bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potent antioxidative activity of lycopene: a potential role in scavenging hypochlorous acid
Authors: Maitra Dhiman , Byun Jaeman , Sliskovic Inga , Abdulhamid Ibrahim , Diamond Michael P. , Pennathur Subramaniam , Abu‐Soud Husam M.
Published: June 2021

Lycopene, a carotenoid that imparts a red color in tomatoes, is a proven anti‐oxidant that may lower the risk of certain diseases. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is an oxidant generated by a two electron oxidation of chloride, catalyzed by the neutrophil derived myeloperoxidase. Although HOCl plays a key role in the host immune response, it is also linked to tissue oxidation in cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory disorders through its ability to modify proteins, DNA, and lipids. Here we show that lycopene can function as a potent scavenger of HOCl at a wide range of concentrations that span various physiological and supplemental ranges. The oxidation of lycopene by HOCl was accompanied by a marked change in color, from red to colorless, of the lycopene solution suggesting lycopene degradation. HPLC and LC‐MS analysis showed that the exposure of lycopene to increasing concentrations of HOCl gave a range of metabolites resulting from oxidative cleavage of one or more carbon‐carbon double bonds. The degree of degradation of lycopene (as assessed by the number and chain lengths of the different oxidative metabolites of lycopene) depends mainly on the ratio between HOCl to lycopene, suggesting that multiple molecules of HOCl are consumed per molecule of lycopene. This work demonstrates the link between lycopene and HOCl scavenging, and provides contribution to the mechanism of the protective function exerted by lycopene.
The vitamin A equivalence of β‐carotene in β‐carotene‐biofortified cassava ingested by women
Authors: Liu Wenhong , Zhou Yang , Sanchez Teresa , Ceballos Hernan , White Wendy S.
Published: June 2021

β‐Carotene‐biofortified cassava is being developed through plant breeding as a sustainable agronomic approach to alleviate vitamin A deficiency. Our objective was to quantify the vitamin A equivalence of the β‐carotene in biofortified cassava based on ingestion of a single realistic serving of cassava porridge. Women (n = 8) each consumed in random order 3 cassava porridges (220 g each) containing 40 g cassava flour: 1) biofortified cassava porridge (1097.5 μg β‐carotene); 2) white cassava porridge with β‐carotene reference dose (537.6 μg added β‐carotene); 3) white cassava porridge with vitamin A reference dose (285.6 μg added retinol). Blood samples were collected over 9 h. Retinyl palmitate was analyzed in triacylglycerol‐rich lipoprotein fractions by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Areas under the curve (AUC) for retinyl palmitate (nmol·h) were 213.0 ± 59.7, 141.5 ± 46.3, and 159.0 ± 81. 6 after ingestion of biofortified cassava porridge, white cassava porridge with β‐carotene reference dose, and white cassava porridge with vitamin A reference dose, respectively. The vitamin A equivalence of the β‐carotene in β‐carotene‐biofortified cassava was 2.80 ± 1.77 to 1 (by wt); the vitamin A equivalence of the β‐carotene reference dose (2.11 ± 0.81 to 1) approximated that established by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Biofortified cassava is a highly bioavailable source of vitamin A. Supported by HarvestPlus.

Grant Funding Source: HarvestPlus
Urinary excretion of chlorogenic acids and metabolites in humans after green mate (I. paraguariensis ) consumption.
Authors: Marques Viviane Xavier , Farah Adriana
Published: June 2021

The consumption of green mate (I. paraguariensis) has been associated with health benefits, attributed mainly to its high chlorogenic acids (CGA) contents. It is known that CGA from coffee matrix are bioavailable to humans, but their bioavailability when in mate matrix has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to measure the urinary excretion of CGA and metabolites after green mate consumption. On separate days, subjects (n=7) consumed capsules of green mate (6.2μmol of CGA/Kg weight) or placebo. Urine samples were collected at baseline and for 24h after each treatment. CGA and metabolites were measured in urine by HPLC/DAD. Six CGA (3 caffeoylquinic and 3 dicaffeoylquinic acids) and 14 metabolites (caffeic, vanillic, ferulic, isoferulic, p‐coumaric, gallic, p‐hydroxybenzoic, dihydrocaffeic, syringic, sinapic, 3,4‐dihidroxyphenilacetic, 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenil)propionic, trans‐3‐hydroxycinnamic and benzoic acids) were quantified in the urine samples. The total urinary excretion after green mate (516.6μmol) consumption was higher (p<0.05) than placebo (374.7μmol). On average, after green mate consumption, 55% of total hydroxycinnamic acid and quinic acid moieties’ derivatives was recovered in urine. However, the existence of phenolic acids in urine after the placebo treatment should be considered. This study indicates that CGA from green mate are absorbed and metabolized in humans.

