bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 10 week‐lifestyle modification program reduced the metabolic syndrome in overweight adults
Authors: Burini Roberto Carlos , Mecca Marita Scarpim , Moreto Fernando , Burini Franz Homero Paganini , Pierine Damiana Tortolero 
Published: June 2021

PURPOSETo reduce metabolic syndrome (MetS) after a short‐time (10 wk) lifestyle modification program (LMP) with physical exercises and low‐energy density diet (30g fiber/day).METHODSIn a controlled parallel group design participants (n=50; 50.5 ± 11.8 yrs) were allocated either to intervention with adequate intakes of fruits and vegetables (G1, n=28, 6M, 22F, BMI=33.6 ± 5.3kg/m2, MetS=46%) or control (G2, n=22, 5M, 17F, BMI=32.1 ± 5.3kg/m2, MetS=40%). Both groups were in a weekly LMP with 60 min/d sessions of aerobic exercises alternating brisk walking (3d/wk) and muscle strength (2d/wk). Clinical, anthropometric, dietary, fitness and plasma biochemical assessments were undertaken at baseline (M0) and after 10 weeks (M1). Groups and moments were statistically compared for p=0.05.RESULTSAt M0 both groups were similar in all variables and after 10 weeks of LMP they both improved health‐eating index (HEI), fiber intake and kept their muscle mass. However only G1 increased the intake of fiber (211%) along with plasma beta‐carotene (150%), additionally to greater reductions in body fat (4%), abdominal fat (7%) and obesity (16%) leading to reduced MetS (24%) mainly by normalizing blood pressure, triglycerides and glucose.CONCLUSIONSShort‐time (10 weeks) LMP reduced MetS by improving HEI, body composition and mostly blood markers. Supported by CNPq and FAPESP.
High protein diets modulate renal lipid metabolism in Zucker fa/fa rats
Authors: Tovar‐Palacio Clauida , Tovar Armando R , Torres Nimbe , Cruz Cristino , Hernandez‐Pando Rogelio , Salas‐Garrido Gerardo , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo 
Published: June 2021

It is not clear whether the use of high protein diets during obesity affects renal lipid metabolism and kidney function.Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of different type and amount of dietary proteins on the regulation of the expression of lipogenic and inflammatory genes and its association with renal lipid concentration and biochemical parameters of kidney function in obese Zucker fa/fa rats. Rats were fed for 2 mo different concentrations of soy protein (SP) or casein (Cas) (20, 30, 45%). SP significantly increased serum TG than Cas; independently of the type of protein, the higher the dietary protein concentration, the higher the serum TG. Rats fed SP significantly decreased serum cholesterol concentrations than those fed Cas diet. No significant changes in renal TG and cholesterol concentrations were observed. Renal gene expression of SREBP‐1 and SREBP‐2 expression and their target genes showed a significant increase as the concentration of dietary protein increased. The higher the protein concentration the higher the expression in the kidney of the proinflammatory cytokines, independently of the type of dietary protein. In addition, a similar response was observed for nefrin, Type IV collagen, and TGFβ. These results indicate that dietary protein regulates expression of lipogenic and proinflammatory genes in kidney regardless of its type. Supported by CONACYT No 49098 (to CTP).
One‐carbon metabolism in the aged colon after folic acid supplementation
Authors: Zimmerly Ella M , Kim Kyong‐Chol , Jang Hyeran , Choi Sang‐Woon 
Published: June 2021

Age and low folate intake have been associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer, but excessive folate intake might increase this risk in the elderly. The polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a gene whose product determines folate utilization in one‐carbon metabolism, is also associated with the risk of colorectal cancer. In this study we examined changes in one‐carbon metabolism due to aging and folate intake. To mimic folate deplete, replete, and supplemented diets, young and old mice were fed 0, 2, or 8 mg folic acid/kg diet (AIN‐93M) for twenty weeks. In the colonic mucosa we examined relative gene expression of enzymes related to folate and thymidine handling using real time RT‐PCR. While old mice did not show changes, MTHFR expression decreased in young mouse colon with increased folic acid intake (ptrend=0.038). Expression of thymidylate synthase (p=0.031) and deoxythymydylate synthase (p=0.025) was higher in older mice than in young but comparable among different diet groups. Thymidine kinase, dihydrofolate reductase, and serine hydroxymethyl transferase did not demonstrate differences by age or diet. Overall folic acid supplementation did not induce aberrant expression of one‐carbon metabolism genes in the colon of old mice. Supported by the NIH Grant R01 AG25834Grant Funding Source: NIH
LOVAZA® extends median and maximal lifespan than regular fish oil of autoimmune lupus‐prone mice
Authors: Halade Ganesh V , Rahman Md M , Williams Paul J , Barnes Jeffery , Fernandes Gabriel 
Published: June 2021

