bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary and Physical Activity Factors in Overweight and Obese Adolescents At Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wagner Kelly , Horan Diarmuid , Smith Lisa , Hamilton Marc , Delp Edward , Boushey Carol , Hannon Tamara , Gletsu‐Miller Nana
Published: June 2021

Objective

Overweight youth are at increased risk for prediabetes, characterized by elevated plasma glucose concentrations that do not reach the threshold for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Modifiable risk factors include dietary and physical activity behaviors which impact glycemia. As part of a pilot and feasibility study to prevent T2D via a lifestyle intervention, we aim to evaluate baseline dietary and physical activity factors and examine how these factors are related to measures of glycemia.

Methods: Eligible participants are overweight youth (body mass index [BMI] > 85th percentile; 10‐21 years). Dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behavior are assessed using electronic monitoring techniques which have been validated in adolescents (4 days using Technology Assisted Dietary Assessment™ and 7 days using activPAL™, respectively). Glycemic status is assessed during a 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test.

Results: To date, 8 participants (5 females, BMI 29.4‐51.5 kg/m2) have been screened and 4 had prediabetes. Dietary and activity behaviors are reported.

Mean
Range (% of Recommendations)

Energy Intake (kcal)
1521
N/A

Fat (g)
72.5
68 ‐ 148 %

Saturated Fat (g)
25.5
94 ‐ 174 %

Total Sugar (g)
101.5
N/A

Fiber (g)
13.8
39 ‐64 %

Fruit (cups)
1.0
7 ‐ 133%

Vegetables (cups)
2.3
32 ‐ 152 %

Whole Grains (oz)
1.3
0 ‐ 103 %

Sweetened Drinks (8 fl oz)
1.2
N/A

Sedentary Activity (hour:min, excluding sleep)
10:12
N/A

Light Activity (hour:min)
0.59
N/A

Moderate/Vigorous Activity (hour:min)
0.38
35 ‐ 82 %

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate inadequacy with regards to meeting recommendations for dietary and activity behavior. We expect to identify specific diet and activity behaviors that can be targeted in an intervention to prevent T2D in youth. (Indiana CTSI #UL1TR001108)
Climbing exercise training does not improve insulin resistance in high‐fat diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Maeda Megumi , Fujii Takako , Tai Yuki , Okamura Koji
Published: June 2021

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in both developed and developing countries is a serious problem worldwide. Several studies have reported that aerobic training improves insulin resistance in rats fed a high‐fat diet. However, few studies have examined the effects of resistance training on the insulin resistance. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (4 weeks of age, n = 32) were fed a normal diet (N, energy content: protein = 18.8%, fat = 18.4%, carbohydrate = 61.4%) or high‐fat diet (F, 18.8: 40.0: 39.4) for 12 weeks. Each diet group was divided into sedentary (S), running (RUN) and resistance (RES) exercise groups. The RUN group ran on a treadmill five days/week, and RES climbed voluntarily in a tower cage (1.8 m height) to drink water from a bottle on the ceiling. After 12 weeks, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were conducted, and the heart, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, adipose tissue (perirenal, epididymal, posterior abdominal and mesenteric) and skeletal muscle (flexor hallucis longus, soleus, gastrocnemius, plantaris) were weighed. A two‐way ANOVA (exercise and diet) showed that the exercise reduced the body weights of the animals in RUN. In addition, the adipose tissue weights were higher in S, followed by RES and RUN, as a result of both exercise and diet. The skeletal muscle weights were lower in F than in N; exercise had no effect on this parameter. Exercise, but not diet, resulted in higher area under the curve (AUC) values for plasma glucose in RES and S than in RUN, whereas neither exercise nor diet had an effect on the AUC for plasma insulin. In conclusion, in contrast to running, resistance training does not appear to improve insulin resistance in rats, possibly because resistance training fails to decrease body fat.
Investigation of Portion Size Calculations for The Measurement of Glycemic Response to Foods
Authors: Bordenave Nicolas , Kock Lindsay , Abernathy Mengyue , Parcon Jason , Gulvady Apeksha , van Klinken B Jan‐Willem , Kasturi Prabhakar
Published: June 2021

Glycemic response to foods being measured as the concentration of blood glucose over time, we assumed here that adequate food portion sizes for clinical trials should be normalized by the amounts of monosaccharides resulting from digestion of foods carbohydrates.
Our objective was to critically evaluate this assumption against current practices and recommendations for determination of food portions to be fed to subjects in clinical trials aimed at evaluating glycemic response to foods.
Portion sizes were calculated and compared for 140 food samples, based on their label information (current practice), their actual available carbohydrate content (current recommendation) and the amount of monosaccharides yielded by digestion of their actual available carbohydrate content (reference).
While the current method of portion size calculation generally yields equivalent amounts of monosaccharides from different food samples, it results in significant under‐ or over‐feeding of carbohydrates in 10% of tested cases, against the targeted reference dosage. Also, while the current recommendation for portion size calculation ensures standardized feeding of available digestible carbohydrates from different food samples regardless of their form, it results in significantly different yields of monosaccharides in 24% of tested cases.
We recommend accounting for the amount of monosaccharides yielded by the digestive breakdown of the actual available carbohydrate content of foods as a reference for portion size calculation in clinical trials.
Distinct Inhibitory Potencies of Dietary Phenolic Compounds for the Mucosal α‐Glucosidases in the Human Small Intestine
Authors: Simsek Meric , Quezada‐Calvillo Roberto , Ferruzzi Mario , Nichols Buford , Hamaker Bruce
Published: June 2021

