bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Machine Learning Approaches to Understand the Interrelationship of Diet, the Human Gastrointestinal Microbiome, and Health
Authors: Guetterman Heather , Auvil Loretta , Russell Nate , Welge Michael , Berry Matt , Gatzke Lisa , Bushell Colleen , Holscher Hannah
Published: November 2023

Background

A growing body of literature supports the ability of specific foods and nutrients to impact the gastrointestinal microbiome. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the interplay of dietary components (e.g. foods and nutrients), gastrointestinal bacteria, and bacterial metabolites. Current analytical approaches limit investigation of these complex interrelations; therefore, further research utilizing modern machine learning methods is needed.

Objective

We aimed to fill the gap in knowledge about the interrelationship of diet, the gastrointestinal microbiome, and health by utilizing multivariate approaches that address P>>N, many features but few samples to 1) validate results generated by prototype software with previously published results; and 2) identify novel associations among relevant foods, nutrients, bacteria, and bacterial metabolites.

Methods

Data generated from a human dietary intervention study that included habitual food and nutrient intake patterns (NHANES food frequency questionnaire), daily dietary intake records, breath gas, and fecal bacteria and metabolite data were analyzed using machine learning approaches. Relevant bacteria, bacterial metabolites, foods, and nutrients were identified using Random Forest and relationships among these relevant features were determined using Maximal Information Coefficient.

Results

Breath hydrogen and agave inulin supplementation were predictive of Bifidobacterium abundance. Habitual diet factors were highly relevant in predicting participant body mass index (BMI). Among bacteria, Phascolarctobacterium, Collinsella, and Erysipelotrichacea were important features for predicting BMI. Oscillospira was associated with habitual dietary glycemic load. Phascolarctobacterium and Eubacterium were associated with habitual intake of deep yellow vegetables. Dietary polyunstaruated fatty acids were relevant in predicting Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratios. Total fiber and butyrate were highly relevant in predicting Faecalibacterium abundance.

Conclusions

Findings revealed similar associations among diet, bacterial genera, and breath hydrogen measures as previously published results, thereby validating the use of these methods in diet‐microbiome studies. BMI, bacterial abundances, dietary fiber intake, glycemic load, and deep yellow vegetable intake were interrelated. As features of a high quality diet were relevant for predicting bacterial abundances and metabolites, additional work is ongoing to calculate healthy eating index scores. These scores will help delineate purported health benefits (or detriments) of dietary components, bacteria, and bacterial metabolites and aid in identifying targets for future diet‐microbiome studies.

Support or Funding Information

This study was partially funded by the Illinois Applied Research Institute.
Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide biomarker response is a function of dietary precursor intake and gut microbiota composition in healthy young men
Authors: Cho Clara E. , Taesuwan Siraphat , Malysheva Olga V. , Bender Erica , Tulchinsky Nathan F. , Yan Jian , Sutter Jessica L. , Caudill Marie A.
Published: November 2023

Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) has recently emerged as a novel risk factor for chronic diseases but the contribution of diet and gut microbiota to TMAO production has received limited attention. The objective of this study was to compare TMAO biomarker response to foods that contain TMAO (fish) or its dietary precursors, choline and carnitine (eggs and beef), and to determine whether TMAO response was modified by the gut microbiota. As part of a crossover feeding trial with one‐week washout intervals, healthy young men (n = 40) were randomized to study meals representing animal sources of TMAO (i.e., eggs, beef and fish) and a fruit control. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and throughout the 6 h study period, and a one‐time baseline stool was provided. TMAO concentrations in plasma and urine were greatly influenced by dietary precursor intake with fish yielding 50–55 times higher TMAO (P < 0.0001), 11–12 times higher trimethylamine (P < 0.0001) and 5–6 times higher dimethylamine (P < 0.0001) than eggs or beef. Notably, circulating TMAO concentrations in response to the fish study meal were increased within 15 min of consumption suggesting that TMAO itself can be absorbed without undergoing processing by the gut microbes. Analysis of 16S rRNA genes indicated that high‐TMAO producers (those with >20% increase in urinary TMAO response to eggs and beef) had more Firmicutes than Bacteroidetes (P = 0.04), and showed less richness (P = 0.03) in gut microbiota composition than low‐TMAO producers (those with <20% increase in TMAO response). Given the inverse relationship between fish consumption and heart disease, the robust increase in circulating TMAO in response to the fish study meal suggests that TMAO may not contribute to the development of heart disease in humans. In addition, TMAO response to dietary TMAO precursors (eggs and beef) appears to be dependent on the gut microbes demonstrating that TMAO may be a biomarker of the gut microbiota composition. Overall, our data raise questions about the utility of lowering circulating concentrations of TMAO, via dietary or pharmaceutical approaches, as a means to improve human health.

Support or Funding Information

Egg Nutrition Center, Beef Checkoff through the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship
Differences in the Infant Gut Microbiota Related to the Fatty Acid Composition of Human Milk: Results from the GEHM Cohort
Authors: Taft Diana H , Dingess Kelly A , Valentine Christina J , Davidson Barbara S , Ollberding Nicholas J , Ward Doyle V , Brenna J Thomas , McMahon Robert J , Morrow Ardythe L
Published: November 2023

Background

The fatty acid (FA) composition of human milk varies between mothers, influenced by maternal diet. Available evidence suggests a potential influence of dietary FA on the composition of the gut microbiota, but the impact of dietary FAs on gut microbiota are not well characterized, particularly in breastfed infants.

