bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statin Usage is Inversely Associated with Prevalence of Autoantibodies in Women, but Not Men
Authors: Andersen Catherine J. , Vance Terrence M. 
Published: November 2023

Lipoprotein metabolism and function play a significant role in the regulation of leukocyte activation and immunity. Dyslipidemias have been observed in patients with autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, whereas lipid‐lowering treatments (e.g. statins) have been shown to exert beneficial anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum lipids, statin use, and the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – the most common form of autoantibodies – in U.S. men and women (> 20 years old; n = 1,526) in NHANES 1999–2004. Within this subsample, a slightly greater proportion of women were positive for ANA as compared to men (women: 17.4% vs. men: 11.7%), whereas statin usage was more prevalent in men (women: 8.6% vs. men: 11.7%). From logistic regression, we found that men with elevated serum triglycerides (150 to < 200 mg/dL) were significantly less likely to be ANA positive vs. ANA negative (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.11–0.92) after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, serum cotinine, BMI, waist‐circumference, statin use, and survey cycle. Conversely, we did not observe significant associations between the odds of being ANA positive and serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, or HDL‐cholesterol in either men or women. Interestingly, we found that women who take statins have significantly lower odds of being ANA positive (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.09–0.76), whereas no significant associations between statin use and ANA prevalence was observed in men. These findings suggest that the immunomodulatory properties of statins within the context of autoimmunity may differentially affect men and women.Support or Funding InformationFairfield University College of Arts and Sciences and SUNY College at Plattsburgh School of Education, Health and Human Services
Glutamine Modulates Cytokines Gene Expression in a Dose and Time Dependent Manner
Authors: de Oliveira Dalila Cunha , Horwitz Bruce Harold , Fock Ricardo Ambrósio 
Published: November 2023

All mammalian cells require nutrients, particularly amino acids, to survive, function properly, grow and proliferate. Hence, amino acid availability through constant supply is critical. Macrophages play key roles in inflammatory responses, and have high utilization rate of the amino acid glutamine (GLN). GLN is a conditionally essential amino acid and an important subtract for energy and nitrogen supply, and is an important precursor for nitrogenous bases. Further, it has been demonstrated that glutamine metabolism in macrophages influence cytokines synthesis, and the production of these relevant inflammatory mediators are dependent on the extracellular concentration of GLN. Previous data from our group and the literature suggests that supplementation with high glutamine concentration exerts inhibitory effects on cells of the innate immune system, decreasing the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and increasing IL‐10 production. Thus, given the immunomodulatory effects of GLN, we hypothesized the glutamine supplementation may modulate cytokine production by modifying the kinetics of cytokine gene expression following inflammatory stimuli.To examine this hypothesis, Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages (BMDM) were pre‐treated in vitro with GLN for 24 hours. Cells were then challenged with LPS and mRNA expression for IL‐10, IFN‐beta, IL6, IL12b were evaluated by qPCR from time points from 30 to 240 minutes. We demonstrated that mRNA expression for IL‐10 and IFN‐beta after 120 minutes and IL‐6 after 240 minutes was higher in cells supplemented with 10 mM of GLN. However, IL12b mRNA expression was not affected by GLN supplementation. Interestingly, it has previously been shown that LPS‐stimulated induction of IFN‐beta depends on IRF3, and here we demonstrate increased levels of IRF3 2 hours after LPS stimulation in the cells supplemented with 10 mM of GLN.In conclusion, GLN modulates relevant cytokines gene expression in a time dependent manner. We can infer that supplementation with high concentration of glutamine up regulates IL‐10 mRNA, thus modifying the inflammatory response.Support or Funding InformationSupported by grant #2015/02610‐6, São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).
