bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Role of the 15kDa Selenoprotein in Colorectal Inflammation
Authors: Peters Kristin M , Carlson Bradley A , Garrett Katie N , Canter Jessica A , Tobe Ryuta , Seifried Harold E , Yu Yunkai , Cao Liang , Gladyshev Vadim N , Davis Cindy D , Hatfield Dolph L , Tsuji Petra A
Published: November 2023

The micronutrient selenium (Se) exerts its mechanistic effects largely through incorporation into selenoproteins. The 15kDa selenoprotein (Sep15) is thought to be involved in regulation of protein folding, as well as in cell homeostasis as an oxidoreductase. Previous results suggest that Sep15 deficiency is protective against formation of pre‐neoplastic lesions in colon epithelia, possibly due to increased interferon‐γ‐regulated gene expression, suggesting a role for Sep15 in inflammation. Currently, we are examining Sep15 knockout (KO) mice and littermate controls that were maintained on Se‐deficient (0.02 ppm) or Se‐adequate (0.1 ppm) diets, as Se‐deficiency itself results in upregulation of inflammation‐associated gene expression. Treatment with 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for one week was used to induce colitis. To examine the role of Sep15 and dietary Se in inflammation, serum and spleens were collected, and mRNA and protein were isolated from colon epithelial tissues and spleens. Gene expression is being analyzed by microarray analyses, quantitative RT‐PCR, ELISA and Western blotting. Preliminary results show that serum interleukin‐6 levels were increased in Sep15 KO mice compared to controls, independent of Se and DSS treatment. In contrast, serum interferon‐γ was significantly higher in Sep15 KO mice compared to littermate controls under Se‐deficient conditions, but decreased under Se‐adequate conditions. The contribution of other cytokines is currently being assessed. Microarray analyses of colon epithelia showed that mRNA expression of the seven top up‐regulated genes in Sep15 KO mice were changed regardless of DSS treatment. These genes are known to be involved in immune and pro‐inflammatory responses. Inflammation‐related gene expression in spleens is currently being assessed; however, spleen mass as percent of body weight did not change significantly between control and Sep15 KO mice, dietary Se, or DSS treatment. Thus, our preliminary analyses indicate that Sep15 may influence the expression of and changes in pro‐inflammatory genes, and that Sep15 may be involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses.

Support or Funding Information

NCI Intramural support; NIH CA080946 (VNG); Office of Dietary Supplements; Towson University Jess & Mildred Fisher Endowed Chair (PAT)
Formate: A New Frontier in Fetal One‐Carbon Metabolism
Authors: MacMillan Luke , Harnett Brian J , Quilty Rebecca , Tingley Garrett , Brosnan Margaret E. , Brosnan John T.
Published: November 2023

For years the significance of formate in one‐carbon metabolism has been underappreciated. It is known that formate can be produced by the mitochondria and incorporated into the cytosolic tetrahydrofolate pool where its carbon is used for three canonical processes i) purine synthesis ii) thymidylate synthesis and iii) transmethylation reactions. Our lab has recently reported on elevated levels of formate in the plasma of fetal and neonatal sheep which decline after birth (Washburn et al. 2015, AJP). We now report a similar phenomenon in rats where fetal rat pups at 19 ± 1 days gestational age have high levels of plasma formate (225 ± 42.1 μM) which decline after birth to normal adult levels by 4–5 weeks of age (60.8 ± 19.8 μM). In parallel with our sheep data, we find elevated formate concentration in the amniotic fluid taken from the fetal pups at day 19 of gestation.

Infusion of 13C‐formate into pregnant rats showed that very little formate crosses the placenta suggesting that fetal formate is either produced by the placenta or synthesized in the fetus. We isolated placental mitochondria to determine their capacity for producing formate. Our results show that placental mitochondria are just as effective as liver mitochondria from both pregnant and non‐pregnant rats at producing formate from serine (Table 1).

These data suggest a critical role for formate in fetal one‐carbon metabolism.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by the Research and Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Source of Mitochondria
Formate production (nmol formate/mg protein/10 mins)

Placenta
3.13 ± 2.11

Liver (Pregnant rat)
3.02 ± 3.77

Liver (Non‐Pregnant rat)
3.18 ± 0.84

Formate production from isolated mitochondria using serine as one‐carbon donor.
The effect of food restriction and betaine supplementation on methionine metabolism and plasma lipid profile in ethanol treated rats
Authors: Kim Hyewon , Min Hyesun
Published: November 2023

