bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher direct bilirubin levels during the second trimester of pregnancy is associated with lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Chaoqun , Zhong Chunrong , Zhou Xuezhen , Chen Renjuan , Yang Hongying , Xiao Mei , Yang Nianhong
Published: November 2023

Background

Bilirubin concentrations have been recently reported to be negatively associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined the association between bilirubin concentrations and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

In a prospective cohort study (Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort, TMCHC), 1739 pregnant women were recruited prior to 16 weeks of gestation and were followed up until delivery. The value of bilirubin was tested and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted to screen GDM. The relationship between serum total bilirubin (TB) concentration and gestational weeks was studied by two‐piecewise linear regression. A subsample of 822 participants with serum bilirubin test during 12 to 22 weeks gestation was conducted to research the association between serum bilirubin levels and risk of GDM by multiple linear regressions and logistic regression.

Results

GDM developed in 9.9% of the participants (172 of 1793). A nonlinear relationship between serum total bilirubin and the gestational week was exhibited through the scatterplot smoothing after adjusted for BMI, age supplements intake, sleep quality, smoking, and alcohol intake. Two‐piecewise linear regression analyses demonstrated threshold effect between serum total bilirubin and the gestational week from 2493 tests of 1739 participants. Serum total bilirubin levels decreased with gestational week up to the turning point 25.6 (β=−0.008, p<0.001). When the gestational weeks exceeded 25.6, TB level was increased slightly (β=0.002, p=0.004).

The unadjusted logistic regression analysis indicate that the risk for the development of GDM was lower in the highest tertile of serum direct bilirubin concentrations than that in the lowest tertile (RR, 0.64; 95%CI, 0.44 to 0.95). After adjusting for BMI and age, the RR remains 0.66 ( 95%CI, 0.44 to 0.97). After further adjusting for SBP, DBP, smoking, alcohol intake, sleep quality, and family history of diabetes, hypertension and obesity, the RR was 0.65 ( 95%CI, 0.44 to 0.96). Serum total and indirect bilirubin levels were slightly association with the incidence of GDM. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, highest tertile of serum total bilirubin concentrations has lower risk for the development of GDM than the lowest (RR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.73 to 1.03). After adjusted for BMI, age and other confounders, the RR was 0.88 (95%CI, 0.70 to 1.12).

Conclusions

The results suggested that higher maternal serum direct bilirubin during second trimester of pregnancy could be a protective factor for the development of GDM later.

Support or Funding Information

National Program on Basic Research Project of China: NO.2013FY114200
The thyroid hormone T4 improve antioxidant capability and regulate type II and type III deiodinase activity in MIN6 cell in vitro culture
Authors: Tang Xue , Wang Fei , Le Guowei , Shi Yonghui
Published: November 2023

The objective of our study is to analyze whether thyroxine (T4) could maintain the redox homeostasis and insulin secretion function of pancreatic β cells under H2O2‐induced oxidative stress. MIN6 cells were treated with/without H2O2 (200μM) for 6h and exposed to T4 (10−5M, 10−6M and 10−7M) for 48 h. Viable cells were harvested, and dichloro‐dihydro‐fluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) level; glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) ratio, total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and malandialdehyde (MDA) level were assayed with the appropriate test kits; cell viability was determined by MTT assay; the activity of type II and type III deiodinase (D2 and D3), conversation rate of T4 to T3 and insulin secretion were also measured in the present study. The results showed that H2O2 induced ROS production and cell death, and induced adverse affects in relation to antioxidant defense systems and insulin secretion. These changes were restored by T4 incubation in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, T4 increased the conversation rate of T4 to T3 by regulating D2 and D3 activity. These findings indicates that protective effects of T4 on redox homeostasis and insulin secretion may be related about its role in regulating the antioxidant capacity and D2 and D3 activity.

Support or Funding Information

The present study was supported by the 12th Five‐Year Plan for for Science and Technology Development (No. 2012BAD33B05)
INTRAUTERINE THERAPY OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION
Authors: Gumus Hatice Gulcin , Illa Miriam , Pla Laura , Crispi Fatima , Gratacos Eduard
Published: November 2023

Background

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the most prevalent causes of fetal mortality and fetal morbidity, affecting up to 10% of all births and it is associated with increased risk of neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. Even though numerous studies intended to find a therapy for IUGR, no standard therapy for IUGR has been established so far.

Objective

To examine the effect of an intrauterine nutritional therapy in the IUGR rabbit model in terms of survival and birth weight.

Methods

IUGR was surgically induced in pregnant rabbits (n=16) at gestational age 25 by ligating 40–50%of uteroplacental vessels of each gestational sac in both uterine horns. At the same moment, fetal injections of Total Parenteral Nutrition solution (TPN) was administered into the amniotic sac of IUGR fetuses (n=90) in one horn, whereas sham injection was performed in the contralateral horn (n=86). Five days after, a cesarean section was performed obtaining treated and non‐treated IUGR animals.

Results

Survival rate of treated IUGR animals were significantly higher than the non‐treated IUGR animals (61.5% and 41.9% respectively, p=0.013). Birth weight were similar between groups (38.4 g ± 9.3 SD vs. 36.2 g ± 8.5 SD, p=0.49, treated vs. non‐treated IUGR respectively,).