Objective

We conducted a pilot study to assess the impact of variation in human milk FA composition on the infant gut microbiota.

Methods

Human milk and infant stool samples were collected at 4 weeks postpartum from 32 mother‐infant pairs; infants were healthy, term singletons. Human milk FAs were measured by a modified Bligh‐Dyer technique and analyzed by gas chromatography. Stool DNA was extracted using a QiaGen kit with bead beating, and the 16s rRNA gene sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. Using weighted UniFrac, non‐metric multidimensional scaling, and ordisurf in QIIME and R, we tested for associations between the infant gut microbiome and 27 different FAs of human milk, presented as both concentration of individual FAs and as proportion of total FA.

Results

Human milk octadecanoic acid (18:0: common name, stearic acid) concentration and proportion of total FA was associated with the composition of the infant stool microbial community after adjusting for multiple comparisons (p=0.0002 and p=0.0014). The combination of oleic acid and cis‐vaccenic acid (C18:1n9 plus C18:1n7), when analyzed as a proportion of total fatty acid, was also significantly associated with the composition of the infant stool microbiome (p<0.0001). Streptococcus anginosus was more abundant in infants fed milk with lower levels of stearic acid, while Bacillales, Staphylococcaceae, and Staphylococcus levels were higher in infants fed milk with higher levels of stearic acid. Bifidobacteriales, Bifidobacteriaceae, and Bifidobacterium were more abundant in infants fed milk with lower levels of oleic acid and cis‐vaccenic acid, while Actinomycetaceae and Actinomyces were more abundant in infants fed milk with higher levels of oleic acid and cis‐vaccenic acid. Analysis of maternal diet and human milk FA composition is underway.

Conclusions

This pilot project provides initial evidence that variation in the FAs of human milk is associated with differences in infant gut microbiota. Larger studies are needed to test for differences in the microbiota associated with FA.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Mead Johnson Pediatric Nutrition Institute (MJPNI; research contract (#3140)); NICHD P01 HD13021
Blood Cholesterol in Late‐life and Cognitive Decline: A Longitudinal Study of the Chinese Elderly
Authors: Ma Chaoran , Yin Zhaoxue , Luo Jiesi , Zhu Pengfei , Shi Xiaoming , Gao Xiang
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Although hyperlipidemia in mid‐life has been shown to be associated with faster cognitive decline, studies regarding the lipid‐cognition relation in older adults are limited and have generated mixed results. We thus examined whether higher blood cholesterol concentrations were associated with faster cognitive decline in a community‐based longitudinal study of Chinese elderly.

METHODS

The study included 1,159 Chinese older adults aged over 60 years (women: 48.7%, mean age: 79.4 years), who were free of dementia, Parkinson disease and stroke. Blood concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and triglycerides (TG), were assessed in 2009 (i.e., the baseline of current study). Global cognitive functions were assessed using the Chinese Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) at the baseline, 3 years and 5 years of follow‐up. Association between blood cholesterol and repeated cognitive function over 5 years was analyzed with linear mixed models, adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, depression symptoms, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, and blood concentrations of glucose and uric acid.

RESULTS

Higher baseline TC and LDL‐C concentrations were significantly associated with greater cognitive decline. Adjusted mean difference in cognitive decline rate, comparing two extreme quartiles, was 0.26 points (MMSE score) per year (95% confident interval (CI): −0.52, −0.003; P‐trend=0.02) for TC and 0.40 points per year (95% CI: −0.66, −0.14; P‐trend=0.003) for LDL‐C. Age (<80 vs ≥80 years) and sex did not modify the observed association between TC/LDL‐C and cognitive decline (P‐interaction >0.1 for all). In contrast, we did not observe significant relations between concentrations of HDL‐C and TG and cognitive decline (P trend ≥ 0.50 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher blood concentrations of TC and LDL‐C in late‐life were associated with faster global cognitive decline. Further studies with larger sample size and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery to capture specific cognitive effects are warranted to confirm our findings.

Statement of involvement for ASN Global Nutrition Student Poster Competition: Chaoran Ma was responsible for drafting/revising the abstract, and analysis or interpretation of data.

Support or Funding Information

NINDS: R21NS08723502; National Natural Science Foundation of China: 81273160 to X.M.S.
Homocysteine Concentration Correlates with Baseline Clinical Status and Predicts Outcomes in a Large, Early Parkinson's Disease Cohort (DATATOP)
Authors: Green Ralph , Yelpaala Yuora , Catalya Stephen , Auinger Peggy , Christine Chadwick
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of elevated homocysteine (Hcy) concentration and its association with cognitive and motor function measurements in early untreated Parkinson's disease (PD).

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have identified a relationship of elevated circulating Hcy levels with the development of cognitive impairment in aging but this relationship has not been established in early PD. We sought to determine the prevalence of elevated Hcy status in a cohort with early untreated PD and whether it was associated with greater initial and subsequent morbidity.

