Nutrients

13 pages, 2940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spray-Dried Potato Juice as a Potential Functional Food Component with Gastrointestinal Protective Effects

by Małgorzata Kujawska, Anna Olejnik, Grażyna Lewandowicz, Przemysław Kowalczewski, Renata Forjasz and Jadwiga Jodynis-Liebert

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020259 - 24 Feb 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7379

Abstract

Background: Peptic ulcer disease, including its complications and functional dyspepsia, are prevalent gastrointestinal diseases, etiopathogenesis of which is associated with mucosal inflammation. Research into new therapeutics capable of preventing or curing gastrointestinal mucosal damage has been steadily developing over past decades. This study [...] Read more.

Background: Peptic ulcer disease, including its complications and functional dyspepsia, are prevalent gastrointestinal diseases, etiopathogenesis of which is associated with mucosal inflammation. Research into new therapeutics capable of preventing or curing gastrointestinal mucosal damage has been steadily developing over past decades. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether a spray-dried preparation of potato juice is applicable for treating and preventing gastrointestinal mucosal damage. Methods: We assessed potential protective effects of spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) against gut inflammation in the co-culture Caco-2/RAW264.7 system, as well as a gastroprotective activity in a rat model of gastric ulceration. Results: The obtained results indicated that SDPJ down-regulates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mRNA expression and protein production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in the co-culture model. Moreover, SDPJ provided dose-dependent protection against LPS-induced disruption of intestinal barrier integrity. In rats, five-day pretreatment with SDPJ in doses of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg suppressed HCl/ethanol-induced TNF-α expression in gastric mucosa by 52% and 35%, respectively. In addition, the pretreatment with the lower dose of SDPJ reduced the incidence of ulcers (by 34%) expressed as ulcer index. Conclusion: The spray-dried potato juice appears to be an attractive candidate for ameliorating inflammation-related diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Full article

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Effect of spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) and budesonide (BD) on Caco-2 cells (A) and RAW264.7 macrophage (B) viability determined in a Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture system nonstimulated (−) or stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Values represent the means ± SD (n = 3). Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) and budesonide (BD) on TEER values determined in a co-culture system of Caco-2 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages nonstimulated (−) or stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Values represent the means ± SD (n = 3). a) p < 0.05 vs the untreated group. b) p < 0.05 vs the LPS-treated group. Full article ">Figure 3
Effect of spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) and budesonide (BD) on mRNA expression of TNF-α (A) and the production of TNF-α (B) in a co-culture system of Caco-2 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages nonstimulated (−) or stimulated by LPS. Values represent the means ± SD (n = 3). b) p < 0.05 vs. the LPS-treated group. Full article ">Figure 4
Effect of spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) and budesonide (BD) on mRNA expression of IL-6 (A) and the production of IL-6 (B) in a co-culture system of Caco-2 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages nonstimulated (−) or stimulated by LPS. Values represent the means ± SD (n = 3). b) p < 0.05 vs. the LPS-treated group. Full article ">Figure 5
Representative images of gastric lesions in rats treated with spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) (A) SDPJ 500 mg/kg alone; (B) rats treated with the mixture of HCl/ethanol alone; (C) SDPJ 200 mg/kg + HCl/ethanol; and (D) SDPJ 500 mg/kg + HCl/ethanol. Full article ">Figure 6
Effect of spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) on level of gastric TNF-α in rats treated with the mixture of HCl/ethanol. SDPJ I: SDPJ 200 mg/kg. SDPJ II: SDPJ 500 mg/kg. HCl/ethanol: the mixture of 0.3 M HCl and 60% ethanol (1:1). Values represent the means ± SD (n = 8). a) p < 0.05 vs. the untreated group. b) p < 0.05 vs. the HCl/ethanol-treated group. Full article ">Figure 7
Effect of spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) on the level of gastric IL-6 in rats treated with the mixture of HCl/ethanol. SDPJ I: SDPJ 200 mg/kg. SDPJ II: SDPJ 500 mg/kg. HCl/ethanol: the mixture of 0.3 M HCl and 60% ethanol (1:1). Values represent the means ±SD (n = 8). Full article ">

12 pages, 744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intake of 3 Eggs per Day When Compared to a Choline Bitartrate Supplement, Downregulates Cholesterol Synthesis without Changing the LDL/HDL Ratio

by Bruno S Lemos, Isabel Medina-Vera, Christopher N Blesso and Maria Luz Fernandez

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020258 - 24 Feb 2018

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 19939

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is associated with high concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The impact of dietary cholesterol on plasma lipid concentrations still remains a concern. The effects of egg intake in comparison to choline bitartrate supplement was studied in a young, [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is associated with high concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The impact of dietary cholesterol on plasma lipid concentrations still remains a concern. The effects of egg intake in comparison to choline bitartrate supplement was studied in a young, healthy population. Thirty participants were enrolled for a 13-week intervention. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomized to consume either 3 eggs/day or a choline bitartrate supplement (~400 mg choline for both treatments) for 4-weeks each. After a 3-week washout period, they were allocated to the alternate treatment. Dietary records, plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (apo) concentrations, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell expression of regulatory genes for cholesterol homeostasis were assessed at the end of each intervention. Dietary intakes of saturated and monounsaturated fat were higher with the consumption of eggs compared to the choline period. In addition, higher plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (7.5%), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (5%) and LDL-C (8.1%) were observed with egg consumption (p < 0.01), while no change was seen in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, a key marker of heart disease risk. Compared to choline supplementation, intake of eggs resulted in higher concentrations of plasma apoA-I (8%) and apoE (17%) with no changes in apoB. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase expression were lower with egg consumption by 18% and 31%, respectively (p < 0.05), suggesting a compensation to the increased dietary cholesterol load. Therefore, dietary cholesterol from eggs appears to regulate endogenous synthesis of cholesterol in such a way that the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is maintained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Cholesterol:Is It Related to Chronic Disease)

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Plasma concentrations of fasting apolipoprotein A-I (a); B (b); and E (c) with intake of 3 eggs versus choline bitartrate supplement for 4 weeks each. Values are presented as mean ± SD for n = 29 men and women. Bar with superscripts differ at p < 0.05 as determined by paired Student’s t test. Full article ">Figure 1 Cont.
Plasma concentrations of fasting apolipoprotein A-I (a); B (b); and E (c) with intake of 3 eggs versus choline bitartrate supplement for 4 weeks each. Values are presented as mean ± SD for n = 29 men and women. Bar with superscripts differ at p < 0.05 as determined by paired Student’s t test. Full article ">Figure 2
Gene expression of 3-hydroxyl-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) with intake of 3 eggs versus choline bitartrate supplement for 4 weeks each. Data were standardized to the expression of GAPDH as a reference gene using the 2(−ΔΔCt) method. Values are presented as mean ± SD for n = 27 men and women. Bar with superscripts differ at p < 0.05 as determined by paired Student’s t test after excluding outliers using Grubb’s test. Full article ">

13 pages, 256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Nutritive Sweeteners in the Packaged Food Supply—An Assessment across 4 Countries

by Elizabeth K. Dunford, Lindsey Smith Taillie, Donna R. Miles, Helen Eyles, Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo and Shu Wen Ng

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020257 - 24 Feb 2018

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 8607

Abstract

Increased interest among consumers in the reduction of dietary sugar intake has led to the wider availability of food products containing non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). However, the extent to which NNS are currently being used by manufacturers to sweeten processed food and beverage products, [...] Read more.

Increased interest among consumers in the reduction of dietary sugar intake has led to the wider availability of food products containing non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). However, the extent to which NNS are currently being used by manufacturers to sweeten processed food and beverage products, and how NNS may be displacing added sugars as a sweetener is unknown. The current study utilized branded food composition databases from Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and the US to determine the percentage of processed food and beverage products for which there are nutrition data containing NNS and to compare total sugar density (g per 100 mL for beverages and g per 100 g for foods) between products with and without NNS. Ordinary least squares regression at the country-product level was performed to examine associations between presence of NNS and total sugar. Across all countries, 5% of products contained at least one NNS, with the highest prevalence among beverages (22%). Mexico had the highest percentage of products with NNS (11%), as compared to the United States (US) (4%), New Zealand (1%), and Australia (<1%). The presence of NNS was associated with lower mean total sugar density among beverages (range across countries: 7.5 to 8.7 g per 100 mL) and among foods (23.2 to 25.5 g per 100 g). Products with both added sugar ingredients and NNS had a lower overall mean total sugar density when compared to products containing only added sugar ingredients. Due to paucity of data on sales and market shares across these countries, our results do not reflect the extent to which consumers purchase NNS containing products. Continued monitoring of NNS in the food supply, extension of work from these data, and inclusion of market shares of products will be important as more countries introduce policies to reduce sugar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Nutritive Sweeteners: A Global Perspective)

19 pages, 1173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Diets Differing in Composition of 18-C Fatty Acids on Adipose Tissue Thermogenic Gene Expression in Mice Fed High-Fat Diets

by Sunhye Shin and Kolapo M. Ajuwon

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020256 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6532

Abstract

Dietary fatty acids play important roles in the regulation of fat accumulation or metabolic phenotype of adipocytes, either as brown or beige fat. However, a systematic comparison of effects of diets with different composition of 18-C fatty acids on browning/beiging phenotype has not [...] Read more.