Conclusion

Our data suggests that TPN solution directly administrated to the IUGR animals at the time of IUGR induction could increases the survival rate, with no difference in birth weight. Further studies are needed in order to confirm the results and try to fully evaluate the potential benefits of such strategy in promoting fetal survival.

Support or Funding Information

This study was partly supported by grants from Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (ref. SAF2012‐37196); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ref. (PI12/00851) integrado en el Plan Nacional de I+D+I y cofinanciado por el ISCIII‐Subdirección General de Evaluación y el Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) “Otra manera de hacer Europa”; Obra Social “la Caixa” (Barcelona, Spain); and AGAUR 2014 SGR grant n&[ordm] 928 (Barcelona, Spain). HGG has also been funded with support of the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union (Framework Agreement number: 2013‐0040). This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Impact of High‐Flavanol and High‐Theobromine Chocolate Consumption on Lipid Profile in Women at Risk of Preeclampsia: a Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lebel Élise Lavoie , Leblanc Vicky , Giguère Yves , Babar Asma , Marc Isabelle , Lemieux Simone , Belkacem Abdous , Bujold Emmanuel , Sidi Elhadji Anassour Laouan , Bazinet Laurent , Dodin Sylvie
Published: November 2023

Despite discrepancy among results in the literature, flavanol‐rich chocolate consumption during pregnancy could have beneficial effects on the risk of preeclampsia (PE) through improvement of blood pressure and endothelial function. Theobromine, a major constituent of dark chocolate, also possesses vasodilatation properties. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the effect of high‐flavanol and high‐theobromine chocolate consumption on lipid profile in pregnant women at risk of PE.

Objective

To assess the impact of high‐flavanol and high‐theobromine chocolate consumption on lipid profile in pregnant women at risk of PE.

Methods

A single‐center randomized controlled trial was conducted in women with singleton pregnancy between 11 and 14 weeks gestation. Uterine artery Doppler was performed and women with bilateral diastolic notches and either a uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) >95th percentile on one side and/or bilateral PI>50th percentile were considered as potentially eligible for randomization. A total of 131 pregnant women were randomly assigned to either high‐flavanol, high theobromine (HFHT) or low‐flavanol, low‐theobromine (LFLT) chocolate groups. Women had to consume a total of 30 g of chocolate on a daily basis for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples and anthropometric variables were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks.

Results

A significant group by time interaction was observed for triglyceride concentrations (p=0.006), with a more pronounced increase in the LFLT group (increases of 0.6 mmol/L in HFHT versus 0.8 mmol/L in LFLT). Significant time effects were observed in total‐C, LDL‐C, HDL‐C and total‐C on HDL‐C ratio (p< 0.0001), with similar increases in both HFHT and LFLT chocolate groups. A significant group by time interaction was noted for body weight (p=0.03), with a greater weight gain in the HFHT group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that consumption of HFHT chocolate could have beneficial effects on triglyceride concentrations in pregnant women at risk of PE.

Support or Funding Information

This research project was supported by Canadian Institute of Health Research by the Jeanne and Jean‐Louis Lévesque Perinatal Research Chair at Laval University.
Nutrition Label Training among College Students: A Novel Approach
Authors: Miller Lisa Soederberg , Sutter Carolyn , Applegate Elizabeth , Wilson Machelle , Beckett Laurel , Gibson Tanja
Published: November 2023

College years represent an important developmental period in which young adults learn how to make dietary choices independent of parents and guardians. Nutrition labels are a potentially important tool for navigating these choices within the context of broader food literacy skills. However, many college students do not regularly use labels and may be unprepared to interpret information in nutrition labels. Moreover, we know surprisingly little about the modifiability of nutrition label reading skills in college students.

In the present study, we trained 140 college students (ages 18–29, 61% female, with an average of 14.6 years of education) on a nutrition label task to determine whether accuracy of healthfulness decisions could be increased with practice. Our approach incorporated three components which are well‐supported in the cognitive science literature on skill development: prior information, practice, and accuracy feedback. We manipulated the content of a brief tutorial prior to label training to determine whether training may be more effective among those who receive background information on nutrition in addition to background information on nutrition labels (longer) relative to those who receive background information on only the nutrition label information (shorter). The practice component centered on three practice blocks of nutrition label comparisons. Students compared two nutrition labels, presented side‐by‐side on a computer screen, to determine which was more healthful. Feedback was presented after each comparison, as well as at the end of each block of 24 comparisons.

Results showed that accuracy in comparing nutrition labels increased across blocks, with greater increases for students who received the longer relative to shorter tutorial. Accuracy was highest for comparisons with to‐be‐limited nutrient changes and for comparisons without distracting counter changes. Speed in completing blocks also increased with practice. In conclusion, following a brief tutorial, college students increased the accuracy and efficiency with which they used nutrition labels to evaluate healthfulness in one practice session. Future work is needed to determine if greater efficiency can continue to improve with additional training, and in the long‐term, translate into more healthful food choices.