Financial support: CNPq and FAPERJ, Brazil.
A simple and rapid method for induction of experimental allergy in mice
Authors: Christopher Lawrance , Kuvibidila Solo
Published: June 2021

Ovalbumin‐sensitized mice are widely used animal models for allergy and asthma. The typical protocol requires a month to induce allergy and hence time consuming. Moreover, this protocol requires inhalation apparatus for mice therefore limiting this procedure to highly equipped laboratories. In this study we developed a short term protocol (15 days) for inducing allergy and used nasal instillation without using the inhalation apparatus. Fourteen weeks old C57BL/6 female mice fed the AIN76 diet for 2.5 months were randomly divided into two groups of 16 mice each. Experimental mice received two intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin (16 μg ovalbumin + 2 mg of aluminum oxide dissolved in 0.4 ml PBS) at day 0 and day 6 whereas control mice received 0.4 ml of PBS. On the day 12 and 13 mice received nasal instillation of either 0.1 ml of PBS for control mice or 0.1 ml of PBS+ 200 μg of ovalbumin for treatment mice. Mice were sacrificed on day 14 of the protocol, and plasma was used for IgE assay by ELISA. There was no significant difference in mean body weight at time 0. There was a 4‐fold increase in plasma total Ig E in ovalbumin‐treated (127.524 ng/ml) versus control (31.50 ng/ml) (p <0.05). Our improved method not only reduced the time period but also the requirement of inhalation apparatus for mice. Hence this method is rapid and simple to induce experimental allergy in mice.

Grant Funding Source: Mushroom Council & Oklahoma State University
Quantitative analysis of ginsenoside composition in flower buds of Korean (Panax ginseng) and Chinese (Panax notoginseng) ginseng
Authors: Ko Sung Kwon , Cho Ok Sun , Bae Hye Min , Im Byung Ok , Lee Ok‐Hwan , Lee Boo‐Yong
Published: June 2021

Korean (Panax ginseng) and Chinese (Panax notoginseng) ginseng are widely used in traditional oriental medicine with ginsenosides as the main active components. The chemical characteristics of ginsenosides are known to differ based on the parts, including root, leaf and flower buds. Moreover, the content of ginsenosides in the flower buds of Korean and Chinese ginseng may be influenced by soil type and geographic location. The objective of this study was to obtain basic information that can be used to index the ginsenoside composition of the flower buds of the Panax species cultivated in Korea and China. The composition of ginsenosides in flower buds (Panax ginseng) cultivated in Korea and China, and the Sanchi flower bud (Panax notoginseng) cultivated in China at 3 years old were measured by HPLC analysis. Ginseng flower buds cultivated in Korea and China contained the highest amount of ginsenoside Re (3.455%, 2.727%). In contrast, Sanchi flower bud cultivated in China contained the highest amount of ginsenoside Rb1 (3.738%). Interestingly, the PD/PT ratio of the Sanchi flower bud cultivated in China (1.98) was about 2.5 and 4 times higher than that of Panax ginseng flower buds (0.82, 0.47) cultivated in Korea and China.
Hypolipidemic Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus In Wistar Strain Albino Rats Fed With High Fat Diet
Authors: Adebawo Olugbenga Obajimi , Banjoko Immaculata Oyeyemi , Adeyanju Muinat Moronke , Ademuyiwa Oladipupo
Published: June 2021

Abnormal blood levels of LDL‐cholesterol has been associated with coronary heart disease. Reports have shown that Lactobacillus acidophilus, is a blood cholesterol lowering agent. However, not much has been reported on its effect on the other lipids. Thus, we investigated the effect of Lb acidophilus on lipids of selected tissues in rats. The rats were assigned randomly to each of 3 diets. Diet A was high fat diet containing Lb acidophilus fermented maize meal. Diet B w as high fat diet containing unfermented maize meal and Diet C was commercially produced rat chow obtained from Ladokun Feeds, Ibadan. The first group of five rats were sacrificed to obtain the baseline data after which rats from the 3 groups were sacrificed weekly for the next 4 weeks. The plasma, liver, spleen, kidney, heart and brain tissues were assessed for LDL‐cholesterol, VLDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐Cholesterol, total lipids, triglyceride and phospholipids. The results showed that all the lipids except HDL‐cholesterol in the rats fed with Lb acidophilus fermented maize were significantly lower than those fed with unfermented maize in all the tissues. The HDL‐cholesterol increased in the first 3 weeks of feeding in the group placed on Lb acidophilus diet. We concluded that Lb acidophilus depressed lipid biosynthesis in the rats.
Supplementation of high temperature and high pressure processed garlic reduces lymphocytes DNA damage and oxidative stress in rat fed high cholesterol diet
Authors: Kim Hye Ran , Sohn Chan Wok , Kim Min Hee , Kim Mee Ree
Published: June 2021

The effects of High temperature and high pressure processed garlic(HTHPG) supplementation on the oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in rats fed high‐cholesterol diet were evaluated. Sprague‐Dawley rat were fed either normal diet, high cholesterol diet(0.5% cholesterol) or high cholesterol diet supplemented with 0.5% HTHPG for 10 weeks. The tissue lipid peroxidation, oxidative biomarkers such as antioxidant enzyme activities, and DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes in rats fed high cholesterol diet for 10 wks were evaluated. Lipid peroxidations(TBARS) in blood, liver, heart, and kidney were significantly decreased by HTHPG. Total glutathione(GSH) content in liver and RBC were significantly elevated by HTHPG group, compared to HCD. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as glutathione peroxidase(GSH‐Px), glutathione reductase(GR) and paraoxonase(PON) were significantly improved in rats fed HTHPG. GSH‐Px and GR activities of HTHPG group were remarkably increased in liver by 3.8 and 5.3 folds, respectively, compared to those of HCD group. GSH of HTHPG increased by 4.1 fold, compared to that of HCD. Anticancer enzyme activities such as glutathione‐S‐transferase(GST) and quinone reductase(QR) in the liver of processed garlic product were increased by 6.7 and 6.2 folds, respectively, compared to those of HCD group. HTHPG supplementation resulted in significant decrease(42%) in lymphocyte DNA damage expressed by tail length, which was determined using the comet assay with alkaline electrophoresis. This study suggested that HTHPG has beneficial effects for preventing lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress expressing antioxidant enzyme activities as well as oxidative DNA damage.
Menu planning and recipe development using red yeast (Monascus purpureus) fermented rice and its products
Authors: Tzou Olivia San , Tam Chick F. , Lin Wan‐Ju , Chen Hsin‐I
Published: June 2021