Dietary fatty acids play important roles in the regulation of fat accumulation or metabolic phenotype of adipocytes, either as brown or beige fat. However, a systematic comparison of effects of diets with different composition of 18-C fatty acids on browning/beiging phenotype has not been done. In this study, we compared the effects of different dietary fats, rich in specific 18-carbon fatty acids, on thermogenesis and lipid metabolism. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet containing 5.6% kcal fat from lard and 4.4% kcal fat from soybean oil (CON) or high-fat diets (HFD) containing 25% kcal from lard and 20% kcal fat from shea butter (stearic acid-rich fat; SHB), olive oil (oleic acid-rich oil; OO), safflower oil (linoleic acid-rich oil; SFO), or soybean oil (mixed oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids; SBO) ad libitum for 12 weeks, with or without a terminal 4-h norepinephrine (NE) treatment. When compared to SHB, feeding OO, SFO, and SBO resulted in lower body weight gain. The OO fed group had the highest thermogenesis level, which resulted in lower body fat accumulation and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. Feeding SFO downregulated expression of lipid oxidation-related genes and upregulated expression of lipogenic genes, perhaps due to its high n-6:n-3 ratio. In general, HFD-feeding downregulated Ucp1 expression in both subcutaneous and epididymal white adipose tissue, and suppressed NE-induced Pgc1a expression in brown adipose tissue. These results suggest that the position of double bonds in dietary fatty acids, as well as the quantity of dietary fat, may have a significant effect on the regulation of oxidative and thermogenic conditions in vivo. Full article

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11 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

l-Carnitine Supplementation in Older Women. A Pilot Study on Aging Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function

by Angelika K. Sawicka, Dace Hartmane, Patrycja Lipinska, Ewa Wojtowicz, Wieslawa Lysiak-Szydlowska and Robert A. Olek

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020255 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9456

Abstract

Skeletal muscle wasting, associated with aging, may be regulated by the inflammatory cytokines as well as by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). l-carnitine possesses anti-inflammatory properties and increases plasma IGF-1 concentration, leading to the regulation of the genes responsible for protein catabolism [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscle wasting, associated with aging, may be regulated by the inflammatory cytokines as well as by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). l-carnitine possesses anti-inflammatory properties and increases plasma IGF-1 concentration, leading to the regulation of the genes responsible for protein catabolism and anabolism. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a 24-week l-carnitine supplementation on serum inflammatory markers, IGF-1, body composition and skeletal muscle strength in healthy human subjects over 65 years of age. Women between 65 and 70 years of age were supplemented for 24 weeks with either 1500 mg l-carnitine-l-tartrate or an isonitrogenous placebo per day in a double-blind fashion. Before and after the supplementation protocol, body mass and composition, as well as knee extensor and flexor muscle strength were determined. In the blood samples, free carnitine, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein and IGF-1 were determined. A marked increase in free plasma carnitine concentration was observed due to l-carnitine supplementation. No substantial changes in other parameters were noted. In the current study, supplementation for 24 weeks affected neither the skeletal muscle strength nor circulating markers in healthy women over 65 years of age. Positive and negative aspects of l-carnitine supplementation need to be clarified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation- An Ancient Battle. What are the Roles of Nutrients?)

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18 pages, 2237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health- and Taste-Related Attitudes Associated with Dietary Patterns in a Representative Sample of Polish Girls and Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study (GEBaHealth Project)

by Joanna Kowalkowska, Marta Lonnie, Lidia Wadolowska, Jolanta Czarnocinska, Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz and Ewa Babicz-Zielinska

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020254 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6755

Abstract

Attitudes can be predictors of certain health-related behaviours. The attitudes of young females towards health and taste have not been yet fully examined and their associations with dietary behaviours remain unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate if attitudes are associated [...] Read more.

Attitudes can be predictors of certain health-related behaviours. The attitudes of young females towards health and taste have not been yet fully examined and their associations with dietary behaviours remain unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate if attitudes are associated with dietary patterns in a representative sample of Polish girls. The study population consisted of 1107 girls, aged 13–21 and living in Poland. Attitudes were assessed using the Health and Taste Attitudes Scale (HTAS) and categorised as negative, neutral or positive. Dietary data was obtained using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Dietary patterns (DPs), derived previously with a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were ‘Traditional Polish’, ‘Fruit and vegetables’, ‘Fast food and sweets’ and ‘Dairy and fats’. The associations between attitudes and DPs were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients and logistic regression. The reference group were girls with neutral attitudes. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, socioeconomic status (SES), and body mass index (BMI). The correlations between attitudes and DPs ranged from −0.28 for attitudes towards health and ‘Fast food and sweets’ and ‘Traditional Polish’ DPs to 0.33 for attitudes towards health and the ‘Fruit and vegetables’ DP (p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, the strongest associations within health-related HTAS subscales were observed between negative attitudes towards natural products and the ‘Fast food and sweets’ DP (OR: 10.93; 95% CI: 3.32–36.01) and between positive attitudes towards health and the ‘Fruit and vegetables’ DP (OR: 5.10; 3.11–8.37). The strongest associations within taste-related HTAS subscales were observed between positive attitudes towards craving for sweet foods and the ‘Traditional Polish’ DP (OR: 1.93; 1.43–2.61) and between positive attitudes towards using food as a reward and the ‘Dairy and fats’ DP (OR: 2.08; 1.22–3.55) as well as the ‘Fast food and sweets’ DP (OR: 2.07; 1.14–3.74). Positive attitudes towards health were associated with a pro-healthy dietary pattern characterised by the consumption of fruit and vegetables, while negative attitudes towards natural products as well as a strong craving for sweets and using food as a reward were associated with less healthy dietary patterns. To improve the dietary habits of girls and young women, positive attitudes towards health should be strengthened and supported by emphasizing the sensory values of pro-healthy foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Diet Quality and Human Health)

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27 pages, 1141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Restoration of Muscle Glycogen and Functional Capacity: Role of Post-Exercise Carbohydrate and Protein Co-Ingestion

by Abdullah F. Alghannam, Javier T. Gonzalez and James A. Betts

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020253 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 25239

Abstract

The importance of post-exercise recovery nutrition has been well described in recent years, leading to its incorporation as an integral part of training regimes in both athletes and active individuals. Muscle glycogen depletion during an initial prolonged exercise bout is a main factor [...] Read more.

The importance of post-exercise recovery nutrition has been well described in recent years, leading to its incorporation as an integral part of training regimes in both athletes and active individuals. Muscle glycogen depletion during an initial prolonged exercise bout is a main factor in the onset of fatigue and so the replenishment of glycogen stores may be important for recovery of functional capacity. Nevertheless, nutritional considerations for optimal short-term (3–6 h) recovery remain incompletely elucidated, particularly surrounding the precise amount of specific types of nutrients required. Current nutritional guidelines to maximise muscle glycogen availability within limited recovery are provided under the assumption that similar fatigue mechanisms (i.e., muscle glycogen depletion) are involved during a repeated exercise bout. Indeed, recent data support the notion that muscle glycogen availability is a determinant of subsequent endurance capacity following limited recovery. Thus, carbohydrate ingestion can be utilised to influence the restoration of endurance capacity following exhaustive exercise. One strategy with the potential to accelerate muscle glycogen resynthesis and/or functional capacity beyond merely ingesting adequate carbohydrate is the co-ingestion of added protein. While numerous studies have been instigated, a consensus that is related to the influence of carbohydrate-protein ingestion in maximising muscle glycogen during short-term recovery and repeated exercise capacity has not been established. When considered collectively, carbohydrate intake during limited recovery appears to primarily determine muscle glycogen resynthesis and repeated exercise capacity. Thus, when the goal is to optimise repeated exercise capacity following short-term recovery, ingesting carbohydrate at an amount of ≥1.2 g kg body mass⁻¹·h⁻¹ can maximise muscle glycogen repletion. The addition of protein to carbohydrate during post-exercise recovery may be beneficial under circumstances when carbohydrate ingestion is sub-optimal (≤0.8 g kg body mass⁻¹·h⁻¹) for effective restoration of muscle glycogen and repeated exercise capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein for Post-Exercise Recovery and Performance)

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13 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in the Association between Dietary Pattern and the Incidence of Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

by SuJin Song, Jiwon Kim and Jihye Kim

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020252 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6251

Abstract

We examined gender differences in the association between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension, using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study data. A total of 5090 participants (2457 men and 2633 women) aged 40–69 years without hypertension at baseline were selected. Dietary [...] Read more.

We examined gender differences in the association between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension, using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study data. A total of 5090 participants (2457 men and 2633 women) aged 40–69 years without hypertension at baseline were selected. Dietary patterns were obtained using factor analysis based on 26 food groups, evaluated by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or the use of antihypertensive medication using the biennial measurements. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between dietary patterns and hypertension. Four dietary patterns were extracted: coffee, fat, and sweets; prudent; whole grains and legumes; and traditional (men)/Western (women). Women in the highest tertile of the whole grains and legumes pattern scores showed a lower risk of incident hypertension compared with those in the lowest tertile (hazard ratio = 0.77, 95% confidence interval = 0.59–1.00, p-trend = 0.048). Other dietary patterns were not associated with hypertension in either men or women. A diet rich in whole grains and legumes is inversely associated with the risk of hypertension in Korean women, suggesting a gender difference in the association between diet and hypertension. Full article

16 pages, 447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Investigation to Underpin the Development of an Electronic Tool to Assess Nutrition Literacy in Australian Adults

by Alyssa M Cassar, Gareth S Denyer, Helen T O’Connor and Janelle A Gifford

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020251 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7097

Abstract

Nutrition literacy is linked to health via its influence on dietary intake. There is a need for a tool to assess nutrition literacy in research and dietetic practice. We sought guidance from nutrition professionals on topic areas and features of an electronic nutrition [...] Read more.

Nutrition literacy is linked to health via its influence on dietary intake. There is a need for a tool to assess nutrition literacy in research and dietetic practice. We sought guidance from nutrition professionals on topic areas and features of an electronic nutrition literacy assessment tool for Australian adults. 28 experienced nutrition professionals engaged in a range of nutrition and dietetic work areas participated in six focus groups using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using an inductive approach using NVivo 10 (QSR International, Pty Ltd., Doncaster, Australia, 2012). Key areas identified to assess nutrition literacy included specific nutrients versus foods, labels and packaging, construction of the diet, knowledge of the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, understanding of serve and portion sizes, ability to select healthier foods, and demographics such as belief systems and culture. Exploitation of electronic features to enhance visual and auditory displays, including interactive animations such as “drag and drop” and virtual reality situations, were discussed. This study provided insight into the most relevant topic areas and presentation format to assess the nutrition literacy of adult Australians. The visual, auditory, and interactive capacity of the available technology could enhance the assessment of nutrition literacy. Full article

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16 pages, 2235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bovine α-Lactalbumin Hydrolysates (α-LAH) Ameliorate Adipose Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6J Mice

by Jing Gao, Jiajia Song, Min Du and Xueying Mao

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020242 - 23 Feb 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6197

Abstract

Obesity-induced adipose inflammation has been demonstrated to be a key cause of insulin resistance. Peptides derived from bovine α-lactalbumin have been shown to inhibit the activities of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), scavenge 2,2′-azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate] (ABTS⁺) radical [...] Read more.