Support or Funding Information

National Institutes of Health (NIH), R01CA159447 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), #UL1 TR000002
Stress, Shift Duty and Eating Behavior among Nurses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: ALMAJWAL ALI M
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Stress and shift work are both factors that influence nurses’ eating behavior. This study investigated the association between stress, shift work and change in eating behavior among non‐Saudi female nurses working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Methods

A sample of 395 non‐Saudi female nurses from two major hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia participated in this cross sectional study. The nurses completed a questionnaire from November 2013 through January 2014 that included items relating to stress and eating behavior using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). The questionnaire also contained items pertaining to socio‐demographic data, body mass index (BMI), shift work and hours worked per week.

Results

For all eating styles, stress and shift duty influenced the amount of food nurses consumed, but was more significant under a restrained eating style. Under this eating style, a significantly higher percentage of nurses reported eating more fast food, snacks and binging, while fruits and vegetables were the least likely to be eaten under stress. High stressed nurses were more likely to present with abnormal restrained eating (Or = 1.52, p=0.004), emotional (OR = 1.24; p=0.001) and external (OR = 1.21; p=0.001) DEBQ scores. Working nighttime shift duty was positively associated with restrained eating (OR = 1.53; p=0.029); and emotional eating (OR=1.24; 0.001), but negatively associated with external eating (OR=0.45; p=0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that stress and shift duty were associated with eating habits.

Support or Funding Information

Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia ‐ Research Group Project number 193
Morphometry of the right central sulcus and its possible clinical correlations
Authors: Camara Eduardo Poletti , de Souza Pinto Antonio José Assis Xavier , Tavares Marcelo Rodrigo , Fazan Valéria Paula Sassoli , Castro Renato Ortolani Marcondes , Guimarāes Matheus Donnard
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The right central sulcus separates the parietal right of frontal lobe. It is flanked by two parallel spins, an earlier, pre‐central gyrus, and a later, post‐central gyrus. Also called central right fissure, it was originally called the right Rolando fissure or right rolandic fissure, named after Luigi Rolando.

Objective

To carry out the morphometry of the amplitude of the right central sulcus looking for a standardization of its measurement and its possible relevant clinical relations.

Materials and Methods

The authors conducted morphometry of the right central sulcus through manual caliper in 30 human brains (n = 30), of the anatomical center I at University José do Rosário Vellano (Alfenas‐MG), set by local conservation methods. The pictures were taken with a camera of 8 MP and a resolution of 3264 × 2448 pixel.

Results

it was found that there was a predominance of the 64 mm full amplitude value to the right of the central sulcus, corresponding for 20% incidence.

Conclusion

The study aims to carry out the standardization of the measurement of the right central sulcus and its prevalence rate in human brains of the population, it was hypothesized a possible change of morphology in the right central sulcus of individuals who have experienced trauma. Since the demand for ancient corpses guess necropsy, which generally evidenced brain injury trauma of the ptérion region affecting the middle meningeal artery, accompanied by pressure intracranial increased, subdural hematoma and compression of parietal and frontal lobe, affecting both the portion motor and sensory.
Sodium in the Retail and Restaurant Food Environment – Guam, 2015
Authors: Jackson Sandra L , VanFrank Brenna K , Lundeen Elizabeth A , Harmon Brittani , Uncangco Alyssa , King Sallyann Coleman , Cogswell Mary E
Published: November 2023

Objective

Compared to the United States overall, Guamhas higher mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. Excess sodium intake can increase blood pressure and CVD risk. Recognizing that the nutrition environment may be contributing to CVD burden, the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services conducted a nutrition environment assessment to determine the availability and promotion of lower‐sodium options in retail and restaurant environments.

Design

The assessment, conducted in September 2015, used previously validated tools adapted to include sodium measures and local foods. Stores (n=114) and restaurants (n=63) were randomly sampled from each of three regions (North, Central, South) for assessment and available managers were interviewed. Nine commonly available products were assessed to determine availability of lower‐ and regular‐sodium options in stores. Restaurant managers were asked about their perceptions of supports and barriers for offering lower‐sodium foods. Assessments with complete data for sodium measures were included (100 stores, 62restaurants, and 31 restaurant manager interviews). Analyses, including univariate and bivariate statistics, were weighted to account for the disproportionate stratified sampling design.

Results

Of the products selected for assessment, fewer lower‐sodium versus regular‐sodium options were offered in stores (p<0.001). Small stores (1 cash register) were less likely than large stores (≥ 2 cash registers) to offer lower‐sodium choices, such as reduced sodium soy sauce (p<0.001) or hot dogs (p<0.001). In stores offering both options, reduced sodium soy sauce cost more than regular soy sauce (p<0.001). No surveyed restaurants promoted sodium reduction in displays or table tents (0%) and few posted sodium information at the point‐of‐purchase (3%), identified lower‐sodium menu items (1%), or had salt‐substitute shakers (7%) or reduced sodium soy sauce bottles (3%) on tables. However, 65% of restaurant managers surveyed were aware and supportive of efforts to reduce sodium intake in Guam.

