bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dairy Consumption, LCT‐13910C>T Genotype and the Plasma Proteome
Authors: Alharbi Ohood , El‐Sohemy Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Background

The LCT ‐13910C>T genotype, associated with lactose intolerance (LI), has been associated with differences in the microbiome, in particular, differences in Bifidobacterium. This may be due to the involvement of the colonic microbiota in the metabolism of lactose in those with LI. Metabolites of the gut microbiota have been linked to the risk of various health conditions. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dairy consumption and a panel of 54 high abundance plasma proteins by LCT‐13910C>T genotypes in a population of young adults.

Methods

Fasting blood samples were drawn from non‐smoking Caucasians aged 20–29 years (n=508) from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study, for genotyping of the ‐13910C>T variant in the LCT gene and to measure 54‐plasma proteins by mass spectrometry. Dairy intake was assessed using a one‐month 196‐items food frequency questionnaire. Multiple regressions models were used to determine the association between dairy consumption and 54‐plasma proteome in the CC, CT, and TT genotype of the LCT‐13910 variant.

Results

In the CC genotype, associated with lactose intolerance, positive associations were observed between total dairy intake and ten positive acute phase proteins, as well as three negative acute phase proteins (p < 0.05). In the CT genotype, associated with mild LI, positive associations were observed between total dairy intake and two negative acute phase proteins, and one protein of lipolysis cascade (p < 0.05). No association was observed between total dairy intake and plasma proteins in the TT genotype, which does not have LI.

Conclusion

The association between dairy consumption and disease risk might be influenced by genotypes of LCT gene. This may be due, in part, to the differences in the colonic bacterial response to lactose metabolism between LCT genotypes.

Support or Funding Information

King Abdulaziz University
Probiotics for Weight Loss: Assessing the Evidence
Authors: Cook Chad M , Liska DeAnn J , Mantilla Libertie B
Published: November 2023

Emerging randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have suggested probiotics benefit weight loss or attenuate weight gain in adult humans. Recent meta‐analyses of these RCTs, however, have been inconclusive or conflicting. For example, one meta‐analysis concluded probiotics had no significant effect on body weight, with a mean difference of −1.77 kg (95% CI, −4.84 to 1.29 kg) comparing probiotics vs. placebo. In contrast, another meta‐analyis published in the same timeframe indicated probiotic consumption significantly reduced body weight by −0.59 kg (95% CI, −0.87 to −0.30 kg) vs. placebo. To understand these divergent conclusions, we conducted a study to systematically compare published meta‐analyses on the use of probiotics in RCTs for weight loss in adults. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane Library (date of inception to November, 2016) for studies that included a systematic literature search and quantitative analysis. Five additional meta‐analyses were identified, resulting in a total of 7 studies that quantified the totality of evidence on probiotics and weight loss / BMI reduction published between 2012 and 2016. Overall, 3 meta‐analyses published positive conclusions, 3 published negative or null conclusions, and 1 indicated data were inconclusive. Three included RCTs examining effects of probiotics on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease or lipids/CVD risk markers, but included weight or BMI as a secondary outcome. Four meta‐analyses included RCTs with a primary outcome of change in body weight or BMI. In depth review of the analyses revealed the available RCT data were not uniformly considered across the studies. Furthermore, inconsistency in meta‐analysis methodologies, including heterogeneity in study inclusion/exclusion criteria, likely contributed to the divergent conclusions. Pivotal studies and other factors contributing to the conclusions were identified. Future meta‐analyses should consider restricting analysis of RCTs with similar probiotic strains and dosages as opposed to grouping all probiotics together, and compare studies with similar feeding/administration type (e.g., fermented foods vs. capsules/tablets).

Support or Funding Information

No external funding was received.
Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC23272) attenuates the effects of repeated social defeat on the colonic epithelial cell transcriptome in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Bailey Michael T , Mackos Amy R
Published: November 2023

