bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity Leads to Tissue, but not Serum Vitamin A Deficiency
Authors: Trasino Steven E , Tang Xiao‐Han , Jessurn Jose , Gudas Lorraine J 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that states of obesity negatively affect multiple nutrient sensing and metabolic pathways including vitamin metabolism, however little is known about the impact of obesity on vitamin A (VA)[retinol (ROL)], a nutrient that regulates expression of genes in numerous pathways essential for human development and health.Methods and FindingsUsing genetic (ob/ob; db/db), high fat diet‐induced obesity (DIO) murine models, and human liver samples, we demonstrate that DIO, and genetically obese mouse models have greatly reduced ROL levels in multiple organs, including liver, lungs, pancreas, brain, testes and kidneys, even though their diets have adequate VA. Despite the reductions in tissue levels of VA, serum levels of ROL were markedly elevated in obese mice. Organs from obese mice show impaired VA transcriptional signaling, including reductions in retinoic acid receptor (RARα, RARβ2 and RARγ) mRNAs and lower intracellular ROL binding protein Crbp1 (RBP1) levels in VA‐storing hepatic stellate cells. Reductions in organ VA signaling in obese mice correlate with increasing adiposity and fatty liver (steatosis), but with weight loss VA levels and signaling normalize. Consistent with our findings in obese mice, we show that increasing severity of fatty liver disease in humans correlates with reductions in hepatic VA, VA transcriptional signaling, and Crbp1 levels in VA storing stellate cells.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that overnutrition and obesity, typical of western lifestyles, can also lead to major reductions in tissue VA levels. We suggest that given the essential functions of VA in humans, “silent” tissue‐specific VAD has unappreciated effects on human health in obese individuals, affecting multiple organ systems.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by Weill Cornell funds and by NIH R01CA043796 and R01DE010389 to Lorraine J. Gudas, and Steven E. Trasino was supported by NCI T32 grant CA062948.
Carotenoid‐mediated protection of human retinal pigment epithelial cells against hypoxic stress
Authors: Draper Christian , Allison Geoffrey S , Gong Xiaoming , Rubin Lewis P 
Published: November 2023

PurposeHypoxic stress and inflammation are central drivers of ischemic neovascular retinopathies, including retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy. This purpose of this study is to investigate the properties of dietary carotenoids, especially retinal xanthophylls, in mitigating effects of hypoxia (e.g., by ischemia) on the developing retina.MethodsHuman RPE‐derived ARPE‐19 and immortalized hTERT‐RPE‐1 cells were exposed to graded concentrations of specific carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin) for up to 24 h, and then subjected to hypoxic stress (1–2% O2). Carotenoid uptake in these cells was linear to 24 h reaching maximal uptake by ~2 days. Carotenoid effects on RPE cells were assayed for proliferation (cell counts, 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide [MTT] assays), viability (trypan blue exclusion), and apoptosis (various measures of early and late apoptosis).ResultsLutein, β‐carotene, lycopene, and astaxanthin induced concentration‐dependent decreases in RPE cell proliferation at concentrations of ≥0.5 μM in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Equimolar concentrations of zeaxanthin were not associated with reduced cell viability under either condition. For these RPE cellular models, the hTERT RPE‐1 line displayed greater carotenoid‐mediated growth inhibition than did the ARPE‐19 line. Pretreating RPE cells with the individual carotenoids for 24 h prior to hypoxia significantly increased cell resistance to hypoxic cell death, lutein and lycopene being most potent.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that carotenoid treatments protect the retinal pigment epithelial cells against hypoxic damage. These results apply for lutein, another biologically active xanthophyll (astaxanthin), β‐carotene, and lycopene. In these systems, lutein and zeaxanthin show different effects. These findings bear potential impact on prevention and treatment of ischemic retinopathies, help to define some molecular mechanisms, and prompt further research in this area.Support or Funding InformationSeed grant from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso
Tomato based supplement protects skin from UV damage and photo‐aging processes
Authors: HERMONI KARIN LINNEWIEL , Raz Golan 
Published: November 2023