Conclusions

Improving the availability and promotion of lower‐sodium foods in stores and restaurants could support healthier eating in Guam.
Synergistic Effects of Retromer Deficiency and High Fat Diet on Mouse Cognitive Function
Authors: Erion Joanna Ruth , Tang Fu‐Lei , Mei Lin , Xiong Wen‐Cheng
Published: November 2023

The retromer complex plays a critical role in endosome to trans‐Golgi retrieval of various transmembrane proteins. Vacuolar protein sorting‐associated protein 35 (VPS35), a critical component of the retromer cargo‐recognition subunit, has been implicated in neurodegenerative disease pathology. Our lab has previously shown that VPS35 deficiency exacerbates Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology in a mouse model of AD. As high fat diet consumption and metabolic syndrome are risk factors for neurodegenerative pathology and impaired cognitive function, we investigated if there is any synergistic effect between VPS35‐deficiency and dietary risk factors on AD‐relevant neuropathology. VPS35+/m mice were fed either standard control diet or high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Weight gain, fasting glucose, and glucose metabolism were measured weekly. VPS35 deficiency was found to alter glucose metabolism at an early age but to have no long‐term effect on glucose metabolism. HFD was found to extend the time frame of this effect by one week. To investigate synergistic effects on cognitive function, VPS35+/m mice were subjected to behavioral analysis following 10–12 weeks of control or HFD. A combined effect of VPS35 deficiency and HFD was observed in some, but not all, behavioral paradigms examined. Future studies will be necessary to identify the differential effects of VPS35 deficiency on cognitive function, which brain regions might most be affected by VPS35 deficiency following HFD, and the molecular nature of their synergistic effect.

Support or Funding Information

Support & funding provided by: Augusta University, Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine; Medical College of Georgia, Department of Neurology; National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
Novel Form of Curcumin Improves Endothelial Function in Young, Healthy Individuals
Authors: Oliver Jonathan Michael , Caldwell Aaron , Sanders Elizabeth , Rowlands David , Purpura Martin , Jäger Ralf
Published: November 2023

It is known that endothelial dysfunction (ED) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED can be measured as a decreased flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) response, using occlusion and subsequent dilation response of the brachial artery. Increased levels of inflammatory molecules contribute to ED, and increase CVD. Curcumin, a highly pleiotropic molecule, interacts with multiple inflammatory pathways primarily by inhibiting the IκB Kinase (IKK) signaling complex thereby preventing the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). However, poor solubility and rapid metabolism may limit benefits. CurcuWIN®, a novel curcumin formulation containing 20% curcuminoids (CUR), resulted in 45.9 fold greater absorption over standard curcumin. This current study sought to examine the effect of differing doses of a novel form of curcumin on FMD. Fifty‐nine moderately trained men (n=30; 21±2 years; 173.8±20.0 cm; 79.4±11.0 kg) and women (n=29; 21±2 years; 164.9±6.5 cm; 60.1±8.0 kg) were randomly assigned to ingest 50 mg CUR (in the form of 250 mg CurcuWIN®), 200 mg CUR (in the form of 1000 mg CurcuWIN®), or placebo (PLA) for eight weeks in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo controlled parallel design. ANOVA and paired t‐tests were used to examine differences followed by magnitude based inference. Subsequently, a subset analyses was performed on subjects with a baseline FMD ≤7%. An improvement of magnitude (Effect size [ES] = 0.67) of FMD was observed in those receiving 200mg CUR (Pre, 7.6±3.2%; Post, ↑10.4±3.5%; p=0.011). FMD improvement (↑2.8±3.3%) was beneficial compared to PLA (↓−0.8±5.4%; p=0.020). No change was observed in those receiving 50MG CUR (Pre, 8.2±3.3%; Post, ↑9.1±2.7%; p=0.405). Twenty‐five (PLA, n=8; 50MG, n=7; 200MG, n=10) had baseline FMD <7%. Supplementation resulted in improvement of very large magnitude (ES > 2.0) in those receiving 50MG (Pre, 4.9±1.4%; Post, 8.1±1.6%; p=0.029) and 200MG (Pre, 5.2±1.1%; Post, ↑8.9±3.5%; p=0.005). These data demonstrate 200mg CUR improves FMD (endothelial function) in healthy young subjects. Further, in those with baseline FMD ≤7% FMD (at risk) 50mg CUR and 200mg CUR improves endothelial function. Given every 1% increase in FMD reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 9–17%; further research in clinical populations is recommended to clarify the true nature of the effect and potential mechanism(s).

Support or Funding Information

OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd. Mumbai, India
The protective effect of Aplysin on ethanol‐induced liver damage via modulation of liver Kupffer cell function and altered intestinal flora in rats
Authors: Liang Hui , Liu Yin , Wang Wencheng , Su Ai , Ge Na , Zhang Hua‐qi , Han Lei
Published: November 2023