There is increasing evidence that exposure to stressful stimuli changes the composition of the colonic microbiota, and recent results indicate that these changes lead to increased colonic inflammatory responses. Interestingly, the effects of stressor exposure on colonic inflammation can be attenuated by treatment with probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC23272). However, to date the mechanisms by which stressor exposure enhances colonic inflammation, and by which L. reuteri can attenuate colonic inflammation, are not well understood. This study assessed whether stressor exposure changed transcriptional profiles in colonic epithelial cells, and whether these stressor effects were attenuated with probiotic L. reuteri. Male C57BL/6 mice (7–9 wks of age) were exposed to a social stressor, called social disruption (SDR), which entails repeated social defeat for 2 hrs a day on 6 consecutive days. Control (Ctrl) mice were left undisturbed. All mice were either treated with probiotic L. reuteri (Lr) or PBS as a vehicle (Veh) control via oral gavage on each day of stressor exposure. On the day after stressor exposure, whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (i.e., RNA Sequencing (RNA‐Seq)) using the Illumina HiSeq platform was conducted on CD45−EP‐CAM+ colonic epithelial cells. Even in the absence of pathogen challenge, exposure to the SDR stressor significantly changed the expression of 789 genes (FDR p <.05). Markers of colonic inflammation, such as serum amyloid A, CD38, Ly6C, Ly6a, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and RegIIIg were significantly increased in the colonic epithelium of SDR+Veh compared to Ctrl+Veh mice, indicating that stressor exposure significantly increases inflammatory responses in colonic epithelial cells. Treatment with probiotic L. reuteri also affected gene expression. When Ctrl+Veh and Ctrl+Lr mice were compared, the expression of 160 genes was significantly affected (FDR p<.05), whereas the expression of 305 genes was significantly different between Ctrl+Lr and SDR+Lr (FDR p<.05). When SDR+Lr and SDR+Veh mice were compared, the expression of 64 genes was significantly different (FDR p<.05). Interestingly, of the aforementioned genes involved with colonic inflammation, only the expression of RegIIIg was significantly reduced in SDR+Lr mice compared to SDR+Veh mice (FDR p<.05). This difference was confirmed using real‐time PCR. RegIIIg plays a key role in maintaining gut homeostasis, and dysregulation of RegIIIg is likely involved in dysbiosis and colonic inflammation in stressor‐exposed animals. The ability of L. reuteri to normalize RegIIIg should be further investigated to confirm whether this is one way in which the probiotic prevents the deleterious effects of stress on colonic inflammation.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NIH grant RO1AT006552‐01A1
Effects of sun‐dried raisin consumption on gut microbiota composition
Authors: Wijayabahu Akemi , Waugh Sheldon , Ukhanova Maria , Caraughi Arianna , Mai Volker
Published: November 2023

Dried fruit containing phytochemicals and dietary fibers, such as raisins, contribute to shaping a healthy commensal gut microbiota. Maintenance and targeted modification of microbiota composition and activities has potential for improving various health parameters. We performed a feeding study in human volunteers to determine how consumption of three ounces of sun‐dried raisins/day affects composition and activities of fecal microbiota. Thirteen adults were recruited from faculty, students and staff at the University of Florida to participate in a 14 day raisin feeding study. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, days 7 and 14 of the study period. While adherence to the study protocol was high, participants struggled to maintain an intake of three ounces of raisins/day over the study period. Based on high throughput 16S rRNA sequence analysis we observed stability in microbiota diversity indexes and in the proportions of bacterial phyla. Individual bacterial signature sequences suggested that the prevalence of up to 16 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) changed during the first week of raisin consumption compared to only 4 OTUs that changed during the second week of raisin consumption. We detected a significant reduction in an OTU closest to Klebsiella sp ., potentially an enteric pathogen. Our findings suggest that while adding raisins to the diet doesn't distort overall microbiota composition, it may potentially be beneficial to the host by reducing enteric inflammation associated with subclinical infections with an enteric pathogen. Potential health benefits of the observed microbiota changes, including reduction in enteric inflammation, should be determined in future studies in populations for which specific health benefits can be targeted.

Support or Funding Information

The study was sponsored by Sun‐Maid Growers of California. Investigators independently designed and performed the study.
Interactions Between Diet and Toxicant Exposure Lead to Increased Circulating Levels of the Cardiometabolic Disease Biomarker TMAO
Authors: Petriello Michael C. , Charnigo Richard , Pavuk Marian , Birnbaum Linda , Morris Andrew , Hennig Bernhard
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disorders are largely caused by genetic and environmental factors. Understanding how these factors intersect to determine individual disease risk is a critical challenge. Well‐ studied “lifestyle dependent” determinants of increased cardiovascular disease risk include smoking, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition, but emerging data now implicate exposures to persistent environmental pollutants as an important contributor to inter‐individual variability in cardiovascular disease risk. It is also critical to identify novel biomarkers that link nutrition, toxicant exposure, and cardiometabolic disease risk. Interestingly, emerging diet‐derived biomarkers such as trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), carnitine, certain fatty acids, and choline have strong positive relationships with heart disease risk, whereas plasma levels of other nutrients, for example plant‐derived carotenoids, sterols and polyphenols are correlated with reduced risk. Quantitating levels of these nutrient biomarkers in individuals with well‐defined environmental exposures and well documented metabolic disease histories may shed light on why certain people are more or less prone to environmentally induced diseases. For example, recently, we published that in preclincial models, exposure to dioxin‐like pollutants can increase circulating levels of TMAO. In our preclinical studies, dioxin‐like PCBs strongly increase the enzyme responsible for TMAO production, FMO3, resulting in amplified increases in TMAO levels. We have now begun to investigate if these associations between pollutant exposure and TMAO are evident in the highly exposed Anniston, Alabama population. We have used mass spectrometry methods to quantitate TMAO in archived plasma samples, and have determined that higher body burden of dioxin‐like pollutants is significantly associated with increased circulating TMAO levels in humans.

Support or Funding Information

Supported in part by NIEHS/NIH grant P42ES007380, NCI/NIH intramural program, CDC, T32 postdoctoral training grant, and the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. This research was conducted in part with resources provided by the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profiles in Korean Adults With and Without Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Walker Maura Elizabeth , So Jisun , Matthan Nirupa R , Johnson Elizabeth J , Han Sung Nim , Chung Ick‐Mo , Lichtenstein Alice H
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease presenting as unstable angina and/or myocardial infarction, is the third‐leading cause of death in South Korea. Plasma phospholipid (PL) fatty acid profiles are considered objective biomarkers of both dietary fat type and indicator of endogenous fatty acid metabolism, and have been associated with cardiovascular disease risk in multiple cohorts. Little data are available about the relationship between these biomarkers and ACS in the Korean population. Our objective was to assess the relationship of plasma PL fatty acid profiles among Korean adults with (cases) and without (controls) diagnosed ACS.

