bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EGCG, An Active Ingredient in Green Tea, Modulates Cell Proliferation in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Rat Osteosarcoma Cells in vitro
Authors: Lai Nok Hang (Tony) , Bautista Josue Kevin , Rodriguez Abigail , Bolivar Samuel , Joseph Eugene E
Published: November 2023

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. Traditional treatment of cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Many studies have been done to elucidate the response of cancer cells to a variety of treatments. However, not many studies have been conducted on how cancer cells respond to natural compounds that are purported to have therapeutic effects on cancer cells. (‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is a powerful ingredient of green tea which has been shown to induce apoptosis in tumor cells, prevent angiogenesis and modulate the invasion and migration of cancer cells. Pancreatic and bone cancer cells are among some of the most malignant forms of cancer. In this study, it was hypothesized that EGCG inhibits cell proliferation of both human pancreatic (Panc‐1) and rat osteosarcoma (UMR 106‐01 BSP) cell cultures, inhibits the expression of CXCR‐4, 14‐3‐3σ, and VEGFA proteins in pancreatic cancer cell cultures, and regulates mineralization in UMR 106‐01 rat sarcoma cell cultures. Panc‐1 and UMR106‐01 cell cultures were routinely passaged, treated with different concentrations of EGCG (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100μM) in 6 well plates, then incubated for 48 hours at 37 degrees Celsius under humidification and 5% carbon dioxide infusion. At the end of the experiment, cells were counted using cell flow cytometry. Designated Panc‐1 cell cultures were treated with different concentrations of EGCG. After routine electrophoresis of control and experimental samples, Western blotting technique was employed to identify the expression of Panc‐1 proteins CXCR‐4, 14‐3‐3σ, and VEGFA. F test ANOVA was used to compare variances and all values in the results were expressed as means ±SD. The cell proliferation results from the Panc‐1 and UMR 106‐01 cell lines showed a decreasing trend in cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner. At lower concentrations there was an increase in proliferation whereas at higher concentrations (>80uM) there was a decrease in proliferation. The results of the Western blotting technique showed that the expression of Panc‐1 proteins CXCR‐4, 14‐3‐3σ, and VEGFA are inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner when treated with EGCG. The proliferation results suggest a dual effect of EGCG on cell proliferation both in Panc‐1 and UMR 106‐01 cancer cell cultures. EGCG may provide a therapeutic effect on both cancer cells lines at higher concentrations. The results from the Western blotting suggest that EGCG exerts its inhibitory effects on Panc‐1 cell proliferation through the regulation of the expression of the Panc‐1 proteins CXCR‐4, 14‐3‐3σ, and VEGFA.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by the innovations fund of the Biology Department of La Sierra University in Riverside, CA.
Gupan extracts increased the expression level of genes related to growth hormone
Authors: Kang Myung‐Hwa , Moon Hae‐Sung
Published: November 2023

Growth hormone (GH) is the main regulator of longitudinal growth before puberty, and treatment with recombinant human GH (rec‐hGH) can increase muscle strength. Most physiological actions of GH are mediated by changes in gene transcription. GH is a 191‐amino acid pituitary protein that stimulates the hepatic production and release of insulin‐lilke growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) into the systemic circulation. GH deficiency may occur as an isolated disorder or as part of multiple hormone deficiencies. The standard treatment of GH deficiency in adults and children is replacement with rec‐hGH. Current rec‐hGH therapy requires daily subcutaneous injections that may decrease compliance. But, these treatment evoked side effects, such as injection site reactions, edema, and arthralgia.

In this study, we tested the exterio part of back (termed: Gupan) extracted from Geoclemys reevesii Gray. C2C12 murine skeletal muscle cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, 25 mM Hepes until they reached 80% confluence. Then, differentiation medium was added DMEM (5% horse serum), and the cells were allowed to differentiate into myotubes during 4 days. After 16 h in serum‐free medium, C2C12 myotubes were stimulated with Gupan (15 ug/ml) and rec‐hGH (500 ng/ml) for 6 h. RNA was obtained from each sample using Total RNA purification kit and cDNA was prepared form 250 ng of RNA using the high‐capacity cDNA reverse transcription kit. qRT‐PCR was conducted with FastStart Essential DNA Green Master (Roche). qRT‐PCT was used for confirmation of gene expression changes induced by rec‐hGH. Nine genes were confirmed as being differentially expressed after rec‐hGH induction. Among 9 genes, 3 genes (CISH, npy1r,ugdh) were highly expressed more than rec‐hGH. 2 genes (BTC, Bcl6) were also highly expressed more than no treatment. The other 2 genes (SOCS2, tgfbr3) was a little increased in the expression. However, BMP4 and RGS2 were not increased. Although we do not test many experiments, this study shows modifications in the gene expression profile of C2C12 cell line treated with Gupan in vitro. Further investigations need to be study with potential implications in the action of GH.
Standardized height for age was positively associated with nutritional adequacy and food intakes of U.S. children in NHANES 2007–2014
Authors: Kim Kijoon , Kim Dongwoo , Noh Hwayoung , Melough Melissa , Chun Ock K.
Published: November 2023