Chronic ethanol exposure increases plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and Triglyceride (TG), hepatic S‐adenosyl homocysteine (SAH) and TG in animal and human studies. These changes in methionine metabolism and plasma lipids are associated with liver injury. Alcoholic patients with liver disease tend to consume approximately 40% of caloric intake as alcohol and lower intakes of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals as compared with nonalcoholics. On the other hand, caloric restriction to 60~70% of daily energy needs attenuates acute ethanol‐induced oxidative and nitrosative cardiac damage while caloric restriction to 40~50% of energy needs aggravates lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress. Betaine regulates homocysteine levels by participating in the methionine cycle as a methyl donor. Present study was designed to determine whether food restriction (FR) would affect plasma lipid and methionine cycle when betaine is supplemented in ethanol‐fed rats. Therefore, male wistar rats were divided into seven experimental groups for 4 weeks as follows: control; ad libitum ethanol groups (E, E+ 0.25% betaine(w/v), E+ 0.5% betaine); food‐restricted ethanol groups (FRE, FRE+ 0.25% betaine, E+ 0.5% betaine). FRE groups were fed with 60% amount of diets ingested by ad libitum E group. Betaine supplementation (BS) was found to increase plasma HDL cholesterol, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), liver S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM) (p<0.05), plasma TG, liver SAH (p<0.001) but decreased plasma Hcy (p<0.01) and SAM/SAH ratio (p<0.001). FR increased plasma ALT (p<0.05) but decreased plasma TG (p<0.05) and Hcy (p<0.001) in ethanol‐fed rats. These results indicate that BS attenuates mild homocysteinemia in ethanol‐fed rats, but leads to increase in plasma TG and MDA. We speculate that BS may increase plasma lipids by increased export of lipids from liver into circulation. FR tends to increase plasma ALT although it decreased plasma Hcy and TG. Thus, FR may cause liver injury in chronically ethanol‐fed rats by different metabolic disturbance from methionine cycle.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (2014N124).
Folate and Choline Metabolite Changes in Maternal and Cord Blood in Response to Folic Acid Supplementation Dose During Pregnancy
Authors: Park Hea Jin , Hausman Dorothy B , Fleming Jennifer , Andersen Victoria , Rosa Gisselle , Kauwell Gail , Sokolow Andrew , Caudill Marie , Malysheva Olga , Fisher Susan , Bailey Lynn B
Published: November 2023

Folate requirements increase during pregnancy to ensure normal cell division and growth of fetal and maternal tissues. The RDA for pregnant women is 600 μg/d Dietary Folate Equivalents, equivalent to approximately 400 μg/d of folic acid (FA). The majority of prenatal supplements contain FA doses much higher than the RDA, and the impact of the higher FA dose on maternal and fetal folate status has not been fully explored. The objective of this double‐blind controlled intervention study was to compare maternal and cord blood folate responses from mothers supplemented with the recommended amount of FA and those supplemented with the dose commonly found in prenatal supplements. Pregnant women (<12wks gestation) were provided with prenatal supplements containing the recommended prenatal intakes of other vitamins, minerals and DHA in addition to either 400 (FA400, n=16, 28.3 ± 1.5 yrs) or 800 (FA800, n=12, 26.6 ± 1.2 yrs) μg/d of FA throughout pregnancy. Maternal blood samples (at baseline, 28wks, 36wks, and delivery) and cord blood samples (at delivery) were collected. Maternal serum and RBC folate concentrations at 36wks were higher in FA800 compared to those in FA400 (p< 0.05), while plasma choline, dimethylglycine, betaine and trimethylamine N‐oxide were not different between groups during pregnancy. Cord blood concentrations of serum folate and plasma choline were higher (p< 0.05) in FA800 than FA400; however, FA dose did not affect these response variables in maternal blood at delivery. In FA800, serum folate concentrations were higher in cord vs maternal blood, while the cord and maternal blood concentrations in FA400 did not differ. Neither maternal nor cord blood RBC folate at delivery was different between the two groups. Folate intake during pregnancy was not different between groups. These results indicate that supplementing with the dose of FA commonly found in over‐the‐counter prenatal supplements during pregnancy had a similar impact on maternal folate concentrations at delivery as supplementing with a dose approximating the RDA, but did increase serum folate and plasma choline in cord blood.

Support or Funding Information

Support provided by Georgia Experimental Agricultural Station, HATCH #GEO00706 and #GEO00707, Obesity Initiative at the University of Georgia (UGA) and UGA Office of Vice President for Research.
Unmetabolized Folic Acid Response to Folic Acid Supplementation Dose During Pregnancy
Authors: Fleming Jennifer , Park Hea Jin , Hausman Dorothy B , Rosa Gisselle , Andersen Victoria , Kauwell Gail , Caudill Marie , Malysheva Olga , Fisher Susan , Bailey Lynn B
Published: November 2023

The folate RDA for pregnant women is 600 μg/d Dietary Folate Equivalents, which is equivalent to approximately 400 μg folic acid (FA). Many prenatal supplements contain much higher doses of FA. The body's ability to reduce synthetic FA to the metabolically active form may be exceeded with high levels of FA supplementation. The objective of this double‐blind controlled intervention study was to determine the changes in circulating unmetabolized FA in both maternal and cord blood in response to supplementation during pregnancy with a higher dose of FA compared to a dose equivalent to the RDA. Pregnant women (<12wks gestation) were provided with prenatal supplements containing either 400 (n = 16, 28.3 ± 1.5 yrs) or 800 (n = 12, 26.6 ± 1.2 yrs) μg/d of FA from the first prenatal visit to delivery. The higher dose, 800 μg/d, represents the dose commonly found in over‐the‐counter prenatal vitamins. The prenatal supplements included recommended prenatal quantities of other vitamins, minerals and DHA. Dietary folate intake was not different between groups. Maternal blood samples (at baseline, 28wks, 36wks, and delivery) and cord blood samples (at delivery) were collected. FA was detectable in all maternal blood samples except for one sample. Mothers who took 800 μg/d FA maintained higher serum FA concentrations throughout pregnancy than those who took 400 μg/d FA (p< 0.05). FA was detectable in all cord blood samples, but was not different between the groups. FA was not related to serum folate, RBC folate, or 5‐MTHF at 28wk, 36wk or delivery in maternal blood or in cord blood. These results indicate that supplemental FA doses commonly contained in over‐the‐counter prenatal vitamins led to higher FA concentrations than an RDA equivalent dose in maternal blood, but not in cord blood.

