bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usual intakes of nutrients among children 2‐5 years in Hays County, Texas reveal nutritional risk
Authors: Markides Brittany , Crixell Sylvia , Friedman B J , Biediger‐Friedman Lesli , Kotwal Hillary
Published: June 2021

Nationally, usual intakes of young children meet or exceed dietary reference intakes (DRI). Regional studies are needed to assess diets in high‐risk communities, such as San Marcos, TX in Hays County, where 58% of 7th graders are overweight or obese and diets of infants in WIC are low in vitamin D and iron. The objective of this study was to determine usual nutrient intakes among a sample of preschoolers in Hays County.

Parents of 124 children ages 2‐5 y were recruited from county childcare facilities and compensated with a $10 grocery gift card to provide a 24‐hour recall of their child's diet. A second recall was provided by 50% of the sample. Recalls were collected by telephone using Nutrition Data System for Research. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual nutrient intakes.

Caloric intake exceeded the DRI in 40% of children 2‐3 y and 50% of children 4‐5 y. Saturated fat intake exceeded 10% of calories in 75% of children 2‐5 y. Usual intake of dietary fiber was less than the adequate intake in 80% of children 2‐3 y and 94% of children 4‐5 y. Usual intakes below the recommended dietary allowances were observed for: vitamin D, in 99% of children 2‐5 y; vitamin E, in 73% of children 2‐3 y and 85% of children 4‐5 y; potassium, in 92% of children 2‐3 y and 98% of children 4‐5 y; iron, in 48% of children 4‐5 y; and calcium, in 37% of children 4‐5 y. Usual intakes above the tolerable upper intake level were observed for: folate, in 77% of children 2‐3 y and 44% of children 4‐5 y; vitamin A, in 50% of children 2‐5 y; zinc, in 76% of children 2‐3 y; and sodium, in 96% of children 2‐3 y and 98% of children 4‐5 y.

The nutritional risk among preschoolers in Hays County observed in this study supports the need for community intervention regarding feeding practices.
Weight Gain Velocity of Formula Fed Infants And Risk of Overweight at Age 5 Years
Authors: Cleves M , Casey P , Badger T , Andres A
Published: June 2021

Rapid weight gain during infancy has been associated with overweight and obesity later in life. However, the role of weight gain velocity (WGV) during infancy on adiposity later in life while controlling for dietary intake during infancy has not been well examined. This study characterized infant WGV and risk of overweight and adiposity in 152 healthy 5‐year‐old children that were fed either cow milk‐based (N=75) or soy‐based (N=77) formula during infancy. Body composition was assessed using Dual‐energy X‐ray Absorptiometry. Dietary intake was measured using 3‐days food records analyzed with the Nutrition Data System for Research. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between WGV during infancy and adiposity measurements at age 5, controlling for gestational age, birth weight, birth length, infant sex, caloric intake during infancy and maternal BMI. There were no differences observed between the two formula groups. WGV during the first year of life was significantly and positively associated with BMI‐for‐age z‐scores (β =1.01, p<0.001), with % body fat (β =5.72, p=0.001) and with overall body fat mass (β =1.96, p=0.001). These associations were stronger when rapid growth occurred between 6 and 9 months of age. These results indicate that rapid weight gain during infancy is an independent risk factor for overweight and higher adiposity at age 5, even after controlling for important covariates such as maternal BMI and caloric intake during infancy. These results are likely driven by differences in energy expenditure or metabolism that are exacerbated during the period of introduction of solid foods. Funded by USDA‐ARS CRIS # 6251‐51000‐005‐03S
The Recession is Associated with Increased Risk of Overweight and Obesity Among Children in California
Authors: Oddo Vanessa , Jones‐Smith Jessica
Published: June 2021

Background

Californians experienced a significant decrease in economic resources during the Recession, however, the effect of the Recession on children's weight status is virtually unexplored.

Objective

To assess the effect of the Recession on body mass index (BMI) z‐score and risk for child overweight (BMI 蠅85th percentile) and obesity (BMI 蠅95th percentile).

Methods

We used longitudinal anthropometric measurements from fitness testing of children aged 7‐18 years in California, between 2008 and 2012. The Recession was assessed using the combined value of county‐level annual unemployment rates and foreclosure rates (unemployment rate + foreclosure rate). Individual fixed‐effects regression models with clustered standard errors tested the association of county‐level recession indicators with BMI z‐score and overweight and obesity risk. All models included child age and allowed the association between the Recession and weight status to vary by baseline socioeconomic status (SES).

Results

Children (N= 6,112,953) had an average BMI z‐score (standard deviation) of 0.53 (1.16), and overweight/obesity prevalence of 36.2%. Average unemployment (11.0%) and foreclosure (6.7%) were considerable. The Recession was associated with an increased BMI z‐score (β= 0.073; 95% CI: 0.066, 0.080) and increased risk of overweight (β = 0.012; 95% CI: 0.011, 0.013) and obesity (β = 0.008; 95% CI: 0.007, 0.009). Larger increases in BMI z‐score and overweight and obesity were seen among children in counties with higher baseline SES.

