eastep Ashley C , Kern Shelby E , Schmitz Sophie A , Sebranek Phoebe L , Hoppe Megan B , Scott Hattie J , Horwath Irina E , Wilson Ted
Published: November 2023

Post adolescent weight gain is a concern among college freshman, especially those enrolled in cafeteria meal plans. Snack consumption prior to a meal could alter feeding behavior during the meal. Healthy college students (n=57; 18.3 ± 0.05 years old) received one of three treatments 60 minutes before choosing and eating a cafeteria dinner meal: no snack (NS; control), 190 Cal of gummi bear candy (GB) or a 190 Cal of California walnuts(CW) 60 minutes prior to dinner in single cross‐over fashion on 3 of 5 semi‐consecutive nights. Hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and future eating plans were evaluated using a survey consisting of a visual analog scale 0 (low)‐10 cm (high) immediately before choosing their cafeteria meal (PRE) and immediately after meal ingestion (POST). Data expressed as mean ± SEM with statistical significance between treatments and parameters indicated by different letters (A or B). Desire to eat PRE for NS, GB, CW was 7.8 ± 0.3, 6.7 ± 0.3, and 6.5 ± 0.3, and desire to eat POST for NS, GB, CW was 0.9 ± 0.2, 0.8 ± 0.1, and 1.1 ± 0.3, with no significant differences within PRE or POST. Desire to eat PRE‐POST difference was significant for NS (A), GB (B), CW(B). Hunger PRE for NS, GB, CW was 7.5 ± 0.3, 6.5 ± 0.3, and 6.7 ± 0.3, and hunger POST for NS, GB, CW was 1.2 ± 0.3, 0.9 ± 0.2, and 0.8 ± 0.2, with no significant differences within PRE or POST. Fullness PRE for NS, GB, CW was 1.4 ± 0.3, 2.4 ± 0.3, and 2.2 ± 0.2, and fullness POST for NS, GB, CW was 7.9 ± 0.3, 8.3 ± 0.2, and 0.8 ± 0.2, with no significant differences within PRE or POST. Future eating plans PRE for NS, GB, CW was 6.8 ± 0.3, 6.4 ± 0.3, and 1.7 ± 0.2, and future eating plans POST for NS, GB, CW was 0.6 ± 0.1, 1.0 ± 0.2, and 0.7 ± 0.2, with no significant differences within PRE or POST. In conclusion snack choice does not appear to greatly influence feelings of a desire to eat, hunger, fullness, or future eating plans before or after a cafeteria dinner. Future studies may wish to complete the study on three consecutive days.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by California Walnut Commission