bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity suppresses B cell development and impairs antibody production upon antigen challenge
Authors: Crouch Miranda , Guesdon William , Shaikh Saame
Published: November 2023

Obesity promotes a diminished response to vaccinations and infections. Therefore, understanding how obesity targets B cell‐driven humoral immunity, particularly at a mechanistic level, is essential to elucidate. Using a murine model, we report that diet‐induced obesity impairs early B cell development and induces a dysfunctional immune response. B cells from obese mice displayed a two‐fold reduction in the number of CD19+ cells, resulting in decreased frequencies of various B cell subsets in the bone marrow. Early lymphoid commitment markers such as IL7Rα, IL7R, and STAT5 showed significantly decreased expression at the transcript level. In addition, obese mice had reduced mRNA expression of the B cell lymphopoiesis markers, PAX5 and Oct2, compared to controls. Functionally, B cells from obese mice had elevated IgM and IgG levels in the absence of stimulation. When B cells from the obese mice were challenged with anti‐TLR4 or anti‐BCR/TLR9 in vitro, the ability to produce IgM and IgG was diminished. Overall, these findings demonstrate that obesity hinders B cell development and drives a dysregulated immune response, which could contribute to impaired responses to infections and vaccinations.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NIH R01AT008375 (SRS)
Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 on Cellular Immune Function in Healthy Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lehtoranta Liisa , Miller Larry , Lehtinen Markus
Published: November 2023

Background

Elderly have increased susceptibility to infections that is associated with decline in cellular immune function. Limited clinical data suggests that probiotic bacteria could have potential for improving polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell phagocytic activity or natural killer (NK) cell tumoricidal activity in the elderly. One of the probiotics having clinical documentation in this area is Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 (HN019).

Objective

To determine the efficacy of HN019 supplementation on PMN cell phagocytic activity or NK cell tumoricidal activity in healthy elderly.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, in addition to Directory of Open Access Journals, Google Scholar, and the reference lists of included papers and relevant meta‐analyses in June 2016 for randomized/non‐randomized controlled studies reporting PMN cell phagocytosis activity or NK cell tumoricidal activity following HN019 consumption in healthy elderly. A random effects meta‐analysis was conducted and the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing HN019 to control was calculated for each outcome. SMD values of 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 were defined as small, medium, large, and very large effect sizes, respectively.

Results

Out of 85 records that were reviewed, 4 studies were included in the final analysis. Subjects in the studies were healthy elderly with a median age between 60 and 70 years. The intervention times ranged from 3 to 6 weeks, during which the subjects consumed low fat milk, daily, with or without HN019 (5×109 to 3×1011 colony forming units (cfu)/day). HN019 supplementation with all the doses was highly efficacious in increasing PMN phagocytic capacity with an SMD of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.38 to 1.11, p<0.001) and with doses ranging from 5×109–1010 cfu/day moderately efficacious in increasing NK cell tumoricidal activity with an SMD of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.78, p=0.02).

Conclusion

Daily consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 enhances NK cell tumoricidal activity and PMN phagocytic capacity in healthy elderly adults.

Support or Funding Information

Study was funded by DuPont Nutrition & Health, Kantvik, Finland
Iron in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) May Adversely Affect the Gut Microbiome in Kenyan Infants
Authors: Tang Minghua , Frank Daniel N. , Hendricks Audrey E. , Culbertson Diana L. , Esamai Fabian , Krebs Nancy F.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To test the effect of iron in multiple micronutrient powder on the gut microbiome in 6‐month‐old Kenyan infants

Methods

This was a double blind, randomized controlled trial of home fortification with MNP containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and zinc and with or without iron. Six‐month‐old, non‐anemic predominantly breastfed Kenyan infants living in a rural malaria endemic area were randomized to consume: 1) MNP containing 12.5 mg iron (MNP+ Fe, n=13); 2) MNP containing no iron (MNP‐Fe, n=13); or 3) Placebo powder (CONTROL, n=7), from 6 to 9 months of age. Blood and fecal samples were collected at baseline and end of the intervention. Inflammation markers were analyzed in the blood samples and 16S rRNA sequence analysis was conducted in fecal samples.

Results

At baseline, the most abundant phylum was Proteobacteria (37.6% of sequences), with Escherichia accounting for 29%, and was the most abundant bacterium at the genus level. At the end of the intervention, both microbiome richness and diversity had increased with age, as expected. The relative abundance of Escherichia decreased in MNP‐Fe (‐16.05 ± 6.9%, P = 0.05) and CONTROL (−19.75 ± 4.5%, p = 0.01), but not in the MNP+Fe group (P = 0.41). The second most abundant genus at baseline was Bifidobacterium (18%), the relative abundance of which decreased in MNP+Fe (−6.38 ± 2.5%, P =0.02) and CONTROL (−8.05 ± 1.46%, P = 0.01), but not in the MNP‐Fe group (P = 0.44). No significant differences were observed over time or between groups in markers of inflammation, including CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, AGP and fecal calprotectin, although level were generally elevated relative to normal ranges.