Support or Funding Information

Support provided by Georgia Experimental Agricultural Station, HATCH #GEO00706 and #GEO00707, Obesity Initiative at the University of Georgia (UGA) and UGA Office of Vice President for Research.
Are levels of tolerable upper intake (UL) of Niacin overestimated? Some doubts raising from a meta‐analysis of intervention studies
Authors: Minto Clara , Vecchio Maria Gabriella , Lamprecht Manfred , Gregori Dario
Published: November 2023

Background

Niacin (or nicotinic acid or vitamin B3), is a soluble compound that belongs to the group of B vitamins. Studies conducted on Niacin demonstrated its role in cardiovascular diseases prevention, in particular its capability to regress coronary atherosclerosis and to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular mortality, even more its hypolipidemic effect. Aim of present study was to evaluate the incidence of adverse effects (AEs) related to different dosage of Niacin supplementation, through a meta‐analysis of intervention trials.

Methods

Articles published until May 2015 were collected using electronic database PubMed. The search string was “Niacinamide” or “Niacin” or “Nicotinic Acid” or “Nicotinate” or “Vitamin PP” or “Vitamin B 3” or “Vitamin B3” or “Nicotinamide” or “3‐Pyridinecarboxylic Acid”, limited to specific study design. 2635 potentially relevant records were retrieved. Out of them, studies with detailed information of Niacin supplementation and relative outcomes were retrained for the analysis. A five‐parameter logistic function has been used for estimating the dose‐response curve of niacin vs. the likelihood of having an AE. An inversion of the fitted curve allowed the derivation of dosage at different percentiles of risk.

Results

Forty‐eight intervention studies were included in the meta‐analysis. For a Niacin dose of about 1648.734 mg/day (95% CI: 1599.540 to 1697.9), the incidence of adverse events has been estimated to be 0.5%. The same incidence percentage has been related to different dosages depending on type of adverse event: compared to cutaneous reactions the incidence of abdominal pain is related to a lower Niacin dose (1065.018 mg/day, 95% CI: 849.979 to 1280.1, 252.42 mg/day, 95% CI: 848.94 to 1353.8 respectively). The probability of each AE progressively increases when a higher dosage of Niacin is administered.

Conclusions

Consistently with previous literature, the present study confirms that higher doses of vitamin are related to an increased incidence of adverse events. Nevertheless, from the literature review, safe dosages are estimated to be an order of magnitude higher than those commonly used in literature. Such results strongly support the need for an in‐deep evaluation of results toward a revision of level of Niacin tolerable upper intake.
Four‐year Longitudinal Analysis of the Nutritional Status of Children Ages 6 to 84 Months that Have Received a Micronutrient Fortified Beverage
Authors: Palacios Ana M , Villanueva Lisa M , Reinhart Gregory A
Published: November 2023

Since 2010, six Guatemala City Municipal Nurseries were provided a 21 micronutrient fortified corn and soy beverage that contains chelated forms of zinc (9mg) and iron (12mg) to address micronutrient deficiencies among children ages 6 to 84 months that attend the daycare centers for 5 days/week. The main objective of this study was to carry out a four‐year longitudinal analysis of the nutritional status of stunted children that have attended the nurseries. A total of 491 children with stunting (height‐for‐age Z scores (HAZ) <‐2SD) at enrollment were identified. Height and weight measurements were collected at the beginning and before the end of every school year. Hemoglobin (Hb) was assessed in a subsample of individuals at the beginning and before the end of the school year for the first year, and in subsequent years only at the end of the school year; concentrations were adjusted for an elevation of 1500m. A multivariate mixed model analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between time of intervention and HAZ, and Hb concentrations. To assess prevalence of stunting and anemia across time, a multivariate generalized linear mixed model was performed. We observed that mean HAZ score (baseline HAZ=−2.54SD) improved over time by 0.02 SD per month (F=609.56, df=1, 1159.16 p<0.001) after controlling for sex; and on average, the odds of having stunting decreased by ~11% for every month the child received the nutrition intervention, OR=0.89 95% CI (0.88–0.91), p<0.001, controlling for sex. For those stunted children with anemia at baseline, the odds of having anemia decreased on average by 11% for every month of receiving the nutritional intervention, OR: 0.89, 95% CI (0.85–0.93), p<0.001. We also observed a significant increase in mean Hb concentrations (F=81.59, df=1, 102.00, p<0.001) in anemic children at baseline (mean Hb=10.45g/dL) and the next measurement after ten months (12.30g/dL). The Hb concentrations were maintained within normal ranges (≥11.60g/dL) in all subsequent measurements. This analysis demonstrates that the nutrition program at the Guatemala City Municipal nurseries is effective in reducing the prevalence of stunting and anemia, and in improving mean HAZ and Hb concentrations in stunted children from 6 to 84 months of age.