It is well known that nutritional status directly affects childhood growth and development. However, studies on the associations of nutritional status and dietary behaviors with age‐standardized height in children are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between macro‐ and micronutrient intake and food consumption, and height for age Z score (HAZ) among US children in NHANES 2007–2014. This cross‐sectional population‐based study included 6,116 US children aged 2–18 years who had completed two 24‐h diet recalls in NHANES 2007–2014. After adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity and birth weight, HAZ was positively associated with intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and calcium. Children in the greatest tertile of HAZ were less likely to consume lower than the EAR of vitamin A (highest tertile (T3) vs. T1 ref. OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.88; P‐trend < 0.05) and calcium (T3 vs. T1 ref. OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.52–0.78; P‐trend < 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. Greater HAZ was also positively associated with increased intake of grains and dairy food groups among five food groups. While low HAZ children showed greater consumption of soft drinks, high fat milk products and legumes, high HAZ children consumed greater amount of low fat milk products, tea, low‐calorie fruits juice, 100% apple juice and milk‐based desserts. These findings suggest that adequate nutritional intake and food choices could be beneficial to childhood growth.

Support or Funding Information

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency, commercial, or not‐for‐profit sectors.
Calorie Restriction Facilitates Aging‐Related Muscle Loss in the Aged Mice
Authors: Park Sung Eun , Chung Hae Young , Park Yoon Jung
Published: November 2023

Aging‐related muscle loss is one of the common health problems in the elderly people and is associated with various aging‐related diseases. One of major factors for the muscle loss is dietary intake. Multiple studies have reported positive effects of calorie restriction (CR) on expansion of longevity and prevention of aging‐related diseases since the McCay report (1935). However, CR in the elderly may not have the positive effects due to their different physiological condition. In this study, we investigated whether CR in the old mice had an impact on the aging‐related muscle loss. Skeletal muscle tissues were obtained from male SD rats aged 6 and 25 months (n=10) with or without a short‐term (4 weeks) CR just before the sacrifice. Total mRNAs were isolated and were used for a genome‐wide expression analysis using microarray to examine molecular patterns of muscle structuring and degradation as well as glucose metabolic pathway, which were identified as aging‐related molecular signature of sarcopenia in a publically available human data set (Giresi PG, 2005) by the secondary analysis. As results, a marker for muscle structuring MyH4 was downregulated in the aged group under short‐term CR but MuRF1, a muscle degradation marker, showed dramatic increase under same circumstance. Hk2 and Prkaa1 were decreased in the young group under CR, however the effect of diet showed no significant difference in the aged group. Il6st, a gene which is known to be hypomethylated and upregulated with aging, was increased at 25 months in the CR group but showed no significant difference in normal diet group, and Mthfr, was downregulated under same condition. Based on the results above, the short‐term CR in the aged mice accelerates muscle degradation with decreased MyH4 and increased MuRF1 mRNA level, and cellular nutrition sensor is desensitized compared to young group. Furthermore, upregulated Il6st and downregulated Mthfr in aged group with CR compared to young group with CR implies methylation pattern change may be affected not only by aging but also nutritional stress. In summary, distinct transcriptional patterns towards muscle degradation, metabolic pathways, and methylation revealed that CR facilitates aging‐related muscle loss, rather than lowing the risk of metabolic stress, when applied to the aged group.
Metabolic Profiling Reveals Reprogramming of Lipid Metabolic Pathways in Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with 3‐Iodothyronamine
Authors: Assadi‐Porter Fariba M , Alpergin Ebru Selen , Bolandnazar Zeinab , Sabatini Martina , Rogowski Michael , Chiellini Grazia
Published: November 2023

Objectives

T1AM is an endogenous compound, and an analog of the thyroid hormone, shows a great potential as a human weight loss drug. Subchronic treatment at a low dose of T1AM results in a rapid lipolysis and weight loss without an apparent change in food consumption in obese mice. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disease in women that is associated with intricate pathophysiological, hormonal and metabolic feedbacks, which makes the early diagnosis challenging, thus increasing the prevalence risks for infertility, obesity, cardiovascular and fatty liver diseases. Recently, we showed that women with PCOS exhibit significantly diminished lipid oxidation, and perturbed glucose and amino acid metabolism. Here, we investigated tissue specific effects of T1AM, a novel antihyperlipidemic agent, in the GC‐mice as a model for PCOS. This paper reveals T1AM action at the molecular level on metabolic pathways and associated transcriptional gene signaling in PCOS.

Methods

Two groups of spontaneously obese female GC mice were injected once daily with saline (n=5) and 25 mg/kg T1AM (n=5). Blood was drawn on study days ‐3, 4, and 7 and analyzed by 1H‐NMR. On day 7 of the study, animals were sacrificed and their organs were collected for 1H‐NMR metabolomics and real‐time PCR.