Certain phenolic compounds are known to have inhibitory effects on the intestinal mucosal α‐glucosidases. The objective of this study was to define the inhibitory potencies of selected phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, (+)‐catechin, and (‐)‐ epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) on maltase activity of human donor small intestinal lysate, human immunoprecipitated Maltase‐Glucoamylase (MGAM‐IP) and Sucrase‐Isomaltase (SI‐IP), as well as sucrase activity of SI‐IP. The inhibition constant (Ki) and inhibition mechanism for were determined for tested phenolic compounds. We have previously found chlorogenic acid and EGCG have high inhibitory potencies for maltase, sucrase and isomaltase in rat intestinal acetone powder among these tested compounds, and as well selectively inhibit the most active recombinant C‐terminal subunits of MGAM and SI. This current study showed similar selective inhibition for human donor small intestinal α‐glucosidases. Although chlorogenic acid showed strong inhibitory effect for all tested activities, it had comparatively higher inhibition (Ki=0.7 μM) for sucrase activity of SI‐IP. EGCG selectively showed a stronger inhibition (Ki=4 μM) for maltase activity of MGAM‐IP among tested activities. Therefore, chlorogenic and EGCG may be promising compounds to consider towards modulation of glucose release from sucrose and starch and starch‐derived products in the human small intestine.
Compound heterozygous mutations elicit congenital lactase deficiency in a Japanese infant
Authors: Diekmann Lena , Pfeiffer Katrin , Naim Hassan
Published: June 2021

Congenital lactase deficiency (CLD) is a rare severe autosomal recessive disorder, with symptoms like watery diarrhea, meteorism and malnutrition, which start a few days after birth by the onset of nursing. The most common rationales identified for this disorder are missense mutations or premature stop codons in the coding region of the lactase‐phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) gene. Recently, two heterozygous mutations, c.4419C>G (p.Y1473X) in exon 10 and c.5387delA (p.D1796fs) in exon 16, have been identified within the coding region of LPH in a Japanese infant with CLD.

Here, we investigate the influence of these mutations on the structure, biosynthesis and function of LPH. We show that both mutant proteins are mannose‐rich glycosylated proteins that are not capable of exiting the endoplasmic reticulum. These mutant proteins are misfolded and turnover studies show that they are ultimately degraded. The enzymatic activities of these mutant forms are not detectable, despite the presence of lactase and phlorizin active sites in the polypeptide backbone of LPH‐D1796fs and LPH‐Y1473X respectively. Interestingly, wild type LPH retains its complete enzymatic activity and intracellular transport competence in the presence of the pathogenic mutants suggesting that heterozygote carriers presumably do not show symptoms related to CLD.

Our study strongly suggests that the onset of severe forms of CLD is elicited by mutations in the LPH gene that occur in either a compound heterozygous or homozygous pattern of inheritance.
An analysis of dietary restraint and obesity using a dynamic model of cumulative food intake curves
Authors: Thomas Diana , Nduati Ann Nduati , Martin Corby
Published: June 2021

Background

In 1980, Kissileff et al. developed the universal eating monitor permitting investigators to calculate cumulative food intake curves. In this landmark study, cumulative food intake curves were fit using linear and quadratic functions. Yet, these models are artificial since cumulative food intake will never decrease, but rather saturate toward a carrying capacity.

Methods: We used the Verhulst differential equation model that describes rapid growth followed by saturation to a carrying capacity and estimated model parameters for different food intake curves. The Verhulst model consists of two parameters, r (exponential growth rate) and the carrying capacity (K). Model parameters were calculated for unrestrained and restrained eaters who were guided to eat 1) as much as they feel comfortable with and 2) and as much as you can.

Results: Model parameters were r=0.04, K=1500 g for the unrestrained eat as much as you can condition, and r=0.14, K=450 g for the unrestrained eat as much as you feel comfortable with condition. For restrained eaters, the eat as much as you can condition yielded r=0.05, K=1100 g while the eat as much as you feel comfortable with condition generated the parameters r=0.06, K=800 g.

Conclusion

Normalizing all cumulative food intake curves differentiated unrestrained eaters who were directed to eat as much as they could from all other scenarios. Mechanistically, the exponential growth rate parameter, r, associated with early increases in the rate of food intake was nearly three times larger than growth rates in all other cases. Identifying and classifying individuals who exhibit a high value of r can be useful for detecting and potentially changing eating rates to decrease energy intake.
Fish oil consumption prevents ischemic injury through neovasculogenesis
Authors: Tang Feng‐Yao , Wang Fu‐Yu
Published: June 2021

Human endothelial progenitor cells (hEPCs) derived from bone marrow play a crucial in the prevention of ischemic injury in the course of postnatal neovasculogenesis. Frequent fish oil (FO) consumption is reportedly associated with a significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the molecular mechanisms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) / docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are not well elucidated, and the beneficial effect of FO consumption on neovasculogenesis has not been demonstrated yet. In the current study, we investigated the effects of EPA/DHA and FO consumption on neovasculogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrate that EPA /DHA dose‐dependently enhance the neovasculogenesis and cell migration of hEPCsin vitro. The mechanisms of action included upregulation of the c‐kit protein as well as the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2, Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling molecules in hEPCs. Furthermore, EPA significantly suppressed the expression of microRNA (miR) 221 in vitro. In experimental animal models, FO consumption significantly induced the formation of new blood vessels (neovasculogenesis) and prevented ischemia. Taken together, it is suggested that FO consumption enhances neovasculogenesis mainly through the effects of EPA in hEPCs, thereby exerting a preventive effect against ischemic injury.
Elevated Arachidonic Acid Intakes Reduce Bone Mineral Content and Trabecular Volume in Growing Obese Rats
Authors: Mak Ivy , Wang Krystyna , Lavery Paula , Agellon Sherry , Weiler Hope
Published: June 2021

