bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations of adipose tissue phenotype and gene expression in olanzapine treated rats
Authors: Victoriano Montserrat , de Beaurepaire Renaud , Naour Nadia , Guerre‐Millo Michele , Quignard‐Boulange Annie , Huneau Jean‐François , Mathé Véronique , Tomé Daniel , Hermier Dominique 
Published: June 2021

Contrary to typical antipsychotics (AP) such as haloperidol (HA), certain atypical antipsychotic (AAP), such as olanzapine (OL) induce a weight gain associated with increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT). A specific increase in VAT was reported in a model of chronically OL‐treated rats, without hyperphagia or increased body weight (Victoriano et al., 2009). This suggests a direct effect of AAP on AT phenotype and on gene expression of proteins involved in metabolic or secretory functions.Thus, male rats were given, for 6 wks, diets containing OL (2mg/kg), HA (1mg/kg) or the vehicle (control group, CO) (n=6). The epididymal AT proportion was the highest in OL rats (1.63% vs 1.44% in CO and HA rats), without adipocyte hypertrophy. The % of CD68+ cells (markers of macrophage infiltration) was 2.8 in OL rats, 0.07 in HA rats and 0 in CO rats. The expression of genes controlling lipid metabolism was not modified. Among adipokines, only gene expression of TNFα; was modified, its ARNm being twice higher in OL than in CO and HA rats, and indicating a local low grade inflammation.This suggests that a local action of AAP on the AT results in the recruitment of macrophages. The increase expression of TNFα; by these macrophages may contribute to impair insulin sensitivity, resulting in the metabolic complications of AAP treatment. The occurrence of this inflammatory status has now to be investigated in human patients.
Infant feeding modifies the relationship between rapid weight gain in infancy and childhood obesity
Authors: Manasseh Zeina Maalouf , Kramer Michael S , Dewey Kathryn G 
Published: June 2021

Rapid weight gain in infancy has been consistently associated with obesity later in life. Breastfed infants gain weight more slowly than formula‐fed infants and have a lower risk of later obesity in most studies. We used data from the PROBIT trial in the Republic of Belarus, for children followed from birth until 6–7 y of age (n=13,888), to examine whether infant feeding modifies the relationship between rapid weight gain in infancy and child obesity. Rapid weight gain (defined as a rate of gain greater than the 95th percentile on the new WHO growth velocity standards) occurred in 3.2% of infants at 0–3 mo and 8.7% of infants at 0–6 mo of age. Rapid weight gain was strongly related to child obesity (defined as BMI‐for‐age greater than the 95th percentile using the CDC growth reference) with AOR= 2.63, (95% CI 1.95–3.55) for 0–3 mo and AOR=3.09, (95% CI 2.48–3.85) for 0–6 mo, controlling for breastfeeding intensity (# breastfeeds/total # milk feeds), birth weight, maternal BMI, education, sex and sex by breastfeeding intensity interaction. The relationship of rapid weight gain at 0–3 mo to subsequent child obesity was significantly stronger in infants who had been exclusively formula‐fed since 1 mo of age (AOR=7.67, 95% CI 3.19–18.41) compared to other infants (AOR=2.34, 95% CI 1.70–3.23). It is important to consider feeding mode when examining the association between rapid weight gain in infancy and obesity later in life.Grant Funding Source: N/A
Site‐specific evolution of casein proteins
Authors: Martin William Fred , Lemay Danielle , Rijnkels Monique , German Bruce 
Published: June 2021

Milk is a unique ensemble of molecules and structures emerging from 200 million years of evolution under the constant selective pressure of nourishing infants. The vulnerability of infants has been a pervasive evolutionary pressure on milk, subject to feasible maternal limitations in the energy and nutrient cost. Understanding the footprint of this Darwinian process is the basis of ongoing bioinformatics studies on the genomes of lactating mammals. To address fundamental questions related to the comparative rates of evolution in milk genes, this project has been leveraging bioinformatics tools such as clustalw, bioedit, and PAML. Also, a postgres database and custom programs are used to organize the data, script the processing, and calculate the statistics. Studies were designed to examine molecular fragments released during digestion that might manifest bioactivity. This would distinguish these proteins as nutritional agents, in contrast to most proteins whose functionality is only associated with the intact form. Gene regions of interest are compared to bioactive peptides evidenced by in vitro experiments, mined from the literature.Funded by UC Discovery and the California Dairy Research Foundation.
Food environment around recreation centers in low‐income neighborhoods of Baltimore City
Authors: Dennisuk Lauren , Lee Seung Hee , Rowan Megan , Suratkar Sonali , Christiansen Karina , Sharma Sangita , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2021

