bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Very low-carbohydrate high-fat diets are superior to low-fat diets in improving cardiovascular markers: meta-analysis of large, long-term randomised controlled trials
Authors: Gjuladin-Hellon Teuta , Davies Ian , Fealey Jackie , Montasem Alexander , Lane Katie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOur recent study (1) showed that the amount of dietary carbohydrates in obesity interventions has differential effects on cardiovascular risk markers (CVM) and effects magnitude depends on intervention duration. Very-low carbohydrate high-fat diets (VLCD) were superior in ameliorating lipid markers compared to high-carbohydrate low-fat diets (LFD).We updated our systematic review and meta-analysis to include long-term effects of VLCD (< 50 g /day) on weight, glucose, total cholesterol, insulin and blood pressure (BP) among overweight/obese adults in comparison to LFD.Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Central, and CINAHLPlus were searched to identify large (n > 100) randomised controlled trials (RCT) with duration ≥ 6 months. Risk of bias, a random effects model and subgroup analyses based on duration of follow-up were performed using Review Manager. Results were reported according to PRISMA.Four open label RCT (n = 723; 362 VLCD; 361 LFD) with some form of behavioral intervention and duration 6–24 months were identified. VLCD showed more favorable effects on diastolic BP at 6 months (-1.96; 95%CI, -2.99 to 00.93; P = 0.0002) and 24 months (-2.69; 95%CI, -4.87 to -0.51; P = 0.001), near significant level at 12 months (-1.79; 95%CI, -3.56 to 0.04; P = 0.05) and an overall total favourable effect (-1.98; 95%CI, -2.73 to -1.22). The decrease in systolic BP was greater among VLCD for the whole period and the overall total effect reached the level of significance (-1.76; 95%CI, -3.56 to 0.04; P = 0.05). VLCD showed beneficial effect on total cholesterol level at 6 and 12 months (-0.01 mmol/L; 95%CI, -0.01 to –0.00; P = 0.002 and -0.01 mmol/L; 95%CI, -0.01 to –0.00; P = 0.005, respectively). The mean changes in weight, and fasting glucose and insulin levels revealed non-significant differences between both diets at any measured time, although these parameters decreased within both groups compared to baseline.VLCD led to significant total weighted mean decrease of diastolic BP and near significant decrease of systolic BP independent of changes in body weight, fasting glucose or insulin levels. The present data on decreased levels of diastolic BP and total cholesterol, combined with our recently published results on increased HDL-cholesterol, decreased triglycerides and no significant effect on LDL-cholesterol (1) provide evidence that VLCD are superior to LFD in improving traditional CVM in longer term.
Central adiposity is associated with reduced cerebral perfusion: evidence from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)
Authors: Knight Silvin , Laird Eamon , O'Connor John , Newman Louise , Kenny Rose Anne 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroduction36% the over 50s in Ireland are obese based on body mass index (BMI: reflective of fat store peripherally) while 52% are ‘centrally obese’ based on waist circumference (indicative of fat located viscerally).(1) Visceral fat is thought to be a major site for inflammatory cytokine production and has been linked to other vascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes,(2) potentially providing a mechanism for brain atrophy.(3) The aim of the present work was to examine associations between obesity and grey matter (GM)/white matter (WM) perfusion as measured using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling (pCASL) MRI.Materials and MethodsThis study was embedded within the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a nationally representative sample of > 8,000 older adults.(4) At wave three, 561 participants underwent brain MRI using a 3T scanner (Achieva, Philips, Netherlands); after exclusions, 484 participants data were included for this analysis. Cerebral blood flow (CBF [ml/100g/min]) values were calculated and their associations with BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measures modelled using multiple linear regression. We also examined 6 groups: ‘normal’, ‘overweight’, and ‘obese’ as defined by BMI, with and without central obesity, as defined by WHR.(5) Models were adjusted for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, education, heart disease, hypertension, anti-hypertensive use, and depression.ResultsThe mean age was 69 years (± 7.2 years); 52% were female. Higher BMI and WHR were both related to lower GM and WM CBF: BMI per 1 SD (GM: β:-1.451, 95%CI:-2.300 to -0.607, P < 0.001; WM: β:-0. 575, 95%CI:-0. 939 to -0.210, P = 0.002) and WHR (GM: β:−1.667, 95%CI:−2.856 to −0.477, P = 0.006; WM: β:−0.688, 95%CI:−1.178 to −0.197, P = 0.006). The combination of overall obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and central obesity (WHR > 0.85[female], > 0.90[male]) was associated with lower CBF (GM: β:-4.303, 95%CI:-7.015 to -1.591, P = 0.002; WM: β:-2.029, 95%CI:-3.185 to -0.873, P < 0.001) compared to subjects without central obesity (GM: β:-0.959, 95%CI:-6.490 to 4.572, P = 0.733; WM:β:-0.051, 95%CI:-2.060 to 1.958, P = 0.960).DiscussionOur results show that central adiposity is a risk factor for impaired cerebral perfusion independent of BMI. Recent studies have shown that accumulation of fat in this area is a risk factor for cognitive impairment(6) and thus this study could partly explain the vascular origins.