Red yeast (Monascus purpureus) fermented rice has been used in Chinese cuisine and as a medicinal food for centuries. The Hakka cultural group in China, for example, is estimated to be 35 millions who used red yeast rice and its products as their regular daily staples. It contains naturally occurring hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMG‐CoA reductase) inhibitors known as monacolins. Its medicinal properties favorably impact lipid profiles of hypercholesterolemic patients. Findings indicate that it lowers cholesterol levels moderately compared to the statin drugs. Its extract has been sold as a natural cholesterol‐lowering agent as over the counter supplements In Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and the U.S.. The objective is to introduce red yeast fermented rice and its food products for its beneficial properties into the American food ways as safe ingredients for health. Based on culinary arts in Asian countries, red yeast fermented rice and its paste, wine, soy sauce, etc. are used to plan Western food menus and recipes including sauces, salads dressing, entrées, and desserts. Computer analyses for nutrient contents are applied to each and every recipe planned. Menu planning and recipe development to incorporate and infuse red yeast rice beneficial properties into the traditional Western dishes are to promote health and prevent diseases. There is no source of research support for this research.
Anti‐asthma Effects of water extract from Perillae semen on DNP IgE Plus Antigen‐ stimulated RBL‐2H3 cells·
Authors: Kim Jeong Mi , Chung Mi Ja , Kim Dae Jung , Kim Tae Hyuk , Baek Jong Mi , Lee Sang Cheol , Kim Cheon An , Choe Myeon
Published: June 2021

Asthma is caused by a complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors that they do not yet fully understand. It has side effects and a complication by long‐term drugs taking medicine because it is chronic disease. Therefore many Researchers expect anti‐asthmatic effect in plant that side effect does not exist. To investigate anti‐asthmatic effect of water extract from Perillae semen (PSW), we measure β‐Hexosaminidase secretion and Th2 cytokine(such as IL‐4, IL‐13,TNF‐α) production on IgE stimulated RBL‐2H3 cell. Our results have shown that Perillae semen extract is significantly decreased the release of β‐Hexosaminidase and IL‐4, IL‐13 mRNA by DNP‐IgE stimulated RBL‐2H3 cells. Also TNF‐ α production was inhibited as concentration increase compared with control, in cells exposed to PSW. Thus, the perillae semen water extracts may be effective as asthma material.(This work is Supported for Corporate‐affiliated Research Institute of Academic‐Industrial‐Institutional Cooperation Establishment Business.)
Nutritional support for piglets simulating nutrition support in the NICU
Authors: Smith Kristin , Borum Peggy R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Piglets in the Piglet Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PNICU) can serve as models for neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and can be used to address nutrition questions requiring techniques too invasive to conduct in neonates. Nutrition support must meet the metabolic needs of the piglets and simulate NICU nutrition support. Defined piglet formulas are needed to allow comparison of control to experimental groups.

Objective

To create defined formulas for PNICU nutrition support simulating NICU nutrition support that achieves optimal health and growth of term and preterm piglets.

Methods

Nutrient data from pig production studies, piglet model investigations, and human preterm and full term nutrition trials were used as reference data and formulas were defined using commercially available constituents.

Results

The following enteral formula for a term piglet and parenteral formula for a preterm piglet were developed.

Nutrient
Term Enteral
Preterm Parenteral

Protein
7.25 g/kg*d
8 g/kg*d

Carbohydrate
21.96 g/kg*d
12 g/kg*d

Lipid
15.58 g/kg*d
4.5 g/kg*d

Calcium
0.49 g/kg*d
0.1 g/kg*d

Phosphorus
0.47 g/kg*d
0.059 g/kg*d

Ca:P
1.04:1
1.7:1

Total Calories
257.02 kcal/kg*d
141 kcal/kg*d

Conclusions

The establishment of these piglet formulas is an important step in refining translational research using term and preterm piglet models for term and preterm human neonates.
A chemoenzymatic method to prepare gram‐scale Allium organosulfur compounds and their presumptive metabolic products, and associated biological activities
Authors: ZHANG GUODONG , PARKIN KIRK L
Published: June 2021