Obesity-induced adipose inflammation has been demonstrated to be a key cause of insulin resistance. Peptides derived from bovine α-lactalbumin have been shown to inhibit the activities of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), scavenge 2,2′-azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate] (ABTS⁺) radical and stimulate glucagon-like peptide-2 secretion. In the present study, the effects of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) on adipose insulin resistance and inflammation induced by high-fat diet (HFD) were investigated. The insulin resistance model was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice with HFD (60% kcal from fat) for eight weeks. Then, the mice were fed with HFD and bovine α-LAH of different doses (100 mg/kg b.w., 200 mg/kg b.w. and 400 mg/kg b.w.) for another 12 weeks to evaluate its protective effects against HFD-induced insulin resistance. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ipITT) were conducted after intervention with α-LAH for 10 weeks and 11 weeks, respectively. Results showed that bovine α-LAH significantly reduced body weight, blood glucose, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) levels, lowered the area-under-the-curve (AUC) during OGTT and ipITT, and downregulated inflammation-related gene [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1] expression in adipose tissues of HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, bovine α-LAH also suppressed insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) serine phosphorylation (Ser307, Ser612), enhanced protein kinase B (known as Akt) phosphorylation, and inhibited the activation of inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in adipose tissues of HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice. These results suggested that bovine α-LAH could ameliorate adipose insulin resistance and inflammation through IKK and MAPK signaling pathways in HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice. Full article

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Effect of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) supplementation on body weight and food intake in mice fed with high-fat diet. (A) Changes in body weight through the experimental period; (B) Daily food intake. All data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) (n = 10). Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan’s multiple-comparison test, and mean values without common letters indicate differences at p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) supplementation on hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in mice fed with high-fat diet. (A) Fasting blood glucose level; (B) fasting serum insulin level; (C) Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. All data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) (n = 10). Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan’s multiple-comparison test, and mean values without common letters indicate differences at p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 3
Effect of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) supplementation on glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance in mice fed with high-fat diet. (A) The results of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). After an overnight fast, mice were administered glucose (2 g/kg b.w., oral). Blood samples were collected from the tail before (0 min) and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after glucose administration to measure blood glucose; (B) area under the curve (AUC) for the blood glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); (C) the results of intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ipITT). After a 6-h fast, mice were administered insulin (0.75 U/kg b.w., intraperitoneal injection). Blood samples were collected from the tail before (0 min) and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after insulin injection to measure blood glucose; (D) area under the curve (AUC) for the blood glucose levels during intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ipITT). All data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) (n = 10). Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan’s multiple-comparison test, and mean values without common letters indicate differences at p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 4
Effect of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) supplementation on expression of insulin signaling markers in epididymal adipose tissues of mice fed with high-fat diet. (A) a representative image of western blot analysis for phospho-insulin receptor substrate 1 (p-IRS-1) and p-Akt in epididymal adipose tissues; (B) fold change in relative densitometric levels of p-IRS-1/IRS and p-Akt/Akt relative to the ND group. All data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) (n = 6). Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan’s multiple-comparison test, and mean values without common letters indicate differences at p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 5
Effect of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) supplementation on inflammation-related gene expression in epididymal adipose tissues of mice fed with high-fat diet. (A) Relative levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expression in epididymal adipose tissues; (B) relative levels of interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA expression in epididymal adipose tissues; (C) relative levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 mRNA expression in epididymal adipose tissues. All data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) (n = 6). Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan’s multiple-comparison test, and mean values without common letters indicate differences at p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 6
Effect of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) supplementation on the activation of inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK) signaling pathway in epididymal adipose tissues of mice fed with high-fat diet. (A) A representative image of western blot analysis for p-IKKα/β in epididymal adipose tissues; (B) fold change in relative densitometric levels of p-IKKα/IKKα and p-IKKβ/IKKβ relative to the ND group. All data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) (n = 6). Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan’s multiple-comparison test, and mean values without common letters indicate differences at p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 7
Effect of bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates (α-LAH) supplementation on the activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in epididymal adipose tissues of mice fed with high-fat diet. (A) A representative image of western blot analysis for p-p38, phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinases (p-ERK) and phospho-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK) in epididymal adipose tissues; (B) fold change in relative densitometric levels of p-p38/ p38, p-ERK/ERK and p-JNK/JNK relative to the ND group. All data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) (n = 6). Significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan’s multiple-comparison test, and mean values without common letters indicate differences at p < 0.05. Full article ">

13 pages, 1934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic Responses in Endothelial Cells Following Exposure to Ketone Bodies

by Erika Meroni, Nadia Papini, Franca Criscuoli, Maria C. Casiraghi, Luca Massaccesi, Nicoletta Basilico and Daniela Erba

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020250 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6812

Abstract

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet based on the induction of the synthesis of ketone bodies (KB). Despite its widespread use, the systemic impact of KD is not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects [...] Read more.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet based on the induction of the synthesis of ketone bodies (KB). Despite its widespread use, the systemic impact of KD is not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of physiological levels of KB on HMEC-1 endothelial cells. To this aim, DNA oxidative damage and the activation of Nrf2, a known transcriptional factor involved in cell responses to oxidative stress, were assessed. The exposure of cells to KB exerted a moderate genotoxic effect, measured by a significant increase in DNA oxidative damage. However, cells pre-treated with KB for 48 h and subjected to a secondary oxidative insult (H₂O₂), significantly decreased DNA damage compared to control oxidized cells. This protection occurred by the activation of Nrf2 pathway. In KB-treated cells, we found increased levels of Nrf2 in nuclear extracts and higher gene expression of HO-1, a target gene of Nrf2, compared to control cells. These results suggest that KB, by inducing moderate oxidative stress, activate the transcription factor Nrf2, which induces the transcription of target genes involved in the cellular antioxidant defense system. Full article

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Figure 1
Viability of HMEC-1 treated with KB (βHB 2–20 mM and AA 0.5–5 mM). Data are expressed as mean ± SD. * p < 0.05 compared with control (βHB = 0 and AA = 0). Full article ">Figure 2
Analysis of DNA damage in HMEC-1 cells treated with KB (4 mM βHB, 1 mM AA) for 2, 24 or 48 h (A) and subsequently oxidized with 50 μM H2O2 for 5 min (B); results are expressed as the % of DNA in the tail (mean ± SD). Data not sharing a common letter are significantly different, p < 0.001. Full article ">Figure 3
Nrf2 mRNA expression by real-time PCR in control HMEC-1 cells and cells treated with KB for 2, 6, 14 or 24 h. mRNA expression was normalized to the level of the housekeeping gene GAPDH. Data are the means ± SD of three independent experiments. Data not sharing a common letter are significantly different, p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 4
Western blot analysis. Nrf2 protein expression in control cells or cells treated with KB for 2, 6, 14 or 24 h in the nuclear (A) and cytoplasmic (B) fractions. Lamin A/C was used as a nuclear marker. GAPDH was used as a cytoplasmic marker. The western blot image is representative of four independent experiments (A,B). Densitometric analysis of Nrf2 protein expression was performed using lamin A/C as the loading control and Nrf2 nuclear translocation are expressed as the % of Nrf2 in the nuclear fraction compared to the total amount of Nrf2 in whole cells. Data are the mean ± SD of four independent experiments. Data not sharing a common letter are significantly different, p < 0.05 (C). Full article ">Figure 5
Real time PCR analysis of HO-1 mRNA expression in control HMEC-1 cells and cells treated with KB for 2, 6, 14 or 24 h. mRNA expression was normalized to the level of the housekeeping gene GAPDH. Data are the means ± SD of three independent experiments. Data not sharing a common letter are significantly different, p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 6
Proposed mechanism of action of KB in HMEC-1 cells. Full article ">

9 pages, 207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate and Complementary Feeding Indicators in China: A National Representative Survey in 2013

by Yifan Duan, Zhenyu Yang, Jianqiang Lai, Dongmei Yu, Suying Chang, Xuehong Pang, Shan Jiang, Huanmei Zhang, Ye Bi, Jie Wang, Robert W. Scherpbier, Liyun Zhao and Shian Yin

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020249 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 7083

Abstract

Appropriate infant and young child feeding could reduce morbidity and mortality and could improve cognitive development of children. However, nationwide data on exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding status in China are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess current exclusive breastfeeding [...] Read more.

Appropriate infant and young child feeding could reduce morbidity and mortality and could improve cognitive development of children. However, nationwide data on exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding status in China are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess current exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding status in China. A national representative survey (Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey) of children aged under 6 years was done in 2013. Stratified multistage cluster sampling was used to select study participants. World Health Organization (WHO) infant and young child feeding indicators were firstly used to assess exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practice nationwide. In total, 14,458 children aged under two years (0 to <730 days) were studied from 55 counties in 30 provinces in China. The crude exclusive breastfeeding rate under 6 months was 20.7% (908/4381) and the weighted exclusive breastfeeding rate was 18.6%. The crude prevalence of minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet were 52.5% (5286/10,071), 69.8% (7027/10,071), and 27.4% (2764/10,071) among children aged 6–23 months, respectively. The weighted rate was 53.7%, 69.1%, and 25.1%, respectively. Residential area, household income and maternal education were positively associated with the three complementary feeding indicators. The exclusive breastfeeding rate under 6 months was low and complementary feeding practice was not optimal in China. Residential area, household income and maternal education might be used to target infants and young children to improve complementary feeding practice. Full article

17 pages, 1036 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Evolving Role of Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement Use among Adults in the Age of Personalized Nutrition

by Jeffrey B. Blumberg, Regan L. Bailey, Howard D. Sesso and Cornelia M. Ulrich

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020248 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 15437

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies occur in segments of the adult population in the United States. Multivitamin/multimineral supplements (MVMS) are widely used by this population, which reduces inadequacies in micronutrient intake, but the potential for exceeding tolerable upper intake levels in others should be considered. There [...] Read more.

