bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary adherence and macronutrient intake during 12 months of alternate day fasting
Authors: Varady Krista A , Gabel Kelsey
Published: November 2023

Alternate day fasting (ADF) is gaining popularity as a weight loss approach. The diet consists of a 0–25% energy intake “fast day” alternated with an ad libitum intake “feed day”. Dietary adherence to ADF remains high over 2–3 months, but long‐term adherence to ADF remains unknown. Another question that remains unresolved is whether dietary adherence to ADF exceeds that of conventional daily calorie restriction (CR). The objective of this study was to compare changes in dietary adherence over 12 months in obese subjects undergoing an ADF or CR regimen. Obese adults (n = 69) were randomized to either: ADF (25% energy intake fast day, alternated with ad libitum intake feast day), or CR (75% intake every day) for one‐year. ADF and CR subjects lost similar amounts of weight (7.2 ± 1.1 kg; 7.6 ± 1.1 kg). ADF subjects consumed twice the prescribed energy (51 ± 4%) on fast days, and 85 ± 6% of energy needs on feast days. CR subjects were adherent with energy goals throughout the trial. Macronutrient intake did not change with one year of dietary counseling. These findings suggest that obese individuals may find it difficult to adhere to the prescribed fast day goal (25% of energy needs) during long‐term ADF. However, since these subjects did not overeat on the feast day, weight loss was still comparable to that of daily CR.

Support or Funding Information

Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois, Chicago
Effects of Pre‐Dinner Snack on Cafeteria Meal Choice and Nutrition Quality in College Freshman
Authors: Scott Hattie J , Hoppe Megan B , Schmitz Sophie A , Eastep Ashley C , Sebranek Phoebe L , Kern Shelby E , Horwath Irina E , Wilson Ted
Published: November 2023

Post adolescent weight gain is a concern among college freshman, especially those enrolled in cafeteria meal plans. Snack consumption prior to a meal could alter eating behavior during the meal. Healthy college students (n=57; Age 18.3 ± 0.1) received one of three treatments 60 minutes before choosing and eating a cafeteria dinner meal provided in a free‐living design. The treatments no snack (NS; control), 190 Cal of gummi bear candy (GB) or a 190 Cal serving of California walnuts (CW) were provided in single cross‐over fashion on 3 of 5 semi‐consecutive nights. Pictures of meals before and after consumption were used for nutritional analysis. Data (mean±SEM) analyzed with significance between treatments and parameters indicated by different letters (A or B). Total meal calorie content for NS, GB and CW were 870 ± 54(A), 1015 ± 56(B), and 879 ± 43(AB), suggesting that a high carbohydrate snack (GB) can lead to increased potential meal caloric content relative to NS. Total meal sodium content (mg) for NS, GB, and CW were 1501 ± 103(A), 1951 ± 163(B), and 1739 ± 140(AB), suggesting that GB can lead to an increased likelihood of choosing a meal with a higher sodium content relative to NS. Total meal protein content (grams) for NS, GB and CW were 37 ± 3(AB), 45 ± 3(B), and 36 ± 2(A), this may reflect compensation for the increased nutritional value of CW. Non‐significant differences for NS, GB and CW were observed for carbohydrates, fiber, total fat, and cholesterol (mg). The consumption of GB prior to a meal resulted in higher caloric intake while walnuts were neutral to beneficial. Future studies may wish to better control dietary choices on study days by limiting subject participation to three consecutive cafeteria days.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by California Walnut Commission
Bright Line Eating: A Novel Web‐based Weight Loss Program
Authors: Thaw Andrew Kurt
Published: November 2023

Obesity continues to be one of the most prevalent preventable diseases affecting persons from all backgrounds and geographic regions. Numerous commercial or free weight loss programs are now available to consumers via web‐based platforms. This paper describes a recently developed web‐based weight loss and weight maintenance program designed with a unique and comprehensive support mechanism for participants. The Bright Line Eating program has been tailored to address a variety of issues related to excess food consumption, including such challenging behaviors as food addiction. The program consists of an 8‐week long instructional period, combined with several levels of support in the form of information, food plans, behavior change, phone or internet based discussions, and recorded materials, to promote weight loss. The program is intentionally modifiable such that anyone may participate regardless of their specific goals. Results from 182 participants reveal a 20 pound weight loss over the 8 week instructional period. Analysis of the main programmatic tools provide insight into which aspects of this web‐based program are most useful to participants. Specifically, support from the program (coaching calls, discussion groups with other participants and Bright Line Eating staff support) represented 3 of the top 5 most used tools. Follow up studies are underway to monitor the long term weight loss of participants.
Fiber Intake, Dietary Energy Density, and Diet‐Type Predict 6‐Month Weight‐Loss in Free‐Living Adults Who Adhered to Prescribed Macronutrient and Energy Composition of Varying Diets
Authors: Champagne Catherine M , Bray George , Sacks Frank , Miketinas Derek
Published: November 2023

Diets are often designed to meet prescribed macronutrient targets; but the question persists as to whether free‐living individuals can actually achieve the specified levels. The POUNDS LOST study was a randomized clinical trial which examined the effects of four calorie‐restricted diets of varying macronutrient composition on weight loss in free‐living adults with obesity. The objective of this analysis was to identify predictors of weight loss after 6 months in participants who adhered to energy and macronutrient assignments. Energy adherence was defined as consuming within ± 10% of the target energy goal. Diet adherence was defined as consuming within ± 5% of the target macronutrient composition for fat and protein. Participants were randomized to receive one of four diets:

20% fat, 15% protein (low‐fat, average‐protein)

20% fat, 25% protein (low‐fat, high‐protein)

40% fat, 15% protein (high‐fat, average‐protein)

40% fat, 25% protein (high‐fat, high‐protein).