DESIGN/METHODS

We measured Hcy using 677 baseline samples from the DATATOP cohort of patients with early, untreated PD. Elevated Hcy status was defined as mildly elevated (>11 μM) and moderately elevated (>15 μM). Outcomes included motor assessments by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS scores) and cognitive assessments (Mini‐Mental Status test (MMSE) and Symbol Digits Modalities Test (SDMT)) at baseline and follow‐up, calculated as an annualized rate of change for those who participated for 6 months to 2 years. Baseline analyses were adjusted for sex, age, baseline B12 levels and treatment assignment. Change analyses were also adjusted for baseline value of the outcome.

RESULTS

The geometric mean Hcy level was 9.5 μM and was mildly elevated in 26% (179/677) and moderately elevated in 7% (46/677) of subjects. Analysis of baseline features showed lower MMSE and SDMT scores in those with moderately elevated Hcy. Analysis of outcomes showed greater decline in MMSE scores in those with moderately elevated Hcy. No associations were observed between mildly elevated Hcy and the baseline or outcome UPDRS motor scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of early, untreated PD subjects, 1 in 4 had mildly elevated Hcy. Moderately elevated baseline Hcy levels correlated with lower baseline cognitive measures and greater rate of cognitive decline. Because B vitamin supplementation can lower Hcy levels, this data raises the possibility that prevention or early correction of mild to moderate hyperhomocyteinemia through vitamin supplementation may slow the onset of cognitive decline in PD.

Support or Funding Information

MJFOX Foundation
Beneficial Interactions Between B Vitamins and Omega‐3 Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Brain Atrophy and of Cognitive Decline in Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Smith David , Refsum Helga , Oulhaj Abderrahim , de Jager Celeste A , Jerneren Fredrik
Published: November 2023

Background and aim

A randomised trial (VITACOG) in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease, found that B vitamin treatment to lower homocysteine slowed the rate of brain atrophy and of cognitive and clinical decline. (de Jager et al. Int J. Geriatr. Psychiatry 2012, 27:592–600; Douaud et al. PNAS 2013, 110:9523–28). We reported last year that, in this trial, B vitamins only slowed brain atrophy in subjects with a good baseline omega‐3 fatty acid status (Jerneren et al. AJCN 2015; 102:215–21). We have now used data from the trial to see whether baseline omega‐3 fatty acid status interacts with the effects of B vitamin treatment on cognitive and clinical outcomes.

Methods

266 participants with MCI aged ≥70 years were randomised to B vitamins (folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12) or placebo for 2 years. Baseline cognitive test performance, clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale and plasma concentrations of total homocysteine, total docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (omega‐3 fatty acids) were measured.

Results

Final scores for episodic memory, global cognition and CDR sum‐of‐boxes were better in the B vitamin‐treated group as the baseline concentration of omega‐3 fatty acids increased, whereas scores in the placebo group did not change across omega‐3 concentrations. Among those with good omega‐3 status, 33% of those on B vitamin treatment had global CDR scores >0 (i.e., worse) after 2 years compared with 59% among those on placebo; in other words, nearly twice as many on placebo progressed towards Alzheimer's disease as those on B vitamins with good omega‐3 status. For all 3 outcome measures, higher concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid alone significantly enhanced the cognitive effects of B vitamins. Eicosapentaenoic acid showed a similar pattern but did not reach significance.

Conclusions

When omega‐3 fatty acid concentrations are low, B vitamin treatment has no effect on cognitive decline in MCI, but when omega‐3 levels are in the upper normal range B vitamins interact to slow cognitive and clinical decline. These findings on cognition mirror the earlier findings on brain atrophy, consistent with a disease‐modifying effect of the combination of the two nutrients. We suggest that one mechanism for this beneficial interaction may be that B vitamins are needed for the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to give phosphatidylcholine (enriched in omega‐3 fatty acids), which plays a key role both in brain structure and in synaptic function. A clinical trial of B vitamins combined with omega‐3 fatty acids is needed to see whether it is possible to slow the conversion from MCI to AD.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by grants from Norman Collisson Foundation, Medical Research Council, Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust
The Relationship between Weight Loss Advice from Friends on Self‐Perception of Weight and Eating Habits
Authors: Thibodeau Tristan , van Woerden Irene , Ohri‐Vachaspati Punam , Huberty Jennifer , Bruening Meg
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Conversations about weight loss may impart feelings of dissatisfaction with one's weight, resulting in changes to weight perception. Self‐perception of weight has emerged as a significant predictor of BMI, weight status, and weight loss intentions. This relationship has yet to be observed in the college freshman population.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how weight loss advice from friends influences self‐perception of weight, and how this relationship is associated eating habits, specifically fruit and vegetable and fast food intake, in college freshmen.

METHODS

Cross‐sectional, secondary data analysis of dorm‐dwelling college freshmen (n= 1075; 64% female; 51% non‐white) participating in the longitudinal, prospective study SPARC (Social impact of Physical Activity and nutRition in College). Mixed multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship friends’ advice about losing weight with weight self‐perception and fruit/vegetable and fast food consumption, adjusted for sociodemographics and the clustering by dorm.