Arachidonic acid (AA) is elevated in obesity and in fatty marrow. Whether elevated AA status has implications in bone growth and mineralization in obesogenic states is not clear. The objective was to assess the effect of AA on bone mass acquisition in diet‐induced obesity (DIO) during growth. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=42, 4 wk, 89.8 ± 1.1g) were randomized to one of the following diets: control, high‐fat (HFD, 16.7% fat w/w), HFD + AA (1% w/w) for 6 wk. Body composition and bone mass were measured by in vivo micro‐computed tomography (μCT) at beginning and end of study. Repeated‐measures two‐way ANOVA with post‐hoc Tukey's HSD was used to test for group differences. Food intake in the control group was significantly greater (8.17%) than HFD groups, but there was no difference in total energy intake between groups. HFD+AA group had significantly greater % body fat (Table 1) and body weight gain (504 ± 12%) than HFD (495 ± 13%) and control (484 ± 11%) beginning from wk 4 of study. Total and trabecular bone mineral content (BMC) in whole body and lumbar spine (LS) 2‐4 were lower in HFD+AA vs HFD and control (Table 1). This was accompanied by reduced bone volume at LS, possibly explaining the higher whole body volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). These results indicate that short term DIO with excess AA may adversely affect the trabecular bone compartment by decreasing bone mineral accretion and volume during growth. Whether this translates into reduced bone strength remains to be determined.

CTRL
HFD
HFD,AA

Whole body

Body fat (%)

28.95 ± 0.85a
31.13 ± 0.79ab
31.97 ± 0.85b

Total
vBMD (g/cm3)
474.78 ± 4.03a
485.86 ± 4.03b
483.30 ± 4.17b

BMC (mg)
6828.95 ± 101.80ab
6819.38 ± 101.80a
6671.70 ± 105.64b

Trab
vBMD (g/cm3)
346.64 ± 4.58a
363.95 ± 4.58b
359.94 ± 4.75ab

BMC (mg)
2151.83 ± 49.05ab
2201.17 ± 49.05a
2118.49 ± 50.90b

Lumbar spine 2‐4

Total
BMC (mg)
331.38 ± 7.13ab
336.58 ± 7.58a
308.55 ± 7.89b

Volume (cm3)
0.84 ± 0.02a
0.83 ± 0.02ab
0.77 ± 0.02b

Trab
BMC (mg)
140.33 ± 4.97ab
144.86 ± 5.31a
124.25 ± 5.36b

Volume (cm3)
0.43 ± 0.01a
0.42 ± 0.01ab
0.39 ± 0.01b
Effect of High Concentration Lipid Diet Supplemented with n‐3 PUFA, on Serum Fatty Acid Profiles of Growing Rats
Authors: Perris Paula , Silva Carolina , Fernandez Inés , Slobodianik Nora , Feliu María
Published: June 2021

Diet lipid profile is important to prevent chronic diseases and improve the quality of life of individuals. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of high concentration lipid diet supplemented with EPA and DHA, on serum fatty acid profiles of growing rats.Weanling Wistar rats were fed during 40 days with experimental diet containing 45kcal% fat provided by butter (B group) and another group (BS) receive the same diet but supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA). Control group(C) received normocaloric diet according to AIN´93. Serum fatty acids profiles were determined by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and Dunnett as post‐test. Results of fatty acids profiles expressed as area%±SD (*p<0.01) were: Palmitic acid: BS:24,76*±2,19; B:20,63*±2,54; C:16,08±2,15. Oleic acid: BS:16,52*±2,67; B:20,37*±2,23; C:11,29±2,27. Linoleic acid: BS:9,43*±0,49; B:9,79*±1,12; C:16,18±5,24. Alfa linolenic acid: BS:0,50±0,15; B:0,50±0,12; C:0.78±0,22. Araquidonic acid: BS:9,86*±1,69; B:10,77*±1,14; C:17,60±2,83. EPA: BS:2,91*±0,62; B:1,07±0,23; C:1,13±0,53. DHA: BS:3,98*±0,58; B:2,76±0,39; C:2,22±0,75.

The results of experimental groups suggested an increase of saturated fatty acids and ω9 fatty acids with diminution of ω6 fatty acids. BS group showed high levels of EPA and DHA in response to the supplementation. Diet lipids provoked changes in serum fatty acids profile of growing rats. Supported by UBACyT20020120200068
The Effects of Pistachio Consumption on Erythrocyte Membrane Lipids, Dietary Changes, and Satiety in Healthy College‐Aged Females
Authors: Burns‐Whitmore Bonny , Roy Soma , Bushnell Alison , Towne Amy , Hall Laura
Published: June 2021

Research on pistachio consumption of erythrocyte membrane lipids, diet, and satiety is limited. Thus, we sought to investigate the effects of pistachio consumption on these outcomes in healthy females (n=48, age=21±0.51).

We utilized a free‐living crossover design: two 10wk treatment periods; pistachios added (20% of kcals) (PT), a no‐pistachio control treatment, and a 15wk washout at both campuses. Measurements were taken at beginning and end of each treatment and nine randomized diet and satiety records (Visual Analog Scale) per treatment collected. Diet was analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research software. Data were analyzed by mixed effects model.

Neither treatment had significant effects on erythrocyte membrane lipids; however, the PT membranes contained more PUFA, total EFAs, as well as EPA and DHA. Dietary relationship trends for membrane incorporation indicate dietary pistachio MUFA and PUFA positively influence membrane lipids. PT diet data indicated a significant (P<0.001) increase of dietary total MUFA, total PUFA, insoluble fiber, gamma‐tocopherol, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, and decreased glycemic index. PT satiety data significantly indicated that when pistachios are consumed there was less hunger, participants were more satisfied, and felt more full when they consume pistachios than when they did not consume pistachios.