Higher adherence to Mediterranean Diet is associated with improved semen parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Morze Jakub , Danielewicz Anna , Przybylowicz Katarzyna 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSemen quality is a key indicator of male fecundity and therefore is closely related to male fertility. In recent decades a significant decrease of semen parameters was observed worldwide. Except for environmental pollution, low physical activity, body weight and comorbidities, unhealthy diet was linked to semen quality decline. Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, is considered as beneficial for semen. However, results of existing studies are inconclusive. The aim of this review was to pool associations between adherence to the MedDiet and semen quality parameters in observational studies. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched until April 2019 with no restriction to language or time. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they filled following criteria: (1) observational design (retrospective or prospective), (2) adherence to MedDiet assessed using score or data-driven method and (3) semen quality parameters (total motility, progressive motility, total count, concentration or volume) as outcomes. Mean differences or odds ratios of abnormal semen parameters between the highest and lowest quintiles of MedDiet were converted to standardized mean differences (SMD). Random effects models with inverse variance method were used to pool differences. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic with value > 50% indicating substantial heterogeneity. Five cross-sectional studies extracted from 840 articles, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Higher adherence to MedDiet compared to lower adherence was associated with increased total (SMD = 0.59 95%CI: 0.12–1.06, I2 = 80%, pheterogenity < 0.01, n = 4) and progressive (SMD = 0.53 95%CI: 0.16–0.91, I2 = 0%, pheterogenity = 0.94, n = 2) sperm motility. No associations were observed between adherence to MedDiet and total sperm count (SMD = 0.14 95%CI: -0.20–0.48, I2 = 70%, pheterogenity < 0.01, n = 5), concentration (SMD = 0.22 95%CI: -0.04–0.47, I2 = 48%, pheterogenity = 0.10, n = 5), volume (SMD = 0.02 95%CI: -0.20–0.25, I2 = 21%, pheterogenity = 0.28, n = 5), as well as morphology (SMD = -0.10 95%CI: -0.36–0.16, I2 = 38%, pheterogenity = 0.18, n = 4). The results suggest that higher adherence to the MedDiet may have a protective effect on semen quality, probably by increased intake of antioxidant-rich products. Limitations of findings include substantial between-study heterogeneity and use of cross-sectional design. Beneficial effects of the MedDiet on semen quality have to be confirmed in further prospective studies.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the inflammatory state of the Caco-2 gut epithelium model
Authors: Durkin Luke , Childs Caroline , Calder Philip 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe gut epithelium is a protective interface between the external environment and the human body. This epithelium interacts with a multitude of internal stimuli from the bloodstream and immune cells, and luminal stimuli from microorganisms and the diet. Disruptions to the epithelium are seen in inflammatory bowel diseases and coeliac disease. The human adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) is an in vitro model used to assess the interactions between nutrients and gut epithelium. Long-chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have anti-inflammatory effects via the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, interactions with immune cells and reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The aim of this study is to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of DHA and EPA in stimulated Caco-2 monolayers. Caco-2 cells were seeded at 70,000 cells/cm2 and grown to confluence before being allowed to fully differentiate (approx. 21 days total). Cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β) and peptic-tryptic (PT-) gliadin were used as inflammatory stimulants. EPA and DHA incubations occurred 48 hours pre-stimulation. Tight junction function and morphology was determined using trans-epithelial electrical resistance measurements and confocal microscopy. Inflammatory markers, including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17, were assessed by multiplex. Stimulatory cytokines induced tight junction dysfunction and increased pro-inflammatory mediator production in Caco-2 cells. PT-gliadin, DHA and EPA treatment did not alter paracellular permeability or stimulant-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Further investigation of the inflammatory role of n-3 PUFAs and PT-gliadin in the Caco-2 model is required. Future work will assess the composition of PT-gliadin by electrophoresis and whether co-incubation of n-3 PUFAs and inflammatory cytokines will alter paracellular permeability and mediator output of Caco-2 cells.
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

AbstractBreast 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

AbstractGlycemic, 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

AbstractIntroductionThe 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 methodsTwo 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.ResultsIn 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.DiscussionOverall 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

AbstractIntroductionStudying 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 methodsThe 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.ResultsThe 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).DiscussionThis 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.