Conclusions

MNP fortification of complementary foods over 3 months in infants can alter the gut microbiome. Consistent with previous research, addition of iron to the MNP may adversely affect the colonization of potential beneficial microbes (e.g., bifidobacteria) and foster the growth of potential pathogens (e.g., Escherichia spp.).

Support or Funding Information

Colorado CTSI, IAEA and NIH (K24 DK083772)
Association Between Gut Microbiota Composition, Diet, and Anthropometric risk Factor's for Metabolic Disorders in Mexican Women with Food Insecurity
Authors: Ochoa‐Acosta Dora A , Lopez‐Flores ME , Osuna‐Ramirez Ignacio , Gomez‐Gil B , Vergara‐Jimenez Marcela J
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity is a problem that affects a large number of female‐headed households. Balanced diet is a key factor for food health and inadequate intake of calories and macronutrients significantly contributes to malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, obesity and related chronic diseases. The gut microbiota composition has been associated with several hallmarks of metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis). Growing evidence suggests that gut microbes contribute to the onset of the low‐grade inflammation characterizing these metabolic disorders via mechanisms associated with gut barrier dysfunction. The principal aim of this study was evaluate and compare the gut microbiota composition in obese and lean women with food insecurity. Secondly the associations between analyzed gut bacterial species, diet and anthropometric risk factors for metabolic diseases. In this study 28 obese (mean BMI 34.57 kg/m2) and 27 lean (mean BMI 22.7–57 kg/m2) women aged 18 to 65 were included. All subjects were healthy and had not received any antibiotic or probiotic in the previous 3 months. We used 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence‐based microbiota analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the gut microbiota composition. Diet wat evaluated with 24 hours recall and anthropometric risk factor of metabolic disease with waist hip ratio and waist circumference. Initially, we performed 16S rRNA sequencing of the fecal samples form the obese and lean groups. The Shannon diversity index was similar between groups (0.620 vs 0.623), the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was 4.28 and 2.91 in obese and lean women respectively and the Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio 17.35 vs 15.81. These results indicate that there is no difference between the structure and composition of the gut microbiota between the lean and obese group of women. Based on the RDP database, all sequences were classified from the phylum to species. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were dominante in both groups. The phyla Synergistetes was significantly more abundant in the lean group than the obese group (0.0862 + 0.0139 % vs 0.027 + 0.048). In particular, the phylum Spirochaetes y Planctomycetes was detected only in lean women. Principal component analysis (PCA) at the phylum, class, order, family, genus, species levels not showed different distribution in obese and lean women. When we analyzed the association between anthropometric and dietary risk factors, we don't find statistically significant differences.

Support or Funding Information

ICT SA. de CV.
Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus salivarious Li01 for enhanced storage viability and targeted microbiome delivery
Authors: Yao Mingfei , Li Bo , Xiao Hang , Li Lanjuan
Published: November 2023

Probiotics, used in food products, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products have been considered to provide health‐promoting effects in humans. In order to be efficacious, probiotics need to be viable at sufficient abundance in the intestine. However, many functional foods containing probiotics suffer from a large loss of bacterial viability during shelf storage and gastrointestinal transit after ingestion. In this study, probiotic Lactobacillus salivarious Li01 was incorporated into alginate or alginate‐gelatin microbeads. Their morphology was characterized by SEM. Probiotic viability was determined under aerobic conditions, heat treatment and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results showed that microbeads were roughly round and almost all the bacterial cells were encapsulated in the microbeads. Encapsulation significantly enhanced the viability of the probiotic during aerobic storage. Moreover, the microbeads maintained their structures during simulated gastric digestion before they dissolved during simulated digestion in the small intestine. Most importantly, the alginate‐gelatin microbeads protected encapsulated bacteria during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and effectively enhanced their survival rate in comparison with alginate microbeads and non‐encapsulated bacteria. In conclusion, the alginate‐gelatin microbeads showed a great potential to facilitate the delivery of probiotics such as lactobacillus salivarious Li01 in various products.

Support or Funding Information

Chinese High Tech Research and Development (863) Program (2012AA020204, 2013AA020102), the National S&T Major Project (2012ZX10002004‐001)
Darker‐Coloured Beans Induce Acute Vasorelaxation In Healthy Adults
Authors: Clark Jaime Lynn , Wilson Angela , Perera Danielle , Taylor Carla , Zahradka Peter
Published: November 2023