Conclusions

Comparing children to themselves over time, increasing county‐level Recession indicators were associated with greater gains in BMI z‐score and increased risk of overweight and obesity.
Registration and management of Chinese community tuberculosis patients in the Northwest of China
Authors: Wang Xianhua , Cai Jing , Wang Dong , Wang Qiuzhen , Liang Hui , Ma Aiguo , Schouten Evert , Kok Frans
Published: June 2021

The current study was conducted to identify the process of registration, management, and characteristics of TB patients in China, which will help understand whether TB patients were found in time and given effective treatment. Data were collected from regional TB patients registered from January 2009 to December 2011 in the Northwest area of China, and analyzed with standardized case reporting formats for case diagnosis, treatment and outcome. A total of 20396 TB patients were collected, of whom 78.5% were from rural areas. The age peaks were 55~65y and 15~25y. The relapse rate in male (9.0%) was significantly higher than that in female (7.7%) (p<0.05), while there was no difference in the severity of TB between male and female. The health‐seeking and diagnostic delays were 2.5 months and 14.3 days on average, respectively. About a half (52.6%) of TB patients with smear negative were diagnosed by chest X‐ray. Moreover, A large majority (93.8%) of TB patients were cured successfully by anti‐TB therapy. In conclusion, the prevention and control of TB infection need to focus on the high‐risk population in the Northwestern China, such as those in the two age peaks, males, and farmers, So that the TB patients can be diagnosed and treated timely to increase therapeutic efficacy thus controlling TB propagation.

Supported by NSFC‐ 81172662
A Correlation Study of Docosahexaenoic Acid Intake with Its Levels in Breast Milk in Chinese Lactating Women
Authors: Li Hong‐tian , Zhang Yali , Yu Lixia , Liu Mengjiao , Bai Manxi , Liu Jian‐meng
Published: June 2021

Objectives

We aimed to assess the correlation of DHA intake in a recent month assessed by a tailored iPad‐based electronic food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with breast milk DHA in lactating women residing in coastland (Weihai), lakeland (Yueyang) and inland (Baotou) of China.

Methods

A total of 406 lactating women (42±7 days postpartum) were recruited equally from the three regions from May to July 2014. The FFQ comprised three parts: seafood, freshwater food, and DHA milk powder and supplements. Trained staff interviewed women to complete FFQ.

Results

The median DHA intake was 13.8 (IQR: 6.0–34.1) mg/d. The mean absolute DHA concentration was 141.8±106.4 μg/ml; the mean DHA percentage by weight of total fatty acids was 0.36±0.22. The crude and region‐adjusted Spearman correlation coefficient between DHA intake and the DHA concentrations was 0.33 and 0.30 (p values<0.0001). The crude and adjusted Spearman correlation coefficient for DHA percentages was 0.35 and 0.29 (p values<0.0001). The region‐specific Spearman coefficients were given in

Region
number of women
DHA concentrations
DHA percentages

Spearman correlation coefficient
p value
Spearman correlation coefficient
p value

Weihai
136
0.38
<0.001
0.41
<0.001

Yueyang
135
0.29
<0.01
0.22
<0.05

Baotou
135
0.24
<0.01
0.22
<0.05

The crude and adjusted Pearson coefficients of log‐transformed DHA intake with DHA concentrations were 0.34 and 0.31, and with DHA percentages 0.35 and 0.31(all p values <0.0001). The region‐specific Pearson correlation coefficients were given in

Region
number of women
DHA concentrations
DHA percentages

Pearson correlation coefficient
p value
Pearson correlation coefficient
p value

Weihai
136
0.31
<0.001
0.38
<0.001

Yueyang
135
0.35
<0.001
0.27
<0.01

Baotou
135
0.30
<0.001
0.24
<0.01

Conclusion

The DHA intake is moderately correlated with breast milk DHA, indicating a possibility for using the FFQ to estimate DHA intake in Chinese lactating women.
Development and Validation of a Dietary Portfolio Score for use Among Hypercholesterolemic Individuals
Authors: Jayalath Viranda , Ireland Christopher , Faulkner Dorothea , Mirrahimi Arash , Srichaikul Krisitie , de Souza Russell , Sievenpiper John , Kendall Cyril , Couture Patrick , Lamarche Benoit , Jones Peter , Frohlich Jiri , Jenkins David
Published: June 2021

Background

The Dietary Portfolio (DP) significantly improves serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) profiles in hypercholesterolemic individuals. We aimed to develop and validate a diet score based on the DP.

Methods

Hypercholesterolemic individuals who participated in a 6‐month DP trial were included. Four dietary components (soy protein, viscous fiber, plant sterols, and nuts) were identified a priori and each scored between 0‐10 units; components were summated to create a DP‐score (DPS) ranging from 0‐40 units. Multivariate linear regression quantified DPS with continuous variables; logistic regression compared individuals with 蠅‐25% ΔLDL vs. those without.

Results

Median end‐study DPS was 14 (range: 0‐40, n=238). A 1‐unit increase in DPS or ΔDPS decreased ΔLDL by ‐0.036mmol/L (‐0.81%, p<0.001), Δdiastolic blood pressure by ‐0.093mmHg (p=0.017), and Δ10‐year CHD risk by ‐0.048 (p<0.001). The odds of achieving a ‐25% ΔLDL was 23.8 fold (95%CI: 7.40 to 76.7) greater when comparing the highest and lowest adherence groups (31‐40 units vs. 0‐10 units).

Conclusions

DPS and ΔDPS predict beneficial cardiometabolic risk profiles. Future research should relate the DPS to the incidence of stroke and CHD.

