bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolic kinetics by glycine supply
Authors: Chiang EnPei Isabel , Huang Yu‐Hsuan 
Published: November 2023

Glycine‐N methyltransferase (GNMT) is a major hepatic enzyme that converts S‐adenosylmethionine to S‐adenosylhomocysteine while generating sarcosine from glycine. The metabolic role of GNMT in folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism and how glycine supply may affect one carbon metabolic kinetics are under investigated in the present study. Hepatocyte‐derived cell‐lines with and without GNMT expression were cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) with and without high glycine supply. Methylene‐tetrahydrofolate (mTHF) utilization and endogenous formate biosynthesis were carefully investigated using stable isotopic tracers and GC‐MS. We discovered that high glycine inhibits the M+1 specie enrichments in deoxythymidine (dT+1) from 2,3,3D3‐serine, suggesting that high glycine may inhibit endogenous formate production in these in vitro models. In a parallel experiment that exogenous formate was used as the 1C source, enrichments in dT+1 significantly increased from exogenous formate, supporting our hypothesis that high glycine inhibits endogenous formate production for thymidine synthesis. Mice fed in amino acid based diet supplemented with high glycine had significantly lower plasma formate concentrations that provide in vivo evidence on our hypothesis. On the other hand, high glycine promotes M+1 specie enrichments in methionine from 2,3,3D3‐serine, indicating that high glycine supply may favor the utilization of methyleneTHF derived one carbon for homocysteine remethylation. High glycine supply can promote folate dependent methionine synthesis in our cell models. Preliminary in vivo experiments demonstrated that high dietary glycine alters folate dependent methionine synthesis, consistent with our in vitro findings. We demonstrated how glycine supply regulates folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolic kinetics in vitro and in vivo.Support or Funding InformationMOST 105‐2320‐B005‐010‐MY3; MOST104‐2911‐I005‐301; and Ministry of Education, Taiwan, R.O.C. under the ATU plan)
Geranylgeraniol Suppresses the Expression of Adipogenic Genes and the Differentiation of Murine 3T3‐F442A and 3T3‐L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Elfakhani Manal , Yount Sophie , Mo Huanbiao 
Published: November 2023

Fundamental to the pathology of obesity is the hypertrophy and hyperplasia of adipocytes. Lipid accumulation in differentiated adipocytes is part of the adipocyte lifecycle that eventually leads to recruitment of macrophages and inflammation. We have previously shown that lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, suppresses the differentiation of murine 3T3‐F442A adipocytes via mevalonate deprivation. Tocotrienols, down‐regulators of HMG CoA reductase, inhibit adipocyte differentiation via suppression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ). We hypothesize that geranylgeraniol, a diterpene known to accelerate the degradation of HMG CoA reductase, mimics the impact of lovastatin and tocotrienol in suppressing adipocyte differentiation and the expression of adipogenic genes. Oil Red O staining and Adipo‐Red assay showed that a 7‐d incubation with 2.5 – 20 μmol/L geranylgeraniol decreased the intracellular triglyceride content of murine 3T3‐F442A and 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in a concentration‐dependent manner. Geranylgeraniol also down‐regulated the expression of PPARγ, a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation, as well as the expression of adipocyte marker genes comprising adiponectin, leptin, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and lipoprotein lipase, as measured by real‐time qPCR. Concurrently, Western‐blot showed that geranylgeraniol reduced the levels of PPARγ, FABP4 and C/EBPα proteins. No cytotoxicity was observed in preadipocyte cells incubated with geranylgeraniol (0–400 μmol/L) for 24 and 48 h. Mevalonate‐derived metabolites have crucial roles in promoting adipocyte differentiation by regulating the expression of adipogenic genes. Dietary mevalonate suppressors as anti‐adipogenesis compounds may have potential in the prevention of obesity.Support or Funding InformationAmerican River Nutrition, Inc.