The Mediterranean diet, and particularly tomato rich diet is linked to favorable effects on human health and beauty. The benefits of healthy diverse nutrition on various aspects of skin wellness have been the subject of on‐going research. In recent years the role of tomato carotenoids in the photo‐protection of human skin and their contribution to beauty parameters has been gaining attention. As UV damage is a major risk factor for skin health and a major contributor to skin aging processes, protecting human skin from UV damage is of great value.The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a supplement combining a carotenoid‐rich Tomato Nutrient Complex and Rosemary extract on cellular processes related to skin wellness and protection from UV damagePre‐clinical study in human keratinocytes revealed that both the Tomato Nutrient complex and the Carnosic acid present in Rosemary extract are potent activators of the antioxidant defense mechanism (EpRE/ARE). Furthermore, a synergistic inhibition of pro‐inflammatory cellular processes was evident. For example‐we found a synergistic inhibition of UV‐induced IL‐6 secretion following UV treatment. Of note, the effect of the whole fruit extract, containing several tomato phytonutrients was better than lycopene as a standalone as measured in several models. To further explore the mechanism by which the Tomato Nutrient Complex can help reduce photo‐damage we evaluated its protective effect in a human clinical trial. We found that tomato phytonutrients regulated the expression of a few UV‐inducible genes serving as biomarkers to skin health (eg ICAM‐I, HO‐1, MMP‐1). Moreover, preliminary results from a follow up study suggest that a supplement designed as a response to the pre‐clinical study and combining Tomato Nutrient Complex and Rosemary extract was protective in reducing erythema intensity following UV exposure.In conclusionThis study suggests that tomato phytonutrients, especially when combined with Rosemary extract possess favorable, synergistic effects on various aspects of skin health, supporting the body's own defense mechanisms and allowing the skin to better cope with environmental challenges that are reflected in both skin health and skin appearance.Support or Funding InformationThis study was founded by Lycored Ltd
Efficacy of lycopene to prevent against atrazine‐induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of nitric oxide and inflammatory NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Li Xue‐Nan , Lin Jia , Qin Lei , Xia Jun , Zhu Shi‐Yong , Li Jin‐Long 
Published: November 2023

Atrazine (ATR), a synthetic herbicide in the 2‐chloro‐s‐triazine family, has been widely used in crop lands and often detected in some crops, in soil, environmental water and drinking water samples in recent years, which is considered as a potential threat to cardiovascular health. Persistent prevalence of heart disease and its high morbidity and mortality suggest that there are significant gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms that impair cardiovascular health and that better preventive strategies are needed to manage heart disease. Lycopene (LYC), a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon phytochemical present in red fruit and vegetables, plays roles in preventing heart disease. However, true confirmation that cardioprotective effects of LYC against ATR‐induced heart injury occured through modulation of the inflammation response is lacking. To ascertain the chemoprevention of LYC on ATR‐induced cardiotoxicity, male Kunming mice were treated with LYC (5mg/kg) and/or ATR (50mg/kg or 200mg/kg) by gavage administration for 21 days. The serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentration were quantified by 125I Radioimmunoassay (RIA) Kits. The nitric oxide (NO) content and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities were determined by assay kits. The mRNA expressions of TNF‐α, IL‐6, COX‐2, IL‐1β and TGF‐β were tested by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (real‐time RT‐PCR). Furthermore, Western blotting was used to determine whether the signaling pathway NF‐κB was involved in the inflammatory action. These results indicated that LYC significantly protected the heart against ATR‐induced histological alterations, including increased NO content and NOS activities, up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory (TNF‐α, IL‐6, COX‐2 and IL‐1β), and down‐regulation of anti‐inflammatory (TGF‐β) cytokines and activation of the TRAF6‐NF‐κB pathway. ATR induced cardiac damage via enhancing NO production and triggering the inflammatory response. Supplementary LYC significantly alleviated the cardiac injury via modulating NO and NO‐generating systems and blocking the TRAF6‐NF‐κB pathway. This work helps not only in understanding the mechanism of the ATR‐induced environmental cardiology but also in developing LYC chemoprevention for minimizing the harmful influences of ATR in the environment.Support or Funding InformationChina New Century Excellent Talents in University (No. NECT‐1207‐02), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31572586) and Academic Backbone Project of Northeast Agricultural University (No. 15XG16).