Aplysin, a member of the bromine‐sesquiterpene compounds family, was mainly extracted from red alga Laurencia tristicha. This study aimed to explore the effects of Aplysin on rat liver, intestine, Kupffer cells and intestinal flora in rats exposed to alcohol. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, ethanol‐model group, and Aplysin‐treated group. Except control group, rats were exposed to ethanol at dose of 6 g/kg/d for first four weeks, then 8 g/kg/d for last four weeks. One hour after that, Aplysin‐treated group was given oral administration of Aplysin at 150 mg/kg/bw on a daily basis. After 8 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and liver and intestine were collected for histological and biochemical assessments, plasma was collected for endotoxin level measurement with commercial kit, primary rat Kupffer cell cultures were established for measuring expression of CD14, TLR4 and NF‐kB using RT‐PCR and production of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in liver Kupffer cells using ELISA. Fecal samples were collected for quantitative analysis of intestinal floras. We found that Aplysin reduced the alcohol‐induced hepatic and intestinal histopathological changes and plasma endotoxin levels, and also suppressed the elevation of biomarkers for liver damage (AST, ALT, ALP, CHE and GGT). In primary Kupffer cell cultures, asplysin significantly decreased expression of CD14, TLR4, and NF‐kB as well as production of TNF‐α and IL‐1β. In addition, Aplysin significantly affected the changes in intestinal floras, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. In conclusion, Aplysin exerted potent liver‐protective effect, which is associated with modulation of Kupffer cells function and altered intestinal flora.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by Grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No.81573137) and Dietary Nutrition Research and Education Foundation of Danone Nutrition Center (No. DIC2014‐03)
Protective Effect of Quercetin against Visible Light‐Induced Retinal Degeneration in Vivo
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhou Feng , Zhao Liang , Lu Feng , Yang Xue , Ji Baoping
Published: November 2023

Quercetin is a major polyphenols in fruits and vegetables and a potential nutritional supplement for preventing retinal degeneration. The protective effects of quercetin against retinal photooxidative damage in vivo are investigated in this study. Pigmented rabbits were orally administered quercetin at the dose of 0.11 mmol/kg/day for 3 weeks. Electroretinography, histological analysis, and TUNEL assay were performed 7 days after light exposure (18000 lx for 2 h), which showed that quercetin attenuated retinal cell apoptosis. The expression of oxidative stress markers (4‐hydroxynonenal, 3‐nitrotyrosine and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine) were up‐regulated after light exposure but attenuated by quercetin. Quercetin attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (cyclooxygenase 2, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1 β and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1). Quercetin also attenuated the visible light‐induced changes on certain apoptotic proteins (caspase‐3, Bax and Bcl‐2) and the expression of angiogenesis‐related cytokines (vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukine‐8 and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α). The results suggest that quercetin exhibited protective effects against light‐induced retinal degeneration by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Quercetin also attenuated the photooxidation‐induced apoptosis and angiogenesis in the retina.
Model Fermentation of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) can Produce Similar Microbial and Chemical Quality of Cocoa Compared to Conventional On‐Farm Cocoa Fermentation
Authors: Lee Andrew H , Steger Daniel , Neilson Andrew P , O'keefe Sean F , Ogejo Jactone Arogo , Stewart Amanda C
Published: November 2023

Polyphenols in cocoa beans contribute from 12 to 18% dry weight of the whole bean. The major constituent polyphenols in cocoa are catechins (37%), procyanidins (58%) and anthocyanins (4%). Despite the high content of polyphenols in cocoa, cocoa processing including fermentation significantly affects the composition and concentration of polyphenols. Study of cocoa fermentation at the laboratory scale is challenging since industrial cocoa fermentation requires at least 25 kg of fresh wet beans to achieve the proper conditions for fermentation. In this study, dried unfermented cocoa bean and a simulated pulp were used as substrate for laboratory scale fermentation. Microbial and chemical characteristics were monitored over the course of fermentation. Commercially available dried unfermented cocoa bean was first rehydrated with water and then mixed with simulated pulp media developed to ensure the growth of yeast, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria, the essential microorganisms for cocoa fermentation. A temperature profile similar to on‐farm cocoa fermentation was acheived using a laboratory incubator. Aeration by shaking the fermentation box at 150 rpm promoted growth of acetic acid bacteria. As a result, internal pH of the cocoa bean decreased from pH 5.73 to pH 4.8 over 7 days of fermentation. By using selective and differential media, yeast growth reached 5.28 × 108 CFU/ml at day 4 and anaerobic bacteria was detected from day 1 and reached the highest concentration of 3.16 × 109 CFU/ml at day 4. Aerobic bacteria was also detected from day 1 and increased gradually to reach a maximum of 2.29 × 109 CFU/ml at day 4. Total concentration of procyanidin (mean ± STDEV) in fermented cocoa bean was analyzed using 4‐Dimethylaminocinnemaldehyde (DMAC) method. Total procyanidin decreased by 64% from day 0 to day 7 (day 0: 0.19 ± 0.01 g procyanidin B2 equivalents/g cocoa extract, day 7: 0.07 ± 0.01 g procyanidin B2 equivalents/g cocoa extract). Folin‐Ciocalteu colorimetric method was performed to determine the total polyphenol content (mean ± STDEV) during fermentation and a 33% decrease was observed from day 0 to day 7 (day 0: 3.63 ± 0.2 g gallic acid equivalents/g cocoa extract, day 7: 2.45 ± 0.2 g gallic acid equivalents/g cocoa extract). The cocoa fermentation model developed in this study will be further employed to evaluate the effect of fermentation conditions on concentration and composition of bioactive compounds and bioactivity thereof in cocoa.