Funding

CIHR, Loblaw Brands ltd, Unilever, Solae, AFM Net
Are Adolescents Meeting the 2020 Goals of the American Heart Association (AHA) for Ideal Cardiovascular Health? (906.1)
Authors: Pratt Charlotte , Sundaresan Shyamala
Published: June 2021

Background

The American Heart Association's (AHA) ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH) consists of 7 metrics (4 health behaviors 3 health factors): nonsmoking (NS), BMI (蠄85th percentile), physical activity (PA, 蠅 60 min daily), healthy diet (4‐5 components), blood pressure (BP, <90th percentile), blood cholesterol (TBC, <170 mg/dl) and fasting blood glucose (FBG,<100 mg/dl). We studied the prevalence of the health behaviors among 2,700 adolescents in the NEXT Generation Health Study (NEXT GEN) and the 7 metrics in NEXT PLUS, a random sample of the NEXT GEN.

Methods

Cardiovascular health behaviors (CVHB) were assessed in NEXT GEN adolescents (16.24±0.53 years) yearly from 2010‐2014 and were categorized into ideal (蠅5 metrics), intermediate (2‐5 metrics) or poor (<2 metrics) based on AHA guidelines. Descriptive statistics were obtained using SPSS 19.0.

Results

Of the NEXT PLUS students (N= 577), only 0.2% met all 7 ICVH metrics. 84.6% were non‐smokers, 26.4% met PA criteria, and 39.2% met fruits and vegetables criteria. Only 28.1 % were categorized as ideal, 70.9% as intermediate and 1% as poor. 95.8% had ideal criteria for BP, 75.8% for TBC, and 52.8% for FBG. BMI was <85th percentile in 51.2%. Of the NEXT GEN adolescents, the prevalence of nonsmoking was stable (81%‐86%), and ideal indicators of BMI, physical activity and healthy diet were low across all four years, 2010‐2014. The proportion of NEXT GEN adolescents meeting all four CVHB was low: 0.4%, 0.4%, 0.4% and 0.5% yearly from 2010‐2014, respectively.

Conclusion

The exceedingly low prevalence of ICVH among US adolescents suggests the need for a concerted effort at the individual, family, environment and policy levels to improve CVH among adolescents.
Effect of Almonds on Glucoregulation and CVD Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chen C‐M , Liu J‐F , Huang C‐L , Hsirh A‐T , Weng S‐F , Li S‐C , Chao T‐Y , Chen C‐Y
Published: June 2021

Our previous 4‐wk study showed that almond consumption improved glycemic control and cholesterols and ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This randomized, cross‐over, placebo controlled feeding trial further examined health benefits of the consumption of ~60 g/d almonds (Alm) in control diet (Con) for 3 mo on glucoregulation and CVD risk factors, as compared to Con. Among the 33 patients who completed the trial, the diets did not have a different impact on cholesterols, glycemic control, inflammation, endothelial function, and oxidative stress. Of the 33 patients, 21 complied with the treatments based on the data of 12% increase in plasma α‐tocopherol (P = .02). Among 17 of these 21 patients with the baseline HbA1c 蠄8, Alm decreased post‐interventional fasting HbA1c and glucose by 4 & 11% as compared to Con, respectively (P = .03 & .001). Similarly, in a glucose tolerance test, Alm lessened postprandial glucose increase at 30, 60, and 90 min and area under the glucose curve by 7, 7, 6, and 6% compared to Con, respectively (P = .03, .04, .05 & .01). HOMA‐IR tended to be reduced by 21% by Alm compared to Con (P = .1), and serum Mg was increased by 5% (P = .03). Blood cholesterols were not decreased by Alm, probably due to well controlled TC and LDL‐C. In conclusion, almond consumption is beneficial for glycemic control in patients with T2D.
Identification of Risk Factors and Clinical Measures for Pediatric Eating Disorder Patients
Authors: Hall Julie , Portilla Maria , Crook Tina , Phelps Josh , Hakkak Reza
Published: June 2021

Eating disorders (EDs) commonly develop in childhood and adolescence. There is limited data on factors that assess levels of malnutrition in pediatric ED patients. The purpose of this study was; 1st, relationships were examined between resting energy expenditure (REE) and body mass index (BMI) and REE and body fat percentages in ED patients. 2nd; differences in BMI, REE, and body fat percentages were assessed based on hospitalization status, malnutrition category, age and presence of amenorrhea. Data were collected from medical files of 732 pediatric patients with an ED followed in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic at Arkansas Children's Hospital from 1997 to 2013. We measured the following: 1) BMI, 2) degree of malnutrition (mild, moderate, severe), 3) REE scores, 4) presence of amenorrhea, and 5) body fat percentages. There was a statistically significant increase in BMI z‐scores from initial clinic visit (M= ‐0.54, SD=1.30) to final clinic visit (M= ‐0.15, SD=1.05), t(189)= ‐5.40, p<0.001. For all three malnourished groups, a statistically significant difference in mean body fat percentages was found: F (2, 74)= 4.28, p=.017. There was a small, positive correlation between REE and BMI, r=.27, n=577, p<.0001 and REE and body fat percentages, r=.15 n=231, p<.05. Lastly, there was a significant difference in REE in participants with amenorrhea (M=85.41, SD= 14.37) compared to participants without amenorrhea, M=93.70, SD=14.82; t(544) = ‐6.23, p<.001 and a significant difference in REE for hospitalized participants (M=85.16, SD= 14.10) compared to those that were not hospitalized, M=93.46, SD=14.85; t(588) = 6.50, p<.01. Our findings support the need for monitoring REE, BMI, body fat percentages, menstruation status, and BMI z‐scores in pediatric ED patients to increase quality of care.
Human Milk Stimulates Resolution of Acute Inflammation
Authors: Arnardottir Hildur , Orr Sarah , Dalli Jesmond , Serhan Charles
Published: June 2021

