bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Brain DHA and EPA Content and Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Valentini Kelly J , Pickens C. Austin , Wiesinger Jason A , Fenton Jenifer I
Published: November 2023

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) constitutes a large portion of the brain and nervous tissue and is necessary for cognitive function and development. Evidence suggests that supplementation with omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids may improve cognitive performance and be protective against cognitive decline. However, the changes in brain phospholipid fatty acid composition after supplementation with n‐3 fatty acids are poorly described. The objective of this study was to 1) investigate how increasing dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+DHA influences brain fatty acid composition, and 2) determine if the red blood cell (RBC), as a biomarker, reflects dietary induced fatty acid changes in the brain. Mice were fed fish oil with increasing EPA+DHA concentrations, equivalent to recommendations by the American Heart Association on a percent of energy (%en) basis (0.1%, 0.675%, and 1.8% of total energy from EPA+DHA in the diet). Whole brain and blood samples were collected, phospholipids were isolated, and fatty acid methyl esters were quantified using gas chromatography. Brain, RBC, and plasma fatty acid levels were reported as a % of total fatty acids, and the changes in phospholipid fatty acid composition of the brain were investigated in relation to RBCs and plasma. Increasing dietary supplementation of fish oil enriched with EPA+DHA did not alter brain DHA, where mean % of total remained at 17% of the total fatty acid composition and only fluctuated by ± 0.3% between the control mice and the mice fed the 1.8%en EPA+DHA diet. However, brain EPA significantly increased from 0.02% to 0.10% and total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly decreased from 12.5% to 8.1% when comparing the control mice and highest dietary treatment group, respectively. These changes in EPA and total n‐6 fatty acids in the brain were correlated with changes in the RBC and plasma phospholipid compositions (r > 0.8). In addition, brain cis‐monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids oleic, eicosenoic, and nervonic acid (p < 0.0001) and saturated fatty acids arachidic, behenic, and lignoceric acid (p < 0.05) increased with increasing dietary EPA+DHA. Delta‐5‐desaturase enzyme activity estimates (EAEs) significantly increased and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase n‐7 EAEs significantly decreased across treatment groups in the brain, suggesting fatty acid metabolism in the brain may be altered with increasing dietary EPA+DHA. In conclusion, increasing dietary EPA+DHA did not alter DHA in the brain, but did significantly change brain EPA, MUFA, and long chain saturated fatty acid levels in phospholipids. Since changes in these fatty acids levels in the brain are not well described, further research should investigate how increasing the intake of DHA and EPA may affect cognition and neurodegenerative disease.
Impact of Walnut Supplementation on Dietary Change for Weight Loss
Authors: Neale Elizabeth , Batterham Marijka , Tapsell Linda
Published: November 2023

Background

Weight gain is a consequence of total energy intake, but at the population level, consuming foods, such as nuts appears inversely associated with increasing weight. The reasons for this are unclear, but they could be examined in the context of dietary advice for weight loss. In this study we hypothesized that including walnuts in dietary advice influenced other food choices and overall weight loss.

Objective

To examine the impact of consuming walnuts in a weight loss intervention on body weight and consumption of key foods.

Methods

To examine the impact of actual walnut consumption, data from the intensive phase of the Health Track lifestyle intervention trial was analyzed. A per protocol analysis was conducted excluding non‐compliers to supplementation. Participants were overweight and obese adults (25–54yrs) from the Illawarra region of NSW, Australia. Participants were randomized to receive either general dietary advice (usual care, C), individualized dietary advice (intervention, I), or individualized advice including a supplement of 30g walnuts/day (IW). Changes in body weight, and intake of key foods were compared between study groups.

Results

Data was available on n=263 participants with n=74 who were compliant to the walnut supplementation. Walnut consumers achieved the greatest weight loss (IW: −2.45kg [−5.23 – −0.48], I: (−2.00kg [−4.00 – −0.35], C: −1.60kg [−2.50 – −0.10]. Weight loss was significantly greater in the IW group than C (P=0.012). IW also reported significantly greater increases in intakes of fruit products and dishes (P=0.043) and decreases in intakes of discretionary foods/beverages than C (P=0.022).

Conclusions

In addition to individualized dietary advice, consuming 30 grams walnuts/day may lead to greater weight loss and more favorable changes in food choice.

Support or Funding Information

The Health Track study was funded by the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and the California Walnut Commission.
Time Trends and Patterns of Reported Egg Consumption in the U.S. by Sociodemographic Characteristics
Authors: Jahns Lisa , Conrad Zach , Johnson LuAnn K , Roemmich James N , Juan WenYen
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To 1) describe time trends of the percentage of individuals in the U.S that consume eggs, 2) describe time trends of the daily amount of eggs consumed per day, and 3) examine differences in the amount of eggs consumed per day; overall and by gender, age, income, education, race‐ethnicity, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation, and food security status.