Micronutrient deficiencies occur in segments of the adult population in the United States. Multivitamin/multimineral supplements (MVMS) are widely used by this population, which reduces inadequacies in micronutrient intake, but the potential for exceeding tolerable upper intake levels in others should be considered. There are concerns associated with the excessive intake of certain nutrients, particularly folic acid, and potential untoward consequences. The advent of nutrigenomics and the enhanced ability to directly study the interactions between nutrition and genetic variants and expression will allow for the conduct of more targeted studies with specific endpoints and may ultimately lead to progress in the field of personalized nutrition. The role of MVMS in health maintenance and chronic disease prevention remains controversial. Conducting studies in this area has been hampered by, among other factors, inconsistent definitions of MVMS, ranging from as few as three vitamins to broad-spectrum products containing more than two dozen vitamins and minerals. Results from some observational studies and large-scale, randomized, controlled trials suggest that MVMS may reduce the risk of some forms of cancer and, potentially, cardiovascular disease. The ongoing COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) is expected to build on this research and provide additional insights into these areas. Full article

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20 pages, 1412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oleanolic Acid Exerts Osteoprotective Effects and Modulates Vitamin D Metabolism

by Sisi Cao, Xiao-Li Dong, Ming-Xian Ho, Wen-Xuan Yu, Ka-Chun Wong, Xin-Sheng Yao and Man-Sau Wong

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020247 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6609

Abstract

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a triterpenoid with reported bone anti-resorption activities. The present study aimed to characterize its bone protective effects in vivo and to study its effects on vitamin D metabolism, both in vivo and in vitro. OA significantly increased bone mineral [...] Read more.

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a triterpenoid with reported bone anti-resorption activities. The present study aimed to characterize its bone protective effects in vivo and to study its effects on vitamin D metabolism, both in vivo and in vitro. OA significantly increased bone mineral density, improved micro-architectural properties, reduced urinary Ca excretion, increased 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and renal CYP27B1 mRNA expression in mature C57BL/6 ovariectomised (OVX) mice. OA also improved bone properties, Ca balance, and exerted modulatory effects on renal CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 expressions in aged normal female Sprague–Dawley rats. In addition, OA significantly increased renal CYP27B1 mRNA and promoter activity, and suppressed CYP24A1 mRNA and protein expressions in human proximal tubule HKC-8 cells. OA exerted bone protective effects in mature OVX mice and aged female rats. This action on bone might be, at least in part, associated with its effects on Ca and vitamin D metabolism. The present findings suggest that OA is a potential drug candidate for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Full article

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Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
Chemical structure of oleanolic acid. Full article ">Figure 2
The effects of OA on renal and duodenal mRNA and protein expressions in OVX mice. The expression levels of (A) renal CYP27B1 mRNA; (B) renal CYP24A1 mRNA; (C,E) renal CYP27B1 protein; (D,E) renal CYP24A1 protein; (F) renal TRPV5 mRNA; (G) renal CaBP28k mRNA; (H) duodenal TRPV6 mRNA; and (I) duodenal CaBP9k mRNA in OVX mice were studied. Four-month-old ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (Sham) C57BL/6J mice were pair-fed with phytoestrogen-free AIN-93M diet and treated with vehicle (Sham or OVX), E2 (200 μg/kg/day), OA low dose (OAL, 50 mg/kg/day) or OA high dose (OAH, 100 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. The mRNA expression level is presented as the ratio of target gene to GAPDH. The protein expression level is shown as the ratio of target protein to β-actin. Data are presented by mean ± SEM and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. * p < 0.05 and *** p < 0.001 vs. OVX. Full article ">Figure 2 Cont.
The effects of OA on renal and duodenal mRNA and protein expressions in OVX mice. The expression levels of (A) renal CYP27B1 mRNA; (B) renal CYP24A1 mRNA; (C,E) renal CYP27B1 protein; (D,E) renal CYP24A1 protein; (F) renal TRPV5 mRNA; (G) renal CaBP28k mRNA; (H) duodenal TRPV6 mRNA; and (I) duodenal CaBP9k mRNA in OVX mice were studied. Four-month-old ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (Sham) C57BL/6J mice were pair-fed with phytoestrogen-free AIN-93M diet and treated with vehicle (Sham or OVX), E2 (200 μg/kg/day), OA low dose (OAL, 50 mg/kg/day) or OA high dose (OAH, 100 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. The mRNA expression level is presented as the ratio of target gene to GAPDH. The protein expression level is shown as the ratio of target protein to β-actin. Data are presented by mean ± SEM and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. * p < 0.05 and *** p < 0.001 vs. OVX. Full article ">Figure 3
The effect of OA on renal and duodenal mRNA and protein expressions in aged female rats. The expression levels of (A) renal CYP27B1 mRNA; (B) renal CYP24A1 mRNA; (C,E) renal CYP27B1 protein; (D,E) renal CYP24A1 protein; (F) renal TRPV5 mRNA; (G) renal CaBP28k mRNA; (H) duodenal TRPV6 mRNA; and (I) duodenal CaBP9k mRNA in aged female rats were studied. Thirteen-month-old female rats were fed with a high calcium diet (HCD, 1.2% calcium, 0.65% phosphorous) or a normal calcium diet (NCD, 0.6% calcium, 0.65% phosphorous) and orally administrated with OA (25 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle treatment for 12 weeks. The mRNA expression level is presented as the ratio of the target gene to GAPDH. Data are presented as mean ± SEM and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, and *** p < 0.001 vs. NCD. Full article ">Figure 4
Effects of OA on CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 mRNA, protein expressions, and promoter activities in HKC-8 cells. The expression levels of (A) CYP27B1 mRNA; (B) CYP24A1 mRNA; (C) CYP27B1 protein; (D) CYP24A1 protein as well as the promoter activities of (E) CYP27B1 and (F) CYP24A1 in HKC-8 cells were studied. HKC-8 cells were treated with vehicle (0.1% ethanol), 10−7 M PTH (1–34, human), 10−5 M Foskolin or 10−8 M 1,25(OH)2D3, and 10−9 M–10−5 M OA for 24 h. Cells were harvested by Trizol reagent at indicated time for RT-PCR and real-time PCR analysis (A,B). Relative gene expression was normalized by GAPDH. Total protein was extracted by lysis buffer and separated by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotted with anti-CYP27B1 (C,E), anti-CYP24A1 (D,E) antibody and normalized with β-actin expression. Promoter activities (F,G) were measured by dual luciferase assay and data were normalized against a thymidine kinase (TK) reporter construct. Results are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 3) and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001 vs. the control. Full article ">

11 pages, 384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Effectiveness of a Specialized Oral Nutritional Supplementation for Malnourished Older Adult Patients in Spain

by María D. Ballesteros-Pomar, Diana Martínez Llinàs, Scott Goates, Rebeca Sanz Barriuso and Alejandro Sanz-Paris

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020246 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5969

Abstract

Malnutrition has been related to prolonged hospital stays, and to increases in readmission and mortality rates. In the NOURISH (Nutrition effect On Unplanned Readmissions and Survival in Hospitalized patients) study, administering a high protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HP-HMB) to hospitalised [...] Read more.

Malnutrition has been related to prolonged hospital stays, and to increases in readmission and mortality rates. In the NOURISH (Nutrition effect On Unplanned Readmissions and Survival in Hospitalized patients) study, administering a high protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HP-HMB) to hospitalised older adult patients led to a significant improvement in survival compared with a placebo treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether HP-HMB would be cost-effective in Spain. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System using time horizons of 90 days, 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years and lifetime. The difference in cost between patients treated with HP-HMB and placebo was €332.75. With the 90 days time horizon, the difference in life years gained (LYG) between both groups was 0.0096, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €34,700.62/LYG. With time horizons of 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years and lifetime, the respective ICERs were €13,711.68, €3377.96, €2253.32, €1127.34 and €563.84/LYG. This analysis suggests that administering HP-HMB to older adult patients admitted to Spanish hospitals during hospitalisation and after discharge could be a cost-effective intervention that would improve survival with a reduced marginal cost. Full article

11 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sodium and Potassium Consumption in a Semi-Urban Area in Peru: Evaluation of a Population-Based 24-Hour Urine Collection

by Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco, Lorena Saavedra-Garcia, J. Jaime Miranda, Katherine A. Sacksteder, Francisco Diez-Canseco, Robert H. Gilman and Antonio Bernabe-Ortiz

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020245 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5805

Abstract

Despite the negative effects of high sodium and low potassium consumption on cardiovascular health, their consumption has not been quantified in sites undergoing urbanization. We aimed to determine the sodium and potassium consumption in a semi-urban area in Peru with a cross-sectional study. [...] Read more.

Despite the negative effects of high sodium and low potassium consumption on cardiovascular health, their consumption has not been quantified in sites undergoing urbanization. We aimed to determine the sodium and potassium consumption in a semi-urban area in Peru with a cross-sectional study. 24-h urine samples were collected. The outcomes were mean consumption of sodium and potassium, as well as adherence to their consumption recommendation: <2 g/day and ≥3.51 g/day, respectively. Bivariate analyses were conducted to identify socio-economic and clinical variables associated with the consumption recommendations of 602 participants, complete urine samples were found in 409: mean age of participants was 45.7 (standard deviation (SD): 16.2) years and 56% were women. The mean sodium and potassium consumption was 4.4 (SD: 2.1) and 2.0 (SD: 1.2) g/day. The sodium and potassium recommendation was met by 7.1% and 13.7% of the study sample; none of the participants met both recommendations. People not adherent to the sodium recommendation had higher diastolic (73.1 mmHg vs. 68.2 mmHg, p = 0.015) and systolic (113.1 mmHg vs. 106.3 mmHg, p = 0.047) blood pressure than those who comply with the recommendation. Public health actions ought to be implemented in areas undergoing urbanization to improve sodium and potassium consumption at the population level. Full article

14 pages, 2613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Walnut-Enriched Diet Affects Gut Microbiome in Healthy Caucasian Subjects: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

by Charlotte Bamberger, Andreas Rossmeier, Katharina Lechner, Liya Wu, Elisa Waldmann, Sandra Fischer, Renée G. Stark, Julia Altenhofer, Kerstin Henze and Klaus G. Parhofer

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020244 - 22 Feb 2018

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 24037

Abstract

Regular walnut consumption is associated with better health. We have previously shown that eight weeks of walnut consumption (43 g/day) significantly improves lipids in healthy subjects. In the same study, gut microbiome was evaluated. We included 194 healthy subjects (134 females, 63 ± [...] Read more.

