bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxysterol signalling is retained in ER-negative and supressed in ER-positive breast cancer
Authors: Hutchinson Samantha , Battaglia Sebastiano , Roberg-Larsen Hanne , Lianto Priscilia , Hughes Thomas , Thorne James
Published: June 2020

Breast cancer treatment and prognosis is informed by biomarker expression. Expression of Oestrogen Receptor-alpha (ERα) for example influences whether the patient receives endocrine- or chemo-therapy. Nutritional status is a modifier of disease free survival and elevated circulating cholesterol associates with increased risk of relapse. Cholesterol hydroxylation produces ‘oxysterols’ which are selective Liver X Receptor alpha (LXRα) modulators and ERα agonists. In ER-positive breast cancer, oxysterols induce proliferation and resistance to endocrine therapy, whilst in ER-negative disease oxysterols are anti-proliferative and pro-metastatic suggesting that there are breast cancer subtype specific differences in the genomic targets of the oxysterol-LXR pathway. This study explored the regulation of LXRα signalling in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer, and how ligand, receptor and co-factors combine to regulate LXRα target gene expression in different breast cancer types.

In vitro, MDA.MB.468 (ER-negative) cells were more responsive than MCF-7 (ER-positive) cells to synthetic LXRα agonists (T0901317, GW3965) and six oxysterols (22-hydroxycholesterol [22-OHC], 24-OHC, 25-OHC, 27-OHC, 7-ketocholesterol and 24,25-epoxycholesterol), as measured by MTT, LXR-luciferase reporter, and qPCR of canonical targets ABCA1 and APOE (Students t-tests: p < 0.01). Responses to the antagonist GSK2033 was comparable across cell lines. In vivo, LXRa expression correlated with 48/146 target genes in ER-negative (n = 81), but with just 9/146 in ER-positive tumours (n = 234) (Fischer exact test: p < 0.0001) indicating greater LXRa-mediated transcription of target genes in the aggressive subtype. This was not explained by ligand concentration, as we developed a novel fast oxysterol detection system and found no difference in concentration of 22-OHC, 24-OHC, 25-OHC or 27-OHC between ER-negative (n = 11) and ER-positive (n = 11) primary tumours obtained from the Leeds Breast Tissue Bank. However, we did observe that expression of LXRa and 2/7 of its co-activators (SRC, TRRAP) were higher in ER-negative relative to ER-positive disease (using TCGA data from cBioPortal) (Mann-Whitney U test: p < 0.001), and that expression of all LXRa co-repressors were lowest in ER-negative disease (NCOR1, NCOR2, LCOR: Mann-Whitney U test: p < 0.001 for all). siRNA knock-down of NCOR1 and NCOR2 resulted in MCF-7 cells that mimicked the response of MDA.MB.468 cells to oxysterols (as measured by LXR-luciferase and qPCR assay).

These data indicate that despite the anti-proliferative actions of oxysterol-LXRa signalling, there is a, yet to be identified, selective advantage for retention and enhancement of this pathway in ER-negative breast cancer. Dietary routes to selective LXRa modulation (such as plant sterols) may provide patient-led routes to improving ER-negative survival rates.
Personal metabolic responses to food predicted using multi-omics machine learning in 1,100 twins and singletons: The PREDICT I Study.
Authors: Berry Sarah , Valdes Ana , Segata Nicola , Chan Andrew , Davies Richard , Drew David , Franks Paul , Spector Tim
Published: June 2020

Glycemic, insulinemic and lipemic postprandial responses are multi-factorial and contribute to diabetes, obesity and CVD. The aim of the PREDICT I study is to assess the genetic, metabolic, metagenomic, and meal-context contribution to postprandial responses, integrating the metabolic burden and gut microbiome to predict individual responses to food using a machine learning algorithm.

A multi-center postprandial study of 1,000 individuals from the UK (unrelated, identical and non-identical twins) and 100 unrelated individuals from the US, assessed postprandial (0–6h) metabolic responses to sequential mixed-nutrient dietary challenges (50 g fat and 85 g carbohydrate at 0 h; 22 g fat and 71 g carbohydrate at 4h) in a clinic setting. Glycemic responses to 5 duplicate isocaloric meals of different macronutrient content and self-selected meals (> 100,000), were tested at home using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Baseline factors included metabolomics, genomics, gut metagenomics and body composition. Genetic contributions to postprandial responses were determined by classical twin methods.

Inter-individual variability in postprandial responses (glucose, insulin and triacylglycerol (TG)) was high in the clinic setting: iAUC IQR (median) was (n = 644); glucose (0–2h) 1.97 (1.89) mmol/L.h, insulin (0–2h) 45.6 (67.7) mIU/L.h and TG (0–6h) 2.37 (2.42) mmol/L.h. The unadjusted genetic contribution for glucose, insulin and TG responses were 54%, 29% and 27% respectively. Within-individual concordance (ICC) in glucose responses (iAUC 0–2h) for at home duplicate isocaloric meals was moderate-to-high, depending on the test meal: ICC (95%CI) was; high carbohydrate 0.62 (0.58,0.66), (carbohydrate = 95g/76% energy; n = 764), average lunch 0.57 (0.53, 0.62) (carbohydrate = 68g/54% energy; n = 763), OGTT 0.65 (0.61,0.70) (carbohydrate = 75 g; n = 754), high fat 0.35 (0.28, 0.41) (fat = 40g/71% energy; n = 576) and high protein 0.56, (0.48,0.62) (protein = 41g/32% energy; n = 364). An interim machine learning algorithm predicted 46% of the variation in glycemic responses based on meal content, meal context and participant's baseline characteristics, excluding genetic and microbiome features. Only 29% of variation could be explained by the macronutrient content of the meal.