Methods

Data on food consumption and sociodemographic characteristics were acquired from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2001–2012. Weighted linear regression models were used to test for time trends in the percentage of individuals aged 20+ who reported consuming eggs, and the amount of eggs consumed, among each sociodemographic group. To examine differences in the amount of eggs consumed per day between sociodemographic groups, data from all survey years were pooled. The National Cancer Institute's method was used to estimate usual intake, and standard errors were estimated using the balanced repeated replication method. Covariates included gender, age, race‐ethnicity, and survey year. Differences between means were tested using the z‐statistic, with Bonferroni's adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Results

The percentage of the population that reported consuming eggs did not differ across survey years, overall or by sociodemographic group. The amount of eggs consumed increased by 11% from 2001–2002 to 2011–2012 (P=0.01). Egg consumption increased among women (P=0.02) but not men (P=0.16). No significant time trends were observed among age groups. Non‐Hispanc black individuals increased consumption by 15% (P=0.01), but there was no significant time trend among Mexican‐Americans or non‐Hispanic whites. Individuals classified as fully food secure reported a 20% increase (P=0.02) in egg consumption, but no time trends were observed among individuals of marginal or low/very low food security status. Individuals who were not income‐eligible for participation in SNAP increased their egg consumption (P=0.04), but no time trends were observed for SNAP participants and SNAP‐eligible non‐participants. No differences in consumption across survey years were observed by education level or by income. Pooled data showed that individuals with less than a high school education consumed more eggs than individuals that attended college. Non‐Hispanic whites consumed less eggs than Mexican‐Americans and non‐Hispanic blacks.

Conclusions

Eggs are nutritious and easy to prepare, so they may be a good food choice to improve nutritional status while keeping food costs low. Although per capita egg consumption increased over the study period it was limited to selected sociodemographic groups, and no trends were observed in the proportion of the population consuming eggs on a regular basis.

Support or Funding Information

Egg Nutrition Center/American Egg Board and USDA‐ARS3062‐51000‐051‐00D
The Dairy Food Group Contributes Essential Nutrients to the Diets of Children and Adults
Authors: Cifelli Christopher J. , Houchins Jenny A , Demmer Elieke , Fulgoni Victor L.
Published: November 2023

Milk and dairy foods (e.g., cheese, yogurt, and dairy drinks and substitutes) are a critical component of healthy eating patterns encouraged by the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) because of the important nutrients they can contribute to the overall diets of Americans. The goal of this project was to estimate the nutrient contribution that dairy products provide to children and adults, including dairy foods specifically and also dairy products used as part of mixed dishes. Data from the dietary component of 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used in this study. The Food Pattern Equivalents Database (FPED) was used to determine the number of cup equivalents for the dairy foods milk, cheese, and yogurt as consumed (hand matching new foods to similar ones). Additionally, the Food Patterns Equivalents Ingredient Database (FPID) was used to determine the amount of dairy present in different mixed dishes (e.g., cheese on sandwiches and pizza). The data obtained from FPED and FPID were used to estimate the total amount of dairy foods consumed as cup equivalents and ultimately the nutrients these foods provided to the overall diet. On average, children and adolescents 2–18 years (n=5,879) consumed 2.3 cup equivalents of total dairy per day, and 68% consume below the recommended amount for a healthy dietary pattern. In children and adolescents aged 2–18 years dairy foods contributed only 15.7% of total calories but provided 64.8% of the calcium, 72.9% of the vitamin D, 41.9% of the vitamin A, 39.9% of the vitamin B12, 38.9% of the phosphorus, 38.1% of the riboflavin, 25.8% of the protein, and 25.1% of the potassium. However, dairy foods also contributed 34.5% of the saturated fat, 20.1% of total fat, 14.5% of sodium and 7.3% of added sugars to the diets of children and adolescents. Similar results were observed in adults 19 years and older (n=9,954) who consumed 1.6 cup equivalents of total dairy per day, on average. Ninety‐two percent of adults consumed less than the recommended 3 cup equivalents of dairy per day, yet dairy foods contributed 52.3% of the calcium, 51.8% of the vitamin D, 27% of the vitamin A, 26% of the phosphorus, and 25.3% of the vitamin B12 to the diets of adults, while only providing 10.1% of total calories. Dairy foods also contributed 26% of saturated fat, 14.2% of total fat, and 10.2% of sodium to the diets of adults. The results of this analysis show that dairy foods, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, make significant nutrient contributions to the diets of Americans. These include under consumed nutrients called out by the DGA as “nutrients of public health concern”, specifically calcium, vitamin D and potassium. Consumption of dairy foods at recommended levels, preferably in the most nutrient dense versions, should continue to be encouraged to support healthy eating patterns.