Regular walnut consumption is associated with better health. We have previously shown that eight weeks of walnut consumption (43 g/day) significantly improves lipids in healthy subjects. In the same study, gut microbiome was evaluated. We included 194 healthy subjects (134 females, 63 ± 7 years, BMI 25.1 ± 4.0 kg/m²) in a randomized, controlled, prospective, cross-over study. Following a nut-free run-in period, subjects were randomized to two diet phases (eight weeks each); 96 subjects first followed a walnut-enriched diet (43 g/day) and then switched to a nut-free diet, while 98 subjects followed the diets in reverse order. While consuming the walnut-enriched diet, subjects were advised to either reduce fat or carbohydrates or both to account for the additional calories. Fecal samples were collected from 135 subjects at the end of the walnut-diet and the control-diet period for microbiome analyses. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing data was clustered with a 97% similarity into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). UniFrac distances were used to determine diversity between groups. Differential abundance was evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test. All analyses were performed using Rhea. Generalized UniFrac distance shows that walnut consumption significantly affects microbiome composition and diversity. Multidimensional scaling (metric and non-metric) indicates dissimilarities of approximately 5% between walnut and control (p = 0.02). The abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Bifidobacteria increased significantly (p < 0.02) while Clostridium sp. cluster XIVa species (Blautia; Anaerostipes) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during walnut consumption. The effect of walnut consumption on the microbiome only marginally depended on whether subjects replaced fat, carbohydrates or both while on walnuts. Daily intake of 43 g walnuts over eight weeks significantly affects the gut microbiome by enhancing probiotic- and butyric acid-producing species in healthy individuals. Further evaluation is required to establish whether these changes are preserved during longer walnut consumption and how these are linked to the observed changes in lipid metabolism. Full article

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Figure 1
Flowchart of study subjects. In total, 204 subjects were randomized. 142 subjects were included in stool analysis. 7 subjects were excluded due to antibiotic therapy. In total, stool samples from 135 study subjects were included in statistical evaluation. CH: carbohydrate restriction; F: fat restriction; Comb: combined carbohydrate and fat restriction. Full article ">Figure 2
Within-sample alpha-diversity of stool of each subject collected at the end of each diet phase. Calculation of the alpha-diversity for each sample (blue: walnut diet, red: control diet) for evaluating species richness and diversity by using Shannon and Simpsons effective indices. The diversity of a microbial profile for a certain index is the number of different species related to abundance and richness. Full article ">Figure 3
(a) Beta-diversity between walnut and control diet. Distinct clustering was observed between the walnut and the control diet. By using generalized UniFrac distances considering the phylogenetic distance between Operational Taxonomic Units, MDS plot indicates significant dissimilarities of approximately 5% between walnut and control (p = 0.02). The multidimensional distance matrix in a space of two dimensions is visualized as MDS plot. Subject’s clustering and coloring were done according to the diet type. Each dot end indicates a sample position in the microbiota dataset (blue: walnut diet, red: control diet). (b) Beta-diversity between three different diet types during walnut consumption. Distinct clustering was observed between the diets. By using generalized UniFrac distances considering the phylogenetic distance between Operational Taxonomic Units, MDS plot indicates significant dissimilarities of approximately 5% between the different diets (p = 0.026). The multidimensional distance matrix in a space of two dimensions is visualized as MDS plot. Subject’s clustering and coloring were done according to the diet type. Each dot end indicates a sample position in the microbiota dataset (red: d_1: carbohydrate restriction; green: d_2: fat restriction; blue: d_3: both). Full article ">Figure 4
(a) Relative abundance of the 4 dominating bacterial phyla between the walnut and the control diet. Walnut consumption shifted the predominant phyla from Firmicutes (61.2% after walnut consumption vs. 63.9% after control) to Bacteroidetes (30.8% vs. 27.4%). Relative abundance was calculated from the relative abundance of 16S rRNA gene sequences for each bacterial community by using the IMNGS platform. (b) Most abundant Operational Taxonomic Units for both walnut and control phase at genus level. Significant different OTUs are marked with by using * and p-values. p-values were calculated using a pairwise Fisher test. Full article ">Figure 5
(A) Serial-group-comparisons between walnut and control diet. Boxplots of all significant comparisons. Since the data is not normally distributed, a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test and a Fisher’s exact test has been used performed in Rhea. (a) OTU_41: Bacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinobacteria; Bifidobacteriales; Bifidobacteriaceae; Bifidobacterium; (b) OTU_52: Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Ruminococcaceae; (c) OTU_55: Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Ruminococcaceae; (d) OTU_24: Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Lachnospiraceae; Anaerostipes; (e) OTU_7: Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Lachnospiraceae; Blautia. (B) Serial-group-comparisons between three different diets during walnut consumption. Boxplots of all significant comparisons. Since the data is not normally distributed, a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test and a pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum test has been used performed in Rhea. d_1: carbohydrate replacement, d_2: fat replacement, d_3: both. (a) OTU_8: Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Ruminococcaceae; Gemmiger; (b) OTU_9: Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Lachnospiraceae; Fusicatenibacter; (c) OTU_4: Bacteria; Bacteroidetes; Bacteroidia; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidaceae; Bacteroides. Full article ">

15 pages, 2909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resveratrol and Pterostilbene Exhibit Anticancer Properties Involving the Downregulation of HPV Oncoprotein E6 in Cervical Cancer Cells

by Kaushiki Chatterjee, Dina AlSharif, Christina Mazza, Palwasha Syar, Mohamed Al Sharif and Jimmie E. Fata

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020243 - 21 Feb 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 8980

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women living in developing countries. Due to a lack of affordable effective therapy, research into alternative anticancer compounds with low toxicity such as dietary polyphenols has continued. Our aim is to determine whether [...] Read more.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women living in developing countries. Due to a lack of affordable effective therapy, research into alternative anticancer compounds with low toxicity such as dietary polyphenols has continued. Our aim is to determine whether two structurally similar plant polyphenols, resveratrol and pterostilbene, exhibit anticancer and anti-HPV (Human papillomavirus) activity against cervical cancer cells. To determine anticancer activity, extensive in vitro analyses were performed. Anti-HPV activity, through measuring E6 protein levels, subsequent downstream p53 effects, and caspase-3 activation, were studied to understand a possible mechanism of action. Both polyphenols are effective agents in targeting cervical cancer cells, having low IC50 values in the µM range. They decrease clonogenic survival, reduce cell migration, arrest cells at the S-phase, and reduce the number of mitotic cells. These findings were significant, with pterostilbene often being more effective than resveratrol. Resveratrol and to a greater extent pterostilbene downregulates the HPV oncoprotein E6, induces caspase-3 activation, and upregulates p53 protein levels. Results point to a mechanism that may involve the downregulation of the HPV E6 oncoprotein, activation of apoptotic pathways, and re-establishment of functional p53 protein, with pterostilbene showing greater efficacy than resveratrol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for Cancer Prevention and Therapy)

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Figure 1
Pterostilbene is more potent in eliminating HeLa cervical cancer cells as compared to resveratrol: (A) Brightfield analysis of HeLa cells untreated (Ai) or treated for 24 h with 40 µM of resveratrol (Res; Aii) or 40 µM of pterostilbene (Pte; Aiii). Evidence of cell elimination was only seen robustly in cells treated with pterostilbene at 40 µM. (B) Analysis of IC50 values, generated by a Water Soluble Tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) assay after 24 h of exposure to resveratrol or pterostilbene indicates that pterostilbene (IC50 = 42.3 µM) is a more potent cytotoxic agent than resveratrol (IC50 = 83.5 µM; Bii). The graphs represent data from three independent experiments (mean ± S.E.M. (Standard error mean)). (C) Clonogenic assays performed to compare the relative effect of the two polyphenols on the clonogenicity of HeLa cells untreated (Ci) or treated with 50 µM of either resveratrol (Cii) or pterostilbene (Ciii). Results are from 15-days post-treatment and indicate that pterostilbene is more efficient in curbing the clonogenicity compared to resveratrol (Civ). Bar graph represents data from three independent experiments (mean ± S.E.M.; * p < 0.05; Civ). Full article ">Figure 2
Resveratrol and pterostilbene inhibit cell migration: (A) HeLa cells were monitored for cell migration into a scratched “wound”. Cells were either untreated or treated with sub-lethal concentrations (5 µM and 20 µM) of resveratrol (Res) or pterostilbene (Pte). The extent of migration into the scratched area was calculated after 48 h and revealed that both resveratrol and pterostilbene significantly inhibit cell migration, although pterostilbene had greater anti-migratory effect. (B) The graphs represents data from triplicate sample experiments normalized to the control (mean % migrated cells ± S.E.M.; * p < 0.05). Scale bar: 0.05 µm. Full article ">Figure 3
S-phase arrest in HeLa cells treated with low concentrations of resveratrol and pterostilbene: (A) Flow-cytometric evaluation of HeLa cells untreated or treated with sub-lethal doses of resveratrol (Res) and pterostilbene (Pte) for 18 h. Treated cells exhibited S-phase arrest and a subsequent decrease in the number of cells in G2/M. Pterostilbene was a more potent compound than resveratrol, showing a capacity to arrest cells at the S-phase at concentrations as low as 5 µM. (B) Graphical representation of the dose-dependent cell cycle effects induced by resveratrol and pterostilbene at three different concentrations (5 µM, 10 µM, and 15 µM). (B) The graph represents data from triplicate sample experiments normalized to the control (mean % cells in each phase ± S.E.M.) (C) Immunofluorescent images of HeLa cells probed for the M-phase marker phospho-histone-H3 (serine10). HeLa cells were untreated or treated with 5 µM and 10 µM of resveratrol or pterostilbene. Immunofluorescent images display a decrease of histone-H3 in cells treated with both the compounds, the effects at 5 µM of pterostilbene is much greater than those of resveratrol (at 5 µM). (D) Graphical representation of the percent of mitotic cells calculated from immunofluorescent images reveal that resveratrol and to a greater extent pterostilbene are effective in decreasing the number of mitotic HeLa cells. The graph represents data from experiments obtained from triplicate samples normalized to the control (mean % mitotic cells ± S.E.M.;* p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4
Downregulation of viral oncoprotein E6 and upregulation of active-caspase-3 in HeLa cells treated with resveratrol or pterostilbene: (A) HeLa cells immunostained for E6 levels (green) and counterstained with the nuclear dye 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) (blue) after treatment with resveratrol (Res) and pterostilbene (Pte; 10 µM and 50 µM). Loss of E6 proteins are visually evident in cells treated with 50 µM of either resveratrol or pterostilbene. (B) Cell image analysis of the E6 fluorescent data revealed a significant 43% decrease of E6 protein levels in HeLa cells treated with pterostilbene at 50 µM and a 23% decrease of E6 levels in cells treated with resveratrol, both relative to the control. The graph represents data from experiments obtained from three independent experiments normalized to the control (mean % normalized to DAPI ± S.E.M.; * p < 0.05). (C) Immunofluorescent images probing for active-caspase-3 (green) shows a corresponding enhanced activation of this mediator of apoptosis by both resveratrol and pterostilbene. Full article ">Figure 5
Upregulation of the tumor suppressor protein p53 in HeLa cells treated with resveratrol and pterostilbene: (A) Immunoflourescent images of p53 protein (green) untreated or after treatment with 50 µM of either resveratrol (Res) or pterostilbene (Pte) for 22 h. Levels of p53 are elevated in cells treated with either polyphenol. (B) Image analysis of p53 immunofluorescence indicates that pterostilbene treatment at 50 µM elicited a significant 2-fold increase in p53, while resveratrol exposure at similar concentrations induced a significant 1.75 increase in p53. The graph represents data from experiments obtained from three independent experiments normalized to the control (mean % normalized to DAPI ± S.E.M. * p < 0.05). (C) Western blot analysis also revealed that the elevation of p53 protein levels is evident in HeLa cells treated with 50 µM of resveratrol and pterostilbene; however, significant differences relative to the control were only reached with HeLa cells treated pterostilbene at 50 µM. (D) The graph represents data from experiments obtained from three independent experiments normalized to the control (mean % normalized to beta-actin ± S.E.M.; * p < 0.05). Full article ">