Only 46 (13.3%) of the 345 participants who provided follow‐up data (61% male, 93% Caucasian) met the criteria for adherence to both energy and macronutrient targets. To identify variables associated with weight loss, a multiple regression model with a backward selection was fit and variables were retained if they met the p < 0.05 threshold. The returned variables included diet type (p = 0.056), energy density change from baseline (kcal/g) to the six‐month follow‐up (p < 0.0001), and fiber intake (g) (p < 0.0001). The effect of energy density varied across each level of diet assignment (p = 0.009). Interaction terms were explored. The final model explained 68.9% of the variance in weight change with the strongest predictor of weight change being dietary fiber; a 10g increase in dietary fiber consumption was associated with an average 3.7kg weight loss, independent of energy density and diet assignment. A decrease in energy density was positively associated with weight change for each diet‐type; however, this effect was most profound in the high‐fat, average‐protein diet. These results suggest that dietary factors may positively influence weight loss in addition to energy intake and macronutrient composition.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by NIH‐NHLBI. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00072995.
Characteristics of Participant Dropouts in a 1‐year Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Gain Prevention
Authors: Metzgar Catherine J , Nickols‐Richardson Sharon M
Published: November 2023

By identifying characteristics that may increase the risk for participant dropout, interventions can be tailored to promote participant retention. Baseline characteristics of 81 premenopausal women (mean±SD age: 31.4±8.1 y, body weight (BW): 76.1±19.0 kg, body mass index (BMI): 27.9±6.8 kg/m2) enrolled in a 1‐year weight gain prevention randomized controlled trial were examined to identify factors related to participant dropout. Independent t‐tests were used to compare baseline age, anthropometrics and demographics in women who completed the trial in its entirety (i.e., completers; n=48) with women who withdrew or were excluded before the end of the intervention (i.e., dropouts; n=33). Significance was set at P<0.05. Dropouts were significantly younger (P<0.005) and had lower BW (P<0.04) and BMI (P<0.01) when compared to study completers. Similarly, waist circumference (P<0.05), hip circumference (P<0.01), fat mass (P<0.03) and body fat percentage (P<0.02) were all lower in dropouts. Income level was significantly lower (P<0.003) in dropouts, while ethnicity and education level were not significantly different between dropouts and completers (both P>0.05). As this trial emphasized weight gain prevention rather than weight loss, older participants with overweight and obesity who had previously attempted and failed at long‐term weight loss may have been more motivated by the maintenance approach included in this intervention. The importance of weight gain prevention may not have resonated with younger participants with normal BMI, therefore, future weight gain prevention trials should include specific strategies and messaging that appeal to this population in order to increase retention.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by an Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station/National Institute of Food and Agriculture research grant (#1001251).
Association of hot pepper consumption with other eating habits among adults
Authors: Wang Changzheng , Huang Lingyu , Butler Cecil
Published: November 2023

Consumption of foods flavored with hot peppers and other spices were found to be inversely associated with total mortality among both men and women after adjustment for other known or potential risk factors. The objective of this project was to determine how preference for and consumption of foods flavored with hot peppers or hot pepper sauces may be related to other eating habits among adults. Visitors to the 2016 Kentucky State Fair were recruited to fill out a questionnaire before they were given a free analysis of their body composition (body fat %) with a Tanita TBF‐521 body composition analyzer. Among the 130 participants, 55% were female and 45% were male; 56% were Caucasian and 16% African Americans and 28% Asian Americans. Up to 27% of the participants liked hot peppers somewhat and 38% like them very much. However, only 21% had hot peppers twice a week and 14% had them daily. For people who preferred foods with hot peppers tended to eat other foods including vegetables, fruits, pork, beef, chicken, dairy foods less frequently. There were no significant differences in body mass index or body fat percent due to preferences for hot peppers or frequency of hot pepper consumption overall. Body mass index and body fat percent were significantly higher for women than for men. Increasing consumption of hot peppers tended to be correlated with lower consumption of other foods. Further study with a large number of subjects are needed to clarify the relationship between consumption of hot peppers and consumption of other foods.
Effect of a Mindful Eating Intervention on Weight Loss in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors–A Pilot Study
Authors: Washington Annette Monique , Davis Melissa , Young Henry Nolan , Cobran Ewan , Hartzell Diane , Dunagan Kelli Amanda , Sattler Elisabeth Lilian Pia
Published: November 2023