Inclusion of 20% of kcals as pistachios in the diet may potentially increase lipid erythrocyte membrane concentrations, improve dietary nutrient intake, increase satiety, and decrease hunger and cravings.
Protein Status Modulates the Hedonic Value of Protein Meals in Rat
Authors: Chaumontet Catherine , Recio Isidra , Darcel Nicolas , Fromentin Gilles , Tome Daniel
Published: June 2021

Protein is an indispensable component of the diet and a low protein status usually induces preferences fo rprotein‐rich food in animal and in human. This study hypothesized that these preferences involve a modulation of the activity of the hedonic reward system.

Methods

Male adult Wistar rats received ad‐libitum for 15 days a normoprotein (NP) or a low‐protein (P6) diet containing either 14% or 6% protein as energy, and were trained to receive a morning calibrated meal. The last day of the feeding period each group was separated in 3 subgroups, which received a morning calibrated P6, NP or high‐protein (HP: 55% protein as energy) meal. The brain was removed 90 minutes after the meal and activation of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a brain area implicated in the reward system, was estimated by immunofluorescence staining of c‐Fos protein.

Results

Food intake was not different between groups but body weight gain was lower in P6 compared to NP‐diet rats. In the NP‐diet group, the HP and P6 meals both induced lower NAcc activation compared to the NP meal (NP>HP,P6). In the P6‐diet group, postprandial NAcc activation correlated with the protein content of the meal (HP>NP>P6), and it was significantly higher compared to NP‐diet rats after the HP and NP meals and remains low following P6 meal, respectively.

Discussion

In a situation of protein deficiency the preferences for protein could be related to higher hedonic value of protein‐containing meals. In contrast, protein sufficiency lowers the hedonic value of protein‐containing meals.
Quick Service Restaurant (Fast) Food and Obesity: A systematic review of human studies
Authors: Idigo Adeniyi , Brown Andrew , Jeansonne Madeline , Kell Kenneth , Allison David
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Some hypothesize that quick service restaurant food (QSRF; i.e., fast‐food) uniquely contributes to obesity. Here, we present preliminary characterizations of scientific reports on the relationship between QSRF and obesity.

METHODS

We searched for primary research in English that tested relationships between QSRF and anthropometry in humans. This generated 3,394 papers that were evaluated by at least two of the authors, yielding a current inclusion of 22 theses and 178 journal articles.

RESULTS

From 200 papers included, 75 (37.5%) specified their own definitions of QSRF, while in 70 (35%) QSRF was unclearly defined and thus may be confounded. Anthropometry was directly measured by researchers in 112 (56%) studies. Presently, 699 analyses were extracted based on having unique populations, primary outcomes and/or greatest inferential strength. Of these, there were 118 (16.9%) longitudinal analyses and only 1 (0.14% of analyses; 0.5% of papers) randomized control trial, which was the only study declaring solely industry funding. Funding was not disclosed in 68 (28.3%) of the papers, and only 4 (1.7%) reported some industry funding. Corresponding authors were predominantly affiliated with the United States (119; 59.5%).

Conclusions

Few studies used designs providing meaningful causal inference on the relationship between QSRF and obesity, and most have varied or non‐standard definitions of QSRF. Forthcoming meta‐analyses of these results should help inform future directions for QSRF‐obesity research.
PROSPERO #: CRD42013006170
NIH P30DK056336
Uncertain Effects of Beta‐Carotene Supplementation on Oxidation: a Meta‐Regression Analysis of Lag Time to Absorption
Authors: Vecchio Maria Gabriella , Minto Clara , Gregori Dario
Published: June 2021

Background

β‐carotene has the capability to delay oxidative processes having beneficial effects in preventing cancer and CVDs. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a meta‐analysis of clinical studies, the association between β‐carotene supplementation and lipid oxidation

Methods

Articles published until September 2014 were collected using Pubmed.The search string was “Vitamins” limited to “clinical trials” and “humans”.18091 records were retrieved.Out of them,studies with detailed information of dose of β‐Carotene,Lag Time and Duration were retrained for the analysis.A meta‐regression model for Lag Time and another separate for Maximal Oxidation Rate(MOR)has been estimated using Generalized Least Squares, accounting for within‐study correlation (assuming a Continuous Auto‐Regressive of first order structure) and weights proportional to study variance and study size.Effect of dose has been estimated as Cumulative Effect (Dose per day over the weeks of study duration)

Results

9 studies (465 subjects) were included in the meta‐analysis for Lag Time evaluation (5 collected also information on MOR).Susceptibility of LDL to metal ions‐mediated oxidation in vitro was assessed by measuring conjugated diene formation at 234 nm.No significant dose‐response relationship has been found between β‐carotene supplementation and Lag Time and MOR

N. Studies
Effect
S.E.
p‐value

Dose on Lag Time(min)
9
0.00603
0.004026
0.1491

Dose on MOR(nmol/mg LDL protein/min)
5
‐0.00007383
0.0004117
0.8621

Conclusions

β‐carotene supplementation may not have beneficial effects on lipid oxidation in healthy population.Given the high variability in study estimates and the promising meta‐effect,although not strictly significant,further studies are necessary to confirm these conclusion
No Evidence of the Effects of Beta‐Carotene Supplementation on Reducing Risk of Type‐II Diabetes: a Metanalysis
Authors: Minto Clara , Vecchio Maria Gabriella , Gregori Dario
Published: June 2021