LOVAZA®, containing purified fish oil (FO), is widely prescribed for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, however its efficacy has never been tested in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) prone mice (NZB/NZW) F1 (B/W), in comparison to regular FO. We investigated for the first time, a dose dependent effect of LOVAZA®, compared to placebo and regular FO with standard diet as a control, in a well‐established animal model of human SLE. Weanling B/W female mice were divided into 6 groups fed nutritionally adequate semi purified diet supplemented with LOVAZA® (1% and 4%), placebo (1% and 4%), FO (4%) [18/12:eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] and standard lab chow ad libitum. Proteinuria and anti‐dsDNA antibodies were measured to assess the disease progression. Further, we monitored survival and evaluated inflammatory cytokines including kidney histology. Results showed that LOVAZA®(4%) significantly extends both the median and maximal lifespan of B/W mice than regular FO (4%), placebo (4%) and standard lab chow diet. Additionally, LOVAZA® (4%) also decreased serum anti‐dsDNA antibodies, reduced proteinuria with age, lowered LPS‐stimulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6) produced by splenocytes and reduced nephritis in SLE condition. These data indicate that LOVAZA® (4%), containing purified FO is found more effective in suppressing inflammation and extending lifespan of SLE‐prone B/W mice. Further studies in SLE patients are needed to confirm this observation.Funding support: 1R01AT004259‐01 from NIH/NCCAMGrant Funding Source: 1R01AT004259‐01 from NIH/NCCAM
The Influence of Long‐Term Essential Amino Acid Supplementation on Measures of Body Composition in Recreationally Active Older Adults
Authors: Dhanani Shaheen , Timmerman Kyle L. , Rasmussen Blake B. , Volpi Elena 
Published: June 2021

Aging is associated with loss of muscle mass and bone density. Unlike non essential amino acids, essential amino acids (EAA) stimulate protein synthesis. Preliminary data from our group indicate that short‐term EAA supplementation can improve muscle mass in sedentary elders. However, the effect of long‐term EAA supplementation on body composition in recreationally active older adults is unknown.The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if supplementation with EAA can improve indices of body composition in older, recreationally active subjects.We have currently enrolled 12 healthy, recreationally active older (50–70 years) subjects who have been randomly assigned to receive either 15g of EAA (n= 6, age= 61±3, BMI= 25.3±0.8) or an isonitrogenous, isocaloric placebo (alanine; n=6, age= 63±4, BMI= 25.4±1.2) daily for one year, while maintaining their usual physical activity level. At baseline and every three months body composition was measured by DEXA.Preliminary data from six subjects indicate that bone mineral content tended to increase in the EAA group after one year of treatment (Baseline: 2019.1±104.6 grams, 12 months: 2094.5±116.7 grams, P=0.06), while other body composition parameters do not yet display significant changes.In conclusion, these preliminary data suggest that 12 months of supplementation with essential amino acids may improve bone density in recreationally active, older adults.Supported by NIA P30 AG024832 and R01 AG030070
Alterations in hepatic metabolism of sulfur‐containing substances by silymarin in mice
Authors: Kim Sun J , Kwon Do Y , Kim Young C 
Published: June 2021

Silymarin has been shown to exhibit hepatoprotective effects against chemical‐induced liver injury, but the underlying mechanism of its beneficial action remains unclear. In this study we examined the changes in hepatic metabolism of sulfur‐amino acids induced by silymarin. Male mice were treated with silymarin (100 or 200 mg/kg, po) every 12 hr for a total of 3 doses. Methionine level was increased, but methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) activity was decreased by silymarin in a dose‐dependent manner. S‐Adenosylmethione or homocysteine was not altered whereas cystathionine, cysteine and glutathione levels were increased significantly by silymarin treatment. Western blotting analysis revealed that silymarin treatment decreased protein expression of betaine‐homocysteine methyl transferase, MATI/III and cysteine dioxygenase, but increased cystathione β‐synthase expression in liver. Expression of γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate‐limiting enzyme of glutathione synthesis, was not influenced. The present results show that silymarin induces significant changes in the metabolomics of sulfur‐containing substances in liver, which appears to be associated with the hepatoprotective effects of this substance. Further studies to identify its significance in chemical‐induced liver injury are currently being conducted in this laboratory.Grant Funding Source: KOSEF
A 2‐fold increase in threonine intake is required in late pregnancy
Authors: Levesque Crystal Lynette , Moehn Soenke , Pencharz Paul B , Ball Ronald O 
Published: June 2021