Obesity suppresses B cell development and impairs antibody production upon antigen challenge
Authors: Crouch Miranda , Guesdon William , Shaikh Saame 
Published: November 2023

Obesity promotes a diminished response to vaccinations and infections. Therefore, understanding how obesity targets B cell‐driven humoral immunity, particularly at a mechanistic level, is essential to elucidate. Using a murine model, we report that diet‐induced obesity impairs early B cell development and induces a dysfunctional immune response. B cells from obese mice displayed a two‐fold reduction in the number of CD19+ cells, resulting in decreased frequencies of various B cell subsets in the bone marrow. Early lymphoid commitment markers such as IL7Rα, IL7R, and STAT5 showed significantly decreased expression at the transcript level. In addition, obese mice had reduced mRNA expression of the B cell lymphopoiesis markers, PAX5 and Oct2, compared to controls. Functionally, B cells from obese mice had elevated IgM and IgG levels in the absence of stimulation. When B cells from the obese mice were challenged with anti‐TLR4 or anti‐BCR/TLR9 in vitro, the ability to produce IgM and IgG was diminished. Overall, these findings demonstrate that obesity hinders B cell development and drives a dysregulated immune response, which could contribute to impaired responses to infections and vaccinations.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R01AT008375 (SRS)
Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 on Cellular Immune Function in Healthy Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lehtoranta Liisa , Miller Larry , Lehtinen Markus 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundElderly have increased susceptibility to infections that is associated with decline in cellular immune function. Limited clinical data suggests that probiotic bacteria could have potential for improving polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell phagocytic activity or natural killer (NK) cell tumoricidal activity in the elderly. One of the probiotics having clinical documentation in this area is Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 (HN019).ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of HN019 supplementation on PMN cell phagocytic activity or NK cell tumoricidal activity in healthy elderly.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, in addition to Directory of Open Access Journals, Google Scholar, and the reference lists of included papers and relevant meta‐analyses in June 2016 for randomized/non‐randomized controlled studies reporting PMN cell phagocytosis activity or NK cell tumoricidal activity following HN019 consumption in healthy elderly. A random effects meta‐analysis was conducted and the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing HN019 to control was calculated for each outcome. SMD values of 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 were defined as small, medium, large, and very large effect sizes, respectively.ResultsOut of 85 records that were reviewed, 4 studies were included in the final analysis. Subjects in the studies were healthy elderly with a median age between 60 and 70 years. The intervention times ranged from 3 to 6 weeks, during which the subjects consumed low fat milk, daily, with or without HN019 (5×109 to 3×1011 colony forming units (cfu)/day). HN019 supplementation with all the doses was highly efficacious in increasing PMN phagocytic capacity with an SMD of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.38 to 1.11, p<0.001) and with doses ranging from 5×109–1010 cfu/day moderately efficacious in increasing NK cell tumoricidal activity with an SMD of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.78, p=0.02).ConclusionDaily consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 enhances NK cell tumoricidal activity and PMN phagocytic capacity in healthy elderly adults.Support or Funding InformationStudy was funded by DuPont Nutrition & Health, Kantvik, Finland
Iron in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) May Adversely Affect the Gut Microbiome in Kenyan Infants