Background

Oxidative stress seems to be linked to the decrease of insulin responsiveness in type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants have been proposed to prevent the development of this kind of disease and β‐ carotene, a plant‐derived, fat‐soluble pigment that reduce oxidation, should reduce risk for diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a meta‐analysis of clinical studies, the association between β‐carotene supplementation and type 2 diabetes onset

Methods

Relevant articles published until September 2014 were collected using electronic database PubMed. The search string was “vitamins”, limited to “clinical trials or cohort studies” and “humans”. 18091 records were retrieved. Out of them, studies with detailed information of Diabetes onset, Dosage and outcome measure in control studies, were retrained for the analysis. Pooled estimates are based on Mantel‐Hanszel and DerSimonian‐Laird estimators

Results

Three studies involving an overall number of 55421 patients were included in the analysis. Subjects were followed for an average time of 9 years (min 6‐max 12 years), receiving different doses of β‐carotene supplementation. A non‐significant effect of β‐carotene on risk of developing diabetes was assessed (pooled RR 0.9762, 95% C.I. 0.9038; 1.0543)

image

Conclusions

Data suggest that β‐carotene supplementation may not have beneficial effects on diabetes onset. However, given the high variability in study estimates further researches are necessary to confirm the present conclusion
β‐carotene Levels Measured by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy: a Reproducibility Analysis in Colombian Adults
Authors: Ramirez‐Velez Robinson , Gonzalez‐Ruiz Katherine
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE

To assess reproducibility of resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) for detection of total β‐carotene levels in the skin of Colombian adults.

METHODS

Forty‐eight healthy men and 30 healthy women with various pigmentation levels were enrolled into the study. Measurements by RRS were performed in the palmar region and medial and lateral aspects of the arms. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, adjusting for confounding factors: body mass index, waist circumference, percent body fat, age, race, smoking, and sex. Reproducibility of the technique was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

Mean β‐carotene levels were 29.9 ± 11.9 in men and 30.6 ± 8.6 in women (P=.787). No differences or significant associations were found of β‐carotene levels with confounding factors assessed by sex. ICCs were 0.89 in the palmar region, 0.85 in the medial aspect of arm, and 0.82 in the external aspect of arm.

CONCLUSION

RRS spectroscopy is a reliable method for non‐invasive measurement of β‐carotene levels in skin, and may be used as an important biomarker of antioxidant status in nutritional and health studies in humans.
Effects of Whole Egg Consumption on Carotenoids Absorption from Co‐Consumed, Carotenoids‐Rich Mixed‐Vegetable Salad
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Gordon Susannah , Ferruzzi Mario , Campbell Wayne
Published: June 2021

Dietary lipid is one of the most effective stimulators of carotenoids (CAT) absorption, but very limited data exist on the impact of endogenous food sources of lipid to enhance CAT absorption. Co‐consuming whole egg which contains lutein (LUT) and zeaxanthin (ZEA), with CAT‐rich foods may increase overall CAT absorption via lipid rich egg yolk. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of egg consumption on CAT absorption from a CAT‐rich, raw mixed‐vegetable salad. Healthy young males (n=16) consumed the same salad (all served with 3g canola oil) with no egg (control, C); with 75g (1½ eggs) of scrambled whole egg (low egg, LE); and with 150g (3 eggs) of scrambled whole egg (high egg, HE) (randomized, crossover design). C, LE, and HE trials included 3g, 10.5g (7.5g from eggs), and 18g (15g from eggs) of total lipid, respectively. Blood was collected hourly for 10h and triacylglycerol rich lipoprotein fractions (TRL) were isolated. Total and individual CAT contents, including LUT, ZEA, α‐carotene (α‐C), β‐carotene (β‐C), and lycopene (LYC) in TRL were analyzed and composite areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Total CAT AUC0‐10h in TRL was higher for HE vs. LE and C (125.9±14.1a vs. 46.0±14.1b vs. 15.6±13.6b nmol•L−1•h, p<0.0001). 2 and 5‐fold increases (p<0.001) in TRL AUC0‐10h of LUT and ZEA and 2 to 4 and 4 to 9‐fold increases (p<0.01) in TRL AUC0‐10h of CAT beyond those found in egg such as α‐C, β‐C, and LYC were observed for HE compared to LE and C. These findings support that co‐consuming whole eggs is an effective way to increase both CAT content and absorption of CAT from raw vegetables.

Support: American Egg Board; NIH UL1TR001108; Purdue Ingest Behav Res Ctr
Compared to Regular Lutein, a Lutein Nano‐Emulsion Yields a More Atherogenic Lipoprotein Profile Associated with Higher Concentrations of Cholesterol in Adipose Tissue in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Hu Siqi , Murillo Gabriela , Aguilar David , Missimer Amanda , Gannon Sarah , Fernandez Maria‐Luz
Published: June 2021