This is the most comprehensive postprandial study performed to date. The large and modifiable variation in metabolic responses to identical meals in healthy people explains why ‘one size fits all’ nutritional guidelines are problematic. The genetic component to these responses is moderate, leaving the majority of the variation potentially modifiable. By collecting information on glucose responses to > 100,000 meals, alongside environmental, genetic and microbiome variables, we will have excellent power to use machine learning to optimise and predict individual responses to foods.
Change in disparities of dietary quality score (FSAm-NPS) in adolescents and young adults between 2004 and 2014 in Belgium
Authors: Desbouys Lucille , Rouche Manon , De Ridder Karin , Castetbon Katia
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The transition from adolescence toward adulthood is a critical period regarding changes in dietary behaviours. Moreover at these ages, socio-economic and regional disparities in food group consumption are observed. The aim of our study was to determine how the nutritional quality of diet, measured by the modified Nutrient Profiling System of the British Food Standards Agency (FSAm-NPS), evolved between 2004 and 2014, according to socio-economic and regional characteristics of adolescents and young adults living in Belgium.

Material and methods

Two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls were carried out in two nationally-representative samples of 15-to-39-year-old respondents included in the Belgian Food Consumption Surveys in 2004 (n = 1,186) and 2014 (n = 952). Weighting factor (according to age, gender, day of recall, season and province) and sample design were considered. The weighted mean individual FSAm-NPS was computed from all foods and beverages consumed and converted into a scale from 0 (less favourable diet) to 100 (more favourable diet). Slope (SII) and Relative (RII) Index of Inequality were compared between 2004 and 2014 in three age groups (15–18 y, 19–25 y and 26–39 y), adjusting for gender, energy intake, and other socio-economic and regional characteristics.

Results

In the three age groups, the weighted mean FSAm-NPS significantly increased between 2004 and 2014 (2004: 55.2 (SEM: 0.2) vs. 2014: 57.3 (0.5), p < 0.001 in 15–18-year-olds; 54.9 (0.6) vs. 58.0 (0.4), p < 0.001 in 19–25-year-olds; 56.9 (0.3) vs 58.3 (0.3), p < 0.01 in 26–39-year-olds). While a significant FSAm-NPS gradient was observed according to household education among 15–18- and 26–39-year-olds in 2004 (adjusted SII: 2.56 (95% CI: 1.08–4.04) and 2.73 (0.34–5.12), respectively; RII: 1.05 (1.02–1.08) and 1.05 (1.01–1.09)), no significant difference was found in 2014. Conversely, no significant score disparity was observed according to household type in 2004, but disparities appeared in 2014: index of inequality were significant among subjects aged 19–25 y (SII: 3.89 (0.62–7.17); RII: 1.07 (1.01–1.13)) and 26–39 y (SII: 2.74 (0.31–5.17); RII: 1.05 (1.01–1.09)), the FSAm-NPS being more favourable for those living in two-parent families. The FSAm-NPS was generally higher for subjects living in Flanders than those in Wallonia (significant SII and RII only among 26–39-year-olds), the magnitude of regional disparities remaining stable over time.

Discussion

Overall FSAm-NPS improved during this 10-year period, but differentially according to family structure and household education. However, statistical power was weakened by the limited sample size. Additional investigations of changes in food group consumption disparities will complement our interpretations.
Long-term stress and diet among Finnish pre-schoolers
Authors: Vepsäläinen Henna , Sorvari Hannele , Lehto Elviira , Sääksjärvi Katri , Leppänen Marja , Nislin Mari , Nissinen Kaija , Koivusilta Leena , Ray Carola , Suhonen Eira , Sajaniemi Nina , Erkkola Maijaliisa
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Studying the link between children's stress and diet is crucial, as early childhood is an important period for the development of eating habits as well as other health behaviours. Among adults, studies have shown that elevated cortisol levels (indicator of long-term stress) might be associated with overweight and a preference for energy-dense foods. However, the association between hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and diet among pre-school-aged children is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HCC, a measure of long-term stress, is associated with diet among 3–6-year-old Finnish children.

Materials and methods

The current cross-sectional study is a part of the DAGIS study conducted in 66 Finnish pre-schools in 2015–2016. Of the 864 participating pre-schoolers, 578 (67%) provided the information needed to examine the association between HCC and diet. HCC was measured from 4-cm hair samples using a chemiluminescence immunoassay, and the HCCs were categorized into fifths. The parents of the participating children filled in a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessing the child's food consumption outside preschool hours. The FFQ items (n = 47) were used as inputs in principal component analysis to derive dietary patterns. The associations between HCC and food group consumption frequencies as well as dietary pattern scores for ‘sweets-and-treats’, ‘health-conscious’ and ‘vegetables-and-processed meats’ patterns were examined with multilevel linear mixed models and adjusted for age, gender and parental education.