Low availability of healthy foods is linked to high rates of obesity and chronic disease among urban minority populations, but little data exists to describe food environments impacting the diets of urban African‐American youth. A retail food source observational checklist consisting of 44 low‐sugar, low‐fat, or high‐fiber items was conducted in 73 food stores within a 1 km radius of 14 Baltimore City Recreation Centers in low‐income neighborhoods. Of these stores, 80% were corner stores. A limited number carried low‐fat dairy (low‐fat or fat‐free milk, 15%; yogurt, 15%), whole grain products (whole wheat bread, 11%; brown rice, 8%), or 3 or more varieties of fresh vegetables (30%) or fresh fruits (11%). Low‐sugar cereals, high‐fiber cereals, 100% juice, diet soda, bottled water, and canned produce were each found in over 60% of stores. Less than 40% stocked healthy snacks such as baked chips, low‐fat granola bars, or trail mix. Baltimore youth frequently purchase food at corner stores, increasing the availability of healthy items in these stores is essential to improving diet in this population.Funding was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research Program.
Estimation of total antioxidant capacity in US diet and dietary supplements
Authors: Yang Meng , Chung Sang‐Jin , Chung Chin Eun , Song Won O. , Chun Ock K. 
Published: June 2021

Given the importance of dietary antioxidants in reducing the risks of chronic diseases, this study aimed to estimate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level in U.S. diet and supplements. We utilized the USDA flavonoid and proanthocyanidin databases, dietary supplement data and food consumption data of 8,809 U.S. adults aged ≥ 19 yrs in NHANES 2001–2002. Previously measured vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity of 43 antioxidant nutrients was also applied. Daily total TAC level averaged 493.4±19.7 mg VCE/d (77% from diet, 23% from supplements). Energy‐adjusted daily TAC level was higher in women, older adults, Caucasian (except for dietary carotenes), non‐alcohol consumers (for vitamin E, carotenes and proanthocyanidins), smokers (for vitamin E), subjects with higher income, and higher exercise levels than their counterpart (p<0.05). Dietary TAC was positively associated with the daily consumption of fruit and fruit juice, vegetables and vegetable products, beverages, wines and teas (p<0.001). Teas, dietary supplements, and fruits and fruit juices were the major sources of TAC of US population (28%, 23%, 17%, respectively). Our study indicates that antioxidant intake from various diet and dietary supplements contributes to total TAC. TAC levels are different in sociodemographic subgroups of the US population. The relationship between TAC and risks of chronic disease needs further investigation.Grant Funding Source: American Heart Association
Relationships among cognitive dietary restraint, subclinical ovulation disturbances, cortisol and 2‐yr change in bone density in premenopausal women
Authors: Bedford Jennifer L. , Prior Jerilynn , Barr Susan I. 
Published: June 2021

Cognitive dietary restraint (CDR) is the perception of limiting food intake to achieve/maintain a perceived ideal body weight. The objective of this 2‐yr prospective study was to determine if women with higher CDR have more subclinical ovulation disturbances (SOD; anovulation or luteal phase <10 d), elevated cortisol excretion and less positive changes in areal bone mineral density over two years (ΔaBMD). Participants were 123 healthy, non‐obese, regularly menstruating women aged 19–35. Annually participants completed questionnaires (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, physical activity, general stress, dietary intake), anthropometrics and 24‐hr urine collections for measurement of 24‐hr urinary free cortisol (UFC). At baseline and final follow‐up, dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans measured ΔaBMD at the lumbar spine (L1‐4), hip and total body. Quantitative waking temperature was used to determine SOD frequency. SOD correlated positively with CDR and inversely with hip ΔaBMD but not with UFC. CDR and UFC were not associated with each other or ΔaBMD. Women with higher CDR had more SOD. Women with more SOD had less positive ΔaBMD and higher CDR. Physical activity, general stress, body mass and energy intake did not explain differences by CDR or SOD. In conclusion, CDR was the only study variable associated with SOD which was associated with less positive ΔaBMD. Canadian Institutes of Health Research 79563.Grant Funding Source: Canadian Institute of Health Research
Folate status, serum C‐reactive protein level and gestational age: Mothers and Children′s Environmental Health (MOCEH)
Authors: Kim Hyesook , Lee Ji‐Yeon , Hwang Ji‐Yun , Ha Eun‐Hee , Park Hyesook , Ha Mina , Kim Yangho , Hong Yun‐Chul , Chang Namsoo 
Published: June 2021