We challenged 24 guinea pigs (8/group) with a high cholesterol diet (0.25g/100g) alone (control group) or in combination with 3 mg/d of Regular lutein (R‐lutein) or 3 mg/d of lutein prepared in nano‐emulsion (NANO) (average particle diameter = 250 nm). After 6 weeks, guinea pigs were sacrificed and blood was collected to measure plasma lipids and lipoprotein size and number by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and adipose was harvested to determine concentrations of both free and esterified cholesterol. Contrary to what we expected, guinea pigs from the NANO group had the greatest concentrations of plasma cholesterol (P<0.001). In addition, the NANO group had higher concentrations of large VLDL and total LDL particles (p<0.0001). Moreover, cholesterol concentration in the adipose tissue was highest in the NANO group (11.5 ± 2.5 mg/g), intermediate in the control group (10.2 ± 1.5 mg/g) and lowest in the R‐lutein group (9.2 ± 0.8 mg/g) (p< 0.01). In contrast hepatic cholesterol concentrations were highest in the NANO compared to the R‐lutein and control groups (P < 0.01). Further, we found a positive correlation between plasma cholesterol and free cholesterol in the adipose (r = 0.493, p = 0.014) and with large VLDL (r = 0.700, P < 0.001). These data suggest that guinea pigs fed the NANO emulsion have lower concentrations of cholesterol in the liver because they are secreting cholesterol in the large VLDL particles and possibly both lipoproteins VLDL and LDL are depositing the excess cholesterol in extra‐hepatic tissues (adipose), possibly via scavenger receptors
Effect of Style of Home Cooking on Retention and Bioaccessibility of Pro‐vitamin A Carotenoids in Biofortified Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) Genotypes
Authors: Chitchumroonchokchai Chureeporn , Ribeiro Ediane , de Carvalho Lucia , de Moura Fabiana , de Carvalho Jose , Failla Mark
Published: June 2021

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch) is one of the crop foods targeted for nutritional enhancement by biofortification due to the relatively high content of pro‐vitamin A carotenoids in some varieties. We investigated the effect of three common styles of home cooking of pumpkin on retention and the bioaccessibility of pro‐vitamin A carotenoids in five genotypes of biofortified pumpkin developed by Embrapa. Pulp from three of the biofortified genotypes contained greater than 450 µg/g FW total pro‐vitamin A carotenoids with all‐E‐βC being most abundant. Retention of pro‐vitamin A in pulp after boiling in water or water with 60% sucrose for 5 min or steaming for 7 min decreased pro‐vitamin A content by 5‐22% and 13‐22% in two of the genotypes with highest content of pro‐vitamin A, but there were no losses of pro‐vitamin A in the other genotypes. Bioaccessibility of pro‐vitamin A as assessed by in vitro digestion of cooked pumpkin was poor (0.3‐3.3%). Despite the low efficiency of micellarization, the amount of bioaccessible pro‐vitamin A provided in a 100g serving of boiled and steamed flesh of genotype 58 was approximately 30 and 21%, respectively, of the EAR of vitamin A for children 4‐8 and 9‐13 years of age, respectively.
Effect of Hesperidin with and without a Nutrient Supplement on Bone Ca Retention in Post‐menopausal Women Using 41Ca Technology
Authors: Martin Berdine , McCabe Linda , McCabe George , Jackson George , Horcajada Marie‐Noelle , Offord‐Cavin Elizabeth , Peacock Munro , Macdonald‐Clarke Claire , Weaver Connie
Published: June 2021

Hesperidin is a flavonoid derived from citrus fruits that has been shown to improve bone mass and strength in pre‐clinical studies in rodents. This double blind randomized order cross‐over study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of hesperidin with and without a vitamin‐mineral supplement in reducing bone loss in twelve healthy post‐menopausal women using novel 41Ca methodology. Subjects who had been dosed with 41Ca (50 nCi) consumed four cookies per day containing a total of 1) 0 mg hesperidin, 2) 508 mg hesperidin or 3) 508 mg hesperidin plus a vitamin mineral supplement containing 500 mg Ca for 50 days. Urinary 41Ca/Ca was measured by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) as an indicator of bone resorption. Decreases in daily urinary 41Ca/Ca during the course of an intervention compared with predicted change indicates improved bone retention. Intervention means are reported as relative change in bone calcium retention (%). Consumption of hesperidin plus a calcium supplement resulted in a statistically significant 5.5% improvement in bone calcium retention. There was no improvement evident with hesperidin alone. This research was supported by Nestec Ltd., Lausanne, CH
Pomegranate juice altered lifespan and intestinal fat deposition in ceanorhabditis elegans model organism
Authors: Zheng Jolene , Wang Mingming , Gao Chenfei , Heymsfield Steven , Martin Roy , Keenan Michael , Finley John , Greenway Frank , Enright Fredric , Li Zhaoping
Published: June 2021

Pomegranate juice (PJ) is rich in polyphenols, enzymatic ellagic acid metabolites, and hydroxy‐6H‐benzopyran‐6‐one derivatives. Consumption of pure juice shows antioxidant properties, enhances the growth of probiotic bacteriaand short chain fatty acids, prevents clostridium difficile infections, augments memory function and increases brain activity in humans. To determine the mechanism of action, C. elegans wild type (N2) and daf‐16(mgDf50)I were cultured in 96‐well plates with standard lab food E. coli (OP50), or additional PJ (0.01 ‐ 25%, POM Wonderful, LLC., CA).A dose‐dependent “biphasic” relationship of the estimated probability of lifespan in N2 was 42 days in the control, and increased at a lower doses of PJ (0.01‐1%, P<0.0001) up to day 49 (1%) in the treated group, which was reversed at higher doses of PJ (3, 5, 10 and 25%, P<0.05) that contained 蠅2% sugar. A similar and narrower range of the lifespan was detected in the daf‐16 deficient mutant, which was increased at lower doses (1, 3, and 5%) while reversed at higher doses (10‐25%) (P<0.05). The intestinal fat deposition by Nile Red staining in both strains were dose‐dependently decreased (P<0.05). These data indicate that daf‐16 partially mediated these effects. PJ, with less sugar content, extended lifespan and reduced body fat, and excessive sugar reversed the beneficial effect of low dose PJ in C. elegans model organism.
Peptides in Common Bean Protein Hydrolysates Inhibit Molecular Target Enzymes in type‐2 Diabetes
Authors: Mojica Luis , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: June 2021