Support or Funding Information

This research was sponsored in part by the Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition.
The Form of Magnesium Fed Early in Life Has Subtle Effects on Open Field Behavior and Acoustic Startle Response, but Does Not Impact Morris Water Maze Performance
Authors: Waworuntu Rosaline , Becker Lora , Berg Brian
Published: November 2023

Magnesium is an essential mineral that serves as an intracellular cofactor in enzymatic reactions and has an important regulatory role of gating of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (which is involved in learning and memory processing). The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Magnesium Oxide (MgO) versus Magnesium L‐Threonate (MgT) during normal early postnatal development on anxiety‐related behaviors and cognition in rodents. Newly weaned Sprague‐Dawley rats, postnatal day (PD) 21, were fed a diet that either contained 0.1% MgO or 0.1% MgT. No significant differences were found for body weights or food intake across the study. Open field exploration of PD28 or PD35 rats resulted in a main effect of age (F=2.14, p<0.05) and an age by diet interaction (F=2.45 p<0.05). Rats fed MgO spent less time positioned near the wall at P28 (M 452.5s) than P35 (M 467.5 s) while MgT fed rats spent more time near the apparatus wall at P28 (M 482s) than P35 (M 355s). Percent change in startle response in acoustic startle chamber showed no significant differences between MgO and MgT on PD 28 whereas after two weeks of diet exposure MgT females sensitized to the startle stimulus. In Morris water maze testing, there was a main effect of time (F=22.275 p<0.001) during the training phase on latency to find the hidden platform, but no effect of diet. There was also no effect of diet on latency or % time in target quadrant during the probe trial. Overall, these data suggest the form of dietary magnesium provided early in life caused a subtle shift in development of exploratory behavior and associative learning but did not alter spatial learning or memory.

Support or Funding Information

Study funded by Mead Johnson Nutrition.
Determination of arsenic speciation in layer by HPLC‐ICP/MS
Authors: Seo Dongwon , Park Jisu , Kim Soyoung , Park Eunjoo , Hwang Jinbong
Published: November 2023

Different atomic spectrometric methods were applied for arsenic (As) speciation in foods, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). In this study, the analytical method to determine arsenic speciation; the inorganic arsenic species As(III), As(V) and the organic species arsenobetaine (AsB), dimethyl arsinate (DMA) and monomethyl arsenate (MMA) were determined in foods by HPLC‐ICP/MS method. For liquid chromatographic separations we used a PerkinElmer Series 200 HPLC with an isocratic pump, auto‐sampler and C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of a solution containing 1.5 mM malonic acid and 1.5 mM 1‐octanesulfonic acid in water. The ion lenses of the ICP‐MS (ELAN DRC‐e, PerkinElmer) were optimized to achieve the highest signal/background ratio for the isotope 75As. The calibration curve showed linearity in the range between 0.998~0.999. Limits of quantification in As(III), As(V), AsB, DMA and MMA were measured 2.58, 0.08, 0.43, and 0.01 ug/kg, respectively. Intra‐day for As(III), As(V), AsB, DMA and MMA were 111, 91, 94, and 98%, and inter‐day were 111, 91, 94, and 98%, respectively. As(III) and AsB were below the determination limits (<DL) in laver samples studied. The toxic inorganic arsenic species: As(V) was 0.19 mg/kg and organic arsenic species: DMA and MMA were 0.21~0.65 mg/kg and 0.06 mg/kg, respectively.
High glucose reduces resveratrol‐dependent disruption of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling in human placental circulation
Authors: Szukiewicz Dariusz , Pyzlak Michal , Szewczyk Grzegorz , Kochanowski Jan
Published: November 2023