Consumption of pulses (dried beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils) over many weeks can decrease cardiovascular disease risk. However, it is unknown whether pulses can affect blood vessels characteristics within a few hours of consumption. We hypothesized that dried beans would yield greater improvements in vascular tone (an indication of endothelial responsiveness to blood flow) compared to a rice control. We therefore compared different bean varieties (black, navy, pinto, red kidney) and white rice for their acute effects on blood pressure and vascular tone in healthy individuals. Vascular measurements were obtained in 8 healthy adults (4 men/4 women; 37±4 years; body mass index of 24.3±0.9 kg/m2) before and at 2 and 6 hours after eating ¾ cup of beans or rice. The study was designed as a crossover with minimum 1 week between consumption of the test articles. Systolic blood pressure was reduced within 2 hours following consumption of red kidney beans compared to rice control (111±5 vs 118±6 mmHg, p<0.05). Blood pressure was not affected by the other beans. There was greater vasorelaxation, as shown by a reduced pulse wave reflection magnitude, 6 hours following consumption of red kidney beans and black beans compared to navy and pinto beans (53.3±3.3% and 53.4±4.4% vs 61.1±3.4% and 64.3±3.4%, respectively; p<0.05). Additionally, reflection magnitude following consumption of red kidney beans was significantly reduced at 6 hours compared to 2 hours post consumption (53.3±3.3% vs 61.1±3.7%, p<0.05). Reflection magnitude did not change between baseline and 2 hours. Arterial stiffness parameters were also measured. Black beans showed reduced augmentation pressure after 6 hours compared to rice (3.8±0.8 vs 6.9±1.5 mmHg, p<0.05); black beans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans had lower pulse wave velocity compared to navy beans after 2 hours (5.9±0.4, 5.8±0.4, and 5.8±0.3 vs 6.1±0.2 m/s, respectively; p<0.05), and black beans had lower pulse wave velocity compared to pinto beans after 6 hours (5.5±0.4 vs 6.3±0.2 m/s, p<0.05). These results suggest seed coat pigment may be a factor in functionality among the different bean types. Overall, darker‐coloured beans elicited a positive effect on the tensile properties of blood vessels, and this acute response may provide insight for how pulses modify vascular function.

Support or Funding Information

JLC is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and funding for this research project was provided by Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers.
Cashew Consumption Reduces Total and LDL Cholesterol in Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Men and Women: A Randomized, Crossover, Controlled Feeding Trial
Authors: Mah Eunice , Schulz Jacqueline A , Kaden Valerie N , Lawless Andrea L , Rotor Jose , Mantilla Libertie , Liska DeAnn J
Published: November 2023

Cashews are the second most consumed nut in the United States and are abundant with heart healthy mono‐and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids. Although a qualified FDA health claim exists for nuts and heart health, cashews have been exempt from its use due to cashews having more saturated fatty acids per serving than allowed. However, approximately one third of the saturated fat in cashews is stearic acid, which is relatively neutral on blood lipids, suggesting that cashews could show similar effects to other nuts. However, clinical data on cashews and blood lipids is limited. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of cashews at reasonable intakes on serum lipids in a generally healthy, mildly hypercholesterolemic population. In a randomized, crossover, isocaloric controlled‐feeding study, 51 adult males and females (age: 21–73 years; median LDL‐C: 149 mg/dL (95% CI: 135, 163)] were fed a typical American diet with approximately 11% of energy from cashews (28 – 64 g/d; 50% kcal from carbohydrate, 18% protein, 32% total fat) or potato chip (control; 54% kcal from carbohydrate, 18% protein, 29% total fat) for 4 weeks. Each intervention period was separated by at least 2 weeks. Cashews resulted in significantly greater (P<0.05 vs. control) median % change for total‐C (−3.85% vs. 0.75%), LDL‐C (−4.83% vs. 1.10%), and non‐HDL‐C (−5.32% vs. 1.44%). No significant differences between cashew and control were seen for HDL‐C (−5.27% vs. −4.84%), total‐C/HDL‐C ratio (0.05% vs. 3.46%), and TG (4.15% vs. 13.25%). Results from this study support that daily consumption of cashews, substituted for a high‐carbohydrate snack, may be a simple dietary strategy to decrease LDL‐C in individuals with mild hypercholesterolemia.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by Kraft Heinz Company, Glenview, IL, USA
The Effect of Honey Intake on Lipid Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Controlled Trials
Authors: Tul‐Noor Zujaja , Khan Tauseef Ahmad , Mejia Sonia Blanco , de Souza Russell , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Excessive fructose intake has an adverse effect on established lipid risk factors when added to existing diets. It is not known whether honey, a naturally occurring fructose‐containing sugar, exerts a different effect on lipid risk factors. We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials to assess the effects of honey intake on lipid risk factors.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched through September 27, 2016 for controlled trials with follow‐up of ≥7 days, which investigated the effect of oral honey intake compared to a sugar equivalent (or usual diet) on lipid outcomes including LDL‐Cholesterol (LDL‐C), HDL‐C and fasting triglycerides in participants from all health backgrounds (normal, overweight‐obese, high cholesterol, pre‐diabetes, diabetes). Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data. Data were pooled using inverse variance random effects model and expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Inter‐study heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I2 statistic). The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE).