RESULTS

Freshmen females were more likely than males to report feeling overweight (OW) (45% vs. 28%, respectively; p<0.01). A significant relationship was observed between friend's advice about losing weight and female and male perceptions of being overweight (OR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.5–2.9, p<0.01). Weight comments were significantly related to males’ fruit and vegetable consumption (OR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4, p=0.009), but not females’ (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.6–1.5, p=0.834). No significant relationships were observed for weight loss advice or perceptions of weight with fast food intake for either males or females.

CONCLUSIONS

Perception of overweight was related to friend's weight loss advice, but not to eating behaviors in the majority of the sample. Gender specific differences were observed in the strength of this relationship, indicating that longitudinal research is needed to better understand the relationship between self‐perception, weight loss advice from friends, and eating behaviors.

Support or Funding Information

The Social impact of Physical Activity and nutRition in College study (project number: 1DP5OD017910‐01; PI: Bruening) was funded by the NIH Office of the Director and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. Content expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the authors, and may not reflect official views held by the NIH.
Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Eating: A Transnational Comparison of Central American Communities in a Socio‐Ecological Framework
Authors: Fuster Melissa , Colón‐Ramos Uriyoán
Published: November 2023

Objective

To understand how barriers and facilitators to healthy eating may change during the process of migration, we compare and contrast these factors among immigrants from Central America (El Salvador and Guatemala) in Washington, DC, and residents of two rural communities in El Salvador.

Methods

Secondary analysis of qualitative data (verbatim transcripts of two data sources and photography). Data from El Salvador were collected using focus groups conducted among adults (n=28) and unstructured observation recoded through field notes and photography. Data from recent Salvadoran and Guatemalan immigrants residing in Washington DC were from a photovoice study, using semi‐structured interviews with mothers of young children (< 10 years) (n=12) and photos from the food environment taken by participants. Transcripts and photographs were analyzed deductively following the social ecological framework to identify barriers and facilitators to healthy eating at the individual, interpersonal (family and social relationships), community/neighborhood, and policy levels, using Atlas.ti.

Results

Individual and interpersonal factors were similar in the two settings. In both settings, participants discussed children food preferences for highly‐processed food (sodas, pre‐prepared meals, fried chicken, hamburgers, pizza), contrasting with their preference as parents to providing traditional, home‐cooked foods, which were considered healthy (soups, local/native fruits and vegetables). In both settings participants reported great availability of high‐processed and fast foods and they discussed the high cost of healthy food options as barrier to their acquisition. In the US‐based community, participants also reported availability of fresh produce. Participants in Central America discussed access to locally grown foods (either at home or in the community) as a facilitating factor for healthy eating – which was not addressed in the US‐based sample. Government food assistance programs (in specific, WIC) increased access to healthy eating in the US‐sample. The analysis also includes an overview of national/local food policies that may relate to healthy eating in these two samples and a comparison of beliefs concerning healthy eating.

Conclusions

The results from this study underscores the importance of acknowledging the changing food environment in immigrant sending countries where people are already being exposed to unhealthy dietary patterns. This knowledge can help better target nutrition messages to the growing Central American community in the US.
Associations between dysfunctional eating behaviors and cardiovascular risk among Latinos
Authors: Lopez‐Cepero Andrea Alexandra , Frisard Christine M , Lemon Stephenie C , Rosal Milagros C
Published: November 2023

Background

Latinos bear high burden of nutrition‐related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Dysfunctional eating behaviors including, emotional eating (EE), uncontrolled eating (UE) and cognitive restraint (CR) of eating could influence CVD risk factors but associations among these variables have been under‐researched.

Objective

To examine associations between dysfunctional eating behaviors and CVD risk factors among Latinos.

Methods

Latino adults between the ages of 21–84 were recruited from primary care settings. Eating behaviors were assessed by the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, CVD risk factors were assessed via self‐report (i.e., hypercholesterolemia) and medical chart review (i.e., diabetes), and anthropometrics (height, weight, waist circumference) and blood pressure were measured. Statistical analysis included binary logistic and Poisson regressions.

Results

A total of 568 participants (51.1% female, 66.7% Dominican) were included in this analysis. Controlling for age, sex and education, high EE, UE and CR were associated with greater odds of obesity (OR=1.82 (1.28, 2.57), OR=1.75 (1.23, 2.48), OR=2.18 (1.53, 3.11; respectively); high EE and CR were associated with diabetes (OR=1.57 (1.04, 2.38), OR=1.95 (1.28, 2.97); respectively); and high EE and UE were associated with hyperlipidemia (OR=1.83 (1.23, 2.73), OR=2.31 (1.54, 3.46); respectively). Lastly, high EE, UE and CR were significantly associated with greater risk of developing a greater number of CVD risk factors (IRR=1.26 (1.08, 1.46), IRR=1.29 (1.11, 1.49), IRR=1.27 (1.09, 1.48); respectively).

Conclusion

Dysfunctional eating behaviors were associated with obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia in this Latino sample. Targeting dysfunctional eating behaviors may constitute an avenue for CVD risk factor prevention in this population. Further research is warranted to test whether reducing dysfunctional eating patterns impacts CVD risk factors among Latinos.