Authors: Tang Minghua , Frank Daniel N. , Hendricks Audrey E. , Culbertson Diana L. , Esamai Fabian , Krebs Nancy F. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo test the effect of iron in multiple micronutrient powder on the gut microbiome in 6‐month‐old Kenyan infantsMethodsThis was a double blind, randomized controlled trial of home fortification with MNP containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and zinc and with or without iron. Six‐month‐old, non‐anemic predominantly breastfed Kenyan infants living in a rural malaria endemic area were randomized to consume: 1) MNP containing 12.5 mg iron (MNP+ Fe, n=13); 2) MNP containing no iron (MNP‐Fe, n=13); or 3) Placebo powder (CONTROL, n=7), from 6 to 9 months of age. Blood and fecal samples were collected at baseline and end of the intervention. Inflammation markers were analyzed in the blood samples and 16S rRNA sequence analysis was conducted in fecal samples.ResultsAt baseline, the most abundant phylum was Proteobacteria (37.6% of sequences), with Escherichia accounting for 29%, and was the most abundant bacterium at the genus level. At the end of the intervention, both microbiome richness and diversity had increased with age, as expected. The relative abundance of Escherichia decreased in MNP‐Fe (‐16.05 ± 6.9%, P = 0.05) and CONTROL (−19.75 ± 4.5%, p = 0.01), but not in the MNP+Fe group (P = 0.41). The second most abundant genus at baseline was Bifidobacterium (18%), the relative abundance of which decreased in MNP+Fe (−6.38 ± 2.5%, P =0.02) and CONTROL (−8.05 ± 1.46%, P = 0.01), but not in the MNP‐Fe group (P = 0.44). No significant differences were observed over time or between groups in markers of inflammation, including CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, AGP and fecal calprotectin, although level were generally elevated relative to normal ranges.ConclusionsMNP fortification of complementary foods over 3 months in infants can alter the gut microbiome. Consistent with previous research, addition of iron to the MNP may adversely affect the colonization of potential beneficial microbes (e.g., bifidobacteria) and foster the growth of potential pathogens (e.g., Escherichia spp.).Support or Funding InformationColorado CTSI, IAEA and NIH (K24 DK083772)
Association Between Gut Microbiota Composition, Diet, and Anthropometric risk Factor's for Metabolic Disorders in Mexican Women with Food Insecurity
Authors: Ochoa‐Acosta Dora A , Lopez‐Flores ME , Osuna‐Ramirez Ignacio , Gomez‐Gil B , Vergara‐Jimenez Marcela J 
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity is a problem that affects a large number of female‐headed households. Balanced diet is a key factor for food health and inadequate intake of calories and macronutrients significantly contributes to malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, obesity and related chronic diseases. The gut microbiota composition has been associated with several hallmarks of metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis). Growing evidence suggests that gut microbes contribute to the onset of the low‐grade inflammation characterizing these metabolic disorders via mechanisms associated with gut barrier dysfunction. The principal aim of this study was evaluate and compare the gut microbiota composition in obese and lean women with food insecurity. Secondly the associations between analyzed gut bacterial species, diet and anthropometric risk factors for metabolic diseases. In this study 28 obese (mean BMI 34.57 kg/m2) and 27 lean (mean BMI 22.7–57 kg/m2) women aged 18 to 65 were included. All subjects were healthy and had not received any antibiotic or probiotic in the previous 3 months. We used 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence‐based microbiota analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the gut microbiota composition. Diet wat evaluated with 24 hours recall and anthropometric risk factor of metabolic disease with waist hip ratio and waist circumference. Initially, we performed 16S rRNA sequencing of the fecal samples form the obese and lean groups. The Shannon diversity index was similar between groups (0.620 vs 0.623), the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was 4.28 and 2.91 in obese and lean women respectively and the Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio 17.35 vs 15.81. These results indicate that there is no difference between the structure and composition of the gut microbiota between the lean and obese group of women. Based on the RDP database, all sequences were classified from the phylum to species. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were dominante in both groups. The phyla Synergistetes was significantly more abundant in the lean group than the obese group (0.0862 + 0.0139 % vs 0.027 + 0.048). In particular, the phylum Spirochaetes y Planctomycetes was detected only in lean women. Principal component analysis (PCA) at the phylum, class, order, family, genus, species levels not showed different distribution in obese and lean women. When we analyzed the association between anthropometric and dietary risk factors, we don't find statistically significant differences.Support or Funding InformationICT SA. de CV.
Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus salivarious Li01 for enhanced storage viability and targeted microbiome delivery
Authors: Yao Mingfei , Li Bo , Xiao Hang , Li Lanjuan 
Published: November 2023

Probiotics, used in food products, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products have been considered to provide health‐promoting effects in humans. In order to be efficacious, probiotics need to be viable at sufficient abundance in the intestine. However, many functional foods containing probiotics suffer from a large loss of bacterial viability during shelf storage and gastrointestinal transit after ingestion. In this study, probiotic Lactobacillus salivarious Li01 was incorporated into alginate or alginate‐gelatin microbeads. Their morphology was characterized by SEM. Probiotic viability was determined under aerobic conditions, heat treatment and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results showed that microbeads were roughly round and almost all the bacterial cells were encapsulated in the microbeads. Encapsulation significantly enhanced the viability of the probiotic during aerobic storage. Moreover, the microbeads maintained their structures during simulated gastric digestion before they dissolved during simulated digestion in the small intestine. Most importantly, the alginate‐gelatin microbeads protected encapsulated bacteria during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and effectively enhanced their survival rate in comparison with alginate microbeads and non‐encapsulated bacteria. In conclusion, the alginate‐gelatin microbeads showed a great potential to facilitate the delivery of probiotics such as lactobacillus salivarious Li01 in various products.Support or Funding InformationChinese High Tech Research and Development (863) Program (2012AA020204, 2013AA020102), the National S&T Major Project (2012ZX10002004‐001)
Darker‐Coloured Beans Induce Acute Vasorelaxation In Healthy Adults
Authors: Clark Jaime Lynn , Wilson Angela , Perera Danielle , Taylor Carla , Zahradka Peter 
Published: November 2023

Consumption of pulses (dried beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils) over many weeks can decrease cardiovascular disease risk. However, it is unknown whether pulses can affect blood vessels characteristics within a few hours of consumption. We hypothesized that dried beans would yield greater improvements in vascular tone (an indication of endothelial responsiveness to blood flow) compared to a rice control. We therefore compared different bean varieties (black, navy, pinto, red kidney) and white rice for their acute effects on blood pressure and vascular tone in healthy individuals. Vascular measurements were obtained in 8 healthy adults (4 men/4 women; 37±4 years; body mass index of 24.3±0.9 kg/m2) before and at 2 and 6 hours after eating ¾ cup of beans or rice. The study was designed as a crossover with minimum 1 week between consumption of the test articles. Systolic blood pressure was reduced within 2 hours following consumption of red kidney beans compared to rice control (111±5 vs 118±6 mmHg, p<0.05). Blood pressure was not affected by the other beans. There was greater vasorelaxation, as shown by a reduced pulse wave reflection magnitude, 6 hours following consumption of red kidney beans and black beans compared to navy and pinto beans (53.3±3.3% and 53.4±4.4% vs 61.1±3.4% and 64.3±3.4%, respectively; p<0.05). Additionally, reflection magnitude following consumption of red kidney beans was significantly reduced at 6 hours compared to 2 hours post consumption (53.3±3.3% vs 61.1±3.7%, p<0.05). Reflection magnitude did not change between baseline and 2 hours. Arterial stiffness parameters were also measured. Black beans showed reduced augmentation pressure after 6 hours compared to rice (3.8±0.8 vs 6.9±1.5 mmHg, p<0.05); black beans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans had lower pulse wave velocity compared to navy beans after 2 hours (5.9±0.4, 5.8±0.4, and 5.8±0.3 vs 6.1±0.2 m/s, respectively; p<0.05), and black beans had lower pulse wave velocity compared to pinto beans after 6 hours (5.5±0.4 vs 6.3±0.2 m/s, p<0.05). These results suggest seed coat pigment may be a factor in functionality among the different bean types. Overall, darker‐coloured beans elicited a positive effect on the tensile properties of blood vessels, and this acute response may provide insight for how pulses modify vascular function.Support or Funding InformationJLC is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and funding for this research project was provided by Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers.
