bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose Response Effects of a Blueberry‐Enriched Diet on Net Bone Calcium Retention in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Rodriguez Maria Maiz , Henry Courtney , Lachcik Pamela Jean , Ferruzzi Mario , McCabe George , Lila Mary Ann , Weaver Connie M. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundA diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. This association is mainly attributed to anthocyanin rich fruits such as berries, grapes and plums. A blueberry‐enriched diet has been shown to have bone health effects in animal models, not only in the adult postmenopausal model by attenuating bone loss, but also in the young rats by increasing accrual during growth. The effect of blueberry on calcium metabolism has not been elucidated. Our objective was to determine the effective dose of blueberry consumption to increase bone net calcium retention in ovariectomized rats.MethodsTwenty 4‐month old ovariectomized Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered a single dose of Ca‐45 to pre‐label their bones. After a 1‐month equilibration period, the rats were put on a polyphenol free diet to determine baseline Ca‐45 and total Ca excretion. Following baseline, rats went through four 10‐day treatment periods on a blueberry‐enriched diet (2.5%, 5%, 10% or 15% blueberry diet) in a random order. Each treatment period was followed by a 10‐day washout period on a polyphenol free diet. 24h urinary Ca‐45 excretion and total calcium were determined through beta scintillation counting and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. These values were used to create a Ca‐45: Total Calcium ratio and plotted against time to determine changes in calcium excretion due to treatment versus non‐treatment periods.ResultsOf the four different doses, only the 5% BB diet had a significant effect (p‐value = 0.0426) on net bone calcium retention increasing it by 25.6%. The 2.5% BB increased net bone calcium retention by 24%, but failed to reach significance (p‐value=0.054). Interestingly, the higher doses of 10% and 15% BB did not have an effect on bone Ca retention, suggesting lower doses are more effective at increasing bone ca retention.ConclusionThis study shows that a 5% blueberry diet increases bone net Ca retention by 25.6%. Higher doses did not have an effect on bone Ca retention. These results will serve to inform a chronic blueberry feeding study to determine the effects of blueberry on calcium balance and bone health in ovariectomized SD rats.Support or Funding InformationThis project was funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Effects of Flaxseed Supplementation on Intestinal Tight Junction Protein and TNF‐alpha Gene Expression in Obese Mice
Authors: Silvernagel Kelsie , Mann Michael , Wiltgen Ashton , Rhee Yeong 
Published: November 2023

Increased gut permeability may lead to lipopolysaccharides translocation to the blood and causes endotoxemia and inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the health promoting compounds of flaxseed on intestinal tight junction permeability by measuring intestinal tight junction protein (ZO‐1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α expression. Sixty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned into one of the following diet groups and fed for eight weeks: 1) 45% Kcal fat; 2) 45% Kcal fat, 10% whole flaxseed; 3) 45% Kcal fat, 6% defatted flaxseed; 4) 45% Kcal fat, 4% flaxseed oil; and 5) 16% Kcal fat. ZO‐1 and TNF‐α gene expression in mouse intestine samples were determined by real‐time quantitative PCR. The fold change in ZO‐1 and TNF‐α expression was calculated using 2−ΔΔCT method. TNF‐α expression was significantly decreased in whole flaxseed, defatted flaxseed, or flaxseed oil diet group compared to the high fat diet group (p<0.05). ZO‐1 expression was significantly decreased in defatted flaxseed, flaxseed oil, or low fat diet group compared to the high fat diet group (p=0.0034). The results indicated that health promoting compounds of flaxseed down‐regulate ZO‐1 and TNF‐α expression. The specific mechanisms of down regulation of ZO‐1 and TNF‐α expression or gut permeability regulation by flaxseed and its health promoting compounds are unknown and need further study.Support or Funding InformationNDSU HDE College and HNES Department
Wheat Germ Supplementation Alleviates Insulin Resistance and Cardiac Mitochondrial Dysfunction in an Animal Model of Diet‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Ojo Babajide , Simenson Ashley J , O'Hara Crystal , Wu Lei , Guo Xin , Peterson Sandra K , Lin Daniel , Smith Brenda J , Lucas Edralin A 
Published: November 2023

Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance (IR), along with mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolically active tissues and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Foods rich in antioxidants such as wheat germ (WG), are thought to protect tissues from damage due to ROS and modulate some negative effects of obesity‐induced IR. This study examined the effects of WG supplementation on insulin resistance, mitochondrial substrate metabolism and innate antioxidant markers in two metabolically active tissues (i.e. liver and heart) of C57BL/6 mice fed a high fat (HF) diet. Six‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into four dietary treatment groups (n=12 mice/group): control (C, 10% fat kcal), control + 10% WG (C+WG), high fat (HF, 60% fat kcal), or HF+WG. After 90 days of treatment, one‐way ANOVA results indicate that HF+WG mice had significantly less visceral fat (−11%, P=0.0012), were less hyperinsulinemic (P=0.0091), and less insulin resistant (−57%, P=0.011) compared to the HF group. Addition of WG to the control diet showed no considerable effect. HF feeding compared to the control diet, significantly elevated (45%, P=0.008) cardiac mitochondrial oxygen consumption in complex 2, suggesting increased metabolic stress, while WG supplementation in the HF diet stabilized this effect to the level of control. Consequently, genes which mediate antioxidant defense and mitochondrial biogenesis (Sod2 and Pgc1a, respectively) were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the heart of the HF group compared to control while WG supplementation tended to upregulate both genes. These effects of WG were not observed in the liver. Put together, these results showed that WG supplementation in HF diet reduced insulin resistance and improved metabolic functions of the cardiac mitochondria.Support or Funding InformationOklahoma Agriculture Experiment Station and College of Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University
Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, enhanced brown fat activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: HAO LEI , Kearns Jamie , Zhao Ling , Wang Shu 
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a major public health problem. Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) can increase energy expenditure through thermogenesis. BAT has been considered as an innovative therapeutic target for combating obesity and its comorbidities. Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), has the capacity to induce white adipocyte differentiation. But its effects on pre‐brown adipocytes differentiation, on animal BAT activation, and obesity are unknown. The objectives of this project are to determine indomethacin's activities in regulating brown adipocyte differentiation in vitro, and to investigate its anti‐obesity activities and underlying mechanisms in male C57BL/6 mice. The murine brown fat cells were treated with indomethacin (2, 5, 10, 20, 50 μM) or the vehicle control DMSO for 5 days. Oil‐Red‐O staining showed that indomethacin enhanced pre‐brown adipocytes differentiation into adipocytes compared to the vehicle control. Data from real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that indomethacin increased both mRNA and protein expression of brown specific marker genes, such as UCP‐1 and PGC1α, in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that indomethacin significant activated PPARγ. Male C57BL/6 mice became obese after feeding them with a high fat diet for 9 weeks. Implantation of ALZET osmotic mini‐pumps allowed targeted delivery of vehicle or indomethacin (36 μg/day) to BAT for additional 4 weeks while they were maintained on the high fat diet. Indomethacin treatment did not change food intake, body weight, and total fat mass, while there was a trend towards less epididymal white adipose tissue mass in indomethacin‐treated as compared to vehicle‐treated mice. In addition, indomethacin significantly decreased BAT mass, fasting blood glucose levels and plasma TG levels. H&E staining showed that brown adipocytes of indomethacin‐treated mice contained numerous smaller droplets compared with that of control mice, suggesting that BAT in indomethacin‐treated mice was more active than them in control mice. Moreover, indomethacin significantly increased UCP1 and PGC‐1α mRNA expression in BAT. We conclude that indomethacin increases brown fat activity in pre‐brown adipocytes and mice, suggesting that indomethacin may also be used to treat obesity and its related complications.Support or Funding InformationNIH 1R15AT008733
High Fat Diet Impairs Mitochondrial ADP Sensitivity and Attenuates Respiration in the Presence of Submaximal, but Not Maximal, ADP Concentrations
Authors: Miotto Paula M , Holloway Graham P 
Published: November 2023

The consumption of a high fat (HF) diet is a major contributor of ectopic lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle and insulin resistance. While the underlying mechanisms are not well‐defined, mitochondrial dysfunction, including lower ADP sensitivity through the voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC)/adenine nucleotide transport (ANT) axis, has been implicated in this process. It is currently unknown how a HF diet impairs mitochondrial function, however, lipid moieties (palmitoyl‐CoA; P‐CoA) have been shown to inhibit ANT and reduce ADP sensitivity in situ. Therefore, lipid accumulation following a HF diet could promote inhibition on ANT, explaining these mitochondrial abnormalities and possibly insulin resistance. Since we have previously shown mitochondrial creatine kinase (Mi‐CK) knockout (KO) mice have greater ADP sensitivity through the VDAC/ANT axis when challenged by exercise, a situation that also increases intramuscular lipid supply, we determined whether this would be protective against HF‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. Mi‐CK wildtype (WT) and KO mice were fed a control (CON) or HF diet (60% fat) for 4 weeks. High‐resolution respirometry was used to assess ADP sensitivity in the presence or absence of P‐CoA in permeabilized muscle fibres, glucose‐tolerance tests were performed, and western blotting was used to determine VDAC and ANT protein content. Our results show on a CON diet that ADP sensitivity in the absence of P‐CoA was not affected by ablating Mi‐CK, while in contrast these mice displayed attenuated P‐CoA‐mediated inhibition of ADP sensitivity. Therefore, we determined if KO mice would be protected from HF diet impairments in ADP sensitivity, and insulin resistance, through improved ADP transport. However, regardless of genotype, consumption of a HF diet resulted in modest reductions in ADP sensitivity in the absence of P‐CoA, which corresponded with reduced insulin sensitivity. This occurred in the absence of altered VDAC or ANT protein content, highlighting external regulation of these proteins following a HF diet. While Mi‐CK KO mice were not protected from HF diet‐induced insulin resistance, this may occur because the improved ADP sensitivity in the presence of P‐CoA was lost during the HF diet. Altogether, these data demonstrate that reductions in ADP sensitivity may be an early event contributing to insulin resistance, while an increase in intramuscular P‐CoA concentrations and an improved sensitivity to P‐CoA inhibition may exacerbate this response.Support or Funding InformationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; Canadian Foundation for Innovation/Ontario Research Fund.