Methods

Plasma was collected from newly diagnosed cases (n=30) and controls (n=29) at Ewha Womans University Medical Center (EUMC), Seoul, South Korea. Cases and controls were matched on the basis of age (51±7 y) and sex. PL fatty acids profiles were determined by gas chromatography, and expressed as molar percentage (mol%). Thirty‐six fatty acids were resolved. Fatty acid product‐to‐precursor ratios were calculated to estimate desaturase enzyme activities (stearoyl‐CoA‐desaturase [SCD1; 161n‐7/16:0], SCD2 [18:1n‐9/18:0], delta‐6‐desaturase [D6D; 20:3n‐6/18:2n‐6] and delta‐5‐desaturase [D5D; 20:4n‐6/3n‐6]). Data were analyzed using either paired t‐test or Wilcoxon signed rank test as appropriate. Fatty acids were categorized into tertiles and logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for ACS risk with the lowest tertile serving as the reference.

Results

Myristic (14:0; p = 0.041), gamma‐linolenic (18:3n‐6; p = 0.029), dihomo‐gamma‐linolenic (20:3n‐6; p = 0.050), docosadienoic acid (22:2n‐6; p = 0.050), docosatetraenoic (22:4n‐6; p = 0.037) and conjugated linoleic acid (18:2C; p = 0.025) were significantly higher, whereas nervonic acid (24:1n‐9; p = 0.042) and DHA/AA ratio (p = 0.030) were significantly lower in cases compared to the control subjects. A trend toward higher arachidonic (20:4n‐6; p = 0.068) was observed in the cases. ACS risk was significantly lower among those in the highest tertile of DHA/AA (OR: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.07– 0.94]) and significantly higher among those in the highest tertile of gamma‐linolenic (18:3n‐6; OR: 4.6 [95% CI: 1.2–18.1]).

Conclusions

These data indicate that ACS cases have a higher proportion of fatty acids in the endogenous omega‐6 pathway and lower DHA/AA ratio.

Support or Funding Information

Sources of Funding: This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF‐2012R1A1A2008597) and a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute T32 Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Disorders Pre‐doctoral Research Training Grant (NIH T32HL069772‐15).
Dietary advanced glycation end products and lipid profile in diabetes mellitus subjects with or without complications
Authors: Luevano‐Contreras Claudia , Chapman‐Novakofsky Karen
Published: November 2023

Background

Hyperglycemia leads to vascular damage in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) by endogenous production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In addition, high intake of dietary AGEs may contribute to tissue damage, increased levels of inflammatory markers and it has been associated with alteration in lipids.

Objective

To investigate the association between dietary AGEs and the lipid profile in subjects with DM type 2 with or without complications.

Methods

This was an observational study in DM type 2 subjects with 3–20 years since diagnosis. Participants' clinical history and presence of DM associated complications were obtained from their health care provider as well as results of lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, and triglycerides), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and height/weight. Dietary intake was recorded with seven days of food records, and AGEs intake with a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that measured last year intake. Diet records were entered into the nutrient analysis software, Food Processor, for caloric and macronutrients, and AGEs intake calculated from published AGEs databases. Descriptive statistics, t‐student test for differences between groups, and spearman correlation used, in addition linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary AGEs and lipids levels.

Results

Thirty‐eight volunteers were recruited, but 3 participants were withdrawn because uncompleted questionnaires. The 35 subjects (63% women) had a mean age of 59.0±10.6 years, 9.0±5.4 years since diagnosis, and 54.3% (n=19) reported cardiovascular complications and/or neuropathy and 45.7% (n=16) reported no complications. Body mass index was 36.6±9.0 Kg/m2; lipid levels were 172.1±95.2 mg/dL for triglycerides; 94.5±43.1 mg/dL for LDL‐cholesterol and 172.8±52.3 mg/dL for cholesterol; HbA1c values were 7.5±1.3%. Dietary intake was 1992±529 Kcal, 205±62 g of carbohydrates, 93±30 g of proteins, 91±31 g of fat, 30±12 g of saturated fat, and for dietary AGEs 18183±8365 KUAGE. There were no differences for metabolic or dietary variables between the group with complications and those without complications. A positive correlation between AGEs and cholesterol (r=0.38 p=0.024) and triglycerides (r=0.47 p=0.004) were found; to further explore this relation, a multiple linear regression found that triglycerides were associated with dietary AGEs and remained significant after adjusting for caloric intake, gender and complications presence (F=3.7, p<0.014, R2=0.33). No association was found with any other dietary variable.

Conclusion

This study shows a significant association between dietary AGEs intake and triglycerides levels independent of diabetes‐related cardiovascular or neuropathy complications.