Upregulated activity of chemokine CX3CL1 (fractalkine) and abnormal expression of its sole receptor (CX3CR1) have been reported in many pro‐inflammatory conditions, including diabetes. Resveratrol (3,5,4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene) possesses anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties related to its interference with NF‐κB (nuclear factor kappa‐beta) signaling pathway, which regulates the expression of various genes involved in inflammation, including CX3CL1. In this study, we examined influence of resveratrol on CX3CL1 production in extra corporeally perfused human term placental lobules under hyperglycemic (glucose 25 mmol/l; group I; N = 24) and normal (glucose 5 mmol/l; group II; N = 24) conditions. During the 150 min of perfusion, including the initial 30‐min adaptive phase, basal (immediately before administration of LPS) and LPS‐evoked (10 ng/ml) CX3CL1 secretion into the fetal side placental circulation was examined quantitatively in perfusion fluid samples using ELISA. After 60 min of perfusion, resveratrol (10~100μM) was added into the perfusion fluid. There were no significant differences between the studied groups in respect of the mean concentration of CX3CL1 (both basal and LPS‐evoked) in the samples collected before administration of resveratrol. Higher doses (50~100μM) of resveratrol produced significant (p < 0.05) reductions in CX3CL1 level in the perfusion fluid in both groups. However, significantly stronger (p < 0.02) reduction was observed in group II, compared to group I (2.37‐ vs. 1.64‐fold decrease, respectively). In conclusion, optimal anti‐inflammatory effects of resveratrol pertained to CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling in placental circulation should be expected under euglycemic conditions.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by WUM grant: 2M2‐N‐15
Neurorescue Effect of EGCG in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Xu Qi , Langley Monica , Kanthasamy Anumantha , Reddy Manju
Published: November 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has been associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and iron accumulation. (−)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenol in green tea that has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and iron chelating properties. In the present study, we determined the neurorescue effect of EGCG (25mg/kg, oral administration) against 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐ tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 20mg/kg, IP) induced neurodegeneration. The neurorescue effect of EGCG was assessed by motor behavior tests, neurotransmitter analysis, oxidative stress indicators, and iron related protein expressions. MPTP treatment shortened mice's latency to fall from the rotating rod by 16.3% (P<0.05), decreased striatal dopamine by 58.4% (P<0.001) and DOPAC concentrations by 35.4% (P<0.05), and increased serum protein carbonyls by 67.5% (p<0.05). However, EGCG post treatment (daily for 7d after MPTP treatment) significantly rescued MPTP induced neurotoxicity by increasing the rotational latency by 18% (P<0.05), and increasing dopamine by 41.5% (P<0.05). However, increase in DOPAC and reduction in serum protein carbonyl concentrations was marginally different but not significant. In addition, western blot shows neither MPTP nor EGCCG post treatment affects divalent metal transporter 1(DMT 1) expression. However, EGCG slightly down regulated hepcidin expression and significantly upregulated ferroportin expression in the substantia nigra, indicating that the protection of EGCG is associated with regulation of iron efflux but not influx. Collectively, our results show that EGCG rescued dopaminergic neurons after MPTP treatment and the protective mechanism might be associated with alleviating nigral iron burden and reducing oxidative stress.
Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity of phloroglucinol from seaweeds
Authors: Kim Jin‐Sun , Lee Je‐Hyuk
Published: November 2023

Seaweeds are used in several fields as well as foods due to the high nutritional value in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals. Phlorotannins are abundant compound in Ecklonia cava and Sargassum sp. and have reported to have anticancer, anti‐hyperlipemia, antioxidant, anti‐diabetes, and antihypertension. Phloroglucinol, one of the phlorotannins, was investigated to have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity in this study. Phloroglucinol had approximately 67.9 and 94.8% free radical scavenging activity in DPPH and ABTS assay. Suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production from LPS‐stimulated macrophage cells was monitored for anti‐inflammatory activity. Phloroglucinol showed approximately 38 and 43% inhibition in 20 and 40 μM concentration, respectively. Expression of iNOS (Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase), an enzyme for NO production, was suppressed to approximately 49.2% in 40 μM phloroglucinol. In addition, the transcription of COX‐2 (cyclooxygenase‐2) gene was controlled by phloroglucinol. Taken together, a phloroglucinol in seaweeds had antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, and it is anticipated to give basic information to functional study of seaweeds.
Protective effect of Korean Diet or American Diet against DNA Damages Induced by H2O2 in Human Lymphocyte
Authors: Lee Min‐Young , Kim Hyun‐A , Kang Myung‐Hee
Published: November 2023

Korean diet is comprised of mainly vegetables with abundant antioxidants such as vitamins, carotenoids, and phytochemicals compared to American diet. Therefore, Korean diet is expected to have excellent protection against DNA damages. However, limited research studies have been conducted in this area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the protective effect of Korean diet against DNA damages compared to American diet. A standard diet for a week (2,000 Kcal/day) for Koreans provided in 2010 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans was used as Korean diet for this study. A diet for a week (2,000 Kcal/day) comprising of food that are generally eaten by Americans based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with the help from the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Korea Rural Development Administration was used as a control group. After cooking and freeze‐dried the components of food in Korean diet and American diet at an individual's intake quantity, diet samples were prepared as one‐time meal, one‐day meal, and one‐week meal. DNA damages were measured using COMET assay after separating lymphocytes from blood of five healthy adults. The protective effect against DNA damages induced by H2O2 was presented as a reduction rate (%) of DNA damage at tail moment. Comparison results for reduction rate of DNA damage per meal randomly selected from Korean diet or American diet showed that the average reduction rate of DNA damage by Korean diet was 77.9 ± 1.7%, which was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that by American diet at 69.6 ± 2.0%. For mixed diet (three times of meals and snacks adjusted to meet 2,000 Kcal per day), the reduction rate of DNA damage by Korean diet was 76.5 ± 1.2%, which was also significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that by American diet at 70.2 ± 1.3%. When the effect of total meals for a week was measured, the reduction rate of DNA damages by Korean diet for a week was 80.5 ± 0.8%, which was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that by American diet for a week at 70.6 ± 2.5%). Therefore, the protective effect of Korean diet against DNA damage was superior to that of American diet.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by a grant (NRF‐2013R1A1A3006963) of the Basic Science Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Republic of Korea.
Protective Effect of Vegetarian Food Extracts against DNA Damages in Ex Vivo Human Lymphocyte
Authors: Lee Min‐Young , Kim Hyun‐A , Kang Myung‐Hee
Published: November 2023