Results

Multivariate statistical analysis of the 1H ‐NMR based metabolomics data sets reveals increases in lipid oxidation pathways in plasma, muscle, and liver biomarkers by significantly increasing metabolites (glucogenic amino acids, carnitine and citrate) levels in T1AM treated mice compared to control mice. These metabolic changes are accompanied by significant reduction of liver cholesterol and triglycerides and with no differences in plasma glucose levels. T1AM administration induces lowering gene expression of key regulators of lipid metabolism, PTP1B and PLIN2 and increasing antioxidant levels. In contrast, T1AM has an opposing effect on the regulation of estrogenic pathways in the ovary by upregulating STAR, CYP11A1 and CYP17A1.

Conclusions

T1AM regulates cellular metabolism through tissue specific targeted gene signaling and metabolic cross talks by inducing a profound tissue specific anti‐lipogenic effect in liver and muscle, while reducing oxidative stress. In contrast, T1AM has an opposing effect on the regulation of estrogenic pathways in ovary pointing to the origin of dysregulation of these pathways in PCOS. This study opens up new avenues for the treatment regimes and understanding tissue specific mechanism of PCOS pathophysiology.

Support or Funding Information

Grants

This research was supported by RC4 EY021357 and a Wisconsin Institute of Discovery Grant (WID‐135A039) to F.M.A.‐P. This study made use of the National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison for data collection, which is supported by NIH grant P41RR002301 (NIGMS).
Safety and Free Testosterone Boosting Efficacy of a Novel Curculigo orchioides Extract (Blamus™) in Male Rats
Authors: Bagchi Debasis , Swaroop Anand , Bagchi Manashi , Preuss Harry G
Published: November 2023

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn (family Hypoxidaceae, also known as black or kali musli), is an endangered medicinal plant used for diverse medicinal purposes including impotency, aphrodisiac, tonic, jaundice, and skin ailments. phytochemical investigations of rhizomes revealed the presence of a novel phenolic glycoside, curculigoside, triterpenoid, saponins, flavones, cellulose, hemicellulose, and calcium oxalate. We developed a novel extract of Curculigo orchioides (commercially known as Blamus™) and assessed its dose‐dependent efficacy (0‐, 10‐, 25‐ and 50 mg/kg body weight p.o.) in male rats (200–230 grams; n = 6) over a period of 28 days. Dose‐ and time‐dependent efficacy of Blamus™ was evaluated on body weight, serum free and total testosterone levels. Furthermore, extensive histopathological analyses and blood chemistry analyses were performed to assess the liver function (SGOT and SGPT), kidney function (BUN) and heart function (creatinine) as the beginning and end of the study. Blamus™ didn't cause any marked elevation in serum free testosterone levels at either10‐ or 25 mg/kg body weight doses, however, a 50 mg/kg body weight dose of Blamus showed a significant increase in serum free testosterone level (*p < 0.0001). However, no significant increases were observed in serum total testosterone levels at 0‐, 10‐, 25‐ or 50 mg/kg body weight doses of Blamus™. No significant changes were observed in serum SGOT, SGPT, BUN and CK levels following treatment with either 0‐, 10‐, 25‐ or 50 mg/kg body weight doses of Blamus™, which demonstrated its broad spectrum safety. Histopathological analyses including investigations on the seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis, sperm cell morphology, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells following treatment with either 0‐, 10‐, 25‐ or 50 mg/kg body weight doses of Blamus™ demonstrated dose‐dependent improvement in structural integrity. These data demonstrated that Blamus™ may serve as a safe and novel, natural testosterone booster and provide broad spectrum application is sports nutrition, muscle building and exercise pathophysiology.

Support or Funding Information

This project was funded by Cepham Inc, Piscataway, NJ
Ethnic Variations in the Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity in Older Adults
Authors: Du Kristy , Goates Scott , Arensberg Mary Beth , Pereira Suzette , Gaillard Trudy , Hegazi Refaat
Published: November 2023

With the recent approval of specific ICD‐10 codes for sarcopenia, it is likely there will be increased clinical awareness of and research on this condition. Sarcopenia is the natural age‐associated loss of muscle mass and function and often occurs simultaneously with obesity especially in older adults. Sarcopenia and obesity are each risk factors contributing to poor health outcomes, yet the occurrence of both together as sarcopenic obesity can cause even more health complications. Although there may be genetic variability in BMI and possibly body composition, few studies have specifically examined the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity across different racial/ethnic populations. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among older adults in the U.S. by different racial/ethnic groups. 2458 subjects aged 65 or older were identified from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999–2004 (the dataset from this timeframe allowed identification of sarcopenia). Racial/ethnic subpopulations were grouped as defined by NHANES; non‐Hispanic White (Whites), non‐Hispanic Black (Blacks), Hispanics, and others. Sarcopenia was defined as having low appendicular lean mass adjusted for body mass index (< 0.789 kg/m2 for males and < 0.512 kg/m2 for females) and having self‐reported functional limitation. Subjects fulfilling the criteria for sarcopenia and obesity (body fat ≥ 25% for males and ≥ 35% for females) were defined as having sarcopenic obesity. In the older adult population, the overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 15.5%, with sarcopenic obesity being closely associated and having a prevalence of 15.3%. The prevalence of sarcopenia varied by gender and race/ethnic subpopulation: 26.8% in male and 27.2% in female among Hispanics, 15.5% in male and 15.1% in female among Whites, 8.6% in male and 1.6% in female among Blacks, and 16.5% in male and 23.2% in female among other racial and ethnic groups. Sarcopenic obesity also varied by gender and race/ethnic subpopulation: 26.4% in male and 27.2% in female among Hispanics, 15.2% in male and 14.9% in female among Whites, 8.1% in male and 1.6% in female among Blacks, and 16.5% in male and 21.0% in female among other racial and ethnic groups. The results of this study demonstrated large variability in prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among racial/ethnic subpopulations of older adults. Hispanics had the highest prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, whereas Blacks had the lowest. Increased awareness of these variabilities may be important to consider when developing effective health screenings/interventions for an increasingly diverse older adult population in the US.
Protective Potential of Anthocyanin Rich Plant Extracts on an in vitro Model of Celiac Disease
Authors: Haggard Sage , West Leslie , DE MEJIA ELVIRA GONZALEZ
Published: November 2023