Support or Funding Information

Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station salary and startup support for A. Stewart
Mechanism of Anti‐aging and Oxidative Stress Regulation Effect by Marine Fish oil and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid
Authors: ZHANG YU , CHEN JINGNAN , JIAO JINGJING
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the mechanism of anti‐aging effect by marine fish oil and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and to expand a novel function for fish oil based nutrition food. Based on the D‐galactose‐induced aging mice model, the anti‐aging effect of fish oil abundant in n−3 and n−6 PUFA, docosahexenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were investigated while vitamin E was considered as the positive control. The state of in vivo redox and oxidative stress was evaluated in low, moderate and high dose groups for each sample after 8‐week oral gavage administration. Results indicated that (i) the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was improved by 5%–50% in liver and 20%–60% in heart via the effect of both fish oil and PUFA monomers while the SOD activity could also be increased by 30% in brain via the effect of fish oil only (P<0.05); (ii) the 8‐isoprostane (8‐iso‐PGF2) level in plasma was reduced by 20%–80% (P<0.05); (iii) the malonaldehyde (MDA) level and the monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in brain were reduced by 16%–60% and 50%–90%, respectively (P<0.05); and (iv) the catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities in liver and serum were both significantly improved in some of groups. Further study showed that the anti‐aging effect of fish oil is superior to the effect of PUFA monomers. The n−6 PUFA induced nutritional response in various tissues was more sensitive than n−3 PUFA induced response. The anti‐aging effect of PUFA should be comprehensively considered by both own positive functionality and negative non‐safety of peroxidation products. Overall, marine fish oil and PUFA exert their anti‐aging effect via regulating in vivo redox state and oxidative stress level.

Support or Funding Information

National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 31201307)
Dairy milk microRNAs resist in vitro digestion in a gastro‐intestinal tract model
Authors: Benmoussa abderrahim , Lee Chan Ho Chris , Laffont Benoit , Savard Patricia , Boilard Eric , Gilbert Caroline , Fliss Ismaïl , Provost Patrick
Published: November 2023

MicroRNAs are small, gene regulatory non‐coding RNA species that are present in large amounts in milk where they seem to be protected against degradative conditions, presumably because of their association with exosomes. We monitored the relative stability of commercial dairy milk microRNAs, under the gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions that prevails during digestion, and examined their association with extracellular vesicles (EVs). To do so, we used a computer‐controlled TNO in vitro GI model (TIM‐1) and analyzed, by quantitative PCR (qPCR), the level of two milk microRNAs within all GI tract compartments at different time points. MicroRNA‐containing EVs within digested and non‐digested samples were studied by immunoblotting, dynamic light scattering, qPCR and density measurements. We observed that an important proportion of dairy milk bta‐miR‐223 and bta‐miR‐125b withstand digestion under simulated GI tract conditions, with the stomach causing the greater loss in microRNAs. A significant amount of these two microRNAs (~108–109 copies/300 ml milk) was detected in the upper small intestine compartments, which supports their bioavailability. A protocol optimized for the enrichment of dairy milk exosomes yielded a 100,000 g pellet fraction positive for the exosomal marker Tumor susceptibility gene‐101 (TSG‐101) and containing bta‐miR‐223 and bta‐miR‐125b. This approach, based on successive ultracentrifugation steps, also revealed the existence of TSG‐101 negative EVs that are larger than exosomes and more enriched in bta‐miR‐223 and bta‐miR‐125b. Our findings indicate that commercial dairy milk contains numerous microRNAs that can resist digestion and are associated mostly with non‐exosomal EVs. Our results strengthen the idea that milk microRNAs are bioactive compounds in dairy milk, support the existence of interspecies transfer of microRNAs based on milk consumption, and challenge our current view of exosomes as the sole carriers of milk‐derived microRNAs.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by Grants No. 319618 and 327522 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), through the Institute of Genetics (to P.P.).
The increase of extracellular calcium and calcium ion channel activity may affect the inflammatory action of lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells
Authors: Kim Hyun Hyei , Vergara Emil Joseph Sanvictores , Hwang Seong Gu
Published: November 2023

Calcium is known to be a ubiquitous secondary signaling molecule that has very important roles in practically all cell types. Calcium is known to be involved in various processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and transcriptional programs. In the current study, we determined the effects of alterations in the extracellular calcium as well as calcium ion channel activity on the immune modulative function of LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. Several assays such as cell viability analysis, nitric oxide production analysis and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction were done in order to investigate the effects of extracellular calcium on immunomodulation. Results have shown that increasing extracellular calcium up to 6mM leads to an increase in the proliferation rate of the cells after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. This increase in the proliferation rate had no corresponding increase in the rate of nitric oxide production and basal expression of inflammation‐related genes (NF‐KB, IL‐1β, TNFα, IL‐6 and IFNγ). In order to assess the effect of an altered calcium ion movement in the immune cells, ionomycin was used to increase the cellular entry of calcium. Treatment with ionomycin resulted in an increase in cellular proliferation as well as nitric oxide production but not to a significant extent which could imply a tight regulation for the functions of the mitogen‐activated cell involving calcium as a secondary signaling molecule. Also, RT‐PCR assay have shown only slight changes in the inflammation‐related genes in the study. In conclusion, the study was able to show that changes in calcium ion concentration across macrophage cell population results in minimal changes in immune function probably due to the highly regulated nature of the ion in such a way as to preserve its function as an immune cell.
Effects of choline and glucose on macronutrient metabolic gene expression in HepG2 and BeWo cells
Authors: Jiang Xinyin , Greenwald Esther
Published: November 2023