Folate deficiency and elevated serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in pregnant women are independently known to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, however, limited studies have been reported. This study was to investigate the relation between folate nutrition and elevated CRP level during pregnancy and their associations with birth outcome in 883 pregnant women of 12–28 weeks of gestation. Serum folate and CRP levels were analyzed by the radioimmunoassay and latex agglutination test, respectively. Maternal serum folate levels at mid‐pregnancy were positively correlated with dietary folate intake at mid‐pregnancy (p<0.05). Maternal serum CRP levels at mid‐ (p<0.05) and late‐pregnancy (p<0.01) were negatively correlated with serum folate levels at each time of pregnancy, respectively. Multiple regression analysis with covariates revealed that the maternal CRP levels at mid‐ and late‐pregnancy were negatively associated with the gestational age. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying the associations between folate nutrition and CRP levels during pregnancy, and adverse pregnancy outcome.Supported by the Ministry of Environment and the 2nd stage of Brain Korea 21 project in 2009.
Novel Dietary Intervention Produces Significant Improvements in Fibromyalgia Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Holton Kathleen Feeney , Taren Douglas L , Bennett Robert M , Jones Kim Dupree 
Published: June 2021

Up to 81% of patients with the chronic pain disorder Fibromyalgia (FM), also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We piloted a 4‐week diet that minimized dietary additive excitotoxins, including MSG and aspartame, in 57 patients (age 51±13 years) to improve FM and IBS symptoms. Diet responders went onto a 2‐week double blind crossover challenge with MSG or placebo for 3 days each week. We hypothesized a significant return of symptoms upon MSG challenge as compared to placebo due to glutamate's possible role in central sensitivity syndrome. T‐tests and repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare pre‐post diet measures and crossover challenge results. Thirty‐seven people completed the diet and 86% of those improved. Visual analog pain change scores for FM (5.4, p=<0.0001) and IBS (4.6, p=<0.0001) were both significantly reduced, as were Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire‐Revised Scores (FIQR) (22, p=<0.0001), IBS Quality of Life (IBS‐QOL)(11, p=<0.0001) and total symptom scores (11.4, p=<0.0001). Diet responders got significantly worse when challenged with MSG as compared to placebo in most measures (total symptom score, p=0.02; FIQR, p=0.03; and IBS‐QOL, p=0.03). VAS for IBS and FM worsened, but to a lesser degree (mean change of 2.1 (p=0.19) and 2.5 (p=0.07) respectively). Results suggest that the diet intervention significantly improved symptoms which returned after MSG challenge.Grant Funding Source: None
Watermelon supplementation reduces aortic blood pressure and wave reflection in individuals with pre‐hypertension and stage 1 hypertension
Authors: Figueroa Arturo , Sanchez‐Gonzalez Marcos Angel , Viicl Florence , Perkins‐Veazie Penelope 
Published: June 2021