The Effect of Red Raspberry on Satiety
Authors: Huang Leailin , Xiao Di , Park Eunyoung , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton‐Freeman Britt 
Published: November 2023

Red raspberries contain relatively higher amounts of dietary fibers compared to other fruits, suggesting they may have an advantage in producing greater satiety than other commonly consumed fruits. The objective of this study was to explore and characterize the potential satiating value of red raspberries included in a breakfast meal. The analysis was ancillary to a larger study examining the metabolic health benefits of red raspberry in individuals with pre‐diabetes (PreDM). The study recruited two groups of people: individuals with impaired fasting glucose and hyperinsulinemia (PreDM) and individuals with normo‐glycemia and insulinemia (Reference). Twenty‐three subjects (PreDM (n=13) and Reference (n=10)) contributed to this analysis. The study was a randomized, 3‐arm, single‐blinded, within subject cross‐over design. Subjects were asked to come to the center on three different occasions and consume three different equicaloric meals containing 0 g frozen red raspberry, 125 g frozen red raspberry, or 250 g frozen red raspberry. Subject's satiety (hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and amount want to eat) was assessed through Appetite visual analog scale (VAS) for 24 h, of which the first 6 h included no other food intake. The results are based on the 6 h satiety responses to the breakfast meal varying in red raspberry content. The preliminary analysis suggests a treatment by group interaction (p<0.05) whereby the meal with 250 g red raspberry significantly suppressed hunger (P<0.05) and to the amount people wanted eat (P<0.05) compared to the 0 g / Control meal in Reference subjects with higher baseline hunger and prospective consumption scores. Subjects' desire to eat was not influenced by PreDM or Reference status, but the Control and 250 g raspberry meal both reduced desire to eat significantly from baseline and the intermediate raspberry containing meal (p<0.05). In contrast, the subjects in the PreDM group who reported the highest level of hunger at baseline experienced greater satiety after the Control meal compared to both raspberry containing meals (p<0.05). The Control meal also produced the highest glycemic response in all subjects (p<0.05) suggesting the relationship between glycemia and satiety differ depending on the physiological status of the population. Given the beneficial metabolic outcomes on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity with red raspberry intake in PreDM and Reference group individuals (Xiao et al, EB 2017), research to understand their satiating value and placement in the diet will be important for success long‐term dietary adoption.Support or Funding InformationFunding: National Processed Raspberry Council and Various donor funds (Burton‐Freeman/Edirisinghe)
Safety and Efficacy of Furosap, a novel Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract, in Enhancing Testosterone Level and Improving Sperm Profile in Male Human Volunteers
Authors: Bagchi Manashi , Swaroop Anand , Preuss Harry G , Bagchi Debasis 
Published: November 2023

We have developed Furosap, an innovative, patent‐pending 20% protodioscin‐enriched extract from fenugreek seeds, which effectively increased testosterone levels, and significantly improved sperm profile, mental alertness, cardiovascular health, mood, libido and quality of life in male volunteers. Testosterone has also been demonstrated to attenuate lean body mass and stronger bones. Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other regulatory approvals were obtained for our study. This one‐arm, open‐labelled study was conducted in 50 male volunteers (age: 35 to 65 years) over a period of 12 weeks to determine the efficacy of Furosap (500 mg/day/subject). This study examined the testosterone levels, sperm profile, sperm morphology, libido and erectile dysfunction, mood and mental alertness and broad spectrum safety parameters. Free testosterone levels were improved up to 46% in 90% of the study population. 85.4% of the study population showed improvements in sperm counts. Sperm morphology improved in 14.6% of volunteers. Majority of the subjects enrolled in the study demonstrated improvements in mental alertness and mood. Furthermore, cardiovascular health and libido were significantly improved. Extensive safety parameters were evaluated which included blood chemistry data. No significant changes were observed in serum lipid function, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL levels, hemogram (CBC), hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Results demonstrate that Furosap, enriched in 20% protodioscin, is safe and effective in attenuating testosterone levels, healthy sperm profile, mental alertness, cardiovascular health and overall performance in human subjects.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Cepham Inc, Piscataway, NJ
Influence of Sports Drink Taste Preference on Consumption in Adult Male Soccer Players
Authors: Mistry Anahita M , Molavi Kiarash 
Published: November 2023