Results

The median HCC was 11.7 pg/mg (min 0.24, max 879.6). Compared to the children who had the lowest HCCs, the children with the highest HCCs consumed vegetables as well as fruits and berries less frequently (β = -1.62, 95% CI -3.14, -0.09; β = -1.49, 95% CI -2.95, -0.04) and scored lower on the ‘health-conscious’ dietary pattern (β = -0.31, 95% CI -0.51, -0.11). After adjustments, the associations between HCC and fruit and berry and sugary beverage consumption as well as ‘health-conscious’ pattern were significant (β = -1.62, 95% CI -3.09, -0.16; β = 1.30, 95% CI 0.06, 2.54; β = -0.33, 95% CI -0.53, -0.14).

Discussion

This study supports the link between long-term stress and lower-quality diet, as it showed that elevated HCCs and less healthful diets were connected already in the early childhood. However, because of the cross-sectional design of the study, we are not able to conclude whether stress affects diet or vice versa. Nevertheless, these results give reason to further investigate the relationship between stress and children's eating habits as well as health in general.
Examination of weight status, parity and maternal education factors on intentions to breastfeed and breastfeeding duration in an Irish cohort.
Authors: Callaghan Shauna , Moore Rebecca L. , Geraghty Aisling A. , Yelverton Cara , McAuliffe Fionnuala
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Breastfeeding can improve health outcomes for mothers and babies and is an important factor in the reduction of obesity. However, breastfeeding rates in Ireland are amongst the lowest internationally, with rates of 59.9% in 2016.

Materials & Methods

The objective of this study was to assess intention to breastfeed at booking, feeding status at hospital discharge, one and three months postnatal and influencing factors.

Secondary data from 124 healthy pregnant women participating in an RCT in the National Maternity Hospital who recorded their intention to breastfeed at booking were included. Observational data including demographic and lifestyle data was collected from participants.

Results

Of the 124 women, 80.7% were Irish, 86.2% had achieved third level education, and 43.5% (n = 54) were multiparous. Mean age was 32.7years and mean BMI 24.9kg/m2. 91.1% (n = 113) reported intending to breastfeed at booking. Upon hospital discharge, 91% of those intending to breastfeed had initiated breastfeeding (n = 101/111). 78.6% (n = 77/98) and 66.7% (n = 58/87) of those who had intended to breastfeed remained breastfeeding at one and three months postnatal respectively. Intention to breastfeed in early pregnancy was significantly higher amongst women with third level education (p < 0.001). Intention to breastfeed did not differ significantly with maternal age, ethnicity, BMI, or parity, however, women who had breastfed previously were more likely to intend to breastfeed for future infants (p < 0.001). Women with higher education were more likely to breastfeed at discharge, one and three months postnatal (p < 0.05). Although maternal BMI was not associated with intention to breastfeed, women who did not initiate breastfeeding at hospital discharge had a significantly higher BMI (M = 27.22kg/m2, SD = 4.53, p = 0.018) compared to women who initiated breastfeeding (M = 24.68kg/m2, SD = 3.05). Similarly, of those intending to breastfeed, women who were not breastfeeding at three months postnatal had a significantly higher BMI (M = 26.33kg/m2, SD = 3.99, p = 0.01) than those continuing breastfeeding (M = 24.08kg/m2, SD = 2.61). There were no significant differences regarding feeding status with maternal ethnicity, age, or parity at discharge and one month postnatal (p > 0.05). However, primiparous women intending to breastfeed were significantly more likely to continue breastfeeding at three months compared to multiparous women (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Many factors are shown to influence breastfeeding intention and duration including parity, education and BMI. It is important to identify these potentially inhibiting factors during pregnancy to develop support measures to encourage initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
Estimates of Sodium and Potassium intake and their molar ratio in Irish children: Preliminary findings from NCFSII
Authors: Morrissey Eoin , Kehoe Laura , Heslin Aoibhin Moore , Buffini Maria , McNulty Breige , Nugent Anne , Kearney John , Flynn Albert , Walton Janette
Published: June 2020

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have set target maximum daily salt intakes for children (4–6y: 3 g, 7–10y: 5 g, 11–14y: 6g) while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have set Adequate Intakes (AI) for potassium of 1100mg/d, 1800mg/d and 2700mg/d for children of the same respective age groups. An individual's sodium to potassium (Na:K) intake ratio is an important predictor of hypertension and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a Na:K intake ratio of ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol for both adults and children. Although the morbidities associated with hypertension may not be seen until adulthood, blood pressure in childhood has a significant association with blood pressure in adulthood. Therefore, estimation of Na:K intake ratios (best measured by urinary excretion) in children may predict their susceptibility to hypertension related diseases in later life. The aim of this study was to estimate sodium and potassium intake and mean molar Na:K intake ratio of Irish children and to assess compliance with dietary guidance.

Morning spot urine samples were collected for 572 children aged 5–12 years (95% of total sample) as part of the nationally representative Irish National Children's Food Survey II (2017–2018) (NCFSII; www.iuna.net). Samples were transported, processed and stored using best practice procedures. Urinary excretion of sodium and potassium were measured using a Randox RX Daytona and were corrected for gender and age-specific 24-hour urine volume estimations based on 24-hour urine volume estimates from Australian children. SPSS Version 25 was used for all analyses.

Mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was 2018mg/d, equivalent to an average salt excretion of 5.0g/d exceeding the FSAI maximum target intake for all age groups except 11–12 year olds. Mean 24-hour urinary potassium excretion was 1411mg/d with mean intakes below the AI from EFSA for all age groups with the exception of 5–6 year olds. The mean molar Na:K ratio of Irish children was 2.8 for boys and 3.4 for girls. Only 5% of Irish children met the WHO recommendation for a Na:K ratio of ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol.

High intakes of sodium and low intakes of potassium reported in this study result in a low compliance with the WHO recommendation of a Na:K ratio ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol. This may lead to a higher risk of hypertension and related morbidities in later life. Based on these findings, dietary interventions to combat hypertension related diseases (such as lowering sodium and increasing potassium intakes) should be implemented from childhood.
Effect of salt reduced bread alone or with dietary counselling on 24-hour excretion of sodium, potassium and sodium/potassium ratio
Authors: Riis Nanna Louise , Bjørnsbo Kirsten , Lassen Anne Dahl , Trolle Ellen , Frederiksen Amalie , Andreasen Anne Helms , Toft Ulla
Published: June 2020

Excess dietary sodium plays an important role in hypertension, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). To counteract some of the negative effects of sodium, an increased intake of potassium has shown beneficial effects on blood pressure. In fact, the sodium to potassium ratio might be a stronger risk factor for CVD than either sodium or potassium alone. The objective of the present study was to estimate the effect of A) a salt reduction strategy (providing salt reduced bread) and B) a salt reduction and potassium promoting strategy (providing salt reduced bread combined with dietary counselling), on intake of sodium, potassium and the sodium/potassium ratio. The study is a 4-month cluster randomized controlled trial with families randomly assigned to either intervention A, intervention B or control. Participants in intervention A received bread gradually reduced in salt content from 1.2 g salt/100 g to 0.6 g salt/100 g in ryebread and 0.4 g salt/100 g in wheat bread. Participants in intervention B received the same salt reduced bread and in addition dietary counselling on how to eat food with less salt and more potassium. The control group received standard bread (1.2 g salt/100g). Sodium and potassium intake were measured through three consecutive 24-hour urine measurements in adults and one in children at baseline and follow-up. Changes in outcomes were assessed using linear mixed models. Eighty-nine families, including 155 adults (46.5 % men) and 156 children (51.9 % boys), from the suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark, participated in the study. The sodium/potassium ratio was significantly reduced by -0.57 ± 0.19 mmol/L (P = 0.003) in intervention B compared to control group, resulting from a non-significant lower sodium and increased potassium intake. No significant differences were found between intervention A and control group (preliminary results). These findings support future actions to reduce salt intake, focusing on a combination of structural and educational strategies.
Response to vitamin D supplementation in different latitudes: results from two parallel placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mendes Marcela , Hart Kathryn , Botelho Patrícia , Lanham-New Susan
Published: June 2020

Vitamin D is vital to bone health and prolonged severe deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia/osteoporosis in adults. Vitamin D is an exceptional nutrient in that its main source is exposure of the skin to UV rays, whilst it can also be ingested through diet. This study aimed to investigate the relative contribution of vitamin D supplementation and individual sunlight exposure in raising vitamin D levels, throughout winter, in ethnically identical adult women living in opposite latitudes. Within two parallel placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCT), with identical study designs, 135 Brazilian women, (England, n = 56, 51˚N; Brazil, n = 79, 16˚S), were randomized to receive daily 15 μg vitamin D3 supplements or placebo, for 12 weeks. Oral vitamin D supplementation of 15 μg daily was effective at raising 25-hydroxivitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations over winter, regardless of latitude, and the response was dependent on baseline vitamin D status. In both latitudes, supplementation prevented the seasonal concomitant increase in plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Additionally, the individual UV radiation level was strongly correlated with 25(OH)D concentrations. The research also showed: 1) an optimal vitamin D status for bone health around 70–80 nmol/l; 2) the required UV radiation to achieve this status was 1.5 SED; 3) the vitamin D dietary intakes required to achieve these serum levels were 4.5 μg/d at a low latitude (16˚S) and 37 μg/d at high latitude (51˚N). The strength of these results is the novel analysis that directly links human in vivo individual sunlight radiation, increased vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D status, within two parallel RCTs in opposite latitudes. This study demonstrated that a daily supplement of 15 μg vitamin D3 was an effective strategy to significantly raise vitamin D status throughout the winter months in adult females, with important implications for bone health through the simultaneous lowering of PTH, regardless of latitude. Our data gives a two-fold contribution to the vitamin D field: firstly it will help raise awareness of the risk for vitamin D deficiency in low latitude regions such as most countries in South America as well as amongst South-Americans living in higher latitudes, particularly in the UK; secondly it provides key data for setting appropriate vitamin D recommendations for Brazil (which currently follows US recommendations) as well as for similar latitudes.
Blue water use and greenhouse gas emission in Dutch diets and its association with health
Authors: Vellinga Reina , Temme Elisabeth HM. , van de Kamp Mirjam , Toxopeus Ido B. , van Rossum Caroline TM. , de Valk Elias , Hollander Anne
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Food consumption is important for population as well as planetary health. Globally, fresh water is a scarce resource. For both fresh water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions a risk of exceeding the planetary boundaries exists. Food production accounts for approximately 90% of the global water footprint and for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, the Dutch food consumption patterns are evaluated for blue water use and greenhouse gas emission and its association with dietary quality (Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015).