Reduced nitric oxide (NO) availability is associated with arterial stiffness and hypertension. Oral L‐arginine supplementation decreases blood pressure (BP) by increasing NO production. Watermelon is a rich source of L‐citrulline, which is efficiently converted to L‐arginine. We examined the effects of watermelon supplementation on arterial function in individuals with high BP. Resting supine aortic BP, arterial stiffness (reflection time, Tr), and wave reflection (augmentation index adjusted for heart rate, AIx@75) were measured non‐invasively using radial artery applanation tonometry. In a double‐blind, randomized crossover trial, 7 adults (54 ± 8 years) with pre‐hypertension and stage 1 hypertension (systolic BP: 132 ± 10 mmHg and diastolic BP: 81 ± 6 mmHg) were assigned to 6‐week placebo or watermelon (2 g twice a day) separated by a 4‐week washout period. Aortic systolic BP (5 ± 2 mmHg, P= 0.05) and AIx@75 (2.4 ± 0.8 %, P < 0.05) decreased while Tr increased (14 ± 6 ms, P= 0.06) after the watermelon treatment. Our data showed that watermelon supplementation reduces aortic systolic BP, arterial stiffness and wave reflection in individuals with pre‐hypertension and stage 1 hypertension.Research supported by National Watermelon Promotional Board
Post‐translational protein modifications of transthyretin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kolarcik Christi L. , Ganesalingam Jeban , Darko Samuel W. , An Jiyan , Lacomis David , Bowser Robert 
Published: June 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of motor neuron disease, is progressive, fatal and poorly understood. Currently, established and objective molecular markers for diagnosis and monitoring of ALS are lacking. Our laboratory previously identified transthyretin (TTR) as a candidate protein biomarker for ALS using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics. We observed decreased TTR in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients compared to controls. To further characterize the role of TTR, longitudinal CSF samples were analyzed. Using mass spectrometry, alterations in specific post‐translationally modified forms were observed. In particular, oxidative modifications of TTR at the sole cysteine residue [including adducts with cysteine or cysteinylglycine] were altered in ALS. These modified forms did not change over the course of the disease nor did they correlate with measures of disease progression. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) specific for total TTR showed no significant change in TTR protein levels over the course of the disease suggesting that altered post‐translational protein modifications as opposed to total protein levels are important. As modifications of TTR at this residue are critical for stabilization of the tetrameric form of the protein, the functional importance of these alterations and their impact on protein aggregation are being further investigated.Research Support: NIH grant ES013469 (RB); NIH T32 EB001026 (CK); NIH T32 05 TL1 RR024155‐02 (CK)
Cystatin C: expression and activity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Wilson Meghan E , Boumaza Imene , Lacomis David , Bowser Robert P 
Published: June 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurologic disease characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Disease diagnosis is hindered by a reliance on clinical criteria and reliable protein biomarkers are needed in order to accelerate the diagnostic process and aid in monitoring and predicting disease progression. We evaluated Cystatin C as an ALS biomarker by assessing its longitudinal expression in both CSF and plasma using a quantitative ELISA. Plasma levels were significantly elevated in ALS patients and disease controls but showed no biomarker utility. Cystatin C levels in CSF were slightly reduced in ALS patients relative to controls and may have some diagnostic utility, particularly within specific subgroups of patients. Despite conflicting preliminary observations, CSF Cystatin C was not found to possess surrogate utility. However, CSF Cystatin C levels were directly associated with survival time in ALS patients, indicating a potential prognostic application for this protein. Additionally, preliminary activity assays show a strong, direct relationship between Cystatin C concentration and activity in CSF. These data support the utility of Cystatin C as both a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in ALS and suggest that differences in its abundance could have functional consequences in disease pathogenesis.Funding: U. of Pittsburgh Center for ALS Research
Antidiabetic potential of combine aqueous extract of Eugenia jambolana Momordica charantia fruit
Authors: Yele Santosh Umakant 
Published: June 2021

In recent years there has been a renewed interest to screen plant extracts, juices, combinations of two or more plant drugs for a possible beneficial uses in diabetes. Momordica charantia (MC) and Eugenia jambolana (EJ) have been traditionally reported to have antidiabetic property.The objective was to study the effect of aqueous extract of EJ and MC in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic ratsThe Aqueous extract of Eugenia jambolana bark (EJ) per se and in combination with Momordica charantia fruit extract (MC) was tested for its efficacy in STZ ‐induced (55mg/kg; i.p.) diabetic rats. The aqueous extract was tested for antihyperglycemic activity using glucose tolerance test in rats.The EJ extract (500 mg/kg) per se showed significant antidiabetic property as judged from body weight, serum glucose, lipids, cholesterol and urea, and liver glycogen levels. However, the EJ extract per se did not significantly influence the levels of serum insulin in diabetic rats.The antihyperglycemic activity was found predominantly in the combination of extracts, which may attribute to presence of terpenoids, tannins, poly phenolics and saponins.
Effect of L‐carnitine intake on tolerance to physical exercise, oxidative stress and vascular reactivity in obese trained rats
Authors: Priviero Fernanda B. M. , Rojas‐Moscoso Julio , Gómez‐Campos Rossana , da Silva Carmem Valgas , Carneiro Everardo M , Antunes Edson , Zanesco Angelina 
Published: June 2021