Weight gain in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors leads to increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Mindful eating has shown effectiveness as a weight management strategy in overweight and obese individuals. Yet, evidence on the impact of mindful eating as a weight loss strategy in breast cancer survivors is limited. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of a mindful eating intervention on overweight and obesity in overweight and obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Participants were recruited through local physician's offices, cancer support centers, and newspaper advertisements in 2016. Participants completed 8 weekly 2‐hour Mindful Eating Workshop© group sessions, led by a certified mindfulness instructor. The workshop addressed mindless, stress‐related, or emotional related eating, and disordered eating patterns through mindfulness meditation and group discussion. Data were collected at the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit at 2 time points: baseline and follow‐up (12 weeks), and included anthropometric measures. Paired t‐tests were used to compare outcomes pre‐ and post‐intervention. Cohen's d was used to estimate the intervention effect. The analytic sample included 10 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 who completed the intervention. Mean age was 64.4 ± 6.0 years, 90% were non‐Hispanic white, 50% were married, and 50% had an average annual household income greater than $80,000. At baseline, participants had a mean BMI of 33.7 ± 7.6 kg/m2, mean body fat percentage of 45.5 ± 4.4%, mean weight of 89.2 ± 16.8 kg, and mean waist to hip ratio of 0.8 ± 0.04. At follow‐up, there was a mean change in BMI of −0.4 ± 0.21 kg/m2 (p = 0.0002, d = 0.05) and a mean change in weight of −0.8 ± 0.8 kg (p = 0.015). Body fat percentage and waist‐to‐hip did not change significantly. This study provides preliminary evidence that a mindful eating intervention can lead to statistically significant weight loss in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. However, more research to replicate and confirm the findings, and determine if weight loss is sustainable.

Support or Funding Information

The study was funded through the University of Georgia Clinical and Translational Research Unit seed grant.
Glucocorticoids In Combination With a High Fat Diet Increase Acute Phase Proteins and Alters PUFA metabolism in Visceral Adipose Tissue
Authors: Hill Jessica Lynn , Wyman Jacqueline , Buddington Randal , van der Merwe Marie
Published: November 2023

Adipose tissue is a central player in whole body energy homeostasis. During nutrient excess, energy is stored in adipocytes as triglycerides. The resulting expansion of visceral adipose tissue is a known risk factor for chronic disease and has been shown to be exacerbated by both a high fat diet and chronic glucocorticoid therapy. Acutley, glucocorticoids induce lipolysis and promote adipogenesis. However, chronic exposure results in lipodystrophy, which presents as subcutaneous adipose tissue wasting and expansion of the visceral adipose depots. Furthermore, chronic glucocorticoid exposure alters adipocyte metabolism and adipokine secretion, leading to changes in systemic metabolic function. We seek to identify phenotypical and transcriptional alterations in visceral adipose tissue in response to a combination of chronic glucocorticoids administration and consumption of a high fat “Western” type diet containing a high ratio of omega‐6/omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study used 3‐week‐old C57BL/6 male mice that were weaned onto a high fat diet (HFL) (20% kcal protein, 35% kcal carbohydrate, 45% kcal fat, mostly lard). At 6–7 weeks of age, oral glucocorticoid treatment (Prednisolone) was initiated at a dose of 40 mg/m2/day using a vehicle of sweet potato (GC+). Control animals received the vehicle alone (GC‐). Glucocorticoid administration continued daily for 28 days. Body weight was monitored twice a week. Adipose‐associated factors measured included: epididymal fat pad weight, adipocyte morphological changes, and systemic and adipose tissue leptin levels. Glucocorticoid treatment increased adipose tissue weight and adipocyte hypertrophy, despite decreased total body weight gain. Glucocorticoid‐induced transcriptional changes in the epididymal fat pads were determined using the Affymetrics MoGene 2.0 ST array and revealed a total of 250 genes (p=<0.05, fold change (FC) of >±1.5), with 120 genes (48%) upregulated and 130 (52%) down regulated. Dramatically increased transcripts included acute phase proteins (Orm1 [FC=2.03], Orm2 [FC=3.82]) and proteins involved in cellular stress. (Serpinb2 [FC=1.96], UPC3 [FC=1.98], Cryab [FC=2.18] and Hspb7 [FC=3.02]). Lipid metabolism transcripts that were downregulated by glucocorticoid treatment included Fads2 (FC=− 4.19), Isyna1 (FC=−4.14) and Acsbg1 (FC=−1.85). The results presented here include novel findings regarding early transcriptional changes induced in visceral adipose tissue by chronic glucocorticoid treatment when consuming a high fat diet. The genes identified in this study provide opportunities for therapeutic interventions to alter glucocorticoid‐associated metabolic dysfucntions

Support or Funding Information

University of Memphis Faculty Research grant MvdM start up
Beverage Patterns Are Associated with the Risk Factors of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults
Authors: Lee Kyung Won , Shin Dayeon , Song Won O.
Published: November 2023