Support or Funding Information

Funded through CONACYT; PRODEP (UGTO‐PTC‐448); Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign.
Relationship between Levels of Serum Methylglyoxal and Fasting Plasma Glucose in Blacks with and without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chantarasinlapin Praew , Zarini Gustavo G. , Barbieri M. Alejandro , Wu Wensong , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Methylglyoxal is a dicarbonyl compound that has been reported to be associated with insulin resistance, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. However, such observation among Black populations, including African Americans and Haitian Americans, remains scarce.

PURPOSE

The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between levels of serum methylglyoxal and fasting plasma glucose in African American and Haitian American participants, with and without type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Participants were recruited by community outreach in Broward and Miami‐Dade counties, Florida. The study included a total of 488 eligible participants (n = 234 controls and n = 254 cases) over 30 years of age who had complete data of serum methylglyoxal and fasting plasma glucose. Serum levels of prominent methylglyoxal adduct, methylglyoxal hydroimidazolone 1 (MGH1) were measured by using a commercially available competitive ELISA kit. Fasting plasma glucose levels were determined by hexokinase enzymatic methods. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of natural log‐transformed MGH1 and fasting plasma glucose.

RESULTS

There was an increase in MGH1 levels of 0.23% for every 1% increase in fasting plasma glucose levels, after adjusting for pertinent variables (95% CI [0.01%, 0.46%], p=0.042). However, such association was not found in participants without type 2 diabetes (p=0.954). Interestingly, the geometric mean of MGH1 levels for African Americans with type 2 diabetes was about 20% lower than that for Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes, holding other variables constant (95% CI [2.37%, 34.43%], p=0.028).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that methylglyoxal may be linked to hyperglycemia and metabolic changes in type 2 diabetes, and may differentially impact the development of the disease in Blacks.

Support or Funding Information

Funding for this research was provided through NIH/NIDDK sponsored grant #SC1DK083060.
Is Workbench Height a Risk Factor for Occupational Health in Food Service System Workers?
Authors: Karabulut Ömer Faruk , Dikmen Derya
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Physical design of the kitchens, light level, noise level, materials, workbench height, ergonomics and working conditions are important factors in terms of occupational health and safety. According to the studies 90% of food service system workers, work in standing position and it could cause health problems like musculoskeletal injuries and pain. Anthropometry is can be defined as physical measures of a person's size and functional capacities. Generally, elbow height is considered to calculate optimum workbench heights.

Aim

This study was conducted in order to assess occupational health risk related workbench heights in food service system workers.

Methods & Materials

At total 100 subjects (100% men) participated in the study from four different food service system kitchens located in Ankara, Turkey. All the kitchens light level, noise level, temperature and humidity level and also workbench heights were measured by the researcher. All the subjects completed a questionnaire which included questions about nutritional habits, physical activity, occupational health related questions and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Anthropometric measures like weight and height were measured by researcher.

Results

The mean of workers BMI and elbow heights were 28.59±5.16 kg/m2 and 108.91±4.95 cm respectively. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire scores for different kitchens workers were between 24,1±28,5 and 151,7±266,5. Temperatures levels (26.1–31.7 °C) were high than optimum level. Light levels (137.2–275.9 lux) were low in some kitchens, noise levels (79.3–91.2 dB) were high, humidity levels (49.1%–54.1) were normal when we compare the optimal values. Totally, 79.4% of subjects had an occupational accident in workplace. Workbench heights in kitchens were between 83.3±8.2–86.1±5.68 cm. In order to calculate optimum workbench heights, we used elbow height measurements (Elbow height ‐ 7.5 cm) of the subjects. Optimum workbench height for kitchen workers were calculated and found as between 101.6±4.9–104.7±4.94 cm. None of the kitchen workbench heights were compatible with the subjects elbow height measurements.

Conclusion

Kitchens had high risk for occupational accidents according to physical conditions and workbench height levels. Design of a kitchen in food service system is important that can cause occupational health problems in workplaces. Kitchen workbenches should be designed according to workers anthropometric measurements to save musculoskeletal injury and pains.
Differences in Calcium Metabolism of Adolescents among Races and between Sexes
Authors: Wastney Meryl E , McCabe Linda D , Martin Berdine R , McCabe George P , Weaver Connie M
Published: November 2023

Nearly half of bone calcium is acquired during adolescence. To investigate whether there are racial differences in rates of calcium metabolism and accretion, a series of kinetic studies were performed in American adolescents (n=147) of Black (n=17), Chinese (n=29), Mexican (n=45) and White (W, n=56) ethnicities while on controlled diets containing 600 to 2300 mg Ca/d. After 1 week adjustment to the diet, stable Ca isotopes were given orally or intravenously. Blood was sampled and all urine and feces were collected for 14 d. Samples were analyzed for total calcium and tracer (expressed as % dose). Data were analyzed by a 3‐compartment model using WinSAAM; compartment 1 includes plasma, compartment 2 is extravascular and compartment 3 exchanges with bone. The model was used to estimate absorption (fraction), rates (mg/d) of calcium absorption (Va), excretion in urine (Vu), feces (VF) and by endogenous excretion (Vf), bone deposition (Vo+), bone resorption (Vo‐), balance (Vbal) and compartment mass (mg). A multiple regression model that included calcium intake, race, and sex was used to test for differences in metabolism among races and between sexes.