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. When gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley is consumed, the immune system responds by targeting the small intestine and inhibiting the absorption of nutrients into the body. The objective was to evaluate the potential of anthocyanin‐rich plant extracts to protect human epithelial cells against a celiac toxic peptide (CTP). Healthy differentiated Caco‐2 epithelial like human cells were used to represent the intestine and treated with a known CTP from wheat protein, alpha‐gliadin H‐6712 Gliadorphin‐7, H‐Tyr‐Pro‐Gln‐Pro‐Gln‐Pro‐Phe‐OH (YPQPQPF). Anthocyanin‐rich extracts from fruits (red and purple grape), vegetables (purple sweet potato and purple carrot), grains (color corn, black rice, sorghum, and blue wheat), and legumes (black bean, black lentil, black peanut, and purple bean) were tested to evaluate their protective effects on Caco‐2 cells treated with CTP using a cell proliferation assay. The total monomeric anthocyanin were calculated as mg cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G) equivalents (eq) per g of dry extract (DE), total polyphenols as mg gallic acid eq per g DE, and total tannins as mg catechin eq per g DE for each plant material. Cell protection was evaluated using 0.001–1 mg DE/mL in the presence of 25 mM CTP (C+) (IC95). A human inflammation array was performed comparing untreated Caco‐2 cells (C−) with Caco‐2 cells treated with C+, red corn acidified water extract (RAW), and purple corn acidified water extract (PAW) with additional ethyl acetate purification (PAWE) 1 mg/mL extract in the presence of C+. Total anthocyanin ranged from 0.0–287.5 (mg C3G eq/g DE), total polyphenols from 47.4–382.3 (mg gallic acid eq/g DE), and total tannins ranged from 0.2–9.4 (mg catechin eq/g DE) (p<0.05). Black rice had the highest amount of total anthocyanins and total polyphenols, while corn hybrid 6 was high in pelargonidin, catechin and had the highest tannins. PAW and black lentil presented a dose dependent response curve for cell protection. Corn hybrids increased protection (60–80%) except for hybrid 6 (pelargonidin, low acylated), purple corn pure water extract (PW) and PAW increased cell protection (60–78%) at low concentrations, and black peanut increased protection over 80% at low concentrations (p<0.05). PAWE exhibited a 3.6 fold decrease (FD) on granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) while exhibited a modest but significant fold increase (FI) on metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP‐2) (p<0.05). Both PAWE and RAW exhibited a modest fold increase (FI) on interleukin (IL) 6, while only RAW had a 4.3 FI on IL‐11. Interleukin 11 and TIMP‐2 are anti‐inflammatory while IL‐6 and GM‐CSF are pro‐inflammatory. The ability of anthocyanin‐rich plant extracts to inhibit CTP has positive implication for human health; these extracts could potentially decrease the occurrence of inflammation for gluten sensitive individuals.

Support or Funding Information

Hatch funding
Anti‐inflammatory Effects of Zerumbone on Chronic Inflammation Models in Differentiated Human THP‐1 Monocytes Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kim Minju , Yun Jung‐Mi
Published: November 2023

Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, such as cancer, chronic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. In analyses of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), at least four families of mammalian innate immune receptors, known as pattern recognition receptors (PRPs), have been identified, including toll‐like receptor (TLR). TLR plays a critical role in triggering immune responses by sensing conserved microbial‐derived macromolecules. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a product of gram‐negative bacteria, stimulates the TLR4 complex, particularly in macrophages and dendritic cells. LPS plays a vital role not only in leading inflammatory processes but also in stimulating the production of inflammatory mediators. For these reasons, LPS‐activated THP‐1 macrophages have been used as in vitro models for evaluating anti‐inflammatory effects. Zerumbone is the main component of the tropical plant Zingiber zerumbet Smith and has been reported to exert anti‐inflammatory, anti‐ulcer, and anti‐hyperglycemic effects. However, the specific mechanisms through which zerumbone exerts these anti‐inflammatory effects in the context of LPS‐induced inflammation in differentiated human THP‐1 monocytes is not fully understood. THP‐1 cells were differentiated into macrophages by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA, 1 μM) for 48 h. Differentiated THP‐1 cells were cultured with or without zerumbone (1–10 μM) for 48 h and then treated with 500 ng/mL LPS 6 h prior to harvesting. In this study, we found that zerumbone suppressed the secretion of pro‐inflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase‐2, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α) and expression of nuclear factor‐κB in LPS‐stimulated THP‐1 macrophages. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove the acetyl group from lysine residues within a range of proteins, including transcription factors and histones. Thus, we examined HDAC3 and SIRT1 activity in differentiated THP‐1 cells. Although LPS treatment reduced or induced HDAC3 expression, zerumbone increased SIRT1 and suppressed HDAC3, as demonstrating using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. H3K9ac, which is regulated by histone acetylating enzymes, has an open chromatin structure that activates gene expression. The expression of H3K9ac was decreased following LPS stimulation plus zerumbone treatment. Zerumbone treatment significantly inhibited Toll‐like receptor 2/4 protein and mRNA expression and MyD88 gene expression under LPS‐induced THP‐1 macrophages. Thus, based on the results of this study, zerumbone may be a promising candidate for the treatment and prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Anti‐lipogenic effect of betaine involves inhibition of homocysteine‐induced ER stress via upregulation of betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase
Authors: Ahn Chul Won , Jun Doo Sung , Kim Young Chul
Published: November 2023

We investigated the anti‐lipogenic effect of betaine in rats fed methionine and choline‐deficient diet (MCD). In the rats supplemented with betaine (1 % in drinking water) hepatic fat accumulation induced by MCD intake for 3 wk was prevented almost completely. Intake of MCD elevated hepatic homocysteine, but decreased methionine and S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels, but these changes were blocked or reversed by betaine supplementation, most probably via induction of betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) in the liver. Phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinas (AMPK), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC), sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1), all inhibited in the MCD‐fed rats, was enhanced by betaine supplementation. Homocysteine treatment decreased pAMPK, pACC, and pSREBP‐1c both in HepG2 cells and in H4IIE cells. Betaine treatment prevented the homocysteine‐induced reduction of pAMPK, pACC, pSREBP‐1c and pLKB1 in H4IIE cells, but not in HepG2 cells. Elevation of cellular homocysteine and inhibition of BHMT protein expression were prevented by betaine treatment in H4IIE cells. In addition, betaine supplementation prevented the induction of binding immunoprotein (Bip), phosphorylation of protein kinase R‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) in the MCD‐fed rats. Betaine and phenylbutyric acid (PBA), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress reducer, restored phosphorylation of AMPK, ACC, and SREBP‐1c in AML12 cells treated with homocysteine. The results suggest that the beneficial effect of betaine against liver steatosis is attributable to the reduction of homocysteine‐induced ER stress via upregulation of BHMT in hepatocytes.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by National Research Foundation (NRF) grants (No. 2014‐R1A2A1A11052967 and No. 2009‐0083533) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), Korea.
Anti‐inflammatory Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Are Associated with Lower Glycemic Index among College Students
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo , Chen Jie , Shivappa Nitin , Wirth Michael , Hebert James
Published: November 2023

Objective

Inflammation is a normal biologic process needed for normal immune, vascular, and endothelial response, but chronic inflammation can be caused from chronic infection and unhealthy lifestyle patterns, such as diet. The dietary inflammatory index was developed to investigate the inflammatory potential of the diet based on the overall inflammatory properties of dietary components. The index classifies an individual's diet on a continuum from maximally anti‐inflammatory to maximally pro‐inflammatory. A majority of the dietary inflammatory index studies has been examined among middle‐aged population, and to date, no dietary inflammatory index has been determined in college students. Furthermore, the association between dietary inflammatory index and commonly used diet quality indices, such as healthy eating index, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) is not known in college students. It was hypothesized that the lower dietary inflammatory index scores (the more anti‐inflammatory) are related to higher scores on healthy eating index and lower scores on glycemic index and glycemic load.

Methods

Undergraduate students participated in this cross‐sectional study. Dietary information was collected via a 3‐day food diary provided. Dietary inflammatory index, Healthy Eating Index‐2010, GI, and GL were calculated based on a 3‐day food diary collected. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals of the HEI‐2010, GI, and GL were presented per DII tertile using generalized linear mixed models. Pearson correlations were performed for the dietary inflammatory index, HEI‐2010, GI, and GL using the scores as continuous variables.

Results

One hundred ten participants completed the study. The dietary inflammatory index was related to HEI‐2010 (P<0.001) and GI (P=0.018), but not GL. College students in the lowest dietary inflammatory index tertile had higher scores for the HEI‐2010 than those in the highest dietary inflammatory index tertile (50.7 vs 35.4). In contrast, participants in the dietary inflammatory index tertile 1 had lower scores for the GI than those in the dietary inflammatory index tertile 3 (50.1 vs 54.8). The dietary inflammatory index was negatively correlated with the HEI‐2010 (r= −0.562, P<0.001), but positively correlated with the GI (r = 0.299, P=0.002).