The importance of beverage consumption in overall dietary intakes and health outcomes has been underestimated. Beyond the one‐dimensional thinking that a specific beverage is good or bad, exploring the associations between beverage patterns and health outcomes is important in pursuing healthy beverage consumption for health. The aim of this research was to identify beverage patterns that are associated with the risk factors of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults. This study used national representative data of 19,800 Korean adults (≥20 years) with information on a single 24‐hour dietary recall and health examination in Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KHANES), 2008–2012. All beverage items consumed by KNHANES participants were aggregated into 15 beverage groups. Using factor analysis, three beverage patterns were derived: 1) the “unsweetened beverage” pattern (high intake of unsweetened coffee); 2) the “sweetened beverage” pattern (high intake of sodas, sweetened coffee and tea, fruit drinks and sports/energy drinks); and 3) the “alcoholic beverage” pattern (high intake of alcoholic beverages and low intake of unsweetened coffee and tea, dairy products, and 100% fruit and vegetable juices). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and components of MetS (abdominal obesity, elevated triglyceride, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated fasting blood glucose, and elevated blood pressure) was defined by NCEP III. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine the odds of obesity and components of the metabolic syndrome for each beverage patterns after controlling for sex, age, education level, income, smoking status, physical activity, BMI (except for obesity and abdominal obesity), day of recalled intake, and total energy intake. The “sweetened beverage” pattern was associated with higher odds of elevated fasting blood glucose and blood pressure (all, P for trend <0.05). The “alcoholic beverage” pattern was associated with increased odds of obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure (all, P for trend <0.05). No associations were found between the “unsweetened beverage pattern” and the odds of obesity and MetS risk factors. Our findings suggest that sweetened and alcoholic beverage patterns were significantly associated with odds of obesity and individual components of MetS in Korean adults. Consumers of specific beverages such as sweetened beverages or alcohols should be advised to consider the negative effect of those beverages on their health to make healthier beverage choices.

Support or Funding Information

This study was conducted by the generous financial support of the Youlchon Foundation (Nongshim Corporation and its affiliated companies) in Korea.
Evaluation of dietary intake and red blood cell membrane fatty acid profile on the incidence of metabolic syndrome in Hispanic children from 2 to 10 years of age
Authors: Dysart Anna , Clark William Andrew , Marrs Jo‐Ann Summitt , Peterson Jonathan M. , Johnson Michelle Eileen , Alamian Arsham
Published: November 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a grouping of criteria including hypertension, glucose intolerance, truncal obesity/high BMI, insulin resistance, increased VLDL, high triglycerides (TAG), and low HDL. MetS is a problem in Hispanic children due to increasing obesity rates and a predisposition for insulin resistance.

Methods

Hispanic children aged 2 to 10 years of age were evaluated during a well child visit and data including demographic information, food frequency questionnaire, anthropometric measures, and blood samples were collected. Children were considered “at risk” for this study if they exhibited 3 or more risk factors for developing MetS. Risk factors included abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low HDL and/or elevated plasma glucose concentrations. A total of 112 children were included in this analysis with 33 (~29%) in the “at risk” category. Statistical analysis was via SPSS 22 multivariate General Linear Model evaluating differences between “normal” and “at risk” children.

Results

“At risk” children had higher serum levels for total cholesterol (159.4 vs 146.5 mg/dL, p=0.010), VLDL (32.4 vs 20.5 mg/dL, p=0.0001), LDL (82.9 vs 74.9 mg/dL, p=0.074), Cholesterol/HDL ratio (3.73 vs 2.98, p=0.0001), Triglycerides (161.4 vs 103.0 mg/dL, p=0.0001), and had lower levels for HDL (44.2 vs 51.0 mg/dL, p=0.002). Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) was higher for “at risk” children (0.416 vs 0.349, p=0.017) but results may have been influenced by plasma uric acid. FFQ results (Block Kids Screener) indicated that dietary saturated fat (p=0.070), meat, poultry, fish, (p=0.146), protein (p=0.067), total fat (p=0.058), carbohydrates (p=0.032), fiber (p=0.003), kcal (p=0.042) and glycemic load (p=0.049) were lower for “at risk” children; they also tended to consume less food. Red blood cell membrane fatty acid profile revealed no significant differences for membrane saturated, MUFA, PUFA, n‐3 or n‐6 fatty acids.

Conclusion

Indicators of fat metabolism show that children with higher levels of lipid serum markers are at risk for developing metabolic syndrome. The relationship between red blood cell membrane fatty acid profile and dietary intake do not completely explain why certain Hispanic children are “at risk” for developing MetS.

Support or Funding Information

Research supported by Tennessee Board of Regents Diversity Grant and several Small Research Development Committee Grants from East Tennessee State University's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Reduced risk factors of metabolic syndrome in immigrant compared to resident South Asian Indian young men
Authors: Nguyen Dan Q , Sukumar Deeptha , Kanjana K , Victor Ann Quang , Pop Claudia , Shapses Sue
Published: November 2023