Alpha‐Lipoic Acid Inhibits Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐1 in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kyung Seo Yeon , Lim Joo Weon , Kim Hyeyoung 
Published: November 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes gastritis and gastric cancers. Adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial regulator of energy metabolic homeostasis and a major survival factor in a variety of metabolic stresses. AMPK activation is related to anti‐inflammatory properties via inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity in various cells. Alpha‐lipoic acid (Alpha‐LA), a naturally occurring thiol compound, shows antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is to investigate whether alpha‐LA inhibits H. pylori‐induced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) via activation of AMPK in human gastric epithelial AGS cells.Human gastric epithelial AGS cells were infected with H. pylori (strain NCTC11637) at bacterium/cell ratio of 100:1. mRNA expression of MCP‐1 were determined by real‐time PCR analysis while the levels of phospho‐AMPK and AMPK were determined by Western blot analysis. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using DCF fluorescence. NADPH oxidase activity was measured by lucigenin assay.As a result, H. pylori increased NADPH oxidase activity, ROS levels and MCP‐1 expression, but decreased AMPK phosphorylation in AGS cells. Alpha‐LA inhibited H. pylori‐induced increase in NADPH oxidase activity, MCP‐1 expression, and ROS levels in AGS cells. Alpha‐LA prevented H. pylori‐induced decrease in AMPK phosphorylation in AGS cells. In addition, AMPK inhibitor compound C suppressed inhibitory effects of alpha‐LA on H. pylori‐induced increase in NADPH oxidase activity, ROS production, and MCP‐1 level in AGS cells.In conclusion, alpha‐LA may inhibit MCP‐1 expression by activating AMPK and inhibiting NADPH oxidase in H. pylori‐infected AGS cells. Consumption of alpha‐LA‐rich foods may prevent H. pylori‐associated gastric inflammation.
Effect of Leaf Extracts of Dendropanax morbifera on Selected Probiotics and Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Lee Yoo‐Hyun , Lee Jeong Yoon , Kim Ji Won , An Yeon Ju 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to clarify any possible interaction between probiotics and leaf extracts of Dendropanax morbifera as prebiotics.MethodsThe leaf extracts of Dendropanax morbifera was prepared using various concentration of ethanol (0, 20, 50%). Bacterial growth was investigated in each probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356, Lactobacillus leuteri ATCC 14485, Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 29521, Streptococcus thermophiles ATCC 14485) containing 1% (w/v) leaf extracts of Dendropanax morbifera. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined and then, ABTS and DPPH assay were performed for evaluating radical scavenging activity in Dendropanax morbifera. Antimicrobial activity was measured against pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, Clostridium difficile ATCC 9689, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p)ResultsIn the growth curve, the decrease at the death phase was slower Lactobacillus acidophilus that contained aqueous extracts of Dendropanax morbifera leaf, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus leuteri that contained 50% ethanol extract, and Streptococcus thermophiles that contained 20% ethanol extract compared to the control. Especially, 50% ethanol extract showed the highest antioxidant capacity in ABTS assay. Also, the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed in 50% ethanol extract. 50% ethanol extract exerts antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the leaf extracts of Dendropanax morbifera is a potent prebiotic, which leads to slower death of probiotics and exert antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by a grant from HBJ Biopharm.