Support or Funding Information

Funding for this work was provided by the National Dairy Council
Patterns of Ready‐to‐Eat Cereal Consumption and Nutrient Intakes Among Ready‐to‐Eat Cereal Eaters: Results from NHANES 2013–2014
Authors: Smith Jessica , Garcia‐Bailo Bibiana , Vanage Vipra , Shiery Lesley
Published: November 2023

Ready‐to‐eat (RTE) cereal intake has previously been associated with improved nutrient intakes in both children and adults in the U.S. With this research, our objective was to investigate the latest patterns of RTE cereal consumption, as well as the contribution of RTE cereal to nutrient intakes in a representative sample of the U.S. population. Using data from the National Health and Examination Survey 2013–2014, we classified children (4–12 years; n = 1,540), adolescents (13–18 years; n = 992) and adults (≥19 years; n = 5,076) as RTE cereal consumers or RTE cereal non‐consumers according to one‐day 24 hour dietary recall data. Using appropriate study weights, we found that 40% of children, 27% of adolescents and 20% of adults reported consuming RTE cereal. The majority of RTE cereal was consumed at breakfast (84%, 82% and 80% of RTE cereal for children, teens, and adults, respectively) although RTE cereal consumption was reported at all eating occasions (lunch, dinner and snacks). The mean ± standard error serving size for all RTE cereals, including light‐weight, medium‐weight and heavy‐weight cereals as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, at breakfast was 35±2 g for children, 48±4g for adolescents and 50±2g for adults. The mean serving size of RTE cereal for snacks, the next most frequently reported eating occasion for RTE cereal, was smaller at 30±2g for children, 49±7g for teens, and 45±3g for adults. Taken together, the majority (44%, n=116) of children, adolescents and adults who reported consuming RTE cereal as a snack had it in the evening (8pm to midnight). When comparing total day nutrient intakes between RTE cereal consumers and RTE cereal non‐consumers, we found that children, adolescents and adults who consumed RTE cereal had higher intake of several nutrients including B‐vitamins, calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc while intake of total fat and sodium were lower among RTE cereal eater (all p<0.05). There was no difference total energy intake between RTE cereal consumers and non‐consumers for children, teens and adults. Total sugar intake did not differ between RTE cereal consumers and RTE cereal non‐consumers for children (110±3 g/day vs 115±3 g/day, p=0.20) and teens (123±4 g/day vs 121±5 g/day, p=0.77) although it was higher in adults (109±1 vs 122±4 g/day, p=0.01). RTE cereal contributions to daily nutrient intakes were 23–57% for B‐vitamins, 6% for calcium, 17–20% for fiber, 46–54% for iron, 10–11% for magnesium, 28–34% for vitamin A, 19–22% for vitamin D, and 29–38% for zinc while contributing 8–10% of daily energy intake. Overall, these findings indicate that RTE cereal is a popular breakfast and snack food that makes important contributions to total nutrient intake in children, adolescents and adults.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc.
Socioeconomic Disparities in the Prevalence of Coexistence of Metabolic Syndrome and Osteopenia among Postmenopausal Women in South Korea: The 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination (KNHANES)
Authors: Lee Hansngyi , Lim Hyunjung
Published: November 2023

Aims

Several studies examined the association between health outcomes and socio‐demographic characteristics among adults with metabolic syndrome or osteoporosis. We examined whether socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in the prevalence of coexistence metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteopenia (OP) among postmenopausal women.

Methods

Data from 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1991 postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years were classified as neither MetS nor OP (Normal), MetS, OP, and both MetS and OP (MetS+OP). SES such as education, household income, place of residence, and employment status were investigated. Health‐related behaviors (e.g., physical activity, alcohol, and smoking) as well as daily energy intake were obtained as covariates. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association.

Results

The prevalence of normal, MetS, OP, and MetS+OP was 13.9%, 10.2%, 43.6%, and 32.5%, respectively. Distributions of education level, household income, and employment status were significantly different among the groups (P<0.05). The low‐income and low‐education women had higher prevalence for coexistence MetS and OP (42.3%), while high‐income and high‐education women had lower prevalence (6.7%). After controlling for covariates, the low‐income and low education women was more likely to have MetS+OP (odds ratio 1.97 [95% CI 1.04–3.72]); the high‐income and high education group was 70% less likely to have MetS+OP (0.30 [0.10–0.86]) compared with the middle‐income and middle education group.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the lowest SES (lower income and lower education levels) are strongly associate with prevalence for coexistence MetS and OP among postmenopausal women, and that efforts to promote among low‐SES women warranted.
Environmental exposure to cadmium is decreasing among adults and children in the US
Authors: Vance Terrence M
Published: November 2023