South Asian Indians are at higher risk for developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) than the general USA population, and at risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that USA (immigrant) SA men develop MetS in their early adulthood to a greater extent than men living in India (resident), and this is due to a combination of dietary changes and stress. We examined 73 men (ages of 19–29 y; BMI >23 kg/m2) in the USA and in India. Because a heavier group was recruited in India than in the USA, we used ANCOVA in all analysis, to control for BMI. In contrast to our hypothesis, immigrant compared to resident Indians had lower total cholesterol (165±37 vs 183±31 mg/dl), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (95 ± 33 vs. 122 ± 27 mg/dl) and higher high density lipoprotein (HDL) (49 ±10 vs. 41±6 mg/dl) (p < 0.05). Glucose was 89±6 in immigrants and 93±7 mg/dl in resident Indians (p≤0.06). Systolic blood pressure was lower in immigrant (113±13) than resident Indians (130±11) (p < 0.001), and USA men also had a lower perceived stress score (p<0.05). This was consistent with fewer risk factors for MetS in immigrant than resident Indians (i.e., 10% vs 26% had at least 2 components of MetS). We also found that men in the USA were taller (p <0.001) and that the percent protein intake was greater in immigrant (20 ± 9%) than resident men (12 ±6%; p < 0.001), whereas the lower %fat intake (22±11% vs. 37±9%) did not differ significantly between the groups. Interestingly, men living in the USA > 10 years (vs shorter duration) had higher serum HDL levels (p <0.05), suggesting a possible effect of acculturation. Immigrant Indian young men living in the USA are at lower risk for MetS, possibly due to lower stress compared to their resident Indian counterparts.

Support or Funding Information

Center for Global Advancement and International Affairs (Rutgers GAIA)
Hyperlipidic diet induced glomerular morphometric alterations and renal damage in hypertensive rats
Authors: Pereira Renata Oliveira , de Souza Marina Soares , Araujo Iara , Fiorino Patricia , Fonteles Manassés , Farah Vera
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal function in hypertensive hyperlipidic‐fed animals submitted to an acute NaCl overload. Weaned male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with 21 days old (40–50g) followed by 8 weeks, were divided into 4 groups (n=6/group): SHR Control (SC); SHR Salt (SS, NaCl 1% in drinking water for the 10 last days); SHR Hyperlipidic (SHL, hyperlipidic diet, 30% lipids) and SHR Hyperlipidic Salt (SHLS, hyperlipidic diet and NaCl). All the procedures followed the rules of the Committee of Research and Ethics of the Mackenzie University (CEUA Nº 127/08/2015). Metabolic evaluations consisted of glucose tolerance test, triglycerides, and total cholesterol measurements. Urine samples were collected during 24h using metabolic cages. At the end of the protocol, the animals were euthanized by anesthesia overload, serum was collected and the left kidney and the visceral fat pad were removed and weighted. Kidney slices were stained with picrosirius red to evaluate the area of the Bowman's capsule (AB) and space (BS), and glomerular tuft diameter (TD). Creatinine concentration (serum and urine) was determined by colorimetric methods and sodium concentration of the urine was measured using electrolyte analyzer. Hyperlipidic diet promoted glucose intolerance, increased triglycerides and visceral fat pad in SHL and SHLS groups. NaCl consumption determined an increase in urinary volume and sodium concentration in SS and SHLS groups. Hyperlipidic diet induced a reduction in TD (SHL: 82±0,6; SHLS: 83±0,5 vs. SC: 88±1,5 μm) and an increase of BS in SHL group (29,5%) and in SHLS group (43,4%), with no changes in AB, compared with SC. These results are associated with a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (creatinine clearance) (SHL: 0,7±0,1; SHLS: 0,8±0,2 vs. SC: 1,4±0,1 mL/min). In conclusion, our data suggests that hyperlipidic diet in hypertensive animals changed the renal morphometry with damage in renal function. However, when stimulated by NaCl consumption, there was no further impairment in renal function in hyperlipidic‐fed animals.

Support or Funding Information

CAPES/Mackpesquisa
“Catalytic” Doses of Fructose and its Epimers on Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Controlled Feeding Trials
Authors: Noronha Jarvis C , Braunstein Catherine , Mejia Sonia Blanco , Cozma Adrian I , Khan Tauseef , Glenn Andrea , Noseworthy Rebecca , Kendall Cyril W.C. , Wolever Thomas M , Leiter Lawrence A , Sievenpiper John L
Published: November 2023

Objective

Contrary to the concerns that fructose may have adverse metabolic effects, an emerging literature has shown that small, ‘catalytic’ doses (≤ 50‐g/day) of fructose and its epimers (allulose, tagatose and sorbose) decrease the glycemic response to high glycemic index meals in humans. This effect appears to be mediated by upregulation of glucokinase, leading to increased hepatic glycogen synthesis. Whether this acute ‘catalytic’ mechanism of fructose and its epimers will manifest as an improvement in long term glycemic control is unclear. To address this question, we synthesized evidence from controlled feeding trials assessing the effect of small, ‘catalytic’ doses of fructose and its epimers on HbA1c.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library through Feb 12, 2016. We included controlled feeding trials of ≥ 2 weeks investigating the effect of small, ‘catalytic’ doses (≤ 50‐g/day) of fructose and its epimers in comparison to control diets. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q statistic and quantified using the I2 statistic. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

7 trials (n = 467) over a median follow‐up of 3 months met the eligibility criteria. ‘Catalytic’ doses of fructose significantly reduced HbA1c (MD = −0.40% [95% CI −0.72 to − 0.08]), but not allulose and tagatose for which there was only one trial comparison for each of the sugars. The overall quality of the evidence was graded as “moderate” quality for a decreasing effect of fructose on HbA1c due to a downgrade for serious imprecision. The evidence for allulose and tagatose was not graded.