Effects of Potatoes and Other Carbohydrates Consumed at Breakfast on Cognition, Glycemia and Satiety in Children
Authors: Lee Jennifer J. , Wong Vincent C.H. , Cleary Shane , de Zepetnek Julia Totosy , Fiocco Alexandra J. , Bellissimo Nick 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThere is a positive association between regular breakfast consumption and cognitive performance in children, however, little is known about the role of macronutrient composition on cognition. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of 50 grams of available carbohydrates from potatoes and other carbohydrates on cognitive performance, glycemia and subjective appetite in 9–14 year old children.MethodsUsing a within‐subject cross‐over design, 22 children (age=12.4±0.3) were exposed to six counterbalanced conditions, each separated by one week, in which they consumed 50 grams of available carbohydrates from mashed potatoes (426kcal), French fries (424kcal), hash browns (515kcal), rice (407kcal), beans (476kcal), or continued to fast (no breakfast condition) within 2 hours of awakening following a 12‐hour overnight fast. In each condition, children underwent a battery of cognitive tests assessing short‐term and long‐term verbal declarative memory, spatial memory, short‐term auditory memory, working memory, and information‐processing speed over a 3‐hour period. Children provided capillary blood glucose and subjective appetite ratings at baseline (0min) and at 10, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min post‐meal consumption.ResultsAnalyses showed that blood glucose incremental area under the curve (mean mmol·min/L ± SEM) was highest after rice (160±16.8) compared with beans (84.0±12.7) and hash browns (106.8±13.8) (p<0.01). Although alertness was higher after French fries (p<0.01), hash browns (p<0.01), mashed potatoes (p<0.01), and rice (p=0.04) compared with beans and meal skipping, children recalled more words after consuming French fries only, compared with mashed potatoes (p<0.01) and rice (p=0.03). Subjective average appetite (mm/kcal) was lowest after mashed potatoes compared with all other test treatments (p<0.01).ConclusionsThis study suggests that different forms of carbohydrate intake differentially impact cognitive function and appetite, independent of glycemia. Future studies investigating the physiological and neurochemical mechanisms for cognitive performance and food intake control in breakfast‐eating and non‐breakfast eating children are recommended.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE).
Evaluation of the Association of Toll‐Like Receptor 4 and BMI with Postpartum Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Molkenthin Brittany A , Judge Michelle P , Young Erin E , Beck Cheryl T 
Published: November 2023

Obesity has been associated with elevated Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression. An imbalance in TLR4 expression and increased inflammatory load may play a role in the regulation of mood and in the etiology of mood disturbances. This study was designed to explore the underlying correlations between maternal BMI, circulating TLR4, and postpartum depressive symptoms. This exploratory secondary analysis utilized existing samples (n=42) during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Maternal plasma samples were collected at 20, 36–38 weeks gestation, and 2 weeks postpartum. Existing plasma samples were used to quantify TLR4 using ELISA. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms at four time points (2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months) during the postpartum period. Pregnancy BMI was positively correlated with average PDSS score (r = 0.352, p <0.05) across the four time points. TLR4 at 2 weeks postpartum was positively correlated with the PDSS score at 6 months postpartum, (r=0.396, p<0.05). TLR4 and PDSS scores were not significantly correlated at the 2 week, 6 week, or 3 month postpartum time points. Our findings suggest that higher pregnancy BMI and greater inflammatory activation may increase risk for postpartum depressive symptoms at 6 months postpartum. These preliminary findings indicate a need for further large‐scale study of the interrelationships between BMI, inflammation, and postpartum depressive symptoms in an effort to inform future development of precision medicine initiatives to predict, prevent, and treat postpartum depression.Support or Funding InformationDonaghue Foundation, University of Connecticut Summer Undergraduate Fund
Modulation of Protein Status in Humans Leads to Preference for Increased Portions