Cadmium is a toxic transition metal with no known essential function in humans. A significant, but uncommon, source of cadmium exposure is occupation. More common sources of exposure are tobacco smoke and diet. While exposure is typically low among the general population, the human body has no effective way of eliminating cadmium. Chronic exposure to high amounts of cadmium has been associated with a greater risk of renal damage, heart disease, and several types of cancer. The cadmium from tobacco smoke and diet is predominantly industrial in origin. Cadmium is produced by and used in industrial processes, deposited in the soil, and may eventually be absorbed by plants or dissolved in water. Partly because of environmental and health concerns, the production and use of cadmium has been decreasing in the US over the past few decades. The objective of the current study was to examine the trends in and sources of cadmium exposure using data from NHANES 2003–2012 and the US Geological Survey. Blood and urinary levels of cadmium were used to assess cadmium exposure. After excluding people who lacked data on blood or urinary cadmium or smoking exposure, blood cadmium data were available for 22,728 adults (age > 20 years) and 13,063 children and adolescents (age < 20 years) and urinary cadmium data were available for 7,530 adults and 3,618 children and adolescents. Because smoking is the most significant source of cadmium exposure among the general US population, analyses of adults were stratified by smoking status (defined as never, past, or current). All analyses were further adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, serum cotinine, and poverty income ratio. From 2003 to 2012, blood cadmium levels decreased 3% and 7% among never and past smokers, respectively, and increased 4% among current smokers; however, none of these trends were statistically significant. Over the same time period, urinary cadmium levels decreased among never smokers by 17% (0.27 vs 0.22 μg/g creatinine, P‐trend < 0.0001), past smokers by 25% (0.36 vs 0.27 μg/g creatinine, P‐trend = 0.0004), and current smokers by 8% (0.38 vs 0.35 μg/g creatinine, P‐trend = 0.0483). Similar trends were observed among children and adolescents, with no change in blood cadmium and a 16% decrease in urinary cadmium (0.10 vs 0.08 μg/g creatinine, P‐trend = 0.0035). Over approximately the same time period, industrial production of cadmium decreased from 1,450 to 637 metric tons and apparent consumption decreased from 1,420 to 703 tons. The trends in urinary cadmium levels closely mirror that of industrial cadmium production and apparent consumption. These results suggest that industrial production and environmental contamination are important contributors to cadmium exposure in the US population, and exposure from these sources is decreasing.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the SUNY College at Plattsburgh School of Education, Health & Human Services
Adequacy and sources of total daily water and liquid drinks by low‐income, urban and rural, pregnant and lactating women in the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: Diaz‐Jereda Liza Alejandra , Montenegro‐Bethancourt Gabriela , Vossenaar Marieke , Solomons Noel W.
Published: November 2023

Background

Physiological indications from urinary osmolality in Guatemala show a mixed picture of hydration adequacy, with professional women and daycare‐attending preschool children having superior hydration status, whereas lactating women had precarious hydration states bordering on – and occasionally extending over into – hypohydration. Dietary intake data on water in schoolchildren has shown evidence of deficits relative to recommended volumes. Data on water intake in pregnant and lactating women are largely unavailable.

Objectives

To determine and compare and contrast the consumption of total daily water and liquid drinks among low‐income pregnant and lactating women from urban and rural areas of the Western Highlands of Guatemala.

Methods

A single previous‐day intake recall was obtained in 234 women [n=116 pregnant and n=118 lactating], of whom 121 were living in Quetzaltenango City and 113 were from 8 hamlets of a nearby, rural municipality. For purpose of comparative evaluation, they were classified into 4 subgroups as: urban pregnant (UP, n=58); rural pregnant (RP, n=58]; urban lactating (UL, n=63]; and rural lactating (RL, n=55]. The Adequate intakes (AI) of the Institute of Medicine of the US (2005) are 3000 mL for TDWA and 2300 mL for LD in pregnancy and, respectively; 3800 mL and 3100 mL for lactation. Water‐orgin data were summed to provide estimates of total daily water acquisition (TDWA), expressed in mL, and then reduced to the 4 components: liquid drinks (LD); water added to dishes (AW); intrinsic water of foods (IW); and metabolic water (MW) for illustration. Median intakes were finally compared and contrasted by subgroups.

Results

The respective median TDWA [and %AI] were: 2299 mL [77%] (UP); 1964 mL [65%] (RP); 2286 mL [60%] (UL); 2121 mL [56%] (RL); volumes consumed were not significantly different within settings (p=0.922, U; p=0.059, R), but AIs were vastly disparate. The respective median LD were: 1215 mL [53%] (UP); 908 mL [39%] (RP); 1216 mL [39%] (UL); 803 mL [26%] (RL); again, volumes did not differ (p=0.997, U; p=0.127, R) despite disproportionate recommendations. Only 2 women (1%) consumed the AI level for TDWA, and only 16 (7%) consumed adequate volume of LD. Across groups the relative contribution of IW and MW were constant, but AW contributed as little as 2 – 5% of TDWA in the urban groups and as much as 16–18% in the rural groups. Reciprocally, the contribution of LD was less than 43% in rural areas and greater than 52% in the urban zone.