Current recommendations for amino acid (AA) intake during pregnancy in humans and pigs are for a single intake throughout. This is illogical because requirement should be higher in late pregnancy due to dramatic increases in conceptus growth during the 3rd trimester. THR requirement was determined using the indicator amino acid oxidation method in eight multiparous sows using L[1‐13C]phenylalanine. Sows received diets ranging from 20 to 180% of the current recommended THR intake (10 gd−1) based on BW, expected pregnancy weight gain and litter size. Tracer phenylalanine was given orally in 8 ½‐hourly meals and expired 13CO2 was quantified. Data was analyzed using a nonlinear Mixed model. Sow reproductive performance was similar to commercial standards. The THR requirement in early pregnancy was 4.9 gd−1 (R2=0.71) and in late pregnancy was 12.8 gd−1 (R2=0.58), compared to the recommendation of 10 gd−1. Nutritional regimes in pregnancy should account for changes in AA requirement during pregnancy to reduce the risk of overfeeding AA in early pregnancy and underfeeding AA in late pregnancy.Grant Funding Source: AB Pork, ON Pork, ALIDF, ACAAF, Ajinomoto
Impact of social supply program of fortified milk “LICONSA” on the nutritional status of iron and zinc in pre school children (3–5 y)
Authors: Haro Maria Isabel Grijalva , Chavarria Elsa Yolanda , Ponce Jose Antonio , Artalejo Elizabeth , Nieblas Amparo , Javier Erika , Robles Alma Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveAssess the efficacy of a national program of fortified milk “LICONSA” on the nutritional status of iron and zinc in pre‐school children (3–5 y).Subjects and MethodsThe study was conducted in 77 children of both sexes (3–5 y), of which 54 consumed LICONSA fortified milk and 23 non‐users. The consumption of fortified milk was during 6 months to free demand. Measurements were made of hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum zinc and estimated consumption of milk.ResultsIn children who consumed fortified milk there was an increase of in their hemoglobin and ferritin levels (1.13g/dL (p <0.05)and 5.83 μg/L (p<0.05) respectively). Additionally, there was a decrease of the prevalence of low iron stores from 20.4% to 4.1% (p <0.05). The serum zinc level presented an increase of 45.2 μg/dL (<0.05). At the end of the study no child presented a micronutrient deficiency. Children who did not consume fortified milk LICONSA showed no significant change in their serum values. The average consumption of milk powder LICONSA was 22.7±14.5 g, providing 2.5 mg of iron and zinc daily.ConclusionsThe consumption of fortified milk had a beneficial effect on the biochemical status of iron and zinc in children benefited from the program LICONSA.
Description of prepared foods around recreation center in low income neighborhoods in Baltimore City
Authors: Lee Seung Hee , Rowan Megan T , Newman Sara , Anderson Jennifer , Suratkar Sonali R , Klassen Ann C , Frick Kevin , Powell Lisa M , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Low income African Americans in Baltimore get most of their calories from foods that are high in fat and sugar, with a high proportion coming from carry‐outs and other prepared food sources. However, little is known about Baltimore City's hundreds of carry‐out restaurants. We conducted an assessment of the prepared food environment in low income areas of Baltimore City using an observational checklist. We assessed 13 carry‐outs within a 1 km radius of recreation centers that are currently participating in the Baltimore Healthy Eating Zones trial. Over 60% of the carry‐outs are owned/managed by people of Korean descent. 70% are behind‐the‐glass type of stores, with little direct contact with customers. Only one store had healthy foods listed on the menu. The most common healthy foods is a low fat meat sandwich (92%). 77% had a choice of meat and 31% had a choice of vegetable for the sandwich. Moreover, 23% had salad as an entrée and 38% offered watermelon slices (seasonal). 70% were promoting combo meal that includes fries and soda. Our findings will be used to develop an intervention for carry‐outs to test the feasibility of increasing the availability of healthy options, improved signage, portion size modification, healthier food preparation methods and carryout/restaurant staff training on consumer food purchasing behavior.Funding provided by the Diabetes Research and Training CenterGrant Funding Source: Diabetes Research and Training Center
THE EFFECT OF PROPRANOLOL ON GENE EXPRESSION DURING THE BLOOD ALCOHOL CYCLE OF RATS FED ETHANOL INTRAGASTRICALLY
Authors: Li Jun , Bardag‐Gorce Fawzia , Oliva Joan , French Barbara A , Dedes Jennifer , French Samuel W 
Published: June 2021