Authors: Davidenko Olga , Fromentin Sébastien , Barbillon Pierre , Fromentin Gilles , Tomé Daniel , Darcel Nicolas 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionProtein together with energy is an essential component of the diet. Implicit control of protein consumption is a key element of food decision‐making and behavior in humans. However, it is unclear which food characteristics, especially sensory, are the determinants of food choices guiding to adequate protein intake. A low‐protein diet is known to induce unconscious search for foods containing protein. By comparing food preferences of human subjects under a low‐protein diet to preferences of the same subjects subjected to a balanced diet, this study aimed at identifying implicit determinants of protein level in common foods.Materials and Methods23 healthy volunteers (13 women) 18 to 35 years old, non‐overweight (BMI between 18 and 25 kg/m2) followed two successive dietary interventions in a randomized crossover design during which they consumed either a diet containing 0.5g of protein/kg body weight/day, or 1.4g protein/kg/day. Both diets were iso‐energetic and variations in protein content were compensated by variations in both carbohydrates and fats. Experimental diets lasted 4 days each and were separated by a 10‐day wash‐out period during which participants were instructed to go back to their normal diet. At the beginning and at the end of each experimental diet period participants completed an on‐screen task during which they choose the preferred food from two food photographs. Foods present on photographs differed in protein content, portion size, or sensory qualities. A total of 153 pairs was used. Based on this task, preference scores for each food was estimated using the Bradley‐Terry method for analysis of paired comparisons. Effect of subjects' protein status on preference scores and its interaction with food sensory and nutritional characteristics was then evaluated.ResultsPreference analysis showed a significant effect of subjects' protein status on food preference scores (p=0.0047). A significant interaction was found between protein status and portion size (p=0.0002), a low‐protein diet resulting in a preference for larger portions. Other food characteristics such as protein content of foods and their sweet or salty taste, did not appear to affect preferences in a situation of low protein status (p=0.11 and p=0.14, respectively).ConclusionThis study showed an alteration of food preferences induced by a low‐protein diet, observed after 4‐day dietary intervention. Subjects following a low‐protein diet appear to prefer larger food portions that could be interpreted as an attempt to restore protein balance.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded by a grant from French Nutrition Society
Early life diet alters sleep architecture following an acute stress: The potential role of milk oligosaccharides
Authors: Chichlowski Maciej , Morairty Stephen , Berg Brian M. 
Published: November 2023

Stress exposure can produce disruptions in the sleep cycle that may contribute to altered cognitive performance. Prebiotics can selectively enhance select gut microbial species that may promote favorable response to stressrobustness. Our previous studies showed that a milk oligosaccharide, sialyllactose, supported normal microbial communities (similar to non‐stressed animals) and behavioral responses during stressor exposure, potentially through effects on the gut microbiota–brain axis. The aim of the current study was to determine whether early life dietary oligosaccharides would modulate the sleep cycle and protect sleep architecture following stress. We hypothesized that diet containing a blend of prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides, GOS+polydextrose, PDX) and/or sialyllactose (Lacprodan SAL‐10®; SL) would mitigate stress induced alterations of electrophysiological markers of sleep. Male Sprague Dawley rats (postnatal day (P)21) were placed on one of the experimental diets for 30d: a) SL [2.2g/kg], b)GOS+PDX [7g/kg each], c) GOS+PDX [7g/kg each] + SL [2.2g/kg] or d) Control[cellulose as fiber source]. Telemetry devices were implanted on P64 to examine the differences in electroencephalograph (EEG) and electromyograph (EMG)measurements. Baseline 24h EEG recordings were performed on P84. Rats were exposed to an acute stressor (inescapable stress) on P85 in order to examine the potential protective effects of our experimental diets on stress‐induced sleep/wake cycle. An additional group of Control animals remained undisturbed(Control Unstressed). There were no differences in food intake and body weight gain among the groups. There was a normal EEG distribution of power across the 24 h period under baseline conditions for all diets. During baseline, GOS+PDX+SL group had decreased waketheta frequency compared to Control Unstressed group (P<0.05). All stressed groups slept more (both NREM and REM) compared to the Control Unstressed group. Test diet groups had less overall waking following stress compared to the control animals. Rats on GOS+PDX diet had more overall NREM (NREM consolidation)compared to Control Unstressed animals (P<0.05). REM alpha and beta power were increased in rats on GOS+PDX and SL diets compared to control animals during baseline (prior to stress exposure) and following stress (P<0.05). Overall, these data demonstrate that an early life diet containing GOS+PDX and/or SL can increase NREM sleep consolidation and mitigate stress‐induced sleep disruptions in adulthood. Ongoing microbiome analysis might provide further insights on the mechanism of actions of this novel dietary intervention.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Mead Johnson Nutrition.