The objective was to optimize the enzymatic production of peptides with potential to inhibit carbohydrate degradation related enzymes (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase). Black bean protein isolate was hydrolyzed using either flavourzyme, papain, alcalase, thermolysin, tripsin, chymotrypsin, proteinase k or pepsin at three ratios (1:20, 1:30, 1:50 E/S) and three times of hydrolysis (2, 3, 4 h). Percent inhibition of α‐amylase or α‐glucosidase were used as optimization parameters. Considering the response surface analysis output, the best protease was alcalase; for all tested proteases, 2 h of hydrolysis and 1:20 E/S showed the optimal inhibition (p= 0.001) with α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase of 66.2± 2.2%/mg of hydrolysate and 53.5 ± 2.9% /mg of hydrolysate, respectively. The in silico study revealed 68 peptides ranging from 2 to 21 amino acids derived from phaseolin amino acid sequence with molecular masses ranging from 280.3 to 2329.4 Da. Bioactivity from Biopep database showed potential bioactivities related with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (37.6%), dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibition (21.2%), and antioxidative properties (15.6%). Results indicated that peptides from black bean protein hydrolysates have potential to inhibit enzymes used as molecular targets in the management of type‐2 diabetes.

Funded by University of Illinois International programs
Gamma‐tocotrienol inhibits cytokine‐stimulated NF‐kB activation by inducing A20 and modulating sphingolipids
Authors: Jiang Qing , Wang Yun , Park Na Young , Ma Averil , Jang Yumi
Published: June 2021

Nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB) plays a central role in inflammation‐associated diseases and cancer. Gamma‐tocotrienol (γTE), a natural form of vitamin E, is known to inhibit NF‐kB activation, but the underlying mechanism has not been identified. Here we show that γTE inhibited cytokine‐triggered activation of NF‐kB and its upstream regulator transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase‐1 in macrophages. gTE induced up‐regulation of A20, an inhibitor of NF‐kB. Knockout of A20 slightly diminished gTE's anti‐NF‐kB effect but gTE increased other NF‐kB inhibitors like Cezanne and phosphatse DUSP14 in A20‐/‐ cells. In search of the reason for A20 upregulation, we found that gTE increased phosphorylation of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2a), IkBa and JNK, indicating induction of ER stress. Meanwhile, gTE led to accumulation of dihydroceramides, sphingoid bases in de novo synthesis of sphingolipid pathway. Chemical inhibition of de novo sphingolipid synthesis reversed gTE's anti‐NF‐kB effect. The importance of sphingolipid modulation is further supported by the observation that C8‐dihydroceramide mimicked gTE in up‐regulating A20, enhancing ER stress and attenuating TNF‐triggered NF‐kB activation. Our study identifies a novel anti‐NF‐kB mechanism via induction of A20 and modulation of sphingolipids, and demonstrates an immune‐modulatory role of dihydrocermide.
1′‐Acetoxychavicol acetate accelerates human skin wound healing
Authors: Mori Atsuki , Sugawara Koji , Tsuruta Daisuke , Matsui‐Yuasa Isao , Kojima‐Yuasa Akiko
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Chronic wounds are recently increasing in number among diabetic or bedridden person. It is important to find effective treatments for them. 1′‐acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) is the compound obtained from ginger family such as Alpinia galangal. ACA has been reported to have various physiological effects, anti‐cancer, anti‐obesity, and anti‐oxidant. Here, we focus on the effect of ACA on wound healing.

Methods

We performed scratch assay in the presence of mitomycin‐C to block HaCaT keratinocytes (KCs) cell proliferation. We performed an in vitro scratch assay with MEK/ERK inhibitor (U0126) or PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), to examine how the inhibition of MEK/ERK or PI3K affects HaCaT KCs migration. Furthermore, we performed human wounded skin organ culture with ACA. We measured the length of epithelial tongue.

Results

ACA significantly promoted wound closure in the presence of mitomycin‐C. This result showed that ACA stimulates HaCaT KCs migration without modifying proliferation. MEK/ERK or PI3K‐inhibited HaCaT KCs in the presence of ACA showed a reduction of migration as compared to the ACA alone treated cells. These results suggest that ACA could promote wound closure via inducing ERK/MAPK and PI3K activity. Furthermore, ACA stimulated human skin re‐epithelialisation of organ cultured human wounded skin. This result fits with our results of scratch assay using HaCaT KCs, ACA significantly stimulated wound closure in situ. This suggested that ACA had wound healing‐promoting effect in human skin.

Conclusion

We found that ACA had wound‐healing promoting effects by stimulating ERK/MAPK and PI3K activation. ACA might be a novel agent for treating chronic wounds.
Sensitive Imaging Techniques Demonstrate LCPUFA‐induced Improvements of Brain Structure in Mildly Obesogenic Mice
Authors: Schoemaker M. , Arnoldussen I. , Noordman H. , Zerbi V. , Wielinga P. , Kleemann R. , Gross G. , van Tol E. , Kooistra T. , Kiliaan A
Published: June 2021

Obesity is associated with impaired cognition. Could early nutrition with Long‐Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids reduce potential detrimental effects of an obesogenic diet on brain structure in a humanized mouse model for mild obesity?

Four‐week old male ApoE*3Leiden mice were fed regular chow with or without arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). From 14 until 26 wks of age, mice received a mildly obesogenic high‐fat/high‐carbohydrate (HFHC) diet. At 13 and 26 wks of age, mice were examined in an 11.7 Tesla Bruker Biospec magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐scanner. GLUT‐1 fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed.