Cashew Consumption Reduces Total and LDL Cholesterol in Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Men and Women: A Randomized, Crossover, Controlled Feeding Trial
Authors: Mah Eunice , Schulz Jacqueline A , Kaden Valerie N , Lawless Andrea L , Rotor Jose , Mantilla Libertie , Liska DeAnn J 
Published: November 2023

Cashews are the second most consumed nut in the United States and are abundant with heart healthy mono‐and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids. Although a qualified FDA health claim exists for nuts and heart health, cashews have been exempt from its use due to cashews having more saturated fatty acids per serving than allowed. However, approximately one third of the saturated fat in cashews is stearic acid, which is relatively neutral on blood lipids, suggesting that cashews could show similar effects to other nuts. However, clinical data on cashews and blood lipids is limited. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of cashews at reasonable intakes on serum lipids in a generally healthy, mildly hypercholesterolemic population. In a randomized, crossover, isocaloric controlled‐feeding study, 51 adult males and females (age: 21–73 years; median LDL‐C: 149 mg/dL (95% CI: 135, 163)] were fed a typical American diet with approximately 11% of energy from cashews (28 – 64 g/d; 50% kcal from carbohydrate, 18% protein, 32% total fat) or potato chip (control; 54% kcal from carbohydrate, 18% protein, 29% total fat) for 4 weeks. Each intervention period was separated by at least 2 weeks. Cashews resulted in significantly greater (P<0.05 vs. control) median % change for total‐C (−3.85% vs. 0.75%), LDL‐C (−4.83% vs. 1.10%), and non‐HDL‐C (−5.32% vs. 1.44%). No significant differences between cashew and control were seen for HDL‐C (−5.27% vs. −4.84%), total‐C/HDL‐C ratio (0.05% vs. 3.46%), and TG (4.15% vs. 13.25%). Results from this study support that daily consumption of cashews, substituted for a high‐carbohydrate snack, may be a simple dietary strategy to decrease LDL‐C in individuals with mild hypercholesterolemia.Support or Funding InformationFunded by Kraft Heinz Company, Glenview, IL, USA
The Effect of Honey Intake on Lipid Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Controlled Trials
Authors: Tul‐Noor Zujaja , Khan Tauseef Ahmad , Mejia Sonia Blanco , de Souza Russell , Sievenpiper John L. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveExcessive fructose intake has an adverse effect on established lipid risk factors when added to existing diets. It is not known whether honey, a naturally occurring fructose‐containing sugar, exerts a different effect on lipid risk factors. We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials to assess the effects of honey intake on lipid risk factors.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched through September 27, 2016 for controlled trials with follow‐up of ≥7 days, which investigated the effect of oral honey intake compared to a sugar equivalent (or usual diet) on lipid outcomes including LDL‐Cholesterol (LDL‐C), HDL‐C and fasting triglycerides in participants from all health backgrounds (normal, overweight‐obese, high cholesterol, pre‐diabetes, diabetes). Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data. Data were pooled using inverse variance random effects model and expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Inter‐study heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I2 statistic). The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE).ResultsEligibility criteria were met by 10 trials (n=444, median length=5 weeks) with an average honey dose of 70 grams/day (range 40–100 grams/day). Only 3 trials used monofloral honey. Regular honey intake reduced LDL‐C (n=9; MD −0.29 mmol/L [95% CIs, −0.52, −0.05]; P=0.02), fasting triglycerides (n=10; MD −0.29 mmol/L [95% CIs, −0.35, −0.22]; P<0.001), and increased HDL‐C (n=9; MD 0.08 mmol/L [95% CIs, 0.05, 0.11]; P<0.001). There was evidence of substantial inter‐study heterogeneity for LDL‐C (I2=92.5%, p<0.001), and non‐significant heterogeneity for fasting triglycerides and HDL‐C (P>0.10 for both). The overall quality of the evidence was graded as “low quality” for LDL‐C owing to downgrades for serious inconsistency and serious imprecision, “moderate quality” for fasting triglycerides owing to downgrade for strongly suspected publication bias, and of “moderate‐quality” for HDL‐C owing to downgrade for serious imprecision.ConclusionPooled analyses show a beneficial effect of honey intake on lipid risk factors including LDL‐C, triglycerides, and HDL‐C in people from all health backgrounds. There is a need for larger, longer and higher quality trials, as our confidence in the results is low.Registered at PROSPERO 2015=CRD42015023580Support or Funding InformationCanadian Diabetes Association, PSI Foundation, Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, and Bee Maid Honey Ltd (unrestricted travel donation).