Materials and Methods

Food consumption was assessed, in 2012–2016, by two non-consecutive 24 h recalls, in Dutch children and adults aged 1–79 y (n = 4313) (www.wateetnederland.nl). Environmental impact of foods was quantified using life cycle assessment for e.g. indicators (blue) water use and GHG emission. For each participant aged ≥ 18 y (n = 2078), a score was calculated for the Dutch Healthy Diet 2015 index (DHD15) to quantify the quality of diet with respect to health. Statistical analyses were stratified for age and gender.

Results

Daily diets in the Netherlands were associated with 0.14 ± 0.10 m3 blue water use and 5.3 ± 2.4 kg CO2-equivalents GHG emission. Non-alcoholic beverages, nuts and fruits were most important food groups for use of blue water, and meat, dairy and non-alcoholic beverages for GHG emission. DHD15 score was 4.2 ± 1.5 for men and 4.9 ± 1.4 for women. Diets with a higher DHD15 score had a higher blue water use (r = 0.17) and a lower GHG emission (r = -0.35).

Discussion

Different associations of environmental indicators (blue water use and GHG emission) with health aspects of diets need to be considered when aligning diets for health and sustainability.
The buckwheat iminosugar D-fagomine attenuates sucrose-induced steatosis and hypertension in rats
Authors: Ramos-Romero Sara , Hereu Mercè , Atienza Lidia , Amézqueta Susana , Casas Josefina , Torres Josep Lluís
Published: June 2020

D-Fagomine (1,2 dideoxynojirimycin) is an iminosugar, a carbohydrate analogue that includes an endocyclic nitrogen instead of oxygen, that is naturally present in buckwheat and buckwheat-based foodstuffs. This study examines the long-term functional effect of d-fagomine on sucrose-induced factors of metabolic syndrome and explores possible molecular mechanisms behind its action. We evaluated Wistar Kyoto rats fed a standard diet were given a 35% sucrose (glucose/fructose) solution with d-fagomine (or not, for comparison) or mineral water (controls) for 24 weeks. The variables measured were body weight and energy intake; glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test); plasma leptin concentration; plasma lipid profile; the populations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, bacteroidales, clostridiales, enterobacteriales, and Escherichia coli in feces; blood pressure; urine uric acid and F2t isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs); perigonadal fat deposition and hepatic histology and diacylglycerols (DAGs) in liver and adipose tissue. We found that d-Fagomine reduced sucrose induced hypertension, urine uric acid, F2-IsoPs as markers of oxidative stress (OS), steatosis and liver DAGs (32:1, 32:2, 34:1 and 36:2) without affecting perigonadal (visceral) fat deposition or DAG levels in visceral adipose tissue. It showed a slight tendency to reduce sugar induced impaired glucose tolerance. d-Fagomine also promoted excretion of enterobacteriales generated by the dietary intervention. We postulate that fructose increases visceral fat deposition independently of liver de novo liposynthesis and that d-fagomine attenuates steatosis and blood pressure mainly by reducing liver fructose levels. The reduction of blood pressure may be associated with an effect on uric acid synthesis while the reduced levels of selected active liver DAGs may explain the weak effect on sucrose-induced impaired glucose tolerance, which may be primarily induced by visceral fat deposition. In conclusion, the increased populations of excreted enterobacteriales may be connected to the levels of excreted uric acid. d-Fagomine counteracts sucrose-induced steatosis and hypertension presumably by reducing the postprandial levels of fructose in the liver as a consequence of intestinal sucrase inhibition.
The influence of maternal and child FADS genotype on cord blood polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations
Authors: Conway Marie C. , Mulhern Maria S. , McSorley Emeir M. , Strain J.J. , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Davidson Phil W. , Myers Gary J. , Wahlberg Karin , Shamlaye Conrad F. , Pineda Daniela , Broberg Karin , Yeates Alison J
Published: June 2020

Optimal maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status is essential for foetal development. The desaturase enzymes, encoded by the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes, are involved in the endogenous synthesis of long chain (LC)PUFA and influence maternal LCPUFA concentrations. The minor allele of various FADS SNPs has been associated with increased maternal concentrations of the precursors linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), and lower concentrations of the LCPUFA arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); however, there is limited research to date on the influence of FADS genotype on cord PUFA status. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of maternal and child genetic variation on cord blood PUFA status in a high fish-eating cohort.

Cord blood samples collected from mother-child pairs (n = 1088) taking part in the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) Nutrition Cohort 2 (NC2) were analysed for total serum PUFA. Maternal (n = 1088) and child genotype (n = 592) were determined for the FADS SNPs rs174537, rs174561, rs174575, and rs3834458. Regression analysis determined associations between maternal and child FADS genotype and cord PUFA status. In all regression models, the major allele homozygote genotype for each SNP was used as the reference group.