Conclusion

Deficits with respect to recommended water intakes of up to a liter per day are seen, with lactating women showing the greater shortfall. Concerted public health action is warranted to assure adequate hydration status in these vulnerable periods of the lifespan.
Pumping on Campus: Validity and Reliability of a Theory‐Based Instrument to Assess Breastfeeding Behavior
Authors: Dinour Lauren M , Bai Yeon K
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to develop and confirm the psychometric properties of a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)‐based instrument, Pumping on Campus Questionnaire, to determine its validity and reliability. In January 2015, all employees and students of one university campus in New Jersey were invited to complete a 20‐minute online questionnaire measuring breast milk pumping behaviors, psychosocial factors—framed by the TPB—associated with pumping breast milk on campus, and demographic variables. Construct validity was determined via factor analyses of direct theory‐based measures (attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention), and reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha (α). Two hundred eighteen women completed the questionnaire. The average age of respondents was 33 years (SD=7.5 years), and the majority of respondents were White (53.6%) and married (63.2%). Nearly three‐quarters of the women were students (71.6%), while the rest were employees (14.2% faculty, 14.2% staff). Validity of the Pumping on Campus Questionnaire was confirmed as psychometric properties corresponded to the factors extracted from the scale. Four factors from the direct construct subscales were responsible for 79.49% of total the variability. The instrument also illustrated strong and significant reliabilities at the full scale (α=.78) and theory construct subscales (range from α=.65 to α=.95). Based on these findings, the Pumping on Campus Questionnaire can serve as model TPB‐based instrument to examine factors associated with women's breast milk pumping behaviors. Theory‐based assessments of women's needs can guide breastfeeding promotion efforts and lead to successful outcomes (e.g., exclusive breastfeeding for six months) for all working and student mothers. As such, this instrument can be useful in the design of effective promotion programs to foster breastfeeding and breast milk pumping behaviors in university settings and elsewhere.

Support or Funding Information

N/A
Protein intake from dairy food increases bovine beta‐casomorphin 7 in human mature milk
Authors: Alvarado Juan Manuel Flores , Ceja Lorena Oropeza , Ronquillo Dolores , García Olga P , Martinez Guadalupe , Caamaño Maria , Ugalde Carlos Raúl García , Duarte‐Vázquez Miguel A , Rosado Jorge Luis
Published: November 2023

Bovine beta casomorphin 7 (BCMb‐7) is an opioid peptide that increase the risk to develop cardiovascular disease, type 1 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome, autism and schizophrenia. It has been found in milk, cheese, yogurt and some biological samples such as infant's blood, urine from autistic children and human milk. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate whether dairy food intake is associated with the presence of BCMb‐7 in breast milk in Mexican women. Three human milk samples from 78 women from a rural area in Querétaro Mexico were obtained between 3 and 16 weeks postpartum. BCMb‐7 was determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (UPLC‐MS). Dairy food intake was evaluated using three 24 hr‐recalls and a food frequency questionnaire. Intake of dairy food evaluated included whole milk, different types of cheese and yogurt. All women consumed any dairy products at least once a day. BCM‐7 concentration in mature human milk was 0.84±1.01 ng/mL. Women had a total protein intake of 68.5 ± 21 g per day. Women with higher protein intake from dairy food (>40g) had significantly higher concentration of bovine BCMb7 (> 0.90 ng/mL) compared with women with lower protein intake from dairy food (<33g) (p = 0.029). For every 10 grams of dairy protein consumed, the probability of increasing the concentration of BCMb‐7 increased 1.18 times (p=0.034). In conclusion, high intake of dairy food increases the concentration of BCMb‐7 in human milk in Mexican women.

Support or Funding Information

This work was funded by Conacyt and FOPER 2015 (UAQ)
Serum lipid profile in nursing mothers according to the type of feeding: Preliminary data
Authors: Velarde Enrique Romero , Vasquez Garibay Edgar M. , Haro Alfredo Larrosa , Mercado Elizabeth Guzmán , Muñoz Esparza Nelly C. , Esparza Patricia Ascencio
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to show preliminary results on the serum lipid concentration in mothers of infants, according to the type of feeding.

Methods

In a cohort study, with a non‐random sample at a concentration site, 102 women in the immediate postpartum period at the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, who met the inclusion criteria and signed informed consent, were included. At four months follow up a fasting blood sample was obtained. Concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were determined with an enzymatic assay. A comparison according to type of feeding (exclusively breast fed (n=41), partially breast fed (n=36), and formula feeding (n=25)) was performed with ANOVA; Post‐Hoc tests and Student's t test for independent samples. The Research and Bioethics Committee of the Hospital authorized the protocol.

Results

Mean age 23.5 ± 4.5 years. Concentrations of TG, HDL and VLDL were different between groups (p< 0.05). TG and VLDL concentrations were higher (p= 0.01) and HDL was lower (p= 0.001) among women who fed formula to their children, in comparison with those who exclusively breast‐fed. HDL was lower (p< 0.05) among women who partially breast‐fed to their children, in comparison with those who exclusively breast‐fed (p< 0.05); TG and VLDL concentrations were higher but non significant (p= 0.07 and 0.09 respectively).

Conclusion

These preliminary results show significantly differences among lipid profile according to the type of feeding in mothers of four‐month old infants. Exclusively breast feeding practice seems to be associated with a better lipid profile.