23 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Relationship between Maternal Nutrition during Pregnancy and Offspring Kidney Structure and Function in Humans: A Systematic Review

by Yu Qi Lee, Clare E. Collins, Adrienne Gordon, Kym M. Rae and Kirsty G. Pringle

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020241 - 21 Feb 2018

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9450

Abstract

The intrauterine environment is critical for fetal growth and organ development. Evidence from animal models indicates that the developing kidney is vulnerable to suboptimal maternal nutrition and changes in health status. However, evidence from human studies are yet to be synthesised. Therefore, the [...] Read more.

The intrauterine environment is critical for fetal growth and organ development. Evidence from animal models indicates that the developing kidney is vulnerable to suboptimal maternal nutrition and changes in health status. However, evidence from human studies are yet to be synthesised. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to systematically review current research on the relationship between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and offspring kidney structure and function in humans. A search of five databases identified 9501 articles, of which three experimental and seven observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Nutrients reviewed to date included vitamin A (n = 3), folate and vitamin B12 (n = 2), iron (n = 1), vitamin D (n = 1), total energy (n = 2) and protein (n = 1). Seven studies were assessed as being of “positive” and three of “neutral” quality. A variety of populations were studied, with limited studies investigating maternal nutrition during pregnancy, while measurements of offspring kidney outcomes were diverse across studies. There was a lack of consistency in the timing of follow-up for offspring kidney structure and/or function assessments, thus limiting comparability between studies. Deficiencies in maternal folate, vitamin A, and total energy during pregnancy were associated with detrimental impacts on kidney structure and function, measured by kidney volume, proteinuria, eGFR_cystC and mean creatinine clearance in the offspring. Additional experimental and longitudinal prospective studies are warranted to confirm this relationship, especially in Indigenous populations where the risk of renal disease is greater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Renal Function)

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8 pages, 192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Testing a Photo-Based Food Diary in Nine- to Twelve- Year Old- Children from Dunedin, New Zealand

by Brittany K. Davison, Robin Quigg and Paula M. L. Skidmore

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020240 - 20 Feb 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4431

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate if an Evernote app-based electronic food diary is an acceptable method to measure nutrient intake in children aged 9–12 years. A convenience sample of 16 nine- to twelve-year-olds from Dunedin, New Zealand, completed a paper-based [...] Read more.

The purpose of the study was to investigate if an Evernote app-based electronic food diary is an acceptable method to measure nutrient intake in children aged 9–12 years. A convenience sample of 16 nine- to twelve-year-olds from Dunedin, New Zealand, completed a paper-based food dairy on four days, followed by four more days using a photo-based diary on an iPod. This photo-based diary used a combination of photographs and short written descriptions of foods consumed. The photo-based diaries produced similar results to written diaries for all macronutrients and major micronutrients (e.g., calcium, fibre, vitamin C). Spearman correlation coefficients between the two methods for all nutrients, except sugars, were above 0.3. However, burden on researchers and participants was reduced for the photo-based diary, primarily due to the additional information obtained from photographs. Participating children needed less help from parents with completing the electronic diaries and preferred them to the paper version. This electronic diary is likely to be suitable, after additional formal validity testing, for use in measuring nutrient intake in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement in Dietary Assessment and Self-Monitoring Using Technology)

10 pages, 1244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Less Waste on Waist Measurements: Determination of Optimal Waist Circumference Measurement Site to Predict Visceral Adipose Tissue in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity

by Radhika V. Seimon, Anthony L. Wild-Taylor, Alice A. Gibson, Claudia Harper, Sally McClintock, Hamish A. Fernando, Michelle S. H. Hsu, Felipe Q. Da Luz, Shelley E. Keating, Nathan A. Johnson, Stuart M. Grieve, Tania P. Markovic, Ian D. Caterson, Nuala M. Byrne and Amanda Sainsbury

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020239 - 20 Feb 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5837

Abstract

With obesity being a leading cause of preventable death, it is vital to understand how best to identify individuals with greater risk of metabolic disease, especially those with high visceral adipose tissue (VAT). This study aimed to determine whether three commonly used waist [...] Read more.

With obesity being a leading cause of preventable death, it is vital to understand how best to identify individuals with greater risk of metabolic disease, especially those with high visceral adipose tissue (VAT). This study aimed to determine whether three commonly used waist circumference (WC) measurement sites could provide accurate estimations of VAT, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is a gold standard for measuring VAT, in postmenopausal women with obesity. VAT volume was measured by MRI of the total abdomen in 97 women aged 57.7 ± 0.4 years (mean ± SEM), mean body mass index 34.5 ± 0.2 kg/m². WC was measured at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest (WC_mid), the narrowest point of the torso (WC_narrow), and at the level of the umbilicus (WC_umbilicus). WC differed significantly according to measurement site, with WC_narrow (102.1 ± 0.7 cm) < WC_mid (108.3 ± 0.7 cm) < WC_umbilicus (115.7 ± 0.8 cm) (p < 0.001). WC_mid, WC_narrow and WC_umbilicus were all significantly correlated with VAT, as measured by MRI (r = 0.581, 0.563 and 0.390, respectively; p < 0.001 for all), but the relationships between WC_mid or WC_narrow and VAT determined by MRI were stronger than for WC_umbilicus. Measurement of either WC_mid or WC_narrow provides valid estimates of VAT in postmenopausal women with obesity, with WC_narrow being favoured in light of its greater ease and speed of measurement in this population. Full article

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16 pages, 3359 KiB

Open AccessReview

Donor Human Milk Protects against Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Eduardo Villamor-Martínez, Maria Pierro, Giacomo Cavallaro, Fabio Mosca, Boris W. Kramer and Eduardo Villamor

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020238 - 20 Feb 2018

Cited by 103 | Viewed by 9543

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication after preterm birth. Pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) has increasingly become the standard of care for very preterm infants over the use of preterm formula (PF) if the mother’s own milk (MOM) is unavailable. Studies [...] Read more.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication after preterm birth. Pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) has increasingly become the standard of care for very preterm infants over the use of preterm formula (PF) if the mother’s own milk (MOM) is unavailable. Studies have reported beneficial effects of DHM on BPD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on the effects of DHM on BPD and other respiratory outcomes. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of RCTs could not demonstrate that supplementation of MOM with DHM reduced BPD when compared to PF (three studies, risk ratio (RR) 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–1.32). However, meta-analysis of observational studies showed that DHM supplementation reduced BPD (8 studies, RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67–0.90). An exclusive human milk diet reduced the risk of BPD, compared to a diet with PF and/or bovine milk-based fortifier (three studies, RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.95). Feeding raw MOM, compared to feeding pasteurized MOM, protected against BPD (two studies, RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.96). In conclusion, our data suggest that DHM protects against BPD in very preterm infants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Relationship between Nutrition and Respiratory Disease)

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Flow diagram of the literature search process. Full article ">Figure 2
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of supplementation of MOM with DHM, compared with supplementation with PF, on risk of BPD36. Circles (O) represent the effect sizes per study, and their size represents the relative weight of the study in the meta-analysis. Diamonds (◆) represent the pooled effect size. DHM: donor human milk; PF: preterm formula; BPD36: bronchopulmonary dysplasia defined as oxygen dependency at 36 weeks post-menstrual age; MH: Mantel-Haenszel. Full article ">Figure 3
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of supplementation of MOM with DHM, compared with supplementation with PF, on mean days on MV. Circles (O) represent the effect sizes per study, and their size represents the relative weight of the study in the meta-analysis. Diamonds (◆) represent the pooled effect size. DHM: donor human milk; PF: preterm formula; MV: mechanical ventilation. Full article ">Figure 4
Meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the effects of supplementation of MOM with DHM, compared with supplementation with PF, on risk of BPD36. Circles (O) represent the effect sizes per study, and their size represents the relative weight of the study in the meta-analysis. Diamonds (◆) represent the pooled effect size. DHM: donor human milk; PF: preterm formula; BPD36: bronchopulmonary dysplasia defined as oxygen depenency at 36 weeks post-menstrual age; MH: Mantel-Haenszel. Full article ">Figure 5
Meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the effects of supplementation of MOM with DHM, compared with supplementation with PF, on mean days on mechanical ventilation. Circles (O) represent the effect sizes per study, and their size represents the relative weight of the study in the meta-analysis. Diamonds (◆) represent the pooled effect size. DHM: donor human milk; PF: preterm formula. Full article ">Figure 6
Meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the effects of supplementation of MOM with DHM, compared with supplementation with PF, on mean days on oxygen. Circles (O) represent the effect sizes per study, and their size represents the relative weight of the study in the meta-analysis. Diamonds (◆) represent the pooled effect size. DHM: donor human milk; PF: preterm formula. Full article ">Figure 7
Meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the effects of receiving mainly MOM vs. receiving mainly DHM, on risk of BPD36. Circles (O) represent the effect sizes per study, and their size represents the relative weight of the study in the meta-analysis. Diamonds (◆) represent the pooled effect size. MOM: mother’s own milk; DHM: donor human milk; BPD36: bronchopulmonary dysplasia defined as oxygen dependency at 36 weeks post-menstrual age; MH: Mantel-Haenszel. Full article ">Figure 8
Meta-analysis of studies assessing the effects of receiving raw MOM vs. receiving pasteurized MOM, on risk of BPD36. Circles (O) represent the effect sizes per study, and their size represents the relative weight of the study in the meta-analysis. Diamonds (◆) represent the pooled effect size. MOM: mother’s own milk; BPD36: bronchopulmonary dysplasia defined as oxygen dependency at 36 weeks post-menstrual age; MH: Mantel-Haenszel. Full article ">

15 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fiber Intake and Insulin Resistance in 6374 Adults: The Role of Abdominal Obesity

by Larry A. Tucker

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020237 - 20 Feb 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7128

Abstract

A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate the relationship between fiber intake and insulin resistance, indexed using HOMA (homeostatic model assessment), in a National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES) sample of 6374 U.S. adults. Another purpose was to test the influence of [...] Read more.