Results

Eligibility criteria were met by 10 trials (n=444, median length=5 weeks) with an average honey dose of 70 grams/day (range 40–100 grams/day). Only 3 trials used monofloral honey. Regular honey intake reduced LDL‐C (n=9; MD −0.29 mmol/L [95% CIs, −0.52, −0.05]; P=0.02), fasting triglycerides (n=10; MD −0.29 mmol/L [95% CIs, −0.35, −0.22]; P<0.001), and increased HDL‐C (n=9; MD 0.08 mmol/L [95% CIs, 0.05, 0.11]; P<0.001). There was evidence of substantial inter‐study heterogeneity for LDL‐C (I2=92.5%, p<0.001), and non‐significant heterogeneity for fasting triglycerides and HDL‐C (P>0.10 for both). The overall quality of the evidence was graded as “low quality” for LDL‐C owing to downgrades for serious inconsistency and serious imprecision, “moderate quality” for fasting triglycerides owing to downgrade for strongly suspected publication bias, and of “moderate‐quality” for HDL‐C owing to downgrade for serious imprecision.

Conclusion

Pooled analyses show a beneficial effect of honey intake on lipid risk factors including LDL‐C, triglycerides, and HDL‐C in people from all health backgrounds. There is a need for larger, longer and higher quality trials, as our confidence in the results is low.

Registered at PROSPERO 2015=CRD42015023580

Support or Funding Information

Canadian Diabetes Association, PSI Foundation, Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, and Bee Maid Honey Ltd (unrestricted travel donation).
Relation of Fructose‐Containing Sugars with Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Khan Tauseef A , Mejia Sonia Blanco , de Souza Russell , Kendall Cyril WC , Sievenpiper John L
Published: November 2023

Objective

Sugars‐sweetened beverages are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). To assess whether this association holds for the fructose‐containing sugars they contain, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library (through October 31, 2016) were searched for relevant studies. We included prospective cohort studies investigating the association between fructose‐containing sugars (total sugars, fructose, sucrose and added sugars) and incident CVD. Two independent reviewers reviewed and extracted the relevant data and assessed study quality (Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale). Risk estimates of extreme comparisons (lowest versus highest quantile) were pooled using inverse variance random effects models and expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Inter‐study heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran Q statistic and quantified with the I2 statistic. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE).

Results

The eligibility criteria were met by 7 prospective cohort studies (10 cohort comparisons) involving 530,268 individuals and 15,657 incident cases of CVD observed over an average follow‐up of 11.2 years. Total sugars (RR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.13]) and fructose (RR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.15]) but not sucrose (RR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.88 to 1.07]) or added sugars (RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.85 to 1.24]) were associated with increased incidence of CVD. There was no evidence of heterogeneity in any of the analyses except for added sugars which showed evidence of substantial heterogeneity (I2=82%, P=0.004). The overall quality of the evidence was graded as “very low quality” for all associations owing to a downgrade for serious imprecision for total sugars, fructose, and sucrose and separate downgrades for serious imprecision and serious inconsistency for added sugars.

Conclusions

Current evidence does not allow us to conclude with certainty that all fructose‐containing sugars are associated with increased risk of CVD owing to the very low quality of evidence and the inconsistency across types of sugars. Further research should confirm whether the adverse association seen between sugars‐sweetened beverages and CVD applies to other important food sources of sugars.

Protocol registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01608620

Support or Funding Information

Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Banting and Best Diabetes Centre and PSI Foundation
Replacement of Refined Carbohydrates with a Combination of Egg Protein and Unsaturated Fatty Acids Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Adults with Elevated Triglycerides
Authors: Maki Kevin C , Palacios Orsolya M , Nieman Kristin M , Lindner Emily , Huebner Margie , Sorce Jennifer
Published: November 2023

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of a combination of egg protein (Epro) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), substituted for refined carbohydrates (CHO), on insulin sensitivity and markers of glucose metabolism in adults with elevated triglycerides (TG). This randomized, controlled‐feeding, crossover study included an evaluable sample of 25 men and women with a mean (± SEM) age and body mass index of 46.3 ± 2.4 y and 31.8 ± 1.0 kg/m2, respectively, and a median (interquartile range) baseline TG of 173 mg/dL (159, 228). Subjects consumed a standardized diet that incorporated at least 3 servings/d of test foods (yogurt, muffins, waffles, and cookies), which provided 40–60% of daily energy needs. The study foods accounted for ~8% higher protein energy (from Epro) and ~8% higher fat energy (from UFA) in the Epro/UFA condition and 16% higher energy from refined starches and added sugars in the refined CHO condition. Total energy intake was held constant during each condition; dietary CHO, protein and fat comprised 42%, 23% and 35% of energy intake during the Epro/UFA condition and 58%, 15% and 27% of energy intake during the refined CHO condition. Both the Epro/UFA and the refined CHO diets were low in saturated fatty acids (7.0 ± 0.1% and 6.5 ± 0.1% of energy intakes, respectively). A liquid meal tolerance test was conducted to assess insulin sensitivity and markers of glucose metabolism at baseline and at the end of each condition. Blood samples were collected before and 30, 60 and 120 min after consuming the liquid meal. Serum glucose was assessed using an enzymatic colorimetric assay and serum insulin was assessed using an immunoturbidimetry assay. The mean percent change from baseline in the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index was significantly greater in the Epro/UFA versus the refined CHO condition (18.1 ± 8.7% versus −5.6 ± 6.2%, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean percent change from baseline in the disposition index, a measure of pancreatic beta‐cell function, was also significantly greater in the Epro/UFA versus the refined CHO condition (23.8 ± 20.8% versus − 16.3 ± 18.8%, respectively, p = 0.042). Significant differences between the conditions were not evident in the homeostasis model of insulin assessment 2‐insulin sensitivity or the HOMA2‐beta‐cell function. In summary, replacement of refined CHO with a combination of Epro and UFA produced favorable changes in indices of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta‐cell function in adults with elevated TG.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center, Park Ridge, IL
A Diet Containing Soy Protein Isolate is Not Detrimental to Skeletal Development in Spontaneously Hyperphagic, Adolescent Male OLETF Rats
Authors: Dirkes Rebecca K , Richard Matthew W , Meers Grace M , Butteiger Dustie N , Krul Elaine S , Thyfault John P , Rector Randy S , Hinton Pamela S
Published: November 2023

Obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunction are associated with increased fracture risk in children and adolescents, suggesting excess adiposity negatively impacts skeletal development. Although the consumption of milk‐based proteins has been recommended for normal skeletal development, soy‐based proteins have emerged as popular plant‐based dairy alternatives. However, the effect of soy protein on bone health during adolescent skeletal development has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of isocaloric diets containing milk protein isolate (MPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), or a 50/50 combination of the two (MIX) on metabolic health indicators and bone outcomes in adolescent, hyperphagic, male Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. At 4 weeks of age, rats were randomized to three treatment groups (MPI, SPI, and MIX) and provided ad libitum access to the diets until 20 weeks of age, at which time animals were fasted overnight, euthanized, and blood and hind limbs collected. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, and bone formation (N‐terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen, P1NP) and resorption (C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTx) markers were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Tibial trabecular microarchitecture and cortical geometry were measured by micro‐computed tomography (μCT); and, biomechanical properties were measured by torsional loading to failure. Femoral calcium and phosphorus content were measured using Inductive Coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectroscopy. One‐way ANOVA was used to test for significant differences among groups for metabolic outcomes and bone turnover markers. One‐way ANCOVA, with final body weight as a covariate, was used to determine differences among groups for all bone outcomes. At 20 weeks of age, there were no group differences in body weight or body fat. Animals in all groups were insulin resistant based on fasting glucose and insulin. MPI reduced fasting insulin compared to MIX and SPI. SPI reduced total serum cholesterol compared to MPI and MIX. P1NP was greater in MIX than MPI, but CTx was not different among groups. Trabecular spacing was reduced in SPI compared to MIX, while cortical geometry and biomechanical properties were not different among groups. MPI had higher calcium and phosphorus content than MIX. In conclusion, these results suggest that a diet containing soy protein is not detrimental to skeletal development in spontaneously hyperphagic, adolescent male OLETFs rats, and may benefit trabecular microarchitecture. In addition, these results suggest that a diet containing a combination of milk‐ and plant‐based proteins might promote bone formation during skeletal growth.

Support or Funding Information

Support: DuPont Nutrition & Health, NIH R01DK088940 (JPT) and VHA‐CDA2 IK2BX001299 (RSR).
Effects of Shiikuwasha extract supplementation on muscle protein degradation in the rat model of insulin resistance
Authors: Okamoto Tomoyuki , Sakata Yasuyuki , Oshio Kazutaka , Nakamura Hirohiko , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Namba Kazuyoshi , Narita Kazusa , Maeda Naho , Yoshizawa Fumiaki , Takeda Yasuhiro
Published: November 2023

Age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass, referred to as sarcopenia, is a significant problem that has serious implications for the quality of life of the elderly. The etiology of sarcopenia has been reported to be multifaceted and to possibly involve insulin resistance. In the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study, diabetic patients had a threefold higher risk of sarcopenia. Recently, we have reported that Shiikuwasha (Citrus depressa) extract has an inhibitory effect on dexamethasone‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy. The aim of this study was to examine whether supplementation with Shiikuwasha extract has an inhibitory effect on loss of skeletal muscle mass caused by insulin resistance in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.

Male ZDF rats were assigned to three groups as follows: (1) lean control (LC), (2) diabetic control (DC), and (3) Shiikuwasha extract supplementation (SE). LC and DC animals received an AIN‐93G diet, whereas for the SE animals, a diet containing 1% (w/w) SE was maintained for 2 weeks.