Support or Funding Information

Project supported by the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico
Increase in FGF21 Stimulates Browning Markers in White Adipose Tissue in Rats Fed a Low Protein High Carbohydrate Diet During Acute Cold Exposure
Authors: Alemán Gabriela , Vigil‐Martínez Ana , Castro Ana Laura , Flores‐Galicia Isabel , Torre‐Villalvazo Ivan , Díaz‐Villaseñor Andrea , Velázquez‐Villegas Laura Alejandra , Noriega Lilia Guadalupe , López‐Romero Patricia , González‐Hirschfeld Diana Cristina , Ordaz Guillermo , Granados Omar , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando Roberto
Published: November 2023

Induction of white adipose tissue (WAT) browning increases the thermogenic capacity and could have beneficial effects in metabolic diseases. FGF21 is increased by low protein diets, and it is also associated to WAT browning. To understand its effect on markers of WAT browning, we studied the effect of a low or high protein/carbohydrate ratio diet in rats under acute cold exposure.

With this aim rats were fed a 6/77 (low), 20/63 (adequate) or 50/33% (high) dietary protein/carbohydrate ratio and were exposed to 4°C for 12 h. We performed indirect calorimetry to determine energy expenditure and evaluated body composition. Then, a sample of liver, WAT, and BAT was obtained to measure by qPCR and Western blot the expression of FGF21 and browning markers, and another sample for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. A blood sample was collected to measure the biochemical variables.

Our results showed that VO2 consumption during short cold exposure in rats fed the low protein/high carbohydrate diet was higher than its control group, but there were no changes in body weight or composition. Intake of a low protein/high carbohydrate diet stimulated hepatic FGF21 expression, as well as browning markers such as Ucp1, Prdm16, Cidea, and CD137 in WAT, and decreased WAT adipocyte size. On the contrary, the consumption of a high protein/low carbohydrate diet reduced all WAT browning markers and increased WAT adipocyte size. BAT markers were increased by cold exposure but barely modified by the amount of dietary protein/carbohydrate ratio. These data imply a possible association between energy expenditure, hepatic FGF21 and browning.

Our results suggest that the decrease in dietary protein/carbohydrate ratio contribute to promote WAT browning through hepatic FGF21 stimulation.
Dietary Protein Sources Beyond Proteins and Amino Acids ‐ A Comparative Study of the Small Molecular Weight Components of Meat and Fish using Metabolomics
Authors: Ross Alastair , Vincent Andrew , Savolainen Otto I , Sandberg Ann‐Sofie , Undeland Ingrid
Published: November 2023

Scope

Dietary protein sources are commonly only viewed in terms of their nutrient composition, and little attention paid to non‐nutrient molecules present. Several recent studies have found that replacing meat with fish may lead to widespread metabolic effects in humans that may not be related only to differences in protein or fat content. To better understand if other components within meat and fish may be responsible, we used metabolomics to compare the small molecule composition of commonly consumed meat and fish.

Methods

Fillets of beef, pork, chicken, cod, salmon and herring (fresh and pickled), n=6 per fish or meat type, were minced, mixed and either left raw, or baked to an internal temperature of 65 °C for meat or 55 °C for fish before freezing. The metabolite profile of the samples was measured using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics. Metabolite profiles of fish and meat were compared, as well as the individual fish and meat types using multivariate and univariate statistical methods.

Results

An average of 128 metabolites were detected in the meat and fish samples. Counter to hypothesis, cooking had no overall effect on the metabolite profile of any of the protein sources measured. The metabolic profiles revealed that terrestrial meats sources and fish could be separated best through the profiles of non‐amino‐acid nitrogen‐containing compounds and lipids, with 18 metabolites significantly different between meat and fish overall. Again, counter to hypothesis, there was a greater variation within meat and fish than between meat and fish, based on averaged eigenvalue differences. Within the fish species measured, salmon differed to cod and herring in sugar profile, with 31 metabolites differing. Within the meat species measured, beef and pork were very similar but the sugar and amino‐acid profiles of chicken were markedly different with 39 metabolites differing between the different meats.

Conclusions

The small molecule composition of meat and fish varied less than expected, and there was wide variation within meat and fish which suggest that it is not sufficient to broadly compare ‘meat’ and ‘fish’ in nutrition studies as the compositional differences vary widely. Compound classes that are commonly neglected when looking at effects of protein, including sugars and non‐amino acid nitrogen containing compounds, warrant more attention.

Support or Funding Information

The authors acknowledge the financial support of the following grants that made this research possible: Västra Götaland Region (RUN 612‐0959‐11, RUN 612‐0618‐15), and the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Science and Spatial Planning (222‐2011‐1322).
Locating Apolipoprotein A2 Protein in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Azzam Sausan , Gamble Jenniffer , Decker Michael , Li Xiaolin , Hernandez Yeritza , Strohl Kingman P
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Apolipoprotein A2 (Apoa2) gene expression in the brain is deterministic of apnea in the C57BL/6J sleep apnea mouse model, with both alleles needed for brain (but not liver) mRNA expression, and post‐hypoxic pauses (Gillombardo et al. 2016). Functional Apoa2 gene products, well described in the liver, are not reported as present in CNS. The purpose was to determine if Apoa2 protein was in the brain, and to validate two customized Apoa2 antibodies.