Food such as fruits and vegetables have high contents of antioxidants. They can reduce the risk of various diseases such as cancers and heart diseases by increasing the antioxidant capacity in the body and reducing damages caused by reactive oxygen species inside cells. Koreans mainly eat vegetables with high antioxidant capacities such as cereals, legumes, vegetables, and mushrooms. It is expected that food taken by Koreans could have high protective effect against DNA damage. The objective of this study was to determine protective effect of vegetarian food against DNA damage ex vivo. Vegetarian food were divided into ten food groups. Extracts from the ten groups were extracted and used to treat human lymphocyte. The variety of vegetables were selected based on the results of the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V‐2). The ten food groups were: cereals, potatoes, legumes, nuts, vegetables, kimchies, mushrooms, fruits, seaweeds, and oils. A total of 84 food varieties taken at more than 1% in the total food intake by Koreans were selected as vegetarian food. Selected food varieties were washed and freeze‐dried followed by methanol‐acetone extraction. DNA damage was measured using COMET assay to determine the indices of tail length (TL) pulled from nucleus, DNA % (% DNA in tail, TD) included at the tail, and tail moment (TM, a multiplied value of TL by TD). Pre‐treatment to lymphocyte with all ten Korean diet extracts showed significantly higher reduction effect against DNA damage induced by H2O2 compared to control group without receiving any pre‐treatment. The order of protective effect against DNA damages in the TD was: mushrooms > vegetables > fruits > seaweeds > nuts. The order of protective effect against DNA damages in the TL was: mushrooms > fruits > vegetables > nuts > seaweeds. The order of protective effect against DNA damages in terms of TM was: mushrooms > vegetables > fruits > seaweeds > kimchies. Mushrooms showed the highest protective effect against DNA damages in all three indices (TL, TD, and TM) representing DNA damages.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by a grant (NRF‐2013R1A1A3006963) of the Basic Science Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Republic of Korea.
Dried Plum Consumption Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Nakamichi‐Lee Michelle , Hooshmand Shirin , Kern Mark , Ahouraei Arshya , Hong Mee Young
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and menopause significantly raises risk in women. Abnormal blood lipids, inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease development. Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and therefore may be beneficial in reducing CVD risk. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dried plum consumption on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and inflammation in postmenopausal women. Another goal was to determine if a moderate dose of 50 g/day is equally effective to a high dose (100 g/day). A 6‐month controlled clinical trial was conducted in which 48 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 50 or 100 g of dried plum each day. Serum lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory biomarkers and liver function enzyme activities were analyzed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention. No significant differences in outcome variables were detected between the 50 g and 100 g dried plum groups at any time point, so data from the two dried plum groups were combined. At 3 and 6 months, total cholesterol (p=0.037), lipid peroxidation (p=0.031) and interleukin‐6 (p=0.046) were significantly lower in the combined dried plum group compared to the control group. Total antioxidant capacity (p=0.036), superoxide dismutase (p=0.038) and catalase (p=0.05) activities were significantly greater after dried plum consumption at 3 and 6 months compared to the control group. Additionally, serum levels of the liver function enzymes alanine transaminase (p=0.001), alkaline phosphatase (p=0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.038) and creatine kinase (p=0.044) were significantly lower at 3 and 6 months in the dried plum groups than the control group. These findings indicate that consumption of 50–100 g of dried plum per day improves CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women as exhibited by lower total cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

Support or Funding Information

The study was funded by San Diego State University, the Kasch‐Boyer Endowed Scholarship in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, and the California Dried Plum Board.
Evaluation of antioxidant activity from different yeast extracts
Authors: Vargas‐Ochoa Belem , Mejía‐Barajas Jorge , Clemente‐Guerrero Mónica , Manzo‐Avalos Salvador , Salgado‐Garciglia Rafael , Saavedra‐Molina Alfredo
Published: November 2023

Antioxidants are substances that delay or prevent the oxidation of cellular oxidizable substrates. They are used in the food industry as additives. Lipid peroxidation is one of the most important cause of food spoilage, it has consecuences like off‐flavours and odours (rancidity), lost of colour and nutrients and the development of toxic compunds. Synthetic antioxidants are usually used as food additives by the food industry to prevent or delay lipid peroxidation of fatty foods. However, their application has been limited because of possible toxic and carcinogenic components formed during their degradation. In view of these health concerns, in recent years, there has been an increasing interest in finding safer, more effective, economic and natural antioxidants, that can on the one hand, protect the human body from free radicals and retard the progress of many chronic diseases and, on the other hand, be useful in the food industry as food additives, to protect the food's quality without health risks. Most individuals have a positive image of yeasts because of their well‐known association with the production of bread and fermented beverages. For that reason consumers considered yeasts as safe source of ingredients and additives for food processing. Yeast constituents are considered as compounds of nutritional value to human and higher animals, furthermore, yeast synthesize bioactive compounds that can serve as antioxidants, for example glutathione. Yeast extract are concentrates of the soluble components of yeast cells and are generally produced by autolysis and plasmolysis. According to that background, in this work there were obtained 12 yeast extracts of 4 yeast strains, through three different methods. Yeast extracts obtained by autolysis showed the highest yield. In three of the five antioxidant activity assays, at least one SLP1 yeast extract showed higher antioxidative activity than the other obtained extracts. The extracts obtained by method 3 (plasmolysis) tend to have higher “in vitro” antioxidant activity than the ones obtained by autolysis.