Blacks had lower rates of calcium excretion than Mexicans or Whites, and higher rates of bone deposition than Chinese, Mexicans or Whites. Boys had higher calcium absorption and bone turnover, and lower rates of urinary calcium excretion than girls. The mass of compartment 2 was 50% larger in boys than in girls, and the mass of compartment 3 was twice as large as girls. We conclude that there are few differences in calcium metabolism between American Chinese, Mexican or White adolescents, but Black adolescents compared to other races on similar calcium intakes had lower rates of urinary calcium excretion and higher rates of calcium retention. Calcium requirements for adolescents of other races may be higher than for Blacks. We have previously reported that boys retain more calcium than girls on the same calcium intake; kinetics show the higher retention is due to higher absorption and differences in exchange between compartments resulting in significantly higher pool masses of calcium.

Support or Funding Information

NIH HL128834
Effects of protein‐based supplementation and endurance training on muscle mass and mitochondrial enzyme activity in rats treated with hindlimb suspension
Authors: Chen Ching‐Han , Chen Pei‐Ni , Wu Chia‐Ying , Yang Yan‐Ting , Chen Chung‐Yu , Liao Yi‐Hung
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of endurance exercise training with or without protein‐based supplementation on muscle mass and mitochondrial enzyme activity in disuse skeletal muscle atrophy caused by hindlimb suspension (HS).

Method

Thirty‐two male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats (230–280g) were weight‐matched and assigned to the following 4 groups: Free control (FC), Hindlimb Suspension Placebo (H), Hindlimb Suspension + Exercise (HE), Hindlimb Suspension + Exercise+ Nutrition supplementation (HEN). After 10‐days hindlimb suspension (HS) period, all rats were reloaded following one day of rest, thereafter endurance exercise procedure [treadmill running at a speed of 0.6 km/h to 1.2 km/h (+ 0.2 km/h per 3 days), 25 min/day (+ 5 min/3 days), 0% grade] and supplementation (10 ml/kg body wt of solution, containing 300 mg/kg body wt of leucine, 400 mg/kg of HMB, 400 mg/kg of whey protein, 200 mg/kg of casein, 600 mg/kg of glucose) were processed during the two‐weeks reloading period. At the end of intervention, the soleus muscle mass and soleus cross‐section area (CSA) were measured, and the intracellular level oxidative stress status, 4‐Hydroxynonenal protein were measured.

Result

After two weeks of intervention, body weight, muscle mass and muscle fiber CSA in H, HE, and HEN groups could not be restored, and these parameters were still significantly lower than those of control group (p < 0.01). HEN group showed the greatest increase in muscle citrate synthase activity in compared with H and HE groups (p < 0.05). 4‐Hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) expression was no significantly different among there four groups.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that two weeks of hindlimb suspension caused muscle atrophy, decreasing body weight, muscle mass, and muscle fiber cross‐section area. However, although endurance exercise training and/or combined with protein supplementation could not full recover unused muscular structure, provision of protein‐based supplementation resulted in an increased muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity.
Branched‐chain fatty acids lower triglyceride levels in a fatty liver model in vitro
Authors: Liu Lei , Xiao Dingfu , Lei Hongyu , Peng Tao , Li Jiao , Cheng Tianyin , He Jianhua
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFA) are saturated fatty acids with one or more methyl groups. They are bioactive dietary components, and the estimated intake of BCFA in the U.S is about 500 mg/d. However, the functional role of BCFA as a nutrient has long been neglected. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic metabolic syndrome characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides (TG) intracellularly. Its prevalence reaches a soaring rate, causing considerable public health concern globally. The present study aims to investigate the possible methodology of exploiting BCFA to decrease levels of TG in a fatty liver cell model.

Methods

L02 cells, a non‐malignant human liver cell line, were induced with oleic acids and palmitic acids at a ratio of 2:1 to establish a fatty liver model. Iso‐15:0 (13‐methyltetradecanoic acid) and iso‐18:0 (16‐methylheptadecanoic acid), bound to bovine serum albumin (BSA), were added to cell culture medium and co‐incubated for 24 h, respectively. TG levels were measured in cell pellets. Gene expressions of key enzymes and transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism were measured by qPCR. PPARa and SREBP‐1c were also analyzed by western‐blotting (WB).

Results

Co‐incubation of L02 cells with iso‐15:0 and iso‐18:0 ranging from 0.1 mM to 0.8 mM did not significantly hamper cell viability as shown by MTT assay. Treatment with 0.25 mM iso‐15:0 and 0.25 mM iso‐18:0 both significantly decreased intracellular TG content compared with fatty liver model group (p<0.05). Gene expressions of ACOX1, CPT1, CPT2 and PPARa were enhanced by 0.25 mM iso‐15:0 and 0.25 mM iso‐18:0 (p<0.05, for PPARa p<0.01). mRNA levels of SREBP‐1c and ACC were increased by 0.25 mM iso‐15:0 (p<0.05), and mRNA levels of FASN were decreased by BCFA treatment (p<0.05). Protein levels of PPARa and SREBP‐1c were increased upon BCFA treatment as shown by WB.