A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate the relationship between fiber intake and insulin resistance, indexed using HOMA (homeostatic model assessment), in a National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES) sample of 6374 U.S. adults. Another purpose was to test the influence of covariates on the association. A third aim was to compare HOMA levels between two groups based on the recommended intake of 14 g of fiber per 1000 kilocalories (kcal). Fiber intake was measured using a 24-h recall. With demographic variables controlled, results showed that HOMA differed across High, Moderate, and Low fiber categories (F = 5.4, p = 0.0072). Adjusting for the demographic variables, the possible misreporting of energy intake, smoking, and physical activity strengthened the relationship (F = 8.0, p = 0.0009), which remained significant after adjusting for body fat (F = 7.0, p = 0.0019) and body mass index (BMI) (F = 4.9, p = 0.0108), with the other covariates. However, the fiber–HOMA relationship was eliminated after adjusting for waist circumference (F = 2.3, p = 0.1050). Dividing participants based on the recommended 14-g standard resulted in meaningful HOMA differences (F = 16.4, p = 0.0002), and the association was not eliminated after controlling for waist circumference. Apparently, adults with high fiber consumption have less insulin resistance than their counterparts. However, much of the association is due to differences in waist circumference, unless the recommended intake of fiber is attained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Fiber in the Prevention and Management of Human Obesity and Related Chronic Diseases)

13 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chronic Ketogenic Low Carbohydrate High Fat Diet Has Minimal Effects on Acid–Base Status in Elite Athletes

by Amelia J. Carr, Avish P. Sharma, Megan L. Ross, Marijke Welvaert, Gary J. Slater and Louise M. Burke

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020236 - 18 Feb 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 24256

Abstract

Although short (up to 3 days) exposure to major shifts in macronutrient intake appears to alter acid–base status, the effects of sustained (>1 week) interventions in elite athletes has not been determined. Using a non-randomized, parallel design, we examined the effect of adaptations [...] Read more.

Although short (up to 3 days) exposure to major shifts in macronutrient intake appears to alter acid–base status, the effects of sustained (>1 week) interventions in elite athletes has not been determined. Using a non-randomized, parallel design, we examined the effect of adaptations to 21 days of a ketogenic low carbohydrate high fat (LCHF) or periodized carbohydrate (PCHO) diet on pre- and post-exercise blood pH, and concentrations of bicarbonate [HCO₃⁻] and lactate [La⁻] in comparison to a high carbohydrate (HCHO) control. Twenty-four (17 male and 7 female) elite-level race walkers completed 21 days of either LCHF (n = 9), PCHO (n = 7), or HCHO (n = 8) under controlled diet and training conditions. At baseline and post-intervention, blood pH, blood [HCO₃⁻], and blood [La⁻] were measured before and after a graded exercise test. Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) over the previous 48–72 h was also calculated from monitored dietary intake. LCHF was not associated with significant differences in blood pH, [HCO₃⁻], or [La⁻], compared with the HCHO diet pre- or post-exercise, despite a significantly higher NEAP (mEq·day⁻¹) (95% CI = (10.44; 36.04)). Our results indicate that chronic dietary interventions are unlikely to influence acid–base status in elite athletes, which may be due to pre-existing training adaptations, such as an enhanced buffering capacity, or the actions of respiratory and renal pathways, which have a greater influence on regulation of acid–base status than nutritional intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbohydrate Metabolism in Health and Disease)

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32 pages, 3446 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Nile Rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) as a Superior Carbohydrate-Sensitive Model for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

by Avinaash Subramaniam, Michelle Landstrom, Alice Luu and K. C. Hayes

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020235 - 18 Feb 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 9299

Abstract

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disease involving complex genetic and environmental interactions. No single animal model has so far mirrored all the characteristics or complications of diabetes in humans. Since this disease represents a chronic nutritional insult based on a [...] Read more.

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disease involving complex genetic and environmental interactions. No single animal model has so far mirrored all the characteristics or complications of diabetes in humans. Since this disease represents a chronic nutritional insult based on a diet bearing a high glycemic load, the ideal model should recapitulate the underlying dietary issues. Most rodent models have three shortcomings: (1) they are genetically or chemically modified to produce diabetes; (2) unlike humans, most require high-fat feeding; (3) and they take too long to develop diabetes. By contrast, Nile rats develop diabetes rapidly (8–10 weeks) with high-carbohydrate (hiCHO) diets, similar to humans, and are protected by high fat (with low glycemic load) intake. This review describes diabetes progression in the Nile rat, including various aspects of breeding, feeding, and handling for best experimental outcomes. The diabetes is characterized by a striking genetic permissiveness influencing hyperphagia and hyperinsulinemia; random blood glucose is the best index of disease progression; and kidney failure with chronic morbidity and death are outcomes, all of which mimic uncontrolled T2DM in humans. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also described in diabetic humans, results from hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol accumulation associated with rising blood glucose. Protection is afforded by low glycemic load diets rich in certain fibers or polyphenols. Accordingly, the Nile rat provides a unique opportunity to identify the nutritional factors and underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms that characterize human T2DM. Full article

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10 pages, 1887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Bone Mineral Density of Femoral Neck and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Biological Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs

by Hiroto Tokumoto, Hiroyuki Tominaga, Yoshiya Arishima, Go Jokoji, Masaki Akimoto, Hideo Ohtsubo, Eiji Taketomi, Nobuhiko Sunahara, Satoshi Nagano, Yasuhiro Ishidou, Setsuro Komiya and Takao Setoguchi

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020234 - 18 Feb 2018

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5040

Abstract

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) induces rapid remission. However, osteoporosis and its management remains a problem. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) evaluates the risk of malnutrition-related complications in elderly patients and has been shown to be [...] Read more.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) induces rapid remission. However, osteoporosis and its management remains a problem. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) evaluates the risk of malnutrition-related complications in elderly patients and has been shown to be a significant predictor of many diseases. We evaluated the correlation between GNRI and RA activity. In addition, risk factors for femoral neck bone loss were evaluated in RA patients treated with bDMARDs. We retrospectively examined the medical records of 146 patients with RA, collecting and recording the patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Inverse correlations were observed between GNRI and disease duration, disease activity score-28 joint count serum C-reactive protein (CRP), simple disease activity index, modified health assessment questionnaire score and CRP. GNRI showed correlation with femoral neck BMD and femoral neck BMD ≤ 70% of young adult men (YAM). Multiple regression analysis showed that female sex, increased age and lower GNRI were risk factors for lower BMD of the femoral neck. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis showed that female sex (odd ratio: 3.67) and lower GNRI (odd ratio: 0.87) were risk factors for BMD ≤ 70% of YAM. Because the GNRI is a simple method, it might be a simple predictor for RA activity and BMD status in RA patients. Complementary nutritional therapies might improve RA activity and osteoporosis in RA patients who have undergone treatment with bDMARDs. Full article

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13 pages, 3651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Fibroin Enzymatic Hydrolysate on Memory Improvement: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

by Yong Koo Kang, Boo Yong Lee, Luke R. Bucci and Sidney J. Stohs

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020233 - 17 Feb 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7175

Abstract

The consumption of a specifically prepared silk fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) has been reported to improve cognitive function in healthy humans. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of the FPEH on memory. Healthy adults with an [...] Read more.

The consumption of a specifically prepared silk fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) has been reported to improve cognitive function in healthy humans. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of the FPEH on memory. Healthy adults with an average age of approximately 55 years were administered doses of 0, 280, 400 and 600 mg of FPEH per day in two divided doses for 3 weeks. The Rey–Kim Auditory Verbal Learning Test and the Rey–Kim Complex Figure Test of the Rey–Kim Memory Test were used to evaluate memory at baseline and after 3 weeks. The scores for each test were combined into the memory quotient score (MQ). Learning gradient, memory maintenance, retrieval efficacy, and drawing/recall scores were also compared. After 3 weeks of FPEH, dose-dependent increases were observed for the MQ, the learning gradient, the numbers of words remembered, the retrieval efficiency, and drawing/recall. The optimal dose for FPEH was 400 or 600 mg, depending on the end point measured. No adverse effects were reported. FPEH significantly improved measurements of memory in healthy adults by 3 weeks at doses over 280 mg daily, with an apparent plateau effect at 400–600 mg daily. Full article