Support or Funding Information

CONACYT 169093 to ASM; CIC‐UMSNH 2.16 to ASM.
Delta and Gamma Tocotrienol Attenuate NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in J774 Macrophages via NFκB‐dependent Priming Inhibition
Authors: Buckner Teresa , Kim YongEun , Chung Soonkyu , Engel Megan
Published: November 2023

Nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an innate immune sensor that responds to cellular danger signals for the secretion of cytotoxic IL‐1β and IL‐18. NLRP3 inflammation activation is associated with the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases including obesity and insulin resistance. Delta tocotrienol (dT3) is a structural isomer of unsaturated vitamin E that exerts anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative roles. In addition, dT3 is found in a highly purified form in nature. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of dT3 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We used J774 macrophages that stably express Gaussia luminescence‐based inflammasome reporter (iGLuc). To simulate microbial invasion and metabolic damage signals, LPS‐primed J774 cells were either stimulated with nigericin (Ng) or palmitate (PA). The pretreatment of dT3 effectively inhibits both Ng and PA‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation evidenced by reduced iGLuc luminescence, caspase‐1 cleavage, and IL‐1β and IL‐18 secretion in a dose‐dependent manner. To further determine the mechanism, we investigated the effects of dT3 on NFκB activation. dT3 pretreatment significantly attenuated LPS‐mediated IL‐1β, IL‐18 and Nlrp3 gene expression. Consistently, dT3 markedly inhibited IκBα cytosolic degradation and NFκB p65 translocation into nucleus. Collectively, these data suggest that dT3 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in J774 macrophages by inhibiting NFκB activation thereby blocking priming of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by American Heart Association
Effects of a natural extract of Aronia Melanocarpa berry on endothelial cell nitric oxide production
Authors: Fromentin Emilie , Varela Claudia Elena , Roller Marc , Villarreal Francisco , Ramirez‐Sanchez Israel Elena
Published: November 2023

Polyphenol‐rich diets are known to have a positive impact on nitric oxide (NO) production thus, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Aronia melanocarpa, also known as black chokeberry, has one of the highest content of phenolic components among various berries. We investigated the effects of acute and chronic treatment with Aronia extracts on NO production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells. Acute time‐course and concentration‐response experiments were performed to determine the time and concentration at which Aronia induced maximal NO synthesis and eNOS phosphorylation. The findings indicate that relatively low concentrations (0.1 μg/mL) of Aronia extract significantly induce NO synthesis and eNOS phosphorylation after 10 min of treatment. An increased sensitivity of eNOS and a significant increase in NO synthesis resulted from longer‐term stimulation with Aronia (48 hr) and an acute re‐treatment of the cells (10 min). These in vitro results may be translated into potential future clinical applications where Aronia extracts may be used for prevention and coadjuvant treatment of cardiovascular diseases via increases in endothelial NO synthesis and related improvements in vascular functions. Given the dose‐response effect of Aronia extract in vitro and metabolism of polyphenols that occurs in humans, dose‐response studies would be necessary to define the optimal daily amount to be consumed.

Support or Funding Information

This work was funded by NATUREX‐DBS
L‐carnitine intake and high trimethylamine N‐oxide plasma levels correlate with low aortic lesions in ApoE−/− transgenic mice expressing hCETP
Authors: Bellamine Aouatef , Collins Heidi L. , Drazul‐Schrader Denise , Sulpizio Anthony C. , Koster Paul D. , Williamson Yuping , Adelman Steven J. , Owen Kevin , Sanli Toran
Published: November 2023

Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) plasma levels have been associated with atherosclerosis development in ApoE−/− mice. To better understand the mechanisms behind this association, we conducted in vivo studies looking at the effect of TMAO on different steps of atherosclerotic disease progression. Male ApoE−/− mice transfected with human cholesteryl ester transfer protein (hCETP) were fed L‐carnitine and/or methimazole, a flavin monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) inhibitor that prevents the formation of TMAO. Following 12 week treatment, L‐carnitine and TMAO plasma levels, aortic lesion development, and lipid profiles were determined. High doses of L‐carnitine resulted in a significant increase in plasma TMAO levels. Surprisingly, and independently from treatment group, TMAO levels inversely correlated with aortic lesion size in both aortic root and thoracic aorta. High TMAO levels were found to significantly correlate with smaller aortic lesion area. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels did not change with treatment nor with TMAO levels, suggesting that the observed effects on lesion area were independent from lipid changes. These findings suggest that TMAO slows aortic lesion formation in this mouse model and may have a protective effect against atherosclerosis development in humans.

Support or Funding Information

This study has been supported by Lonza
Effect of Barley &[Beta]‐Glucan Consumption on Lipid Markers for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: a Systematic Review & Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zurbau Andreea , Ho Hoang Vi Thanh , Sievenpiper John L , Mejia Sonia Blanco , Jovanovski Elena , Au‐Yeung Fei , Jenkins Alexandra L , Vuksan Vladimir
Published: November 2023

Background

Recent interest in barley as a therapeutic food is driven by its high content of β‐glucan, a viscous soluble fibre known for its cholesterol lowering properties.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs investigating the cholesterol lowering potential of β‐glucan from barley sources on established clinical lipid targets for cardiovascular risk reduction: LDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C, and apoB.