Conclusion

Those data indicated that BCFA could lower intracellular triglyceride content in a fatty liver model in vitro mainly by enhancing gene expressions of key enzymes in lipid catabolism via PPARa. However, the molecular mechanism needs to be illustrated in further, and the TG‐lowering effect of BCFA needs to be confirmed in vivo.

Support or Funding Information

Acknowledgement This work was supported by “the National Natural Science Foundation of China” (Grant No. 31502135), “the Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Education Department of Hunan Province” (Grant No. 16B124) and “Scientific Research Foundation for the introduction of talent in Hunan Agricultural University” (Grant No. 2016ZK17).
The Effect of Image Quality, Repeated Study, and Assessment Method on Anatomy Learning
Authors: Fenesi Barbara , Mackinnon Chelsea , Cheng Lucia , Kim Joe , Wainman Bruce
Published: November 2023

The use of two‐dimensional (2D) images is consistently used to prepare anatomy students for handling real specimen. This study examined whether the quality of 2D images is a critical component in anatomy learning. The visual clarity and consistency of 2D anatomical images was systematically manipulated to produce low‐quality and high‐quality images of the human hand and human eye. On day 0, participants learned about each anatomical specimen from paper booklets using either low‐quality or high‐quality images, and then completed a comprehension test using either 2D images or three‐dimensional (3D) cadaveric specimens. On day 1, participants re‐learned each booklet, and on day 2 participants completed a final comprehension test using either 2D images or 3D cadaveric specimens. The effect of image quality on learning varied according to anatomical content, with high‐quality images having a greater effect on improving learning of hand anatomy than eye anatomy (high‐quality vs. low‐quality for hand anatomy P=0.018; high‐quality vs. low‐quality for eye anatomy P=0.247). Also, the benefit of high‐quality images on hand anatomy learning was restricted to performance on short‐answer (SA) questions immediately after learning (high‐quality vs. low‐quality on SA questions P=0.018), but did not apply to performance on multiple‐choice (MC) questions (high‐quality vs. low‐quality on MC questions P=0.109) or after participants had an additional learning opportunity (24‐hours later) with anatomy content (high vs. low on SA questions P=0.643). This study underscores the limited impact of image quality on anatomy learning, and questions whether investment in enhancing image quality of learning aids significantly promotes knowledge development.
Acute Effects of a Beverage Containing Bitter Melon Extract (CARELA®) on Postprandial Glycaemia among Prediabetic Adults
Authors: Boone Carleigh , Stout Jeffrey , Gordon Joseph , Redd Michael , Church David , Oliveira Leonardo , Fukuda David , Hoffman Jay
Published: November 2023

Acute ingestion of bitter melon (BM) has been shown to suppress the postprandial glycemic response in diabetics, but its impact on glucose regulation among individuals with impaired glucose tolerance is unclear. Moreover, one's glucose tolerance level may influence the effectiveness of BM. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of a beverage containing BM extract on blood glucose regulation during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among prediabetics.

Methods

Ten prediabetic adults completed two OGTTs ‐ glucose only (D2) and glucose + BM (D3). Responders were identified as subjects whose area under the glucose curve (AUCglu) during D3 was lower than D2. To compare the acute effects of the beverage among individuals with varying glucose tolerance levels, subjects were grouped by their glucose response pattern – Fastpeak (peak glucose (Glupeak) at 30 min post‐glucose (30P)) and Slowpeak (Glupeak after 30P).

Results

During D3, responders (n = 5) experienced a 13.2% reduction in AUCglu (95% confidence interval (CI): −18.1% to −8.3%), 12.2% reduction in mean glucose (95% CI: −17.3% to −7.0%), and 10.6% reduction in Glupeak (95% CI: −17.5% to −3.7%); plasma glucose was reduced by 9.1% at 30P (95% CI: −15.6% to −2.6%), −24.0% at 60P (95% CI: −36.8% to −11.2%), and −20.0% at 90P (95% CI: −35.8% to −4.2%) during D3. No between‐trial differences were noted for Fastpeak or Slowpeak.

Conclusions

Acute ingestion of BM prior to the second OGTT (D3) led to a reduced postprandial glucose response in 50% of the subjects but did not affect the insulin response. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the beverage was seemingly uninfluenced by the subjects' glucose tolerance level. While BM has shown to aid blood glucose management in diabetics, it remains uncertain why only a portion of subjects responded positively to the BM extract in the current study.
Early Life Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) and Dietary Intake of Nutrients Related to Macular Health
Authors: Guerra Genesis G. , Parent Jennifer M. , Trujillo Elisabet , Jackson Donnelle K. , Gaitán Adriana V. , Carabante Kennet M. , Lammi‐Keefe Carol J.
Published: November 2023