Rodent studies indicate that choline, an essential nutrient, alleviates fatty liver but worsens glycemic control. However, evidence in human cells is lacking. We used stable cell lines to examine the interaction between choline and glucose treatments in vitro. In the hepatocyte‐derived HepG2 cells, choline supplementation (1mM) in cell culture medium increased peroxisomal acyl‐coenzyme A oxidase 1 (ACOX1) expression, and such increase was more pronounced in the high‐glucose (35mM) versus low‐glucose (5mM) condition, suggesting that the higher choline concentration may favor fatty acid breakdown via β‐oxidation in this model of in vitro hyperglycemia. In addition, choline supplementation mitigated the elevation in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) expression due to high glucose, indicating a role of choline in dampening gluconeogenesis. However, neither choline nor glucose concentration altered the expression of these metabolic genes in the placenta‐derived BeWo cells. In summary, HepG2 and BeWo cells respond differently to glucose and choline concentrations in cell culture. Choline may lead to favorable changes in macronutrient metabolic gene expression in HepG2 cells when they are exposed to high glucose.

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PSC CUNY TRADA‐45‐72
Effect of dietary zinc on ethanol induced autophagy in mice
Authors: Liuzzi Juan P , Liu Xinyi P , Doan Huong P , Nambiar Sruthi P
Published: November 2023

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process that involves degradation of damaged or superfluous proteins and organelles. Recent studies have showed that autophagy is a protective mechanism against ethanol toxicity. Alcohol induced liver damage is known to be attenuated by zinc supplementation. However, the role of zinc in autophagy has just begun to be studied. In this study, the effect of zinc deficiency, adequacy and excess on hepatic autophagic flux, lipid accumulation and liver injury was examined in C57BL/6 mice acutely exposed to ethanol. In addition, the effect of ethanol and the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine, on the expression of methallothionein (MT) was evaluated. Ninety six C57BL/6 male mice were fed diets containing three levels of zinc content: low (1.0mg/kg), adequate (30mg/kg), and supplemented (150mg/kg) for four weeks. Thereafter, mice were injected intraperitoneally with saline or chloroquine (60m/kg bodyweight). Subsequently, mice were administered either water or ethanol (4.5g/kg body weight) by gavage. Mice were sacrificed at 14h and 24h after ethanol treatment. Hepatic autophagic flux was assessed by measuring LC3II/LCI ratio, Beclin1, and p62/SQSTM1 levels in presence and absence of chloroquine. Liver damage was determined by measuring the activity of aspartate amino transferase in serum and by histological analysis. Hepatic lipid accumulation was evaluated by measuring triglyceride content in liver and by oil red staining. MT mRNA levels were measured by RT‐PCR. The dietary treatments did not affect food intake and body weight. Ethanol treatment induced autophagic flux; however, this effect was strongest in mice fed high zinc diet. The stimulatory effect of high zinc intake on autophagic flux was maximum at 24h. Zinc deficiency was associated with increased ethanol induced steatosis and liver injury. Chloroquine treatment exacerbated ethanol induced steatosis and liver damage in mice fed zinc adequate or high zinc diet. Lastly, ethanol treatment significantly increased mRNA levels of MT. However, chloroquine treatment suppressed MT expression in mice exposed to ethanol. The results from this study indicate that ethanol induced autophagy is influenced by zinc status and support the notion that autophagy plays an important role in the protection against ethanol toxicity conferred by zinc.

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NIH1R03AA022451‐01
Relation between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ganji Vijay , Zhang Xu
Published: November 2023

Objective

A relation between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes mellitus (DM), and several cardiometabolic risk factors in >19 years old persons using quality control‐adjusted data from three cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2001–2006 (n=8241) was investigated.

Results

Persons with serum 25(OH)D concentration <30 nmol/L had significantly higher waist circumference (P<0.001), blood glucose (P<0.001), glycohemoglobin (P<0.001), triglycerides (P<0.001), insulin (P<0.001), C‐peptide (P<0.001), C‐reactive protein, and HOMA‐IR (P=0.001) and had significantly lower HDL‐cholesterol and VO2 max (P<0.001) compared to those with serum 25(OH)D concentration ≥75 nmol/L. Prevalence of MetS and DM were significantly higher in persons with serum 25(OH)D concentration <30 nmol/L compared to those with serum 25(OH)D concentration ≥75 nmol/L (P<0.001). The likelihood of having MetS (OR, 2.9; CI, 2.1, 4.0; P<0.001) and DM (OR, 1.7; CI, 1.2, 2.4; P<0.001) were significantly higher in serum 25(OH)D concentration <30 nmol/L group compared to serum 25(OH)D concentration ≥75 nmol/L group.