Early ARA&DHA counteracted HFHC‐induced changes in cerebral blood flow in mice at 26 wks of life, indicating improved cerebrovascular function, supported by effects on GLUT‐1 positive blood vessels. Increased mean diffusivity in the motorcortex of HFHC‐fed mice, indicative for gray matter loss, was inhibited by early ARA&DHA (P蠄0.05). Resting state functional MRI analysis showed decreased functional connectivity between ventral hippocampus, motorcortex and somasensory cortex in HFHC‐fed mice vs. control mice. Mice early fed ARA&DHA were protected against these detrimental effects.

Early life ARA&DHA protects vascular function, gray matter integrity and functional connectivity between brain regions in the context of mild obesity later in life. Sensitive imaging techniques detect subtle diet effects on brain structure.
Tart Cherry Intake Reduces Gouty Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Seymour E , Kirakosyan Ara , Wolforth Janet , McNish Robert , Kondoleon Nickolas , Bolling Steven
Published: June 2021

Tart cherry is purported to reduce the number and duration of gout flares by anecdotal evidence and epidemiology studies. In gout, excessive serum uric acid combined with local tissue injury causes the uric acid crystal formation and local inflammation in joint synovial membranes. We showed in vitro that tart cherry phytochemicals like cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside and peonidin‐3‐glucoside can affect the activity of xanthine oxidase (which reduces uric acid synthesis) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (which reduces pro‐inflammatory prostaglandins). Tart cherry could then impact several features of gout. The air pouch model of gout is established for pharmaceuticals, but is not used for functional food studies. This model involves injecting air dorsally under the skin to create an environment modeling a synovial membrane; the pouch lining is irritated and develops granulation tissue consisting mainly of fibroblasts, macrophage and mast cells, modeling a gout flare. For three weeks, male Wistar rats (age 12 weeks) were fed either 1% whole tart cherry powder/99% AIN‐93M diet or AIN‐93M. After 6 days of skin distention, monosodium urate (10 mg/ml in PBS) or PBS was injected in the pouch, and serum and pouch tissue were harvested 24 hours later. Qualitatively, tart cherry significantly reduced the pouch size and formation of urate crystals in pouch tissue. Quantitatively, these effects correlated with reduced tissue NFκB activity and mRNA for pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Serum cytokines were unaffected by the air pouch and by tart cherry, but cherry non‐significantly reduced serum uric acid (‐23%, p=0.11). To our knowledge, this is the first animal study to demonstrate gout flare reduction by tart cherry; findings support clinical observations. Funding provided by the Cherry Marketing Institute.
Consequences of Chronic Sweetener Intake on Leukocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Estrada José , Rivas García Miguel , Sheykh Olya Trujillo Hussein , Contreras Irazú
Published: June 2021

Sweeteners are substances that do not provide energy and are added to food to provide a sweet taste. These compounds are used to replace sugar. Although these substances are thought to be innocuous, their generalized use in the food industry makes it relevant to study their long‐term effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of frequent intake of commercial sweeteners on the apoptosis of leukocytes from the spleen of mice supplemented with these compounds in their diet for an extended period of time.14 week‐old BALB/c mice were assigned to the following experimental groups: 1) Negative control (Without sweetener); 2) Positive Control (Sucrose); 3) Stevia Group (Natural Sweetener); 4) Sucrose Group (Artificial Sweetener). After treatment, animals were euthanized and spleen cells were purified and stained with an Annexin‐V apoptosis detection kit to determine the number of cells in different stages of apoptosis. Our results show an increased number of cells undergoing apoptosis in the groups supplemented with either sucrose or sucralose, compared to controls, particularly in the early‐apoptosis subset. Our data suggest that intake of high quantities of sweeteners for a prolonged period of time increases the leukocyte's susceptibility to apoptosis in the spleen, although this subject needs to be explored further.
Probiotics Do Not Enhance Anti‐hypertensive Effect of Blueberry Diets in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: He Leo , Blanton Cynthia , Gottschall‐Pass Kathy , Sweeney Marva
Published: June 2021

Previously we showed that feeding polyphenol‐rich wild blueberries (BB) to hypertensive rats lowered systolic blood pressure (BP). Since probiotic bacteria produce secondary metabolites from berry polyphenols which augment the health benefits of berry consumption, we hypothesized that adding probiotics to a BB‐enriched diet would augment the anti‐hypertensive effects of BB. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats were fed different AIN93G‐based diets for 8 weeks (n=8 rats each diet): Control; 3% freeze‐dried wild BB; 1% probiotic bacteria (PRO); or 3% BB + 1% PRO. BP was measured biweekly by the tail‐cuff method, and urine was collected twice to determine markers of oxidative stress [F2‐isoprostanes], nitric oxide synthesis [nitrites] and polyphenol metabolism [hippuric acid]. Systolic BP at week 8, but not sooner, was lower in the BB and PRO groups (163+5.9 mmHg and 168+6.2 mmHg, respectively) compared to the control diet (188+7.6 mmHg; p=0.04). Diet had main effects on diastolic BP at week 8 as well (p<0.05). In contrast, the combined BB + PRO diet produced no significant effects on BP. Hippuric acid excretion, a marker of polyphenol metabolism, was 91% higher after 4 weeks and 74% higher after 8 weeks in BB‐fed rats compared to CON (p=0.0006). PRO by itself had no effect on urinary hippuric acid, and BB+PRO diet did not reduce the magnitude of the BB effect. Excretion of isoprostanes (p=0.989) and nitrite (p=0.373) did not differ across diet groups. Thus adding probiotics to a blueberry‐enriched diet does not enhance and actually may impair the antihypertensive effect of BB consumption. However, probiotic bacteria are not interfering with metabolism of BB polyphenols into hippuric acid.