Conclusion

Pooled analyses indicated that small, ‘catalytic’ doses of fructose improve glycemic control over the shorter term. The evidence for allulose and tagatose remains inconclusive due to the limited number of trials. There is a need for large high quality, long‐term randomized trials for all 3 sugars to improve our confidence in the effect estimates.

Protocol registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT02776722

Support or Funding Information Funding: The Tate and Lyle Nutritional Research Fund at the University of Toronto, Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), Banting & Best Diabetes Centre, and PSI foundation.
Race/Ethnicity evaluation of postprandial glycemic and triglyceride response
Authors: Zhu Lanjun , Xiao Di , Huang Yancui , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton‐Freeman Britt
Published: November 2023

Health disparity is well documented, revealing certain race/ethnic groups at higher risk than others for metabolic diseases. The reason for these differences is uncertain and requires further investigation. Identifying early indicators of dysmetabolism is critical for starting disease risk interventions and preventing transition into disease. Personalizing approaches depends on a number of factors, including understanding patterns of dysmetabolism as well as when they become evident. This study was undertaken to characterize and test for potential postprandial metabolic response differences among an ethnically diverse population.

The study utilizes metabolic data from previous randomized clinical trials conducted in our lab utilizing a fixed meal, 6‐hour postprandial multiple blood sampling paradigm. Fasting and postprandial insulin, glucose and triglyceride (TG) concentrations were obtained from 208 relatively adults representing African American (AA, n=81), Caucasian (n=67), Hispanic (n=25) and Asian (n=36) populations. One‐way ANOVA was used for preliminary analysis to compare the 6 h total Area under the curve (AUC) of postprandial glycemic and TG response. Analysis within the study groups demonstrated that AUC for insulin was significantly higher in the AA study groups, compared to Caucasian (P=0.03). However, AUC for TG was relatively lower in AA than in Caucasian and Hispanic groups (P<0.01). Subgrouping by sex indicated Asian males had higher insulin AUC values compared to Caucasian males (P<0.05) and not different between all other subgroups. TG responses were significantly higher in Caucasian females than AA females (p<0.001). No differences were observed on postprandial glycemia between race/ethnic groups in this simple model analysis. Subsequent more complex analyses will unveil the influence of time, age, BMI and other factors to better understand their influence and inter‐relationship impacting dysmetabolism.
Improvement of Exercise on Diabetes‐Reduced LHR Sensitivity via Increasing Expression of StAR Protein.
Authors: Chou Shih‐Yun , Tsai Shiow‐Chwen , Lu Chien‐Chen , Chen Chiao‐Nan , Chen Chih‐Chieh
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent chronic disease worldwide. Diabetes patient has suffered from testicular dysfunction including testosterone deficiency. Acute swimming test has been demonstrated the beneficial effect on gonadotropin‐stimulating testosterone via activate cAMP pathway in rats.

Purpose

The purpose is to assess the effect of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes on testosterone production and investigate the mechanisms of endurance training improved on diabetes‐induced testosterone dysregulation.

Methods

The study used 8 weeks old male Sprague Dawley rats, were divided into four groups, including control, exercise (Ex), diabetes (DM), diabetes combined with exercise (DM+Ex). The rats were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (50 mg/ml, dissolved in citric acid buffer, pH 4.5) to induce diabetes. While the control group were injected with citric buffer. After successfully induced diabetes, endurance running for Ex and Ex+DM rats was carried out on the treadmill for four weeks, and then the animals were sacrificed. The blood were centrifuged, and plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by radioimmunoassays. The Leydig cells were extracted to analyzed expression of LH receptor (LHR) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) by Western blot. All data were presented as mean ± standard error mean. One way analysis of variances (ANOVA) was used to compare the differences for mean of each group. The alpha level was set at 0.05 (p<0.05) for accepting statistical difference for all comparisons.

Results

The results showed that both groups of STZ‐induced diabetes and exercise training significantly reduced plasma testosterone secretion (p<0.05). Plasma LH were significantly increased in DM group when compared with control group (p<0.01), exercise did not alter plasma LH release, but partially attenuated diabetes‐stimulated LH release (p<0.05). Expression of LHR, extracted from Leydig cells was significantly higher in DM and Ex group than that of control (P <0.05). Compared with control group, expression of StAR protein were also significantly inhibited (P <0.01) in DM group. Ex did not altered the expression of StAR but significantly reversed DM‐inhibited StAR expression (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The study concluded that diabetes mellitus resulted a lower level of plasma testosterone through decreased the sensitivity of LHR and then decrease the expression of StAR protein and production of testosterone secretion. Exercise is benefit to improve diabetes reduced‐LHR sensitivity via increasing expression of StAR protein.