Human milk is a dynamic bioactive fluid and is associated with promoting adequate and healthy immune responses in newborn infants. A novel genus of bioactive lipid mediators, coined specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPM), are endogenous autacoids that signal anti‐inflammation and proresolution without immunosuppression. In this study, we determined whether human milk exerts proresolving actions in models of acute inflammation. Using a self‐resolving peritonitis and resolution indices we found that human milk lipid mediator isolate (HLMI) shortened the resolution interval (Ri) by 54% (12 h vs 26 h in zymosan peritonitis plus vehicle mice), and reduced maximum PMN number by 25% (11.0±1.0 x106 cells/exudate vs. 14.6±1.2 x106 cells/exudate in zymosan peritonitis plus vehicle mice). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS‐MS)‐based metabololipidomics profiling of the HLMI demonstrated that human milk contains D‐series resolvins, (e.g. Resolvin (Rv) D1, RvD2 and RvD3), Protectin D1, Maresin 1, E‐series resolvins (e.g. RvE1, RvE2 and RvE3), LXA4, as well as prostaglandins (e.g. PGE2, PGD2, and PGF2α). Human milk possesses SPM at bioactive concentrations (pg‐ng per mL) that stimulated human macrophage efferocytosis and phagocytosis. Among the SPM identified in the HMLI, RvD2 and MaR1 (50 ng/mouse) individually accelerated Ri by 74% and 76%, respectively. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that human milk has pro‐resolving actions in inflammation, describing a potentially novel mechanism in maternal‐infant transferred protection.
Ferulic Acid Ethyl Ester Attenuates Inflammatory Response by Suppressing ROS‐related NF‐κB Signaling Pathway in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Seo Min‐Ji , Kim Jin‐Kyoung , Lee Sang‐Hyun , Wang Fang‐Fang , Kang Yu‐Ri , Kang Myung‐Hee , Kwon Young‐In , Jang Hae‐Dong
Published: June 2021

Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) is an ester derivative of ferulic acid and the latter is known for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Previous studies have shown that ferulic acid protects synaptosomal membrane system and neuronal cell culture systems against hydroxyl and peroxyl radical oxidation. FAEE is lipophilic and is able to easily penetrate into lipid bilayer. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of FAEE and its underlying mechanism in RAW264.7 cells. FAEE attenuated the release of NO, PGE2 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in a dose‐dependent manner. Consistent with NO and PGE2 inhibition, FAEE suppressed LPS‐induced iNOS and COX‐2 expression as well as the promoter activities of COX‐2 and iNOS. In addition, FAEE pre‐treatment ameliorated ROS and superoxide anion levels in a time‐dependent manner. FAEE also dose‐dependently diminished LPS‐induced the activation mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) including JNK, ERK and p‐38 by phosphorylation. Furthermore, FAEE pre‐treatment suppressed the activation and translocation into the nucleus of NF‐κB in a dose‐dependent manner by western blotting and confocal microscopic abservation. The overall results indicate that FAEE may attenuate the inflammatory response of LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells through ROS‐related MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Induction of autophagy by zinc during acute ethanol intoxication in mice
Authors: Liuzzi Juan , Nambiar Sruthi
Published: June 2021

Recently, autophagy has emerged as an important player in the defense against ethanol toxicity. The potential role of zinc in the modulation of autophagy during ethanol stress in humans and animal models has not been examined previously. In this study, the effect of zinc deficiency, adequacy and excess on hepatic autophagic flux, liver injury, lipids accumulation and metallothionein expression was examined in C57BL/6 mice acutely exposed to ethanol. Mice were fed diets containing three different levels of zinc: low, adequate and excess for 30 days. After this, mice were given ethanol or water at a total accumulative dosage of 4.5‐g/kg body weight. Mice were sacrificed at 24h after the first gavage. Hepatic autophagic flux was estimated by measuring LC3II/LC3I ratio and Beclin1, p62/ SQSTM1 and Lamp2 levels. The dietary treatments did not affect food intake and body weight. Low zinc intake caused inhibition of autophagic flux in mice exposed or not to ethanol. In addition, zinc deficient mice exhibited increased liver injury and accumulation of lipids in liver. Conversely, high zinc intake was associated with increased autophagic flux and decreased accumulation of lipids in liver in mice exposed to ethanol. Lastly, ethanol consumption increased the expression of metallothionein mRNA in liver. The results of this study suggest that adequate zinc intake is critical to maintain autophagy. The protective effects of zinc against ethanol toxicity could be mediated by autophagy.

Supported by NIH 1R03AA022451‐01
Altering the Gut Microbiome to Improve Tolerability of Metformin
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Burton Jeffrey , Greenway Frank , Heiman Mark
Published: June 2021

Although metformin is the drug of choice for managing type 2 diabetes, its wide range of negative gastrointestinal side effects can lead to intolerability and discontinuation. A case study from 2012 suggested that administering certain gut microbiome modulators (GMM) composed of inulin, beta‐glucan, and blueberry extract (NM‐504) to a metformin‐intolerant patient reduced gastrointestinal side effects to the point of rendering metformin tolerable. A cross‐over trial was done on ten metformin‐intolerant, type 2 diabetic patients in order to test this hypothesis. The group was randomized to metformin plus NM‐504 (GMM) or a placebo for two weeks, followed by a two week washout, and concluded with two weeks being administered the opposite treatment received in the first two weeks of the trial (NM‐504 or placebo). Fasting blood glucose and gastrointestinal side effects were monitored via glucose self‐monitoring and a written survey, respectively. A mixed model analysis (ANOVA) was performed to determine treatment effects on gastrointestinal side effects and fasting glucose levels. NM‐504 was found to significantly reduce (p < .05) gastrointestinal urgency, bloating, and flatulence frequency in subjects. Additionally, NM‐504 significantly lowered fasting glucose levels in conjunction with the largest dose of metformin (p < .05). In conclusion, taking the GMM (NM‐504) and metformin concurrently improved metformin tolerability in metformin‐intolerant type 2 diabetic subjects.
MC4R genotype, weight retention and glucose metabolism in women with history of gestational diabetes
Authors: Carvalho Aline , Liu Huikun , Zhang Shuang , Wang Leishen , Tian Huiguang , Cheng Hang‐Ling , Li Weiqin , Zheng Yan , Huang Tao , Hu Gang , Qi Lu
Published: June 2021