The health benefits of Allium vegetables are widely attributed to the organosulfur compounds called thiosulfinates (TS) and related species. The lack of suitable methods to prepare TS in adequate yield has hampered the evaluation of their biological activity and therapeutic effect. We describe a simple enzymatic method using Allium tissue homogenates as a reaction system to prepare gram‐scale TS, including those enriched in 1‐propenyl groups which are particularly difficult to obtain. The cysteine and glutathione mixed disulfide conjugates of TS (CySSR/GSSR, R = methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1‐propenyl, allyl) were also prepared as they are likely in vivo metabolic products of TS. The respective cancer chemoprotective and anti‐inflammatory activities of TS and CySSR/GSSR were evaluated using quinone reductase (QR, phase II enzymes biomarker) induction, and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) evolution in cellular assays. All TS and CySSR/GSSR species induced QR activity in Hepa 1c1c7 cells and inhibited NO evolution in LPS‐stimulated macrophages. Among the conjugates, the 1‐propenyl species (CySSPe and GSSPe) representative of onion exhibited the biological activities as or more potent than the 2‐propenyl (allyl) derivatives (CySSA and GSSA) representative of garlic, indicating the potential for these components as dietary vehicles for promoting health. Supported by USDA‐NRI‐CGP.
Broccoli inhibits colon inflammation and carcinogenesis in azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium treated mice
Authors: Butler Shannon M , Nho Chu‐Won , Pan Cheol‐Ho , Jeffery Elizabeth H
Published: June 2021

Inflammation is associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer through mechanisms that are not well understood. Isothiocyanates, which are the bioactive components in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, have been shown to suppress COX‐2 and IL‐6 production from inflammation. The current study was conducted to determine if dietary broccoli can inhibit inflammation‐enhanced colon cancer. Male C57bl/6 mice were fed a 10% broccoli powder diet or standard AIN‐93G diet ad libitum. After a two week feeding period mice were administered a single dose of azoxymethane (AOM; 10mg i.p./kg BW), one week later given 1% dextran sulfate sodium in the drinking water for 7 days. Mice were sacrificed 15 weeks after AOM injection and assessed for tumor incidence and multiplicity, and expression of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen. Dissected colon was fixed using formalin, then paraffin embedded, sectioned and H&E stained. Colon length was significantly greater in broccoli treated mice compared to AIN‐93G treated mice, indicating that broccoli protected against shortening of the colon from inflammation. Dietary broccoli significantly inhibited the formation of adenocarcinomas in the colon compared to AIN‐93G treated mice (p < 0.05). This study suggests that a broccoli diet can slow the progression of inflammation enhanced colon cancer. (Funded in part by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology).
Dark chocolates suppress rat aberrant crypt foci formation by downregulation of inflammation involved gene expression
Authors: DeIulio Emily , Hong Mee Young
Published: June 2021

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Cocoa and chocolate products have among the highest concentrations of polyphenols compared to other food sources containing polyphenolic compounds. An increasing body of epidemiologic evidence supports the concept that diets rich in polyphenols promote health and attenuate or delay the onset of various diseases, including colon cancer. We determined whether dark chocolate protects against colon cancer by inhibiting aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation. Forty eight male Spague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive diets containing no chocolate, regular dark chocolate or bloomed dark chocolate and injected subcutaneously with saline or azoxymethane (AOM, 2 times during wk 3 and 4). Relative to the control (no chocolate), dark chocolate diets, regardless regular or bloomed, lowered the total number of aberrant crypt (P=0.0124) and total number of ACF (P=0.0222). Chocolate diet‐fed animals downregulated the levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (P=0.0347) and RelA (P=0.0445) gene expression. These results suggest that dark chocolates reduced gene expression of inflammatory mediators which may contribute to the lower number of early preneoplastic lesions in colon carcinogenesis. This study was supported by CHNR08‐810 and SDSU NUTR 302L class.
Zinc status and DNA damage in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Phoonlapdacha Phanphen , Pakakasama Samart , Kalpravidh Ruchaneekorn W , Suthutvoravut Umaporn , Chongviriyaphan Nalinee
Published: June 2021

Zinc is an important element in numerous transcription factors, antioxidant enzymes, and DNA repair proteins. Leukemia is a neoplastic disease that is susceptible to oxidative stress and alteration of essential elements. This study was conducted to determine the status of zinc and DNA damage in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Ten patients, aged 1–12 years, who were newly diagnosed with ALL and 10 age‐matched healthy children (as controls) were recruited in the study. Plasma zinc and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) from DNA were evaluated.

We found that patients with ALL had lower plasma zinc (9.52 ± 0.64 vs. 13.21 ± 2.11 μmol/mL, p < 0.001), but they had higher levels of 8‐OHdG than controls (2.12 ± 0.37 vs. 0.59 ± 0.15 μg/mL DNA, p < 0.001).

In conclusion, pediatric patients with ALL have higher DNA damage but lower levels of zinc than healthy counterparts. The importance of maintaining optimal zinc status in patients may help to reduce DNA damage.

This study was funded by The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Research Grant
Anorexia in Patients with Smell Loss (Hyposmia) Corrected by Treatment with Intranasal Theophylline
Authors: Henkin Robert I. , Gouliouk Vasily , Schultz Mike , Minnick Laura
Published: June 2021