The manufacture of sports drinks has become a multi‐billion dollar industry. Sports drinks provide nutrients that improve athletic performance by providing fuel, hydrating the body, and by replenishing minerals lost through sweat. Ingredients in them include simple carbohydrates such as sugar, electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, water and flavoring agents that enhance taste. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a preference in taste leads to an increased consumption of a sports drink prior to and after an endurance event in athletes. Twenty five, adult male amateur soccer players, aged 29 to 58 years were recruited for the study. After a brief training session, they first participated in a blind sensory evaluation to determine their taste preference for two (designated as Drink A and Drink B) similarly flavored sports drinks. They rated the drinks for sweetness, saltiness and palatability. There were no significant differences between the taste perceptions of sweetness, saltiness of either drinks but all subjects distinctly preferred either Drink A or Drink B. Subjects were divided into groups based on their taste preference for either drink. They then participated in nine soccer matches on multiple days and were presented with ad libitum amounts of either Drink A, Drink B, or water (3 trials each) before and after matches. Volumes of drinks voluntarily consumed were measured and averaged. Both groups consumed similar amounts of either Drink A or Drink B, before and after matches. Although subjects had distinct preferences for Drink A or Drink B, there were no significant differences between consumption levels of Drink A and Drink B between subjects who preferred the taste of either Drink A or Drink B. Taste preference for a drink did not influence the amount of a sports drink that athletes consumed pre‐ or post‐ exercise. The thirst mechanism may be a stronger factor for drink consumption, independent of taste preference.Support or Funding InformationEastern Michigan University, College of Health and Human Services
Frequency of consuming foods predicts changes in cravings for those foods during weight loss: The POUNDS Lost Study
Authors: Apolzan John W , Myers Candice A , Champagne Catherine M , Beyl Robbie A , Raynor Hollie A , Anton Stephen A , Williamson Donald A , Sacks Frank M , Bray George A , Martin Corby K 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveFood cravings are thought to be the result of conditioning or pairing hunger (or other stimuli) with consumption of certain foods. We hypothesize that changes in the frequency of consuming certain foods will be associated with changes in cravings for those foods.MethodsIn a two‐year weight loss trial, participants were randomized to one of four energy restricted diets (energy deficit 750 kcal/d) that varied in macronutrient content. The Food Craving Inventory (FCI) was used to measure cravings at baseline, 6, and 24 months. Also, food intake was measured at those time points. To measure free‐living consumption of food items measured in the FCI, items on the FCI were matched to the foods consumed at each time point from the food intake assessments. Secondarily, we analyzed the amount (kcal) of food consumed on food intake assessments from foods on the FCI.ResultsA total of 429 participants who were overweight and obese were included in the analyses. There was an association between change from baseline FCI item consumption and the change in cravings at months 6 (B 0.032 ± 0.010; Effect Size (ES) 0.060; p < 0.001) and 24 (B 0.027 ± 0.011; ES 0.043; p < 0.05). However there was no difference between changes at month 6 and 24 (p = 0.65). There was no association between change from baseline amount of energy (kcals) consumed per FCI item and the change in cravings at months 6 and 24 and no difference between changes at months 6 and 24.ConclusionsAltering frequency of consuming craved foods is positively associated with cravings for those food items; however, changing the amount (kcal) of foods consumed does not appear to alter cravings. These results support the conditioning model of food cravings and provides guidance on how to reduce food cravings.Support or Funding InformationNational Institutes of Health HL 073286, RR‐02635, F32 HL123242, P30 DK072476, and U54 GM104940.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract inhibits the lipid droplet accumulation and expression of adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Kim Hee jeong , Mun Eun‐Gyung , Oh Jung‐Hee , Cha Youn‐Soo 
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigated the effects of ginger extract on the inhibition of adipogenesis and it's possible mechanism of action in 3T3‐L1 cells. Cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. After treatment with various concentrations of the ginger extract in differentiation medium for 8 days, the morphological changes were visualized by staining of lipid with Oil‐Red O stain. The differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells were lysed and measured for triglyceride contents. Detection of mRNA levels of adipocyte‐specific transcription factors were analyzed using RT‐PCR. Ginger extract suppressed oil droplet accumulation in the cells and gene expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα. The increased levels of mRNA in ACC, GLUT4, aP2, FAS in control cells were decreased upon treatment with ginger extract, suggesting that ginger prevented lipid accumulation by reducing lipogenesis. These results suggest that ginger extract would have antiobesity effects which needs to be further studied in rodents.Support or Funding Information[This research was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), through the 2015 Healthy Local Food Branding Project of the Rural Resources Complex Industrialization Support Program]