Conclusions

The dietary inflammatory index may be a good tool to use in adopting anti‐inflammatory food and meals. The dietary inflammatory index suggests new directions for nutrition education and dietary approaches for preventing chronic diseases through decreasing systematic inflammation.
An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Cranberry and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women
Authors: Fu Zhuxuan , Liska DeAnn , Talan David , Chung Mei
Published: November 2023

Objective

Cranberry (Vaccinium microcarpum) has been advocated for urinary tract infection (UTI); however, its efficacy is controversial. UTIs account for an annual cost of more than $2.6 billion in healthcare expenditures and are common in otherwise healthy women. In fact, a woman has a 50% risk of UTI over her lifetime, with an estimated 20–30% of these women having recurrent UTI (rUTI), most commonly cystitis. Few meta‐analyses have been published on cranberry and UTI, and these have combined data from studies of complicated UTIs with uncomplicated UTI (e.g., cystitis). Given the concerns for antibiotic resistance, and the differences in etiology of complicated and uncomplicated UTIs, we conducted a meta‐analysis on studies in healthy women at risk of rUTI. [Registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: PROSPERO 2015CRD42015024439].

Method

Literature prior to January 2011 was obtained from two published systematic reviews with updated searches conducted in EMBASE (through 2015) and MEDLINE (through November 2016). Inclusion criteria were: randomized controlled trials (RCT), conducted in generally healthy non‐pregnant women aged ≥18 years with a history of rUTI, comparing cranberry intervention to a placebo or control, and reporting the outcome as number of subjects experiencing a UTI. Abstract and full‐text screenings, data extractions, and risk of bias assessments were conducted by two researchers independently. Meta‐analyses were performed using Stata SE (Version 13). A fixed‐effect model using Mantel‐Haenszel (M‐H) method was employed to estimate the summary risk if the heterogeneity was low to moderate (I2<50%). Otherwise a random‐effects model using the DerSimonian‐Laird method was applied.

Results

Seven RCTs in healthy women at risk of rUTI (n= 1498 subjects) were identified. Meta‐analysis found cranberry reduced the risk of rUTI by 23% (pooled RR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.64–0.93; I2=47%), and limited data from subgroup analysis suggested cranberry was more effective in interventions with cranberry as a capsule or tablet. Risk of bias indicated three studies had high loss‐to‐follow‐up or selective outcome reporting. Overall, studies were relatively small with only two having more than 300 subjects.

Conclusion

Results suggest cranberry may be effective in preventing rUTIs in generally healthy women; however, larger high‐quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Support or Funding Information

ZF, MC and DT received no funding for conduct of the study. DL was supported by a grant from Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
In Vitro Investigations of the Antidiabetic Action of Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Obih Patience Ogechi , Obih John‐Cliffor Agbasi , Brown April , Day Xiara
Published: November 2023

Diabetes mellitus is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and it affects over 29 million people. In 2012 alone, diabetes‐associated medical expenditures cost over 245 million dollars. Consequently, there is a great need for alternative therapies with less adverse drug events and reduced medical costs. Recent studies point to phytotherapy as a viable alternative in the treatment of hyperglycemia. An approach to controlling postprandial blood glucose levels has involved α‐glucosidase inhibition, which delays the cleaving of polysaccharides and uptake of resulting monosaccharides. Acarbose and miglitol are marketed α‐glucosidase inhibitors; however, they both have marked side effects. As a result, there is a need for introduction of alternative antidiabetic medications. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of aqueous extracts of ginger to inhibit α‐glucosidase activity. This herb was selected on the basis of supporting evidence in literature and its widespread use in traditional medicine. The extracts were assayed in vitro by the method of Ramirez et al., 2012 for alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity in a 96‐well micro titer plate. The result was read on a spectrophotometer at 400 nm using acarbose as a positive control. The results were promising, 200mg/ml ginger displayed 45% enzymatic inhibition compared to acarbose. The results suggest that the aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale exhibit α‐glucosidase inhibitory potential and may be useful in the search for alternate treatment in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Support or Funding Information

Center of Excellence/BUILD
Regulation of Notch Signaling Pathway by Diallyl Trisulfide in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Stan Silvia D. , Du Yanyan
Published: November 2023