Effect of Folate Status on High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Mice with Chronic Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy
Authors: Lin Bi‐Fong , Koh Xiang‐Lin , Wu Chi‐Heng , Huang Hsun‐Yi 
Published: November 2023

A negative correlation has been reported between human serum folate levels and chronic kidney failure. Reducing folate intake in modern diets high in fat/calories along with low vegetables/fruits might be associated with increased risk for kidney disease in industrialized countries without folic acid fortification policy. To investigate whether folate status affects renal function in high‐fat diet‐induced obesity, four groups of C57BL/6 male mice were either fed normal‐fat diet with folate (NF‐f1) as negative control, or high‐fat diet without folate (HF‐f0), with folate (HF‐f1), with 10‐fold folate (HF‐f10). After 48 weeks' feeding, the HF groups obese mice were supplemented with 8 mg/Kg/day aristolochic acid (AA), a nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acid found in Aristolochic species used in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, for 3 weeks to induce AA nephropathy (AAN) before sacrifice. The results showed that urine protein of mice fed AA‐containing diets, except the HF‐f10 group, significantly increased. Serum and renal galactin‐3, renal IL‐6 and TNF‐a in obese mice with chronic AAN were significantly higher when compared to the NF‐f1 mice without AA induction. The HF‐f10 mice had lower serum creatinine and higher IL‐10 secretion from ConA‐stimulated splenocytes. In contrast, the HF‐f0 mice had significantly higher urine protein, serum galaction‐3 and IL‐6, renal TGF‐b, and IL‐2 and TGF‐b secretion from splenocytes. Serum folate levels were negatively correlated with renal IL‐6, IL‐1b, TNF‐a, and IL‐10 in the HF‐f0 mice. Our study suggested that folate deficiency might promote, but folate supplementation might protect from renal inflammation and fibrosis progression in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the Ministry of Science and Technology Science Council of the Republic of China [MOST105‐2320‐B‐002‐028‐MY3]
Novel Form of Curcumin Attenuates Performance Decrements Following Muscle Damaging Exercise
Authors: Oliver Jonathan Michael , Caldwell Aaron , Sanders Elizabeth , Mitchell Joel , Rowlands David , Purpura Martin , Jager Ralf 
Published: November 2023

It is known that unaccustomed exercise especially that with an eccentric component causes muscle damage and subsequent performance decrements. Attenuating muscle damage may improve performance and allow for greater performance adaptations. Curcumin, a highly pleiotropic molecule, interacts with multiple inflammatory pathways, primarily by inhibiting the IκB Kinase (IKK) signaling complex thereby preventing the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). Curcumin has been reported to blunt the inflammatory response and attenuate performance decrements typically observed following exercise induced muscle damage in mice. However, the efficacy in humans is unknown. Further, poor solubility and rapid metabolism of standardized curcumin may limit potential benefits. CurcuWIN®, a novel curcumin formulation containing 20% curcuminoids (CUR), demonstrates a 45.9 fold greater absorption over standard curcumin. Therefore, the current study sought to examine the effect of differing doses of a novel form of curcumin on performance decrements following downhill running, a known exercise type to result in muscle damage. Sixty‐two moderately trained men and women (21±2 y; 70.0±13.7 kg; 169.3±15.2 cm; 25.6±14.3 BMI) were randomly assigned to ingest 50 mg CUR (in the form of 250 mg CurcuWIN®), 200 mg CUR (in the form of 1,000 mg CurcuWIN®), or placebo (PLA; corn starch) for eight weeks in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo controlled parallel design. At the end of the eight week supplementation period subjects completed a muscle damaging exercise protocol, downhill running. Muscle function, isokinetic peak flexion and extension, was assessed prior to and 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post downhill run. Standardized magnitude based inference was used to define outcomes. As evidence of the exercise bout inducing performance decrements, clear negative contrasts on performance were observed in both the PLA and low dose CUR at 1 h (mean pre post difference range; ±SD range) (extension, −13 to −18; ±5.9 to 7.9 ft‐lbs; flexion, −5 to −6; ±2.2 to 2.6 ft lbs) and 24 h (extension, −10 to −11; ±6 ft‐lbs; flexion, −4 to −6; 3 ft‐lbs) post‐downhill run. High dose CUR attenuated performance decrements, as evidenced by a lack of clear contrasts at 1 h (extension, −8; ±4 ft lbs; flexion −4; ±2 ft‐lbs) and 24 h (extension, −6; ±6 ft‐lbs; flexion, −3; ±3 ft‐lbs). Given the lack of clear contrasts, these data suggest that high dose bioavailable curcumin (200 mg CUR) attenuates performance decrements following downhill running, eccentric loading, which may improve subsequent adaptations to chronic training. Further study is warranted in other exercise types (i.e. resistance training) and chronically.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd., Mumbai, India
Benefits of Combinatorial Therapies for Improving Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Facial Nerve Injury
Authors: Runge Elizabeth M , Martinez Daniel , Drejet Sarah , Brown Brandon , Asante Tony , Welch Haley , Walker Chandler L , Best Amy , Muldoon Jessica , Jones Kathryn J 
Published: November 2023

Injury to the facial nerve due to trauma or surgical intervention for head and neck pathologies is common; however, few effective treatments eliciting full functional recovery following facial nerve injuries exist. Previous studies in our laboratory have found that single‐agent therapies, while effective in improving functional recovery, are insufficient in promoting complete functional recovery after nerve injury. Consequently, our objective is to determine the efficacy of combination therapies for treatment of facial nerve injury. We have found that treating the repaired injured nerve with polyethylene glycol (PEG), a sealant that acts to fuse damaged cell membranes, and methylene blue (MB), an antioxidant, improves functional recovery in a rat model of facial nerve transection and suture. Given the ease in application of these therapies, either singularly or in combination, we anticipate that these and future studies will aid translation of such methods for application in human facial nerve injury patients.Support or Funding InformationSupported by a Roudebush VA IIMR Young Investigator Award (CLW) and IUCRG grant fromm IUSM (KJJ).