A possible emerging role of Stachys siedlbodii MIQ extract in neuroprotection: in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ravichandran Vijaya Abinaya , Kim Mina , Cha Youn Soo 
Published: November 2023

Dementia is the most common problem affecting older people; recently demonstrated the importance of oxidative process and loss of cholinergic neuron in parts of the brain subserving aspects of memory. Plants are an important source of essential nutrients, such as choline, vitamins, phenyl ethanoid glycosides and saponins, etc. These nutrients have shown promising effect to prevent or delay the onset of neurological disorder. This work aims to evaluate the potential effect of Stachys siedlbodii MIQ (SS) against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in SK‐N‐SH cells, and memory enhancement in ICR mice using the passive avoidance test. This study also investigated the role of cholinergic activity in SS induced brain tissue. In SK‐N‐SH cell culture, SS could partially antagonize the effects of 150 μM H2O2 on cell viability. In vivo study, SS (100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg) was administered orally to mice for 4 weeks. Treatment with SS, based on dose dependent manner had a significantly longer step‐through latency time than the control suggesting retained of fear memory. SS improved cholinergic system reactivity by increased level of acetylcholine in hippocampus and frontal cortex. These results suggest that SS administration significantly ameliorate the memory retention, by improving cholinergic activity on mice brain.Support or Funding InformationThis research was financially supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE), Korea, under the “Regional Specialized Industry Development Program” supervised by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT)
A randomized double‐blind, placebo controlled, four‐arm parallel study investigating the effect of a broad spectrum wellness beverage on mood state in healthy, moderately stressed adults
Authors: Aruoma Okezie , Evans Malkanthi , Anthony Joseph , Guthrie Najla , Landes Bernie 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of a broad spectrum wellness beverage (Zeal Wellness) on standardized measures of mood states, including overall feelings of vitality, in healthy, moderately stressed adults.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 100 eligible participants for 4 weeks. Participants were randomized to one of four groups including; Zeal Wellness (ZW) once daily (1‐dose‐ZW), ZW twice daily (2‐dose‐ZW), Placebo once daily (1‐dose‐Placebo) and Placebo twice daily (2‐dose‐Placebo). At all visits a Stress/Vitality questionnaire was administered and anthropometric measures were collected. The Profile of Moods (POMS) Questionnaire was administered at Day 0, 8, 15 and 29.ResultsParticipants supplemented with 2‐dose‐ZW reported a 6.6% decrease in POMS‐TMD (p<0.05) and a 6.8% decrease in the Anger‐Hostility mood state (p<0.022) compared to the combined placebo group at day 29. The 2‐dose‐ZW was shown to provide a 12.8% greater improvement in POMS‐TMD when compared to 1‐dose‐ZW in participants after 29 days of supplementation (p = 0.014). Within groups, there was a 22.4% decrease in POMS‐TMD in participants supplemented with 2‐dose‐ZW and a 9.6% decrease in POMS‐TMD in participants supplemented with 1‐dose‐ZW. Additionally, participants receiving 2‐dose‐ZW showed marked improvements in the POMS T‐score Iceberg profile that represented a shift to a more‐healthy profile. Safety markers including hematology, clinical chemistry, vitals, and anthropometric measures showed no difference between groups after 29 days of supplementation.ConclusionParticipants supplemented with 2‐dose‐ZW significantly decreased POMS‐TMD, Anger‐Hostility mood state and elicited a shift in the POMS T‐score iceberg to a more‐healthy profile compared to combined placebo.Support or Funding InformationZurvita, Houston, Texas, 77024