Design

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. We included RCTs of ≥ 3 weeks duration assessing the effect of diets enriched with barley β‐glucan compared with controlled diets on LDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C, or apoB. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed study quality and risk of bias. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method with random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic.

Results

14 trials (N = 615) were included in the final analysis. A median dose of 6.5 and 6.9 g/day of barley β‐glucan for a median duration of 4 weeks significantly reduced LDL‐C (MD = −0.25 mmol/L [95% CI: −0.30, −0.20]) and non‐HDL‐C (MD = −0.31 mmol/L [95% CI: −0.39, −0.23]), respectively, with no significant changes to apoB levels, compared to control diets. There was evidence of considerable unexplained heterogeneity in the analysis of non‐HDL‐C (I2 = 98%).

Conclusions

Pooled analyses show that barley β‐glucan have a modest lowering effect on LDL‐C and non‐HDL‐C. Inclusion of barley containing foods may be a strategy for achieving targets in cardiovascular disease risk reduction.

Support or Funding Information

Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital
Beneficial Cardiovascular Effects of Muscadine Grape Extract in Normotensive Female Rats
Authors: Duncan A'ja V. , Shaltout Hassom A. , Tommasi Ellen N. , Gallagher Patricia E. , Tallant E. Ann , Diz Debra I.
Published: November 2023

The ingestion of natural bioactive compounds like polyphenols in fruits and vegetables is of increasing interest in relation to the potential benefits on cardiovascular health. The muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia), which grow in the warm humid climate of the southeastern United States, has a distinct composition of polyphenols compared to other grape varieties and contains high concentrations of gallic acid, anthocyanins, ellagic acid and other flavanols. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a proprietary muscadine grape extract (MGE) from Nature's Pearl (Advance, NC) on cardiovascular and metabolic variables in normotensive female Hannover Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats at 18 weeks of age. At 14 weeks of age, the treated SD rats (n = 5) were given 0.2 mg/mL of the MGE extract in the drinking water and normal rat chow ad libitum for 4 weeks, while control animals (n = 4) were given water and rat chow ad libitum. MGE‐treated SD rats exhibited significantly lower systolic blood pressure compared to control animals (105 ± 4 vs. 115 ± 1 mm Hg; p < 0.05) as measured via tail cuff plethysmography at 18 weeks of age. There were no significant differences in weight gain or heart rate between groups. Urinary protein excretion was significantly lower for MGE‐treated rats compared to controls (0.7 ± 0.4 vs. 2.5 ± 0.2 mg/day), suggesting an improvement in renal function. Epidemiological studies suggest that, for each 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, there is a decrease in target organ damage. Thus, we conclude that MGE may have beneficial cardiovascular and renoprotective effects in young adult normotensive rats.
Investigation of Ursolic Acid Supplement Purity
Authors: Sesatty Ana Lizbeth , Gao Xiaoli , Ullevig Sarah
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Ursolic acid (UA) is a phytochemical found in the waxy coat of a variety of fruits including apples and cherries, and in herbs like rosemary and thyme. A multitude of studies have shown UA administered to rodents provide health benefits in diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, liver disease, kidney disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, but the therapeutic effects in humans has yet to be investigated. A high purity UA supplement with a known quantity of UA would be required to conduct valid studies exploring the potential positive health benefits of UA in humans. Therefore, we investigated the dissolution, theoretical weight, and purity of UA supplements available for purchase in this study.

METHODS

Four oral UA dietary supplements containing UA from rosemary extract and one topical use UA spray were purchased from the internet for analysis. Oral UA dietary supplements were tested for disintegration using 37°C water and agitation for 45 minutes while observations were collected every 30 seconds. Percent of theoretical weight was determined by weighing the dietary supplement capsule and powder independently for comparison to the serving size listed on the Supplement Facts Panel. Purity of UA dietary supplements were tested by high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS). Data‐dependent analyses were conducted using one full MS scan followed by six tandem MS scans with electrospray negative ion detection. UA dietary supplements were dissolved in either methanol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Quantitative results were obtained by reference of the experimental peak area ratios to the standard curve. UA from Sigma‐Aldrich was used to create the standard curve.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

Based on capsule weight, all UA dietary supplement capsules disintegrated within 6 to 7 minutes, meeting the dietary supplement disintegration requirements for rupture in less than 30 minutes. All capsulated supplements averaged 100% of the theoretical weight. When quantifying the amount of UA in the supplements by mass spectrometry, the supplements ranged from 14–49% UA and the topical spray contained 0.4% UA.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS

All tested UA dietary supplements passed the disintegration test, and thus are likely accessible for absorption when ingested orally, and provide the serving amount stated on the Supplement Facts Panel. The bioavailability of UA from these supplements needs further investigation. The highest dietary supplement UA content was 49%, but to study the effect of UA in humans, a more pure UA extract needs to be utilized in human studies to determine the therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of UA.

Support or Funding Information

Funding provided by UTSA College of Education and Human Development Faculty Research Award 2014–2015