Propranolol, a beta adrenergic blocker prevents the blood alcohol (BAL) cycle in rats fed ethanol intragastrically at a constant rate by preventing the cyclic changes in the metabolic rate caused by fluctuating levels of norepinephrine released into the blood. The change in the rate of metabolism changes the rate of alcohol elimination in the blood which causes the BAL to cycle. Microarray analysis of the livers from the rats fed ethanol and propranolol showed similar changes in clusters of functionally related gene expressions. The controls and the trough of the cycle differed dramatically from the cluster pattern seen in the rats at the peaks of the blood alcohol cycle. The changes in gene expression induced by ethanol were similar when propranolol was fed without ethanol especially with the changes in the kinases and phosphatases, Toll‐like receptor signaling and cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction were also changed.The changes in gene expression caused by ethanol and propranolol feeding are alike probably because both drugs induce β adrenergic receptor desensitization. Supported by NIH/NIAAA 8116.
Labeling and Tracking of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Porcine Abdominal
Authors: Han Daniel K , Shah Tejas R , Shin Hyun Joo , Malik Rajesh K , Salloum Alexander , Faries Peter L 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionA consistent and reliable method of tracking mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is needed to confirm the presence of implanted MSCs in target tissue. This study aims to evaluate GFP‐expressing adenovirus and lentivirus infection as labeling modalities for studying the effects of MSC introduction into a porcine abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model.MethodsMSCs are isolated from pig bone marrow aspirates. Adenoviral infection is performed by addition of commercially purchased GFP‐expressing adenovirus to MSC media. Lentiviral infection is performed by addition of GFP‐expressing virus harvested from transfected 293 T cells to MSCs. The MSCs are then implanted into pig AAA models which are sacrificed at various time points for analysis.ResultsThe infected cells demonstrated high CD13 and CD117 expression with low CD45 expression, indicative of a MSC population. In vitro, adenovirus achieved 80% infection efficiency compared to 90% with lentivirus. In vivo, adenoviral infection provided GFP signals up to day 7 before loss of signal. Lentiviral infection provided a signal on day 1; studies at later time points are currently ongoing.ConclusionInfection of MSCs with GFP‐expressing adenovirus effectively allows tracking of cells within aneurysmal tissue for 7 days. Compared to adenovirus, lentivirus can achieve higher infection efficiencies without compromising cell viability or phenotype.
Differential effects of a bradykinin receptor 2 (B2R) and bradykinin receptor 1 (B1R) in vasculogenesis of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) compared to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)
Authors: Bakdash Nadia , Wu Yi , Colman Robert 
Published: June 2021

Bradykinin (BK), a potent activator of endothelial cells, is known to induce vasodilation and vascular permeability. BK signaling is initiated by binding to G protein‐coupled receptors B2R and/or B1R. B2R is constitutively expressed in endothelial cells while B1R is upregulated by inflammatory stimuli.We now report that EPCs undergo differentiation (tube formation) in a 3D collagen gel. Pre‐incubation of EPCs with a B2R selective antagonist (HOE‐140) reduced differentiation (p<0.001). We found that EPCs stimulated with the selective B2R agonist FR190997 (50 nM) enhanced migration, a response abrogated by HOE‐140 (p<0.05). We conclude that EPCs utilize B2R for vasculogenesis and migration.In contrast, HUVECs did not display a significant reduction in vasculogenesis upon addition of exogenous BK. After pre‐incubation with [des‐Arg10]‐HOE 140, (B1R selective antagonist), BK‐stimulated HUVECs displayed a reduction in tube formation (p<0.001), suggesting that HUVECs utilize B1R for vasculogenesis. In the presence of the B1R antagonist, BK‐stimulated HUVEC migration was inhibited (p<0.01). In addition, proliferation of HUVECs remained unchanged upon stimulation with BK. Upon exposure to the B1R antagonist, proliferation was unchanged.In conclusion, in BK‐stimulated EPCs, B2R mediates differentiation and migration. In contrast, in BK‐stimulated HUVECs, the B1R antagonist selectively inhibits vasculogenesis and migration but not proliferation.
Tulathromycin promotes phagocytosis and mediates IL‐8, NO, and PGE2 secretion in bovine monocyte‐derived macrophages
Authors: Beatty Jennifer Kathleen , Fischer Carrie D , Morck Douglas W , Lucas Merlyn J , Robb Edward J , Buret Andre G 
Published: June 2021