In the skeletal muscle mass assessment, significant decreases in the masses of gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, tibialis anterior, and extensor digitorum longus muscles were observed in the DC group when compared with the LC group. By contrast, the SE group exhibited significant increases in all the skeletal muscles except the soleus muscle. The mRNA expression levels of Atrogin‐1 and MuRF1 as indexes of protein degradation were lower in the SE group than in the DC group. Moreover, the levels of blood HbA1c, plasma insulin, and plasma 3‐methylhistidine were lower in the SE group than in the DC group.

Our data show that Shiikuwasha extract supplementation may ameliorate loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with insulin resistance. This effect might depend on the inhibition of protein degradation and probably on the improvement of insulin sensitivity.
Low FODMAPs Diet Increases the Abundance of Bifidobacterium in Mexican Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Valdez‐Palomares Jessica , Diaz Andrea Tagle , Meraz‐Cruz Noemi , Vadillo‐Ortega Felipe , Palacios‐Gonzalez Berenice
Published: November 2023

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastroenterological diseases. Previous studies have shown that dietary components were associated with the severity of symptoms. Likewise, those components can induce changes in gut microbiota. The aim for the present study was to assess the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium by RT‐PCR after 30 days of consumption a low FODMAP diet. Participants (n=14), were selected using ROMA III criteria, symptoms were measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Fecal samples were collected and bacterial DNA was extracted. After 30 days of intervention, Bifidobacterium account increased (p=0.095) and correlates negatively with Abdominal Pain (AP), Constipation (Cp) and Flatulence/Bloating (FB) (p=0.007, p=0.095, p=0.043 respectively); Lactobacillus account was not significant different after FODMAP diet consumption. AP, Cp and FB had a significant reduction (p=0.010, p=0.000, p=0.000) after diet consumption. There was no correlation in anthropometric parameters with bacteria abundance. In conclusion a low FODMAPs diet can modify Bifidobacterium abundance and can improve abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence and bloating in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Lower Physical Activity and Inadequate Dietary Intake are Risk Factors for Fatty Liver in Free‐Living Adults
Authors: Burini Roberto Carlos , Vilches Gabriel Nogueira , Ramos Fernanda Maria Manzini , Kano Hugo Tadashi
Published: November 2023

RATIONALE

Fatty liver is the most frequent liver disease in western countries and obesity and its complications, especially type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia, are likely to be the main responsible of the current epidemic of non‐alcoholic fatty‐liver disease(NAFLD).

PURPOSE

To characterize the behavioral effects (diet and physical activity) on the presence or absence of NAFLD in free‐living adults.

METHODS

The lifestyle changing program “Mexa‐se Pró‐Saúde [Move for Health]” is a community based project with spontaneous access to adults (>35 yrs old) from both genders that come to the clinic for preventive health examination and further interventions including nutrition re‐education, supervised physical exercise and other lifestyle factors. The present study used the baseline data from 995 participants (from the years of 2005 to 2016) screened for physical activity level (IPAQ version 8 ‐ long form), dietary intake (24‐hour dietary recall and Healthy Eating Index‐HEI calculation), anthropometrics, cardio‐respiratory capacity (Balke's treadmill protocol) clinical and fasting‐plasma biochemistry. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed following the NCEP‐ATP III criteria. The algorithm based on BMI, waist circumference (WC), triglycerides and GGT was used to develop the “fatty liver index” (FLI), which varies between 0 and 100 with a FLI ≥ 60 ruling out the fatty liver. The statistics comparisons were performed (for p<0.05) using SAS, version 9.2.

RESULTS

The sample composition was 54.6±11 yrs. old, 80.2% females, 45.5% obese, 69.8% abnormal WC and 52.8% FLI>60. The high FLI group presented higher prevalence of MetS (78.4%), insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR 5.60±2.90), pro‐inflammatory (us‐CRP 0.57±0.18 mg/dL) and pro‐oxidant (MDA 0.89±0.20 μmol/L) states. This group showed also lower VO2 max. (30.0±3.10 mL O2/kg/min.) and higher food‐energy intake in its fat components (PUFA, MUFA, SFA, cholesterol and oil servings) but without differences on either protein (and dairy) or CHO intake. The diet quality (HEI) was poor in both FLI groups similarly for ingested fruits, legumes and dietary variety. However, the high FLI diet‐pattern was probably more processed according to their values of lower fiber intake (11.2±9.30 g/day) and higher ratio values of CHO/fiber(19.9±7.20) and sodium/potassium(1.14±0.49).

CONCLUSION

The subjects with high FLI found in this high prevalent body/abdominal obese sample, presented MetS and its comorbidities in association with unhealthy lifestyle of low physical activity and inadequate dietary composition.

Support or Funding Information

Support CNPq, CAPES and FAPESP
Consistency of Adherence to a Vegan Diet on Acid‐Base Balance: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Omnivore College Students
Authors: Johnston Carol , Cosgrove Kelly
Published: November 2023

Much research has focused on the health benefits of vegetarian diets. Generally, vegetarian diets are low in cholesterol and saturated fat and high in fiber and phytochemicals, diet characteristics linked to low risk for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. The high fruit and vegetable intake paired with the absence of flesh foods also affords vegetarian diets an alkalizing effect in comparison to omnivorous diets, a property related to healthy metabolic profiles in terms of insulin sensitivity, hepatic function, and cardiometabolic risk. Although it is well documented that vegetarian diets, particularly vegan diets, are linked to low dietary acid loads, these diets are difficult to sustain for extended periods and <3% of Americans are reportedly vegetarian. No research has been published that describes how consistently one must follow a vegan diet to impact in vivo acid‐base balance and nutrient intake profiles. This study compared the change in dietary acid load and urine pH of university students following a vegan diet for either seven (VEG7, n=8), three (VEG3, n=8), or two (VEG2, n=7) days over one week. Gender, age, and body mass index did not differ between groups (overall: 21.8±2.4 y and 24.4±5.6 kg/m2). Following the 1‐wk intervention, outcome measures did not vary between the VEG2 and VEG3 groups, and these groups were collapsed for the final analyses (VEG2+3). The 24‐h urine pH was raised after seven consistent days of vegan diet adherence (+0.52±0.69 units) and was unchanged after 2–3 days of vegan diet adherence over the course of a week (−0.02±0.56 units), and these changes differed significantly between groups (p=0.048). Seven consistent days of vegan diet adherence reduced the average daily dietary cholesterol intake by 156.4±115.5 mg compared to a 92.3±144.9 mg reduction for individuals adhering to a vegan diet 2 or 3 days per week (p<0.001). Fiber and sodium intakes tended to improve to a greater degree in the VEG7 group in comparison to the VEG2+3 group, but these differences did not achieve statistical significance (0.05<p<0.10). There were no differences for the change in daily energy intakes or daily fat intakes between groups during the 1‐week intervention. Thus, there were measurable health benefits for omnivores who adhered to a vegan diet for seven consecutive days that were not observed in omnivores who adhered to a vegan diet 2 or 3 days per week.

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Research Support: Graduate and Professional Student Association, Arizona State University
Effectiveness of Cereals and Soy Protein‐Based Formulas on Health Status of Young Children with Acute Diarrhea
Authors: Ismail Mohamed Saleh , Hussein Essam Abdelhafez , El Mougi Mahmoud Taher , Mahgoub Saad Aziz
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to compare the effects of three powder formulas based on rice, wheat, and barley on health status of young children with acute diarrhea. Three powder formulas were prepared; first formula (PRF) based on parboiled brown rice (30%) and hibiscus (5%); second formula (GWF) based on germinated wheat (30%) and chicory (5%); and 3rd formula (GBF) based on germinated barely (30%) and purslane (5%). The three formulas contained the same amounts from other food ingredients. This study carried out on 48 hospitalized children with acute diarrhea from Bab El Shaareya University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. All children with inclusion criteria including age <36 months, acute diarrhea for 3 days, and mild dehydration were enrolled in the study. The children were classified into four groups (12 each) all of them received routine treatment in addition to suggested formula (160 g/day) except for control group who received routine treatment only. Blood samples for determination of complete blood picture, albumin, total protein, sodium, potassium and total solids were collected at baseline and after intervention. Also, consistency and frequency of stools were recorded every 3hrs. The results showed that failure to thrive was predominant among all studied children. The recovery from infections was faster in wheat group than other groups, also the recovery from diarrhea among wheat group was significantly the fastest than control and other groups (6.7±1.32 vs. 9.3±3.2, 8.1±2.57, and 8.1±3.85 days respectively). In conclusion, wheat based formula had the greatest and fastest effect on infection and diarrhea parameters among young children.
Effect of a combination of functional foods (nopal, oat, chía seed and inulin) on the gut microbiota of subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Medina‐Vera Isabel , Sanchez‐Tood Monica , Aguilar‐López Miriam , Guevara‐Cruz Martha , Flores‐López Adriana , Tovar Armando R , Torres Nimbe
Published: November 2023

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a major health problem worldwide. It has been shown that subjects with T2D present dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota. Functional foods can be considered as dietary strategy to the control of some chronic diseases related to nutrition. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the combination of functional foods (FF) (nopal, oats, chia seed and inulin) on biochemical parameters and changes in the gut microbiota. A double‐blind randomized clinical trial compared to placebo was performed. The intervention with FF was accompanied by an eating plan according to the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association by 3 months. Blood and feces samples were collected before and after the dietary intervention. DNA from feces was extracted for 16S ribosomal gene sequencing using the MiSeq plataform. The results of the present study showed that the T2D gut microbiota was significantly different from healthy subjects. The predominant species in T2D subjects were Helicobacter apodemus, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides plebeius, Colinsella erofaciens and Muciprillum schaedleri, and there was a reduction of species such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacter prausnitzii compared to healthy subjects. After the intervention with functional foods (FF), we observed a significant increase in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (placebo 14% vs FF 42%), R bromi (placebo 45% vs FF 562%), and a reduction in B uniformis (placebo −22.7 vs FF −45.3%). Finally, there was a significant reduction in serum glucose triglycerides, lipopolysaccharide, and HbA1c in T2D subjects that consumed FF with respect to the placebo group.