Support or Funding Information

This research is funded by: NIMH grant R01 MH085653; NIMHD grant 1 P60 MD006912‐02; and CDC grant U48 DP005031‐01.
Effect of Nutrition Education on Weight Gain Prevention in Adult Women: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Metzgar Catherine J , Nickols‐Richardson Sharon M
Published: November 2023

Body weight (BW) reduction through energy restriction is ineffective in impacting the obesity epidemic. Shifting from an obesity treatment to weight gain prevention or BW maintenance focus may be more effective in decreasing the burden of adult obesity. A 1‐year randomized controlled trial of weight gain prevention was conducted in healthy premenopausal women, between the ages of 18–45 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of >18.5kg/m2. Eighty‐seven women were randomized to a weight gain prevention intervention delivered by a registered dietitian (RDG) or counselor (CSG), or to a control group (CON). Eighty‐one women [mean±SD, age: 31.4±8.1 y; BW: 76.1±19.0 kg; BMI: 27.9±6.8 kg/m2) completed baseline testing and were included in intention‐to‐treat analyses. Anthropometric, blood pressure, dietary intake and physical activity measurements and selected biochemical markers of health were evaluated every three months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of covariance (SPSS, version 22.0); significance was set at P<0.01. Sixty‐two percent of the original sample met weight gain prevention criteria after one year; this did not differ by group assignment. Body fat percentage was significantly lower in the RDG versus CSG and CON groups at all intervals (P<0.001). Systolic blood pressure significantly changed over time in the CON group (P<0.001), with a significant group x time interaction (P<0.01). Fruit intake (svgs/day) was significantly different between the RDG and CON groups at month 6 and 12 (both P<0.01). No significant group differences were observed for additional anthropometric measurements, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, macronutrient intake, food groups, total energy expenditure or biochemical markers of health (all P>0.01). There were no significant time effects for any anthropometric measurements, resting heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, dietary intake, total energy expenditure or biochemical markers of health (all P>0.01). Although the effect of nutrition education on weight gain prevention was not significant, a majority of participants maintained BW over one year. Further monitoring may determine if nutrition education impacts BW regulation over the long term. As BW is only one component of metabolic health, additional clinical outcomes should be assessed to provide further insight regarding overall health status.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by an Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station/National Institute of Food and Agriculture research grant (#1001251).
Effect of Nutrition Education with an Emphasis on Consumption of Iron‐Rich Foods on Hemoglobin levels of Pregnant Women in Ghana
Authors: Otoo Gloria , Adam Yakubu
Published: November 2023

Anemia in pregnancy continues to be a major public health problem worldwide with multiple adverse outcomes for both mother and child especially in developing countries. The causes of anemia among pregnant women are multifaceted and may be associated with inadequate dietary intake of iron‐rich foods. This was a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a nutrition education (NE) intervention on hemoglobin (Hb) levels, nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of pregnant women in Gomoa East district in the Central region of Ghana. A total of 130 pregnant women (Hb level 7–11 g/dl) in their second trimester who were attending antenatal care in four health centers were recruited and randomly assigned to receive specific NE on anemia and iron‐ rich foods in addition to general NE [intervention group, IG=65)]; or to receive general NE [control group, CG =65)]. The education sessions were on individual basis done through biweekly home visits and biweekly phone calls. Semi‐structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio‐demographic characteristics and morbidity. Hb, weight and height of the participants were also measured. Data were collected at baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention (endline).

A total of 119 pregnant women completed the study [IG=59; CG=60]. Between group differences in the mean changes in Hb levels, nutrition knowledge scores and weight from baseline to endline were assessed with Student t‐tests. At the end of intervention, pregnant women in the both groups increased in weight with no significant difference in the change in weight. Pregnant women in the IG attained significant increases in mean knowledge on anemia and iron‐rich foods over the CG (21.6±1.3 vs. 8.3±2.5; p<0.001). Intakes of red meat, legumes, vitamin C‐rich foods, grains, roots and tubers became significantly higher for pregnant women in the IG than the CG at the end of study period (p<0.05). The change in Hb concentration was significantly higher in the IG over the CG, 0.1±1.3 vs. −0.7±1.4, respectively (p=0.004). The NE intervention emphasizing the consumption of iron‐rich foods showed positive effects on Hb, nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of iron rich foods and this could be a practical and effective strategy for improving iron status and dietary practices as well as adequate weight gain during pregnancy.

Support or Funding Information

N/A
The Effects of Reduced Protein‐Nutrition Bars with Enhanced Leucine Content on Ratings of Fullness in Healthy Women
Authors: Bolster Douglas , Rahn Maike , Kamil Alison , Toth Lindsey , Leidy Heather , Blaze Melvin , Nunez Michael , Guo Elizabeth , Wang Jianquan , Harkness Laura
Published: November 2023