Patients with many disease processes including cancer, diabetes, hypothyroidism, viral infections, head injury, neurodegenerative disorders and other pathologies exhibit hyposmia, loss of ability to obtain flavor from food and subsequent anorexia and weight loss. While oral theophylline has been useful in correcting hyposmia in several of these clinical groups this drug has significant somatic side effects; its efficacy is both dose and time dependent and patients can develop drug resistance. In an effort to develop a more clinically beneficial method for treatment of hyposmia an open label, single source clinical trial was performed in 10 patients with hyposmia who were each studied before and after treatment with both oral and intranasal theophylline. On oral theophylline smell function improved in eight of the 10 patients; patients gained 3.4±0.9 lbs (Mean±SEM) over baseline. On intranasal theophylline smell function improved further in eight of 10 patients; patients gained an additional 4.5±1.4 lbs over that gained on oral theophylline. These data indicate that intranasal theophylline not only corrects hyposmia, as shown previously with oral theophylline, but also appears to improve appetite through increased ability to obtain flavor from food with subsequent enhancement of weight gain. This effect of intranasal theophylline occurs within days of treatment rather than after months of treatment with oral theophylline. Since many patients with several disease processes exhibit hyposmia with subsequent anorexia, treatment of these patients with intranasal theophylline appears to be a useful, novel method for improvement of both hyposmia and anorexia and superior to treatment with oral theophylline.
The Ability of Nutrition Screening Initiative DETERMINE Checklist (NSI) to Accurately Evaluate Short‐term Impact of Participation in Older Americans Act Nutrition Program among Vulnerable Older Georgians: Georgia Advanced Performance Outcomes Measures Project
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Johnson Mary Ann , Brown Arvine
Published: June 2021

The NSI is one of the most widely used tools for assessing nutrition risk in older adults. We examined whether the NSI would detect short‐term change in nutrition risk status among Georgians participating in the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program (OANNP). The sample included 351 new OAANP participants and waitlisted people who completed all NSI items and matching questions in 2 mail surveys conducted 4 months apart (mean age 74.7±9.0, 70.7% female). Mean baseline total NSI score (range 0–21) was 8.9±4.5 and 71.5% were at high nutrition risk. Over this 4 month period, the change in total NSI score and overall nutrition risk category were not significantly different by participation status. OAANP participants reported some favorable improvements in 2 NSI items (food security, eating few fruits and vegetables) compared to waitlisted people, but not in other NSI items most of which did not assess factors directly and sensitively related to receiving meal services. Also, the change patterns over the 4 month period in 3 food intake‐related NSI items and matching question pairs (eating <2 meals daily, eating few fruits and vegetables or dairy) showed poor to fair agreements (weighted κ: 0.0435–0.3741). Improving nutrition risk assessment tools could help to better evaluate nutrition risk and its change over time among vulnerable older adults receiving OAANP services. This study was funded in part by US AoA and USDA ERS.
Carbohydrate nutrition and cataract
Authors: Taylor Allen
Published: June 2021

Studies suggest dietary carbohydrates play a role in cataractogenesis. Objective: examine the cross‐sectional associations between total carbohydrate intake, dietary glycemic index and the risk for cortical and nuclear cataract.

1609 eligible non‐diabetic participants in the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project were used. Dietary information derived from a food frequency questionnaire and cataract status graded by the Wilmer protocol were collected. Using generalized estimating approach to logistic regression to account for the lack of independence between two eyes of an individual, we examined the associations between dietary carbohydrate and risk for cataract for eyes with no or a single type(pure) of cataract.

After multivariate adjustment, pure cortical cataract was significantly associated with total carbohydrate intake (odds ratio comparing the highest quartile with the lowest quartile = 3.19, 95% confidence interval 1.10, 9.27; P for trend = 0.017). The OR for nuclear cataract (366 eyes) comparing the third quartile of dGI with the first quartile, but there was not a consistent dose‐response association.

Carbohydrate intake may be optimized to prolong eye lens function
IGF1 prevents radiation‐induced salivary gland dysfunction which does not affect survival of head and neck tumors
Authors: Victory Kerton R , Limesand Kirsten H
Published: June 2021

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer results in severe secondary side effects in non‐tumor tissue which leads to reduced quality of life for patients. One of the most common secondary side effects is xerostomia, a syndrome that results from salivary glands not producing sufficient quantities of saliva. We developed a preclinical in vivo model where intravenous injection of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) stimulated activation of the endogenous Akt in salivary glands. Treatment with IGF‐1 in FVB mice prior to ionizing radiation of the head and neck region preserved salivary function. To further understand the affect of IGF1 on tumor clearance in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we assessed levels of cell survival following gamma radiation. Treatment of human SCC with IGF1 showed no significant increase in tumor cells surviving after gamma radiation, as measured by both MTT and crystal violet assays. These studies suggest that IGF1 preserves salivary function in vivo and does not affect tumor cell proliferation or survival in vitro following radiotherapy. Currently we are investigating the effects on IGF1 in mice with SCC tumor xenographs. Targeting the IGF1 pathway may provide a treatment option that alleviates the secondary side effects of radiotherapy and improves the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients. Support: NIDCR RO1 (18888)
Restoration of radiation therapy‐induced salivary gland dysfunction by post therapy IGF1 administration
Authors: Limesand Kirsten H , Grundmann Oliver , Fillinger Jamia L , Victory Kerton
Published: June 2021