Background

MC4R genotype has been related to adiposity, glucose metabolism and risk of GDM. We aimed to test whether MC4R genotype modify postpartum weight retention on glucose metabolism biomarkers at postpartum among women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods and materials

We analyzed glucose metabolism biomarkers (HOMA‐IR, fasting glucose, 2 hours glucose and HbA1c) at 1‐5 years after delivery in 1208 Chinese women with prior GDM. Postpartum retention weight was calculated by weight change from pre‐pregnancy to postpartum 1‐5 years. We genotyped GWAS‐identified MC4R rs6567160.

Results

The mean of weight retention was 2.8kg (95% CI: 2.4; 3.1kg). The frequency of adiposity‐increasing allele (C) of SNP rs6567160 was 23%, and it was significantly associated with a 0.09% higher postpartum HbA1c (p=0.014) after adjustment for age and BMI. In addition, we found significant interactions between MC4R genotype and weight retention on 2 hours glucose levels (β=0.023 p=0.003) and HOMA‐IR (β=‐0.055 p=0.035) after adjustment for age, BMI and follow‐up year.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that MC4R genotype is related to glucose metabolism, and interact with postpartum weight retention in women with history of GDM.
Nobiletin Attenuates High Glucose‐induced Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Hepatocytes through Activation of AMP‐activated Protein Kinase‐dependent Signaling
Authors: Park Yeaji , Yuk Taewon , Lee Junsoo
Published: June 2021

Nobiletin, a citrus polymethoxyflavonoid with six methoxy groups, is found abundantly in the peels of citrus fruits. Although nobiletin has been reported to display anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, and anti‐diabetes activities, its effect on lipid modulation remained unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of nobiletin on hepatic lipogenesis in high glucose‐induced HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were incubated in either normal (5.5 mmol/L) or high (25 mmol/L) glucose and subsequently treated with different concentrations of nobiletin (5, 25 and 50 μM). The results revealed that nobiletin markedly inhibited hepatic lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Nobiletin also reduced the expression of lipogenic factors, including sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Moreover, nobiletin significantly increased AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation. Pretreatment with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, abolished the inhibitory effects of nobiletin on SREBP‐1c and FAS expressions. These results suggest that nobiletin may attenuate the high glucose‐induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 hepatocytes through modulation of AMPK signaling pathway, therefore preventing hepatic steatosis.
Effect of a Low Glycemic Index Diet on Prostate Specific Antigen
Authors: Nishi Stephanie , Ireland Christopher , Augustin Livia , Jayalath Viranda , Kendall Cyril , Jenkins David
Published: June 2021

Background

Epidemiological studies have shown an association between consumption of a low glycemic index (GI) diet with reduced prostate cancer risk; however, clinical trials are lacking.

Objective

To determine the effect of a low GI diet compared to a control, high fiber, diet on serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, a biomarker of prostate carcinoma.

Methods

In a randomized parallel trial, men with type 2 diabetes were assigned to either a low GI or a high fiber diet for 6 months. PSA levels were assessed in a secondary analysis from blood samples obtained at baseline and end of study.

Results

Of the 100 completers, 84 men had PSA levels available at baseline and end of study. Overall, the mean baseline PSA level was 2.10+0.59 ng/mL which decreased by 0.08 + 0.11 ng/mL on the low GI diet and by 0.03 + 0.12 ng/mL on the control diet over the 6 months. No treatment differences were observed (P>0.05).

Limitations

This study was not appropriately powered for the outcomes measured in this secondary analysis.

Conclusion

Low GI diets have been associated with decreased prostate cancer risk; however, future trials should study the effects on PSA and other markers of prostate cancer in higher risk populations.

Funding

Barilla
Effect of heterocyclic amines from meat intake on oxidative stress according to GSTT1 polymorphism
Authors: Carvalho Aline , Carioca Antonio Augusto , Steluti Josiane , Loureiro Ana Paula , Gattas Gilka , Fisberg Regina , Qi Lu , Marchioni Dirce
Published: June 2021

Background

Heterocyclic amines (HCA) from meat intake are carcinogenic compounds metabolized in the human body. This process is mediated by detoxifying enzymes, such as glutathione‐S‐transferase θ (GSTT), which is encoded by a polymorphic gene. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of HCA intake and GSTT1 genotype with oxidative stress.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study in adults and elderly from Brazil (n=561). The HCA intake was assessed using one 24‐hour dietary recall and a structured questionnaire with cooking methods and meat of doneness level information. We used PCR‐based assays to detect GSTT1 deletion. Oxidative stress was estimaded by malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration measured in plasma by separation on HPLC. Multiple linear regression models were performed to verify the association between MDA and HCA intake.