Inulin‐Type Fructans Fiber Supplementation Improves Weight Loss When Used with the USDA's MyPlate Recommendations for Weight Management in Obese Women Attempting to Lose Weight
Authors: Salmean Younis 
Published: November 2023

The objective was to determine the impact of using weight loss recommendations in free living obese women interested in weight loss, with and without inulin‐type fructans (ITF) fiber over a six‐week period.MethodsThe study was a simple randomized intervention study with twelve women age (22.6 ± 3.6 y), and BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to either weight management recommendation (WMR) only group (n=6), or WMR+ITF group (n=6). The guided recommendations were a printed guide containing recommendations on how to lose weight based on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate recommendations. The WMR+ITF group received a six‐week supply of ITF along with the printed guide, while the WMR‐only group received only the guide. Each participant receiving the supplement was instructed to consume one small bag containing 7 g of ITF three times a day before meals. Weight, height and BMI were all measured. In addition, 24 h dietary recall was collected in the beginning (pre‐intervention) and at the end of the six‐week study (post‐intervention).ResultsThere were no differences in age, initial weight or BMI between both groups at baseline. Post‐intervention, the WMR+ITF group lost significant weight compared to its pre‐intervention weight (89.2 ± 10.2 vs 87.4 ± 9.9, p<0.05), while the WMR only group did not see a significant change (91.5 ± 12.5 vs 90.9 ± 12.3, p>0.05). Using a 24‐hour recall, the energy intake at pre‐intervention was not statistically different between both groups. Post‐intervention, the WMR+ITF group consumed significantly less energy compared to its pre‐intervention energy intake from 1947 ± 129 to 1742 ± 109, p<0.05, this difference was not see in the WMR only group.ConclusionSupplementation with ITF appears to enhance the weight loss achieved with the use of MyPlate recommendations over a short period in obese women attempting to lose weight as evident by greater weight loss in the supplemented group. Decreased energy consumption is likely to explain the weight loss in the supplemented group.Support or Funding Information**This work was supported and funded by Kuwait University, Research Project No. (WF02/15).
Alpha‐Lipoic Acid Inhibits IL‐8 Expression by Reducing Oxidative Stress in Ataxia Telangiectasia Fibroblasts
Authors: Yoon Jungyun , Lim Joo Weon , Kim Hyeyoung 
Published: November 2023

Ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T) is a neurodegenerative and inherited disease caused by a mutation in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. ATM gene is associated with cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, or apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were higher in AT cells lacking ATM gene than in normal cells. Previously, we demonstrated that alpha‐lipoic acid inhibits IL‐1 beta‐induced IL‐8 expression by suppressing ROS production in A‐T fibroblasts.Ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T) fibroblasts were treated with or without alpha‐lipoic acid dissolved in ethanol (final concentration of 10 and 20 microM). ROS levels were determined using DCF‐DA. IL‐8 mRNA expression was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. Mitochondrial functions such as oxygen consumption (OCR) and ATP production were assessed using Seahorse XF assay. Mitochondria membrane potential (MMP, Δψm) was determined by measuring JC‐1 fluorescent dye using laser‐scanning confocal microscope.As a result, IL‐1 beta increased ROS levels and induced IL‐8 expression, but decreased mitochondrial functions in A‐T cells. IL‐1 beta‐induced IL‐8 expression and ROS production were inhibited by alpha‐lipoic acid. IL‐1 beta‐induced decrease in mitochondrial function (determined by OCR, ATP production, MMP) was reversed by alpha‐lipoic acid in A‐T cells.In conclusion, consumption of alpha‐lipoic acid‐containing foods may be beneficial for preventing inflammation of A‐T patients.