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial progressive disease and is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Among factors related to development of AMD are gender (females>males), eye color (blue>dark), body mass index (BMI; high>low), and low macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a measure of the density of the macular. The current study aimed to assess dietary intake of nutrients recognized as important in macular health and their relationship to MPOD, with a focus on dietary lutein + zeaxanthin (L+Z) and DHA+EPA (22:6n‐3, 20:5n‐3), dietary nutrients known to impact MPOD. College‐aged students [age range 18–28 years; n=440, 276 females (F) and 164 males (M)] were recruited to participate. Dietary intake was obtained through a 24‐hour dietary recall using NDSR 2016. A health history form was used to collect demographic information and frequency of consumption of specific foods. MPOD of subjects was measured using a macular metrics densitometer. Data were analyzed with SAS 9.4 using ANOVA and linear regression. There was a significantly higher MPOD (p=0.037) for M compared to F. Males had higher dietary intake of DHA+EPA (p=0.008) and L+Z (p=0.033) than F. Fifty‐five percent (n=90) of M and 42% (n=115) of F consumed seafood rich in DHA+EPA, e.g. salmon and trout. The DHA+EPA recommendation by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 (250 mg/day) was fulfilled by 20% (n= 33) of M and 8% (n=22) of F. Seventy‐six percent (n=25) of Asian subjects consumed seafood rich in DHA+EPA while on average 46% of White, Black and Hispanics did. There were no differences between BMI groups (normal, overweight, obese) regarding MPOD (p=0.064) and dietary consumption of DHA+EPA (p=0.968) and L+Z (p=0.099) in the student population. The relationship of dietary DHA+EPA and MPOD in this population approached significance (p=0.051) and warrants further exploration. This work points to a need for early nutrition education to increase the consumption of foods high in the nutrients that are known to promote macular health.

Support or Funding Information

Supported in part by Louisiana State University and Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
Effects of cyclic fatty acids on rat liver and plasma fatty acid metabolism and inflammation mediators depend on dietary lipids
Authors: Mboma Jean , Leblanc Nadine , Angers Paul , Jacques Helene
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to determine the interactions between dietary fatty acids and cyclic fatty acid monomers (CFAM) on liver and plasma lipids and inflammation

Methods

Two oils (canola oil and soybean oil) were used in the experiment while 0.5% of CFAM were added to the CFAM diets, thus generating four diet groups: canola oil (CO), soybean oil (SO), canola oil and CFAM (CC), and soybean oil and CFAM (SC). 36 male Wistar rats (n=9) were fed those diets for 28 days, liver and plasma lipids were analyzed by gas‐liquid chromatography and inflammation markers were analyzed enzymatic methods.

Results

Although CFAM alone induced an accumulation of TAG, liver fatty acid analysis showed that rats fed the CC diet had less stearic acid (STA), arachidonic acid (ARA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) but more oleic acid (OLA) and total MUFA than those fed the CO, SO and SC diets. However, no difference was observed between rats fed SO and SC diets. Significant interactions between the type of oil and CFAM were also observed in plasma fatty acids for the following fatty acids: palmitic acid (PAM, P = 0.039), linoleic acid (AL, P = 0.023), docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn‐3 P<0.0001), and total PUFAn‐3 (P = 0.028). In particular, it was observed that CC‐fed rats had less AL than the SC (P<0.0001). CFAM induced lower ALT levels (P<0.0001), lower ALT/AST ratio (P = 0.003), and higher plasma total cholesterol levels (P = 0.024) compared with the non‐CFAM diets. There were interactions between oil and CFAM for plasma AST (P = 0.04), AST/ALT ratio (P = 0.02), and IL‐6 (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

While showing that CFAM effects on lipid metabolism are exacerbated when used with a high‐oleic acid oil, these results suggest that CFAM effects are altered by dietary lipids. These results reinforce the need for a selected use of vegetable oils in domestic and industrial settings. Other associations of CFAM with oils of different ratios MUFA/PUFA, PUFAn‐6/n‐3, PUFA/SFA can be used to further assess the interactions between CFAM and dietary fats.

Support or Funding Information

Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
Lingonberry Anthocyanins Protect Cardiac Cells from Oxidative Stress‐Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Isaak Cara K. , Petkau Jay C. , Blewett Heather , Karmin O , Siow Yaw L.
Published: November 2023

Lingonberry grown in Canada contains exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins, the pigments that give the berries their red color, as well as other polyphenols, including resveratrol, quercetin, and proanthocyanidins, which may have antioxidant properties. Anthocyanin‐rich diets have been shown to be associated with decreased cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. Oxidative stress plays an important role in cardiovascular disease by impairing function and triggering apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. In this study, we investigated whether physiologically relevant doses of pure anthocyanins and lingonberry extracts could protect H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced cell death. Anthocyanins were added at 10 ng mL−1 (20 nmol L−1) to cell culture media prior to induction of oxidative stress with 600 μM hydrogen peroxide. After 2 hours of hydrogen peroxide treatment, apoptosis and necrosis were detected in H9c2 cells via flow cytometry using FLICA 660 caspase 3/7 combined with YO‐PRO‐1 to allow differentiation between viable, early apoptotic, late apoptotic, and necrotic cells. Apoptosis was confirmed using Hoechst 33258 and fluorescence microscopy. Each of the three major anthocyanins found in lingonberry, cyanidin‐3‐galactoside, cyandin‐3‐glucoside, and cyanidin‐3‐arabinoside, was protective against hydrogen peroxide‐induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells at 10 ng mL−1 and preserved the number of viable cells to match the non‐hydrogen peroxide‐treated group. A combination of the three anthocyanins tested at 10 ng mL−1 was also protective. A lingonberry extract tested at three concentrations produced a dose‐dependent protective effect. This study demonstrates that lingonberry anthocyanins could protect cardiac cells from oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis and may have cardioprotective effects.