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer results in severe and chronic salivary gland dysfunction resulting in significant side effects including xerostomia and malnutrition. To address this problem we investigated the effect of IGF1 on the radiation response in normal tissue. Female mice were treated with targeted head and neck radiation and significant reductions in salivary function were confirmed 3 days after treatment. On days 4–8 after radiation, mice were divided into two groups with one group injected intravenously with IGF1 while the second group served as a vehicle injected control. Irradiated animals have 40–50% reductions in stimulated salivary flow rates. Mice receiving injections of IGF1 have increases in stimulated salivary flow rates 60–90 salivary flow rates that are not significantly different from unirradiated mice. Parotid tissue sections from irradiated animals show significant reductions in total amylase area when compared to unirradiated mice. Post‐therapeutic injections of IGF1 results in increased amylase‐positive acinar cell area on days 30–90. Post‐therapeutic IGF1 treatment restores salivary gland function through normalization of cell proliferation and improved expression of amylase. These findings could aid in the treatment of radiation‐induced salivary gland dysfunction in patients who have completed their anti‐cancer therapies. Supported in part by DE16096 and DE18888.
Obesity and Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness among African and Caucasian Americans
Authors: Su L Joseph , Arab Lenore , Steck Susan , Schroeder Jane C , Fontham Elizabeth T H , Bensen Jeannette T , Mohler James L
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer aggressiveness using data from the North Carolina ‐ Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project, a population‐based study of incident prostate cancer. Medical record data was used to classify 1793 subjects for prostate cancer aggressiveness at diagnosis using clinical criteria. An association was sought between prostate cancer aggressiveness and body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression adjusted for confounders with race considered as an effect modifier. A strong positive association was found between prostate cancer aggressiveness and both BMI and WHR among Caucasian Americans (CA). The ORs among CA for high aggressive prostate cancer among obese and severely obese were 2.51 (95%CI=1.27, 4.97) and 3.47 (95%CI=1.65, 7.31), respectively, compared to normal weight subjects. African Americans (AA) had more aggressive prostate cancer compared to CA (OR = 2.55 [95%CI=1.26, 5.17] for normal weight AA versus normal weight CA), but increased obesity was not associated with increased risk of high aggressive prostate cancer. In conclusion, the relationship between obesity and aggressive prostate cancer is apparent among CA, but the relationship among AA deserves further investigation. Grant Sponsor: Department of Defense DAMD 17‐03‐2‐0052
Mining serum for a lipolysis factor
Authors: Byerley Lauri O. , Lively Mark
Published: June 2021

Cancer cachexia provides a unique model to identify blood‐borne factors that promote lipolysis. Using the MCA‐induced sarcoma model to study cancer‐related cachexia, we have shown that known lipolytic molecules cannot account for the major loss of lipid observed. Our goal is to isolate this factor biochemically from serum of tumor‐bearing rats using the lipid release activity from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Initial characterization studies have established that the factor is a protein with a molecular weight > 30 kDa. The current purification strategy includes: 1) bulk anion exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose with a step gradient to remove highly abundant serum proteins; 2) analytical high performance anion exchange chromatography on MonoQ; and 3) analytical high performance size fractionation on Superdex 200. Results of the development of this purification protocol, progress toward identification of the novel lipolysis factor, and properties of the active species will be reported. This scheme shows that the lipolytic factor we seek is stable and can be identified via multiple chromatographic steps. Supported by a grant from: American Institute for Cancer Research
A Study on the glucose‐regulating Enzyme Activities of Water Extracts from Korea Medicinal Herbs of HepG2 in Hyperglycemic Conditions
Authors: Kim Dae Jung , Chung Mi Ja , Seo Dong Joo , You Jin Kyoun , Baek Jong Mi , Kim Jeong Mi , Choe Myeon
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the anti‐diabetic effects on mixture [Lycii Cortex (JGP), Acanthopanax senticosus (GSO) and Cordyceps militaris (DCH)] of medicinal plant water extracts on glucose‐regulating key enzymes such as glucokinase (GK), pyruvate dehydrogenase(PDH) and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). The enzymes were extracted from liver tissue of a type □ diabetic rat (Goto‐kakizaki) rat. The mRNA and protein levels of glucose‐regulating key enzymes measured using RT‐PCR, western blotting and spectrophotometric methods in HepG2 cells or in a cell‐free system. High (4.5g glucose/1L) and low (1g glucose/1L) glucose level media were used for normal and diabetic cell models. GK(306.5%) and ACC(189.6%) activities in the hepatic cytosol fraction by mixture treatment were increased higher than control(100%) but PDH activity was not changed. The HepG2 cells were cultured in the high glucose level media and GK mRNA and protein levels in the mixture‐treated cells for 24 hr were up‐regulated compared to the unexposed control but GK mRNA and protein levels of HepG2 cells in the low glucose level media were slightly lower than the control. Treatment of the mixture significantly reduced ACC mRNA and protein of HepG2 cells in the high and low glucose level media. These observations suggest that the mixture is bio‐material for prevention of type 2 diabetes. (This research was supported by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy through the fostering project of the Human Resource Training Project for Regional Innovation.)
Effects of Foeniculum Fructus(FL) and Mixture Water Extracts on Activities of Key Enzymes on Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Kim Dae Jung , Chung Mi Ja , Seo Dong Joo , You Jin Kyoun , Kim Tae Hyuk , Baek Jong Mi , Choe Myeon
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effects of feeding diet containing Foeniculum Fructus(FL) water extract and the other herbs mixed water extracts(mixture) on activities of key enzymes such as lipoprotein lipase(LPL), acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACS) and carnitine acetyltransferase(CAT) activities involved in lipid metabolism in high fat diet‐induced obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed with HF diet for 11 weeks. In the last 6 weeks, the HF diet was supplemented with 0 (HFD) or FL, mixture(5g/kg, HFD + PL, mixture). The HF‐free diet group was fed normal chow for 11 weeks. LPL and ACS were extracted from the epididymal adipose tissue and liver of C57BL/6J mice after 11 weeks. When 1000 ppm of FL water extract and mixture tested, they decreased LPL activity of obese mice by 12% and 14.8%, respectively. The ACS activity of normal mouse was higher in 1000ppm mixture(152.9%) treatment compared to the control(100%) and the 1000ppm FL(842%) water extract treatment increased the ACS activity of obese mice, compared to the activity in the control(100%). FL(131.2%) and mixture(103.5%) water extract treatment were increased CAT activity compared to the control (100%). Thus, the FL water extract and mixture may have beneficial effects due to activities of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in obese humans. (This research was supported by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy through the fostering project of the Human Resource Training Project for Regional Innovation.)
The Relationship between Microalbuminuria and Glycemic Control in Haitian Americans with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zarini Gustavo G. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: June 2021