Tulathromycin (TUL) is an antibiotic used in the treatment of bovine respiratory disease, whose efficacy may be due to anti‐inflammatory capabilities. In the lung, macrophage secretion of inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)‐8, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as phagocytosis apoptotic neutrophils, are imperative mechanisms contributing to the resolution of inflammation. Effects of TUL on modulation of macrophage function have yet to be investigated.Aim1) to determine the effects of TUL on neutrophil phagocytosis by bovine monocyte‐derived macrophages (BMDM) and 2) to examine the direct effects of TUL on the expression of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and secreted levels of IL‐8, PGE2, and NO.ResultsLight microscopy suggested that TUL‐induced neutrophil apoptosis is associated with increased neutrophil phagocytosis by BMDM. Western blotting showed TUL increases expression of COX‐2, while ELISA and Greiss reaction showed that TUL decreased secreted levels of IL‐8, and NO and increased levels of PGE2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BMDM.ConclusionTUL promotes macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils and modulates COX‐2 protein expression and secreted levels of IL‐8, NO, and PGE2 in LPS‐stimulated BMDM. Together, the findings illustrate novel mechanisms through which an antibiotic may deliver anti‐inflammatory benefits. This work is supported by NSERC.
Erythropoietin improves skeletal muscle microcirculation in mice with sepsis through activation of eNOS
Authors: Kao Raymond , Xenocostas Anargyros , Huang Weixiong , Martin Claudio M. , Rui Tao 
Published: June 2021

This study is to explore the potential mechanisms involved in the improvement of microcirculation by the EPO in septic mice.MethodsSepsis was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of a fecal suspension (12.5 mg/mouse). The septic mice were given rHuEPO (400 U/kg) 18 hrs after sepsis. Capillary perfusion and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence were observed using an intravital microscopy. In addition, endothelial cells derived from the skeletal muscle were treated with rHuEPO (5 U/ml) and eNOS activation and activity were assessed.ResultsSeptic mice demonstrated microcirculatory dysfunction with a decreased capillary perfusion and an increased tissue NADH fluorescence indicating impaired tissue bioenergetics. In contrast, septic mice treated with rHuEPO resulted in an improvement in the perfused capillary density and decreased muscle NADH fluorescence. However, this beneficial effect of rHuEPO did not occur in septic mice treated with L‐NAME (20 mg/kg) or mice deficient in eNOS. Treatment of endothelial cells with rHuEPO resulted in an increase in eNOS phosphorylation and NO production.In conclusionOur results suggest that eNOS plays an important role in mediating the beneficial effect of rHuEPO on microcirculation in this model of sepsis. (Supported by funding from Department of National Defense, Canadian Forces Medical Group).
Mutual Interaction of Prostate Carcinoma And Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Cells With Human Endothelial Cells – PPAR‐gamma Ligands Modulate Parameters of Innate Immunity
Authors: Koenig Wolfgang , Ghebremedhin Beniam , Koenig Brigitte , Koenig Jens‐Ekkehard , Tammer Ina 
Published: June 2021

We studied the mutual interaction of human endothelial cells on co‐incubation with prostate carcinoma (PCA, PC3, LNCAP, DU145) and prostate hyperplasia (BPH) cells in the presence of 15d‐PGJ2 and glitazones (troglitazone, ciglitazone). The cells were stimulated with growth factors (VEGF, EGF, HGF, IGF, FGF) at various concentrations (1–100 ng). PPAR‐gamma ligands at various concentrations were added prior to or after co‐incubation with PCA and BPH cells for 24 hours. The release of mediators (IL‐6, IL‐8, PGE2, TNF‐alpha, VEGF) was studied by Elisa. RT‐PCR and Taqman analysis were applied for the analysis of parameters of innate immunity, e. g. p22‐, 47‐, 67‐, gp91‐phox, prostaglandin receptors (EP1‐EP4), toll‐like receptors (TLR2, 4, 9), cox2, retinoid acid receptors [alpha, beta, gamma], IL‐8, CXCR2).Our results show: 1) Human endothelial cells modulate various parameters of innate immunity on carcinoma as well as BPH cells after co‐incubation. 2) PPAR‐gamma ligands interact differently when given prior or after co‐incubation of tumor cells with human endothelial cells. 3) Differences in pro‐ and antiinflammatory responses depend on the individual cell line as well as the stimulus via differences in cellular signal transduction. The results suggest a potential use of PPAR‐gamma ligands to dampen inflammation and potentially tumor development and tumor spreading.