Results

The frequency of deletion variant of GSTT1 was 19%. The mean of HCA intake was 370ng/day (95% CI: 310;431ng/day). The MDA concentration was significantly associated with HCA intake (β=0.028 p=0.014) after adjustment for intake of energy, fruit and vegetable, sex, age, BMI, race, physical activity and smoking. MDA was also associated with MDA among individuals with GSTT1 wild‐type genotype (β=0.0313 p=0.017), however it was not significant among individuals with GSTT1 null genotype (β=0.005 p=0.838).

Conclusion

These findings support the hypothesis that GSTT1 might form reactive species during the metabolism of HCA, and increase oxidative stress.
Maternal folate status during lactation and its relation with betaine and homocysteine in a group of healthy Canadian and New Zealand women
Authors: Stamm Rosemary , Green Timothy , Houghton Lisa
Published: June 2021

Little is known about folate requirements during lactation and its metabolic interactions with other methyl donors involved in one‐carbon metabolism. We aimed to determine how folate status was related to functioning of the one‐carbon metabolism pathway during lactation. Fasting blood samples were collected from 53 New Zealand and 156 Canadian exclusively breastfeeding women at 8‐weeks postpartum. Serum was analyzed for vitamin B12, and plasma was analyzed for folate, free choline, betaine, methionine, and total homocysteine (tHcy). Overall, Canadian women had significantly higher levels of folate, choline, betaine, methionine, and vitamin B12 (all P < 0.05) and lower tHcy (P < 0.001) compared with New Zealand women. In a multiple regression model, folate, betaine, and vitamin B12 were negatively associated with tHcy (all P 蠄 0.001), while choline and methionine were not significantly associated with tHcy. Separate models fitted according to lower and higher folate status showed that plasma betaine and folate were only significantly associated with tHcy under conditions of lower folate status (below the 25th percentile of 28.0 nmol/L) (both P 蠄 0.007), but not under conditions of higher folate status. Choline has been previously associated with tHcy during pregnancy, however, we did not find any relation of choline with tHcy during lactation. Similar to during pregnancy, we found that betaine was a significant predictor of tHcy only under conditions of lower folate status. Maintaining plasma folate status at or above 28 nmol/L during pregnancy may conserve betaine and maintain adequate functioning of one‐carbon metabolism.
Does the addition of ascorbic acid to freshly prepared serum samples improve the stability of folate forms during multiple analyses and long‐term storage?
Authors: Fazili Zia , Sternberg Maya , Pfeiffer Christine
Published: June 2021

To improve the stability of labile folate forms during repeated freeze/thawing and long‐term frozen storage of NHANES samples, 0.5% ascorbic acid (w/v) was added to freshly prepared serum samples from the 2011‐2012 survey prior to freezing them at ‐70°C. However, no ascorbic acid was added to samples collected during the first 2 months of 2011. To investigate whether the added ascorbic acid may improve the stability of the labile folate forms during repeated freeze/thawing, we compared folate data between an initial and a repeat analysis for both sample types. The loss of tetrahydrofolate (THF; least stable folate form) was large and similar in samples containing vs. not containing added ascorbic acid upon re‐analysis after either 1 wk (48% (n=51) vs. 42% (n=64)) or 1 y (84% (n=140) vs. 83% (n=127)). Other folate changes at 1 wk were small and within the expected assay variability: <5% for total folate and 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate (5‐methylTHF); 蠄0.1 nmol/L for folic acid and MeFox (an oxidation product of 5‐methylTHF) at low concentrations <1.5 nmol/L. Changes at 1 y were larger, but still acceptable: 蠄11% for total folate and 5‐methylTHF; <0.25 nmol/L for folic acid and MeFox at low concentrations <1.5 nmol/L. The Pearson correlation coefficients for all initial vs. re‐analysis results produced for the entire 2011‐2012 survey for 5‐methylTHF, folic acid, and MeFox were >0.95 regardless whether ascorbic acid was added to the sample. The addition of ascorbic acid to freshly prepared serum did not appear to improve the stability of THF during short‐term (1 wk) or long‐term (1 y) sample re‐analysis.
Dietary‐Induced Obesity Disturbs Iron Homeostasis and Alpha‐Synuclein Expression in C57BL/6J Mouse Brains
Authors: Byrd Aria , Plummer Justin , Erikson Keith , Han Jessica
Published: June 2021

Obesity has been linked with altered systemic iron biology and is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. Given that the mishandling of brain iron is associated with neurodegenerative processes, we wanted to explore the relationship between obesity and brain iron biology. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of dietary‐induced obesity on brain iron, ferritin (a good indicator of iron biology) and alpha synuclein (a protein linked with neurodegenerative processes). Thirty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned into 6 dietary groups with various amounts of fat (normal and high) and iron (low, normal and high) for 24 weeks. Brains were harvested and dissected into four iron rich regions (thalamus, striatum, midbrain and hippocampus) that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Total brain iron contents from these regions were quantified with atomic absorption spectrometry. Ferritin H (FtH) and alpha‐synuclean mRNA expression was measured with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. FtH and alpha‐synuclein protein expressions were determined with western blot analysis. The high fat diet (HFD) significantly altered brain regional iron concentrations compared to the control fat group, in the midbrain and striatum. This is in conjunction with changes in FtH and alpha‐synuclein expressions. The changes observed in brain iron biology due to obesity were limited to the basal ganglia and were not present in the hippocampus. These data imply specific neurodegenerative etiologies in different brain regions.
Associations Between Amniotic Fluid Minerals and Fetal Ultrasound Measurements
Authors: Knipping Lauren , Koski Kristine , Cue Roger
Published: June 2021

Background

Amniotic fluid (AF) contains macro‐ and micro‐minerals (MMM) ingested by the fetus through fetal swallowing, but few studies have examined their influence on fetal growth.