Notch signaling pathway plays a key role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. The low survival of pancreatic cancer patients is often attributed to metastatic disease due to late diagnosis. In the canonical Notch signaling pathway, binding of the Notch ligands (e.g., Jagged‐1, Jagged‐2) to the Notch receptors leads to activation of Notch signaling pathway and causes an invasive tumor phenotype. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a bioactive compound from Allium vegetables, on regulation of Notch signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. We analyzed the expression of Notch receptors and ligands upon exposure to DATS in pancreatic cancer cells. Here we report, for the first time, that DATS downregulates Notch ligand Jagged‐1 in AsPC1 and MIAPaca2 pancreatic cancer cells. Ectopic expression of Jagged‐1 showed that DATS induces Jagged‐1‐dependend apoptosis in AsPC1 cells. Dose‐dependent inhibition of Jagged 2 was observed upon exposure to DATS in MIAPaca2 cells. Treatment with DATS resulted in downregulation of Notch‐1 receptor. In addition, DATS treatment induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of ADAM‐17, protease involved in cleavage of the extracellular domain of the Notch receptor. In summary, the results of this study show that DATS targets Notch pathway components overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, and supports further investigation of DATS as a potential chemopreventive agent for pancreatic cancer. (This work was supported in part by a Showalter Research Trust award to SDS.)
The Effects of Vitamin D Binding Protein (VDBP) Genotypes on Circulating 25(OH)D and VDBP Levels during Pregnancy
Authors: Wagner Carol L , Brady Sean K , Newton Danforth , Baatz John E , Shary Judy R , Hollis Bruce W
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and is particularly problematic during pregnancy, because vitamin D plays a major role in the development of the fetus and is associated with greater birth weights and fewer adverse outcomes. There are common polymorphisms in the Vitamin Binding Protein (VDBP) gene, which appear to be linked to 25(OH)D concentrations in the blood (this is the major circulating vitamin D metabolite). We hypothesize that these VDBP genotypes may be important factors to consider in interpretation of data in vitamin D supplementation studies of pregnant women, including any racial/ethnic differences in response. The objective of this study was to determine if specific VDBP polymorphisms are linked with circulating 25(OH)D concentrations during pregnancy. Subjects were pregnant women enrolled in a randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation (400 or 4400 IU/day) at our institution (C.L. Wagner, PI; W.K. Kellogg Foundation, sponsor). Genotypes were determined by RFLP analyses for 3 VDBP polymorphisms (Gc1S, Gc1F, Gc2) using DNA extracted from blood of 122 trial subjects. Plasma VDBP concentrations were determined by ELISA. The genotypes were compared by their associations with mean plasma 25(OH)D and VDBP concentrations using Students' t‐test (significant two‐tailed p‐value <0.05). It was found that there was a wide variation of VDBP alleles found in this population, with distinct racial/ethnic associations. Pregnant women homozygous for the VDBP Gc1S allele had significantly higher circulating 25(OH)D levels, while the Gc1F‐1F genotype, particularly common in African‐Americans, was associated with the lowest concentrations. However, plasma VDBP concentrations were not statistically correlated with genotype. In summary, this study demonstrated that VDBP polymorphisms affect circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in pregnant women (i.e., their “vitamin D status”). Certain genotypes were more common in different races, likely contributing to the known racial/ethnic disparities of vitamin D deficiency. These results strongly suggest that the VDBP genotype, which is relatively easy to analyze, is a valuable factor in interpreting data in vitamin D supplementation studies.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and by the South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research (SCTR) Institute, with an academic home at the Medical University of South Carolina, NIH/NCAT Grant number UL1 TR000062. Vitamin D study drug and placebo provided by Church & Dwight.
The Influence of Mineral Status on the Academic Performance
Authors: Assimiti Daniela
Published: November 2023

Background

It is well known that a balanced nutrition that is supplying the proper amount of minerals is absolutely essential for the development of the brain, maintenance of a normal cognitive function, as well as a major influencing factor of the behavior. This fact is even more important in the school‐aged children but little has been studied on the extent in which the mineral deficiencies might actually influence academic performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measure in which some minerals our students being more often deficient in (especially Zn and Fe, in this particular region of Thailand) affect the academic performance.

Methods

The study used a very simple and totally non‐invasive method to observe the mineral deficiencies in fingernails and pictures were taken. The GPAs of all the students were collected as well for reference. The participants were 46 boys and 38 girls age 3–11 from Kindergarten and Elementary, and 33 boys and 21 girls age 12–18 from Middle and High School. Data was further analyzed by using T‐test.

Results

Of the total number of students age 3–11 investigated, 26.09% boys and 23.68% girls were found to be zinc deficient, while 13.04% boys and 7.89% girls presented iron deficiency. In the higher grades, 47.62% girls and 36.36% boys were zinc deficient, while 24.24% boys and 9.52% girls were found to be iron deficient. Selenium and calcium deficiencies were found in isolated cases in both lower and higher grades. Correlation with the GPA and some of the previous ITBS scores (addressing mainly components as attention spans, concentration, and comprehension), along with the general observation of the behavior in some of the students showed to be concordant.

Conclusions

Overall, this easy way of identifying as early as possible eventual mineral deficiencies by only observing the fingernails can be a very valuable method to trigger the students with problems and help improve both academic performance, while promoting as well better nutrition, health, and behavior.
Eating Indicators In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And Weight‐Matched Controls
Authors: Maher Margaret A. , Sanders Amanda M.
Published: November 2023