Conclusion

Because improved vitamin D status is associated with positive health outcomes, consideration should be given to raising serum vitamin D concentration ≥75 nmol/L in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Life University and University of Mississippi Medical Center
The Effects of Bioactive Food Ingredients Alone or In Combination With Protein Supplement On Metabolism, Thermogenesis, Body Fat, Body Weight And Appetite
Authors: Brock Paula Vieira , Vaughan Brent , Vollmer David
Published: November 2023

According to the 2009–2010 Center for Disease Control and Prevention survey, 69% of adults in the United States are overweight. Recent research has revealed that thermogenic compounds and other natural food ingredients may stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and promote satiety, thermogenesis, and fat loss. However, the combination of natural extracts containing these bioactive compounds has not been studied. Furthermore, published research on our patent‐pending protein supplement revealed significant effects on biomarkers of fat burning, metabolism and satiety. Due to this potential synergistic effect of protein and thermogenic compounds, in the current investigation our novel supplement containing the above mentioned bioactive food ingredients was tested alone and in combination with our patent‐pending protein supplement. First, twelve mice were placed on 60% fat diet for 8 d and subsequently divided into a low, medium and high‐dose groups and vehicle. Animals received the novel supplement by oral gavage daily for 5 d. No observable adverse event was noted. In a subsequent study, C57BL/6J mice (n=10) were placed on a 60% high‐fat diet at 4 weeks of age. At 8 weeks of age, animals were randomly assigned to receive oral daily dosing of vehicle, the novel supplement alone or with our patent‐pending protein supplement. The following measures of metabolism, thermogenesis, body fat and appetite were collected before and after 4 weeks of treatment: energy expenditure, adiponectin, leptin and insulin in blood, surface body temperature, UCP1 protein in brown adipose tissue, body composition, body weight, and food consumption. Findings will be discussed.

Support or Funding Information

Source of Research Support: 4Life Research, LLC
Plasma Kinetics of Lutein Supplementation to Healthy Chinese Subjects and Effect of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids on Lutein Absorption—A Single Oral Administration Study
Authors: Ma Aiguo , Ma Tingting , Ma Yan , Zhao Yanhui , Liang Hui , Cai Jing , Wang Qiuzhen
Published: November 2023

The current study aimed to determine the dynamic changes of plasma lutein and its kinetics profiles after a single oral administration of lutein, as well as the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on lutein absorption in healthy Chinese people. Forty volunteers were randomly assigned to four dosage groups: 10mg lutein (Group L10), 20mg lutein (Group L20), 40mg lutein (Group L40), and 20mg lutein plus 560mg omega‐3 fatty acid (Group LF20). Fasting venous blood samples were collected at pre‐dosing and 4, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 168, 240, 360 h of post‐dosing in four groups. Plasma lutein concentrations at different time points were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for kinetics analysis. We found that plasma lutein concentrations in Group L40 were significantly higher than Group L10 at 12h, 24h, 48h (p<0.01) and 72h post‐dosing (p<0.05). The AUC0‐360h, AUC0‐∞ and Cmax were significantly higher in Group L40 than Group L10 and Group L20 (p<0.01) and the results showed a dose‐dependent linear trend. The Tmax of plasma lutein was at 12h. There were no adverse events for a single supplementation with 40mg of lutein. In summary, our results showed that the absorption of lutein was positively correlated with dosage, and a single co‐administration of omega‐3 fatty acids did not affect the absorption of lutein.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the National Key Technology Support Program (No. 2012BAD33B01‐2)
Lipid‐lowering effects of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Siebold & Zucc. seed oil (ZSO) in hyperlipidemic rats and lipolytic effects in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Kim Tae Woo , Kim Dae Jung , Kim Kyoung Kon , Choe Myeon
Published: November 2023

Background and objectives

A recent study has reported that Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc. has anti‐atherosclerotic properties. Therefore, the present study investigates the therapeutic potential of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sielb. et Zucc. seed oil (ZSO) on blood lipid profile and obesity, which causes atherosclerosis, in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats fed a high‐cholesterol and high‐fat (HCHF) diet. Additionally, the lipolytic effects of ZSO were investigated using 3T3‐L1 adipocytes..

Materials and Methods

The composition of ZSO was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The effect of ZSO on weight control and blood lipid level improvement in rats fed an HCHF diet was assessed through dietary experiments and molecular biological analysis. Additionally, lipolytic action of ZSO was confirmed by analysis of expression of lipid metabolism‐related biomarkers and measurement of glycerol levels in cultured 3T3‐L1 cells and media.

Results

ZSO contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and palmitoleic acid. The results show a decrease in total body weight, and liver and epididymal adipose tissue weight, although epididymal adipose tissue weight was not statistically significant. Additionally, rats in the HCHF plus ZSO group showed improved levels of hyperlipidemia indicators. Further, western blot analysis confirmed that the improvement of hyperlipidemia indicator levels was induced by stimulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression, a consequence of ZSO ingestion. Additional results indicate that at the cellular level, reduction of body weight was owing to phosphorylation of hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) by activation of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, ultimately leading to lipolysis.

Conclusion

The current study indicates that the improvement of hyperlipidemia by ZSO in rats fed an HCHF diet is at least, in part, due to the stimulation of cholesterol absorption induced by LPL. Additionally, ZSO‐stimulated lipolysis induced by PKA‐HSL signaling reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by grants of High Value‐added Food Technology Development Program, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs(312001‐03‐01‐HD040), Well‐being Bioproducts Regional Innovation Center project (B0009702) and kangwon national university institute of bioscience & biotechnology (320130015).