Methods

12–16 week old B6‐WT (+/+) and Apoa2 KO (−/−) mice were sacrificed for the tissue used in this study. Two Apoa2 monoclonal antibodies were customized using two specific epitopes‐THEQLTPLVRC (TH Rabbit mAb) and NLEEKPAPAAK (NL Rabbit mAb). Both antibodies were tested by Western immunoblotting. Liver and brain tissue (hypothalamus, hippocampus, and brainstem) samples were lysed, FASPed, quant, digested, and analyzed by SRM quantitative proteomics as previously described (Azzam et al 2016). Stable‐isotope labeled peptide was synthesized for the Apoa2 target peptide (THEQLTPLVRC). All samples were analyzed by LC/MS using a Waters Nano‐ACQUITY Ultra performance liquid chromatography system and a TSQ Quantum Ultra mass spectrometry system. The abundance of each peptide was calculated on the basis of the peak area intensity, and the peak areas for the target peptide was normalized to the internal standard for accurate quantification of the target peptide. Statistical analysis was performed using one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Proteomics data detected no Apoa2 in the KO mouse; however, protein was present in WT brainstem, hypothalamus, and hypothalamus, but in lesser abundance than either WT liver or plasma (P=0.0001). Apoa2 was present in the brain in dimeric and tetramer formations. Further, Western blots from brain, using either customized Apoa2 antibody, showed polymeric bands, but also a band at 33K previously ascribed in plasma samples as representing bonding with Apolipoprotein D.

Conclusions

Apoa2 protein is present in the B6 mouse CNS, indicating links to lipid‐cholesterol pathways operating not only for breathing and possibly for stress and memory functions as well.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by VA Merit Award and the NIH
Metabolic Pathway Analysis of Biochanin A Administration On Obesity‐Induced Metabolic Dysfunction
Authors: Hong MoonJu , Park Hee‐Sook , Kim Soon‐Hee , Jeong Nam‐Joo , Kim Myung‐Sunny
Published: November 2023

Metabolomics is a powerful technology used in biomarker discovery and assessing the physiological effects in neutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Modulation of the metabolic responses associated with obesity may help prevent or improve obesity‐induced metabolic dysfunctions. Recently, we reported that biochanin A (BA), dietary bioactive isoflavone that is most commonly found in red clover, peanuts, alfalfa sprouts and soy ameliorates impaired lipid homeostasis in obesity‐induced hepatic steatosis.

In this study, capillary electrophoresis‐MS (CE‐MS)‐based metabolic was used to elucidate the physiological function of biochanin A in obesity‐induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet (NC), a high‐fat diet (HFD), and a HFD supplemented with 0.05% BA for 12 weeks. The metabolites analysis of frozen liver tissues homogenized and centrifuged and then subjected metabolomics analysis using CE‐MS. Identified 257 possible metabolites and 110 metabolites were quantified. A Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) scores plot showed that cluster of BA treatment group shift the HFD group toward the NC group. A loading plot was generated to detect the metabolites responsible for the differentiation in the score plots. In the metabolic pathway analysis of significantly altered metabolites, it showed that the changed metabolites were responsible for glutathione metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, purine metabolism (−log(p) > 4.5 or pathway impact (pathway impact > 0.1) between the NC and HFD group. Among these metabolites, the increased metabolites involved in glutathione metabolism and decreased purine metabolism in obese mice were reversed by BA administration with HFD. BA administration also promoted the recovery of metabolites involved in fatty acid oxidation, synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, triglycerol metabolism, and glucose metabolism in the livers of obese mice. The glutathione and purine metabolism showed positive correlations with insulin resistance and inflammatory makers of serum, such as abnormal blood glucose, insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐1 in diet‐induced obese mice. Taken together, these results showed that BA ameliorates metabolic dysfunction such as insulin resistance and inflammation by regulating glutathione and purine metabolism. Thus, BA may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity‐mediated metabolic dysfunction. Moreover, metabolomics approach of pharmaceuticals can explain the molecular insight in nutritional research.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the grant of Korea Food Research Institute
Abrogation of RAGE signaling using semi‐synthetic glycosaminoglycan ethers (SAGEs) ameliorates inflammation in mice exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke
Authors: Hirschi Kelsey M , Lewis Joshua B , Hall Parker D. , Wright Tanner J , Egbert Kaleb M , Ogden K Connor , Nelson Shawn M , Clark J Christian , Milner Dallin C , Arroyo Juan A. , Reynolds Paul R.
Published: November 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease involving chronic airway inflammation and emphysema. Currently COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and exposure to tobacco smoke is the leading risk factor for development of COPD. While primary smokers have the greatest risk, evidence suggests nearly half of the US population is also at risk due to being involuntarily exposed to second hand smoke (SHS). Past studies have shown increased RAGE expression in lungs and other tissues following smoke exposure. In the present study, we used control, RAGE null, and lung‐specific RAGE overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice to study the role of RAGE during short term physiologic responses to SHS. We evaluated inflammatory effects of SHS in these mice with and without the administration of semi‐synthetic glycosaminoglycan ethers (SAGEs), a family of anionic, partially lipophilic sulfated polysaccharide derivatives known to inhibit RAGE signaling. We hypothesize that SAGEs ameliorate the progression of SHS‐induced inflammation by disrupting RAGE signaling. Mice were weaned then fed doxycycline to induce RAGE in TG mice at PN30. Select mice were exposed to SHS from three Kentucky 3R4F research cigarettes via a nose‐only delivery system (Sireq Scientific, Montreal, Canada) five days a week and ip injections of PBS or SAGE (a 30mg/kg body weight) occurred three times per week from PN40‐70 before all mice were sacrificed on PN70. Q‐PCR and immunoblotting revealed elevated RAGE expression in SHS exposed control and TG mice and an anticipated absence of RAGE expression in RAGE null mice regardless of smoke exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was procured from animals in each group and data revealed RAGE‐mediated influence of inflammatory cell diapedesis and BALF protein abundance. A multiplex cytokine array was performed in order to precisely determine the secretion of multiple pro‐inflammatory modulators. Histology of lung sections from each of the groups was unremarkable. As a general theme, inflammation induced by SHS exposure was influenced by the availability of RAGE, as evidenced by RAGE nulls and SAGE treatment of animals in the other groups. These data reveal captivating information suggesting a role for RAGE signaling in lungs exposed to SHS smoke.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by a grant from the Flight Attendant's Medical Research Institute (FAMRI, PRR) and a BYU Mentoring Environment Grant (PRR).
Resolution of Right Ventricular Fibrosis by a Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agent: A Novel Therapy to Treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Rybka Vladyslava , Shults Nataliia V. , Ibrahim Yasmine F. , Suzuki Yuichiro
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a fatal disease despite the availabilities of FDA‐approved vasodilators. Since right heart failure is the major cause of death among patients with PAH, new agents that can repair the damaged right ventricle (RV) have therapeutic potential. We herein report that a clinically used anti‐cancer drug, docetaxel, is capable of resolving RV fibrosis and repairing the damaged RV. Treatment of rats with SU5416 and chronic hypoxia caused PAH and severe RV damage including the occurrence of fibrosis as indicated by the accumulation of collagen. The treatment of these PAH rats with docetaxel after RV damages had developed resulted in a significant reduction of RV fibrosis with increased contractile functions. Treatment of cultured alpha‐smooth muscle actin‐expressing adult human ventricular myofibroblasts with docetaxel caused the cell death. Further, these myofibroblasts were found to have downregulated collagen 1. These results demonstrate that the docetaxel treatment results in the resolution of fibrosis and the restoration of functional cardiomyocytes in the damaged RVs in PAH animals. Mechanisms of docetaxel actions may involve the killing of myofibroblasts as well as inhibiting the collagen synthesis or promoting the collagen degradation. Targeting RV fibrosis should be considered as a therapeutic strategy for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.