Objective

To determine the impact of 15 MMM concentrations (Mg, K, Ca, Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ag, Pb, Fe, Cr, As, Se) in 2nd trimester AF on 5 fetal ultrasound measurements: estimated weight, bi‐parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length in early (16‐20 wk) and late (32‐36 wk) gestation.

Methods: AF was collected at amniocentesis (12‐20 wk). AF MMM concentrations were measured by ICP‐MS. Each fetal ultrasound measurement was tested as a dependent variable using multiple regressions, with each MMM entered as an independent variable while controlling for selected variables (multivitamin‐mineral supplementation, gestational age, estimated weight, amniocentesis wk, pre‐pregnancy BMI, parity, maternal height, ethnicity).

Results: In early pregnancy, copper was associated with both lower bi‐parietal diameter and lower abdominal circumference; nickel, zinc and lead with lower head circumference; copper and zinc with greater abdominal circumference; and selenium with lower femur length. In late pregnancy, calcium was associated with greater bi‐parietal diameter and lead with greater abdominal circumference. In addition, calcium was associated with greater change in bi‐parietal diameter; nickel and copper with greater change in head circumference; and selenium with greater change in femur length from early to late pregnancy.

Conclusion

AF concentrations of calcium, copper, zinc, lead, nickel and selenium are associated with fetal growth changes during pregnancy independent of multivitamin‐mineral supplementation.
Iron Distribution in Dietary‐Induced Obese Mice Tissues
Authors: Whitaker Jasmine , Han Jian
Published: June 2021

Iron homeostasis is required to maintain normal physiological processes such as oxygen delivery, DNA synthesis, and enzymatic reactions. An overall disturbance of iron homeostasis, e.g. systemic iron deficiency, was reported in obese subjects. The objective of this study was to examine tissue iron distribution in the dietary‐induced obese mice. Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into six dietary treatment groups with various levels of iron (control, high and low) and fat (control and high) for 24 weeks. At the end of 24 weeks, tissues including liver, brain, heart, spleen and kidney were harvested and embedded in paraffin. Tissues were then processed and stained for iron using the Prussian blue reaction. Images were recorded using the Motic BA310 compound light microscope at 1000x magnification. Results showed that brain and spleen were the most responsive organs to dietary fat and iron treatments. In both brain and spleen, iron deposits were observed in high iron groups at both control and high fat levels. In the brain, iron deposits were surprisingly observed in mice treated with high fat low iron diet, indicating the vulnerability of brain to possible iron‐induced oxidative stress. To further evaluate overall brain iron disturbance by high fat diet, the expression of iron‐related proteins (storage, transport, and export proteins) and oxidative stress markers will be measured.
Silicon intake and its relationship with bone mineral density in healthy Korean adults
Authors: Choi Mi‐Kyeong , Kim Hyun‐Jin , Kim Mi‐Hyun , Bae Yun‐Jung
Published: June 2021

Silicon (Si) is the most abundant element next to oxygen and has been reported to play an important role in bone and connective tissue formation. However, the relationship between dietary Si intake in self‐selected diet and bone mineral density has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Si intake and investigate its relationship with bone mineral density in healthy adults using the data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010‐2011). A total of 8,698 adults aged 19 to 64 years (male 3,693, female 5,005) were participated in this study. Daily Si intake of the total subjects was 30.87 mg (male vs. female; 35.20 mg/d vs. 26.52 mg/d, p<0.0001), and 15.12 mg per 1,000 kcal (male vs. female; 14.62 mg/1,000 kcal vs. 15.82 mg/1,000 kcal, p<0.0001). The bone mineral density of lumbar spine of the total subjects increased with increment of Si density of the diet (Q1 vs. Q4; 0.907 g/cm2 vs. 0.937 g/cm2) after adjusting age (p<0.0001). The similar results were found in the male and female subjects (p<0.0001, respectively). These results may represent that higher Si intake from the diet is associated with bone health promotion. “This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2011‐0010880)”
Binding of Trivalent Chromium to Transferrin is Sufficiently Rapid to be Physiologically Relevant
Authors: Vincent John , Deng Ge , Wu Kristi
Published: June 2021

Transferrin, the major iron transport protein in the blood, also transports trivalent chromium in vivo. Recent in vitro studies have, however, suggested that the binding of chromic ions to apotransferrin is too slow to be biologically relevant. Nevertheless, the in vitro studies have generally failed to adequately take physiological bicarbonate concentrations into account. In aqueous buffer (with ambient (bi)carbonate concentrations), the binding of chromium to transferrin is too slow to be physiologically relevant, taking days to reach equilibrium with the protein's associated conformational changes. However, in the presence of 25 mM (bi)carbonate, the concentration in human blood, chromic ions bind rapidly and tightly to transferrin. Other major potential chromium ligands in the blood plasma at physiological concentrations have little effect on the binding of chromium, consistent with transferrin being the major chromic ion transporter from the blood to tissues. The kinetics of chromium binding to human serum transferrin and conalbumin (egg white transferrin) in the presence of bicarbonate have been found to be similar. The reported binding constants for the binding of the first chromic ion to conalbumin differ by three orders of magnitude. The binding of chromic ions to conalbumin was reexamined, and the two effective chromic ion binding constants (K1 and K2) were found to be on the order of 1010 and 105, respectively.
Antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of freeze‐dried cranberry powder in ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Lee Kiuk , Jung Hana , Hwang Keum Taek , Kwak Ho‐Kyung
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to examine antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of the freeze‐dried cranberry powder employing an ovariectomized rat model. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were either ovariectomized or sham‐operated and divided into five groups: 1) ovariectomy (OVX) + placebo pellet + 2% cranberry diet (CB2); 2) OVX + placebo pellet + 5% cranberry diet (CB5); 3) OVX + estrogen pellet (60 days released, 17β‐estradiol) + control diet (ES); 4) OVX + placebo pellet + control diet (NC); and 5) sham‐operated + control diet (sham). After 8 weeks of experimental period, serum malondialdehydes were tended to be lower in CB2 and CB5 than NC and ES. In addition, CB5 showed 14 and 30% lower mean serum nitric oxide than NC and ES, respectively (P>0.05). Mean levels of oxidized low density lipoproteins were decreased by 2‐4% with cranberry powder (P>0.05), while a significant reduction was observed in ES (P<0.05). In addition, mean C‐reactive protein was significantly lower in ES than other groups, but was not altered by diets with cranberry powder. However, cranberry powder decreased serum IL‐10, IL‐6 and IL‐1α (P>0.05) in a dose dependent manner.
Effect of Freeze‐Drying and Hot‐Air‐Drying Methods on the Anti‐oxidative Activities of Selected Sprouts
Authors: Yoo Jeong‐Hyun , Liu Yanan , Park Hyunjin , Shin Junghee , Kim Hyun‐Sook
Published: June 2021