Higher protein meals (>25 g) may be associated with enhanced satiety. Pre‐clinical evidence indicates that leucine when centrally administered into the brain may be a regulator of appetite in animal models. However, animal feeding studies have produced conflicting results. A double‐blind, RCT crossover trial (Glycemic Index Laboratories, Toronto, CN) assessed the effect of acute intake of reduced protein‐nutrition bars, enhanced with leucine on post‐prandial ratings of Fullness and Hunger and plasma leucine response in human subjects. Following an overnight fast, 40 women (age: 28 ± 7.5 y; BMI: 23.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2) consumed the following isocaloric (180 kcal) pre‐loads on three separate visits: control bar [9 g protein; 0 g leucine peptide (LP, Glanbia Nutritionals, PepForm®)] or treatment bars (11 and 13 g protein; 2 or 3 g leucine from LP, respectively). Fullness and Hunger were assessed by Visual Analog Scales (VAS) and plasma leucine was quantified by GC‐qMS. Fullness iAUC was significantly greater following the consumption of the 2 g versus 0 g LP bar (14.2%; p=0.04). Although there was no difference in iAUC observed between 3 g LP versus 0 g LP, the Cmax for 3 g LP was 12.2% larger than 0 g LP (p=0.0077). No significant differences in Hunger iAUC was observed among the treatment groups. There was a dose‐dependent increase in Cmax for plasma leucine for 2 and 3 g LP compared to 0 g LP (167% and 260% for 2 and 3 g LP, respectively; p<0.0001). Tmax for plasma leucine for 3 g LP was delayed an average 9.5 min compared to 2 g LP (p<0.0001). The results from this pilot study suggest that enhanced leucine availability with the 2 g LP nutrition bar may increase Fullness in humans; however additional research is required to determine the effects of elevated leucine consumption on food intake.

Support or Funding Information

PepsiCo Global R&D
Protein Oxidation as a Relevant Factor Determining Protein Status in Humans
Authors: reckman gerlof , priebe marion , vonk roel
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Defining optimal protein intake in various metabolic conditions like the newborn, aging and during exercise is highly relevant. Recently, it has been suggested that high protein intake in newborn could lead to excessive weight gain in later life (Kirchberg et al. 2014). Limited protein oxidation could be a relevant parameter directly related to this.

OBJECTIVES

To monitor protein oxidation we developed a non‐invasive 13C‐protein‐derived breath test using naturally enriched milk protein (fractions). We validated and applied this technique, in a pilot study, under various metabolic conditions in healthy adult males.

METHOD/DESIGN

After baseline sampling, 30 g of naturally labeled 13C‐milk protein were consumed. Breath samples were taken every 10 min during 5,5 h and 13CO2 was measured by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer. The following variables were used to calculate the amount of substrate oxidized: administered dose, 13C enrichment of substrate, molecular weight of substrate, number of carbon atoms in a substrate molecule, estimated CO2‐production of the subject based on body surface area.

RESULTS

Postprandial kinetics of oxidation of whey (rapidly digestible protein) and casein (slowly digestible protein) derived from our breath test were comparable to literature data regarding the kinetics of appearance of amino acids in blood (Boirie et al. 1997). Using this test we could demonstrate that 24 ± 3% (mean ± sd) of the milk protein dose was oxidized over 5,5 h which served as our control (100%). A decrease of 31% ± 18% in milk protein oxidation was observed after a 3 day protein restricted diet (~10 g/day) compared to a normal diet and 30 minutes of cycling before protein consumption reduced protein oxidation by 39% ± 37%. A protein restricted diet plus exercise reduced oxidation by 52% ± 19%.

CONCLUSIONS

Protein oxidation, which can be monitored in breath, is a significant factor in protein metabolism. With our technique we are able to characterize changes in overall protein oxidation under various metabolic conditions such as diet and exercise, which could be relevant for defining optimal protein intake under these conditions and can be extended to measurements during aging and in newborn.

Support or Funding Information

The project is financially supported by Hanze Nutrition BV
Expression of MicroRNA‐148a and its Target Gene EPAS1 (Endothelial PAS domain‐containing protein 1) in Intestinal Cells in Response to Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75
Authors: Taibi Amel , Comelli Elena M , Singh Natasha , Chen Jianmin , Guglielmetti Simone
Published: November 2023

Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 is a probiotic strain isolated from healthy human feces. We have previously shown that this strain modulates the composition of the gut microbiota, a core probiotic benefit. Though, molecular mechanisms underlying effects specific to this strain are unknown, particularly at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional (microRNA, miRNA) level. We found that the expression of intestinal miRNA, including miR‐148a, depends on the presence of the microbiota. MiR‐148a is a proposed biomarker of intestinal health. One of its target genes, EPAS1, also called HIF2α (Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor 2α) is a pro‐inflammatory and pro‐carcinogenic transcription factor.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of B. bifidum MIMBb75 on the intestinal expression of miR‐148a and EPAS1 in vitro and in vivo.

The expression levels of miR‐148a and EPAS1 were assessed by qPCR using RNA extracted from Caco‐2 cells incubated with B. bifidum MIMBb75, B. bifidum NCC390 or B. longum NCC 2705 (cell ratio of 10:1) or control vehicle for 1, 4 and 24 hours at 37°C. To prove that EPAS1 gene expression changes do indeed depend on miR‐148a modulation by B. bifidum MIMBb75, miRNA silencing was performed via transfection of miR‐148a inhibitor in Caco‐2 cells for 72h, followed by incubation of transfected cells with B. bifidum MIMBb75. In addition, C57BL/6J male mice were gavaged for 2 or 14 days with 108 colony forming units of B. bifidum MIMBb75/day or vehicle alone and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Caecum was used for RNA extraction and gene expression analysis as described above.