Directions of significant associations were as predicted. In mothers, the minor allele homozygote genotype for SNPs rs174537, rs174561 and rs3834458 was associated with lower cord DHA and lower total n-3 PUFA when compared to the major allele homozygous genotype (p < 0.05 for all). The heterozygous genotype was associated with increased concentrations of LA compared to the reference genotype for rs174561 (p = 0.021) and rs383448 (p = 0.023). In children, the heterozygous genotype was associated with lower AA concentrations and lower cord n-6:n-3 ratio for all SNPs (p < 0.05 for all) compared to those with the major allele homozygous genotype. A lower cord AA:LA ratio was also observed for children heterozygous for rs174547, rs174561 and rs174575 (p < 0.05 for all). Contrary to expected, there were no associations between cord PUFA concentrations and child minor allele homozygous genotype.

The current study indicates that variation in maternal and child FADS genotype influences cord PUFA concentrations, despite the high intake of preformed dietary LCPUFA from fish in this population. The sample size for minor allele homozygous children was likely too small to observe any statistically significant associations in the current analysis. Further research is needed to determine whether increased dietary intake can compensate for lower PUFA status as a result of FADS genotype.
Physical Activity Attenuates Increased Obesity Risk Associated with the High-Risk Genotype of the FTO Gene in a UK Adult Population
Authors: Holton Juliet , Graham Catherine , Mavrommatis Yiannis
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Obesity is an international epidemic. Worldwide, 1.9 billion adults are overweight, and 650 million adults are obese. Obesity has many chronic comorbidities, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity's cause is positive energy balance involving environmental and biological factors.

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) suggest that the A/T expression of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609 within the Fat-Mass and Obesity-Associated (FTO) gene significantly influences adiposity. The high-risk A allele is associated with increased Body Mass Index (BMI) (0.36kg/m2 per A allele) and a preference for increased fat and protein intake. FTO encodes for 2-oxoglutarate-dependant-nucleic-acid-demethylase, which is involved in energy homeostasis and lipolysis. Previous studies show that a high physical activity level (PAL) attenuates the increased BMI risks associated with the high-risk allele. However, results have been contradictory. This study aims to elucidate the links between FTO SNP rs9939609, PAL, BMI and food preference.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study including 37 UK adults was performed. Participant height, weight and body fat% (BF%) (using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) were measured. A food frequency questionnaire was completed, a saliva sample was collected for DNA analysis and PAL was assessed using participants active hours.

A two-way MANOVA was performed to determine differences in BMI and BF% between FTO rs9939609 genotypes and PALs. A Chi-squared test was performed to determine potential genotype associations with food preference.

Results

Participant BMI was significantly higher in AA participants compared to AT (3.99kg/m2 ± 1.69, p = 0.027) and TT (3.7kg/m2 ± 1.73, p = 0.043) participants. Participant BMI was higher in low PAL participants compared to medium PAL participants (4.62kg/m2 ± 1.35, p = 0.002). Genotype did not significantly influence participant BF% (p = 0.281).

A combination of PAL and genotype was significantly associated with BMI and BF% (p = 0.009). BMI was significantly increased in AA participants compared to TT participants (7.15kg/m2 ± 2.68, p = 0.013) and AT participants (8.15kg/m2 ± 2.77, p = 0.007) with low PAL. This difference was not seen as PAL increased.

No significant associations were found between genotype and food preference (p = 0.717).

Discussion

This study suggests that combining genotype and PAL significantly influences BMI and BF%. Participants homozygous for the risk allele AA with low PAL have significantly higher BMI than AT/TT participants with low PAL. However, the obesogenic effects of the risk genotype are diminished as PAL increases. This suggests that PAL attenuates genetic predisposition for obesity associated with the FTO rs9939609 A allele. These results may be applied in obesity intervention programmes particularly for encouragement of genetically predisposed individuals.
The prevalence and economic burden of obesity in Hungary
Authors: Imre Rurik. , Tímea Ungvári. , Csilla Semánová , Gabriella Iski
Published: June 2020

Abstract Introduction

The prevalence of obesity is growing continuously worldwide, even in Hungary. Since 1988, when the first professional wide-range evaluation was performed, only limited data were available. There were no reports of health care expenses related to obesity.

Methods

Anthropometric parameters were measured, presence of metabolic diseases were questioned in primary&community care settings. Data were compared with previous data from 1988.

Yearly data of the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund Administration (NHIFA) were collected, regarding finances of secondary care, hospital services and health insurance reimbursement for medications, based on selected morbidities linked to obesity.

Results

Data of 0.55 percent of the population above 18 year were registered in all geographical regions of Hungary (43,287 persons; 17,901 males and 25,386 females), close to the proper national representativeness.

The overall prevalence rate of overweight among men was 40%, while obesity 32%, by women both was close to 32%. In the different age groups of men, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was: 18–34 y = 32.7% and 18.2%, between 35–59 y = 40.1% and 34.4%, over 60 y = 43.5% and 38.8%. Among women, in the same age categories were: 19.6% and 5.7%, 36.8% and 38.7%, 36.5% and 39.7%. Data of BMIs and waist-circumference were presented according to age, by decades and by type of residency as well. The highest ratio of overweight was registered among men with the highest educational level, while highest ratio of obesity among women having the lowest education. Obesity according to BMI and abdominal obesity was the highest in the villages, especially among females. Registered metabolic morbidities were strongly correlated with BMIs and both were inversely related to the level of urbanization.