Vitamin B12 Status in Women of Reproductive Age, NHANES 2013–2014
Authors: Fothergill Amy , Finkelstein Julia 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 insufficiency among women of reproductive age who participated in NHANES 2013–2014.MethodsWomen were eligible for inclusion in this analysis if they participated in (NHANES 2013–2014), attended the mobile examination clinic (MEC), had serum vitamin B12 concentrations assessed, and were between 15 and 49 years of age. In the 2013–2014 NHANES sample, women aged 20 to 44 years were eligible for physical examination at the MEC and were classified as pregnant (via urine pregnancy test at MEC; n=61), lactating (i.e., self‐reported through interview; n=39), or non‐pregnant, non‐lactating (n=1,073). Serum vitamin B12 concentrations were assessed via chemiluminescence. Vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency were defined as less than 148 pmol/L and less than 221 pmol/L, respectively. Marginal vitamin B12 status was defined as 3148 pmol/L and <221 pmol/L. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine vitamin B12 concentrations and the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency in pregnant and lactating women, compared to non‐pregnant non‐lactating women.ResultsA total of 1,173 women of reproductive age were included in this analysis. A total of 13.3% (n=156) and 2.6% (n=30) were vitamin B12 insufficient and deficient, respectively. Among pregnant women, 21.3% were vitamin B12 insufficient (<221 pmol/L) and 6.6% were classified as vitamin B12 deficient, with an average of 333.9 pmol/L (95% CI: 282.91, 384.89). Among non‐pregnant, non‐lactating women, 13.1% were vitamin B12 insufficient and 2.33% were classified as vitamin B12 deficient, with an average of 419.5 pmol/L (95% CI: 385.27, 453.68). Among lactating women, 7.69% were vitamin B12 insufficient and 2.56% were classified as vitamin B12 deficient, with an average of 497.65 pmol/L (95% CI: 434.5, 560.79). There were no statistically significant differences in vitamin B12 concentrations or the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency in pregnant and lactating women, compared to non‐pregnant non‐lactating women.ConclusionsThe prevalence of vitamin B12 insufficiency was relatively high among pregnant and non‐pregnant women of reproductive age in the United States.
Dietary Habits among Adolescent Girls 9–13 Years of Age that have Accessed Nutritional Information in Last 12 Months in the Upper Manya Krobo District, Ghana
Authors: Ghadirian Mona Ziba , Marquis Grace , Clark Shelley , Aryeetey Richmond , Obeng Dinah 
Published: November 2023

A desire to acquire health information is present among Ghanaian youth. About half (53%) of adolescent Internet users, 15–18 years of age residing in Accra, Ghana, have searched for health information online. Access to adequate nutritional information may positively influence dietary habits among adolescent girls. This analysis examined the association between the acquisition of nutritional information and dietary habits among adolescent girls. We carried out a cross‐sectional survey among adolescent girls 9–13 years of age (n=1420) living in 3 subdistricts of the rural Upper Manya Krobo district in the Eastern Region of Ghana in 2014. Data were recorded concerning the access to nutritional information during the past 12 months as well as dietary intake during the previous week. Ten percent of adolescent female participants reported receiving nutritional information during the previous 12 months. Among those who did receive nutritional information, the majority of participants (62%) received it in school, followed by access from home (21%), local community activities (9%), local clinic (6%), and other sources (1%). Receiving nutritional information was significantly associated with consumption of organ meats (p < 0.0001) whereas there was no significant association with diet diversity (p=0.14), intake of animal source foods (p=0.35), or vitamin A‐rich food products (p=0.87). Research shows that nutritional information is not yet accessible to the majority of adolescent girls in this district. Further research is needed to identify best nutrition education practices that increase the accessibility and quality of health messages tailored to adolescent girls. These data are part of Clinical Trials # NCT01985243.Support or Funding InformationGlobal Affairs Canada, Government of Canada.