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and oligo‐ or anovulation. Insulin resistance is associated with excess weight and the elevated androgens in PCOS promote central (android) deposition of fat. This may lead to distress and healthy or unhealthy efforts to manage weight. Our purpose was to determine if women with PCOS exhibit disordered eating behaviors beyond weight‐matched controls and if eating behaviors are associated with body composition, appetite‐regulating hormones, and nutrient intake. Eight women with previously diagnosed PCOS and eight weight‐matched controls (ages 32.9 ± 3.5 and 35.0 ± 4.5 years and BMI 30.8 ± 2.1 and 30.8 ± 3.0, respectively) completed a medical and diet history questionnaire, eating attitudes test (EAT‐26), NIH diet frequency frequency questionnaire II, diet interview with a dietitian, DEXA scan, ultrasound (PCOS only), and fasting blood draw for hormone assays. Women with PCOS more frequently reported disordered eating, decreased daily food and micronutrient intakes (thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium, with some below recommendations), and increased fat and saturated fat intakes. There were no significant differences in fasting leptin, ghrelin and insulin levels between groups. As expected the PCOS group had elevated testosterone levels (38.1 ± 7.2 and 22.7 ± 4.5 ng/dl). Contrasting correlations for some factor combinations were observed between groups. Clinically defined eating disorder in this sample of women with PCOS or weight‐matched controls was not observed, though the PCOS group had a higher average EAT‐26 score versus controls (6.4 ± 1.2 and 3.9 ± 1.6). Consistent with some other studies, trends toward subclinical disordered eating, increased nutritional risk, and dysregulation of appetite‐regulating hormones in this study merit further study.

Support or Funding Information

This research was funded by an internal UWL Research, Service, and Educational Leadership Grant for graduate students.
Epigenetic Modifications Following NLRP3 Induced Inflammation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells
Authors: McKinley Raechel Elaine , Csoka Antonei
Published: November 2023

Mature Oligodendrocytes (OCs) are specialized cells in the central nervous system that have the ability wrap their cytoplasm around the axons of neurons to makemyelin. Myelin is the lipid‐rich covering of axons that is responsible for fast salutatory conduction in synaptic transmission. As opposed to many cell types in the central nervous system, OCs have pools of readily available progenitor cells called Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs), that during normal repair will replace the damaged mature OCs. However, when damage is done to OCs in disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury, this phenomenon does not take place. In previous studies, it has been shown that epigenetics is vital to the maturation of OPCs during embryonic development and differentiation. In this study, we analyzed the epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation in NLRP3‐induced inflammation of OPCs. Using microarray technology, we analyzed the genome‐wide DNA from OPC cells to find the global epigenetic modifications that take place during NLRP3‐activated inflammation.

Support or Funding Information

National Institute of Health (NIH) R25 Resource Grant. (1 R25 AG047843‐01)
Method validation and assessment of antioxidant activity of rosemary extract
Authors: Choi Seung‐Hyun , Kim Do‐Yeon , Kim Jae‐Min , Lee Jin‐Sol , Choi Sun‐Il , Jung Tae‐Dong , Cho Bong‐Yeon , Lee Jin‐Ha , Lee Ok‐Hwan
Published: November 2023

Rosemary extract is a food additive used as a antioxidant in sausage, edible oils. Major compound of rosemary extract are rosmarinic acid, carnosol and carnosic acid but maximum residue level is permitted the sum of carnosol and carnosic acid. Rosemary extract is authorized as food additive in EU and China but unauthorized in Korea. Therefore, analytical method to detect rosemary extract in food and identification of charecterstic of rosemary extract is need. This study was investigated to validation of analytical method and assessment of antioxidant activity of rosemary extract. Antioxidant activity was measured by peroxide value (POV), acid value (AV) and residue level in lard oil at 60 for 42 days. In method validation, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of rosemary extract were 0.31–0.64, 0.93–1.95 μg/mL. The relative standard deviations and recovery were between 0.3–2.8%, 94.5–98.5%. In POV and AV on day 42, rosemary leaf extract has effective antioxidant activity than other antioxidants except butylated hydroxylanisol (BHA). In residue level on day 42, the rosemary leaf extract showed the highest level but carnosol was the lowest. Among the rosemary extract compound, carnosic acid has better antioxidant activity and oxidation stability than carnosol. These results showed that the analytical method validated in this study was appropriate for rosemary extract identification and rosemary extract has effective antioxidant activity.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Irrigation Water Use in the Production of Pulse Crops in the United States
Authors: Gustafson David I
Published: November 2023

Supplying our world's growing nutrition needs in more sustainable ways has become an urgent global imperative, given the constraints of finite resources and the challenges of accelerating climate change. Pulse crops, which are the dried seeds of legumes such as dry peas, chickpeas, beans, and lentils, play a key role in maintaining affordable, nutritious diets, as they provide high amounts of protein and fiber, and relatively low amounts of fat. As legumes, they are also advantageous from an environmental perspective, because they fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby reducing the need for added fertilizers. Although some pulse crops are produced in areas that require irrigation, more than 80% of the pulse crop production area in the United States is exclusively rain‐fed. In order to quantify eco‐efficiency metrics associated with the production of pulse crops in the United States, life cycle assessment techniques were used to calculate “cradle to farm‐gate” greenhouse gas emissions and irrigation water use, both on a per unit of production basis. The results demonstrate that pulse crops have low carbon and water footprints relative to most foods, with greenhouse gas emissions of 0.27 kg CO2e/kg and irrigation water use of 0.19 m3/kg, both as national averages across all 2.4 MMT (millions of metric tons) of pulse crops currently produced annually in the United States.

Support or Funding Information

American Pulse Association