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Grant CONACYT 261079 (to NT).
Eight Week Dietary Intervention of The Effect of Pecans on Cardio‐Metabolic Parameters: Body Composition
Authors: Huebner Grace , Swope Dana , Brannan Rebecca , McCormick Samuel , Morgan‐Bathke Maria , Gibson Karen
Published: November 2023

The number of individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise in the United States. If poorly managed, T2DM can lead to loss of limbs, blindness, chronic kidney disease, neuropathy and other critical conditions. Previous studies have shown that diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAS) can be a method for managing blood glucose, triglycerides and body composition. Managing these three parameters can prevent T2DM in adults. In this study, the effect of adding 1.5oz of pecans, which are rich in MUFAs, into an individual's daily diet for eight weeks was evaluated to determine the effect of pecans on body composition. Visceral body fat, waist to hip ratio (WHR), BMI and total body fat percentage measurements were completed both pre‐ and post‐intervention on 10 subjects (1 Male). WHR was looked at because having a high WHR (being upper body obese) correlates to increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Pre‐intervention measurements showed that there was no significant difference between age, WHR, body fat percentage or visceral body fat. The mean age in the control group was 55.5 and in the pecan group was 54.7 (p = 0.9), mean BMI was 35.6 and 32.3 respectively (p = 0.5), the mean WHR was .91 and .89 (p = 0.8), the mean body fat percentage was 50.5% and 46% (p = 0.5), and the mean visceral body fat was 201.5cm2 and 187cm2 (p = 0.8). After the eight‐week dietary intervention experimental parameters were re‐measured. Post‐intervention measurements showed no significant difference between BMI (p = 0.96), WHR (p = 0.7), visceral fat (p = 0.85), and body fat percentage (p = 0.35) in the control group compared to baseline values. Similarly, we found no difference in BMI (p = 0.99), WHR (p = 0.64), visceral fat (p = 0.99) and body fat percentage (p = 0.99) for the pecan group post‐intervention when compared to baseline values. There was also no significant difference post‐intervention between the 2 groups in BMI (p = 0.51), WHR (p = 0.39), visceral fat (p = 0.63) and body fat percentage (p = 0.63). In conclusion, an eight‐week dietary intervention of pecans does not alter body composition in pre‐diabetic individuals. This may be due to the fact that many of the participants have poor dietary habits and solely adding pecans is not sufficient enough to alter the effects of poor dietary intake. In addition, the dietary intervention of pecans may need to be extended to observe a significant change in body composition.

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Texas Pecan Growers

Viterbo University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Long‐term dietary EPA or DHA supplementation do not ameliorate obesity but improve glucose homeostasis via gut‐adipose axis in already obese mice
Authors: Zhuang Pan , Wang Wenqiao , Zhang Yu , Jiao Jingjing
Published: November 2023

Obesity has reached pandemic levels and brought increased epidemic of obesity‐related metabolic disorders. Numerous works have reported the preventive effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on the development of obesity. But it is still unclear how omega‐3 fatty acids improve the obesity‐driven homeostatic imbalance. Here we investigated the biological effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n3) from long‐term dietary intake on lipid, glucose and energy homeostasis in high‐fat‐diet (HFD) induced obese (DIO) mice. Four‐week‐old C57Bl/6 mice were fed with high‐fat‐diets (HFD; 45% fat) for 10 weeks to introduce obesity. The HFD fed mice were then trisected and fed with DHA or EPA enriched HFD (HFD+DHA or HFD+EPA; 1% wt/wt) or HFD for 15 weeks. DHA or EPA supplementation did not significantly change the bodyweight of mice (HFD+DHA or HFD+EPA vs HFD). Nonetheless, DHA supplementation significantly reduced subcutaneous fat in male mice and both DHA and EPA lowered liver weight in female mice. Interestingly, DHA or EPA administration improved hypercholesterolemia but aggravated hypertriglyceridemia. Importantly, DHA or EPA administration reversed HFD‐induced gut dysbiosis and maintained mucosal thickness followed by alleviated metabolic endotoxemia. Notably, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production was not affected whereas circulating serotonin was significantly increased in DHA or EPA‐fed mice. In addition, DHA or EPA ameliorated glucose tolerance and insulin resistance through the up‐regulation of Glut4 and phosphorylation of Akt in adipose tissue. Micro‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (micro‐PET/CT) analysis showed that DHA or EPA administration promoted thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue in both male and female mice. Though oxygen consumption was not affected, DHA or EPA significantly lowered the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of DIO mice, suggesting enhanced lipid mobilization. In conclusion, these findings reveal the effects of DHA and EPA on obesity‐driven imbalance of lipid, glucose and energy homeostasis and further clinical investigations are warranted to formulate recommendations of DHA and EPA intakes for obese subjects.