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Changes in memory quotient (MQ) before and after silk fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) intake at daily doses of 0, 280, 400 and 600 mg for 3 weeks. Each value is the mean with the standard error of the mean (SEM). Groups with a different alphabetical letter are statistically significantly different on the basis of group tests following ANOVA (F = 32.97; dftotal = 62; p < 0.00013). Between group p values were the following: placebo: 280 mg, p < 0.00015; placebo: 400 mg, p < 0.0001; placebo: 600 mg, p < 0.0001; 280 mg: 400 mg, p < 0.0001; 280 mg: 600 mg, p < 0.0001; 480 mg: 600 mg, p < 0.0378. Full article ">Figure 2
Learning gradient as the percentage of words remembered per trial after intake of daily doses of 0, 280, 400 and 600 mg of fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) for 3 weeks is exhibited on the y-axis. The data are presented as mean values with the standard error of the mean (SEM). On the basis of ANOVA (F = 2.8164; dftotal = 62; p = 0.7440), the learning gradient changes with increasing dose were not statistically significant. Full article ">Figure 3
Changes in numbers of words remembered, before and after 3 weeks of fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH), in Trials 1 (black bars) and 5 (gray bars) of the Korean version of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (KAVLT) is exhibited on the y-axis. The change in each group in the number of words remembered was assessed by ANOVA and was significant for Trials 1 (p = 0.0126) and 5 (p = 0.0463). Each value is the mean with the SEM. Full article ">Figure 4
Memory retention measured as change in number of words remembered before and after 3 weeks of daily ingestion of fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) is exhibited on the y-axis. Significant differences between groups were assessed by ANOVA (p < 0.0001). Groups with different alphabetical letters are statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). The data are presented as means ± SEM. Full article ">Figure 5
Retrieval efficiency calculated using the Korean version of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (KAVLT) delayed recognition raw score minus delayed remembrance raw score followed by conversion using the age conversion table is exhibited on the y-axis. The change in retrieval efficacy before and after intake of fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) for 3 weeks was not significant between groups by ANOVA (p = 0.3959). Each value is the mean with the SEM. Full article ">Figure 6
Korean version of the Rey Complex Figure Test (KCFT) memory test scores (as percentage of correct copying/recall) are exhibited on the y-axis. Baseline scores (black bars) for each group were similar. The percent change in drawing/recall score between groups before and after 3 weeks of daily fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) intake was increased in a dose-dependent manner (ANOVA = 0.0092). The 280 mg group change was not different from the placebo change (p = 0.5493); however, 400 mg (p = 0.0497) and 600 mg (p = 0.0032) group changes were significantly increased over the placebo group and were similar to each other (p = 0.1492). Each value is the mean with the SEM. Groups with a different alphabetical letter are statistically significantly different on the basis of t-tests. Full article ">

13 pages, 442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mindfulness Is Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome among Individuals with a Depressive Symptomatology

by Erika Guyot, Julia Baudry, Serge Hercberg, Pilar Galan, Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot and Sandrine Péneau

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020232 - 17 Feb 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4900

Abstract

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a major public health burden. Dispositional mindfulness has recently been associated with eating disorders, being overweight, and could therefore be associated with the MetS. We aimed to examine in a cross-sectional design the relationship between mindfulness, the MetS, [...] Read more.

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a major public health burden. Dispositional mindfulness has recently been associated with eating disorders, being overweight, and could therefore be associated with the MetS. We aimed to examine in a cross-sectional design the relationship between mindfulness, the MetS, and its risk factors in a large sample of the adult general population and the influence of depressive symptomatology on this association. Adults participating in the NutriNet-Santé study who had completed the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire and attended a clinical and biological examination were available for inclusion. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were performed. A total of 17,490 individuals were included. Among individuals with a depressive symptomatology, those with higher mindfulness were less likely to have a MetS (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57–0.93), a high waist circumference, a low HDL-cholesterol level and an elevated fasting blood glucose level (all p <0.05). In those without depressive symptomatology, individuals with higher mindfulness were less likely to have a high waist circumference (p <0.01). In conclusion, higher mindfulness was associated with lower odds of developing a MetS only among individuals with a depressive symptomatology. Full article

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15 pages, 1973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Western and Mediterranean Diets and Vitamin D on Muscle Fibers of Sedentary Rats

by Francesca Maria Trovato, Paola Castrogiovanni, Marta Anna Szychlinska, Francesco Purrello and Giuseppe Musumeci

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020231 - 17 Feb 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 7072

Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome is associated with sarcopenia. Decreased serum levels of Vitamin D (VitD) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and their mutual relationship were also reported. We aimed to evaluate whether different dietary profiles, containing or not VitD, may exert different effects [...] Read more.

Background: The metabolic syndrome is associated with sarcopenia. Decreased serum levels of Vitamin D (VitD) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and their mutual relationship were also reported. We aimed to evaluate whether different dietary profiles, containing or not VitD, may exert different effects on muscle molecular morphology. Methods: Twenty-eight male rats were fed for 10 weeks in order to detect early defects induced by different dietary regimens: regular diet (R); regular diet with vitamin D supplementation (R-DS) and regular diet with vitamin D restriction (R-DR); high-fat butter-based diets (HFB-DS and HFB-DR) with 41% energy from fat; high-fat extra-virgin olive oil-based diets (HFEVO-DS and HFEVO-DR) with 41% energy from fat. IL-1β, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)1, Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), and VitD-receptor (VDR) expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Muscle fiber perimeter was measured by histology and morphometric analysis. Results: The muscle fibers of the HEVO-DS rats were hypertrophic, comparable to those of the R-DS rats. An inverse correlation existed between the dietary fat content and the perimeter of the muscle fibers (p < 0.01). In the HFB-DR rats, the muscle fibers appeared hypotrophic with an increase of IL-1β and a dramatic decrease of IGF-1 expression. Conclusions: High-fat western diet could impair muscle metabolism and lay the ground for subsequent muscle damage. VitD associated with a Mediterranean diet showed trophic action on the muscle fibers. Full article

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Graphs: (A) and (B): body weight over 10 weeks, the differences between groups were not significant (p > 0.05). (C): body weight variation over 10 weeks, a slight trend toward a greater weight gain in the DS experimental groups is evident; the only statistically significant difference was between HFB-DR and HFEVO-DS (p < 0.05). R: Regular diet; R-DS: Regular diet with vitamin D supplementation; R-DR: Regular diet with vitamin D restriction; HFB-DS: High-fat butter-based diet with vitamin D supplementation; HFB-DR: High-fat butter-based diet with vitamin D restriction; HFEVO-DS: High-fat extra-virgin olive oil-based diet with vitamin D supplementation; HFEVO-DR: High-fat EVO-based diet with vitamin D restriction. Full article ">Figure 2
Hematoxylin & Eosin staining. Image analysis by software with morphometric analysis of the perimeter (μm) of the muscle fibers (inserts) and a graph representing the mean values of the perimeter (μm) in each group with statistical analysis (p-values in the table). For details, see the text. The data are presented as mean ± SD. Scale bars: 50 µm. Full article ">Figure 3
IL-1β immunostaining, image analysis by software in which the red color represents the immunolabelling (inserts), and a graph representing the immunostained area % with statistical analysis (p-values in the table). For details, see the text. The data are presented as mean ± SD. Scale bars: 50 µm. Full article ">Figure 4
IGF-1 immunostaining, image analysis by software in which the red color represents the immunolabelling (inserts), and a graph representing the intensity of immunostaining (densitometric count pixel2) with statistical analysis (p-values in the table). For details, see the text. The data are presented as mean ± SD. Scale bars: 50 µm. Full article ">Figure 5
DKK-1 immunostaining, image analysis by software in which the red color represents the immunolabelling (inserts), and a graph representing the intensity of immunostaining (densitometric count pixel2) with statistical analysis (p-values in the table). For details, see the text. The data are presented as mean ± SD. Scale bars: 50 µm. Full article ">Figure 6
VDR immunostaining, image analysis by software in which the red color represents the immunolabelling (inserts), and a graph representing the intensity of immunostaining (densitometric count pixel2) with statistical analysis (p-values in the table). For details, see the text. The data are presented as mean ± SD. Scale bars: 50 µm. Full article ">

16 pages, 984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inadequate Iodine Intake in Population Groups Defined by Age, Life Stage and Vegetarian Dietary Practice in a Norwegian Convenience Sample

by Anne Lise Brantsæter, Helle Katrine Knutsen, Nina Cathrine Johansen, Kristine Aastad Nyheim, Iris Erlund, Helle Margrete Meltzer and Sigrun Henjum

Nutrients 2018, 10(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020230 - 17 Feb 2018

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 14000

Abstract

Inadequate iodine intake has been identified in populations considered iodine replete for decades. The objective of the current study is to evaluate urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and the probability of adequate iodine intake in subgroups of the Norwegian population defined by age, life [...] Read more.

Inadequate iodine intake has been identified in populations considered iodine replete for decades. The objective of the current study is to evaluate urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and the probability of adequate iodine intake in subgroups of the Norwegian population defined by age, life stage and vegetarian dietary practice. In a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the probability of adequate iodine intake by two 24-h food diaries and UIC from two fasting morning spot urine samples in 276 participants. The participants included children (n = 47), adolescents (n = 46), adults (n = 71), the elderly (n = 23), pregnant women (n = 45), ovo-lacto vegetarians (n = 25), and vegans (n = 19). In all participants combined, the median (95% CI) UIC was 101 (90, 110) µg/L, median (25th, 75th percentile) calculated iodine intake was 112 (77, 175) µg/day and median (25th, 75th percentile) estimated usual iodine intake was 101 (75, 150) µg/day. According to WHOs criteria for evaluation of median UIC, iodine intake was inadequate in the elderly, pregnant women, vegans and non-pregnant women of childbearing age. Children had the highest (82%) and vegans the lowest (14%) probability of adequate iodine intake according to reported food and supplement intakes. This study confirms the need for monitoring iodine intake and status in nationally representative study samples in Norway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Iodine and Health throughout the Lifecourse)

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Figure 1

Figure 1
Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) µg/L (A) and calculated iodine intake (B) by non-overlapping subgroups defined by age, life stage and dietary practice. Box plot details: the horizontal lines indicate the median; the box indicates the interquartile range (IQR) (25th percentile to 75th percentile); the whiskers represent observations within 1.5 times the IQR. Outliers with values more than 1.5 times the IQR away from the box are not shown. The dashed line in A represents the WHO cut-off for sufficient iodine intake in non-pregnant groups. The corresponding cut-off in pregnant women is 150 µg/L. The dashed line in B represents recommended iodine intake in children >9 years, non-pregnant adults and the elderly. Recommended intakes in the other groups are 90 µg/day for children 2–5 years, 120 µg/day for children 6–9 years, and 175 µg/day for pregnant women [<a href="#B34-nutrients-10-00230" class="html-bibr">34</a>]. Full article ">Figure 2
Plot showing the change in median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) µg/L, coefficients and 95% confidence interval for supplement use, sex, smoking, age and vegan dietary practice. N = 276. Full article ">Figure 3
The mean contribution to iodine intake (µg/day) from different food groups in children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, pregnant women, ovo-lacto (OL) vegetarians and vegans. Full article ">Figure 4
The contribution (%) to total iodine from food groups and dietary supplements in children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, pregnant women, ovo-lacto (OL) vegetarians and vegans. Full article ">

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Nutrients, Volume 10, Issue 2 (February 2018) – 149 articles

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