Support or Funding Information

NIH
Patient and Healthcare System Delay in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients, Tabriz, Iran 2012–2014
Authors: Kalan Mohammad Ebrahimi , Sis Hassan Yekrang , Kelkar Vinaya , Harrison Scott H , Han Jian
Published: November 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global emergency that continues to be a serious health problem, particularly in developing countries. Various delays, such as patient delay (PD) and healthcare system delay (HSD) in the TB process, may exacerbate the disease, increase the transmission rate, and increase the mortality rate in the community. This study aims to evaluate various types of delays in TB patients and identify the risk factors influencing these delays, with delays classified based on standards of the World Health Organization. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 173 TB patients in Tabriz, Iran from 2012 to 2014. Patients were interviewed with a semi‐structured questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages were used for categorical variables such as sex, age groups, and education. The median and interquartile range (IQR) were used for continuous variables such as time intervals of delays. The chi‐square and Fisher's exact test were applied to compare the types of delays with categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were examined to evaluate the effects of socio‐demographic and clinical variables on the various types of delays. The median (with IQR) values for delays were, in descending order, 53 days for HSD (IQR=73) and 13 days for PD (IQR=57), and the median total delay (defined as the sum of PD and HSD) was 82 days (IQR=112.5). Risk factors associated with PD were, in descending order, being currently employed compared to unemployed (OR=5.86, 95% CI: 1.59 to 21.64; p<0.05), attending public hospitals compared to private clinics (OR=2.64, 95% CI: 1.01 to 6.85; p<0.05), visiting health facilities more than 2 times before diagnosis (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.08 to 5.11; p<0.05), and being male compared to female (OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.29 to 4.39; p< 0.05). The risk factors associated with HSD were, in descending order, visiting health facilities more than 2 times before diagnosis (OR=20.31, 95% CI: 5.87 to 70.27; p<0.001), and misdiagnosis of the TB as cold and viral infection (OR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.40 to 4.91; p<0.003). Results from this study provide for an important understanding of the risk factors related to PD and HSD, and one of our major recommendations is to ensure that a quality experience and correct diagnosis occurs for patients during their initial visit to the hospital. The overall knowledge generated from this study will be helpful for prioritizing and developing strategies for minimizing delays, initiating early treatment to TB patients, and improving TB‐related training programs and health care systems in Tabriz, Iran.