Freeze‐drying and hot‐air‐drying methods have been used to prepare the food‐derived samples for in vitro studies. In this study, we investigated whether the anti‐oxidative activities of kohlrabi, red radish, and broccoli will be affected by these two different drying methods.

DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activities and content of polyphenols are significantly higher with hot‐air‐drying kohlrabi compared to freeze‐drying kohlrabi (p<0.0013, p<0.0338, and p<0.0002, respectively), whereas content of flavonoids was not significantly different each other.

Hot‐air‐drying broccoli showed decreased DPPH (p<0.0001), ABTS (p<0.0011) radical scavenging activities and content of polyphenols (p<0.0003), but increased content of flavonoids (p<0.0001) compared with freeze‐drying brocolli.

DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of freeze‐drying red radish were lower compared with air‐drying one (p<0.0019 and p<0.0041, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in contents of polyphenols and flavonoids.

Our results suggest that the antioxidative activities of sprouts might be affected by drying methods. It would be important to select an appropriate drying method when preparing the experimental samples based on the parameters and objectives.
A Comparative Study of the Ability to Inhibit Digestive Enzymes by Polyphenolic Extracts Isolated from Tea, Black Legumes and Pigmented Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Tan Yuqing , Zhang Yan , Chang Sam
Published: June 2021

Antioxidant‐rich plant foods can inhibit starch and lipid digestion that is relevant to the management of type‐2 diabetes. However, literature comparisons across different types of foods are difficult due to differences in methodologies used for analysis. Our objective was to analyze the yield and components of phenolic substances (total phenolic content, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins) in the polyphenol extract from eight types of foods: black turtle bean, black soybean, black tea, green tea, blueberry, blackberry, red cabbage, and broccoli, and to compare their antioxidant capacities: DPPH‐free radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC). The ability of the extracts to inhibit α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and lipase was measured. Results showed that on the dry basis the three phenolic substance contents in the foods existed generally in the decreasing order: green tea, black tea, blackberry, blueberry, black turtle bean, red cabbage, black soybean, and broccoli. The ORAC values (μmoles Trolox eq./g of dried extract) of the two legumes were higher than that of the two vegetables. However, the extracts of blueberry and blackberry had the highest rates (p<0.05) of α‐amylase activities in the concentration range of 20‐50 mg/mL. Black tea had the highest but broccoli and red cabbage had the lowest (p<0.05) α‐glucosidase activity. The variations in lipase inhibition rates were not as large as that of the starch hydrolytic enzymes. In conclusion, the inhibition effect of the polyphenolic extracts on the three digestive enzymes varied without a definite correlation pattern with the contents of their phenolic substances.
(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate Protects against TNF alpha and Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Apoptosis in a Cell Culture Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Xu Qi , Kanthasamy Anumantha , Reddy Manju
Published: June 2021

Several factors including oxidative stress, iron dysregulation, and inflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Considering the entwined relationship among these factors, (−)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may be a good candidate for PD treatment due to its antioxidant, iron chelating and anti‐inflammatory properties. The objective of this study is to determine whether EGCG protects immortalized rat mesencephalic cells from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and TNF alpha induced apoptosis. We chose 50µM H2O2 and 30ng/ml TNF alpha in experiments based on our preliminary data. Our results show that caspase‐3 activity was increased to 2.8 fold (P<0.001) and 1.5 fold (P<0.01) with H2O2 and TNF alpha treatment; however, EGCG pretreatment significantly decreased the caspase activity by 50% (P<0.001) and 31% (P<0.05). Cell viability was reduced to 69.16% (P<0.01) and 89% (P<0.01) by H2O2 and TNF alpha, which is almost completely blocked by EGCG pretreatment. In addition, 10µM EGCG pretreatment also significantly protected against H2O2 induced reactive oxygen species in a time dependent manner. TNF alpha or ferrous iron up‐regulated hepcidin and down‐regulated ferroportin expression, and EGCG pretreatment reversed this effect, indicating EGCG can normalize iron overload by altering iron influx and efflux mechanisms. Collectively, our results show that EGCG protects against both TNF alpha and H2O2 induced neuronal apoptosis. The observed neuroprotection may be through the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation which is possibly mediated by iron regulated proteins hepcidin and ferroportin.