The estimated total public health expenditures were 58,986 Million HUF (190.3 Million EUR) and the financial contribution of patients was calculated as 25,316 Million HUF (82 Million EUR). These data represent 9,3 % of the whole national health services budget (908,011 Million HUF - 2929 Million EUR)) and 30 % of the whole drug-reimbursement budget (296,024 Million HUF - -955 Million EUR).

Conclusions

Over the previous decades, the ratio of the overweight and even the obese persons increased significantly, it was most prominent among males, mainly in younger generation.

Expenditures for all obesity related pathologies could be estimated between 0.5–1 % of the national GDP.

Obesity means a serious medical, public health and economic problem, requires higher public and political awareness.
The effects of a 3-month nutrition intervention on dietary habits and weight change in hospitalized schizophrenic patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Soric Tamara , Mavar Mladen , Rumbak Ivana
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Schizophrenic patients are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome (MetS) than the general population. Although the exact reasons for higher MetS prevalence are not yet been fully determined, poor dietary habits may contribute to its development. This study aims to examine the effects of a 3-month nutrition intervention on dietary habits and weight change in hospitalized schizophrenic patients with MetS.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine hospitalized schizophrenic patients with MetS (aged 18–67) were enrolled in a 3-month randomized controlled trial. Sixty-seven of initially enrolled patients (84.8%) completed the intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 33) or a control group (CG; n = 34). The IG followed the DASH diet (-400 kcal/day when compared to regular hospital diet), the CG continued being on a regular hospital diet (2200–2400 kcal/day), while both groups participated in a nutrition educational program (4 lectures about the development of healthier eating habits). Prior and after the intervention, body weight (BW) was measured and dietary habits were assessed using the nutrition section of Dlugosch & Krieger's General Health Behaviour Questionnaire. Participants also kept a diary of food individually purchased.

Results: Nutrition intervention positively modulated the dietary habits and BW of both groups. After 3 months, in the IG, the consumption of white bread (p < 0.001), pastries (p < 0.001), cured meat products (p < 0.001), sweets (p = 0.003), and carbonated soft drinks (p = 0.009) significantly decreased, while the consumption of whole-wheat bread (p < 0.001), fruits (p < 0.001), nuts (p < 0.001), and vegetables (p < 0.001) significantly increased, when compared to the baseline data. Simultaneously, in the CG, the identified modifications mainly referred to a decreased consumption of snacks (p = 0.042) and fast food (p = 0.005), together with an increased consumption of low-fat milk and dairy products (p = 0.019) and vegetables (p = 0.003). Furthermore, results have shown that, compared to the CG, IG significantly improved dietary habits by decreasing the consumption frequency of white bread (p < 0.001), cured meat products (p < 0.001), and sweets (p = 0.043), while at the same time significantly increasing the consumption frequency of whole-wheat bread (p < 0.001), low-fat milk and dairy products (p < 0.001), fruits (p < 0.001), nuts (p < 0.001), and vegetables (p < 0.001). After 3 months, BW significantly decreased in IG (p < 0.001) and CG (p = 0.018), but with no significant difference between respective groups (p = 0.943).

Discussion: The findings suggest that this type of a 3-month nutrition intervention could be a valuable tool for an improvement of dietary habits and potentially an add-on therapy to reduce the MetS prevalence and the overall cardiovascular risk in schizophrenic patients.
Effect of birth of child in the household on changes over 7 years in dietary intake and weight of adults
Authors: Méjean Caroline , Rollet Pascaline , Hassen Wendy Si , Tichit Christine , Lampuré Aurélie , Hercberg Serge , Touvier Mathilde , Castetbon Katia
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Over the life course, transitions such as parenthood are described in sociological studies as periods of change in attitudes and health practices. The presence of children has been shown to modify adult dietary practices and daily timing of eating occasions, and that the arrival of a child in the household is perceived by parents to be related to changes in their dietary behaviors. Nevertheless, no epidemiological study has evaluated the impact by a longitudinal approach. The objective of our study was to assess the effect of the birth of a first child in a household on dietary intake and weight of adults over a 7-year follow-up period.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in 3955 adults included in the NutriNet-Santé cohort study between 2009 and 2010. At baseline and every year, dietary intakes were assessed using 24 h records. In this sample, 185 individuals experienced the birth of a first child in their household during the 7 years of follow-up. Changes in weight, assessed by self-administered questionnaire each year, were analyzed only in women (n = 115). Repeated measures of dietary intake and weight were analysed using mixed models adjusted for sex, age, education level and energy with random effects of time and period (before and after birth of the child) to assess changes following the life event.

Results

The birth of a first child in the household was associated with a decrease in the score of adherence to French recommendations (PNNS score, β [95% CI] = -0.45 [-0.74; -0.16]), in intakes of fruits and vegetables, meat and processed meat, and vitamin C (respectively, β = -0.30 [-0.43; -0.17]); β = -0.20 [-0.32; -0.17]); β = -0.54 [0.88; -0.19])). The birth of a first child in the household was also associated with an increase in intakes of saturated fatty acids and sodium (respectively, β = 1.49 [0.51, 2.45]); β = 0.31 [0.20; 0.43])). The birth of a first child was associated with weight gain in women (β = 1.70 [1.07, 2.33]).