Support or Funding Information

MOST I102‐2410‐H‐845‐014‐MY3
Increased Physical Activity Ameliorates High Fat Diet‐Induced Bone Resorption in Mice
Authors: Chen Jin‐Ran , Lazarenko Oxana P. , Blackburn Michael L. , Carvalho Eugenia , Shankar Kartik , Børsheim Elisabet
Published: November 2023

It has been recognized that mechanical stresses associated with physical activity (PA) have beneficial effects on increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and improving bone quality. On the other hand, high fat diet (HFD) and obesity increase bone marrow adiposity leading to increased excretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines to activate RANKL‐induced bone resorption. In the current study, we investigated whether increased PA via access to voluntary wheel running protects against HFD‐induced bone resorption. One‐month‐old male C57BL6/J mice were provided ad libitum access to either control (17% fat) or HFD [20% protein (casein), 35% carbohydrate (dextrose and maltodextrin), and 45% fat (corn oil)] for 8 wk. Mice in each diet group were further divided into subgroups with or without PA by providing access to voluntary running wheels for 8 wk (8 to 9 km running per day). Using peripheral quantitative CT scan (pQCT) on tibias ex vivo, we found that bone mass especially trabecular BMD was significantly increased with PA in control diet animals compared to sedentary animals without access to wheels (102.8±3.5 vs. 91.5±4.2 mg/cm3, n=6, p<0.05). PA ameliorated HFD‐induced trabecular bone loss (PA+HFD, 93.6±5.2 vs. HFD, 81.3±4.7 mg/cm3, n=6, p<0.05). Femur bone marrow cells were aspirated and cultured, and non‐adherent hematopoietic cells collected the following day were used for RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis assay. We found that PA significantly blunted increases of HFD‐induced osteoclastogenesis. In accordance with these data, signal transduction real‐time PCR analysis showed that PA significantly inhibited HFD‐induced Ezh2 and NFATc1 gene expression, but IRF8 expression was decreased in non‐adherent hematopoietic cells from HFD mice. In conclusion, increased PA is capable of altering the HFD‐induced bone marrow hematopoietic cell differentiation program to protect against increased bone resorption.

Supported in part by USDA‐ARS Project 6026‐51000‐010‐05S.

Support or Funding Information

USDA‐ARS Project 6026‐51000‐010‐05S
ZIP14 (SLC39A14) protects against muscle atrophy and attenuates inflammatory responses in murine skeletal muscle
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Aydemir Tolunay Beker , Kim Min‐Hyun , Cousins Robert J.
Published: November 2023

Inflammation increases the risks of metabolic diseases and conditions such as atrophy of skeletal muscle. Thus, the prevention of inflammation is critical. Zinc is an essential trace mineral and has important roles in growth, development, and immune function. It has been demonstrated that zinc deficiency can result in increased cytokine expression and secretion. Skeletal muscle secretes cytokines such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) during exercise. This process is increased during inflammation. Using a mouse model, we identified that Zip14 (slc39a14) exhibited greater upregulation in skeletal muscle of wild type (WT) mice treated by LPS (endotoxin) to mimic acute inflammation. However, the role(s) of ZIP14 in skeletal muscle in response to inflammation needs to be defined. The aim of this study was to determine muscle ZIP14 expression and cytokine expression during both acute inflammation induced by LPS injection and chronic inflammation induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD) in muscle of WT and Zip14−/− (KO) mice. Our results demonstrated that Zip14 KO mice exhibited growth abnormalities with smaller body size. Furthermore, reduced hind leg length and greater atrophic muscle fibers were also shown in Zip14 KO mice based on morphology and physiological measurements. Following LPS stimulation, ZIP14 was upregulated and an increase in zinc concentrations were observed in muscle of WT mice. However, this increase was not observed in Zip14 KO mice, suggesting impaired zinc uptake in this genotype. More importantly, Zip14 KO mice showed greater IL‐6 production in muscle than WT mice after LPS administration, which was coincident with greater NF‐κB activation. This suggests that ZIP14‐mediated zinc uptake in muscle may reduce inflammatory signaling activation. Consistent with the LPS model, ZIP14 expression also increased in muscle of WT mice during chronic inflammation induced by the HFD treatment for 16 weeks. Strikingly, we found that Zip14 KO mice fed the HFD began to die at week 14 of the study. These observations suggest that ablation of Zip14 may accentuate systemic inflammatory responses. In order to examine ZIP14 involvement on muscle secretions, we investigated IL‐6 expression and production by using an ex vivo explant culture model from muscles of WT and Zip14 KO mice. In agreement with in vivo data, we confirmed that IL‐6 expression in Zip14 KO muscle greatly increased after LPS treatment. In conclusion, muscle ZIP14‐mediated cellular zinc uptake reduces IL‐6 production most likely by mediating the NF‐κB or other signaling pathways during inflammation. This may partially explain the protective effects of muscle zinc in chronic inflammatory diseases of muscle.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by grant DK94244 from the National Institutes of Health
Selenoprotein K functions to promote melanoma progression and metastasis
Authors: Hoffmann Peter , Marciel Michael , Kilicasian Pascal , Pham Andrew , Hoffmann FuKun
Published: November 2023