Of the three strains tested, only B. bifidum MIMBb75 showed a significant upregulation of miR‐148a after 1 and 4 hours of co‐incubation with Caco‐2 cells (P <0.01), but not at 24h. Oral administration of B. bifidum MIMBb75 increased significantly miR‐148a expression in the caecum after 2 days (P< 0.05) but not after 14 days of probiotic administration, which was accompanied by a decrease of EPAS1 expression (P<0.01) at day 2. In vitro silencing of miR‐148a using miRNA inhibitor constructs reversed EPAS1 downregulation.

This study brings a new concept of strain‐ and time‐dependent bifidobacteria‐host crosstalk via microRNA. Because early exposure to B. bifidum MIMBb75 repressed the expression of EPAS1, this probiotic may be helpful in intestinal inflammatory conditions associated with EPAS1 over‐expression, such as colitis. Probiotic‐dependent regulation of host gene expression via miRNA may open the way to new therapeutic avenues.

Support or Funding Information

NSERC, JP Bickell Foundation, Lawson Family Chair in Microbiome Nutrition Research
Vitamin K Consumption is Associated with Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Adolescents
Authors: Nguyen Joshua , Fain Mary Ellen , Davis Catherine L , Kapuku Gaston K , Gutin Bernard , Pollock Norman K
Published: November 2023

Left ventricular structure and function parameters have been shown to be independent predictors of cardiovascular disease events and mortality. New evidence has emerged suggesting that vitamin K may play a role in cardiovascular health. To date, no studies have investigated the relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and markers of left ventricular structure and function in adolescents. This study determined associations of dietary vitamin K intake with markers of left ventricular structure and function in a cohort of 766 adolescents aged 14–18 years (50% female, 49% black). Diet was assessed with three‐seven 24‐hr recalls and physical activity (PA) was determined by accelerometry. Left ventricular (LV) structure and function parameters were assessed by two‐dimensionally directed M‐mode echocardiography. LV structure parameters included: LV posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWD), interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSD), LV internal dimension in diastole (LVIDD), relative wall thickness (RWT), and LV mass index. LV function parameters included: ejection fraction and midwall fractional shortening. Percentage body fat was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. When markers of left ventricular structure and function were compared across tertiles of vitamin K intake adjusting for age, sex, race, Tanner stage, percentage body fat, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and dietary intakes of total energy, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, there were significant linear downward trends for LVPWD, IVSD, RWT, and LV mass index (all P‐trend < 0.05). Conversely, a significant linear upward trend across tertiles of vitamin K intake was observed for midwall fractional shortening (P‐trend < 0.01). There were no differences in LVIDD or ejection fraction across tertiles of vitamin K intake (both P‐trend > 0.05). In adolescents, greater vitamin K consumption is associated with beneficial alterations in LV structure and function parameters implicated in cardiovascular disease risk.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute grant HL64157. Funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Changes in hunger and fullness in relation to gut peptides before and after 8 weeks of alternate day fasting
Authors: Varady Krista A , Hoddy Kristin K , Kroeger Cynthia M , Trepanowski John F , Bhutani Surabhi , Barnosky Adrienne
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

Alternate day fasting (ADF; 25% energy intake “fast day”, alternated with an ad libitum intake “feed day”) is effective for weight loss. Whether or not ADF modulates hunger, fullness and gut peptides in a way that enhances dietary compliance and weight loss, remains unknown. Accordingly, this study examined the effect of ADF on postprandial appetite ratings and gut peptides.

METHODS

Obese subjects (n = 59) participated in an 8‐week ADF protocol where food was provided on the fast day.

RESULTS

Body weight decreased (P < 0.0001) by 3.9 ± 0.6 kg after 8 weeks of diet. Reductions (P < 0.05) in fat mass (−2.2 ± 0.2 kg), fat free mass (−1.4 ± 0.2 kg), visceral fat mass (−0.1 ± 0.1 kg), and resting metabolic rate (RMR; −104 ± 28 kcal/day) were also observed. Fasting leptin and insulin decreased (P < 0.05), while AUC ghrelin levels increased (P < 0.05). Despite these metabolic changes, there was no increase in subjective hunger by the end of the study. Furthermore, fullness and PYY increased (P < 0.05). Fat free mass and RMR were not related to hunger or ghrelin at any time point.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the absence of a compensatory increase in hunger in conjunction with an increase in sensations of fullness may contribute to the weight loss efficacy of an 8‐week ADF regimen.

Support or Funding Information

Departmental grant, University of Illinios at Chicago
Camel Milk and Nigella Sativa Oil Improve Liver Biomarkers among Children with Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Ismail Mohamed Saleh , El‐Sayed El‐Adawi Aymen , Nassar Olfat Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

Camel milk (CM) has antimicrobial properties, and used for treatment of liver diseases in folk medicine. This study aimed to find out the effect of camel milk alone or mixed with Nigella sativa (NS) oil on outcomes of viral hepatitis among children. Thirty eight (15 girl and 23 boy) child diagnosed with viral hepatitis (6–12 years) were selected from outpatients of Menoufia University and Monshaat Sultan hospitals, Egypt. The children divided into 4 groups; control group (PCG) (n=8) didn't receive any intervention; CM group (MPG) (n=10) received 100ml/day CM; NS oil group (OG) (n=10) received 2ml/day NS oil; and CM plus NS oil group (MOG) (n=10) received 100 ml CM plus 2 ml NS oil daily. The children were received their standard medications and regular diet without modification, and the trial continued for 5 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after intervention for determination of IgG, IgM, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. The results showed that feeding CM alone decreased IgM by 34.5% and increased IgG by 84.3%, while mixing it with NS oil resulted in decrement of IgM by 47.1% and increment of IgG by 91.7%. Meanwhile, NS oil decreased IgM by 64.8% and increased IgG by 72.7%. The concentration of elevated liver enzymes decreased significantly by the dietary intervention, especially among group fed CM alone or mixed with NS oil. In conclusion, feeding camel milk alone or mixed with NS oil had a favorable affect on viral hepatitis markers among children with viral hepatitis.