Conclusion

Our study has shown that the birth of a first child in the household was associated with rather unhealthy dietary changes. These results could be used to guide public health interventions by focusing on this specific life transition.
Low sleep and diet quality impact on well-being among Mexican college students
Authors: Zeron-Rugerio Maria Fernanda , Ortega-Regules Ana Eugenia , Porras-Loaiza Maria Armida Patricia , Longo-Silva Giovana , Cambras Trinitat , Izquierdo-Pulido Maria
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Understanding health behaviors, such as sleep and dietary patterns, is important for health promotion and disease prevention. College period is a complicated, difficult time to maintain healthy behaviors. In this regard, little is known about the impact of sleep and diet quality on well-being among college young adults. Hence, we aimed to study the impact of sleep and diet quality on well-being in college students.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred-twelve Mexican college students (82% females; 20.6 ± 3.4years) were included in a cross-sectional study. Participants completed the following validated questionnaires: Well-being Index to assess well-being (high scores indicate high well-being), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality (scores > 5 indicate poor sleep quality), and a validate version of the Health Eating Index for Mexican population to assess diet quality (scores > 80 indicate good diet quality). BMI and physical activity were also assessed. Scores were treated as continuous variables, and statistical analysis were performed using SPSS v24 and adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

Sixty-seven percent of our population showed a poor sleep quality and eighty-four percent needs to make changes in their diet in order to improve its quality. On the other hand, fifty-one percent of the studied population had a low well-being perception. Poor sleep quality (p < 0.001) and low diet quality (p < 0.001) associated with a lower well-being perception. In addition, poor sleep quality is associated with low diet quality (p < 0.05). Regarding food consumption, higher sweets (p < 0.001) and soft-drink (p < 0.001) intake was inversely associated with well-being scores. Likewise, high consumption of sweets (p < 0.05) and soft-drink (p < 0.05), and low fruit (p < 0.05) and cereal (p < 0.05) consumption are linked to poor sleep quality.

Discussion

Our results show that half of the studied population had a low well-being, and also that poor sleep and diet quality are frequent among college students. Interestingly, the fact that poor sleep and diet quality were associated to a lower perception of well-being highlights the importance of promoting sleep hygiene and diet quality among college students as an important strategy to improve well-being and health, even in young adults. In addition, we found that higher sweets and soft-drink consumption were associated to both low well-being perception and poor sleep quality. Hence, it is important to promote healthy habits regarding eating and sleeping well, in order to improve well-being perception among college students.
Association of pre-pregnancy BMI with biochemical profile during pregnancy, delivery mode and size of neonates in the CRIBS birth cohort
Authors: Havaš Auguštin Dubravka , Šarac Jelena , Zajc Petranović Matea , Novokmet Natalija , Dolanc Ivan , Carić Tonko , Demerath Ellen , Cameron Noel , Missoni Saša
Published: June 2020

In the last few decades the prevalence of overweight and obesity has reached epidemic levels worldwide affecting over 2.1 billion people, including a large proportion of women of childbearing age. An adverse intrauterine environment resulting from conditions such as maternal obesity or gestational diabetes, can have long-term negative effect on the child's health later in life. This study focuses on maternal pre-pregnancy BMIs and their association with biochemical profile in pregnancy, delivery mode and size of neonates in the Croatian Islands’ Birth cohort Study (CRIBS). A total of 301 mother-child dyads were included in this study. The classification of the pre-pregnancy nutritional status followed WHO BMI cut-offs. Blood samples of women were taken in the second trimester of pregnancy and analysed for fasting blood glucose level, urates, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, potassium, sodium, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), homocysteine, fibrinogen and lipoprotein A. The neonates’ length in cm and weight in gm were measured immediately after delivery at the University Hospital Split. Differences in mean values of biochemical parameters and neonates’ size between pre-pregnancy BMI categories were tested using One-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) and differences in prevalence of delivery mode using the Chi-square test. Nutritional status before pregnancy showed that 4% of women were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg.m2), 75.1 % had normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg.m2), 14.6% were overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg.m2) and 6.3% were obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg.m2). Pre-pregnancy obesity and overweight were significantly associated with elevated fasting glucose (p = 0.02), triglycerides (p = 0.01), and uric acid (p = 0.001) levels, and with decreased protective HDL cholesterol (p = 0.01) during pregnancy. Also, in comparison with normal weight and underweight women, obese pregnant women more often gave birth to heavier (p = 0.01) and longer babies (p = 0.036) and there was a strong correlation between higher pre-pregnancy BMI and delivery mode (p = 0.004). Obese women had 50% chance of giving birth by caesarean section in comparison with 20.1% in normal weight women. Our study confirmed that high maternal pre-pregnancy BMI could be a significant risk factor for both mother's health during pregnancy and different adverse birth outcomes, such as elevated risk of caesarean section delivery and child macrosomia. Therefore, women should be advised to attain normal weight before starting the pregnancy.