Support or Funding Information

AAFC Project ID J‐001297
Influence of Ingesting a Flavonoid‐Rich Supplement On the Human Metabolome and Concentration of Urine Phenolics
Authors: Nieman David C. , Ramamoorthy Sivapriya , Kay Colin D. , Goodman Courtney L. , Capps Christopher R. , Shue Zachary L , Heyl Nicole , Grace Mary H. , Lila Mary Ann
Published: November 2023

A variety of polyphenol‐rich supplements (juices, extracts, purified flavonoids) have been tested at low to high doses for varying lengths of time, typically with study participants at high disease risk. Results have been mixed, perhaps because of short dosing periods, low subject numbers, and the lack of focus on whole body metabolic responses. This study evaluated the effect of ingesting a flavonoid‐rich supplement (329 mg/d) on total urine phenolics and shifts in plasma metabolites in overweight/obese female adults using untargeted, global metabolomics procedures. Participants (N=103, 18–65 y, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were randomized to flavonoid or placebo groups for 12 weeks, with blood and 24‐h urine samples collected pre‐study, 4‐ and 12‐weeks in a parallel design. Supplements were prepared as chewable tablets, and included vitamin C, wild bilberry fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, quercetin, caffeine, and omega 3 fatty acids. One serving (4 chewable tablets) contained 50 kilocalories, 100 mg vitamin C, 60 mg n3‐PUFA (24 mg docosahexaenoic acid, 36 mg eicosapentaenoic acid), 107 mg caffeine, and 329 mg total flavonoids. Analysis of pre‐ and post‐study 3‐day food records revealed the flavonoid supplement increased dietary intake by 217% (138±23.0 to 437±20.1 mg/day) compared to placebo (interaction effect, p<0.001). At 4‐weeks, urine total phenolics increased 24% in the flavonoid group above placebo, with similar changes at 12‐weeks (interaction effect, P=0.041). Groups did not differ in traditional markers of inflammation (IL‐6, MCP‐1, CRP) or oxidative stress (oxLDL, FRAP). Metabolomics data indicated shifts in 63 plasma metabolites in the flavonoid versus placebo group, with 70% of these from the lipid and xenobiotics super pathways. The largest fold changes were measured for three gut‐derived phenolics including 3‐methoxycatechol sulfate, 3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid sulfate, and 1,2,3‐benzenetriol sulfate (interaction effects, p≤0.050). Small group differences in 29 metabolites from the lipid super pathway were more than likely related to the combined influence of green tea extract and caffeine. This randomized clinical trial of overweight/obese women showed that 12‐weeks ingestion of a mixed flavonoid‐nutrient supplement was associated with a corresponding increase in urine total phenolics and gut‐derived phenolic metabolites. The lack of change in traditional measures of inflammation and oxidative stress in this study is consistent with other 10‐ to 12‐week polyphenol supplementation investigations, and supports the strategy of using metabolomics procedures to better define physiological responses in humans.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by funding from Reoxcyn Innovation Group LLC, Salt Lake City, UT
Dietary delta‐tocotrienol modifies serum metabolite profiles in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Shen ChwanLi , Kaur Gurvinder , Ramalingam Latha , Tomison Michael D , Chung Eunhee , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima , Dufour Jannette , Mo Huanbiao , Watkins Bruce A.
Published: November 2023

Obesity with related complications is a world‐wide health problem. Dietary tocotrienols (TT) have been shown to improve obesity‐associated metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, in preclinical studies. Here, we aimed to characterize the metabolic status of obese mice by LC/MS‐based metabolomics in combination with relevant biochemical parameters of glucose homeostasis. Twenty male C57BL/6J mice (6‐week‐old) fed either a high‐fat diet (HFD, n=10) or HFD supplemented with 800 mg TT/kg (HFD+TT, n=10) for 14 weeks. TT was a mixture of 90% delta‐TT and 10% gamma‐TT. Compared to the HFD group, TT supplementation improved glucose homeostasis as determined by both glucose tolerance test (at 120 min, 369.3±22.6 and 243.6±38.9 mg/dL for HFD and HFD+TT, respectively) and insulin tolerance test (at 12 weeks relative to time zero: 53.1% and 44.4% for HFD and HFD+TT, respectively). For serum metabolites, the HFD+TT group had higher levels of some essential amino acids, B vitamins, and 12 HEPE in serum compared to the HFD group. In addition, the HFD+TT group had reduced thromboxane B2 and 13 HODE, and increased 12HEPE, lysine, and methionine. These results suggest TT supplementation lowered inflammation and improved macronutrient metabolism in obese mice that may explain reduced obesity. This study demonstrates that the beneficial effect of TT on glucose homeostasis is associated with changes in several metabolite profiles in obese male mice with insulin resistance.

Support or Funding Information

American River Nutrition, Inc., Hadley, MA.