The study examined the relationship between microalbuminuria (MAU) and glycemic control (GC) in 114 Haitian Americans (73 females and 41 males) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from Miami‐Dade and Broward Counties, FL. MAU was determined in urine samples by ImmunoDip albumin test kit. HbA1c was measured from whole blood with the Roche Tina Quant method. Subjects were stratified into 2 groups according to HbA1c levels (≤7.0% and >7.0%). Analyses used SPSS and included descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis controlling for age, gender, BMI, and diabetes medication(s). Subjects with MAU had higher HbA1c levels (9.1±2.4) compared to those without MAU (7.8±2.2) (p=.007). Logistic regression analyses showed that subjects with poor GC were more likely to have MAU than those with good GC (OR=3.66, p= .010, 95 CI 1.36 to 9.81). After adjusting for covariates, subjects with poor GC were more likely to have MAU than subjects with good GC (OR=4.28, p= .005, 95 CI 1.54 to 11.9). The results of this study indicate that the likelihood of having MAU is higher when poor GC is present among Haitian Americans with T2D. Supported by a grant from NIH/NIDDK.
Comparison of Vitamin D status in Cuban‐Americans with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liuzzi Juan P. , Modi Hiral P. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: June 2021

Epidemiological studies suggest that serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D levels are inversely related to type 2 diabetes (T2D). Cuban‐Americans have a high prevalence of diabetes despite residing in a solar rich environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of vitamin D with diabetes status in Cuban‐Americans residing in South Florida. Serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D levels (nmol/L), vitamin D intake and BMI were measured in 112 subjects with T2D and 71 controls. Subjects with diabetes had lower serum vitamin D levels (65.9±20.0) as compare to subjects without diabetes (95.0±29.2) (p<.001). However, vitamin D intake (IU) was higher in subjects with diabetes (496.1±365.3) than subjects without diabetes (391.3±302.3) (p<.05). After adjusting for age, gender, BMI and vitamin D intake, the relationship was still significant (p=0.002) between low serum vitamin D levels and T2D. Prevalence of suboptimal serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D (< 75 nmol/L) was more common in subjects with diabetes as compared to controls (75% vs. 23%). Based on our results we conclude that Cuban‐Americans with diabetes have low 25‐OH‐vitamin D levels despite residing in region with abundant sunshine and higher vitamin D intake. This warrants for prospective studies to elucidate the underlying mechanism of the inverse association between vitamin D levels and T2D. Supported by a grant from NIH/SCORE.
High‐fat diet with adequate methionine and choline levels induces hepatic insulin resistance via Akt signaling pathway in a rodent model for Non‐alcoholic Steatohepatitis.
Authors: Sundaresan Sinju , Vijayagopal Parakat , Mills Nathaniel , Imrhan Victorine , Prasad Chandan
Published: June 2021

Signaling pathways involved in hepatic insulin resistance that develops in animal models of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not been adequately investigated. In this study hepatic insulin resistance was investigated in livers of C57BL/6J mice by determining protein and gene expressions of insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate (IRS), Akt and their phosphorylated forms (p‐IR, p‐IRS, and p‐Akt). Forty C57BL/6J mice, divided into control and high‐fat groups were fed low‐fat diet or HFD ad libitum for 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks animals were sacrificed and assays were performed for blood biomarkers typical of human NASH. As reported earlier, HFD led to increased triglyceride accumulation in the liver and induced histopathological features of human NASH including hepatic steatosis, ballooning, inflammation and fibrosis. At the end of 20 weeks, ratio of p‐IR/IR, p‐IRS/IRS, and p‐Akt/Akt expressions were significantly lower in the HF group than controls along with decreased expression's of total and phosphorylated forms. Significant reductions in the gene expressions of IR, IRS‐2, Akt and their phosphorylated forms were observed in the HF group compared to controls. Thus, hepatic insulin resistance in this NASH model is mediated via Akt signaling pathway.

Supported by Research Enhancement Program, TWU and Texas Department of Agriculture
Suppressed cytokine production in whole blood culture is partially corrected following weight reduction in morbidly obese women
Authors: Tussing‐Humphreys Lisa , Braunschweig Carol , Pini Maria , Fantuzzi Giamila
Published: June 2021

Obesity is associated with increased adipose cytokine production, systemic inflammation and possibly defective immune response to infection. Impaired cytokine production by blood mononuclear cells may cause this dysfunction. Our objective was to assess basal and stimulated cytokine production from whole blood cultures obtained from obese and non‐obese women and change 6 months post‐bariatric surgery in the obese women.