We have found that selenoprotein K (Selenok) is crucial for calcium flux in immune cells, but had not investigated its role in cancer cells. A recent study showed that calcium flux was important for melanoma cells to proliferate and migrate. Thus, we set out to determine if Selenok plays an important role in melanoma using in vitro and in vivo models. Analyses of four different NCI‐60 human melanoma cell lines found that Selenok levels varied in these cells and one cell line in particular, SK‐Mel28, was subjected to CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to mutate Selenok. Mutating wild‐type (WT Selenok) to a truncated version (Trunc Selenok) led to reduced calcium flux, migration using a scratch assay, and lower colony formation. These functions were rescued with a plasmid expressing GFP‐Selenok but not with GFP alone. An established transgenic mouse strain, Grm1‐Tg, develops spontaneous melanoma that metastasizes to lymph nodes at 4 months of age and was crossed with Selenok KO mice to generate the following: GRM1‐Tg/Selenok−/−, GRM1‐Tg/Selenok−/+, GRM1‐Tg/Selenok+/+. These littermates allowed us to determine how loss of one or both or none of Selenok alleles on the Grm1‐Tg background affected progression and metastasis of melanoma in vivo. We used both male and female mice and results showed that lack of Selenok expression in GRM1‐Tg/Selenok−/− mice led to lower primary tumors on tails and ears and less melanoma cells in draining lymph nodes. The presence of one or two Selenok alleles were similar and showed significantly higher levels of melanoma and metastasis. Overall, these results suggest that melanoma cells require Selenok expression for primary tumor growth and metastasis to other tissues.

Support or Funding Information

We sincerely thank Ann Hashimoto for her hard work in maintaining mouse colonies for this study. This research was supported by NIH grant R01AI089999, and core facilities supported by P30GM114737, P30GM103341, G12RR003061, G12MD007601.
Regulation of the Stoichiometry of the Human Selenocysteine Synthase (SepSecS) Catalytic Complex
Authors: Puppala Anupama K. , Simonovic Miljan
Published: November 2023

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health. The biologically active form of selenium in all domains of life is the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec). The incorporation of Sec into proteins is unique compared to the standard amino acids as Sec is encoded by a UGA stop codon and directly synthesized from a serine precursor on its cognate tRNA, tRNASec. Although not well understood, Sec biosynthesis requires three unique enzymes in archaea and eukaryotes. The enzyme selenocysteine synthase (SepSecS) is a tetrameric enzyme that catalyzes the terminal reaction of Sec synthesis in which a phosphoseryl intermediate is converted into the selenocysteinyl moiety while attached to tRNASec. Our previous studies have demonstrated that human SepSecS, despite containing four equivalent tRNA‐binding sites and active‐site grooves, only binds one or two substrate molecules at a given time. Recent structural data have provided a potential explanation for this restriction on the stoichiometry of the SepSecS catalytic complex. High‐resolution electron density maps of the SepSecS‐tRNASec complex have revealed a previously unobserved α‐helix positioned in the potential tRNASec binding site of the noncatalytic subunits of the tetramer. This helix directly interacts with residues that are critical for tRNASec recognition and binding. Thus, the presence of this α‐helix precludes binding of an additional tRNASec molecule. This helix is disordered in the structure of the SepSecS holoenzyme, suggesting that in the tRNASec‐free state all four tRNASec binding sites are equally available for substrate binding. Our data suggest a model of allosteric regulation of SepSecS substrate binding in which binding of a single tRNASec molecule leads to a conformational change in the tetrameric enzyme that prevents binding at two of the four potential tRNASec binding sites.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health R01 GM097042.
Zinc and Copper Balances During Three Weeks of Bed Rest, With or Without an Artificial Gravity Countermeasure
Authors: Heacox Hayley Nicole , Smith Scott M. , Zwart Sara R. , Gillman Patricia L.
Published: November 2023

Nutrition remains a key concern for extended‐duration space missions. Zinc and copper are trace minerals with many functions in the body, but both possess little to no storage capability. Zinc and copper balances were studied in 15 male subjects before, during, and after a 21‐d head‐down tilt bed rest study in which 8 participants were subjected to artificial gravity (AG) by centrifugation for 1 h/d. The study was conducted in a general clinical research center with carefully controlled dietary intake and collection of all urine and feces for subsequent analyses. Urine samples were analyzed for copper and zinc by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using a NexION 350D ICP‐MS (Perkin Elmer, Shelton, CT) equipped with collision/reaction cell technology for interference removal. While energy intakes were adjusted to maintain subject mass, subjects in both control (CON) and AG‐treated groups had lower lean body mass after bed rest. Despite lower intake of both minerals during bed rest, both CON and AG subject groups had higher fecal and urinary zinc excretion during bed rest, with a resulting lower net balance of zinc. Urinary copper excretion did not change during bed rest but was higher after bed rest in the AG group. Fecal copper was higher during bed rest compared to pre‐bed rest. Copper balance was unaltered for the CON group but significantly decreased during and after bed rest for the AG group. The increased fecal excretion of these minerals during bed rest suggests that their absorption from the diet was reduced, secondary to the release of minerals from both bone and muscle tissue as zinc and copper are predominantly found in musculoskeletal tissues. These findings highlight the importance of determining nutrient requirements for astronauts on space missions and ensuring provision and intake of all nutrients as we explore beyond low Earth orbit.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by the NASA Human Research Program's Human Health Countermeasures Element. This study was conducted with the support of the Institute for Translational Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch, supported in part by a Clinical and Translational Science Award (UL1TR000071) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health. HH was supported by an Arkansas Space Grant Consortium Workforce Development Grant.