Support or Funding Information

No fund
Three doses of vitamin D on insulin resistance and osteocalcin measures in older women
Authors: Pop L. Claudia , Schneider Stephen H. , Sukumar Deeptha , Schlussel Yvette , Shapses Sue A.
Published: November 2023

Short‐term clinical studies suggest that vitamin D (VitD) supplementation influences osteocalcin (OC) levels during caloric restriction, and this is associated with lower insulin resistance (IR). In mice, the undercarboxylated form of OC (ucOC) acts as a circulating hormone to regulate insulin production and sensitivity. This one‐year long weight control study addresses whether vitamin D supplementation in healthy overweight/obese older women influences markers of insulin sensitivity and OC measures.

Design

Fifty‐eight obese/overweight women (age, 58 ± 6 years; body mass index, 30.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), 27.1 ± 4.4 ng/ml, glucose, 86 ± 10.3 mg/dl, insulin, 7.2 ± 2.7 mIU/l) were randomly assigned to one of 3 doses of VitD (600 IU/d; 2000 IU/d; 4000 IU/d) with 1.2 Ca g/d. Serum was analyzed for 25OHD (total, free and bioavailable), OC, ucOC, glucose and insulin. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; glucose area under the curve, AUC) was performed at 12 month. Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated.

Results

At 1 year, serum 25OHD levels increased to 30.4 ± 5.2, 35.8 ± 4.5 and 41.5 ± 6.9 ng/ml, and differed between groups 600, 2000 and 4000 IU, respectively (p<0.05). Weight change was similar across groups (−3.0 ± 4.1%). There was an interaction between VitD group and time on glucose and QUICKI (p≤0.05). The decline in serum glucose and the increase in QUICKI was greater in the 2000 IU compared to the 600 IU group (p≤0.05) and did not differ significantly compared to the 4000 IU group. Insulin decreased to a similar extent between groups over time (p<0.05). There were no significant correlations between changes in total, free or bioavailable 25OHD and glycemic markers or OC measures.

Conclusion

Dietary vitamin D intake modestly affects glycemic markers in healthy overweight/obese older women.

Support or Funding Information

NIH‐AG12161, NJAES‐0153866
Effect of 1,25(OH)2D in Regulating Glutamic‐Oxaloacetic Transaminase 1 (GOT1) and Redox Balance During Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhou Xuanzhu , Wilmanski Tomasz , Teegarden Dorothy
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the US. The active form of vitamin D, 1α,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), is proposed to inhibit cellular processes that may prevent breast cancer. Preliminary results by our laboratory and others have suggested possible pro‐oxidative effects of 1,25(OH)2D in breast cancer cells. Glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1) is an essential transaminase in glutamine metabolism. GOT1 converts aspartate into oxaloacetate in the cytoplasm, which is then subsequently converted to malate and pyruvate. NADPH is produced during the last step of this process and increased NADPH/NADP+ ratio has the potential to maintain cellular redox balance. Therefore, it is of interest to study 1,25(OH)2D regulation of GOT1 during cancer progression to understand the role of vitamin D in regulating oxidative stress as a mechanism to prevent breast cancer. We employed untransformed MCF10A human breast epithelial cells (MCF10A), as well as Harvey ras‐oncogene or ErbB2 (HER‐2/neu) oncogene transformed cells (MCF10A‐ras and MCF10A‐ErbB2) as cell models for early cancer progression. Results showed that 1,25(OH)2D significantly decreased GOT1 mRNA expression at 48 hours in MCF10A‐ras cells and MCF10A‐ErbB2 cells by 35 ± 8.8% and 49 ± 10%, respectively, and GOT1 protein expression at 72 hours by 51 ± 4.9% and 51 ± 16%, respectively. The susceptibility of MCF10A‐ras cells to hydrogen peroxide induced cell death was significantly increased by 1,25(OH)2D, as determined by measuring viable cell number using MTT assay. We further showed that 96‐hour 1,25(OH)2D treatment significantly reduced cellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio by 30 ± 2.8% and GSH/GSSG ratio by 34 ± 2.7% in MCF10A‐ras cells. Collectively, these results support that 1,25(OH)2D inhibits GOT1 expression and has pro‐oxidative effects in oncogene transformed MCF10A cell lines, which may contribute to its role in preventing breast cancer development.

Support or Funding Information

This work is support by the Project Development Team within the ICTSI NIH/NCRR Grant Number UL1TR001108, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute R25CA128770, and the Indiana Elks Charities administered by the Purdue Cancer Center.