Methods

Basal and stimulated [Concanavalin A, Zymosan (ZY) and Lipopolysacchride (LPS)] production of IL‐2, 6, 10, 17, 22, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) from heparinized whole blood was assessed in 17 obese (BMI: 46.62 ±7.93kg/m2) and 19 non‐obese (BMI: 22.47 ± 3.04 kg/m2) women at baseline. Obese women were also assessed 6 months post‐ surgery.

Results

At baseline LPS and ZY stimulated IL‐6, 17, and TNF‐α were significantly lower and IL‐22 higher in the obese compared to the non‐obese women. Basal and stimulated IFN‐γ levels were 3–5 times lower in the obese women. Six months post‐surgery, mean weight reduction in the obese women was 24.8 kg. LPS and ZY stimulated IL‐6 and TNF‐α were normalized with weight loss. Stimulated IFN‐ γ improved but remained suppressed at follow‐up.

Conclusion

Obesity is associated with suppressed whole blood cytokine production. Weight reduction enhanced whole blood cytokine stimulation which may improve immune function.
Anti‐obesity effect of blumea balsamifera extract in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes
Authors: Kojima‐Yuasa Akiko , Kubota Hiroaki , Matsui‐Yuasa Isao
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Obesity, the leading metabolic disease in the world, is a serious health problem in industrialized countries. Blumea balsamifera is a medicinal plant that grow in regions in Southeast Asia such as South China and the Philippines. Its leaves are also used as a tea, and as a cure for certain disorders such as rheumatism and hypertension. We investigated the anti‐obesity effect of blumea balsamifera extract on adipocyte differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and anti‐obesity effect of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.

Results

Blumea balsamifera extract suppressed lipid accumulation and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity without affecting cell viability in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Furthermore blumea balsamifera extract brought about significant attenuation of expression of key adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT element binding protein (C/EBPs) and leptin, but induced up‐regulation of adiponectin at the protein level in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes.

Conclusion

These results suggest that blumea balsamifera extract may block adipogenesis, at least in part, by decreasing key adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and may have antiatherogenic, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects through up‐regulation of adiponectin in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.
Soy Protein regulates differently reverse cholesterol transport in liver and ileum in mice.
Authors: Granados Omar , Gonzalez‐Granillo Marcela , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando R
Published: June 2021

Liver X alpha‐receptor (LXRα) is activated by oxysterols that regulates ABCG5, ABCG8 and ABCA1 gene expression involved in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Up‐regulation increases biliary cholesterol secretion and limits cholesterol (CH) absorption. Studies in rats have demonstrated that soy protein (SP) has hypocholesterolemic effect through an increase in bile acid secretion. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a high CH SP or casein diet on the expression of ABCG5, ABCG8, ABCA1 transporters in ileum and liver of wild‐type and LXRα knockout mice. We demonstrated that the absence of hepatic LXRα increased hepatic lipid concentration particularly with the high CH diets. Liver of mice fed with SP showed less macro‐vesicular steatosis, lipid accumulation and inflammatory infiltration independently of genotype and presence of CH in the diet. The absence of LXRα greatly reduced hepatic ABCG5, ABCG8 and ABCA1 mRNA expression with respect to the amount of hepatic CH concentration. However, the expression of these transporters in ileum of wild‐type group was higher in the SP+CH group than the group fed casein+CH. In addition, animals fed with SP+CH showed a higher excretion of fecal bile acids compared to casein+CH group. These results indicates that SP increases bile acid excretion through an increase in the ABC transporters despite the lack of LXRα. Supported by CONACYT Grant No 84786 (to O.G)
The effect of altering n‐6: n‐3 ratio using plant and marine sources of n‐3 fatty acids on biomarkers of bone turnover
Authors: Rajaram Sujatha , Nguyen Lan , Mohan Subburaman , Oda Keiji , Sabaté Joan
Published: June 2021

While research indicates that the intake of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 PUFA) may have bone health promoting effects, very few human intervention studies have been conducted to date. The aim of this study was to examine whether plant (flaxseed oil, walnuts) and marine sources (microalgae oil) of n‐3 PUFA in the context of low versus high n‐6: n‐3 ratio would influence markers of bone turnover. A randomized cross‐over feeding trial (8‐week periods) in 24 healthy adults was conducted. Subjects consumed eucaloric diets: Control (10:1 n‐6:n‐3 ratio), ALA diet (2:1 n‐6:n‐3 ratio; 8.4g/2400 kcal/d), EPA/DHA diet (0.20/0.72g EPA/DHA per 2400 kcal/d), and Combination diet (8.4g ALA plus 0.20/0.72g EPA/DHA). Under tightly controlled conditions, subjects were fed 3 of the 4 diets for 8 weeks each with a 4–6 week washout between diets. Serum markers of bone turnover [c‐telopeptide (CTX), procollagen Type I N‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) and osteocalcin (OC)] and red blood cell membrane (RBC) fatty acids were analyzed at the end of each diet period. There were no significant changes in serum CTX, P1NP and OC between the diets, but a there was a negative association between age and these bone markers. In conclusion, we did not observe changes in bone markers with either the plant or marine source of n‐3 PUFA in the context of a high (10:1) or low (2:1) n‐6: n‐3 ratio among healthy adults.