We assessed the effect of L‐Car ingestion on tolerance to exercise (EX) and vascular reactivity of rats fed with a hyperlipidic diet (HD) and submitted to EX. Male Wistar rats were divided in sedentary (SD), exercised (EX), SD + L‐Car (SDLC) and EX + L‐Car (EXLC). After 4 weeks of HD intake, rats underwent to supplementation and an EX program of running for further 4 weeks. Tolerance to exercise was tested until exhaustion. Concentration‐response curves for acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and phenylephrine (PE) were obtained in mesenteric artery (RMA). Plasma MDA and SOD levels were measured. Body weight gain was reduced in SDLC (Δ: 137 ± 4 g) compared to SD (Δ: 188 ± 10 g). No further reduction was found in EXLC. Tolerance to exercise was higher in EX (15 ± 1 min) compared to SD (7 ± 1 min). L‐Car raised tolerance to exercise in EXLC (22 ± 2 min) and SDLC (12 ± 1 min). In RMA, L‐Car increased the potency (pEC50) of ACh in EXLC (7.89 ± 0.03), but not in SDLC (7.67 ± 0.06), compared to SD (7.65 ± 0.04). Responses to SNP and PE were not altered. L‐Car decreased MDA levels in SDLC (2.4 ± 0.2 μM) and EXLC (2.9 ± 0.4 μM) compared to SD (4.6 ± 0.2 μM). SOD activity was not changed. In conclusion, L‐Car improved body weight loss and tolerance to exercise in SD. Together with EX, L‐Car improved endothelium‐dependent relaxation in RMA probably through decreasing lipid peroxidation.Financial Support: FAPESP
Inhibition of lactate‐producing glycolysis increases antidiabetic drug‐induced vasorelaxations and blocks sildenafil's attenuation of them
Authors: Peuler Jacob D. , Phelps Laura E. 
Published: June 2021

Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Hypertension is common in T2D but sildenafil attenuates vasorelaxant actions of metformin, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone: 3 antidiabetic (AD) drugs often used to improve glucose metabolism in T2D. Previously, to assess the glucose dependence of this effect, vascular rings from rat tail arteries were treated with each AD drug ± sildenafil. After 4 hours, all rings were contracted with norepinephrine (NE). With extracellular glucose present, all 3 AD drugs relaxed NE contractions and sildenafil attenuated such relaxations. With glucose omitted, relaxant actions of the AD drugs were notably increased and sildenafil failed to attenuate them. More recently, specific inhibition of only lactate‐producing glycolysis pathways with iodoacetate (30 micromolar) exerted similar results. We conclude that, in addition to vascular smooth muscle relaxant mechanisms, these 3 AD drugs also activate contraction‐enhancing mechanisms, which are dependent on specific glycolysis pathways and mask the full potential of the relaxant mechanisms. Thus, sildenafil's attenuation of AD drug‐induced vasorelaxations may not only involve interference with their relaxant mechanisms but also facilitation of specific glycolysis‐dependent contraction‐enhancing mechanisms.Support: Midwestern University
Aldehyde dehydrogenase activator attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy; a role in improving the quality of resident cardiac stem cells?
Authors: Palaniyandi Suresh Selvaraj , Disatnik Marie‐Helene , Sun Lihan , Vishnumangalam Jyothi Jayaram , Xia Xiaoyu , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Bhalla Vivek , Ashley Euan , Mochly‐Rosen Daria 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHyperglycemia due to diabetes leads to the production of reactive aldehydes such as 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE). These toxic aldehydes form adducts on proteins, leading to cell damage and organ dysfunction such as cardiomyopathy. Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) which metabolize toxic aldehydes into non‐toxic acids, can ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy.MethodsNeonatal cardiomyocytes were subjected to high glucose stress (25mM) and treated with Alda‐1 (20 μM), a small molecule ALDH activator that we discovered. Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced in DBA mice at 8 weeks of age by injecting streptozotocin. The mice with a significant hyperglycemia were treated from 12 week onwards for three months without (n=18) or with (n=24) Alda‐1 (16mg/Kg/day) using Alzet osmotic pumps.Results and DiscussionWe found that Alda‐1 treatment increased ALDH activity and decreased HNE‐protein adducts formation in vitro and vivo. Alda‐1 reduced adverse cardiac remodeling and myocardial dysfunction. Alda‐1 increased the number of resident cardiac stem cells in the tissue. Human heart samples from patients with cardiomyopathy and diabetes also showed decreased ALDH activity and increased HNE‐protein adducts formationConclusionActivator of ALDH attenuated diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice. Finally, ALDH activators have potential to be a therapeutic agent to prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy.